Mount Vernon, September 18, 1797.

    Mr. Heusler: I should have written to you at an earlier period, but for the following reasons.

    First, because as I informed you, I had written to Scotland for a complete Gardner under Indentures; and expected every day to learn the result of my application. I could not therefore, enter into engagements with another without hazarding a disappointment to one of the parties, or a surplusage of men in that line, which would have been useless, and inconvenient to myself; and secondly, because I requested you not to forego any other plan you might have in contemplation, while I remained in the state of incertitude I had expressed to you.

    I have now, within a day or two, received a letter from the Gentleman to whom I applied in Scotland, to engage me a Gardener, promising that he wd. endeavour to comply with my request, and hoped he should succeed; thus, the matter stands on uncertain ground yet.

    The presumption however is, that a few weeks will decide whether I am to receive a Gardener from Scotland, or not: If the latter, I will delay no time in giving you notice thereof; and will accompany the communication with the specific terms on which I would employ you: which, if you shd. be disengaged at the time, will require no other answer than yea, or nay.

    I can only repeat now, what I said to you when you were here last, that from the circumstances I am under, and the uncertainty of the case, it is not my wish, or desire that you should avoid any employment worthy of your acceptance, in expectation of getting into my Service. I remain etc.

    [N.Y.P.L.]