Letter, George Corbin Washington to Abbott Lawrence

Containers:

Box 66, Folder 1845.09.09

Creator:

Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854

Scope and content:

A.L.S. 7 pages. Georgetown. Although he [Lawrence] refused a loan once, G.C.W. will apply for one again--also wants to discuss plans for G.W.'s private letters, books, and other relicks--cannot afford to deposit them in a safe place--"little reliance can be placed on the liberal disposition of Congress"--"I desire them to confide them to the guardianship of some institution or association formed for the purpose, where they would be safely preserved from any casualty for all time to come."--could sell the relics to foreign country, but "as an American and the nearest living relation of that great man, I could not reconcile it with duty to my country or a proper respect to his memory to transfer them to foreign hands."--"From the high character of Boston for munificence and public spirit ... it has been suggested to me, that citizens of that place would in all liklihood form an association for the purpose, and take charge of these relicks, or deposit them in some public institution ..."--deeply in debt--must get money or sell his farm--Green Hill in Montgomerie county--wants to borrow $5000 immediately, giving farm as security--also, a lien on the books, papers, etc.--should proposed disposition be made of these, loan of $5000 to be pd. immediately--will not offer family servants as security--if his plan for disposition of relicts can be done, they can arrange terms--he will name no price yet. Name on original manuscript appears as "G. C. Washington." Autograph letter signed, draft, docketed, with an envelope addressed to G.C. Washington and docketed by him "Correspondence with Abbot Lawrence Esq. in relation to the Washington papers and books," watermark.

Names:

Washington, George Corbin, 1789-1854

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