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

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.

Encloses copies of earlier letters to Lewis, in case originals miscarry -- has written Mr. [Anthony] Whitting at Mount Vernon not to sell the stud horse, but deliver him to Robert Lewis -- Lewis's aunt (Martha Washington) joins in sending greetings.

Won't sell land on Difficult Run in Loudon County except for very high price -- was in treaty with a Dutchman for it for £60 per annum -- would want double what Lewis offered for the Frederick County land because when Shenandoah River is made navigable, lands near it will increase greatly in value

Washington asks Lewis to send money from rents to payment of William Pearce in Alexandria, also rental accounts--rents may be applied to purchasing leases, but 10% won't be derived from money advanced--discusses terms of real estate transactions--transfer of leases illegal under Mr. Muse--pleased with Lewis's disposal of Bath and Winchester houses and lots and land on Potomac River, but wishes Lewis had sent the conditions under which they had been let--sends his love, and Martha's, to Mrs. Lewis.

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.

In this letter George Washington writes to Lewis about the rent and value of his various properties along with the slaves that work on those properties, although he writes about his aversion "to sell the over-plus [of negroes] I cannot because I am principled against this kind of traffic in the human species. - To hire them out, is almost as bad, because they could not be disposed of in families to any advantage, and to disperse the families I have an aversion."