I did not sufficiently understand the business stated in your letter to return you an immediate answer. I now perceive that the money is deposited to your credit in the valley Bank at Charlestown, and as it is all to be paid to persons residing near the Bank, I think it best for us not to negotiate the Check in Alexandria, but for you to enclose to Bushrod C. Washington a check on the Valley Bank payable to Thornton Washington or order for his half of the—— $4903.80, and another payable to Bushrod himself or order for $2031 which together with the $420.90 reserved for Mr Turner will be Doctr Schollys half, & request Bushrod in my name to call immediately on those gentlemen & pay them & take their receipts as for so much recd from us as Executors of Gen Washington. My reason for your¹drawing the check intended for Scholly payable to Bushrod is that I do not know the Christian name of that gentleman & of course you could not draw the check payable to his order which ought always to be done to avoid the danger of accidents which may befal the check on its passage. I am Dear Sir affectly yrs