To George Washington from Alexander Cowan, 17 February 1775
From Alexander Cowan
Baltimore [Md.] 17th Febry 1775
Sir
Mr Valentine Crawford got Credit for Some Goods from Capt. William McGachen Some time ago on your Accot and promised to pay for them in a Short time after he Recd them, but a twelvmonth has now allmost elaps’d and have never heard from him—at Capt. McGachens departure for England he left me his Attorney, and beg’d I would request the favour of you to endeavour to get the Money for him, as he told me he was a manager for you in the Back woods. I hope it will not be a dificult Mater for You to Procure payment, Inclosed you have his Accot and Shall take it as a Singular favour if you will drop me a few Lines to let me know whether you will be able to effect it or not, as I am realy in Great want of money at this present time,1 and am Sir Your most obt hume Servt
Alexr Cowan
ALS, DLC:GW. The letter is addressed “⅌ favour ⟨Mr⟩ Watson.”
Alexander Cowan may be the man of that name who was an officer in the Harford County, Md., militia during the Revolution.
1. Valentine Crawford had been to Baltimore early in 1774 to purchase servants for GW’s western lands with McGachen giving security for the money. See William McGachen to GW, 13 Mar. 1774. Cowan enclosed the following account dated 12 Mar. 1774: “To Sundrys ⅌ bill furnishd—£22.9.9½[,] To Int. on the above Accot from the 12th Augt 1774 till paid at 6 ⅌Ct [ ].”