ALS as president signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 7.25 x 9, March 30, 1795. Letter to General ‘Light Horse’ Harry Lee. In full: “If this letter should be received by you, it will be from Mr. Strickland, a gentleman of fortune from England who is desirous of seeing a little of Virginia (having already passed through the Eastern States) before returning to his own country. As you are now returned, or returning to the pursuits of rural life, Mr. Strickland who is in that line himself can give you some useful information in the practice of husbandry, but not so much on that as on acc’t of his merits I beg leave to introduce him to your civilities.” Second integral page bears a panel addressed in Washington’s hand, “Gen’l Lee, Richmond, Virgina,” and in the lower left of the panel, “Favored by Mr. Strickland.” Another portion of the second integral page is docketed in Lee’s hand. Moderate toning to letter, not affecting legibility, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and small portion of paper loss to top edge, otherwise very good condition. Second integral page bears scattered toning and soiling, as well as two areas of paper loss from wax seal.
During the Revolution, Lee—the father of Confederate general Robert E. Lee—served as a cavalry officer in the Continental Army and at the time of this letter had recently concluded a term as Virginia’s governor. History shows that Lee was not a farmer, however, he certainly tried, with President Washington implying that Strickland might be able to provide “some useful information in the practice.” Several months after Strickland’s visit to America, Washington corresponded with the English farmer, to discuss the rental of his Mount Vernon farms. For his part, Lee delivered Washington’s 1799 funeral oration, originating the phrase: ‘First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.’ Handwritten letters from Washington, written during his presidency, are scarce and desirable. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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