Washington, George

Autograph letter signed ("G^o Washington"), 1 page with integral address leaf (9 1/8 x 7 1/2 in.; 232 x 190 mm), Mount Vernon, 13 April 1775, to John Dickinson at Fairhill PA; formerly folded, seal tear without loss, a few light spots, some soiling at creases,small tears at four blank corners of address leaf possibly from prior mounting.

Abbot & Twohig, eds. Papers of GW, Colonial 10:337

formerly folded, seal tear without loss, a few light spots some soiling at creases,small tears at four blank corners of address leaf possibly from prior mounting.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Washington frustrated in the real estate market.

Between the wars, Washington lived the life of a Virginia gentleman, making frequent purchases of land to expand Mount Vernon. In the present letter, written to John Dickinson (1732-1808), author of the Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, he despairs of further purchases as the King has prohibited release of further properties: "If the letters I have given him to the Governor, and others, will, in the smallest degree contribute to his success, I shall think myself happy; but I dispair[sic] of it at this time, as his Lordship is, I know, under a prohibition, by a late Instruction, to grant no more Lands to the Westward of us (but on certain Conditions) till his Majestys further pleasure be made known — this has put a stop to the Issuing of Patents from the Secretary's Office for Lands which have been Surveyed by the Gov[erno]rs express Warrants; and leaves the Proprietors of them in a state of uncertainty after being run to the expence of a Survey, & other Costs so strange, & inconsistent is the policy of the times."