Lot 122

Washington's Nephew Writes to Him at the Height of Opposition to Jay's Treaty

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Washington's Nephew Writes to Him at the Height of Opposition to Jay's Treaty

Estimate: $240 - $350

Current Bid: $120

(2 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr.
[Philadelphia, PA], July 4, 1795
Washington's Nephew Writes to Him at the Height of Opposition to Jay's Treaty
ALS

Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr. autograph letter signed to George Washington. 4pp, 7.5" x 9"; [Philadelphia]; July 4, 1795. Dandridge's retained draft of his letter of resignation due to poor health and asking for Washington's financial support. Dandridge was the son of Martha Washington's brother, Bartholomew Dandridge. The letter is listed on Founders Online with notes identifying this copy as a draft. Signed with initials, "B.D." and with a filing docket on the first page at top reading, "To the President / July 4, 1795." Stray inks smear and small amount of loss affecting a few words on the second sheet. Light wear at folds, with minor separations at margins.

Dandridge was serving as President Washington's secretary at the time he tendered this resignation. In part:

"After offering you my most sincere acknowledgements & thanks for the many kindnesses which I have experienced at your hands, & assuring you that they have impressed me with gratitude which can never be impaired while I live; without further preface I inform you that my health & contentment require of me to quit my present walk in life and as I know that you yourself delight in open & candid dealing, I do not hesitate to tell you, that, necessary as my removal from this place is, it is not in my power to accomplish it without your pecuniary assistance & a continuance of that kindness which you have hitherto extended towards me. I assure you, my d[ea]r Sir, this is no rash…nor was it precipitately entered into. I have long struggled to turn aside the circumstances which have led to it but my efforts are not successful. That my health has been continually growing worse since my residence in this City, my present appearance will fully testify: I have been some time convinced that this proceeds from my modes of living, & perhaps form the situation not being adapted to my constitution. Be the causes, however, what they may, the fact is obvious: It is no less true that I am unhappy—nor do I believe it can entirely have escaped your observation… The above causes, my dr sir, have frequently disabled me from fulfilling the duties attached to my situation, with satisfaction to myself, or in a manner I could wish—Tho' I can truly say my constant endeavors have been to perform them to the best of my ability… My object is (& in the accomplishment of which it is that I ask your help) [to] repair to a part of the Country which I conceive most likely to produce me health & contentment of mind, & there to remain …For this purpose I wish to make up a sum of about 500 or 600 dollars, & to procure me a horse, which is all that is necessary…I have only to beg, dear Sir, that you will not impute my desire to change my situation to any other motives than the true ones which I have declared…"

In the months leading to Dandridge's writing this letter, Washington was facing multiple significant challenges, the most pressing being the fierce opposition to the Jay Treaty from Democratic-Republicans. As one of Washington's private secretaries, Dandridge would have been under the strains of managing Washington's extensive correspondence and assisting with social and ceremonial functions at the Executive Mansion. Per this letter, the voluminous tasks had begun to affect his health.

Despite tendering his resignation, Dandridge remained Washington's secretary until mid-March of 1796. He left for a time but returned to the post by August 1 of that year. There is little historical record of Dandridge's life after he left Washington's employ; however, per his correspondences with Washington and his aunt Martha, he served as a diplomat in various posts throughout Europe.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9" x 7.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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