Letter, from James Anderson, 1796 September 11

Anderson writes that his failure to answer Washington’s earlier queries was not caused by deceit--he then relates his background and experience in farming north of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the English border lands, and in America--he came to U.S. in 1791--has seen Mt. Vernon estate--mentions the distillery he runs on Salvington plantation and that he thinks a properly conducted distillery of much gain to owner--mentions crop rotation and the use of manure as necessary components in improving the land--he is content in present situation with Mr. Cary Selden, but would delight in serving Washington if he can make it profitable for both.