Title: Autograph Letter, signed, to James Hendricks and William Lyles, of Alexandria, Virginia, regarding George Washington's favorite Virginia tavern
Author: Herbert, Thomas
Description: Autograph Letter, signed. 2 pages plus integral address leaf. Approximately 9x7¼".To James Hendricks and William Lyles, of Alexandria, Virginia, Executors of the Estate of Capt. Henry Lyles, contesting, “in an amiable manner”, a dispute over the amount owed him for repairs and alterations done to Captain Lyle’s Tavern, and suggesting arbitration to avoid a lawsuit. When, at the close of the Revolutionary War, George Washington rode north from Mount Vernon, en route to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, or to meet with his partners of the Potomack Company, he often dined at Lyle's Tavern and Coffee House in Alexandria. As he recorded stopping there just 12 days after the death of the proprietor, Washington may well have known about the ensuing legal tussle described in this letter - especially since the Herberts were among his close friends and associates, being the richest merchants in Alexandria and the most prominent home builders in colonial Virginia. Thomas Herbert fought in the Revolution and was captured by the British. After his release, with some assistance from Washington, he joined in his brother’s construction projects, including the refurbishment of Lyle’s Tavern. Unlike Herbert, the executors of the Lyle estate who received this letter were not of the Washington social class, though they could at least boast that "George Washington dined here".
Heading: (American Revolution)Place Published: [Baltimore?]
Publisher:
Date Published: July 18, 1786

Creased from mailing, minor edge wear; near fine.