George Mason to George Rogers Clark (January 3, 1778)

Williamsburg Janry. 3d. 1778.

SIR

As some Indian Tribes, to the westward of the Mississippi, have lately, without any Provocation, massacred many of the Inhabitants upon the frontiers of this Commonwealth, in the most cruel & barbarous Manner, & it is intended to revenge the Injury & punish the Aggressors by carrying the War into their own Country We congratulate you upon your Appointment to conduct so important an Enterprize in which we most heartily wish you Success; and we have no Doubt but some further Reward in Lands, in that Country, will be given to the Volunteers who shall engage in this Service, in addition to the usual Pay: if they are so fortunate [as] to succeed, we think it just & reasonable that each Volunteer entering as a common Soldier in this Expedition, shou'd be allowed three hundred Acres of Land, & the Officers in the usual Proportion, out of the Lands which may be conquered in the Country now in the Possession of the said Indians; so as not to interfere with the Claims of any friendly Indians, or of any People willing to become Subjects of this Commonwealth; and for this we think you may safely confide in the Justice & Generosity of the Virginia Assembly. We are Sir Yr. most Hble Servts.

G: WYTHE
G MASON
TH: JEFFERSON