George Mason to John Hancock (October 19, 1776)

Virginia, Fairfax County, Octor. 19th: 1776.

SIR

At the Request of the Inhabitants of the Town of Alexandria, I take the Liberty to trouble you with the inclosed Order of the Virginia Council. Understanding that Messrs. Hughes's of Frederick County Maryland (who are the only Persons on this Part of the Continent to be depended on for Cannon) are under Contract with the Congress for all the Cannon their Works can possibly make in a Year, and having no other Means of carrying the above mentioned order of Council into Execution, the Inhabitants of the said Town humbly beg Leave, thro' you Sir, to represent their Case to the honble the Congress, & pray for an order to Messrs. Hughes's to furnish them with the Cannon wanted, out of those ingaged for Continental Service: they are unacquainted with the Terms of Messrs. Hughes's Contract; but if the Price is more than £35. Virga. Curry *[missing symbol]* Ton (the rate our Council have prescribed) they will pay the Difference themselves. If the Congress is pleased to indulge them with such an order, the sooner it can be granted the better; as the fortifieing the said Town will be very advantageous to the Trade of great Part of Virginia & Maryland, and give considerable Encouragement to foreign Adventurers, by affording them Protection at a good Port, where they can speedily procure Cargoes of Country-Produce. I beg the favour of an Answer, as soon as Convenience will permit, and am, with much Respect Sir Yr. most obdt. Hble Servt.

G MASON Chairman of Fairfax County Committee