George Washington Hand Written & Signed Letter 1796
Of the things that I have collected during the last couple of years – this George Washington letter is by far the craziest piece of memorabilia in our collection.
In this extraordinary handwritten letter, written while George Washington was President, Washington explains the meaning of, what would later become the legal term “Contingency” since this word was not commonly used in this context at the time. George Washington served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army from June 1775 to December 1783.
The letter reads:
Philadelphia 3rd January, 1796
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 16th..Oct. came safe, but not in the time which might have been expected from the date of it. –
Mr. Davie’s letter is herewith returned. – I do not know that more could have been done, than you have attempted to do; but it is exceedingly to be regretted, that villinany – chicainery – and every species of delay, should bring justice in such jeopardy, if it is not, intirely defeated by them. – I shall hope however, that as long as there remains a tolerable chance of coming at it, that the suit will be prosecute; – and Col. Simm and whoever else is employed therein, will exert themselves to the utmost. –
I am of the opinion that good policy dictates the propriety of assuring them a handsome fee, or rather a certain percentage if they succeed; – nothing if they do not. – Trying fees are thrown away upon Lawyers of any eminence for they
excite
Backside of the letter continues…
…excite no exertion, and it cannot be expected that in a case which is, in a manner desperate, and without any appropriate funds, that large fees can be paid from our private purses. – My advances to Mrs. Savage in her life, during the days of her distress, was pretty considerable, and the Clerks and She-riffs fees are continually adding to it – Your I am persuaded are equally thereto, and together, so the expediency of a vigorous effort; which I see no other means of making than the one I have suggested. –
My respects and compliments of the season, in which Mrs. Washington joins me, are offered to Mrs. Fairfax and yourself – And with sincere esteem and regard
I am – Dear Sir
Your Most Obedient & Affectionate Servant
George Washington
