To Mathew Carey & Son
Mount Vernon June 18. 1817
Gentn.
Soon after my return from Phila. I recd the box of books mentioned in your letter of the 10th April. I find all the volumes of "Conviction"; but of "Crimes & characters" and "The Subterranean Cavern" there is one volume of each missing. These I shall return to you by the first safe opportunity. I packed the books myself when they were sent to you, and can therefore assert with confidence that their was not one volume deficient. After deducting the price of the above books viz. £ 1.10 Llg. you can draw upon me at any time for the balance payable at sight.
[Bush Washington]1
P.S. as Mrs Washington considers the two novels abovementioned the best in the Collection & indulges a hope that the missing volumes may yet be found in your store, I will retain those in my possession until I hear from you & am informed whether you wish them to be immediately forwarded to you— It shall be done if you desire it; But if you will hve a search made for the lost volumes & should succeed in finding them, Mrs W. will be very much pleased to take them.
Source Note
ALS, PHi: Lea & Febiger Records. Carey noted that he received and answered the letter on 21 June 1817.
1. The signature of this letter has been cut out.
Note: Because this document is only a verified first-pass transcription, it and the document metadata may still contain errors.