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Washington writes his condolences on the death of Bassett's sister, Fanny Bassett Washington Lear--Tobias Lear recently met in Philadelphia with Washington--they discussed, and now Washington writes about, disposition of the children [of Fanny B. Washington and G.A. Washington]--Washington always intended to take Fayette under his care but now decided it better to keep Fanny's children together--final decision to be postponed "until I bid adieu to public life"--children are all now at Mount Vernon. [Tobias Lear's wife, Fanny Bassett Washington Lear, has died, leaving 3 children by her 1st husband G.A. Washington. These were Anna Maria, George Fayette and Charles Augustine Washington. Lear himself had one son, Benjamin Lincoln Lear by his first wife.]

Washington will give the application of Mr. Thomas Freeman the same impartial consideration as other applicants for job of surveyor of western boundaries under new treaties--he mentions the election of Mr. Thomas Sprigg as representative from Maryland--Washington makes a lengthy discussion of opposition in House of Representatives to the Jay Treaty--he opines that the country must stay out of European wars in order first to build up its strength and become a 1st rate power.

Washington encloses an advertisement which he plans to put in various gazettes and newspapers--he confides in secrecy his plan to rent his farms and the dower slaves--he may even interest associations in England or Scotland in farms through advertisements in gazettes--the intermarriage of dower negroes with others and those on neighboring farms will cause affecting and trying consequences, so Washington cautions Stuart to make no mention of the plan for the present--he doesn't care to rent farms to "our country farmers" because they wear out the land and little else--he wants Stuart to ask in confidence British merchants in Alexandria and Dumfries about the scheme--Washington mentions Eliza ("Betsy") Custis's marriage and gives his evaluation of the groom, Mr. Thomas Law--thinking of G.W.P. Custis's interests, Washington asks Stuart whether there might have been an erroneous division of negroes for Mr. Thomas Peter for his wife's (Martha Custis's) share .

Washington encloses an advertisement which he plans to put in various gazettes and newspapers -- he confides in secrecy his plan to rent his farms & the dower slaves -- he may even interest associations in England or Scotland in farms through advertisements in gazettes -- the intermarriage of dower negroes with others and those on neighboring farms will cause affecting & trying consequences, so Washington cautions Stuart to make no mention of the plan for the present -- he doesn't care to rent farms to "our country farmers" because they wear out the land and little else -- he wants Stuart ask in confidence British merchants in Alexandria and Dumfries about the scheme -- Washington mentions Eliza ("Betsy") Custis's marriage and gives his evaluation of the groom, Mr. Thomas Law -- thinking of G.W.P. Custiss interests, Washington asks Stuart whether there might have been an erroneous division of negroes for Mr. Thomas Peter for his wife's (Martha Custis's) share.

Between April and May of 1796, George Washington exchanged letters with Virginia statesman Edward Carrington about the context and expectations set forth by the Constitution. After much political debate, the Jay treaty had been approved by the Senate, but the House of Representatives was withholding funding. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were setting the stage for the next presidential election and it was a time of intense discussions about politics and the public good.

Interest in the progress toward creating the new Federal City. Refers to the duties of 3 commissioners who were appointed by the Continental Congress--Thomas Johnson, Daniel Carroll and David Stewart.

Washington writes that since Anderson didn't answer many of his queries, nothing can be decided about his employment until Washington can see him, which will be at Mt. Vernon at end of month--Washington expected him to speak with candor about his qualifications, although he is "sensible it is not a pleasant thing for any man to speak of himself"--as Washington will reside on the estate from now on, much work will be taken off superintendant's shoulders--Washington describes the writing of the weekly farm reports, etc. that should take only a few hours each week--he sees no need for assistant--Fredericksburg mails made up every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Washington to his nephew, Robert Lewis regarding his method of collecting rents. He also mentions that he tries to avoid litigation, when speaking of a land dispute between neighbors Ariss and McCormick and himself. He ends with a note about his "Jack" or donkey, explaining it was too late to send out for breeding this season.

On February 10, 1796, upon learning of his eldest step-granddaughter's engagement to Thomas Law, George Washington writes this letter of congratulations to him. Washington's fatherly interest in the betrothal of Eliza "Betsey" Parke Custis is apparent. He expresses surprise, gives his blessing, and invites the couple to visit Philadelphia after the ceremony. Thomas Law earned his fortune in India and met Washington's step-granddaughter shortly after his arrival in America. The couple was married the following month, on March 21, 1796.

Washington sends invoice and bill of lading "for the long expected Seeds (which by the bye have cost me at least four times as much as I expected)." Requests Lear to forward the seeds to his Mount Vernon manager William Pearce, "the season for sowing the Peas and succory being already far advanced."