From George Washington to Samuel Phillips, 28 September 1796
To Samuel Phillips
Mount Vernon 28th Sep: 1796
Sir,
The enclosed letter, from my Nephew to me, accompanying one from him to you (which have been to Philadelphia and back) must be my apology for giving you the trouble of reading this Address.1 I shall only add, that if there are arrearages yet due to you, and you will let me know the amount, it shall be remitted from Philadelphia; at which place I expect to be by the first of November.2 I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, MAnP.
1. William Augustine Washington, GW’s nephew, wrote GW on 12 Sept., enclosing his letter of 2 Sept. to Phillips, the president of Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. Both letters concerned payment to Phillips for the education and boarding of William Augustine’s sons Augustine and Bushrod Washington, Jr. (see William Augustine Washington to GW, 12 Sept., and n.2 to that document).
GW wrote his nephew William Augustine in a letter of this date from Mount Vernon: “Your letter of the 12th Inst. enclosing one for Mr Phillips of Andover, found me at this place yesterday, after having been to Philadelphia & back again.
“Happening to have as many bank notes of the United States by me, as would exchange those of Alexandria wch you enclosed to me I have done so; and by tomorrows Post from Alexandria they, & your letter to the abovenamed Gentleman, will proceed.
“Mrs Washington united with me in best wishes for you, and with sincere friendship” (ALS, PPRF). GW addressed the letter to his nephew at “Haywood,” in Westmoreland County, Va., and directed the letter’s delivery “By way of Fredericksbg.”
2. Phillips replied to GW on 28 Oct.: “I have been honored with your favor of the 28th Ultimo, enclosing a letter from Colo. Washington in whch were recd 150 dollrs and take the liberty to enclose an answer.
“You are pleased to authorize me to give you notice of any arrears on acct of the sons of your Nephew—it gives me pleasure to say there are none of any consequce now due to me” (ADfS, MAnP).
GW returned to Philadelphia on 31 Oct. (see GW to Alexander Hamilton, 2 Nov., and n.1 to that document).