Gunston Hall, Thursday Afternoon, May 31st, 1781.
The rapid march of the enemy obliges me to send as many of my effects, as I can readily remove, to Maryland, and I expect to follow immediately with Mrs. Mason and my daughters. I must therefore beg the favour of you to permit all the things I send to be put into your dwelling house, for safety, until I can carry them up to my son William's house at the head of Mattawoman, which I shall do with all possible expedition. I expect Mrs. Mason and the girls will be over early to-morrow.
Part of the Virginia Light Horse crossed at Fredericks[burg] on Tuesday night; the Marquis' Troops (who are not strong enough for an action) were expected there last night, unless prevented by the enemy. Lord Cornwallis with the main body of the British army was at Hanover Court House (scarce fifty miles from Fredericksburg) on Tuesday morning, their object, no doubt, to defeat the Marquis' Troops before General Waine came up, or to prevent the junction: this intelligence comes from an officer sent express to General Waine and may be relied on. I think if the winds permit we may expect their fleet up this river in a very few days. Our situation in Virginia is truly critical and dangerous; a very few weeks, unless the enemy can be checked, will place Maryland in the same predicament. Nothing can speedily extricate the two States but the arrival of a strong French fleet which there is reason to expect every day. I have given you the earliest information in my power, that you may endeavour to secure your moveables by carrying them a few miles from the river, where I think they will be safe for some time.
I beg the favour of you to let your people and cart assist my people in carrying up the things from the landing to the house, that the boat may return as quick as possible; and am dear sir, Your most obedient servant GEORGE MASON.
If Mr. Chapman is from home, Mrs. Chapman will be pleased to open this letter.