RICHMOND, Aug. 25, 1775.

DEAR SIR :

Capt. Grayson informing me that he shall set out on his return home to-morrow, I take the opportunity of writing to you, though I have nothing very agreeable to communicate. We are getting into great confusion here, and I fear running the country to an expence it will not be able to bear—3,000 men are voted as a body of standing troops, to be forthwith raised and formed into three regiments, the first to be commanded by Mr. Patrick Henry, the second by Col. Thos. Nelson, and the third by Mr. Wm. Woodford—a great push was made for Col. Mercer of Fredericksburg to the 1st. Regiment; but he lost it by a few votes, upon the question between him and Mr. Henry ; though he had a majority upon the ballot.

The expence of the last Indian war will be near £150,000, our share of the expence of the Continental Army £150,000 more, the charge of the troops now raising, and the minute-men with their arms £350,000; these added together will make an enormous sum, and there are several charges still behind; such as the volunteer companies at Williamsburg, the payment of the members of the Convention, &c.—however, nothing is yet absolutely conclusive, and some abridgement may yet perhaps be made ; though at present there is little prospect of it.

As it is proposed that a company of fifty men for the standing army shall be raised in each county, my son George may perhaps have a mind to enter into the service ; in which case, pray tell him that it will be very contrary to my inclination, and that I advise him by all means against it—when the plan for the minute-men is completed, if he has a mind to enter into that I shall have no objection ; as I look upon it to be the true, natural and safe defence of this, or any other free country, and as such wish to see it encouraged to the utmost. I should have wrote to him but that it was uncertain whether he was at home, or at the Springs.

I have been very unwell, and unable to attend the Convention for two or three days, but am now getting better and attended again to-day, and I am going out to-morrow to visit a friend in the country. God knows when I shall get home again—remember me kindly to my dear children – the family at “Spring-field” and all friends; and believe me, dear sir,

Yr. Affect. Friend and servant,

G. Mason

Source: Kate M. Rowland, 1 The Life of George Mason, 1725-1792, 203 (1892).