Lot 255

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Description:

GEORGE WASHINGTON
(1732 - 1799) First President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Manuscript D.S. 1p. oblong 8vo., July 14, 1785, as President of the Powtomack Company, Washington confirms the receipt for a payment to William Hartshorne for: "...10 Barrels Beef a C of 30 [pounds] payable 15th July 1785...". Additionally signed by JONAH WATSON, GEORGE GIPLIN, and JOHN FITZGERALD. The two latter were military aides to Washington during the Revolutionary War, while Watson was a Virginia merchant. In September 1784, Washington joined with others, then chiefly Virginians, to form the Powtomack Company, whose purpose was to remove the impediments to navigation past the falls and so clear the way to the development of the lands beyond, all the way to the Ohio River. Washington was elected President with Fitzgerald and George Gilpin among the four other directors. Construction commenced with only white laborers, but soon Washington arranged for the purchase of 60 slaves and the hiring of 100 freedmen, who could be better controlled. Despite having opened 338 miles to navigation, ownership of the canal was not profitable and the company languished until the chartering of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, which took over the Potowmack Company's works. Evenly toned, very good condition.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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