To George Washington from Henry Lee, 5 October 1798
From Henry Lee
Washington. ocr 5th [1798]
dear sir
Mr Custis presented me with yr letr last night.1
Be assured I shall offer you no property not clear in title unless I may be imposed on, to prevent which am I here daily engaged in exploring the truth.2
I have a tract of land near gunston recd from W. Steptoe at valuation for money lent to him some years past. this I propose to offer among other property all of which will be submitted to you soon: about monday next.3
No consideration can induce me to pass Mt Vernon & I shall be most happy in contributing at any time & in any way my endeavors to facilitate your execution of the arduous dutys which at this menacing period, yr love of country has compelled you to undertake, & for which all good men feel towards You encreased respect veneration & gratitude. I remain dear General ever yr affec: frend & ob. st
Henry Lee
ALS, DLC:GW. On the cover Lee wrote “favd by Mr Custis.”
1. The letter to Lee from GW that George Washington Parke Custis delivered was probably that of 29 September.
2. See GW to Lee, 29 September.
3. For the location of William Steptoe’s land on Pohick Creek which adjoined that of William Fitzhugh of Marmion (1725–1791) as well as George Mason’s Gunston Hall land downriver from Mount Vernon, see Mason’s lengthy disquisition on the land tides of Fitzhugh and Steptoe in his letter to Fitzhugh of 23 Feb. 1787 ( 3:868–74).