William Lee to George Mason (May 10, 1779)

In Germany May 10th. [17]79

DEAR SR.

To the foregoing L[e]tter I can only add, that as most of the Debts due to me in Virga. were contracted under the express Stipulation of being repaid in London (where the money was advanced by me.) with legal Interest 'till paid there; without any deduction for Comr, Exch—&c or any other charge whatever, if my debts are so paid, or even in any part of Europe, I will then pay your demand either in London or any part of Europe that you may desire, otherwise it will be impossible for me to do so, for I am not in truth master of so much money in Europe, having not at this moment received all yr. money that yr. Tobo. sold for, nor do I believe, as things are situated that I ever shall. Notwithstandg. the hardship on myself and the very great loss I shall sustain, if I am obliged by yr. Laws and regulations to receive paper in Virga. for Sterlg Money advanced in London many years ago, I shd. still have no objection to paying your debt in Europe, if by any profitable employment in Europe I was enabled to do so, or if my Public Services in my present Capacity shall be that of importance enought to merit my being reimbursed the Money I have lost by entering into the Public Service; for hitherto, I have recd. only my subsistence.

[WILLIAM LEE]