To George Washington from John Fitzgerald, 19 February 1798
From John Fitzgerald
Alexandria Feby 19th 1798
Dear Sir
The day on which I had the pleasure of seeing you at George Town was so extremely cold, that I did not go to Alexandria that morning as I intended.1 Since that time Mr Jesse Sims has been from home & I have not had an opportunity of seeing him untill this day.
He requests I will mention his proposals to you which are—that he will give new Notes drawn by himself & endorsed by Mr Jno. Wise payable at 90 & 120 days in equal Sums for the amount of the Note due you & include interest apportionate to each payment from the time your note became due[.] he also says that should you have any objection to Mr Wise as endorser you may name any one in Town you would prefer & he shall be given.
If the use of the Money is not essentially necessary before the Periods mention’d I would wish you to accept this proposal satisfied that Mr Simms will be punctual & that no possible injury will be sustained.2 Any Commands on the subject will be faithfully attended to by Dear Sir your mo. Affectionate & Obedt Servant
J. Fitzgerald
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Fitzgerald and GW attended the meeting of the Potowmack Company in Georgetown on 8 February.
2. For GW’s dealings with Jesse Simms, see Simms to GW, 8 Jan., n.1. John Wise, who had operated taverns in Alexandria, was the owner of the building in Alexandria on Royal Street at Cameron, in which John Gadsby at this time had his tavern.