Mount Vernon 16th Novr. 1799 Sir, By Colo. Lear, I am informed that you have a journey to the Western Country in contemplation. - In consequence, and on the presumption that you will accomplish your intention, I take the liberty of requesting (if you go by the way of Pittsburgh, especially) that you would do me the favour of making the following enquiries, & reporting the result on your return. First, what is the supposed value (by the Acre) of three tracts of Land which I hold on the Ohio River (East side) between the mouths of the two Kanhawas; - the uppermost of wch -containing 2314 acres, [struck: and] is the first large bottom below the little Kanhawa, running upwards of five miles on the River; - the second, containing 2448 acres [inserted: is] about Sixteen or eighteen miles lower down the River; and is bounded more than three miles by the River; - the 3d. tract measuring 4395 acres, is still lower down (four or 5 miles, opposite to the Great Bend in the Ohio) and all of them said to be of the first quality. - What I mean by the value [2] thereof is, what they probably would sell for, one third of the purchase money pa down - and the other two thirds in annual Instalments, with Interest. - Let me further request the faou of you to make precisely the same enquiry with respect to three tracts of Land which I hold in the Northwestern Territory on the Little Miami River; - one within about a mile of the Ohio River, containing 839 acr - another about seven miles up the form of 977 Acres; - and the third about 10 miles the same, measuring 1235 acres- I pray you to enquire whether th lands on the other side the Ohio are taxed, under what predicament mine are; - And if any of the tracts hereinmentioned (on either side of the River) have settlers on them - what kind; - and what sort of Improvements with the number of them. - If you should pass by the Great Kanhawa - let me repeat my request with respe to my lands theron also - I wish you a pleasant tour, & safe return, being with esteem Sir - Your most Obedt. & very Humble Serv Go: Washington Colo Thos. Parker