George Mason to John Fitzgerald (September 18, 1781)

Gunston-Hall, Septemr. 18th. 1781.

DEAR SIR

I had six or seven Stacks of Timothy Hay at my Quarter upon the Head of little Hunting Creek, two of which have been already seized for the american Army, or for some other public Purpose here; for which I suppose I shall receive Certificates to be paid, when or how, I know not. I think it but reasonable that I shou'd endeavour to sell the remainder to the French Troops for Specie, & having given the Bearer, Charles Neale (my Overseer there) Directions accordingly, you will greatly oblige me in advising him how to proceed, so as to dispose of it to the Person appointed to purchase for the French. I imagine there is about twenty odd Tonns left; I have not a Waggon to carry it to them; but as it lies within about a Mile & a half of the main Road at Mrs. Darrells upon Dogues Run, they can hardly meet with any more convenient; & the way being very level, they may easily send some of their empty Waggons for it.

I beg you will excuse the Liberty I have taken in troubling you upon this Occasion; and believe me, with Mrs. Mason's compliments & my own to your Lady, dear Sir, Yr. most obdt. Servt.

G MASON