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139 WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed to Richard Sprigg, regarding breeding a donkey. 29 June 1786 The founder as farmer at Mount Vernon George Washington writes from his retirement at Mount Vernon, before his election to the presidency, on husbandry and breeding a donkey. The recipient Richard Sprigg (1739–1798) of Annapolis, Maryland, corresponded with Washington various times concerning farm matters; Sprigg’s Strawberry Hill home, one of the finest in the area, was famous for its gardens and orchards (Jackson & Twohig, p. 121 n ). Washington writes “Dear Sir, When your favor of the first inst., accompanying the she ass, came to this place, I was from home – both however arrived safe; but Doct. Bowie informs me that the bitch puppy was not brought to his house. Nor have I heard any thing more of the asses at Marlbro’, nor of the grass seeds committed to the care of Mr. Digges. I feel myself obliged by your polite offer of the first fruit of your jenny. Though in appearance quite unequal to the match, yet, like a true female, she was not to be terrified at the disproportional size of her paramour; and having renewed the conflict twice or thrice it is to be hoped the issue will be
favourable. My best respects attend [Mrs Sprigg] & the rest of your family. With great esteem & regard, I am Dr. Sir Yr. most ob. serv. Go. Washington”. This letter is recorded by the Washington Papers, though misdated 28 June, having been transcribed and recorded from a George D. Smith catalogue, where it appeared in the early years of the 20th century (Smith died in 1920). Since then, the address leaf and Mrs Sprigg’s name have been removed from the document. Sprigg had written to Washington on 1 June sending the animals and seed, also recorded by the Washington Papers. Washington and Sprigg’s association lasted many years – Washington’s diary shows him dining with Sprigg as early as 29 September 1773. In the Revolutionary War Sprigg was a member of the committee named in Anne Arundel County to enforce the resolutions and ordinances enacted by the Continental Congress. Quarto bifolium (231 × 183 mm), 25 lines in Washington’s hand on first page, interior pages blank, integral address on terminal page; backed with silk. Fold lines, lightly tanned, slight chipping along extremities and folds, loss to address leaf, resulting in loss of addressee’s name, name effaced from main text (see note). Overall good condition. ¶ Donald Jackson & Dorothy Twohig, eds., The Diaries of George Washington , vol. IV, 1978. The letter, along with Sprigg’s letter of 1 June, is published in W. W. Abbot, ed., The Papers of George Washington , vol. IV, 1995. £32,500 [159184]
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