The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-26
j. P MORGAN TELLS HOW MARTHA WASHINGTON
WILL WAS RESCUED AND SOLD TO HIS FATHER

custodians and asked for the return
courtesy of the receipt OF photographs
of the will Of George Washington,
which is the most valued of Fairfax
county's old documents. This was
turned down and legal measures threat
ened.
virginia Authorizes q Suit.
After the Legislature of Virginia Rad
voted to authorize a suit against Mr..
Morgan 1t was finally decided to hold
up such measures until Gov. Stuart had
had an opportunity to correspond with
Mr. Morgan In another attempt to get
the document amicaby.
Mr. Morgan replied 80 the represen-
tations Of the Governor that his one de-
sire was to have the document finally
placed so that 1t would be best pre-
served and Of the best use to the peo-
pie OF the United States The sugges-
ton at which Fairfax county balks
completely Is that the citizens
of Fairfax county would agree to have
the George Washington will taken to
either OF the places he stipulated.
whereupon Mr.. Morgan would gladly
place the Martha Washington will be-
side It.
Gov. Stuart has rejected this propo-
sition. As affairs now stand 1t remains
to he seen II the State OF Virginia will
press the suit against Mr.. Morgan
which the Legislature has authorized.
The entire correspondence between
Gov. Stuart and Mr.. Morgan, given out
to-day. follows:
Gov. stuart Writes 20 Mr.. Morgan.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, GOVERNORS OFFICE.
RICHMOND, Va. March Is. 1914.
My DEAR Sir: Realizing that you are
fully informed as to 'he recent agitation
Washington WILL and the various pro-
ceedings in relation thereto. I feel that
II is unnecessary to present to you any
l'detailed statement on the subject.
Coming into the Governorship OF the
State on Feb. Of this year. and looking
carefully into the whole situation Of
affairs as then presented. IL occurred TO
mo that II would be proper to take the
matter up with you through "A representa-
tive Virginian living in New York
Acting on this idea, l requested Mr..
Walter L. McCorkle. president OF the
Now York Southern Society, to call on
you and state my desire that some limo
OF action might be taken which would be
deemed mutually agreeable. This he has
done as my friend and representative.
In accordance with his suggestion. I
now write TO you personally on the sub
ject to express the hope that some happy
! adjustment OF the matter may have oc-
CURED to you which will be satisfactory
to all parties concerned.
Awaiting your suggestions. which 7
I trust will be responsive at least in spirit
TO the respectful and courteous consider
alton which controls my own action,
am very truly yours.
II. c. STUART Governor.
Mr.. J. r. Morgan, New York. ". y.
Mr. Morgan suxGest. VT. vernon.
MARCH II. 1914
Hon II. e. stuart, Governor Of virotnic,
Richmond. Va:
My DEAR SrR-I am very pleased in
deed to receive your letter of March 10
in regard 10 the will of Martha Wash
ington. which is now In my possession.
! may mention that the visit OF Mr.. Wal
| ter L. McCortlc. to which you refer. and
your very agreeable letter. constitute the
only official word l have had upon this
subject.
In regard to the will. have only one
| desire. which is that the document should
be where Il can be best preserved and Of
most use 10 the people OF the United
States. | am sure that this is also the
desire Of Yourself and OF the Common
wealth of Virginia. I therefore venture
TO make the following sugg, stions:
The Fairfax County Court House. from
what 7 am informed. II not fireproof. nor
are documents there kept in such way
az to make them available to any large
! number OF people. I also understand that
the original will OF George Washington il
! at present stored IN that court house. !
suggest, therefore. that the Common
| wealth OF Virginia. or Fairfax county.
should direct the keeper Of tho documents
In the court house to place the original
will of George Washington on exhibition
at Mount Vernon. for an indefinite
period. where II would be available for