Mount Vernon, May 20, 1786.
Sir: Messrs. Balfour and Barraud of Norfolk died indebted to me in a pretty considerable sum. Meeting with Mr. Newton a few days ago at Richmond, 56 he informed me that the books of that Company had been in the hands of a Mr. Schau deceased, to whom you were an Exor.; and that it was highly probable you could in this character, give me some clue by which I could recover my Debt; for he added, that he was certain money was due in and about Norfolk to Messrs. Balfour and Barraud, and might be obtained, if a list of the Debts cou'd be had.
[Note:Washington went to Richmond in connection with some land purchases from Col. George Mercer. He left Mount Vernon, April 23: arrived at Richmond, April 26; left Richmond, April 28; and reached Mount Vernon, April 30.]
My debt was contracted for flour sold these Gentlemen. This flour was for Mr. Hansbury of London, and there can be little doubt of their connexion in trade; but whether of such a nature as to make the latter liable for the debt, I am unable to say.
If my present application to you is improper, or likely to give you any trouble in affording me the requisite information, you will please to place the liberty I take, to a former acquaintance, and have the goodness to excuse it. I am, etc. 55
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers.]