George Mason to Richard Harrison (October 24, 1778)

Virginia, Gunston-Hall, Octo. 24th. 1778.

DEAR SIR.

I sent you by Capt. John Sandford of the Sloop Flying-Fish, last Voyage, a few Silver Dollars, to discharge the little Bal[an]ce. you was so kind to advance for me in the Goods purchased, & sent me by him from Martinique; but he inform'd me, upon his Return, that not meeting with any safe Opportunity of sending the Money from St. Eustatia he had brought it back again. I therefore desired him to carry it out again this last Voyage, and if he did not find you at St. Eustatia (as he told me he expected) to endeavour to give it a Conveyance from thence to you, to Martinique.

I am uneasy at not having heard any thing respecting the Goods you ordered for me last Year from France, & must beg you will let me know whether you have any, & what late advices concerning them. As Hostilities are now commenced between France & England, & they seem to be making very free with each other's Ships they will be probably in as great Danger in a french Bottom, coming to the West Indies, as to this Continent. Will it not therefore be better, if they are not yet shipp'd for Martinique, to direct your Correspondent to ship them imediatly to Virginia, in the first good Vessel, &consign them to me? In which Case, I wou'd have a proper Insurance made on them in France, & in Case of Loss, the goods reship'd as before & again insured. However I submit it thus to you; not doubting but you will do therefor the best, and remain, Dr. Sir, Your most obdt Sert.

G MASON