I've just joined, and am glad to find you all.  My thanks to Henry Wiencek
who introduced me to the list the other day over lunch.  I suspect an
introduction is apposite, so let me say I am a writer for Smithsonian
Magazine who is doing a biography of George Mason for HarperCollins.  It
grew out of a profile I wrote on GMIV for the magazine (May 2000).

I have three areas I am currently researching and would appreciate any
direction, document or book recommendations, or comments anyone on the list
would be moved to make. They are:

1)  The river life of the Chesapeake Bay 1700-1800 (I am aware of, but have
not yet read, Mr. Jefferson's River).

2.)  Any records or information anyone knows about concerning the
appointment, in January 1777, of a committee to formulate the legal
structure of Virginia as it transited from colony to commonwealth.  The
committee members were:  Jefferson, Mason, Pendelton, Wythe,  and Thomas
Ludwell Lee.

3.)  Anything on Compensated Emancipation in the 18th century.

Thanks.

-- Stephan

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