[Peters and Richardson to Johnson.]
Geo: Town Octr 16th 1776
Sir
We presume to adress you as a member of our Conven-
tion on a matter which we think of the utmost importance to
the Public in these times when dispatch at Ferrys is so very
necessary, Colnl George Mason is propriator of the Land on
the South side of Potowmack and Rents his Ferry over to
George Town which in Virga is established by Act of Assembly.
We have also a Ferry on the Maryland side and our misfor-
tune is that no Ferrys in Maryland are established by Law,
this we apprehend occasions the evils we are about to com-
plain of and which we hope our Convention with your assist-
ance will remedy as far as you think it consistant with the
Public good, our Ferry man has always been threatened by
Colnl Masons Tennant with a suit in Virginia for presuming
to Land in or bring from Virginia any Person, so that we are
to Reap no kind of advantage from our situation on Potow-
mac River it being wholy claimed by the State of Virga Yes-
terday our Ferryman was arrested we suppose at the suit of
Colnl Mason or his Tennant for this offence, tyed by the sherriff
because he attempted to make his Escape and dragged to
Fairfax Goal in Alexandria, to accomplish which the Sherriff
came over to this side got the Maryland Boat to put him over
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