Baltimore, February 4, 1812
Dear Friend,
I write a few lines to you informing you of the reception of your letter, 2d ofDecember 1811, containing your friendly advice and that I have come to this place and obtained through a course of law my Negro and tomorrow I am to leave this place with him for the State of Delaware. My expenses and delay have far surpassed my calculation. I sued Captain Davis for the wages that he has paid to George instead of paying them to you – but we have amicably adjusted the business and I have transferred to Mr. Davis my title to the property which you write that George purchased and send you an estimate of clothes etc that you may know where to find them & deliver them to Mr. Davis. But in case of nonrecovery of said property and clothes, I am not bound to make Mr. Davis any compensation whatever as I consider myself only receiving what is much less than my due. I now annex an estimate of the property and clothes that George has told me of. At Violet Philip’s in Plymouth at the brow of Coles Hill & Lane, the clothes etc. of
George (alias) George Thompson

1 blue cloth coat fine
1 black ditto fine
1 pair of ribbed velvet pantaloons
1 ditto black bombazet trousers
1 white shirt
1 white waist coat
1 black bombazet waistcoat
1 black silk waistcoat
3 yellow marsailles waistcoats
1 pair white cotton stockings
2 checked shirts
1 new fur hat
1 chest & one trunk in which are the title papers to his house
1 silver watch.
The house he says will bring 150 dollars.
Whatever you may know or can do to facilitate Mr. Davis in obtaining this property and clothes will be considered by me an action of friendship though I don’t hold myself responsible to him (Mr. Davis accepts the assurance of friendship offered from David M. McIlvain.
[To] Captain Ellis Brewster
PS If there be any other personal property to be found other than the aforesaid described belong to said George, it shall be subject to be claimed as aforesaid.
David M. McIlvain