From George Washington to Knox & Baillie, 8 March 1775
To Knox & Baillie
Mount Vernon Mar. 8th 1775.
Gentn
In answer to your favour of the 28th Ulto1—If Mr Danl Jenifer Adams (to whom I have now wrote)2 will suffer a Condemnation of the Land, Slave & Horse which I attached—will surrender possession of the two last; and join his Sisters in conveying the former to me, I will become answerable to you (upon Mr Stromats giving me the same Indulgence in time of payment that you do) for your claim against the Estate of his deceased Father Mr Josias Adams. But I shall expect Gentn that you will not insist upon my paying the Money before our April Meeting of Merchts next year for you know that all, at least most money Matters in this Colony are transacted at those times I might as well therefore undertake to discharge these Debts of Mr Adams in October next as to do it any time between that & the Meeting in April as it is at these times only I receive my Money.3 I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALB, DLC:GW. The letter was addressed “To Messrs Knox & Baillie—Merchts Nanjemoy.” Nanjemoy was a small village lying west of Nanjemoy Creek in Charles County, Maryland.
1. Letter not found.
3. At the bottom of his copy of his letter GW wrote: “N.B. Exact Copies of the above letter (acknowledging their Letters of the 5th of March) were sent to Mr Robt Mundell, and Mr George Gray—Merchts of Port Tobacco.” Mundell wrote from “Portbacco” on 5 Mar.: “I understand you have thoughts of undertaking the payment of the Debts of Josias Adams late of this County—If you do, I will wait twelve Months for the Sum due John Glassford & Compys Store here, being thirteen pounds five shillings & one farthing Currency” (DLC:GW). George Gray wrote on the same day from “Portobacco”: “I am inform’d by Mr Jenifer that you have some thoughts of Paying the Debts due from Josias Adams Deceasd If you Agree to the Proposal I will wait for what the Estate is due me Twelve Months from this Date” (DLC:GW).