Washington, George, 1732-1799 to John Fairfax

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GLC07487
GLC#
GLC07487
Type
Letters
Date
March 1789
Author/Creator
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Title
to John Fairfax
Place Written
Mount Vernon, Virginia
Pagination
2 p. : address ; Height: 30.7 cm, Width: 18.8 cm
Primary time period
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub-Era
Creating a New Government

Before leaving Mount Vernon to serve his first term as President of the United States, Washington instructs Fairfax regarding management of the estate. States that all matters should ultimately be directed by his nephew, Major George Augustine Washington. Encourages Fairfax to manage Mount Vernon more diligently, stating "I have a very good opinion of your honesty, sobriety and industry, and now is the time to give me proofs of your capacity and skill." Laments the current condition of his manor, stating "it is idle and vain for me to attempt to stall feed any kind of Meats; when I have only my expence for my trouble, without a joint of meat which is fit to appear at a Gentlemans Table.- But I will rest in hope, that all these things will undergo a change for the better." Informs Fairfax that if he marries, his wife may "in all respects fare as you do."

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