To Lawrence Lewis
Mt Vernon March 22. 1820
Dear Sir
I got nearly as far as your mill today to take leave of you & Mrs L. before our departure from home, and also to see you on the business to which the accompanying letter relates; but was informed by your ditchers that you & Mrs L. had not returned from Georgetown, but were expected today. as I shall leave home on Saturday and shall be very much employed in the mean time in making my preparations, I am not sure that I can visit W.L. before my departure; in which case I wish to know what you think of Mr Alexanders proposition to allow him a stay of execution for two instead of one year as I had proposed. I have no objection myself in case he should first make you an assignment of the debt & securities mentioned in his letter to me, or rather in Mr Ludwell Lees letter in his behalf. I must write to him as soon as I hear from you.
I am about to build a brick Chimney at the first share which must be done immediately‑ Every thing is prepared— Can you hire Reuben for the Job and send him tomorrow? With West to assist him in laying the bricks, and hands to attend, they may complete it early this week. Let me hear from you. With best regards to Mrs. L. & cousin F. I am my dr Sir affecttly yrs
Bush. Washington
P.S. Return me Mr A’s letter. Have you the letter Mr Lee wrote me & my answer? I have an indistinct recollection that I sent or delivered them to you, in order to enable you to act in case Mr A. should come down whilst I was at Washington.
ALS, ViMtvL: Esther Maria Lewis Chapin Collection.