Lot #173

George Washington

Description

Washington looks toward the expansion of the British colonies into the Ohio Valley, but the revolution two year later alters his plans

ALS signed “Go: Washington,” one page both sides, 8 x 12.5, October 17, 1773. Letter to a gentleman, possibly identified as Reverend Jonathan Boucher. In full: “Your favour of the 11th did not come to my hands till this afternoon, and though I have scarce a moment that I can call my own, having the House full of Company, some on business, & some on Visits, being the eve of my departure for Williamsburg [the Virginia capital; he had served in the House of Burgesses since 1758]; I cannot omit offering my thanks to Mr. Barton & you, for the obliging information respecting the Tenanting of my Lands on the Ohio. – I wish it was in my power to be as full and satisfactory on this head, as the nature of the subject requires; but for want of time, I must at the foot of one of my printed Advertisements, briefly explain the substance of the Leases I propose to give; wishing however, as the Rent may appear high to some, for Lands so far remote, that I had leizure to offer my sentiments on this matter; & give the motives which have induced me to think that these Lands, from their Situation (considered as part of the New Colony) & superior quality, are better worth the Rent I have there fixed, that the poor Land in this part of the Country (because contiguous to Trade) is the one half of what it generally fetched;

For it is to be again noted that these Lands of mine, if the New Colony is established on the Ohio of which there appears to be little doubt, will be in the heart of it, & consequently (the nature of one Country also considered) convenient to the Seat of Government & Center of trade; it being found by some late discoveries, to say nothing of the easy communication with Potomack, that the Kanhawa, & thense up Green Briar which runs through the middle of it that is the Country is navigable for small Craft within a few Miles of Jacksons River, the principal Branch of James River which advantages, added to the scarcity of good Land – the heavy terms on which it is said the Lands in this Government will be granted (and which we may suppose must be pretty rigidly exacted, in order to support the Civil List) – and the number of Emigrants which resort to that Country, will contribute not a little to enhance the value of my Land; and make it more desirable to settle upon, as it may be enjoyd in Peace & quietness (a thing not customary there, where nothing but squabbling & confusion prevails about the Land, owing to the multiplicity of Claimants) especially as the possessors will have four (in fact five) years before they have occasion to advance a shilling on of the Land.

So far my good Sir, I must beg the favour of you to communicate to Doctr Barton, with my respectful Compliments; Inclosing at the same time, the advertisement herewith sent. It will give me real concern if I miss seeing Doctr Cooper, in case of his coming no further than Maryland. – My journey to Williamsburg has been postponed several days on this Acct & cannot be put of [sic] any longer; but I have hopes from what [stepson John Parke] Custis says, of seeing [him] there – My Trip to Annapolis was attended with haste (making the ride in a day going & coming) otherwise I should have done myself the pleasure of calling upon you – My best wishes attend Mrs. & Miss Boucher in which Mrs Washington joins, and I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obed & Affect.”

In very good condition, with well done professional repairs and restoration to intersecting mailing folds on front of letter, vertical folds through two letters of signature, scattered toning (heaviest to a panel passing through two-thirds of the signature), and a couple of small tears and surface loss at fold junctions.

Washington is a bit speculative, but clearly optimistic that “the number of Emigrants…will contribute not a little to enhance the value of my land; and make it more desirable to settle upon.” In other words, the Father of Our Country hoped to profit from his land acquisitions if the colonies continued their expansion. At the time, he and other land investors had heard rumors that England was considering establishing a new colony in the Ohio Valley. If such a plan came to fruition, as Washington notes here, then the value of his property would skyrocket, as an official colony would mean civil and military protection. If men like Boucher and Barton could lend assistance in finding a tenant, all the better. Within a few years, of course, Washington would trade in his role as a frustrated land owner for a much bigger stage. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #356 - Ended April 14, 2010