George Mason / Reporter

 

George Mason

There was great attention given to the delegates who arrived from the thirteen states to meet in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. The first few days were devoted to planning and  outlining the processes of their task. James Madison took the lead. Outside the hall, a newspaper reporter approached Delegate George Mason.

George Mason: What newspaper do you represent?

Reporter: I am a reporter from the Pennsylvania Ledger.

Mason: We have released a statement from our delegates that no information will be given to the press until we reach the termination of our deliberations.

Reporter: I beg your pardon, Mr. Mason. I am fully aware of that statement. I am not asking about the Constitutional Convention but rather about your old friend General Washington.

Mason: Surely Sir, you can’t expect me to divulge private matters of another person.

Reporter: As you were a neighbor and friend of the General for many years I was hoping that you might let our readers know something about the man behind the hero. Perhaps you can tell me what General Washington likes to do in his spare time, or what he likes to do on a Sunday afternoon.

Mason: That sounds harmless enough. Ask whatever you like and I’ll answer to what I think is appropriate.

Reporter: That is fine, thank you. Do you ever have conversations with the General that are not political?

Mason: Yes, of course. We are neighbors. We often discuss the magnificent view we have from our homes on the Potomac. We speak about the maintenance of our lifestyles, the weather and our agricultural interests in growing tobacco.

Reporter: The General has always had an interest in developing land, has he not?

Mason: Oh yes. His first purchase of land was on Bullskin Creek way back in 1750. From that time he had an eye on acquiring whatever property he could afford. He often said that land was the most durable investment one could make. Being a surveyor by trade he naturally took to property that showed potential for development. He understood that great fortunes were made in Virginia by purchasing at a low cost and selling at a significant profit.

Reporter: Good business depends on having a good eye and a daring nature.

Mason: One could say he took some chances and very often succeeded in his ventures.

Reporter: Could you cite an example of his success?

Mason: George and a group of friends would discover large tracts of drowned land near the James River, mostly swamp land, calculate the cost of draining and then create thousands of acres of saleable land. Another example was his trip with his friend James Craik down the Ohio from Fort Pitt to the Great Kanawha. They found excellent low land property and eventually secured title to thirty thousand acres.

Reporter: Now that was definitely great speculation. Turning that land into plantation country would require many more slaves than he presently owns. What might the General’s attitude be about owning African slaves?

Mason: A good day to you, Sir.