To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 March 1797
From Gustavus Scott
Washington 21 st March 1797.
Sir,
I received whilst at Baltimore from Genl Swan 10 Pounds of the Chiccorry or Succourry Grass seed, just from England, fresh, & I believe of excellent Quality. His request to me was to distribute it among those most likely to ensure its propagation; & to forward one half of the whole Quantity to Mount Vernon. You will be pleased to say to whose Care at Alexandria I shall address it.1
The vast Croud of Visitors I found in Brydons Rooms waiting to pay their Respects to you 2 convinced me I cou’d not more agreeably shew my Respect to you than by leaving you to the pleasure of your own Reflections after the fatigues of the Mayor Corporation & innumerable other Visitors. I have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect Sir Yr mo. obt servt
Gusts Scott
ALS, DLC:GW.
Gustavus Scott (1753–1800) of Cambridge, Md., had been a commissioner for the city of Washington since his appointment by GW in the summer of 1794.
1. Scott may have been referring to John Swan of Maryland who served from 1777 until the end of the Revolution as an officer in the 3d and 1st Continental Dragoons. See also Scott to GW, 16 June.
2. When he stopped in Baltimore on 12 Mar. en route to Mount Vernon, GW lodged at the Fountain Inn owned by James Bryden.