From John N. Ashton
King Geo. Cty Octr 21st 1823
Dear Sir—
It was fully my intention to have attended the meeting of the Legatees on the first of Novr in Alexa had I not been prevented by a violent attack of the Bilious fever which still keeps me in a very Ill state of health, & as I cannot see what use it would be for my attendance your having employed the prs Taylor, & Swan, to act for me at my request & through your desire, as well as with my own approbation; they will attend to the business fully which I hope you will be friendly enough to inform them of, & shd it be necessary for me to attend I hope you will in time inform me & if I can possibly attend will do so— I must request the favour that you will write me after the meeting & let me know the proceedings of the meeting, & the situation that my Brothers & Sisters interest claim to the final settlement with the Executors of the late Generals Estate— if between this & the meeting of the claimants there should be any thing necessary for me to do I hope de<ar> sir you will apprize me of it that arrangements may be made in time. I have some very old claims against my Brother Burdett upon bond which I hope you will look into for me should it be necessary. I remain Dear Sir Your Obt St
John N. Ashton
ALS, ViU: Notable Families of Virginia. Ashton addressed the letter to BW at Mount Vernon. BW endorsed the letter.