Letter, to Burgess Ball, 1793

Containers:

Box 6, Folder 1793.08.04

Creator:

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Scope and content:

At the time of this letter, Washington was serving his second term as president and was living in Philadelphia. His nephew, George Augustine Washington, had served as farm manager for the previous seven years but died in 1793. In need of a new farm manager, Washington considered his nephew, Lawrence Lewis.

Concerned that Lewis was too inexperienced for the job, Washington remarked on the necessary qualifitcations necessary: "…so little haveg it in my power to visit, or attend to my private concerns, that it becomes extremly necessary (besides fidility) to have an experienced & skilful man, of some weight, to manage my business; one whose Judgment is able to direct him in cases which may arise out of circumstances that can neither be foreseen, nor previously guarded against.

Washington continued, "What the age of Mr Lawrence Lewis is—what opportunities he may have had to acquire any knowledge in the management of a Farm. What his disposition, whether active or indolent. Whether clear in his perceptions, & of good Judgment. Whether sober & sedate, or fond of amusements and running about—with other queries which might be asked, as well applying to a young man Just entering on the career of life; are all matters to which I am an entire stranger; and if you can give me information respecting them, I shall thank you. You will readily perceive that my sole object in these enquiries is to ascertain the competency of a character to whom I should commit an important trust; consequently, going no farther, can operate nothing to the prejudice of my Nephew, whatever, in confidence, you may say to me on the foregoing points and such others as may occur to you."

Washington instead hired a more seasoned farm manager, William Pearce. Pearce served as farm manager until 1796 during which time Lewis came to stay at Mount Vernon and worked in some managerial capacity, but the official farm manager by then was James Anderson. Lewis eventually married Nelly Custis in 1799 and lived the remainder of his life at Woodlawn.

Language:

English.

Subjects:

Correspondence

Names:

Ball, Burgess, 1749-1800
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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