22 June 1776

Mason, David, 1726-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lieutenant Colonel Mason relates intelligence from a private in the General's Guard named Lara Fraga, who claims several men in Captain Alexander Hamilton's company have enlisted in the "minesterall troops," meaning the Ministerial or British army. The currently detained private volunteered to identify them. This was part of the Continental Army's successful efforts to foil a Tory plot to capture or assassinate George Washington. The conspiracy was believed to have been organized by New York's governor, William Tryon, and the mayor of New York City, David Matthews. As many as eight of the…

GLC02437.00344

7 November 1785

Mason, David, 1726-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox in distress. Thanks him for the recommendation to Governor Bowdoin, but informs him that a Major [likely William] Perkins was appointed to a position instead of him. Declares he is now left destitute, especially since his leg was injured over the summer and he was unable to move around or work. Hopes Knox will continue in his kindness and help him find a position. Asks if Mr. Haggard might hire him to work with Mr. Hastings at the post office; declares he only has his wife and one daughter left at home to support, so any little bit helps. In a separate note at the bottom,…

GLC02437.03215