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- GLC#
- GLC03705
- Type
- Letters
- Date
- September 9, 1786
- Author/Creator
- Washington, George, 1732-1799
- Title
- to John Francis Mercer
- Place Written
- Mount Vernon, Virginia
- Pagination
- 3 p. : docket ; Height: 22.8 cm, Width: 18.2 cm
- Primary time period
- The New Nation, 1783-1815
- Sub-Era
- Creating a New Government
Washington replies to a letter from Mercer, noting that he would have replied sooner, but he had a fever. Expresses his plan to never enslaved another person again, and his wish that slavery be abolished by "slow, sure & imperceptible degrees." Discusses financial matters, mentioning a debt he owes Governor George Clinton of New York, which was supposed to have been repaid within twelve months of "the Peace" (1783). For what remains of the loan, Washington is paying seven percent interest. Mentions another, higher debt he owes to an unspecified individual, and that repayment of this loan may be postponed.
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