ADS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 11.75 x 6, June 29, 1773. A detailed receipt, comprising nearly 100 words in Washington’s hand, related to the purchase of some land near his Mount Vernon estate. The receipt specifies payments made to James Wren and “the Messrs. Robt. Adam &c” for “118 3/4 Acres of Land pr. ... Geo. West’s Survey—bought of his Wife before Marriage a 40 p. Acre....” Washington then pens a statement confirming payment of the balance he owes: “Receiv’d this 29th day of June 1773 the above Bal. of thirty nine pounds nineteen shillings & two pence on … all acct. & demands to this date”; Wren signs his assent below, “Ja: Wren.” The document has also been countersigned by witness Harry Piper. According to Washington’s papers at the University of Virginia, he paid Wren £39.19.2 on June 29, 1773, the remaining balance for the purchase of 118 acres of land from Valinda Wade in 1770, prior to her marriage to James Wren. The tract in question was situated on Dogue Creek, near a commercial gristmill Washington had built and a short distance west of his home at Mount Vernon. A map of the property is reproduced in George Washington’s Diaries (Volume 1, page 240). Wren was the Sheriff of Fairfax County and an architect who designed the Fairfax Courthouse and the Truro Church, where Washington was a member of the Vestry; Piper, the witness, was an attorney and merchant with whom Washington corresponded. In good condition, with writing on the light side (though fully legible), complete vertical separation touching two letters of signature (expert archival reinforcement to entire reverse), and toning at edges and separation (touching signature). Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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