George Mason to Sarah McCarty (February 10, 1785)

Gunston Hall, February 10th, 1785.

MY DEAR CHILD:

I most sincerely condole with you for the loss of your dear little girl, but it is our duty to submit with all the resignation human nature is capable of to the dispensation of Divine Providence which bestows upon us our blessings, and consequently has a right to take them away. A few years' experience will convince us that those things which at the time they happened we regarded as our greatest misfortunes have proved our greatest blessings. Of this awful truth no person has lived to my age without seeing abundant proof. Your dear baby has died innocent and blameless, and has been called away by an all wise and merciful Creator, most probably from a life of misery and misfortune, and most certainly to one of happiness and bliss.

Your sisters are both at Col. Blackburn's and not expected home before Sunday or you should immediately have their company. Your brother George and his wife are in Chotanck. I wish you could come to Gunston Hall. In the meantime I would by all means advise you to lose a little blood without delay, and to take two or three times a day twenty or thirty drops of spirits of lavender of which I send you some by the bearer. I am, my dear child, Your affectionate father

GEORGE MASON

P. S.—Mrs. Mason says your sisters told her they should go to Col. Cook's, and would not be at home before the middle of next week. She begs that you will come to Gunston Hall.