To George Washington from James Anderson, 12 October 1796
From James Anderson
Salvington [Va.] 12 Octr 1796
Sir
In case the Overseer who was uncertain; has not agreed to stay with You1—I can get one here, who is accustomed to the management of Negroes. And can come well recommended, As to which would wish to hear from You.
In a few days I intend being at Marleborough when I will take a measure of the parts of Mr Mercers Thrashing Machine In Order to make preparations in winter by cuting Timber for the mounting of one for You, In case of Your approbation, I suppose the cost might be made very low by employing Your own Carpenters with the assistance of one Mill Wright.2 And with much respect I am Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt
Jas Anderson
ALS, ViMtvL.
1. Anderson may be referring to Mr. “Scoon” (Scoone; d. 1797), whom William Pearce engaged in 1796 to work as an overseer at Union farm. Scoon, however, fell ill before he could assume the position and died in spring 1797 (see GW to Pearce, 5 Sept. 1796; and Pearce to GW, 24 July 1797, in 1:270–72).
2. The Mercer family estate, Marlborough, located in Stafford County, Va., was owned by Maryland resident John Francis Mercer. Anderson’s knowledge of Mercer’s threshing machine may have been obtained through Mercer’s half sister Sarah Ann Mason Mercer Selden, who was the mother of Anderson’s current employer (see Anderson to GW, 11 Sept., and n.2). For the construction of a threshing machine at Mount Vernon, see GW to Anderson, 8 Jan. 1797, and n.5 to that document.