(George Washington)

John Butcher, autograph letter signed ("John Butcher"), 2 pages (13 1/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 333 x 197 mm) on a bifolium, 4 January 1800, Alexandria, Virginia, to Sarah Horner at Philadelphia, with integral address leaf; small seal tear and repair, tiny loss due to ink blot. 

John Butcher, autograph letter signed ("John Butcher"), 2 pages (13 1/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 333 x 197 mm) on a bifolium, 4 January 1800, Alexandria, Virginia, to Sarah Horner at Philadelphia, with integral address leaf; small seal tear and repair, tiny loss due to ink blot.
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.

NINETEEN DAYS AFTER WASHINGTON'S DEATH, AN ALEXANDRIA NEIGHBOR SENDS "PLEASING" NEWS ABOUT THE LATE PRESIDENT'S WILL.

"I heard a pleasing piece of Intelagance, I was thinking, who I should communicate it to that thay mite be pleased too and my thought turned on thee knowing that thou has some tender fealings for the aflicted, General G Washington has Willed all his Negroes free 130 in number who are to Injoy it as soon as thair Mistress is Dead or as much sooner as she may think proper[.]  It is Expected that she will set them at liberty soon & further a relation of his of the name of Lawrance Washington & Wife Departed a short time since Left all thairs free to a Considerable Number—" 

Butcher's correspondent was likely Sarah (Potts) Horner, the second wife of Butcher’s former (because widowed) brother-in-law, Benjamin Horner, a Philadelphia merchant. So not surprisingly, the balance of the letter contains personal and family news. Butcher did, however, add an interesting footnote about the events at Mount Vernon. He placed an asterisk after the phrase "Willed all his Negroes free 130 in number," and explained at the bottom of the page, where he put a corresponding asterisk, "N.B. those advanced in Years, are to be maintained by the Estate."

Martha Washington signed the deed of manumission for her late husband's slaves in December 1800, and they officially became free on 1 January 1801.