Letter, to James Anderson, 1799

Containers:

Box 15, Folder 1799.09.16

Scope and content:

Washington writes that business, many guests, and Mrs. Washington's illness have delayed his answer to Anderson--"Health, being amongst, (if not the most) precious gift of Heaven; without which, we are but little capable of business, or enjoyment" so, since Anderson feels he and family can't be healthy where they live, Washington cannot expect them to live there a year longer--he feels he will have no difficulty superintending his farms himself "on the plain, simple, & regular system I am resolved, undeviatingly to pursue"--he will rent the landing at the ferry, and will try to rent mill and distillery too--the purpose of this letter is to relieve Anderson from embarrassment arising from their bargain on one hand and his desire to leave because of health on the other--Washington reiterates that he has nobody else in mind to replace Anderson and intends to take over farm management himself should Anderson have to step down--he would take $500 per year for mill; Anderson knows better than he what the distillery should rent for--discusses terms for renting the distillery and mill.

Language:

English.

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