1From George Washington to James Keith, 1 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
However much I may wish to see every slur wiped from the character of an officer who early embarked in the service of his Country; & however desireous I may be to alleviate his misfortunes—it is nevertheless incumbent on me to have regard to consistency of conduct in myself. With what propriety then could I, a private citizen, attempt to undo things which received my approbation as a public...
2From George Washington to James Keith, 24 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The friends of Miss Anderson; and the residuary legatees named, or described in the will of the deceased Colo. Thomas Colvill are frequently applying to me; the first for the legacy which is bequeathed to that Lady—the others (but more particularly one who claims under the name of Shott) to know what the residue of that Estate is. No man can be more anxious to have all these matters finally...
3From George Washington to James Keith, 7 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Colo. Hooe, with a statement of Mr Bennett’s claim against Colo. Colville’s estate, will shew you how anxious he is to have that matter settled —and you well know how extremely anxious I am to have all the business relative to that estate closed as soon as it can possibly be done. I must therefore beg, Sir, that no time m[a]y be lost in settling the matter with the...
4From George Washington to James Keith, 17 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 7th inst. respecting the issuing Executions against the Trustees of Semple, provided they should not procure an Injunction for staying them before the first of April. In reply to which I have only to observe, that I am so extremely anxious to have the affairs relative to Colo. Colvill’s estate settled, and so pressing are the claims against it, that it...
5From George Washington to James Keith, 7 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
On my way to this place, at George town on tuesday the 2. inst:, Messrs Wilson and Dunlap applied to me respecting the Judgments which had been obtained against the assignees of John Semple, in favr of Colvile’s Estate. The one for £748.17. currt money & costs, with the deduction of £65.2.2 by consent, they are willing they say to pay immediately; and offered to discharge the balance on the...
6From George Washington to James Keith, 13 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th has been duly received. You, better than I, can acct for the smaller judgment being for two hundred and odd pounds more than is due. Justice to all parties, & a speedy settlement of the whole, is all I am at. the latter, as I have often repeated, I am extremely desirous to have accomplished. Was I to see Colo. Hooe, which is not likely now to happen, as I am in the very...
7From George Washington to James Keith, 8 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Colo. Hooes letter to me on the subject of Mr Bennett’s claim on Colvils Estate. I can only again express my wish that you would do in this case what, in your own judgment, is perfectly legal & just; or in points which appear doubtful, that which able Council shall advice you to as proper. I want most exceedingly to close this business. and am perfectly willing that Mr Bennetts...
8From George Washington to James Keith, 29 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to my hands a few days ago —the means are also enclosed to discharge Colo. Simms account, and to receive his acquittal. I would thank you to get from, and forward to me, Mr Lees charge also; that my Administration of the Estate of Colo. Colvill may be finally closed, and the balance deposited some where for the benefit of the residuary legatees. That I may be better able to...
9From George Washington to James Keith, 26 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
The continual pressure of public business has allowed me so little time to look into matters of more private concern that the enclosed accts have not yet been enter’d in my book of accts—& the complicated nature of them resulting from the blended adminn of the two Estates of John & Thoms Colvill, to a person not accustomed to such intricate statements has induced me to re[quest] that you would...
10From George Washington to James Keith, 17 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed letter from Mr Bushrod Washington to me, what is enjoined by the High Court of Chancery of this Commonwealth. By Mr George W. Craik, I send in Bank Notes of the United States—the Sum required to be deposited in the Bank of Alexandria, by the decree. Had I known of this decree before I left Philadelphia I could, & would have drawn the Specie for this purpose;...