George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 2 November 1785

To Tench Tilghman

Mount Vernon 2d Novr 1785.

Dear Sir,

I had heard—with great concern—before your favor of the 13th Ulto came to hand, of your indisposition; and congratulate you very sincerely on your recovery.

I shall be much obliged to you for causing the enclosed letter to be safely delivered to Mr Rawlins—who, when here, promised to furnish me in nine days, with a plan and estimate for my new Room; since which (near, or quite as many weeks) I have not heard a tittle from, or of him.1

It is the third time I have been served in this manner by workmen who have partly engaged to finish this room.2 All I now ask of Mr Rawlins is, to put me upon a certainty; as I am determined, in case he disappoints me, to write to Ireland for a man, in his way, to compleat it. I am with great esteem & regard—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

ALS, RPJCB.

1GW’s letter has not been found, but see GW to Tilghman, 14 Sept., and Tilghman to GW, 10 November.

2Going Lanphier completed the exterior of GW’s New Room at the north end of the house at Mount Vernon during the Revolution. Earlier this year GW had negotiated with Edward Vidler, a contractor in Annapolis, to finish the interior, and in May 1785 he contracted with Richard Boulton of Charles County, Md., to do the work, but Boulton backed out of the agreement (GW to William Fitzhugh, 21 May 1785, n.1).

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