George Washington to George Mason (December 13, 1784)

13th. Decr 1784.

D[EA]R SIR,

My brother John is much in want of four, five or six hundred pounds which he is desirous of borrowing on Interest. If it is in your power to supply him, I will become Security for the fulfilment of his agreement. He seems to have little expectation that money in these times, can be had at the common interest; & his own words will best express what he is willing to allow.

"I believe I mentioned to you before" (when he was last up) "that I was willing to receive ninety pounds for an hundred, & pay interest for the latter sum from the date, provided I could be allowed to retain the principal two years. If I could receive 4, 5, or 6 hundred pounds on these terms, it would be a real convenience & happiness for me; because it, would enable me to observe that punctuality in dealing I always wished to do, & without which I am miserable. If you cou'd prevail upon Colo. Mason, or any other Gentleman to furnish me with the above sum on these terms, you would confer a very great favor, and I would attend at a time to be appointed to give Bond & receive the money."

To this, I can add nothing but my wishes for his Success, & an expression of my own inclination to have supplied his want, if I had been in circumstances to have done it. I am Dr. Sir Your most obedt. & very hble. Servt.

G: Washington