From George Washington to Charles Carter, 28 June 1788
To Charles Carter
Mount Vernon June 28th 1788
Dear Sir,
When Mrs Washington was at the Church in Fredericksburg she perceived the Tomb of her Father the late John Dandridge Esqr. to be much out of sorts and being desirous to have it done up again, will you permit me to request the favour of you to engage a workman to do this, the cost of which I will remit as soon as you shall signify to me that the work is accomplished, and inform me of its amount. I would thank you, My dear Sir—for the ascertainment of this before hand. I have (not inclining to dispute Accounts) felt, in too many instances, the expansion of Tradesmens consciences when no previous agreement has been made ever to put it in their power to charge what they please in future.1 My best wishes, in which Mrs Washington Joins me, is tendered to Mrs Carter—with much truth I am Dear Sir, Yr most Ob. & Affe. Hbl. Set
Go. Washington
LB, DLC:GW.
1. During their recent trip to Fredericksburg, GW and Mrs. Washington on Wednesday, 11 June, dined with Charles Carter of Ludlow and his wife, Elizabeth Chiswell Carter, among others. Carter’s response has not been found, but GW wrote him again on 1 Aug: “Dear Sir, This letter, at the same time that it acknowledges the receipt of your favor of the 13th ult., and thanks you for the trouble you have taken with respect to the Tomb of Mr Dandridge, serves to cover 30 p. which you agreed to pay for the repairs of it. Mrs Washington joins me in every good wish for yourself and Mrs Carter—and with sentiments of very great esteem & regard—I am—Dear Sir Your most Obednt Affect. Hble serv. G. Washington” (typescript, ViMtvL). See also , 270. John Dandridge’s tomb is in St. George’s Parish graveyard in Fredericksburg.