George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 24 September 1795

From Gustavus Scott

Geo. Town [D.C.] 24. Sepr 1795.

Dr sir

The bearer Mr Le flèt has been some time a Resident at Baltimore, where he has gained the general Esteem of the people: his father lives in the Neighbourhood of Paris where he has long conducted the most considerable Fruit garden in France. The son has instituted a Garden near Baltimore which he is carrying on with great Industry; & is trying to establish a second near the City.1 I have with pleasure given him all the Aid in my power, but shou’d have felt myself much gratified if his Importunities wou’d have permitted me to be spared from giving you the Trouble of him. He cou’d have scarcely singled out a man who more reluctantly engages in it. I am bound however to say that I have allways found him a modest judicious young Man & equal in Talents & Industry to every thing he has hitherto undertaken. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect Dr sir Yr mo. obt servant

Gusts Scott.

ALS, DLC:GW.

1Peter (Pierre) Leflet (c.1766–c.1817), son of Jean François Leflet, advertised a school in Baltimore for teaching French to young ladies (Federal Intelligencer, and Baltimore Daily Gazette, 8 Nov. 1794). In 1796, GW subscribed to his proposal for the creation of a nursery near Georgetown (see GW to William Thornton, 1 Dec. 1799, n.2, in Papers, Retirement Series, description begins W. W. Abbot et al., eds. The Papers of George Washington, Retirement Series. 4 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1998–99. description ends 4:435). Leflet remained in Baltimore at least until 1799 before moving west to Virginia and then to Kentucky.

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