Letter not found: from Francis Deakins, 26 Dec. 1796. GW wrote Deakins on 15 Jan. 1798: “I ought also, though late … acknowledge that your obliging letter of the 26th of Decr 1796 came safe to my hands” (see Papers, Retirement Series description begins W. W. Abbot et al., eds. The Papers of George Washington, Retirement Series. 4 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1998–99. description ends 2:23–25).