Autograph letter signed:
[single sheet folded, text on 2 sides]

[cover page]
12 Jany 1789
Letter to Colo. Mason
Rough Draught

[perpendicular on cover]
12th Jany 1789
Rough Draft of Letter
to George Mason [ ]
from Major Jenifer

[page 1]

Dear Sir

Mr. Johnston delivered me your favor of the 3d Inst. on his way to Annapolis.
     Mr. Quynn has considerable property in Houses in the City of Annapolis, but I am a stranger to the Debts he may owe. He has however rental resourses which few have; He is Executor or Trustee to several Estate, which are not settled, & I believe Security for considerable Sums yet under his management that I have not heard of his being distressed or even suits commenced against him--In a word few have lived more by their wits than Mr. Quynn. He may however be good at bottom for ought I know but I have my doubts as Houses in wch his property [ ] consists for [ ] haveing greatly fallen in Value in Annapolis, and I do not think they will ever appreciate; so much am I [ ] [been & shall] of [ ] [ ] opinion that I have got [ ] of what property I had in it.
     I do not immagine Mr. Quynn means to take up Mr. Carrolls Mortgage, but to get a Deed from Rutland for 700 acres of Land Mortgaged to him as being his

[page 2]

his Security to Mr. Bennett [Chase] for proceeds less than the value of the Land; [ ] he is enterprising he may aspire at the whole. You as well as my self must have often remarked that 9 out of 10 of these enterprizing [geniuses] miscarry; upon the whole I would recommend to you not to part with your present hold lest you catch by a Limb [more] rotten than the one at presently your grasp. Your judgement will I conceive [bind] both [Tracts] after [prior] ones take place.
     M. Quynns offering to become security for your Debt will at least give you a better opinion of [it] than you seem hitherto to have entertained.
     The continuance of our Friendship from our early Youth I reflect upon with pleasure, and shall ever be happy in rendering you every service in my power upon all occasions that may offer, and which I pray you to command.
     Your State will not be the only one, that will be in assessment, ours, as well as several others, will [ ]more or less I fear [convulsed] by the self conceits of the [so as not to have stop'd the Acts of the Government] of a few opulent men. The recommendation a few amendments ([& these would not have [ ] stop delayed the [Election] of the Government) satisfied 19/20ths of the people of Maryland, & most of which probably will take place the first Congress; but why not satisfy & [quiet] the minds of those who have an equal right to think with ourselves.

[page 3]

     Our state has adopted a mode of Election different I believe from any in the [union] which will be productive of much contention, if not altered before the next Elections.
     Upon a [scrutiny] which I have made of the Pols in Pennsylvania, it appears to me that 2/3rds if not 3/4ths of the Landed interests Counties in the State are against the Government without Amendments, & that the City & County of Phila have carried the Elections throughout the state; not withstanding, one Farmer in the Political Scale is worth more than 10 citizens, most of whom generally live by their Wits.

I am as ever, Dear sir

your affectionate friend

Daniel of St. Thos Jenifer

My compliments to Mrs. Mason & all at Gunston