To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 25 July 1785
From William Fitzhugh
Millmont July 25th 1785
Dear General
I had the Honor of Your favr of the 14th Currt—it came to hand Yesterday—I return’d on Saturday last from Annapolis, where I placed for You a Letter in the Post Office to which, as I have no doubt of its safe Passage I beg leave to refer1—Your Excellencys Letters of the 21st of may & the 14th Inst. so clearly Ascertain The Building materials that I shall be at no loss to select those which are desirable—nor do I believe it will be difficult to find a Good Passage for them to Alexandria, from whence to Baltimore is a Weekly Packet—And as I intend to visit my son near Baltimore, by Water next Month, I will take the Goods up with me, & send them in the Packet, to the care of Our friend Colo. Fitzgerrald. with respect to Payment, I beg you will give Yourself no trouble, or concern—I must go to Virga to attend a Sale of Lands the 20th of September, & shall have the pleasure to Visit Mount Vernon, Either going or returning.2
I am Glad You will have a tryal of the Guinea Grass & Shou’d it succeed, Shall be thankful for a Little of the seed next Season. Mrs Fitzhugh, & my son William who is now here, Join with Me in respectful Complts and best wishes to You Your Lady & Family. I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & respect, Your Excellencys Affect. & Oblig’d H. Sert
Willm Fitzhugh
ALS, DLC:GW. Millmont is in Maryland.
1. Fitzhugh’s letter is dated 16 July.
2. William Fitzhugh, his son William, and Dr. Thomas Marshall spent the night of 13 Sept. at Mount Vernon. At that time, GW paid Fitzhugh £46.17. 9½ for the building material with which Fitzhugh had supplied him. See , 4:193, and , 204. GW began corresponding with Fitzhugh about this material to be used in his New Room at Mount Vernon after Fitzhugh told him on 2 May that he could let GW have a large number of items that he had purchased but did not need.