To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 18 December 1795
From Tobias Lear
Washington [D.C.] Decr 18th 1795
My dear Sir,
Since I had the honor of addressing you last, the Potomac bill has passed the House of Representatives of this State by a majority of ten, and there was no doubt of its passing the Senate.1 But until this is known the directors cannot act in any engagements.
I saw Mr Charles Lee yesterday, who gave encouragement that the application to the legislature of Virginia would be successful as it was coupled with a similar application from the James River Company which would be the means of uniting the two interests in support of the petitions.2 As soon as an[y]thing is decided on the subject I shall have the honor to write to you further. Fanny and the Children are well & unite with me in every respectful & affectionate sentiment for your good Mrs Washington & yourself. With the most affectionate & respectful attachment, I have the honor to be, my dear Sir, Your sincere & invariable friend & most Grateful servt
Tobias Lear
P.S. I am almost ashamed to beg your excuse for this hurried scrawl; but I am so much engaged at this moment in writing by the mail, that I may not be correct in this.
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Lear’s previous letter was dated 14 December. The bill to purchase Potomac Company shares passed the Maryland House on 11 Dec. by a vote of 40 to 30 ( 65).
2. On the Potomac Company’s effort to obtain assistance from the state of Virginia, see Gustavus Scott to GW, 14 Dec., n.2.