From George Washington to Burgess Ball, 24 February 1794
To Burgess Ball
Philadelphia Feby 24th 1794
Dear Sir,
I am glad to find by your letter of the 13th instant that the bracelets were received, & pleased.
The chocolate shells which you request shall be procured and sent when the Clover Seed goes, which I hope will now soon happen, as the navigation is once more just opened; and because it is high time that both you and my Manager had received the latter; that is the clover Seed. No Vessel is yet up for Alexandria, but I am told two or three will soon Advertise for freight.1
We all join in best regards for Mrs Ball, yourself and Milly (if with you)2 and with very great esteem I am—Dear Sir Your Affectionate
Go: Washington
ALS (photocopy), DLC:GW , series 9. The cover has postal stamps that read, “24 FE” and “FREE.” GW addressed this letter to Ball at “Leesburgh,” Virginia.
1. GW wrote Ball on 16 March that the chocolate and clover seed were on board a vessel bound for Alexandria, Virginia. GW’s farm manager, William Pearce, forwarded these items to Ball, who received them on 4 April (Ball to GW, 5 April).
2. Mildred Gregory Washington, GW’s niece, often stayed with her sister, Frances Washington Ball.