Robert Carter to Wythe, 20 June 1774

Robert Carter, a plantation owner living on the Northern Neck of Virginia writes to George Wythe in Williamsburg, Virginia to inform him of the leasing contract he has established between himself and the families living on his land. Carter relays the terms of the contract, stating that yearly rent must be paid to his residence at Nomony Hall, and that if any rent is left unpaid after 60 days, then he would be allowed to seize their property and hold it for himself. Carter closes the letter by admitting that many families on his land still owe him payment from their yearly rent and inquires to Wythe on what may be the best solution to force them to pay their debts and exact the proper consequences.

Letter text

W^msburg June 20^th, 1774

Dear Sir

There are many families now living on tracts of Land lying in the northern neck in Virg^a belonging to me, some of whom hold by Leases, some on apromise that I will Acknowledge Leases to All the Leases I have invented, and stand engaged to execute have therein the following Covenants---

"The if the Lessee shall at any time, make a breach or failure of any part of the Covenants in the Lease y^t it shall and may be lawful for myself, my heirs or Assigns, to Re-enter the said Land & Premises & the same to hold again Retain & enjoy as if no Lease had ever been Made"

"That y^e yearly Rent is to be paid at Nomony hall in Westmoreland County and if it (shall) Shall happen y^t yearly Rent, or any part thereof should be behind & unpaid by y^e space of 60 days after y^e days, and at the place aforesaid appointed for the payment thereof, that it shall & may be lawful to and for myself my Heirs & Assigns, into & and upon the said Land & Premises to Reenter, and the same to hold, maintain retain and enjoy, as of my or there former Estate--"

There are great Arrearages of Rent due from the families mentioned before to me who refuse to pay the same, also to Surrender to me their tenements pray sir, what are the legal Steps to forcesuch Debtors to pay my demands, and to dispossess them.

I am Dear Sir
Your most Ob^t Serv^t
Rob^t Carter

To
M^r Geo: Wythe

See also

• Robert Carter to Wythe, 4 October 1772

• Robert Carter to Wythe, 2 July 1774