51From Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Henry, [16 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from the President was directed before he knew of your being invested with the office of Governor: you will therefore please to open it. After congratulating you on your appointment and hoping every thing favourable from our new institutions I subscribe myself Dr. Sir Your very humble servt., RC (The Rosenbach Co., Philadelphia, 1946). Endorsed: “Virginia Delegates July 16....
52From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 16 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We received your letter by post and are much obliged for the enclosures. The queries to the officers shall be answered by this post if we can; otherwise certainly by the next. I suppose it will be best to send the answer to Brigadr. Lewis. Leich’s affair shall also be taken care of.—Admiral Howe is arrived at New York, and two or three vessels, supposed to be of his fleet, were in sight. The...
53From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 23 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new here now but from the southward. The successes there I hope will prove valuable here, by giving new spirit to our people. The ill successes in Canada had depressed the minds of many; when we shall hear the last of them I know not; everybody had supposed Crown Point would be a certain stand for them, but they have retreated from that to Ticonderoga, against everything which...
54Memorandum on Testimony concerning Major Hughes, 24 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Foulke . July 24. 1776. Mr. Vernet informed deponent that one of the English officers had applied to Mr. Coignet to serve in the English army instead of the provincial. Vernet wrote his name ‘Yousenne’ and said he was a major and lodged near Mrs. House’s. This it is supposed was ‘Hughes’ a major, who lodged near there. Coignet applied to Vernet for the same purpose, Vernet refused. Mr....
55From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 29 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you Dr. Price’s pamphlet . I should have done so sooner but understood your brother was sending many to Virginia and not doubting one would be to you, I laid by the one I had purchased for that purpose. Little new here. Our camps recruit slowly, amazing slowly. God knows in what it will end. The finger of providence has as yet saved us by retarding the arrival of Ld. Howe’s recruits....
56Resolution on the Case of General Sullivan, [29 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the former determinations of Congress to pass by rank and seniority on necessary occasions in order to avail their country of superior talents and experience were entered into on mature deliberation as being absolutely requisite for the salvation of these states, the armies of which, tho’ large, were embodied on sudden emergencies, and were of necessity in some instances...
57From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 30 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your letter we enquired into the probability of getting your seal done here. We find a drawer and an engraver here both of whom we have reason to believe are excellent in their way. They did great seals for Jamaica and Barbadoes both of which are said to have been well done, and a seal for the Philosophical society here which we are told is excellent. But they are expensive, and...
58From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 5 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to hear that the Indians have commenced war, but greatly pleased you have been so decisive on that head. Nothing will reduce those wretches so soon as pushing the war into the heart of their country. But I would not stop there. I would never cease pursuing them while one of them remained on this side the Misisippi. So unprovoked an attack and so treacherous a one should never be...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 9 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
As Col. Harrison was about to have some things packed, I set out upon the execution of your glass commission, and was surprised to find that the whole glass stores of the city could not make out anything like what you desired. I therefore did what I thought would be best, imagining you wanted the number you mentioned at any event, and that not being able to get them of that form, you would...
60Jefferson’s Outline of Argument Concerning Insubordination of Esek Hopkins, 12 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commodore’[s] excuse for not going to Southern colonies agreeable to orders . Before he left capes of Delaware, he heard the Liverpool was joined to Ld. Dunmore , which made enemy an overmatch, and many of his men sea sick. He did not go to N. Carolina because [he] received intelligence the enemy’s force had gone from there and from S. Cara. to Georgia. (His men recovered as he got to the...
61From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 13 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Aug. 3. came to hand yesterday. Having had no moment to spare since, I am obliged to sit down to answer it at a Committee table while the Committee is collecting. My thoughts therefore on the subject you propose will be merely extempore. The opinion that our lands were allodial possessions is one which I have very long held, and had in my eye during a pretty considerable part of my...
62I. Franklin’s Proposal, [20 August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Moses standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharoah who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds, reaching to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity. Motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God. MS ( DLC ); in Franklin’s hand. For the...
63II. Jefferson’s Proposal, 20 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Pharaoh sitting in an open chariot, a crown on his head and a sword in his hand passing thro’ the divided waters of the Red sea in pursuit of the Israelites: rays from a pillar of fire in the cloud, expressive of the divine presence, and command, reaching to Moses who stands on the shore and, extending his hand over the sea, causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh. Motto. Rebellion to tyrants is...
64From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 20 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been in hourly expectation of the great decision at New York but it has not yet happened. About three nights ago an attempt was made to burn the two ships which had gone up the river. One of the two fire-rafts prepared for that purpose grappled the Phenix ten minutes but was cleared away at last. A tender however was burnt. The two ships came down on Sunday evening and passed all our...
65Draft of Resolutions on Lord Drummond’s Peace Proposals, [22? August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the articles inclosed by Ld. Drummond to Ld. Howe whereby it is proposed ‘that it shall be ascertained by calculation what supply towards the general exigency of the state each separate colony shall furnish, to be encreased or lessened in proportion to the growth or decline of such colony, and to be vested in the king by a perpetual grant, in consideration whereof Great Britain...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 26 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 10th. inst. came to hand about three days ago, the post having brought no mail with him the last week. You seem to have misapprehended my proposition for the choice of a Senate. I had two things in view: to get the wisest men chosen, and to make them perfectly independent when chosen. I have ever observed that a choice by the people themselves is not generally distinguished for...
67Notes for the Report on the Value of Gold and Silver Coins, [2 September 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
In Silver. Given the quantity of Standd [Standard] metal, say As 40 : 37 :: qty. Standd metal: qty. of pure silver, or X by .925. In Gold. Given the quantity of Standd metal, deduct 1/12 it leaves the qty. of fine gold. To make a dollar 6/. silver of that alloy must be 4d 20/139 the pennyweight. I.e. pure silver must be 4d 7404/15429 the dwt. By Virga. laws 24 grs standard gold = 22 grs pure...
68III. Jefferson’s Outline of Argument in Support of His Resolutions, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Befre. ent. on Propr. Redress—see wt. is Injury—ye sta. Religs. Lib. Apostacy. act. 1705.c.6. 1st offce. disabld. to hold office. 2d. disabled to sue, incapb. of gift or legacy 3 3 three years imprismt. however conscients. ye Conversion. Heresy. < 1.El.c.1. > Heretico combura. State hs. adoptd. Athanasn. creed. Arians therefore Heretics eithr. Civl. or Eccles. judge in burn 1.H.P.c.405. 2....
69V. Notes on Acts of Parliament and of the Virginia Assembly concerning Religion, 11 October – 9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Arians. Jews. N ( DLC ). MS worn; the marginal glosses can no longer be read and are here omitted. Rast : I.e., William Rastell, A Collection of Statutes Now in Force , numerous enlargements and abridgements from 1557 to 1706; TJ’s edn. was that of 1611 ( L.C. Cat. A Catalogue of Books Represented by Library of Congress Printed Cards , Ann Arbor, 1942–1946; also Supplement , 1948. ;...
70VI. Notes on Locke and Shaftesbury, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Locke’s system of Christianity is this. Adam was created happy & immortal: but his happiness was to have been Earthly , and earthly immortality. by sin he lost this, so that he became subject to total death (like that of brutes) & to the crosses & unhappinesses of this life. at the intercession however of the son of god this sentence was in part remitted. a life conformable to the law was to...
71VII. Notes on Episcopacy, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Gr. Eπιςκoπoς. Lat. Episcopus. Ital. Vescovo. Fr. Evesque. Saxon. Biscop. Bishop. (overseer) The epistles of Paul to Timothy & Titus are relied on (together with tradition) for the Apostolic institution of bishops. As to tradition, if we are protestants we reject all tradition, & rely on the scripture alone, for that is the essence & common principle of all the protestant churches. As to...
72VIII. Notes on Heresy, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
A heretic is an impugner of fundamentals. what are fundamentals? the protestants will say those doctrines which are clearly & precisely delivered in the holy scriptures. Dr. Waterland would say the Trinity. but how far this character [of being clearly delivered?] will suit the doctrine of the Trinity I leave others to determine. it is no where expressly declared by any of the earliest fathers,...
73IX. Miscellaneous Notes on Religion, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
* * N ( DLC ). Miscellaneous fragments, described in textual notes below. Partly illegible. Brackets in MS . This Act was passed in the session of 1659/60 ( Hening, William W. Hening, The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia I, 532–3); the parts within brackets, indicating illegible or mutilated portions of the MS , are supplied from the Act itself. The foregoing...
74I. Rough Draft of Jefferson’s Resolutions for Disestablishing the Church of England and for Repealing Laws Interfering … (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved &c. That the statutes 1.E.6.c.1. 5 & 6.E.6.c.1. 1.El.c.2. 23.El.c.1. 28.El.c.6. 35.El.c.1. 1.Jac.1.c.4. 3.Jac.1.c.1. 3.Jac.1.c.4. 3.Jac.1.c.21. and the act of ass. 1705.c.6. & so much of all other acts or < ordinances > statutes as < prescribe punishments for the offence of opinions deemed heretical > render criminal the maintaining any opinions in matters of religion or the...
75From Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 11 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 30th. together with the resolutions of Congress of the 26th. Ult. came safe to hand. It would argue great insensibility in me could I receive with indifference so confidential an appointment from your body. My thanks are a poor return for the partiality they have been pleased to entertain for me. No cares for my own person, nor yet for my private affairs would have induced...
76Memoranda on the Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland Boundaries, [5 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
If the Monongahela is the line it will throw 300. Virginia families into Pennsylva. Most of these live between the Yohiogany and Monongahela. Not one third of that number of Pennsylvanians would be thrown on the Virginia side. If the Laurel hill is the boundary it will place on the Virginia side all the Virginia settlers, and about 200. families of Pennsylvania settlers. A middle line is...
77Notes concerning the Bill for the Removal of the Seat of Government of Virginia, [11 November 1776?] (Jefferson Papers)
N ( DLC ). These memoranda are written on the last page of the draft Bill for the Removal of the Seat of Government, introduced 11 Nov. 1776, q.v. It is not possible to say whether these notes, which obviously pertain to the Removal Bill, were made in 1776 or 1779; the cost figures would indicate the latter, but in that year the arguments in favor of removal (as indicated by the speedy...
78IV. List of Acts of Parliament and of Virginia Assembly, 1661–1759, concerning Religion, 19 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
1661. c.1. Church to be built or [chap]el of ease. c.2. Vestries appointed. c.3. Ministers to be inducted. c.4. Ministers to provide [reade]rs c.5. Liturgy to be read. c.6. Church Catechism c.7. Ministers to preach weekly c.8. the 30th. of January to be kept a fast. c.9. the 29th. of May to be kept holy. c.10.
79I. Bill for Establishing a Court of Appeals, [25 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a court of Appeals for finally determining all suits and controversies, be it enacted by the General assembly that at such place as shall be appointed by act of General assembly there shall be holden a court of Appeals, < to consist of the Judges of the High court of Chancery, the Judges of the General court, and the Judges of the court of Admiralty, any nine of them to be a...
80II. Bill for Establishing a High Court of Chancery, [25 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a Court of general Jurisdiction in Chancery, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia, That at some certain place to be appointed by Act of General Assembly and at the times hereinafter directed shall be held a principal Court of Judicature for this commonwealth which shall be called the High Court of Chancery and shall consist of three judges to...
81III. Bill for Establishing a General Court, [25 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a Court of Common Law of general jurisdiction for the more speedy and easy administration of Justice in this Commonwealth and for regulating the proceedings therein. Be it enacted That, at some certain place to be appointed by act of general assembly, and at the Times herein after directed, there shall be held one principal Court of Judicature for this Commonwealth; which...
82IV. Bill for Establishing a Court of Admiralty, [4 December 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a court of Admiralty, Be it enacted by the General assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia that at some certain place to be appointed by act of General assembly there shall be held as often as there may be occasion a court of Admiralty to consist of three judges to be chosen by joint ballot of both houses of assembly and commissioned by the Governor any two of them to make a...
83V. Bill for Better Regulating the Proceedings in the County Courts, 4 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
For amendment of the act of General assembly passed in the year 1748 intituled ‘an act for establishing county courts, and for regulating and settling the proceedings therein’ be it enacted by the General assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia that instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, the oath of abjuration and subscription to the test by the said act directed and the oath...
84Bill for the Trial of Offenses Committed out of Virginia, [5 December 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For the punishment of Treasons, misprisions of treasons or concealments of treason, felonies, robberies, murthers and confederacies hereafter to be committed out of this Commonwealth: Be it enacted by the General assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia that all treasons, misprisions of treasons, concealments of treasons, felonies, robberies, murthers, and confederacies hereafter to be...
85Bill for Suspending Executions for Debts, [6 December 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas by the expiration of the act for the regulating and collecting certain officers fees, and by the troubles which have since subsisted in this country the administration of justice hath been in a great measure suspended; and altho’ it is thought proper to revive and establish the courts of justice for the purpose of securing and preserving internal peace and good order, of determining...
86List of Militia by Counties, [1777] (Jefferson Papers)
militia in 1776. raisd 1776 Militia 1777 1208 Accomack 120[ ] 1270 74 Albemarle * 95[ ] 1150 84 Amelia + 2000 148
87Will of Ann Eppes Harris, [1777] (Jefferson Papers)
I Anne Harris of the parish of Southam and county of make the following testamentary disposition of my estate. First I give to my son Joseph and his heirs four hundred acres of the tract of land whereon I live, meaning that the parcel I some time ago conveied to him by deed shall be reckoned part of the said four hundred acres, and that the residue necessary to make up his complement be laid...
88Memorandum Books, 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 9. Recd. of T. Garth £3. Pd. John Coles £4–10. Pd. Wm. Gouge 12/. 13. Pd. barber in Fredsbgh. 1/3. Recd. of G. Wythe 30/. 14. Gave M. Page’s coachman 1/3. 15. Pd. for seeing gunnery 5/. Pd. for seeing weaving 1/3. 16. Pd. for mending watch 7/6. Pd. Smith, tavern keeper Fredsbgh., entt. £4–4.
89Subscription to Support a Clerk of the Congregation in Charlottesville, [February 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
We the Subscribers agree to pay on the 25th. day of December in the present year 1777. and so on the 25th. day of December annually in every year after till we shall notify the contrary in writing to the Wardens for our Congregation, the sums affixed to our respective names, to such person or persons as by a majority of our Congregation, to be called together by the wardens for that purpose,...
90From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [ca. 1 April 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Horseley enlisted for 2 years in a company raised in this county for one of the Virga. battal’s of 1775. In the winter now past, and before his time was out, he was unfortunate enough to desert from the service. Having had lesure to repent he some time ago made application to me through a third person to advise him what to do. I let him know that (his life being forfeited) there was...
91Receipt for Bounty Money, 15 April 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Received of Thos. Jefferson fifty one pounds four shillings to be given in bounty to such persons as shall enlist with me and I promise to execute a bond with sufficient security for employing it in that way. MS ( DLC ); in TJ’s hand, signed by John Jouett, Jr. For instructions to TJ concerning the distribution of bounty money, see Patrick Henry to TJ, 31 Mch. 1777 . TJ submitted an account of...
92From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [18 April 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Mr. Strother Jones , son of Mr. Gabriel Jones of Augusta is now about to set out for the Continental army, where he wishes to be so placed as to gain military knolege. An offer of being Aid de camp to Brigadr. Genl. Stephens he thought himself in delicacy obliged to decline, on account of some misunderstanding which had subsisted between that gentleman and his father, tho otherwise...
93From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 18 April 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Strother Jones, son to a friend of mine, is now setting out for the American army, to share in the defence of his country. He is from nature well-principled for war; bold, honorable and modest: but he is young also, and will need the fatherly hand of some one to lead him thro’ the mazes of military delicacy and duty on so large a scale. I feel myself therefore interested...
94From Thomas Jefferson to William Bradford, 26 April 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
I am constrained by the subscribers to your paper in this neighborhood to trouble you with information of the uncertainty with which they seem likely to come. The first mail came about ten days ago open and loose, and containing not more than one paper for any subscriber, and none for several. The papers which came were of three several dates. The last mail, which would have been the second,...
95To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Matters in our part of the continent are too much in quiet to send you news from hence. Our battalions for the Continental service were some time ago so far filled as rendered the recommendation of a draught from the militia hardly requisite, and the more so as in this country it ever was the most unpopular and impracticable thing that could be attempted. Our people even under the monarchical...
96From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 16 May 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Matters in our part of the continent are too much in quiet to send you news from hence. Our battalions for the Continental service were some time ago so far filled as rendered the recommendation of a draught from the militia hardly requisite, and the more so as in this country it ever was the most unpopular and impracticable thing that could be attempted. Our people even under the monarchical...
97To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress The bearer hereof Mr. Thomas Shores is a native of Virginia and having lately, in conjunction with some others established a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a trade to Europe, he comes to France on behalf of his house to establish a proper mercantile correspondence. I am less acquainted with him than his partners...
98From Thomas Jefferson to Silas Deane, 13 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Shore comes to Europe on behalf of a mercantile house of which he is a member for the purpose of establishing a proper correspondence. With himself I have but little personal acquaintance, but consider his character as sufficiently certified when appointed to transact business by those with whom he is connected, whom I know to be men of business, punctual, able and...
99From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 13 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Thomas Shores is a native of Virginia, and having lately in conjunction with some others established a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a trade to Europe, he comes to France on behalf of his house to establish a proper mercantile correspondence. I am less acquainted with him than his partners whom I know to be able, punctual, and of great genius for trade; and...
100To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Albemarle, Va., 21 August 1777. RC ( Adams Papers ); printed : Jefferson, Papers The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950-. , 2:27–29. Jefferson suggested applying for a loan from the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who reportedly had a considerable hoard of crowns in his treasury. Philip Mazzei was recommended as a suitable agent to negotiate the loan. Jefferson...