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$30,900.00
A handwritten and signed letter written by George Washington from his beloved Mount Vernon.
This one page autograph letter signed, is dated May 10, 1786 from Mount Vernon, and written to "The Revd. Mr. Eckley".
This letter is written after the Revolutionary War, before Washington became President, when he was home acting as President of the Patowmack Company, which was working on building the Potomac Canal, considered to be the greatest engineering feat of its day.
Washington refuses an offer to recieve a free subscription to the "Boston Independent Chronicle" newspaper, stating the "his avocations are so numerous that I rarely find time to look into Gazettes at a distance from me". One of his biggest avocations at this time was the Potomac Canal.
The letter reads in full:
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your favour of the 20th Ulto, and its inclosure. I was indebted to the Revd. Doctr. Gordon before he left the Country for the Boston Independent Chronicle - and am so since, to your goodness, for two or three more; and for your offer to continue them. - The Doctr. sent these papers unasked (after having read them himself, being a subscriber) but as their continuance must be attended with expense and trouble, you would oblige me by withholding of them. To be candid, my avocations are so numerous that I rarely find time to look into Gazettes at a distance from me, after they come. - I feel myself however, not less indebted to your politeness and obliging offer, from my non-acceptance of them. With great respect
I am Sir
Yr. Most Obedt. Hble Srt.
Go: Washington"
The second half of the document is lighter than the first. Professional repairs to the mailing folds on the reverse, and expected toning to the page, which measures 7"x9".
Otherwise, the document is in fine condition, with nice overall presentation value. A scarce handwritten Washington document with a beautiful signature.
The letter is sealed in an archival plastic sleeve, so there is reflection in this photograph.
Museum-quality frame.
Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity from The Autograph Source (Lifetime Guarantee) and a Letter of Authenticity from independent third-party authenticator PSA/DNA.
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In the years between the Revolutionary War and his inauguration as the nation's first President, George Washington, the "gentleman farmer" of Mount Vernon, saw a need for transporting goods safely and effectively from the northern reaches of the Potomac River down to the ports near Georgetown. At the time this letter was written, Washington was immersed in the daunting task of raising funds through subscribers for the Patowmack Company, of which he was President. The Patowmack Company sought to construct such a canal to improve the Potomac between its headwaters near Cumberland, Maryland and tidewater at Georgetown. He presided over the project until he became the nation's first Chief Executive.
Construction began in 1785 and took seventeen years to complete (six years longer than the time required to locate, build, and being to occupy a new federal city, Washington D.C. ten miles downriver. Washington did not live to see the completion of the navigation project that had been his obsession since youth. But he did take pride in visiting the canal during the construction to inspect its progress. He died in 1799; two years before the canal opened at Great Falls.
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