To George Washington from John Craig, 22 March 1785
From John Craig
Philad[elphi]a March 22nd 1785
Sir
The Knowledge I have of your Benevolence & Condescencion Encourages me to Take a Liberty, which by any other than your Excellency might be deemed unpardonable—The Request of a Self Interested Individual who has not the honor to be much Known to your Excellency requires both Preface & Apology, but Rather than Trespass on your Time, I take the Liberty to begin Rather Abruptly & doubt not but your Excellency will Dispense with the Form—The Discouraging Prospect of Trade in General here & the little Probability that it will Soon take a favourable turn has induced me to turn my thoughts towards a Country Life—I wish to Settle myself in a place of Retirement in Such a Situation as woud Soon Afford the Conveniencies of Life & ultimately promise Essential Advantages—I have heard there are Situations on the Susquehanna & Monogahela Rivers which Promise in Time to be very Valuable, but it is So Difficult to Procure Information on which one may Depend, that I have at last determined to apply to the Fountain head & Request your Excelency to favour me with a few Lines of Advice upon the Execution of my Plan 1—My Father has Some Lands on Cheat River which I mean to Explore this Spring, but I think the Susquehanna which will Communicate with the Potomack promises to yield the most Profitable Settlements & Could I Procure (on tollerable easy Terms) a healthy fruitfull Place with the Advantages of Navigation & one or two Mill seats, I would Gladly Employ what little Capital I have in the purchase & Cultivation of it.
I have not yet mentioned my Plan to any Person, nor shall I till I am determined by your Excellencys Advice on what part of the Country you would think it most advantageous to Settle—Once more I beg your Excellencys forgiveness for the Liberty I take—the Wellfare of my family Depending on yr Information will I am sure be a sufficient Apology to a heart so Benevolent as yours, I have the honor to be with the Greatest Respect & Esteem yr Excellencies very hble Servt
John Craig
ALS, DLC:GW.
John Craig (c.1754–1807) was a merchant in business with his father, a Scot named James Craig, at 12 Dock and 161 South Second streets, Philadelphia. He did not pursue the plans expressed here of moving westward but remained in the city.
1. See GW to Craig, 29 March.