1799]

ANNUITY FOR NEGROES

307

the... of having my title... possession, that record may ... them more easily.

All here are well, and unite in best regards to yourself the family, with Dear Sir etc.

*To BENJAMIN DULANY

[N.Y.P.L.]

Mount Vernon, July 15, 1799.

Sir: As I grow no Tobacco, and probably never shall, I have it in contemplation to make some material changes in the œconomy of my Farms.

To accomplish this object, a reduction of the present force on them is necessary; of course, the means by which it is to be effected, must have undergone consideration.

Presuming then that it might be agreeable to Mrs. French, or to you, to whom they will ultimately revert, I am induced by a scene of propriety and respect; and from a persuation that every humane owner of that species of property would rather have it in his own keeping, than suffer it to be in the possession of others, to offer you all the Negros I hold, belonging to that Estate.

And as an evidence of my disposition to act fairly, and liberally, in the business; the whole of them, old, middle aged and young, shall be produced to three disinterested and judicious men, one to be chosen by Mrs. French or yourself, one by me, and the third by those two. The judgment of whom (after comparing the old with the young, and the chances of increase and decrease) shall be conclusive as to the annuity which is to be allowed me, or mine, for, and during the term for which they, at present, stand engaged.

On July 15 Secretary Stoddert forwarded a warrant for young Spotswood and on July 21 Washington forwarded it to Spotswood. The press copy of this letter in the New York Public Library is entirely illegible, except a few words of the P. S.: "I advise your Son George to take a copy of this... that he may never forget what he is bound ..."

That you may be enabled to form an opinion of their usefulness, from the kind of Negros I am making you an offer of, I enclose a list of them, with remarks, which and their ages, I believe to be accurate; and the reason for giving them at this season of the year, is, that, if either Mrs. French or yourself is disposed to accede to the offer, you may have time to make arrangements accordingly.

For the same reason, an answer, so soon as you can conveniently decide upon the measure, would be very agreeable to Sir,

Yours etc.73

[N. Y.P.L.]

*A LIST OF NEGROES HIRED FROM MRS. FRENCH

Names

Ages

Remarks

Will............................ Old, but hearty..... Looks after the Stock. Wife at Mrs.

The following brief postscript, or addition to this letter, exists in press copy form also in the New York Public Library. As far as decipherable it is as follows: "[illegible] of them. They are [illegible] very likely and healthy people; [illegible] going off, of a fellow called Paul (four or 5 years ago) are as orderly, and [illegible] set, as any equal number [illegible]."

Dear Sir: Enclosed are Notes for two hogsheads of Tobacco, as below, Nanjemoy Warehouse, paid me for Rent. If you can sell them in George Town, it would oblige me; either for Cash or on a moderate credit. If you can not, they may be returned, or retained until I come up to the meeting of the Potomac Company the first Monday (5th day) of next Month in George Town.

I earnestly hope that this meeting will be full, and effectual, for in my opinion it has become indispensible.

All here are well, and unite with me in best wishes for and yours. I am etc.

you

"From a photostat of the original through the kindness of Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J.

Mr. Roberts: Your letter of the 12th instant is received, and I am obliged to you for the advice respecting the management of the flour I had on hand; which however, is less necessary now, as I have disposed of it all.

I should be glad to render you any consistent service in my power, but must decline writing to the Gentleman you have mentioned, on the subject proposed; first, because I am entirely unacquainted with the circumstances attending your disputed property; and secondly, because I have not the honor to be acquainted with Mr Hay or Captn. McNamara, who you inform me are employed to defend that property.

Gentlemen of the character you (no doubt deservedly) give Mr Hay and Captn. McNamara, can stand in no need of a stimula from me to rescue your property from a fraudulent conveyance, and thereby enable you to come to me the sooner. I wish you well and am etc.

[N. Y.P.L.]

*To CHARLES CARROLL, OF CARROLLTON

Mount Vernon, July 21, 1799.

Dear Sir: Having received a printed letter myself, from the President and Directors of the Potomack Company dated the 2d

1799]

NAVIGATION PROFITS

311

instant the presumption is, that it is a circular Address to the Stockholders: and much indeed is it to be wished that all of them would attend in person, rather than by substitution.

Greatly is it to be regretted that an Undertaking productive of, or rather promising such immense advantages to the States of Virginia and Maryland particularly the latter; and of such pecuniary emoluments to the Proprietors; should be suffered to progress so limpingly, as this work has done for some years back.

If this Navigation was completed and it is susceptible of being so in a short time; and the Shenandoah opened which is a work neither difficult or expensive and will as certainly follow the other as Night follows day, being suspended only thereby. I wd. predict, without fear of having my judgment arraigned by the result, that it wd. be found one of (if not) the most productive funds (with the least risk to the Stockholders) of any Legalised Institution in the United States.

I speak within bounds, when I give it as my decided opinion, that it cannot fall short of 50 pr Ct pr Ann. The best credence I can advise of my thorough conviction of this fact, is, that if I had the means, and was anxious to provide for those who may step into my Shoes, when I go hence, I would not hesitate a moment to complete the work at my own expence receiving proportionate Tolls.

It might be as unjust as improper, to censure the conduct of the Directors, or any of them, but if the means can be obtained I shall declare for having the residue of the Work executed by Contract (under the Inspection of the Directors), fixing the sum, and stipulating the time to be employed thereon.

I propose to be at the Genl. Meeting of the Co at George Town the 5th of next month, and should be happy to find you there, being with much esteem etc.

[N. Y. P. L.]