Complete issue of The Continental Journal and Weekly Advertiser from April 29, 1784, 10.5 x 17, four total pages, featuring a lengthy second-page advertisement prominently bylined by ex-surveyor George Washington, detailing lease terms encouraging settlement of a total of 45 square mile of frontier land (now West Virginia) that was granted to him in 1769 for service in the French and Indian War, as well as land he had bought as investment over the years before the Revolutionary War. After the war, the Crown's earlier Proclamation of 1763 restricting settlement west of the Appalachian became moot, and he was then able to promote its use. By that time, he had also gained significant prestige as the victor in the war.
To accomplish a tenancy, Washington prepared letters to friends in various states who might be able to help him publicize his offer, with this advertisement delivered as a separate letter enclosure. Washington wrote to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., on April 4, 1784, requesting that he have the advertisement printed in a local Connecticut newspaper: ‘You will oblige me by having the enclosed advertisement inserted twice, (& as soon as convenient) in a Gazette of your State—The one which is most diffused among that class of people whose views it is most likely to meet will answer my purposes best. Know the cost & I will pay it when we meet.’
The ad included a general description of the nature and quality of the lands, the lengths of lease offered, several requirements the leaseholder had to follow to remain in compliance, guarantees as recorded in relevant county courts, and the rent in pounds. Lastly, he posted, per a specific publication, his availability in person to meet and complete a deal. Thus, here is a public example not only of Washington's long-running interest in speculating in the westward settlement of the continent beginning well before the Revolution, but also his business acumen in a carefully calibrated sales pitch.
Unfortunately for Washington, he found few interested buyers at that time, in part due to the presence of Indians near and on the lands. This continued through the mid-1790s, and although he did arrange one agreement, it was later canceled. Upon leaving office in 1797, he made updated provisions for dispersal, and then at his death in 1799, these unleased and unsold properties became part of his estate. In very good to fine condition.
