To George Washington from John Mitchell, 26 June 1780
From John Mitchell
Philada 26 June 1780
Dr Sir
Your Excellency’s favor of the 18th Instant, did not come to hand before the 23d Instant in the Evening.1 I have sent a piece of Jean and a piece of Drilling by the Bearer, Peter Misner Express, with Moulds, Thread, Silk & hairs I hope they will please; I cou’d not get any of the best White Drilling, this is Strong & good. hope there is sufficent Lining & triming for the whole I got a Taylor to procure them—If any thing is wanting it shall be sent immediately—inclosed is copy of the Bills of cost,2 I have a prospect of geting a good Butler for your Excellency, if his Charicter on examination proves good I will send him on, & send some Tea & Sugar with him.3
Mrs Washington is very well & expects to sett off for Virginia on Sunday next4—the Chariot will be finished on Thursday or Friday next, & I believe will please your Lady—notwithstanding my constant aplication to Mr Bringhurst he did not get the Carriage done in time5—I sent Six Bottles of Mustard by Willet an Express. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt hume Servt
Jno. Mitchell
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. This letter has not been found.
2. The enclosed document indicated that on 20 June, Mitchell purchased a loaf of sugar for $125 from William Sitgreaves and one pound of green tea for £105 from Richard Footman. On 23 June, Mitchell bought six bottles of mustard from Samuel Saville, three for $35 each and three for $40 each. On 26 June, Mitchell purchased twenty-one yards of “Jane” for $1,428 from Samuel Wetherill, Jr.; one piece of “Drilling” for £350 from Patrick Moore; and six yards of linen, six sticks of “Twist,” four skeins of silk, thirty-three dozen “Molds,” and an unspecified quantity of thread from John Eldridge, for a total of $530 (DLC:GW).
3. As he informed GW in his letter of 19 July, Mitchell found the man unsuitable (DLC:GW).
4. The following Sunday was 2 July.