From George Washington to William Herbert, 21 October 1799
To William Herbert
Mount Vernon 21st Oct. 1799
Dear Sir,
Enclosed are Two negociable Notes, sent to the Bank of Alexandria for collection. The amount of which, when received, to be placed to my credit.1
I begin to feel the necessity more clearly, of renewing my note, than I do a prospect of receiving what is due to me from others. I mention it now that measures for accomplishing of it may be taken in time.2
Having forgot the name of the person who has the disposal of Stamps, I take the liberty of sending you enclosed a five dollar bill to be applied in the purchase of them and to pay for those you have been so good as to furnish me.3
There are some pecuniary matters between Mr John Gill and me in discharge of which he offers me some land on Difficult run (I think a lot No. 10) which he says is part of Land that belonged to yourself and Mr Swift. If you can give me any information respecting its situation (particularly whether it adjoins a small tract which I have leased to him at the Bridge); the quality of it; his title thereto—&ca &ca I should feel myself obliged thereby.4 With very great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS (letterpress copy), NN: Washington Papers.
1. GW wrote below his signature:
| “Notes | |
| Jno. G. Ladd 20th Sepr Payable 60 days | $ 80 |
| George Gilpin 23 Augt Do Do | 374 |
| $454” |
2. GW’s renewed bank note dated at Alexandria, 21 Oct. 1799, reads: “Sixty Days after Date, I promise to pay Wm Herbert or Order Negotiable in the Bank of Alexandria, fifteen Hundred Dollars Value received for the Use of Go: Washington” (ADS, ViMtvL).
3. Herbert had written GW on 2 Sept. that “a Mr Page, Who Writes in the Collectors Office, is the Vender of Stamps in this Town.”
4. Herbert’s response to this letter has not been found. For an account of GW’s dealings with John Gill, see GW to Gill, 19 Oct., n.2.