To George Washington from John Mitchell, 19 July 1780
From John Mitchell
Philada 19 July 1780
Dr Sir
I have the honor of your Excellencys favour of the [[ ]] Instant on making particular Inquirey into the Charicter of the man I expected wou’d have answered as a Butler. I found him capable of his buisness, but not worthy of that trust he must have, and that it wou’d not be prudent to send him to your Excellency1—I Shall make the strictest inquirey for proper person, and If I succed send him to Head Quarters.
I sold the Old Chariott to Mr Bringhurst for £27.10 hard money, wch I deducted out of the price of the New Chariot I have the money waiting your commands.2
Have sent by the bearer one dozen pair of Stout Thread Stockings which I hope will answer for your servants, I cou’d not procure any which apeared so fitt for the purpose, I send Copy of the bill.3
I shall be happy in every Oportunity of observing your orders. being with the greatest sincerity & respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt and most hume Servt
Jno. Mitchell
ALS, DLC:GW.
GW replied to Mitchell on 26 July from headquarters in the Preakness area of New Jersey: “Your Letter of the 19th accompanying 12 pr thread hose came Safe to hand—the latter I fear are too small, but they must do.
“I thank you for the trouble you have had about the Chariot—The Sum for which the old one sold and wch you say lyes in your hands you will be so good as to pay to Mrs Washington’s order—first deducting the price of the Merseilles quilting, & the repairs to my Watch (by the inclosed ticket) which is every thing I recollect of a private nature & that ought not to go to public acct.
“My Compliments attend Mrs Mitchell” (ADfS, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW). For GW’s watch, see his letter to Caleb Gibbs, 18 June, postscript. For the quilting, see Mitchell to GW, 17 April, found at GW to Mitchell, 8 April, n.4.
1. This letter has not been found, but see Mitchell to GW, 26 June.
2. For previous correspondence on the subject of the chariot, see GW to Mitchell, 20 and 30 March and 8 April, and Mitchell to GW, 25 March and 4 April.
3. The enclosed bill, dated 18 July, reads: “Bot of Richd Footman 12 pair thread Hose a[t] £28 pr £336.0.0.”