George Mason to the Virginian Public regarding John Francis Mercer (July 28, 1788)

8 July 1788

Being Informed by colonel John Mercer, that reports have been circulated in Maryland, that he (colonel Mercer) had written to his brother, James Mercer, Esq; informing him, that the people of Maryland were so averse to the new constitution of government recommended by the late federal convention, that they would take up arms against it; that this information had been communicated by some of the members, and particularly by me, to the Virginia convention; in consequence whereof some persons had come from the Virginia convention to Maryland, to make inquiry, and take depositions respecting it—I do hereby certify, that no such communication was made to the Virginia convention by me, nor by any other member, to my knowledge, nor any such measure as taking depositions in Maryland, mentioned, that I heard of, during my attendance in convention, which was very constant, from the beginning to the end of it. That James Mercer, Esq; never communicated to me any letter from his brother colonel John Mercer, informing him, that the People of Maryland would take up arms against the said new Government; nor do I believe that there is any foundation for the above mentioned reports, having never heard them in Richmond, or any where else, until this day, from colonel John Mercer himself.

Given under my hand, in Stafford county, in Virginia, this 8th day of June [July], 1788.

G MASON.