From George Washington to James Ross, 29 August 1795
To James Ross
Philadelphia 29th Augt 1795
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 20th instt came to hand yesterday—and I again thank you for your zeal in, and attention to my business in the western hemisphere.
Your agreement with Colo. Richardson for my land on Millers run, I shall adhere to, in all its parts. On the plan he contemplates for the re-disposal of it (but which would not answer my purposes) I am persuaded it will turn out a valuable purchase to him; and I wish it may do so, with all my heart.1
Making the payments of the Stalments and interest, to become due on the first day of June,2 until the whole shall be paid, is not less pleasing than it will be found convenient to me; and I am very glad it occurred to you to do so. The tract will, if I have not been misinformed, exceed, rather than fall short of 3000 Acres: be this however as it may—it is placed on fair ground.
Having no copy of the Power given you in the case of Colo. Shreve, and being but little accustomed to draughting instruments of that sort myself, the one now enclosed may be radically defective3—If so—let it serve, with the aid of this letter, to prove that I meant to clothe you with authority to do all that is requisite; and that I hereby promise so to do; in any manner you shall draught, whensoever it shall be forwarded to me.
With respect to the person, of the name of Bingham, I have no other knowledge of him than what was derived from his own letter; never having seen, or interchanged any sentiments with him on the subject of my lands. Nor did I mean more by sending his letter, than merely to let you know that there was such a person, disposed to make overtures.4
I hardly know, under present circumstances; future prospects; and the idea I entertain of the value5 of the round bottom, what price to fix thereon. Less than forty shillings an Acre I should not be inclined to take. But you, better than I know what the most valuable River bottoms in the parts situated as this is, do, or ought to sell for on the credits which have been allowed; and therefore, I confide to you fixing the price but not under forty shillings I should think it cheap at half a Joe an acre.
I have only to add that, I must pray you to think (before I see you again) of an adequate compensation for the trouble you have had with my affairs over the mountains; for you may be assured that I am more willing to pay, than you seem disposed to ask this. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedient & obliged Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, NN: U.S. Presidents—GW; ADfS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. GW referred to Matthew Ritchie. Ross’s agreement to sell GW’s Millers Run lands to Ritchie and the latter’s plan to dispose of the acreage are discussed in Ross to GW, 20 August.
2. The draft and letter-book copy add the word, “annually” here.
3. The power of attorney enclosed by GW states: “I do by these presents, constitute and appoint the Honble James Ross Esqr. of Pittsburgh, my lawful Attorney for the purpose of disposing, in fee simple, of all the lands of which I am possessed in the County of Washington and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; with full power and authority to convey the same, by affixing my name, or his own in my behalf, to any Deed which shall be proper and adequate thereto. And I do hereby oblige myself, my heirs, Executors and Administrators to confirm the same. In like manner, I will ratify, and carry into full effect, any conditions, stipulations or agreement, which the said James Ross may have made, or shall enter into, on my behalf for, or on account of the said land and premises. Given under my hand and Seal in the City of Philadelphia this 29th day of August 1795” (ADS, NN: U.S. Presidents—GW; ADfS, PPiU; LB, DLC:GW).
4. For the interest of Jabez Bingham in GW’s Ohio lands, see GW to Ross, 15 July, and Ross to GW, 20 August.
5. On the draft GW used the word “worth,” which the letter-book copyist incorrectly transcribed as “north.”