Mason, George, 1725-1792 to George Mason Jr.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03256 Author/Creator: Mason, George, 1725-1792 Place Written: Gunston Hall, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 June 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 21 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses George Jr.'s brothers' roles in the war. Says the Americans under Nathaniel Greene are fighting bravely, but are overmatched by the British, who seem intent on taking Virginia. Cornwallis and his men have just arrived in Virginia to support Benedict Arnold's troops. Discusses the forces of Lafayette and Wayne in Pennsylvania. Hopes that a French fleet will soon arrive, but doubts this will happen. Says that most Virginians support the revolution and the alliance with the French. Many Virginians "grow uneasy, & restless, & begin to think that our Allies are spinning out the War, in order to weaken America, as well as Great Britain, and thereby leave us, at the End of it, as dependent as possible upon themselves." Knows this is not true, but understands why poorer men feel this way. He does not doubt France's commitment to the war, but wishes they would send more troops. Believes "France surely intends the Separation of these States for ever from Great Britain; but by drawing out the thread too fine, & long, it may unexpectedly break in her Hands." Letter is a "Triplicate." George Mason was actually George Mason IV, and George Mason Jr. was George Mason V.
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