From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 6 November 1765
To Robert Cary & Company
Mt Vernon 6th Novr 1765
Gentn
One essential Article in forming my Invoice for Potomack I forgot to write for; and that is Wheat Riddles—rather Sand Sieves—I shoud be obligd to you therefore for sending me one dozn of them; provided, instead of making them of fine brass wire they be made of good strong Iron Wire.1 Those I had last the wire was so small that it wore out immediately; for which Reason I must again beg, that they may be made of Iron wire, (pretty stout) otherwise I woud not choose any.
The Sieves I want are all to be of a size, and for the purpose of sifting out the Dust, and taking of white Caps, which I am particular in mentioning that the proper kind may not be mistaken. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALB, DLC:GW. GW noted, “Sent by the Thornton—Captn McGachen,” but the records of the naval officer for the South Potomac show that William McGachen in the Thornton had cleared for London on 30 Oct. 1765.
1. This was an addition to his order to Cary of 25 Oct. 1765, and the sieves were shipped on 27 Mar. 1766 with the goods ordered in October.