George Washington Papers
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From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 8 July 1796

To Alexander Addison

Mount Vernon 8th July 1796

Sir,

Your favor of the 4th Instant came to my hands by the last Post.

When I inform you that Mr Ross (who on my behalf, disposed of the Land I held on Millers run, to Mr Ritchie) is authorised to do all that is necessary on my part, towards carrying the bargain into complete effect; it almost supercedes the necessity of giving answers, in detail, to the queries you have propounded. I shall however, inform you—

That three thousand dollars has been received, by me, on that account.1

That I executed a deed, conveying the Estate in fee Simple, with a relinquishment of Dower, to Mr Ritchie; and left it in trust with Mr Ross, to be delivered when the requisites on the part of Mr Ritchie were complied with.2

That if Mr Ritchie should be disposed to pay a greater sum—not less than a third more than the Instalment becoming due—it shall be received, provided notice thereof is given on, or before the first day of April in each year. and

That, a decisive answer has already been given (through Mr Ross) of my expectation of Interest from the first of January.

With respect to the Rents of the Land on Millers run, not knowing when, by agreement, they become due; and in truth, being very little acquainted with the circumstances attending them, it would be imprudent in me to say any thing, definitively, concerning them: whatever, therefore, Mr Ross may do in this regard, I will abide by; as I seek justice only, on liberal principles.

The money due on account of interest, to the first of June, may be deposited with the Secretary of the Treasury—Mr Wolcott—&, as it was in Philadelphia soon after that period, I require no interest thereon subsequent thereto. I believe it would be best also, at this time, not to receive money on any other account; lest it should militate with arrangements under a power given to Mr Ross. I have no doubt but that a judgment Bond executed by Mr Ritchie and yourself will be perfectly satisfactory; but every thing of this sort is already in the hands of Mr Ross to arrange.3

The Survey has been returned to me—and the quantity I believe (not having it at hand) is, as you say, 2955 Acres.4 I am—Sir Your most Obedt Hble Servt

G.W.

Copy (docketed by GW), CSmH; LB, DLC:GW.

1GW recorded this payment, “through the Hands of the Honble James Ross,” at 1 June in his cash accounts (Cash Memoranda, 1794–97 description begins Cash + Entries & Memorandums, 29 Sept. 1794–31 Aug. 1797. Manuscript in John Carter Brown Library, Providence. description ends ).

3For GW’s power of attorney to James Ross for the sale of GW’s lands in Washington County, Pa., see GW to Ross, 29 Aug. 1795, n.3.

4The survey has not been identified.

Addison replied to GW from Philadelphia on 13 July 1796: “I was yesterday honoured with yours of 8th current; and regret, that, having taken the proper measures for settling the business, which was the subject of it, you had the additional trouble of detailing them to me.

“I have this day paid to Mr Wolcott (as you directed) two hundred and ninety five dollars and a half; which I compute to be the interest on the whole money due you by Matthew Ritchie, on the first of June, from the first of January last” (ALS, DLC:GW). GW recorded the $295.50 payment in his cash accounts for 18 July (Cash Memoranda, 1794–97 description begins Cash + Entries & Memorandums, 29 Sept. 1794–31 Aug. 1797. Manuscript in John Carter Brown Library, Providence. description ends ).

GW then wrote Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott, Jr., from Mount Vernon, on 20 July: “By letter from Judge Addison of Pennsylvania, I am informed, that in behalf of Mr Ritchie, he has deposited in your hands on my account—two hundred and ninety five dollars and a half.

“Let them remain there, if you please, until I arrive in Philadelphia; or may find occasion to call for them” (ALS [facsimile], Paul C. Richard Autographs, Catalog #148 [1981], p. 11; copy, CtHi: Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Papers). Wolcott acknowledged this letter when he wrote GW on 23 July.

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