RICHMOND, Aug. 22, 1775.

To Martin Cockburn

DEAR SIR :

Col. Blackburn telling me he shall set out for Prince William to-day, I take the opportunity of informing you that I am now pretty well, though I was exceedingly indisposed for several days, some of which I was confined to my bed; but a little fresh air, good water, and excellent kind and hospitable treatment from a neighboring country gentleman has recover'd me. I have found my apprehensions in being sent to this Convention but too well verified. Before the choice of delegates for the ensuing Congress, I was personally applied to by more than two- thirds of the members, insisting upon my serving at the Congress, but by assuring them that I could not possibly attend, I prevailed on them not to name me, except about twenty who would take no excuse. A day or two after, upon Col. Bland's resignation, a strong party was formed, at the head of which were Col. Henry, Mr. Jefferson and Col. Carrington, for sending me to the Congress at all events, laying it down as a rule that I would not refuse if ordered by my country : in consequence of this just before the ballot, I was publicly called upon in Convention and obliged to make a public excuse, and give my reasons for refusal, in doing which I felt myself more distressed than ever I was in my life, especially when I saw tears run down the President's cheeks. I took occasion at the same time to recommend Col. Francis Lee, who was accordingly chosen in the room of Col. Bland. But my getting clear of this appointment has availed me little, as I have been since, in spite of everything I could do to the contrary, put upon the Committee of Safety ; which is even more inconvenient and disagreeable to me than going to the Congress.
I endeavour'd to excuse myself, and begg'd the Convention would permit me to resign ; but was answered by an universal No.

The 3,000 regular troops (exclusive of the western frontier garrisons) first proposed to be raised are reduced to 1,000, to be formed into two regiments, one of eight, the other of seven companies ; these 15 companies are to be raised in the fifteen western- shore districts, the captains and subaltern officers to be appointed by the committee of the respective district, formed by a deputation of three members from the committee of each county in the district. The first regiment is commanded by Col. Henry, Lieut.

Col. Christian and Maj'r Eppes ; the second regiment by Col. Wm. Woodford, Lieut. Col. Charles Scott and Major Spotswood. A regiment of minute-men of 680 rank and file in each of the fifteen districts on the western shore, with the same field and staff officers, chaplain, surgeon, &c., as the regiments of regulars, and with the same pay when upon duty in the district, or drawn into actual service—the officers to be appointed by the District Committees, and commissioned by the Committee of Safety—the militia officers are all to give up their present commissions, and be nominated by the respective committees'of the counties, the militia companys to be exercised once a fortnight, except the three winter months, and general county musters twice a year. Arms, tents, &c., to be provided for the minute-men at the public charge. These are the great outlines of our plan of defence, which I think a good, though very expensive one ; the particulars would take up too much room for a common letter ; particular rules are drawn up for the better regulation and government of the army, to which both the minute-men and militia are subjected, when drawn out into actual service ; the volunteer companys are all discharged and melted down in the plan for the regiments of minute-men—these informations you may rely on, as the ordinance yesterday received its final fiat.

There are several ordinances under the consideration of the committee of the whole house and nearly completed, viz.: one for the raising of money and imposing taxes, one for furnishing arms and encouraging the making salt-petre, sulphur, powder and lead, one for appointing a Committee of Safety, and defining its powers, which are very extensive, one for regulating the elections of delegates and county committees, and one for establishing a general test. The Maryland Convention not concurring in the resolve for immediately stopping the export of provision, it became necessary to rescind ours ; that our ports as well as theirs might be kept open till the 10th of Sept.—A very sensible petition from the merchants who are natives of Great Britain has been put into my hands, and will be presented to-day or to-morrow, praying that some certain line of conduct may be prescribed to them, and a recommendation to the people from the Convention, respecting them. As I drew the ordinance for a general test, I have en-deavoured to make it such as no good man would object to : the merchants here declare themselves well pleased with it. Pray excuse me to Mr. Massey, Mr. McCarty, Mr. Henderson, and all enquiring friends, for not writing to them, and tell them I consider all public news wrote to you as to be communicated to them, and such of my constituents as desire information. I expect the Convention will arise about the end of this or the beginning of next week. The members of the Committee of Safety (of which I send you a list) meet next Friday ; how long I shall be detained on that business God only knows. My kind regard to my dear family, and to the family at " Spring-field."

Conclude me, Dr. Sir,

Yr affect. Friend and Servt.,

G. MASON.

P. S.—
Every ordinance goes through all the formalities of a bill in the House of Burgesses, has three readings, &c., before it is passed, and in every respect wears the face of law—Resolves as recommendations being no longer trusted to in matters of importance."'

Source: Kate Mason Rowland, 1 The Life of George Mason, 1725-1792, 206-208 (1892).