The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-26
POssessOr Offers Two Plans to
Virginia, Which Demands
Document.

tho instruction Of large number of
people. and where II would have the bene-
TT of the great care and protection against
fire now given to Mount Vernon. If this
we're done, should be very glad to pre-
sent the will OF Martha Washington to
the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
for permanent exhibition there. BY this
arrangement the two documents would
be together at the place where they were
made and where a great number OF peO-
pie will have the satisfaction OF seeing
them.
should the Commonwealth Of Virginia
not be willing to do this. because OF the
well-known fact that Mount Vernon itself
Is not freproof. though such excellent
care IL taken to prevent accidents. then
] propose that the Commonwealth should
present the will OF George Washington
TO the Library Of Congress, to be for
ever kept with the public records there.
and should present the will OF Martha
Washington to the nation for the same
disposition. II seems to me that the
bringing together OF the two documents Is
of interest and Importance. II they are
placed at Mount Vernon. they remain In
Fairfax county and would be given as
good care as possible there II they are
placed in the Library OF Congress, they
leave the Commonwealth OF Virginia.
but. on the other hand, they would be In
the custody OF one OF the great libraries
OF the world and In a place which be-
longs 10 the whole nation. II seems to me
that either arrangement would be quite
appropriate. and I shall he pleased in
ever Of the two would be most satisfactory
tory to the Common wealth Of Virginia
! am. dear sir with great respect
yours very truly, J. +. MORGAN.
Gov. stuart Objects.
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
Governors Office.)
RICHMOND. April s. 1914.
). p. Morgan. Esq, 20 Wall Street. NeW
York Ctfp.
MY DEAR SIR am in receipt OF your
very courteous letter of March IL which
would have been acknowledged earlier but
for the necessity for some correspondence
in connection with the subject In hand
and consequent delay incident thereto.
After getting the facts fully before me
j regret to have TO say that your letter
does not meet the views OF the people
whom I represent and for whom speak.
The objection you urge against the de-
livery OF the Martha Washington will TO
Fairfax county is. fear. unfounded. since
II Is stated by prominent persons OF that
county that the clerks office. in which
this will would he kept. and In which the
George Washington will is now on exhi-
bition, Is a brick building with fireproof
vaults. in which all the county records are
preserved. II Is thought by capable and
observant people that the will would be
absolutely safe in this building
I Will suggest. therefore though I will
not urge upon your attention at this juno
turc. that the people OF Virginia hold that
the Martha Washington will Is a part Of
tho records of Fairfax county, and that II
belongs there. II anywhere In Virginia.
We had hoped. and indeed expected
that some agreement could bc arrived at
with respect to this matter which would
be mutually satisfactory. Not wishing to
drop the negotiations nj this stage.
now venture to renew the request made
through my friend and representative
Mr.. Walter l.. McCorkle.
Awaiting your further advices, I am.
very truly yours.
II. G. STUART. Governor.
Mr.. Morgan Replies.
APB0. H. 1914
The Hon ", G. Stuart. Governor Of VIZ.
ofnid. Richmond, Va:
MY DEAR SIR--I am in receipt OF your
letter OF April s and regret to learn from
II that neither OF my suggestions meets
with your approval. The dispositions
which 7 proposed. reached in elaboration,
he made OF these historic documents. and
their declination leaves me at loss for
additional suggestion.
Thanking YOU for the courtesy which
YOU have accorded mo throughout our
exchange Of letters. | am. dear sir. with
great respect, yours very truly.