The Major was permitted to cut Cord Wood from the tops of the trees which had been felled for rails, either for burning Bricks or other purposes; But it is not unlikely that his overseer (Tayler) may Cord it for sale, if he is not watched; for It is established as a maxim in my mind, that, a man who will do wrong to another in one instance, knowingly, will have no scruple in doing it in every instance where it can be done without being liable to discovery. And with respect to his keeping a horse, no matter whether, (as I suppose he will say, at his own expense) it is on his own provender, or that of his Employer, it is my express request that you will, immediately upon the receipt of this letter, inform him (unless he can shew a written permission for the purpose, which I am sure he is not able to do), that if the horse, or mare, or any other animal he is not allowed to keep, is not instantly sent away, that I will, as soon as I reach Mount Vernon, not only turn him off the Plantation but cause him to be sued for a breach of covenant; and for his knavery; for it is not less so, than would be the opening of the Majrs desk, and taking his money: nay, in my estimation the crime is greater; because a man who will defraud another who confides in him, is surely a greater villain than one who robs boldly, at the risque of his life. You may assure Mr. Tayler in the strongest language you can devise; you may even read this part of my letter to him, that no pretence of verbal permission to keep a horse will avail him; for I know from various conversations with the Major on this subject, that it is next to impossible he ever shd have given such leave; and I again add, that the pretext (if it should be offered), of feeding him at his own expence, will not way one moment.