The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-08-26
INTERESTING RELIC OF oLDEx TIME.


[From the Frankfort (Ky.) Yeoman, August 22J
The original OF the following letter from George
session Of Colonel George Hancock, of JEFFERSON
county, and was recently copied by us for publica-
clear. flowing hand of the distinguished writer,
and u marked with the peculiar neatness, ease
OF comp9sition and care IN punctuation which
relating to private business is valuable only as Illus
trating the close attention given by him to all such
matters, and the excellent Judgment with which he
conducted his private as We'll as public affairs: The
latter part OF the letter possesses valuable historic
interest as relating subject in which the fate of
the republic was so intimately concerned. The con-
ventiOn to remodel the federal system had been ap.
pointed to meet in May, and yet on the 10th OF
March, IL VIII be seen Washington, though appointed
by Virginia at the head her delegation had declined
all entreaties to attend. Within fortnight after,
through the Governor and to letters from friends In
various States, he consented to co. on the 2Stn OF
ginia Randolph In which, after stating the reasons
which had Influenced him to decline attending the
convention, the influence OF which he still felt ne
added:-"HOwever, as my friends, with o degree OF
sOlictude which Is unusual seem to wish Tor my at
tendance ON this occasion have come to resolution
lapse Of time between your Excellencys letter and
this reply, the executive may not nave turned their
ance upon the convention, his election as its pre-
siding officer, and the happy results which followed,
history bears full record General James Mercer, to
whom the letter is addressed was the brother OF
General Hugh Mercer, who served with Washington
in the Indian wars, terminating In 1853 and VINO
one of Washingtons divisions
LETTER FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON TO GENERAL
JAMES MERCER.
MOUNT VERNON, 18th March, 1887.
DEAR SIR-Your favor OF the 10th came duly to
hand, and with very sincere concern read the ac-
count OF your Ill health; but II your other COM
plants have left you, the asthma, though trouble
some and distressing Is not dangerous one; will
hope, therefore, that the agreeable season. which is
fast approaching will perfectly restore you to good
health.
Under cover with this you will receive the original
deed for the lands on four mile run, which you will
please to return when your purposes are answered
by the reference to 1t for drawing the deed of con-
armation; for your justice In offering which, and
warmest Acknowledgements.
~; The mode suggested by You to obtain the bond
Judgment the only proper one; so far as it respects
you or the OF your father Or the credit
whether you acct. with me or them, for the principal
and interest of the sum which was to have been paid
for the s,., land under the circumstances Of
mined to be in you, so much win have been
discounted from my demand on the estate-if
Of Linds 4 Cozenova what otherwise would have
been demanded OF me The case with me would be
teresi in final settlement and my bond remains un.
retired, am open to prosecution thereon; and
may be greatly distressed by the actual payment
after having allowed 1t in q discount, before can
have any redress, which would very lily accord with
the present state OF my finances. Should Mr..
McCoull refuse to accede to your proposal it would
fmp! strongly his Intention Of res0rting to for
payment
However DESTROYS am, and always shall be, to
comply with any commands Of my country, do
not conceive that can, with consistent conduct,
atterd the proposed convention to he holden in Phil
Adelphia in May next For besides the declaration
which made In very solemn manner when l was
about to retire. OF bidding adeu to all public employ
ment, had just before the appointment Of delegates
to this convention, written and despatched circu-
lar letters to the several State societies OF the
Cincinnati informing them of my intention not to
attend the general meeting which was to take place
about the same time and In the same city,-and as
signed reasons which apply as forcibly In the one
Aa as the other. Under these circumstances to at
terd the convention might be considered disrespect-
fl to worthy set OF men for whose attachment and
support on so many occasions shall ever feel the
hkhest gratitude and affection.
1t Is unnecessary hope to you OF the pleas
ue shall always receive at seeing you here when
ever business or your health will permit. The latter
possibly, might be benefited by the change Of air.
With sincere esteem and reg'd, am dear sir, y'r
, most 0b't serv't GEO. WASHINGTON
' General JAMES MERCER.