George Mason to Henry Lee (December 13, 1780)

Gunston Hall, December 13, 1780

DEAR SIR:

I received your favor of the 30th November, and have the warmest sense of your very friendly offer to my son William, whose inclination I well know would strongly incline him to accept it, in which I would most cheerfully indulge him if I had any thought of continuing him in the military line, as in that case it would give me great satisfaction to place him under the direction of a gentleman who has rendered such important services to our country, and in whose friendship I could so thoroughly confide. But I have ever intended him for civil and private life; his lot must be that of a farmer and country gentleman, and at this time there is a particular domestic circumstance which will require his return as soon as his present term of service expires. Permit me, sir, to return you my thanks for the very friendly part you have acted, and to assure you that I am with the greatest esteem and regard, Your most obedient servant.

G. MASON