George Mason to the Maryland Council of Safety (November 29, 1775)

Virginia Gunston-Hall, Novr. 29th. 1775.

GENTLEMEN.

Having just received the following important intelligence, and not knowing whether you were apprized of the Character & dangerous designs of Majr. Connelly, I thought it proper imediately to transmit it to your board, together with a copy of a letter & Intelligence, respecting him, redc. sometime ago from his excellency General Washington. This appeared to me the more necessary as the prisoners being taken up in your province, we could give no orders here for their safe Custody. Majr. Connelly was taken above Frederick Town in Maryland, in his way to the Indian Country and with him a Doctr. Smith from Charles County & one Cameron, they are all now fast by the heels in the goal of Fredrick Town. Connelly, we are told, had with him a Commission from Genl. Gage to raise a number of Indians, & with them to penetrate, thro' the Country, towards Alexandria in the spring, where He wou'd be met by Lord Dunmore. Commissions for the other two were to be furnished hereafter.

Who this Doctr. Smith is I know not, Cameron I take to be the deputy Indian agent to the southward, from whom a letter was intercepted last July, advising the Government to raise a number of the Creek & Cherokee nations, to fall upon the back Inhabitants, offering his service upon the occasion, & boasting of his Interest with these Indians. I make no doubt but your Board will take proper measures to prevent the escape of such dangerous men, and am, with the greatest Respect. Gentn. Your Most Obdt. Servt.

G MASON