1. GW wrote to James Mercer from Mount Vernon on 17 Aug.: “Dear Sir, By the last Post I received the enclosed letter from Mr McCoull—to whh I have given the answer that accompanies it. I pray your direction for my conduct, as there can be little doubt, of Mr McCoulls intention to prosecute the Bond—since he has made application for payment of it after what has passed between you and him on the subject. I am Dr Sir, Yrs &c. Go. Washington” (LB, DLC:GW). On the same day GW wrote McCoull: “Sir, In answer to your letter of the 12th inst. The Honble Judge Mercer (with whom I have settled for the Bond therein mentioned and to whom I beg leave to refer) can better than I, inform you, and I hope he will do it satisfactorily, of the circumstances which attends this case. I am &c. G. Washington” (LB, DLC:GW). James Mercer had agreed to relieve GW of the payment of £450 for George Mercer’s half of Four Mile Run tract which GW purchased in 1774, in return for GW’s crediting the John Mercer estate with the payment of that amount on its debt to GW. For a fuller explanation of this, see GW to James Mercer, 19 Nov. 1786, n.1.

Neil McCoull and Alexander Blair were the Virginia attorneys for English creditors of the late George Mercer.