To George Washington from James Horrocks, 21 December 1769
From James Horrocks
Wm & Mary Decr 21. 1769
Sir
I am much oblig’d to you for the clear Account you have been pleas’d to send me to Day concerning the Lands to be survey’d.
I dare say you will agree with me in Opinion that it is for the Honor of the College as well as the Interest of the Officers & Soldiers, that (to use the Words of the Council) “a Person properly qualify’d to survey those Lands be appointed by us[”]1—I have no Doubt of Mr Crawford’s being such as you have mention’d, & I beg Leave to assure you very sincerely that this my first Duty to the College being satisfied, I shall be happy in the Opportunity of shewing due Respect to the Advice of the Honble The Governor & Council, & of properly Regarding Col: Washington’s Recommendation.
I have communicated to Mr Johnson my Sentiments on this Subject, & I believe his agree very much with mine—Mr Camm is not in Town & I imagine we shall not be collected again till after the Holy Days2—I am of Opinion it wou’d be adviseable for Mr Crawford to be here as soon as possible, I mean with his own Convenience, as I see no Impediment to retard or prevent his Success.3 I can, Sir, say no more with Propriety, & therefore I am sure you will not expect more than this. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your very Humble Sert
J. Horrocks
ALS, DLC:GW.
At this time, the Rev. James Horrocks was rector of Bruton Parish, president of the College of William and Mary, and commissary in Virginia of the bishop of London. In 1770 he was appointed to the governor’s council, and in June 1771 he sailed with his wife for England where he died the next year.
2. See Josiah Johnson, 20 Dec. 1769. The contentious Rev. John Camm (c.1717-1779) was professor of divinity in the College of William and Mary.
3. See Horrocks to GW, 1769.