1To George Washington from John Lawson, 17 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry it has not been in my power to comply with my promise to you by sending up the Negro Fellow we talked about at Mr Fendall’s before this time. I gave directions to the Overseer with whom he now lives to send him up about ten days ago & having been from home since expected he had been sent accordingly; but on my return I find that he had the misfortune, the very day before he was to...
2From George Washington to John Lawson, 26 March 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Lawson, 26 Mar. 1787. On 2 April Lawson wrote GW : “I am this day favor’d with yours of the 26th Ulto.”
3To George Washington from John Lawson, 2 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
I am this day favor’d with yours of the 26th Ulto & I am inform’d by the Overseer with whom my Negro Fellow lives that his leg is now nearly well—I have therefore directed him to send Neptune (who will deliver this) to Mount Vernon the moment he thinks him able to travel without injuring himself. I shall esteem it a favor if you will let me be inform’d when he arrives, & should you keep him...
4From George Washington to John Lawson, 10 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
On the 8th Instant Neptune delivered me your letter of the 2d Instant. Although he does not profess to be a workman, yet as he has some little knowledge of Bricklaying—seems willing to learn—and is with a man who understands the business, I will keep him—and this shall be my obligation to pay you the sum for which he sold, at the time and agreeably to the terms of Mr Hunters Sale. I am Sir yr...
5To George Washington from John Lawson, 18 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
By yesterdays post I received your favor of the 10th inst., and observe the contents. Neptune came to me before he set off & made the same objections you mention, which I thought I had fully obviated by informing him that if I sold him to you (which was then uncertain) I had no doubt of your permitting him to visit his Wife at proper times, & that he would with you be employed in work which...
6To George Washington from John Lawson, 25 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 17th is now before me, & this day only Neptune made his appearance he says his only reason for coming away in the manner he did was to avoid being Sold at So great a distance from his Wife; at the Same time he says he is very willing to be hired to you—I have therefore Sent him up again that you may, if it Suits you, keep him or hire by the Month or Year as you may chuse & on...