To George Washington from William Herbert, 2 May 1797
From William Herbert
Alexandria 2d May 1797
Dear Sir
On looking over mr Lears Account in the Bank Books, this morning, I find that He has Drawn the Money for Smiths Note, & that he has only Ninety Eight Dollars, at this Time in Bank.1 I Am—With great respect & regard—Dr Sir—yr Most Hble Servt
Wm Herbert
ALS, DLC:GW.
William Herbert (1743–1818) replaced William Hartshorne as president of the Bank of Alexandria early in 1796.
1. On 4 Oct. 1796 Alexander Smith of Alexandria wrote GW acknowledging that he owed GW $6,439 for flour that GW’s farm manager William Pearce had sold him and asking for one year’s extension, with interest, beyond 24 November. GW responded on 14 Nov. 1796: “I shall direct Mr Pearce . . . to ascertain the aggregate sum required, to pay the demands upon him, on my account; and if you will give him the most unequivocal surety of paying it on, or before the 24th of December . . . and will give unquestionably security also that the residue shall be paid on or before the first day of March, both sums carrying interest from the day they become due until paid that he may fix the matter with you agreeably thereto.” See also Smith to GW, 9 Nov. 1796, GW to William Pearce, 20 Nov., 11 Dec. 1796, and GW to Tobias Lear, 25 Nov. 1796.