To George Washington from Richard Fitzhugh, 6 July 1793
From Richard Fitzhugh
Ravensworth1 [Va.] July 6th 1793
Sir
Agreable to your request, I applied to Mr Gwinn respecting his undertaking the stewardship at Mount Vernon and have at his particular desire, to inform you that while he continues to act in that Capacity, he cannot with propriety decline the business of his present Employer: however that it would give him pleasure to render you any temporary service in riding down frequently & attending to your Business until you may be able to suit yourself in a Manager.2
I am really sorry for the loss you have sustained in the death of so skilful & valuable a Farmer as the late Mr Whiting tho’ I wish you may soon furnish yourself with a successor equal to him.3 I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Mo. Obdt Hble Servt
Richd Fitzhugh
ALS, DLC:GW. Notations on the cover read: “Alex. 8 July” and “Free.”
1. Richard Fitzhugh’s (1766–1821) share of the family estate of Ravensworth was in present-day Annandale, Fairfax County, Virginia.
2. No written request from GW to Fitzhugh concerning the hiring of Mr. Gwinn has been found. Gwinn has not been identified, but for later mention of him as a possible candidate for manager of Mount Vernon, see Burgess Ball to GW, 11 July 1793.
3. On the recent death of GW’s estate manager Anthony Whitting and GW’s search for a replacement, see Tobias Lear to GW, 24 June, Burgess Ball to GW, 11 July, GW to Henry Lee and to William Tilghman, both 21 July 1793. GW hired William Pearce as manager in late August (GW to Pearce, 26 Aug., Pearce to GW, 30 Aug. 1793).