Mount Vernon, September 16, 1788.
Sir: I have some Spring Barley for sale, and if you incline to buy it, would be glad to know what you will give delivered at my landing; or if this is not convenient for you what your price at Baltimore.
It is raised from seed which Colo. Biddle of Philadelphia procured for me from a Mr. Haynes a Brewer of that City; who had it (I am informed) from Rhode Island. It is, which I did not discover till growing, mixed, in a small degree, with oats. I mention it for the sake of plain dealing, and not because I am told it is a common case, and because it is generally so this year in the Eastern14 States.
[Note:Mutilated. The word "Eastern" is supplied from the "Letter Book." ]
Your answer by the first post will much oblige, Sir, Yr. etc. 15
[Note:In the writing of Tobias Lear. From the original in the possession of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union. ]