George Washington to John Fitzgerald about lands and projects on the Ohio, Kanawha and Potomac Rivers - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC03818
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1785
Title	George Washington to John Fitzgerald about lands and projects on the Ohio, Kanawha and Potomac Rivers
Date	23 July 1785
Author	Washington, George (1732-1799)
Recipient	Fitzgerald, John
Document Type	Correspondence; Business and financial document
Content Description	General Washington discusses legal matters regarding his disputed land holdings on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, with his former aide-de-camp. Refers to a forthcoming survey of the Potomac River, necessary for a canal-building enterprise he sought to undertake as the first President of the Potomac Company. Expresses concern that he will be unable to simultaneously handle legal matters at both locations.
Subjects	President Boundary or Property Dispute Land Transaction Law Commerce Surveying Canals Infrastructure Industry
People	Fitzgerald, John (d. 1799) Washington, George (1732-1799)
Place written	Mount Vernon, Virginia
Theme	The Presidency; Merchants & Commerce; Industry; Law; Science, Technology, Invention
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information	Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Mount Vernon July 23d. 1785. Dear Sir, If there is any ship in the Port of Alexandria by which the enclosed Letters could receive a proper conveyance, you would much oblige me by giving them a passage - if not, by returning them. - If I do not hear from my Lawyer in the Western Country before the first of August, it will be out of my power to proceed with the Directors (from the General meeting) to the Survey of the River. - If my Suit should come to a hearing at the September term, w[hi]ch he thought highly probable, occurrances, of which he is to advise me, may indispensably call for my attendance [inserted: at the Tryal] - To perform both journeys, I canno nor would it be prudent for me, to pu it out of my power, by absence on the one, to avoid the other; as the decision of the Court may make a difference of between £3500 and £4000 [inserted: to me] for which I can sell the Land [inserted: in dispute] if I establish my right to it; of which there can be no doubt, if justice prevails, and the title is as clearly delineated as the case will admit of. - I mention this matter in time, from a hope, that similar causes may not [inserted: interfere to] produce the same effect in any other of the Directors - With great esteem and regard I am - D[ea]r Sir Y[ou]r obed[ien]t friend and Affect[ionat]e Serv[an]t Go: Washington [docket] Mount Vernon July 23 - 85 Geo. Washington [address] John Fitzgerald Esqr Alexandria

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