Washington, George (1732-1799)

Description:

Washington, George (1732-1799), Autograph letter signed, one page with holograph address leaf and free frank, July 2nd, 1799, to William Thornton, concerning his architectural plans for a building in the "Federal City", bifolium with red wax seal present, (laid down to card, edge chipping, weakness along folds, some breaks, discoloration overall, minor losses). Text in full: "Mount Vernon 2d July, 1799. Dear Sir, Your favor of the 25th has been received; but you have mistaken the case entirely with respect to the Apses who were sent to my Jacks; - charging you nothing for the services of the latter, was not designed to lay you under obligation, but a feeble effort to repay the kindnesses you have heaped upon me. Col. Gilpin has forwarded the wrong box of glass to Baltimore, and soon will, I hope, receive the proper one in return. Enclosed is a check on the Bank of Alexandria for one thousand dollars agreeably to the demand of M. Blagden, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred on my buildings in the Fedl. City. With very great esteem & regard. I am, - Dear Your Obedt. 7 Obliged Humble Servant. George Washington. P.S. In the letter accompanying the glass from Boston-the makers say "The Glass must be set convex out."
Note: This letter has many interesting characteristics. William Thornton, to whom it is written, was honored as the "first architect" due to his successful design of the Capital Building chosen by George Washington in 1793. The other pivotal figure in this letter is Colonel George Gilpin, a lifelong friend of Washington's who was with him at Boston, Valley Forge and Yorktown. He was also one of Washington's pall bearers. The architectural project being discussed were two townhouses that Washington was building on North Capital Street between B and C streets, now better known as Upper Senate Park. Washington inspected the houses in November of 1799 as they neared completion but his untimely death in December of 1799 prevented him from ever utilizing the properties. The townhouses were eventually demolished during the rebuilding of the Capital. There is a letterpress copy of this letter in the archives of the New York Public Library.
Estimate $20,000-30,000

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