To George Washington from Bernard Moore, 11 May 1772
From Bernard Moore
11th May 1772
Dear Sir
Your favour of April the 27th came to hand; I am to inform you that my Estate was sold on purpose to discharge the debt due to you, and others that my friend Colo. Baylor was bound for me, Young Mr Edmund Pendleton has all the Bonds to collect for all the Negroes that was sold, by the particular desire of Colo. Baylor before his death, and if you will be so kind to write to him, or his Unkle Colo. Pendleton he will I believe pay both the Principal & interest; Colo. Pendleton is Colo. Baylors Executor, who I am sure will discharge the interest immediately, if not the principal.1
Mr Walker is now making out a proper list of the Negroes that was purchased by my friends for my use, and you may be assured that every thing proper will be done to secure you, and my other friends who was so kind to assist me.2 Mrs Moore joins in our Love to you & our good friend Mrs Washington & be assured that I am most sincerely My Dear Sir Your aff. Hble Servt
Berd Moore
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Ever since the death of Speaker John Robinson, Bernard Moore had been in the process of liquidating his estate in vain attempts to satisfy his creditors. See particularly Moore to GW, 29 Dec. 1766, n.1, and Cash Accounts, June 1770, n.8. John Baylor, who was one of Moore’s trustees, had died since the first of the year. “Young” Edmund Pendleton was the son of Edmund Pendleton’s brother John.
2. For Moore’s loan from GW and other close friends with which to buy slaves for his own and his family’s use see Moore to GW, 12 Jan. 1771, and GW to Moore, 23 Jan. 1771. Mr. Walker was probably John Walker (1744–1809) of Albemarle County, son of Dr. Thomas Walker. Both men were trustees of Moore’s estate, and young Walker was married to Bernard Moore’s daughter Elizabeth (d. 1809). See also Burwell Bassett to GW, 13 May 1772.