Robert Carter to Wythe, 20 June 1774

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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 of Wythe what may be the best solution to force them to pay their debts and exact the proper consequences.[1]

Letter text

Page 1

Wmsburg June 20th, 1774

Dear Sir

There are many families now living on tracts of Land lying in the northern neck in Virga belonging to me, some of whom hold by Leases, some on a promise that I will Acknowledge Leases — All the Leases I have executed, 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 yͭ[2] 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 yͤ[3] yearly Rent is to be paid at Nomony hall in Westmoreland County and if it (shall)

Page 2

Shall happen yͭ yearly Rent, or any part thereof should be behind & unpaid by yͤ space of 60 days after yͤ 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 force such Debtors to pay my demands, and to dispossess them.

I am Dear Sir
Your most Obt Servt
Robt Carter

To
Mr Geo: Wythe

See also


References

  1. ↑ Robert Carter to George Wythe, June 20, 1774. Robert Carter Letter Books and Day Books, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
  2. ↑ "That." See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorn_(letter)#Abbreviations
  3. ↑ Ibid., "The."
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