To George Washington from Presley Nevill, 25 April 1794
From Presley Nevill
[Philadelphia] Friday Morng Apl 25th 1794
Sir
Your Excellency, when last I had the honor of waiting on you, hinted a wish to change your Agent in Washington County; I believe it would be prudent to do so; the present one is considerably involved, he wants method, & I fear punctuality, of which I had no Idea, till lately.1
There is in the neighbourhood a certain Charles Morgan, whose Integrity & attention may be depended on, if he will undertake the business, I think you will be satisfied. If your Excellency thinks proper to instruct me for the purpose, I will engage him or some other fit person.2
I shall leave Phila. on Monday Morning, and shall be glad to receive your Excellys Commands here or in Pittsburgh. With great respect & Attachment, I’ve the honor to be your very Obt Sert
Presley Nevill
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. John Canon was responsible for collecting the rents from GW’s tenants in Fayette and Washington counties, Pennsylvania. On GW’s desire to replace Canon, see his letter to Tobias Lear, 8 April 1793.
2. GW replied in a letter to Nevill of 16 June (ALS, [letterpress copy], DLC:GW; LS [duplicate], NN: Myers Collection; LB, DLC:GW). In this letter, GW enclosed a power of attorney of 16 June authorizing Charles Morgan, or whomever Nevill selected, to collect the rents. He also enclosed a letter to Canon of the same date dismissing him from service (both enclosures, ALS [letterpress copy], ViMtvL; LB, DLC:GW). Nevill selected Morgan, who accepted the position (Morgan to GW, 26 Nov., DLC:GW).