1To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 22 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Our friend Mr. Jameson is gone below, and will be absent for some time, endeavouring to collect the scattered remains of the effects which are left him: I promised to acknowledge the receipt of your favors as they should come to hand, and to communicate any thing which should occur here worth your...
2To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 29 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Decr. 29. 1781.” I cannot give you a word of news, and I fear Mr. Hayes’s Paper of to day will afford but little. I have not seen it yet. The [Assembly is] still sitting, but the defection of the [members is] so great, that we are in dread lest every Evening should prove the last, and the business left—as they begun. The most sanguine seem as if they...
3Report on Instructions to John Jay, [2 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, I, 411–16). According to the endorsement and the printed journal, this report was delivered on 2 May 1781 and approved by Congress on 28 May 1781 ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XX, 472, 551–55). As adopted by Congress, the letter is identical with JM’s report, except for...
4Motion on Impressment of Supplies, [18 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XX, 516). The bracketed names are in the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). . A motion was made by Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Joseph] Jones, That the...
5Motion on Rules of Congress, [6 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XIX, 359). The bracketed names are in the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). . On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [John] Mathews: Ordered , That...
6Motion on Court of Appeals, [12 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 137–40). Docketed, “Motion of Mr Madison April 12. 1781 Referred to Mr Varnum Mr Bee Mr McKean.” That the Judges of appeal in cases of Capture hold their sessions at Williamsburg in the state of Virginia on the first monday of November in each year—at Philadelphia on the first monday of april—at Hartford in Connecticut Boston M. Providence R.I. on the first monday of...
7Motion on Impost, [18 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XIX, 420). On 26 March a letter of 10 March 1781, written in the name of the General Court of Massachusetts to the president of Congress by Jeremiah Powell, president of the Senate of the General Court of Massachusetts, was laid before Congress. The...
8Motion on Stodder, Kerr, and North, [26 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XIX, 312). The bracketed names are in the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). . A letter, of 22 February, from the governor of Virginia, was read, with a memorial...
9Motion on Instructions on Peace Negotiations, [6 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, I, 439–40). Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion passd June 6, 1781.” Resolved That the M. Plen: &. be authorized & instructed to concur in behalf of these U.S. with his M. C. M in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia, and the Emperor of Germany, and to accede to any treaty of peace which may be the result thereof, in which the Independence and...
10Motion on Southern Reinforcements, 18 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Thomas Rodney’s Diary, pp. 50–52). Mr. Maddison moved that Genl. Washington send effectual force to the Southward, And that he be impowered to draw out as many Malitia from the ea[s]tward of the North river as may be [un?]necessary to the Eastward etc. Mr. Smith of Virginia said that Virginia had done her part in the war, that they had afforded great Succour lately to the Southern...
11Leonard Cooper to Virginia Delegates, [22 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 163, fol. 227). To The Honble. the deligates for the State of Virginia in Congress The memorial of Leonard Cooper Captain in the Invalid Regiment formerly of the 4th Virginia Regiment Sheweth, That your memorialist having Receiv’d a wound in the month of October 1779 which has renderd him uncapable of doing duty with his Regiment ever since—and being much Embarrass’d by not...
12Virginia Delegates’ Agreement with Ebenezer Cowell, 27 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.). Not in Cowell’s hand nor in that of any of the Virginia delegates, but signed by all of them. Endorsed, “Articles Between the Delegates of Virginia & Ebenezer Cowell about 2000 Ramport Muskets.” A copy made for Governor Jefferson by Theodorick Bland is in the Executive Papers of the Virginia State Library. Memorandum of an Agreement entered into this 27th of...
13To James Madison from Nathanael Greene, 1 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). With the exception of a few corrections by General Greene, the text of the letter was penned by his aide-de-camp, Captain Nathaniel Pendleton. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, & to thank you, for your Obliging Letter of January 13th. I am uncertain whether I have not done this before, but am fearfull thro’ the hurry of a...
14Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 1 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Inclosed you have two Resolutions of the General Assembly of this St[ate] respecting the feeding of the British Prisoners now with us. The Resolutions ind[eed] only prohibit the Impress of Provisions, but I would recommend it to you to [ask?] Congress immediately, to send a Commissary forward, or the Troops will suffer, perhaps starve, the State having no Means of...
15Instruction to Virginia Delegates, 29 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fol. 351). There is a second copy on fol. 353. In the House of Delegates. Commonwealth of Virginia Thursday the 29 of Novr. 1781 Resolved That provisions ought not to be impressed for the support of the british prisoners after the first day of January next. Resolved That the delegates of this state in Congress ought to be directed to represent to that body the inability...
16To James Madison from David Jameson, 10 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson, D Aug. 10. 1781.” I desired Mr. Jones in my letter to him about the Delegates money, to present my complimts. to you to let you know I had not been favoured with a line from you since May and that I had not had it in my power to write to you; being driven from Post to pillar to secure my person and employing my best...
17To James Madison from David Jameson, 15 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Aug: 15. 1781.” In my letter by last Post I mentioned to you the very distressed condition of this State. I cannot help repeating the subject, it hangs so heavy on my Mind I can neither speak nor think on any other. Repeated representations have been made of our condition for the last eighteen Months, and of the fatal consequences...
18To James Madison from David Jameson, 28 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 28. 1781,” by JM. I have recd your two favours of the 10th. & 17h. I have not failed to write by every Post. Friday the 20th. the Enemy entd. Wmsburg & at the same time a party went to York. at the latter place they contd. but a few hours—destroyed the Cannon &ca belonging to the Battery hoisted the British flag & left it flying....
19To James Madison from David Jameson, 15 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson, David Sepr. 15. 1781.” I was not favoured with any letter from you by this weeks post. In my letter by last Post I gave you reason to suppose Gen. Washington was in Virga. A man from Fredsbg assured me just as I was closing my letter, that the Genl. had crossed Potowmack. I am truly sorry for the mistake. The Governor is...
20To James Madison from David Jameson, 29 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson D., Sepr. 29. 1781.” I have recd. your favour of the 18th. Ere this I expected to have had it in my power to give you some interesting information respecting Cornwallis All the regulars are I believe now landed amounting to about 12,500[.] Of Militia I believe there is a greater number collected, than Gen Washington will...
21To James Madison from David Jameson, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 7. 1781,” by JM. In one of my former letters I acquainted you with some of the abuses committed by some of the Officers Gen Greene sent out to impress Horses for the Cavalry when he was obliged to retreat to Virga. they seized some of the most valuable stud horses they could meet with, one of which was valued at £750 Specie, others...
22To James Madison from David Jameson, 14 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed by JM, “Apl. 14. 1781.” I am very glad you have determined to send on the Stores &ca. that came from Rhode Island We are much in want of them. Steps are taking to pay the transportation. The British Vessels left in the Bay are now taking the most effectual measures to distress us—one of them has run up to Burwells ferry, one lies in York...
23To James Madison from David Jameson, 10 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 10 1781.” In my letter by last post I mentioned to you that I had been absent sometime looking into my affairs in the lower Country, as an apology for not writing. I forgot then to acquaint you that the Auditors have recd. the box of Papers, but have not opened it. We have recd. no intelligence from Gen. Greenes Camp since...
24To James Madison from David Jameson, 3 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Mar. 3, 1781.” At my return from York I found your two favours of the 6t. & 13t. ult. The six Mils. ordered to be struck by the Assembly and the addl. four Millions wch. the Executive were permitted to issue if necessary, being found far short of what it would require to keep the Govert. in motion till May —the apparent necessity...
25Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 26 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. I beg leave to ask your Sollicitations with Congress for Permission to Colo. William Davies of the Virginia line to accept an Appointment to the War Office of this State without prejudice to his rank and right to half-pay for life, Lands, and Depreciation of pay. I am in Hopes it will be the more easily obtained as by the Discontinuance of...
26Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 10 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 71, II, 109–10). Written by a clerk and signed by Jefferson. Directed to “The Honble The Virga. Delegates in Congress.” Docketed, “Letter from Govr Jefferson May 10 1781 Read 29 Referred to the board of War.” The file copy is in the Virginia State Library and a transcript in LC : Jefferson Papers. A small Affair has taken Place between the British commanding Officer in this...
27Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 14 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In clerk’s hand. Directed to “The Honble Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I have received your Favor of the 5th. Inst and am obliged to you for the notification of the State of the Continental Money of which we shall endeavour to arm ourselves to prevent Loss to the State. We are much obliged to his Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne for his Readiness to secure...
28Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 9 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. Since my letter of the 6th. I receive Information that two Parcels of Medicines marked CV (which we construed Commonwealth of Virginia) were consigned on private Account to Monsieur Coulaux la Vigne, and with other Parts of the Cargo of Le Comité were considered as ours; Be so good as to cause Delivery of them to be made to Monsr Coulaux la...
29Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 8 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. The inclosed papers so fully explain themselves, that I need say nothing more to apprize you of the Subject. Should the Governor of Maryland and President of Maryland not close with my third proposition you are hereby authorized to treat with the Delegates of those two States or any other Person appointed by the States and to settle the best...
30Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 15 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. A Difference of opinion having taken place between the Executive of this State and Mr Simon Nathan as to the rate at which certain Bills of exchange should be discharged in paper money—we have agreed with him to refer it to such Gentlemen of Knowledge in the Laws, of established Character & of any other State as yourselves shall mutually agree...