Mount Vernon, August 11, 1797.

    Dear Sir: Your layouts of the 20th. Ulto. and 7th. instant have both been received; the last yesterday.

    If nothing happens to prevent it, I will dispatch a light Cart (not being disposed to lead the Calf the whole distance this warm weather) for Mr. Lloyds present; and two or three sheep from Mr. Gough, if he has of the sort I want, to dispose of. The Cart will leave this on Monday, and probably be at Baltimore on Tuesday.

    In the meantime, if you should perchance see Mr. Gough, you would do me a favour to ask if he has [any] of the Cape sheep to dispose of, that he would recommend for breeding from, the broad tail Sheep is the kind I want. If he has, a ram, and one or two ewe Lambs of his best I would take, at his own price. If he has none, my Cart would have no occasion to proceed there.

    For your kind attention to my late request I pray you to accept my thanks, and with great esteem etc.

    [N.Y.P.L.]