After Martha Washington's death, Bushrod Washington inherited Mount Vernon from his uncle George Washington and most of Washington's belongings. He would go on to become a supreme court justice.
In early January of 1825, Bushrod's nephew penned a letter offering Bushrod pigs for sale. I'm uncertain who the nephew is who wrote this letter. Perhaps, one of you with more expertise than me could tell me? I think it might be George Corbin Washington.
Transcript follows - I had a very hard time with this transcription, and I invite you to help wherever you see bracketed numbers. Leave your transcriptions in the comments.
Green Hill January 11, 1825
My dear uncle,
My wagon will go to town on Friday with wheat and will take down a pair of pigs of the [1] and [2] mixture. They are about eight weeks old and by care and attraction for their first [3] may be made for [4] large hogs.
The peculiar advantage of this breed is they’re quiet domestic [5]. They will never stray from the kitchen or farm yard and will be fat [6] once that would not support other hugs. I have sows of this bread so fat that they walk with difficulty and only get what they can pick up in the kitchen and farm yards. My wagon shall be, for your [7], on this side of the Potomac bridge by 11 AM on Friday next and will wait until [8]. If your wagon does not arrive by that time, I shall conclude that you did not receive my letter in time to send up. In which event I must ask the favor of you to let your wagons or cart take the town to [9] where the pigs will be left. The distance is considerable and the [10] fine. Bushrod carry all [11] well for the conveyance of the gentlemen. The [12] of [13] Holland [14] I will send by your wagon two [15] the postage.
Please inform cousin Jane that I have bespoke a [16] of [17] at Mr. Burnett, his price is from 35 pounds to 45 pounds. He assured me to have made these at 40 pounds they will be done in a few days so I will [18] have to inform me, if the [19] is to be engraved and if so what it is.
We are all well and [20] love to aunt you and our [21] with you.
Sincerely yours [22] nephew.
[23] Washington
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