"'Condemnor of despotism, Preserver of Liberty, glorious Man, take from my son's hand this Sword, I beg you. A Sollinger." The hilt is either gold or richly plated with that metal, and the whole carries with it the form of a horseman's sword or long sabre. "The matter, as far as it appears at present, is a perfect enigma. How it should have come into this country without a letter, or an accompanying message, how afterwards it should have got into such loose hands and whither the person having it in possession was steering his course remains as yet to be explained. Some of these points, probably, can only be explained by the maker, and the maker is no otherwise to be discovered than by the inscription and name 'A. Sollinger,' who from the impression that dwells in my mind, is of Amsterdam. "If, Sir, with this clew you can develope the history of this sword, the value of it, the character of the maker, & his probable object in sending it, you would oblige me, and by relating these facts to him might obviate doubts which otherwise might be entertained by him of its fate and reception. "With great esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, etc."--From Sparks' "History of Washington." Alte had sent his son with the sword to America in 1795 to present to the President as "the only man whom he knew that had acted in a disinterested manner for the happiness of his country." The son knew little of the language, and from bashfulness or other cause failed to present the sword to Washington. More than a year later a letter came from the father making inquiry about his son. The above sword was sold by the son of George Steptoe Washington to a Chicago collector for $1,600, and soon after changed hands again for a much higher sum. The news of George Washington's death was taken to his nephew and executor, George Steptoe Washington, at Harewood by a special messenger, Charles, the servant of Tobias Lear (Washington's private secretary). George Steptoe inherited Harewood from his older brother. He died in North Carolina, and was buried there. The following letter is from Washington: "Philadelphia, 5, December, 1790 "To George Steptoe Washington. "Dear George: "Agreeably to the promise, which I gave you in Virginia, I have made the necessary inquiries respecting the course of studies and expenses (?) which would enable you and your brother Lawrence to finish your education at the college in this place, provided you are master of those books and studies which you informed me you had passed through.