Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 20 November 1790.

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By Bonhams Skinner

Oct 30, 2016 - Oct 31, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-10-30 11:00:00 2016-10-31 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Books & Manuscripts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/skinner/fine-books-manuscripts-1839
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• Lot Description
  Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 20 November 1790. Folio laid paper bifolium, inscribed over one page, with the blank conjugate joined and intact; to James Henry, discussing the ownership status of land once owned by the deceased Parke Custis; creased at upper and lower edges, marginal water staining, 8 x 10 in.
  "I availed myself a few days ago of the presence of Mr B. Basset to reacknowledge before him and Dr Stuart the original conveyance from me to the deceased Mr Custis of the land which you are possessed of by purchase from him in King and Queen County.-This reacknowledgement in the opinion of professional men is all that is necessary to give validity to the deed, and all that is proper for me to do under the circumstances which exist.
  The deed thus reacknowledged, was put into the hands of Mr Basset, but as he was in the act of departure it did not occur to me at that moment, that there were other papers of yours in my possession-these are now enclosed; and I beg you to be assured of my sensibility for the polite and flattering terms in which you have been pleased to express yourself of my public services in your letter of the 2 of June 1785, which I am ashamed to add ought to have been acknowledged long ago, but which one circumstance or another prevented until it had escaped me altogether or until reminded of it by your second application through Dr Stuart.
  I am Sir, your most obedt and very humble Servt
  G. Washington."
  "James Henry (1731-1804) of Accomac County, VA, was educated at Edinburgh and returned to Virginia, where he practiced law. He represented his native county in the colonial and state legislatures and also served as a delegate from King and Queen County until 1782, when he became a judge of the state admiralty court. He was elected to the Confederation Congress in 1779 and 1780 and became a judge of the Virginia General Court in 1788. [...] GW had purchased two plantations for his ward John Parke Custis (1754-1781) in 1774, one in King William County and one in King and Queen County, and conveyed both to Custis in 1778. Custis immediately offered for sale the latter estate, Pleasant Hill, which was bought by Henry, who obtained a deed for the 1,381-acre tract and improvements in 1779 from Custis and his wife Eleanor Calvert Custis." (Founders Online, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-06-02-0325).
  Provenance: The Estate of David Spinney.
  Estimate $10,000-15,000
  
  
  The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
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