To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 27 July 1784
From Tench Tilghman
Baltimore [Md.] 27th July 1784.
Dear Sir
Since I had the honor of writing to you a few days ago, I have met with a House Joiner, in a Ship just arrived from Ireland—He says much for himself, and the Captain says he is a well behaved Man. His price is £22.10/ Curry for 3 years and the Expences from hence to Alexandria by the Stage £1.14.8—I send him to the Care of Colo. Fitzgerald—I could not get his Indentures properly assigned in time to send with him, but you shall have them in a few days. His name is Branning.1
I was in treaty for a Brick layer, but he was prevailed upon to remain here—I am in hopes to get one of that Trade in a few Weeks, as Vessels are daily arriving.
I beg your Excellency to give yourself no trouble about an immediate remittance—desire Fitzgerald or some of your Freinds in Alexandria to put you up a draft upon this place whenever they find an opportunity.2
I hope you will have no occasion to repent of your Bargain. I have the honor to be with perfect Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Ob. and hble Servt
Tench Tilghman
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. See Tilghman to GW, 15 July, and GW to Tilghman, 4 August. GW’s ledger account of this transaction states that Branning was a carpenter (, 225). For Branning’s arrival at Mount Vernon, see GW to Tilghman, 4 August. Branning was probably the joiner Thomas Branagan (Braddikin), whose indenture expired in 1787 (see GW to George Augustine Washington, 8 July 1787, and n.4).
2. For GW’s proposal to Tilghman, see GW to Tilghman, 4 Aug., and Tilghman to GW, 18 August.