Mr Stith delivered me your letter of the 28th Novr on the race field at Washington, after which I did not see him, but have been expecting him here for two days. At the time I recd the letter, Mr George Washington, who had gone to Baltimore to dispose of the Stock had not returned. He came the next day having effected a Sale upon as good terms as could be expected, and I expect him here today or tomorrow with the mony— If he does not disappoint me & Mr Stith should also come, I will pay him your proportion. It will fall however far short of your expectations, as more than half of the United States Stock has been applied by Mr Lewis some time ago in discharge of debts due from the estate.

     The Potomack Shares are not sold but transfer'd to the individual legatees— They only sell for $400 in Baltimore, which is a sacrifice that only necessity could induce a Man to make— The James river Shares are not sold, but may be disposed of at par at any time in Richmond, & we shall do it immediately.

     All the Executors have come into the plan which I proposed except Mr Custice with whom I have had no conversation on the Subject. I hope it will answer the expectations I formed from it— if it Should not, I see no alternative but a public Sale.

     I approve of your determination to sell your land in a body— different sales of particular parts would give you infinite trouble and would besides prevent you from making any permanent establishment of funds upon which you could have reliance. There are few Men individually who can make the purchase, but it is probable that when your determination is made known, an association will take place between a few able Men who will divide the property.

     You do not say when you intend to visit the upper Country. Whenever this takes place we shall expect the pleasure of seeing you & Mrs W. at Mt V. If Congress should make no change in the Judiciary establishment, I shall be compelled to leave home with Mrs W. (who will accompany me) about the middle of March & shall not return until Novr. Present my Compts to Mrs W. Love to the boys & believe me sincerely Yr friend