To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 26 September 1796
From Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr.
Philadelphia 26 Septr 1796.
Dear Sir,
Since you left this, nothing out of the common course of things has occurred.1 Genl Pinckney sailed yesterday morning.2
I have taken particular pains to know what reception your address to the people met with here; and truly declare that not a single instance of disapprobation of any part thereof has been found. With general regret for the cause which produced it, all seem to agree in the solid truths which the address contains.3 Many respectable characters even now, think it will be impossible for you to retire, owing to the importunities of the people for you to remain in your present station.
On the morning of your departure, Mr Claypoole (who was wanting to purchase the round-bottom) called here, & from what he told me, seemed inclined to give the price you asked for it. He said he should go on to Alexandria, & would see you respecting it.4 Be pleased to present me dutifully & Affectionately to my Aunt; & believe me Dr Sir with affecte attachment, Yr obt Servt
B. Dandridge
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. GW had left Philadelphia for Mount Vernon on the morning of 19 Sept. (see , 343).
2. The Philadelphia Gazette & Universal Daily Advertiser for 27 Sept. announced that Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the newly appointed U.S. minister to France, had sailed for France on Sunday, 25 September. For Pinckney’s brief stay in Philadelphia to receive his instructions as minister, and for his mission to France, where he arrived on 15 Nov., see GW to Pinckney, 5 Dec.; see also Pinckney to GW, 27 July; GW to the U.S. Senate, 21 Dec.; and , 136–64.
3. GW’s Farewell Address, published on 19 Sept., had prompted numerous laudatory responses from citizens (see Reactions to the Farewell Address, 30 Sept. 1796–27 Jan. 1797).
4. The previous spring, Jeremiah Claypole had offered $8 per acre for GW’s Round Bottom tract. Despite negotiations between he and GW, no agreement was reached (see Claypole to GW, 3 June, and n.1 to that document). GW had advertised the Round Bottom tract and his other western lands for sale in early 1796 (see Advertisement, 1 Feb.).