The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

370 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [L2ET. 41.
TMy entire ignorance of the climate and soil, the advantages and disadvantages, of the country of West
Florida, is the reason why his Lordship's certificates are
couched in such general terms; and of iny giving Mr.
Wood a discretionary power to select the lands, or not,
as he Mnay be influenced by these appearances. Should
he meet with a spot favorable to my wishes, I have no
doubt of your Excellency's granting the land, with such
indulgences as have been practised in similar cases,
agreeably to his Majesty's gracious intention, with the
terms of which I shall endeavour strictly to comply.
Could I, Sir, a stranger, take it upon me with propriety to recommend Mr. Wood, I should briefly add,
that he is a gentleman well esteemed in Virginia, and I
am persuaded will duly appreciate any little civilities
you may be pleased to bestow on him. I have the
honor to be, Sir, with very great respect, &c.
TO BENEDICT CALVERT.
Mount Vernon, 3 April, 1773.
DEAR SIR,
I am now set down to write to you on a subject of
importance, and of no small embarrassment to me. My
son-in-law and ward, Mr. Custis, has, as I have been
informed, paid his addresses to your second daughter,
and, having made some progress in her affections, has
solicited her in marriage. How far a union of this sort
may be agreeable to you, you best can tell; but I should
think myself wanting in candor, were I not to confess,
that Miss Nelly's amiable qualities are acknowledgto every private fifty, and all to be free of quitrents for ten years. The
lands could be chosen, however, only in one of the above three new
colonies.