1From George Washington to William Pearce, 17 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
My Overseers at Union and Dogue run Farms endeavouring to play the same game they did last year—that is—to raise their wages; but as I am fully resolved not to do it (especially as the price of produce is reduced a hundred prCt) I am induced to ask you—as Clark who engaged with Mr Craik is dead, & expectation from that quarter is at an end—if you could recommend a person whom you know would...
2To George Washington from William Pearce, 24 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have Received your Letter of the 17th Instant and I will do every thing In my power to git you a proper Person as overseer for Union farm—but at this time I do not know of any one that would answear your purpose that Is uningaged. but I will spare no paines In Looking out For such a One. I am sorrey to heare that poor Mr Clark is Dead. If he had Lived he would have made you a good Overseer....
3From George Washington to William Pearce, 14 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th of July has been received, and I thank you for your ready compliance with my request; but recollecting how I was served last year, I must remind you that the season will not allow me to wait long for your decisive answer—especially too, as persons are now applying in this quarter. I must repeat in this, what I said, or meant to say in my last—that is—that I do not wish...
4To George Washington from William Pearce, 27 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have Receved your Letter of the 14th Instant—and I shall always be happy To have It in my Power to Serve you; but as yet, I have not been so fortunate as to Git an overseer for you, for those who would answer your purpose are so very high In thare demands In wages that they are far above what you are willing to Give, for the Lowest that I Can Git one who could be depended on for is £85 this...
5From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
. . . but as the Season is now far advanced, and you have hitherto been unsuccessful, and the wages of those you think good, are besides high; I shall, rather than run a risk of doing worse, engage Cask [Cash], who seems to be a sober, active & obliging man, for the coming year, which will complete my wants. . . . The Collector, nos. 9–11 (1962), item r420. Only this printed fragment of the...
6From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago the enclosed a/c was sent in, and others of a similar nature have also been presented. To guard against these afterclaps was the reason why I urged you with so much earnestness to leave no accounts unpaid, of your own contracting. Why the balance, if just, was left unpaid, when you had money to go to, at pleasure, or why it was referred to Mr Lear to pay, I am unable to say—Some...