To George Washington from Francis Baker, 26 March 1774
From Francis Baker
Queen anns County [Md.] March 26 1774
Sir
Inclosed you Have Mr potters Rct for Seven pounds paid for—the Schooling and Bording St Larence Posey—which Money has actualy Been paid By me, for the Receving of which I have no other Expecktation than from you1—Should you Be Kind enough to pay please Lodge It in the Hands of Messrs Davied Son and Wallace2—which will Greately Oblidge Sir your Vy Humbel St
Frs Baker
ALS, DLC:GW. The letter was marked on the cover “Favd by Mr Cha. Cooper,” and it has some figures listed thereon.
1. See John Posey to GW, 25 May 1771, n.5, for GW’s role in the schooling of Posey’s son St. Lawrence. Baker enclosed in his letter the following receipt from Joseph Potter: “Re[ceive]d of Mr Francis Baker this 15th May 1773 the Sum of 7 Pounds for Board & School of St Lawrence Posey from Novr 25th 1771 to April the 6th 1772.” Baker also enclosed a statement, signed by “Jas Earle Registr,” testifying that “Joseph Potter is Master of the Free school of Queen Anns County in the province ⟨of⟩ Maryland by the Admission of the Visitors ⟨of the⟩ School.”
2. Baker is undoubtedly referring to John Davidson (1754–1807) and Charles Wallace (1727–1812) of Annapolis who ran a mercantile business under the name of Wallace, Davidson & Johnston, specializing in the tobacco trade.