First Minister of Scotland Presents Two Books to Mount Vernon Estate Monday

First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond presented two George Washington books held by the National Library of Scotland to Mount Vernon President and CEO Curt Viebranz at a ceremony at the Mount Vernon Estate Monday afternoon.

Salmond presented the books to help complete a recreation of George Washington’s original book collection in the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington. The books presented to Mount Vernon are the Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress, Written, During the War between the United Colonies and Great Britain, by His Excellency, George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces (London: 1795). In 1795, John Carey, editor of ‘Official letters’, sent these volumes to President Washington with manuscript remarks.

This copy of 'Official Letters' was later donated to Scotland's national collection in 1938 by the family of bibliophile and jute manufacturer Hugh Sharp. 

The books are on loan from the National Library of Scotland.

"I can't think of a better gesture to represent the friendship between Scotland and America," Salmond said of the gesture.

"George Washington had a multitude of long-lasting Scottish influences throughout his life," Mount Vernon President and CEO Curt Viebranz said in a statement. "It is an honor and privelege for his Estate to work again with the Scottish people, throug the generosity of the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Government, to help recreate Washington's library."

Salmond's visit to Mount Vernon included a tour with Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington Vice President Stewart D. McLaurin. Salmond laid a wreath at the tomb of Washington Monday afternoon to pay tribute to the Washingtons.

Former Virginia Sen. John Warner and Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36th District) attended the presentation of the books on Monday afternoon.

The Fred W. Smith Library for the Study of George Washington is slated to open in September.