To George Washington from James Maury, 3 December 1786
From James Maury
Liverpoole 3 Decr 1786
Sir,
Being lately arrived here from Virginia & fixed in the commercial Line, I beg Leave most respectfully to tender you my best Services: at the same Time assuring you, that, trade ⟨being⟩ out of the Question, I shall count myself singularly honored by your Commands and particularly obliged by your condescending to favor me with an opportunity of evincing the desire I have to be useful to you.1 I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect your excellencys most obedient & most humble Servt
James Maury2
ALS, DLC:GW.
In July 1786 James Maury (1746–1840) left Fredericksburg, where he had been a merchant, for Liverpool.
1. GW wrote on 24 Feb.: “Sir, I have received your letter of the 3d of Octr [December] and am much oblige to you for the very polite manner in which you tenter me your services. As I have wholly discontinued the cultivation of Tobaco it is not probable that I shall have any business to transact in the mercantile line in your quarter—but if I should at any time have occasion for any thing from Liverpool or therabouts I shall take the liberty of applying to you—Wishing you much happiness and great success in you business. I am Sir yr mt Obedt Hle Sert G. Washington” (LB, DLC:GW).
2. Maury has written at the bottom of the page “Tobaccoe 2¼ @ 4[;] stemed 3½ [@] 5.”