To George Washington from Richard Graham, 12 April 1796
From Richard Graham
Arch Street No. 129 [Philadelphia] April 12 1796.
Sir
At the request of a very worthy Young Gentleman, Lieutenant Charles Lewis, I take the liberty to enquire of you if the Land late the property of Col. George Mercer was included in the Mortgage that Col. Mercer made to Mr Paine of London—or in any other Mortgage that might have come to your knowledge1—Lieut. Lewis is now in Fredericksburgh on a bargain for that Land with the Executors of Mr James Mercer—if he makes the purchase the Land will be immediately settled which will be a great benefit to that part of the Country; as it runs I think about twelve or fourteen miles on the River.
Your Excellency will I hope excuse this freedom—With due respect I am Sir Your most obedt Servt
Richd Graham
ALS, DLC:GW. No reply to this letter has been identified.
GW noted that George Washington Craik, a son of his longtime friend James Craik, began as private secretary on this date (see 6:222). Craik (1774–1808) briefly practiced law in Alexandria, Va., before becoming GW’s secretary. He remained about a year in the position.
1. For the complicated financial affairs of George Mercer, see GW’s statement concerning Mercer’s estate, 1 Feb. 1789, and notes.