Your letter of the 12th instt came to my hands yesterday.1 As Congress are now in Session, and Gentlemen from all the states North of this are assembled, I will make particular enquiry into the characters of the different Seminaries & will let you know the result. In the meantime, inform me how far to the Eastward you would consent that your Sons should go; to come at the best schools. There are two or three private Academies in the State of Massachusetts that are spoken very favourably of; the College in that State is also in good repute; but neither in that, nor at Yale College in Connecticut, do they admit boys until they are qualified by a previous course of education. This, however, is not the case with the Seminary here, nor I believe with that at Princeton. The character of the latter, at this time, I am unable to say, but as the best evidence I can exhibit of my opinion of the one in this place is, that I am distressed to know what to do with Washington Custis; who I am sure derives little or no benefit from going to it. No doubt you have enquired into the reputation of the Colleges at Williamsburgh & Annapolis. The first of these I have, latterly, heard well spoken of; and when I was at Carlisle I heard a good deal said in favor of the Academy at that place; but it was from those who had an interest in so doing.

I ascribed your silence respecting my late letters to the cause you mention, namely, there not having got to yr hands at an earlier period.2 What I suspected would be the case, Mr Pearce (my manager) informs me is likely to be realised; that is—that the Overlooker of my Carpenters (newly from Great Britain) though a good workman—and apparently an industrious man, has not spirit and activity enough to make the hands entrusted to his charge, do their duty properly I must therefore once more give you the trouble of letting both Mr Pearce & me know, by Post, as soon as you conveniently can, whether there is any chance of getting the man who has so often been the subject of my letters to you; whether he would come singly, or with the hands he possesses; upon what terms in either case; and when.

I mentioned your giving Mr Pearce (at Mount Vernon) as well as myself notice, because if he can depend upon that man he will cease his enquiries, & will engage no one else; otherwise, he is directed to do it. My former letters to you on this subject have been so much in detail, that I feel no necessity in going further into it on this occasion; and therefore, shall conclude with my best wishes, in which Mrs Washington unites, to yourself and Lady. Your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle.