From George Washington to Landon Carter, 5 October 1798
To Landon Carter
Mount Vernon 5th Oct. 1798.
Dear Sir,
Your favour of the 1st instt has been received, and if it had been convenient, I should have been glad of your company as you travelled to Annapolis.1 As you propose however to send in your Servant, and I am generally on horse back between breakfast & dinner, that he may not be delayed, or disappointed, you will receive, enclosed, one letter for the Govr of Maryland (an old acquaintance of mine)—and another for Mr McDowall President of the College.2 Which, I hope may answer your purposes. They will be left, under this cover, for whomsoever you may send, in case I should be out.
I thank you for the trouble you have taken in delivering your thoughts on the means of preserving health. Having, through life, been blessed with a competent share of it, without using preventatives against sickness, and as little medicine as possible when sick; I can have no inducement now to change my practice. Against the effect of time, and age, no remedy has ever yet been discovered; and like the rest of my fellow mortals, I must (if life is prolonged) submit, & be reconciled, to a gradual decline. With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
Please to put wafers in the letters before delivery.
ALS, in private hands. Carter wrote on the cover: “Recieved 9th Novr 1798 from G. Washington.” Garter may have intended to write 9 October.
1. The portion of Carter’s letter referring to his proposed trip to Annapolis is missing, but see his letter to GW of 8 September.
2. GW’s letter to Gov. John Henry, Jr. (c.1750–1798), has not been found, but his letter to John McDowell of this date reads: “Sir: This letter will be presented to you by Landon Carter Esqr. a Gentleman of this State, who is disposed to fix his sons under your care and protection, at St John’s College in Annapolis. As Mr Carter will accompany the boys, and arrange matters with you, I have only to add that with esteem & regard I am—Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt Go: Washington” (typescript, ViU).