TOBIAS LEAR - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 07/22/1815 - HFSID 283761

TOBIAS LEAR
As a secretary in the War Department (1815), Lear signs a manuscript letter claiming that retiring recruiter Captain William C. Parker owes the US $846.82.
Manuscript Letter signed: "Tobias Lear", 1 page, 7½ x 10. War Department, Accounting Office (Washington), 1815 July 22. To Army Paymaster Robert Brent, in full: "In settlement of the Recruitment and Contingent Accts. of Capt. William C. Parker, late of the 3rd Rgmt. of Riflemen, there is a balance of eight hundred & forty-six dollars & eighty-six cents found due from him to the United States. I am respectfully sir your obedient servant. [itemized: Bounty & Premiums $734/Contingencies $112.82/[sum] $846.22". Tobias Lear V (1762-1816) was personal secretary to George Washington before and during his Presidency (1784-1799), doing everything from tutoring Martha Washington's grandchildren to filling out expense accounts. He was accused of financial improprieties, such as pocketing rent payments due Washington from tenants, but the President seemed willing to overlook or forgive these misdeeds. The two often dined alone together, and Lear was at Washington's bedside when he died. Lear is suspected of destroying compromising letters and papers of the late President, including angry rebukes to Thomas Jefferson. As President, Jefferson entrusted Lear with sensitive diplomatic missions, including negotiation of the peace which ended the First Barbary War. Lear owed his appointment to the War Department to President Madison; he was in Washington when the British burned the city. Ragged left edge. Toned around edges. Normal mailing folds. Two small burn holes ½ inch from left edge and 4½ inches from bottom edge. Ink notes (unknown hand) on verso. Good condition.