Washington, George (1732-1799) Holograph Envelope Face with Free Frank, Signed as President, 21 September 1794.

Description:

Washington, George (1732-1799) Holograph Envelope Face with Free Frank, Signed as President, 21 September 1794. Single laid paper sheet presumably trimmed from a larger self-envelope leaf, postmarked "29 SE" within a circle and stamped "FREE"; verso blank. Addressed to Washington's cousin [sometimes referred to as a nephew], Colonel William Augustine Washington (1752-1810) of Westmoreland County, Virginia, with four lines in lower left corner, reading, "Care of the / Postmaster / Leeds Town / President U.S." all in Washington's hand, with a notation in another hand, upper center, making note of the date and category: "Business." Slightly toned, old linen mount remnants adhering to the verso, 4 1/2 x 3 in.
A letter to the same addressee, composed on the same day, and likely formerly contained in this envelope fragment, regards hiring a new carpenter at Mount Vernon. In it, the President writes from Philadelphia, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current Mount Vernon carpenter, Thomas Green, and asking Colonel Washington whether the man he mentioned as suitable for the job last year might still be available, and under what terms. In another letter written on the same date to Mount Vernon farm manager, William Pearce, Washington also refers to the task of finding a new carpenter.

For the original contract with Mount Vernon's new carpenter, please see the following lot.
Estimate $3,000-5,000


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