From George Washington to James Tilghman, Jr., 26 June 1772
To James Tilghman, Jr.
Mount Vernon 26th June 72
Sir,
If the Gentleman who own’s the Negroe you were offering to sell will take Flour (Superfine) at 16/8 pr ct, or Herrings (I will undertake to say as good as any upon the River) at 15/ pr Barrl in pay I will give £65 for the Fellow; or I will give this Sum in Cash the Money payable in Octobr; before, I could not engage to pay for him in Money; unless I had a better prospect of selling a parcel of Flour which I have by me in the Country than appear’s at present.1 I remain with very great esteem Yr Most Obedt Servt
G: Washington
P.S. I have a Bow & arrows (just forged out) that will shew your skill a little better than the last, when you have a mind to come down & try them.
ALS, MdHi: Tilghman Family Papers.
James Tilghman, Jr. (1748–1796), at this time was living in Alexandria.
1. Tilghman spent the night of 24 June at Mount Vernon and returned on 27 June for three days. No record has been found of Tilghman’s being given flour or herrings for a slave, but Tilghman did buy thirty barrels of shad from GW in July for £40.10 (Cash Accounts, July 1772).