WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("GW--n") as President, a draft copy of a letter to William Herbert, Philadelphia, 9 May 1793. 1 page, oblong 4to , fine. WASHINGTON HUMBLY ADMITS THAT "MY MEMORY IS TOO TREACHEROUS...WHERE ACCURACY IS NECESSARY" An unusual letter written during Washington's second term as President in which he alludes to the unreliability of his memory. Washington, named as a co-defendant in a suit filed by George West against the Trustees of Alexandria, cannot recall being named a member of that body: "I have duly rec d your letter of the 3 d. of this month with the bill enclosed. In w c h. I do not perceive my name is inserted. If it had, the enclosed would have been my answer." Washington cautions Hebert to check the facts: "before it is exhibited or any use made thereof I pray that the Records of the Trustees of Alexandria may be thoroughly examined to see if any Act of mine shall appear thereon for my memory is too treacherous to place depend c. on it in cases where accuracy is necessary." In a postscript, he requests: "Upon considering my answ r. (unless I am mistaken in point of fact) I hope my name will not appear in the bill returned." The response that Washington sent [not included] asserted that "he doth not recollect that he was ever named or appointed a Trustee or Director, as in the said bill is charged; and is he was ever so named or appointed, he doth not recollect or believe, that he hath at any time qualified or acted as such. This Defendant therefore cannot answer any of the particulars referred to in the said bill, but disclaims and disavows any concern therein, and prays to be hence dismissed" ( Writings , 32, p. 454). Washington's memory was a concern throughout his lifetime, but grew increasingly worse as he aged. Health problems inherent with age increased the President's desire to retire from public life. Thomas Jefferson recounted that Washington once told him: "that he really felt himself growing old; his bodily health less firm; his memory--always bad--becoming worse; and perhaps the other faculties of his mind showing a decay to others of which he was insensible himself" (Flexner, Washington, the Indispensable Man , p. 262). Published in Writings , ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick 32:454).
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("GW--n") as President, a draft copy of a letter to William Herbert, Philadelphia, 9 May 1793. 1 page, oblong 4to , fine. WASHINGTON HUMBLY ADMITS THAT "MY MEMORY IS TOO TREACHEROUS...WHERE ACCURACY IS NECESSARY" An unusual letter written during Washington's second term as President in which he alludes to the unreliability of his memory. Washington, named as a co-defendant in a suit filed by George West against the Trustees of Alexandria, cannot recall being named a member of that body: "I have duly rec d your letter of the 3 d. of this month with the bill enclosed. In w c h. I do not perceive my name is inserted. If it had, the enclosed would have been my answer." Washington cautions Hebert to check the facts: "before it is exhibited or any use made thereof I pray that the Records of the Trustees of Alexandria may be thoroughly examined to see if any Act of mine shall appear thereon for my memory is too treacherous to place depend c. on it in cases where accuracy is necessary." In a postscript, he requests: "Upon considering my answ r. (unless I am mistaken in point of fact) I hope my name will not appear in the bill returned." The response that Washington sent [not included] asserted that "he doth not recollect that he was ever named or appointed a Trustee or Director, as in the said bill is charged; and is he was ever so named or appointed, he doth not recollect or believe, that he hath at any time qualified or acted as such. This Defendant therefore cannot answer any of the particulars referred to in the said bill, but disclaims and disavows any concern therein, and prays to be hence dismissed" ( Writings , 32, p. 454). Washington's memory was a concern throughout his lifetime, but grew increasingly worse as he aged. Health problems inherent with age increased the President's desire to retire from public life. Thomas Jefferson recounted that Washington once told him: "that he really felt himself growing old; his bodily health less firm; his memory--always bad--becoming worse; and perhaps the other faculties of his mind showing a decay to others of which he was insensible himself" (Flexner, Washington, the Indispensable Man , p. 262). Published in Writings , ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick 32:454).
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
