From George Washington to James Tilghman, 4 December 1786
To James Tilghman
Mount Vernon 4th Decr 1786
Dr Sir,
Your favor of the 14th ulto is but just come to hand, or an earlier reply shou’d have been made to it.
The inscription intended for the Tomb of my deceased friend meets my entire approbation; for I can assure you Sir, with much truth, that after I had opportunities of becoming well acquainted with his worth, no man enjoyed a greater share of my esteem, affection & confidence than Colo. Tilghman.
I now transmit you, for the satisfaction of the friend of your deceas’d son, a statement of the conduct which was observed towards Capt: Asgill during his confinement, by which his illiberality & want of candour will fully appear. These extracts are taken from authentic records, & contain every sentence wherein the name of that officer is mentioned according to my best knowledge & belief.1
At length, with much difficulty, I have got all the papers which are to be found, respecting the affairs of the deceased Colo. Thos Colvill, from the son of the principal acting Executor of the Will of that Gentleman. I have put them into the hands of a skilful lawyer to make, if possible, a proper statement of them for final settlement; and as soon as I can speak to any good purpose you shall again hear from me respecting the claim of Miss Anderson.2 With great esteem, I am &c.
G: Washington
LB, DLC:GW.
2. Tilghman wrote GW on 7 July 1786 about Harriot Rebecca Anderson’s legacy from the Colvill estate. See note 2 of that document. For the difficulties GW recently had in getting in hand the papers relating to the Colvill estate, see GW to Thomas West, 6 November. See also Charles Little to GW, 15 December.