Beschreibung:

CHECK]. WASHINGTON, GEORGE, President . Partly printed document (check) accomplished and signed ("G: Washington"), Mount Vernon [Virginia], 22 October 1798. 1 page, an oblong, 72 x 180 mm. (2 5/8 x 7 in.), cut cancellation not affecting text or signature, light browning to right-hand portion, matted and framed with letters regarding its provenance(see below) , three sides of the check with decorative typographical borders, headed "To the Bank at Alexandria." The former President has crossed out "Alexandria" on the check and written "Mount Vernon." Washington orders payment of $250.00 to Thomas Peter or bearer. Thomas and Martha Peter frequently entertained the Washingtons at their Georgetown home and Thomas acted as agent in a number of business transactions on Washington's behalf, including the sale of tobacco from Mount Vernon. Printed checks of the first President are uncommon. In the past decade, only three have appeared at auction: one to James Craik last sold in 1995 for $20,000; one in rather worn condition to William Thornton was last sold 10 years ago for $5,000, and one to Bennett & Watts was part of a collection formed by Philip D. Sang (offered here 9 December 1994, lot 143). One other to William Wilson was offered for $15,000 in an extensive collection of checks offered a dealer 's catalogue in 1991 and we are aware of another in a West-coast private collection. Provenance : 1. George Washington, "son of Rebecca Washington of Claymount, Jefferson County, Virginia and grand nephew of General Washington," given in 1859 to 2. Edwin L. Harris, who in a letter to Alfred Wheeler San Francisco, 13 June 1861, 1p., 4to , describes receiving the check from the above 3. Alfred Wheeler who in a letter to Ogden Mills, San Francisco, 9 September 1872, 1 p., 4to , gives the document to Mills for his collection and adds: "I do not doubt that it will be to you, as it has been to me, an object of great interest, and awaken much curiosity." 4. Ogden Mills (1858-1929).