From George Washington to George Digges, 28 December 1786
To George Digges
Mount Vernon Decr 28th 1786
Dear Sir,
Will you permit me, to give you the trouble of enquiring among your friends of the Eastern Shore, now in Annapolis, if I could be furnished with one thousand feet of the best pine plank; precisely 24 feet long (when dressed)—To be without sap, or knots. It is for the floor of my new room.1
Many years since, I provided for this, & thought myself secure of that which was perfectly seasoned. It had been dressed & laid by; but when I was about to make use of it, behold! half of it was stolen, and the other half will match no plank I can now get.
I do not expect to get seasoned plank agreeably to this description; but on whom I might depend for the length & quality, I would wish to know; for if I cannot rely with certainty, I shall immediately write to Norfolk2—I would thank you for an answer by the Post. I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, ViMtvL; LB, DLC:GW.
1. GW first tried to obtain the planking for his New Room, in Alexandria. See GW to Robert Townshend Hooe, 27 November. Digges arranged for GW to get the flooring from Gilliss Polk of Somerset County, Md. (see Digges to GW, 5 Jan. 1787, and note 1 of that document).
2. Digges wrote below GW’s signature: “Mr Polk will forward the plank Immediately & if possible to have it Landed at the Generals House or at Alexandria to the Care of Colo. Fitzgerald.”