To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 5 April 1794
From Burgess Ball
Leesburg [Va.]-–5th Apl 94.
Dear sir,
The Clover Seed & Chocolate Shells came safe to Hand yesterday1—I recd yours of the 23d ult. on the same day, wherein you seem to despond abt the Buckwheat; but I’m happy now to inform you that, with 98. Bush: which went off today, I have deliver’d 454½ Bush:, which I hope is in full time for sowing—The Ball: of 44½ Bush. shall be sent down in the Course of the running of the Fish; and, as I expect you intend to keep some to sow in the proper Season to make Seed for another year, I hope this Ball: will not be so immediately wanting2—I have wrote to Mr Pearce, informing him of this Arrangement, and that I shall want for my own use a considerable quantity of Fish for which I will settle with him, or, be accountable for in the Settlement of the Buckwheat with you.3 I am sorry I have it not in my power to embrace the kind offer of sendg a mare to one of the Jacks, as I have not one in the World, but hope by another Season I shall.4 War, in this part of the Country is the general Topic, and, I think never were People more united than at present, in shewing their Contempt for the Brittish. Miss Milly & Sammy have just arrived among us, and unite with Fanny & myself in best respects & good Wishes for you & Family,5 & I am Dr sir yr Affect. Hbe. st
B: Ball
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. On GW’s shipment of the clover seed and chocolate, see his letter to Ball of 16 March.
2. On Ball’s promise to provide buckwheat seed for GW, see his letter to GW of 21 January.
3. Ball’s letter to William Pearce, GW’s estate manager, has not been identified.
4. On GW’s offer of the stud services of one of his jackasses, see GW to Ball, 16 March.
5. Mildred Gregory Washington, a frequent guest of her sister Frances Washington Ball, was accompanied on this visit by her brother Samuel Washington.