From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 25 June 1782

Mr Lund Washington having furnished me with copies of the Accts with Mr Custis, I have drawn the whole into one view and sent it herewith, I could not Balle the Acct because of the blank Articles in it; and because there may be, on Mr Custis’s books, some charges against me of which I have no knowledge—with regard to the first, I leave it to you to extend the Sums in any manner you shall think just and reasonable—Mr Custis complained heavily of, & objected to the valuation of the Stock &ca as fixed by Colo. Bassett (as may appear by his Letters) & was answered, that it might be settled in any other way as I wanted nothing but justice, & had no doubt of his being actuated by the same principle. The rate of Exchange between Stirling & Curry I leave also to you to extend; as you know how this kind of business is regulated at this time, in Virginia—I do not nor how much £100 Stirlg will fetch. When you have settled these matters, and have ballanced the Acct be so good as to transmit me the sevl sums; that I may make the Copy of the Acct (which I have kept by me) corrispond with the one sent, when the blanks are filled up.

I perceive your unwillingness, to undertake the Guardianship of Mr Custis’s Children and tho’ your reasons have weight in them, & some trouble must ensue consequent of this trust; I cannot help once more, expressing my wish to see you vested with it. In deed I know of no other in whom it can be placed with any degree of propriety; or whose situation & proximity to the Estate, and General Court, will enable him, or them to discharge the duties required with more convenience & ease. When the business of the Administration is clered, the principal trouble will be to settle annual Accts & provide a good Steward; the last of which must, situated as the Estate is, be under your immediate eye. the advantage of which, every person who has had any thing to do with overseers, & Plantations at a distance, must be amply convinced of.

If your conjectures of Posey be true, it will be an unfortunate circumstance indeed; and I confess, there is but too much reason to apprehend it—I conceived a bad opinion of him from the agreement I heard he had made with Mr Custis; & it was encreased, when I came to talk with him on the subject, in my way up.

I am clearly in sentiment with you respecting the propriety of removing the Negros & Renting the Eastern shore Estate till the Heir comes of Age—but till peace and tranquility is restored, I think it had best be rented from year to year only—With respect to the Annual value of it, I can give no opinion; but should conceive the best mode of renting it high, will be to advertise it, not only in the Public Gazettes of Virginia & Maryland, but at the Court House of the County it is in, & the one next adjacent; desiring all Persons who incline to Rent to give in His or her proposals before a certain day, on which it will be let to them who have made the best offer previous to it.

It gives me much pleasure to hear that you, family & friends are well—pray offer my best respects to them in wch your sister joins; & believe me to be Yr Most Obedt & Affte frd