- 286
Washington, George
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Autograph document signed ("Go: Washington") as a Member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, Delegate to the Continental Congress, and Justice of Fairfax
- paper, ink
One page (12 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 324 x 199 mm) on a bifolium, [Alexandria, Virginia], 14 January 1774, witnessed and sealed by George Young, bearing on the verso a an autograph document signed by George William Fairfax ("G. W. Fairfax"), n.p., 18 June 1773, appointing Craven Peyton his "collector and receiver" for "all of my tenants in Virginia …"; minor repair at central and horizontal folds.
Provenance
Christie's New York, 19 May 1995, lot 86 (undesignated consignor)
Condition
One page (12 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 324 x 199 mm) on a bifolium, [Alexandria, Virginia], 14 January 1774, witnessed and sealed by George Young, bearing on the verso a an autograph document signed by George William Fairfax ("G. W. Fairfax"), n.p., 18 June 1773, appointing Craven Peyton his "collector and receiver" for "all of my tenants in Virginia ..."; minor repair at central and horizontal folds.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Washington gives his power of attorney in the management of the lands and properties of his neighbor George William Fairfax: "By Virtue of the Power & authority to me given by the Honble. George William Fairfax Esqr. by the Letter of Attorney bearing date the Eighth day of July One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy three; in and by which all other, and former pwers by him given (in this Colony) are revoked and rendered void; I do hereby constitute & appoint the within named Craven Peyton Gentln. Attorney for all and singular the purposes within mentioned; As also for the further purposes of acknowledging Leases for Land Let & terms agreed on by the said George William Fairfax in the Counties of Culpeper and Fauquier; As also for conveying Sundry small pieces or parcels of Land, sold by the said Geo. William Fairfax to Majr. Angus McDonald, and Mr. Philr. Bush, both of Frederick County, as shall appear by his the said Fairfax's Bonds to the sd. McDonald & Bush."
Fairfax went to England on business in 1773 and remained there until his death in 1787. With Washington's attentions increasingly focused elsewhere, he employed the present document to relieve himself of the burden of overseeing the management of Fairfax's extensive lands. Washington's diary records that on the date of the present document "Mr, Craven Peyton came to Dinr. & went away afterwards" (The Diaries of George Washington, ed. Jackson, 3:226).