To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 5 October 1783

It is with extreme Reluctance, I trouble your Excellency with the Subject of this Address: But I am constrained to it, from a Sense of duty and Justice. I am Sole and surviving Executor, to two estates in the City of Newyork, one of them has suffered by my not going in, to dispose of an house, while Money was plenty, and before so many houses were sold belonging to Persons, who intend leaving the State: And the Heirs are suffering, if not in distress for want of the Money, which might arise from the Legacies left. I was deterred from availing myself of that favorable opportunity, to make Sale of the house, in hopes, the British would long ere this have left the City, and to avoid setting a bad example. But their Stay has been lengthend out, far beyond, my expectation. And it is not easy even now to fix, on a near Period, when they will evacuate the City. I therefore beg your Excellencys permission, to go in to attend to that Concern. I am with great Truth and Respect Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant