George Mason to William Lee (May 20, 1775)

Virginia, Gunston-Hall May 20th: 1775

DEAR SIR,

I shall ship you, your Ship The Adventure Capt. Brown, one hundred Hogsheads of Virginia Potomack River Tobacco (most of which is now on board the Ship's Craft) on which I must desire you imediatly to make a safe Insurance on my Account, to receive eleven pounds Sterling per Hogshead, in Case of Loss.

I expect the Certainty of the Exports being stop'd here on the 10th. of September next, if not much sooner, will raise what Tobacco gets to Market to an amazing Price: indeed was there not this extraordinary Cause, I think Tobacco must be high; which is my Reason for shipping so largely. People in general have not prepared this year for Crops of Tobo. as usual; and even those who have will be able to make very little, from the uncommon Scarcity of Plants, greater than in the noted Year 1758, or perhaps than ever was known within Memory of Man, and the Season now too far advanced to raise more. You may depend upon this Information as a certain Fact, in all the upper Parts of Virginia & Maryland; what is the Case in the lower Parts, I do not certainly know; but from the Weather, I have no Doubt but that this Scarcity of Plants is general, thro' the two Colonies. I shall write you more fully by Capt. Browne; and am Dr Sir, Yr. most Hble Sert.

G MASON