1To George Washington from Gabriel Christie, 20 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that you have some intention of disposing of part of your Negroes for a term of years I want to purchase about 10 or 12 boys from 13 to 15 years of age to put into a Nail Factory which I have lately established at this place should you be inclined to sell any of them I will if the price is sutable purchase that Number and will ingage that they shall learn a trade wherby they may...