MD3PAD 277-279

[Toby G Levy]

        Mason reminds Washington of a rule established by General
Bouquet that no new settlements may be established west of the Allegheny
ridge line which would be in Ohio today. Bouquet was a British general
who drove the Ottawa indians, led by Pontiac, out of Detroit. Washington
doesn't believe that this rule will stop settlers.

        Mason then relates a rumor that General Bouquet declined a bribe
of 25000 acres from Maryland surveyor Thomas Cresap, and Washington says
he thinks the bribe wasn't big enough. Washington says the next step in
westward expansion is to win the Indian Wars by hiring mercenaries to do
the fighting.

        Dixon remarks that the expansionists ought to have some regard
for the indian's "whose Homes they invade" but Washington replies that
Americans will fight whoever they want whenever they want.

        Washington complains about the taxes imposed on the colonies by
Prime Minister Grenville and Dixon said he wrote to Grenville advising
him the tax the East India Company but did not get a reply.

        Washington advises Mason and Dixon not to discuss religion with
the "Back Inhabitants." THey are known to shoot atheists on sight.

        Dixon, smelling "hemp," asks Washington about it, and Washington
tells Gershom to bring pipes and some of the new crop.

        Washington calls Gershom "an Israelite in whom there is no
guile." Mason recognizes this as John 1:49, but my research shows that
it is actually John 1:47. Dixon was offended by the remark, saying that
it was used offensively in Raby castle. But Washington says he did not
mean to offend and Gershom reveals he is really Jewish, so the quote is
apropos.  Washington praises Gershom's ability to cook Jewish dishes
such as Kasha Varniskies. Gershom adds he also likes to cook Hog jowls,
and that his Jewish sect does not bother with the dietary laws.

        Washington all tells Mason and Dixon that Gershom is a
successful stand up comic. Gershom tells Mason and Dixon that
Washington wants him to invest his earnings in Washington's Dismal Swamp
Land Company, and Mason and Dixon are upset by this but Dixon quiets
Mason before he can say anything and Washington tries to usher Gershom
out of earshot.  I can't find any reason for this reaction.

Toby