To George Washington from John Pendleton, 15 December 1771
From John Pendleton
Fredericksburg, Decr 15. 1771.
Dear Sir
You’ll Receive with this: A Letter from Colo. Bernd Moore, & one from my Bror Edmd Pendleton:1 the latter informs me that the late Steward for Colo. Custis’s Estate, is Dead; & Advis’d me to Apply to you for the Business—I came thus far, in hopes I should meet you, on yr Way to the Court of Oyer; but as yo. are not come, I suppose you do not intend there.2
The Business I am now Engagd in, prevents my coming up to yr House; but if you are willing to Employ me in that Estate; be pleas’d to Signifie it, in a line by the Post to my Bror Edmd and I will go to any place you shall direct and Doubt not but I discharge that trust, to my Credit, & your Satisfaction and am Sr yr mo. Obedt hble Servt
John Pendleton
ALS, DLC:GW.
John Pendleton (1719–1799), who had been plantation manager for Speaker John Robinson, was a planter in Hanover County.
1. Bernard Moore wrote on 11 Dec.: “As you have had the misfortune to lose your agent Mr Joseph Valentine, give me leave to recommend Mr John Pendleton to your favour; I know him to be an Hone⟨st⟩, industrious, Sober Man, and a good pl⟨anter⟩ and I think him as capable of underta⟨king⟩ such a trust as any one in the Colony, and shall be glad to hear he meets with your approbation” (DLC:GW; mutilated words are taken from , 4:87).
Edmund Pendleton’s letter is dated 13 Dec.: “My freind Colo. Moore has just informed Me of the death of Mr Valentine, & sent a Letter to you, recommending my brother as a proper person to succeed him in the Stewardship of Mr Custis’s Estate. I am not a competent Judge, nor am I inclined to say much in recommendation of my brother. All I can say is he has been always esteemed an Industrious good planter, I know & will become bound For his Integrity, & while he had the care of the late Speaker’s Estate, he gave Genl Satisfaction. You are a good Judge your self & will no doubt make proper Enquiry, & all I presume to add is, that if you find it consistent with the young Gentleman’s Interest to employ him, your doing so will oblige Sir Yr mo. humble Servt Edmd Pendleton” (DLC:GW).
2. The court of oyer and terminer met at Williamsburg in June and December.