Collections : [The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon]

Letter from George Washington to Jonathan Boucher concerning the tenancy of Washington's lands on the Ohio River. Washington thanks Boucher and a Dr. Barton for their assistance and asks Boucher to provide Dr. Barton with an enclosed advertisement (not identified). Washington goes into detail about the land and his estimation of its value based on location and the probability of the establishment of a new colony on the Ohio. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.

Letter from George Washington to William Preston concerning land granted to him under the Proclamation of 1754, which granted bounty lands to veterans of the French and Indian War. Washington explains that the land, located on the Great Kanawha River (in present-day West Virginia), was surveyed by William Crawford. Washington asks Preston to certify this survey so that it can be submitted under the later Proclamation of 1763 in order to acquire additional lands. Washington expresses his displeasure at the idea that he will be excluded from these additional bounty lands if they are reserved solely for British regulars: 'I can see no cause why Americans (who have serv'd his Majesty in the late War with as much fidelity, and without presumption, with as much Success, as his British Troops) should be stigmatiz'd...'. Washington goes on to guarantee that he will pay Preston the same fees for approving Crawford's survey as he would if Preston were to make the survey himself. Autograph letter with signature missing (lower section of the sheet is missing), 3 pages.

Letter from George Washington to Alexander Addison regarding money owed on the sale of land at Millers Run in Pennsylvania. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.

The letter deals with Washington's negotiations for the River Farm, then called Clifton's Neck. Clifton has sold land to Mr. [Thomson] Mason for a greater price after promising to sell it to him first--was told that Clifton had no clear title to land--nothing in writing, but terms agreed on--George Washington thinks only equitable way is to put up land for public auction, so all disputants will have equal chance to purchase it.

Impossible to arrange an exchange of property with Ball, who wishes to have land held by George Washington in Berkeley County. Not possible because property leased to tenants and value greater than Ball believes it to be. Would be willing to work an exchange, however, for some of his land west of the Alleghany River.

Letter discussing Bushrod renting George Washington's townhouse in Alexandria, as well as the stable and garden.

Encloses Col. Robert Townsend Hooe's letter relating to the Thomas Colville estate -- wishes to have final settlement of estate -- check Mr. Bennett's account with documents and see if it seems to be correct -- Washington thinks Bennett's claim different from what he remembered legacy to be -- has referred Hooe to him for details.

Since Mr. de Barth has not made stipulated payments for land bought of Washington, lying on the Kanawas, Washington suggests canceling the bargain instead of bringing measures against De Barth for payment.

Received letter containing Mr. Bennett's claim against Colville's estate -- deals with George Washington's position as executor of Colville estate -- won't pay interest on debt thereof until court of Chancery decides whether it is just -- refers him to Mr. Keith of Alexandria who has papers dealing with estate.

Has heard that Maj. Harrison of Loudon County intends selling his land adjoining George Washington's in Fairfax -- Washington wishes to buy for sole reason of ridding himself of the "villainies" which are performed by those tenants who occupy Harrison's land -- land no good for a farm -- if he can get good price make the bargain, so long as title is clear and not under any encumbrances of leases.