George Mason to John Fitzgerald (May 18, 1785)

Gunston-Hall May 18th, 1785.

DEAR SIR

Since I saw you last, I have received Letters from Messrs. Wallace Johnson & Muir, informing me, that the Country Dutys on the Goods ship'd me were charged in my Acct. Currt. (which Acct. I have not Yet Reed.) I am therefore to presume that the Goods sent me the Liberty Capt Outram, have been entered, with the Ship's other Goods, by you, or Colo. Deakins; but not having any Idea of this Custom (which by Letters from other Houses I find has become general in London) I made no Inquirys about it, concluding, of Course, that the Person to whom the Goods were ship'd was to enter them; and when I was last in Alexandria, I made an Apology to Mr. Lee, for having been prevented by ill Health, & some other Causes, from making the Entry sooner; & promised him to do it in a short time; but after receiving the above mentioned Letters, I have the greatest Reason to think that my Goods have been already entered, & therefore that it will be improper for me to make an Entry of them; as in that Case I shou'd pay the Dutys twice. I beg the Favour of you to examine into this Matter, & give me the proper Information; and if the said Goods have been already entered, that you will satisfy Mr. Lee on the Subject. I am, Dr Sir, Yr. most obdt. Sert.

G MASON

P. S. I have also written to Colo. Deakins, upon the Subject.