To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 27 March 1779
From George Washington
ALS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress
Camp at Middlebrook8 March 27th. 1779.
Dear Sir,
This letter will be delivered to you by Mr. Mason, son to George Mason Esqr. of Virginia, a Gentn. of fortune and influence in that state—a zealous & able supporter of the liberties of this Country—and a particular friend of mine.9
The young Gentlemans bad health induces him to try some other clime, probably the air of Montpelier, while inclination may lead him to Paris, in which case, I take the liberty of recommending him to your friendly countenance & civilities; give me leave at the sametime to assure you, that with the greatest esteem & regard I have the honr. to be Dr Sir Yr. Most Obedt. Hble Servt
Go: Washington
The Honble. Benjn Franklin Esqr.
8. In New Jersey, Washington’s 1778–79 winter headquarters: Freeman, Washington, IV, 425.
9. To our knowledge, BF never corresponded directly with the Virginia revolutionary leader, George Mason, who had requested letters of introduction for his son, George, Jr. (1753–96), from Washington to both BF and Lafayette. See Robert A. Rutland, ed., The Papers of George Mason, 1725–1792 (3 vols., Chapel Hill, N.C., 1970), II, 488–9. The younger Mason remained in Europe until the spring of 1783, when he requested a letter of introduction from BF to Robert Morris. George Mason, Jr., to WTF, April 12, 1783, APS.