The Agricultural Papers of George Washington 79 



the preceding week or weeks, for the state of your stock 

 of different kinds, enumerate the number of each. I shall 

 have it in my power then to see at one view the precise state 

 of it without resorting to old accounts. And let me entreat, 

 that you will examine them yourself, frequently, as a check 

 upon the overseers ; without which, rather than be them 

 selves at the trouble of counting them, they will make you 

 that kind of general report. 



The coffee and tea, that I sent you some time ago, you are 

 very welcome to use, and it is my desire you should do it. 



The sheriff s bill for the taxes, which you paid while I 

 was at home, cannot here be got at, as it is filed amongst my 

 papers ; but, as I want a copy of it for a particular reason, 

 I should be glad if you would procure one from the sheriff, 

 and send it to me exactly as it was handed in and paid. I 

 want no receipt annexed to it. The account only is all I 

 desire, containing the whole items of charges. I am your 

 friend and well-wisher, 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



P.S. In clearing the wood, mark a road by an easy and 

 graduated ascent from the marsh or low ground, up the 

 hollow which leads into the lot beyond the fallen chestnut, 

 about midway of the lot; and leave the trees standing thick 

 on both sides of it, for a shade to it. On the west side of 

 this hollow, if I recollect rightly, there was an old road 

 formerly, but not laid out agreeably to the directions here 

 given. It would look well, and perhaps might be convenient, 

 if there was a road on both sides of this hollow, notwithstand 

 ing the hill-side on the east is steep. At any rate, trees 

 where the road would go, if made, might be left for future 

 decision, as they might also be along the side of the low land 

 at the foot of the hill quite from the wharf to the gate by 

 Richard s house. If that meadow should ever be thoroughly 



