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1796 Virginia Estate Settlement Document – Major George Lewis & Judge James Mercer – Signed by Administrator George Garnett
Historical Handwritten Estate Settlement – Rare Virginia Legal & Financial History
This is an original 1796 estate settlement document involving Major George Lewis of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and the estate of Judge James Mercer (1736–1793). This handwritten legal receipt details a financial settlement for the purchase of Mercer's property at sale, which took place on July 28, 1795. Signed by George Garnett, administrator of Mercer's estate, this document serves as a fascinating piece of early Virginia legal and financial history.
Transcription of the Document:
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March 21st, 1796
This day settled all acts between Major George Lewis of Fredericksburg & the Estate of Judge Mercer deceased & received of him in full for his purchase at the sale of Judge Mercer's property made at Vendue Store on 28th of July 95—
which purchase amounted to the sum of fifty-one pounds seven shillings & six pence—Three notes of hand of the said Judge Mercer given in the year 84—one for fifteen pounds, another for fourteen pounds & the other for eleven pounds.
Witness my hand,
George Garnett Admr.
Notable Historical Figures Mentioned in the Document:
Major George Lewis (1757–1821)
Major George Lewis was a Revolutionary War officer and nephew of George Washington. The son of Fielding Lewis and Betty Washington Lewis, he served as an aide-de-camp to General Lafayette and fought in several key battles. After the war, he became a landowner in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and was involved in various business and real estate transactions, such as the one documented here.
Judge James Mercer (1736–1793)
Judge James Mercer was a prominent Virginia judge, lawyer, and politician. He served in the House of Burgesses and later on Virginia’s General Court, playing an important role in shaping early American legal structures. A Revolutionary War veteran, his death in 1793 led to the liquidation of his estate, the proceeds of which are documented in this transaction.
George Garnett (Estate Administrator)
George Garnett was the legal administrator of Judge Mercer's estate. His role was to ensure all financial transactions and settlements were completed properly. This document represents a key piece of his administrative work during the period.
Why This Document is Valuable:
Early American Financial & Legal History – Shows how estate settlements were conducted in post-Revolutionary Virginia.
Revolutionary War-Era Personalities – Includes Major George Lewis, a Washington family member and officer under Lafayette.
Rare Original 18th-Century Document – Authentic handwritten receipt from 1796, signed by estate administrator George Garnett.
Condition:
Original handwritten ink on period paper
Legible cursive script, well-preserved with some expected age-related wear
No major tears or missing portions
Perfect For:
Collectors of Colonial & Early American Manuscripts
Historians and researchers of Virginia legal history
Enthusiasts of Revolutionary War-era figures
Own a piece of Virginia history with this rare and authentic 1796 estate settlement document signed by the administrator of Judge James Mercer's estate and referencing Major George Lewis. A must-have for serious collectors of early American legal and financial history.
Don’t miss out—add this incredible historical artifact to your collection today!
