From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 10 March 1794
To John Francis Mercer
Philadelphia Mar: 10th 1794
Sir,
I have lately received from Mr Gwinn clerk of the Genl Court at Annapolis a Deed which has been enrolled in that Office from yourself & lady, Doctr Stuart and lady & Miss Sprigg, to me.1
As this is not the deed which you and Mrs Mercer executed in Philadelphia, and nearly a year posterior in date, I am at a loss to acct for these changes; & should be glad to be informed of the reasons which have induced them. Whether the present differs materially, or in any thing from the former, I am unable to decide; not having the means of comparing them. In date they do essentially.
No record of the Survey is annexed to the deed, which (a reference being made to it) induces me to believe it is imperfect, without; especially as the division of the Manor may be more of a private, than public act.2 On this subject, however, I shall write to Mr Gwinn.
Your draught in favor of Dr Stuart was paid at sight. I am—Sir Your most Obedt Servt
Go: Washington
ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. John Gwinn’s letter to GW of 25 Jan. has not been found. On GW’s receipt of a deed from Mercer, Sophia Sprigg Mercer, James Steuart, and Rebecca Sprigg Steuart to a 519-acre tract in Montgomery County, Md., see GW to Gwinn, 10 March.
2. For GW’s eventual receipt of the original deed and the survey, see Mercer to GW, 13 April.