GW, from Mount Vernon, wrote lawyer John Marshall to inform him that, regrettably, he did not have the requested documents to aid in settling William Armstead’s estate.

GW also rather heatedly wrote John Francis Mercer, trying to make clear the importance of receiving the debt payments due from his deceased father James Mercer’s estate as soon as possible. GW needed the money, and expressed his frustration at receiving nothing although he had repeatedly asked for it, most recently from Mercer’s brother the day before. GW demanded that the Mercers pay 200 pounds by 20 May.