This document unveils a fascinating piece of history, a direct transcription of a letter penned by George Washington to Mr. John Posey on June 11th, 1769. The letter, originating from Mount Vernon, delves into the intricate financial relationship between Washington and Posey, shedding light on the economic realities of colonial Virginia and the personal challenges faced by individuals like John Posey during this period.
Unpacking the 1769 Letter from George Washington to John Posey
This correspondence, written in the formal and direct style characteristic of 18th-century business communications, immediately addresses pressing matters. Washington’s opening acknowledges news of John Posey‘s remarriage, offering congratulations before swiftly transitioning to the core subject: Posey’s escalating financial difficulties and their impact on Washington.
The letter reveals a complex web of debt and obligation. Washington, acting as a creditor and security for John Posey, expresses growing concern over Posey’s affairs in Fairfax County, Virginia. The situation has reached a “crisis,” prompting Washington to formally remind John Posey of the outstanding matters between them.
The Looming Financial Crisis for John Posey
Washington details the grim financial landscape facing John Posey. He mentions that assets not secured to Washington have been seized (“Attached”), with many already sold and the remainder on the verge of being liquidated. Crucially, even some possessions included in a previous Bill of Sale to Washington have suffered the same fate, further compounded by “unforeseen Accidents” causing continuous depletion of value.
This paints a vivid picture of John Posey‘s precarious situation. Legal actions and attachments were common methods of debt recovery in colonial times, and Washington’s letter indicates that Posey was deeply entangled in this system. The mention of “unforeseen Accidents” hints at the vulnerabilities of property and assets in an agrarian society, where weather, disease, and other unpredictable events could dramatically impact financial stability.
Entanglements and Obligations: Colonel Mason, Mr. Ross, and James Cheston
The letter further names other key figures involved in John Posey‘s financial woes, highlighting the interconnected nature of colonial society’s economic relationships:
- Colonel Mason: George Mason, a prominent Virginian planter and politician, was another creditor to John Posey. Washington acted as security for Posey’s bond to Mason. Mason’s increasing urgency for repayment adds to the pressure on both Posey and Washington. The detail about Mason’s anticipated but unrealized payment of £350 from “the Publick” for “executed Negroes” offers a stark reminder of the reliance on enslaved labor and the financial transactions tied to it during this era.
- Mr. Ross and Others: These individuals initiated a Bill in Chancery against both John Posey and Washington. This legal action aimed to force the sale of Posey’s estate to settle debts owed to Washington and, presumably, others. The Chancery Court was a court of equity, and this lawsuit underscores the seriousness of Posey’s financial predicament, moving towards a forced sale of his land.
- James Cheston: Cheston’s Bill in Chancery, mentioned as being reported in the “Gazette,” targeted John Posey‘s new wife and her family in Maryland. This lawsuit, on behalf of Messrs. Sedgley & Hilhouse, sought to seize the real estate of Robert Idair (Posey’s wife’s relative) to cover debts, due to insufficient personal assets. This legal action effectively blocked John Posey from leveraging any newly acquired assets in Maryland to resolve his Virginia debts, further limiting his options.
These references illustrate the complex legal and financial environment of the time, where individuals could be pursued by multiple creditors through various legal channels. John Posey was clearly facing a multi-front financial assault.
Washington’s Proposed Solution: Land Acquisition
Faced with these pressing issues, Washington proposes a pragmatic solution centered on land. He suggests that John Posey selling his 200 acres of land in Virginia to Washington might be the most sensible course of action. Washington argues the land, separated from Posey’s previous holdings and lacking essential resources (“Timber, Fencing, nor Firing”), is no longer viable as a residence for Posey. Its primary value, Washington asserts, is its sale price.
Washington candidly reveals his motivation for wanting to purchase the land. He needs a place to relocate some of his enslaved laborers from lands near Williamsburg, as he intends to consolidate his workforce closer to Mount Vernon. This provides a glimpse into the logistical and economic considerations of managing a large agricultural operation reliant on enslaved labor. Washington also mentions wanting to make “preparations, and alterations” on the land before the fall planting season, indicating a strategic agricultural plan.
Alt Text: Mount Vernon mansion in 1792, showcasing the grand estate of George Washington, relevant to discussions of land ownership and colonial Virginia.
Negotiating the Crop and Immediate Possession
Washington anticipates a potential obstacle: John Posey‘s current crop growing on the land. He proposes several ways to handle this, including direct agreement on value, valuation by impartial parties, or even auctioning the crop as it stands. He argues that selling the crop quickly, along with other assets, might be advantageous for John Posey.
Washington reasons that delaying the sale risks the crop being seized by creditors anyway, potentially leading to waste and reduced value. He also points out John Posey‘s immediate logistical problems – lack of bread for his people and food for his horses – making it difficult to effectively manage the ongoing crop. A swift sale, Washington suggests, could resolve these immediate issues and provide funds when money is “easiest obtaind” (around market time), potentially yielding better returns than piecemeal sales under duress.
Lund Washington as Intermediary
Washington concludes by emphasizing his primary interest in acquiring the land and requests John Posey‘s “ultimate determination.” He mentions Lund Washington, George Washington’s distant cousin and estate manager, as an intermediary who is familiar with Washington’s “Sentiments on the matter” and can provide further explanation. This reliance on Lund Washington highlights the practicalities of managing business affairs across distances in the 18th century.
Washington acknowledges that any agreement might be conditional, subject to Mr. Ross’s approval, given the ongoing Chancery suit. However, he expresses confidence that offering a favorable price for the land will likely secure Ross’s agreement. He even suggests keeping the potential land deal quiet until “matters coud be properly prepared,” indicating a strategic approach to negotiations.
Alt Text: Portrait of Lund Washington, George Washington’s estate manager and a key figure in facilitating communications and transactions, as referenced in the letter to John Posey.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into Colonial American Life through John Posey’s Predicament
This letter from George Washington to John Posey is more than just a business correspondence; it’s a window into the economic and social realities of colonial Virginia. It reveals the pressures of debt, the importance of land ownership, and the intricate web of relationships that shaped colonial society. While focusing on the specific financial issues between Washington and John Posey, the letter provides valuable insights into the lives and challenges faced by individuals in 1769 America. The urgency in Washington’s tone and the detailed description of John Posey‘s financial straits underscore the precariousness of economic life and the ever-present threat of financial ruin in the colonial era. The letter serves as a stark reminder of the human stories behind historical documents, illuminating the personal struggles intertwined with broader historical narratives.
