The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-02-13
An Original Letter of General Washington.
now First published


MANLIUs, January 25.-To the Editor Of the
Syracuse journal Upon a recent visit to some
relatives at Grand Rapids, in Michigan, my at
!enuon was called to an original letter of Wash.
ihgtons, IN possession of venerable lady of
mat place, the granddaughter of the gentleman
to whom the letter vas addressed, and also de-
York city.
This letter is so characteristic, and so beauti-
iuuy illustrates the methodic mind and orderly
habits of the "Father OF his Country that
although only business memorandum, think
lis perusal will not fail to interest every one
and l have therefore procured an exact copy,
Whicn now send 10 you for publication. Yours
truly, II, G, VAN SoHAAok.
wAsHNGToN's LETTER.
General Washington presents his compliments
TO MIR. kumney, would esteem it as a particular
favor II Mr.. Rumney would make the following
inquiries as soon as convenient after his arrival
In England, and communicate the result OF them
by the packet, or any other safe or expeditions
conveyance to this country.
First, the terms upon which the best kiud of
Whltehaven blackstone black and white in
equal quantities, could be delivered at the port
oil Alexandria, by the superficial loot, workman
ship, freight, and every other incidental charge
included. The stone to be two and half inches,
or thereabouts, thick, and exactly a loot square,
each kind. To have well-porshed face and
good Joints, SO as that neat floor may be made
Herewith.
Second. Upon what terms the common marble
(back and white, If to be had), same dimen-
eions, could be delivered as above.
Third. As the General has been informed of a
very cheap kind OF marble, good in quality, az
or IN the neighborhood OF Ostend, he would
thank Mr. Rumney, ii it should fall In his wav
TO institute an inquiry into this Also
On the report or MIR Rumney, the General will
take his ultimate determination, for which
reason he prays him to be precise and exact
The piazza or colonnade for which this is wanted
as looris ninety-two feet eight inches by twelve
feet eight inches within the margin or border
that surrounds it. Over and above the quantity
here mentioned, If the above flags are cheap, or
a cheaper kind of hard stone could be had, he
would get as much as would lay floors in the
circular colonnades or covered ways at the wings
OF the house, each OF which at the outer curve is
thirty-elght feet in length by seven feet two
inches in breadth, within the margin Or border
as aforesaid
The General, being in want of a houseioiaer
and brlcklayer, who understand their re5pec-
tive trades perfectly, would thank Mr.. Rumney
for 1nqulring into the terms upon Whicn such
workmen might be engaged Tor two or three
years (the time OF service tn commence upon
the ships arrival at Alexandria, A shorter
term than two years would not Wer, because
foreigners generally have seasoning, which,
with other interruptions too frequently waste
the greater part OF the first year. more to the
disadvantage of the employer than the employed
Bed, board, and tools to be found by the former,
clothing by the latter.
Ii two men of the above trades, and of orderly
and quiet department, could be obtained for
twenty-five or even thirty pounds strg DR.. ami.
each estimating dollars at tour shillings SIX
pence) the General, rather than sustain the loss
OF time necessary for communication, would be
Obliged to Mr. Rumney Tor entering into proper
articles of agreement on his behalf
with them, and sending them by the first vessel
pound 10 TINS port. Go. WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, 9th July, 1884.