Mount Vernon, Otober 24, 1797.

    Dear Sir: You ask what is absolutely out of my power to comply with, unless I was to place myself exactly in the situation you represent yourself to be (without converting Bank stock into Cash, which I am not inclined to do), that is, unprepared to face my own engagements; which, for Wheat, Rye, Workmen's wages &ca. &ca. are hourly coming upon me, and expected. Three thousand dollars (without going into a correct examination of the Accts.) is more than I have in the Bank of Alexandria, and (for running calls) in my Desk.

    Had you asked for a thousand dollars of these, or if that sum would answer any valuable purpose I would, inconvenient as it might prove to me, Give a check on the Bank. Your letter being just presented, company here, and dinner ready, I can only add that I am Yr. etc.

    [N.Y.P.L.]