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 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html