1From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Cary and Benjamin Harrison, 9 December 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
As I mean to be a conscientious observer of the measures generally thought requisite for the preservation of our independent rights, so I think myself bound to account to my country for any act of mine which might wear an appearance of contravening them. I therefore take the liberty of stating to you the following matter that thro’ your friendly intervention it may be communicated to the...
2[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 June 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 7 June 1779 . A. L. S., 1 p., Henkels Catalogue No. 906 (Hampton L. Carson Sale, 26 Oct. 1904), pt. ii , suppl., lot 2262. Not located. See note on TJ’s letter to Harrison, 8 June 1779 , the text of which refers to this letter.]
3From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Since receiving the resolutions of Congress calling for an additional sum of money, which I had the honor of transmitting to you yesterday, the inclosed address relating to the same subject, with the letter accompanying it has come to hand. I take the liberty through you of communicating it to the General assembly, and am Sir with the greatest esteem Your most obedient & most humble servant,...
4[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17? June 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 17? June 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1779, 1827 edn., p. 52 (17 June): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, enclosing several papers and stating sundry matters for the consideration of the General Assembly‥‥” Not located.]
5Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe to Benjamin Harrison, 18 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The committee appointed in pursuance of an act of General Assembly passed in 1776, intituled “An act for the revision of the laws,” have according to the requisitions of the said act gone through that work, and prepared 126 bills, the titles of which are stated in the inclosed catalogue. Some of these bills have been presented to the House of Delegates in the course of the present session two...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the date of my former letter to you, I have received the inclosed resolutions of Congress containing a requisition of additional supplies of money. The General Assembly in considering this Subject will naturally cast their eyes on the funds already provided for the Supply of their public treasury. As a principal branch of these was in some degree under the care and direction of the...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 29 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive in the Month of March 1778, in order to secure the acquisition and proper choice of a supply of Arms, Ordnance, and Military implements sent a Mr. Le Mair of the Kingdom of France their Agent express for that purpose to Europe. He executed his Commission with a zeal and assiduity which we have rarely met with, having traversed for fourteen Months those parts of Europe backwards...
8[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30? October 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 30? Oct. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 30 (30 Oct. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, respecting the purchase of a frigate for the use of the State, which was read, and ordered to be referred to the committee of the whole House...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of a resolution of the last session of General Assembly the Executive proceeded to form a Contract with Messrs. Penet Windel & co. for the establishment of a manufactory of fire arms and foundery of ordnance on James river and for extending navigation through it’s falls. The several preliminary papers which passed between them are now transmitted to the General Assembly, that they...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 4 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the pleasure of the House of Delegates signified in their resolution of the 16th. of the last month, I now inclose you a State of the armed Vessels belonging to this Commonwealth, and returns of the Garrison and Artillery regiments, and of such part of the four troops of horse for Eastern service as are raised. What progress is made in raising the four new battalions, is out of my...
11Returns of Virginia Land and Naval Forces, [4 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[Text reproduced in illustration section following p. 254.] [1] [2] [3] [4] MS ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand. Principally compiled in Oct. 1779 at the request of the House of Delegates, these memoranda are drafts of the returns actually sent in a letter to Speaker Harrison on 4 Nov., q.v. , but contain additions made after receipt of Washington’s letter to TJ of 26 Dec. 1779 , q.v.; and other...
12[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 5? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 42 (5 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, respecting sundry losses sustained by Mr. Martin, the present Indian agent, in the Cherokee country, and the propriety of making him...
13[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 6 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 6 Nov. 1779 . Cover only survives (in Vi ), addressed in TJ’s hand to Harrison as Speaker and endorsed: “Governors Letter Novr: 6th: 1779. Returns Military & Naval Referred to whole House on State of the Commonwealth.” According to JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) (Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 43), the...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The matter of the inclosed petition being proper for the discussion of the legislature alone, I do myself the honour of transmitting it to them through you: and am Sir Your most obedient servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed: “The Honble Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Speaker of the House of Delegates.” Docketed: “Governo[r’s] Letter containing Capt. Dicks: Memorial November 8. 1779. referred to whole on the...
15[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 17? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 59 (17 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, on the subject of certain inquiries made by the executive, on complaints against justices of the peace for misfeasance in office, which was...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 19 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council, 19 Nov. 1779 . Transmits resolution of Congress, enclosed in letter from Samuel Huntington, requesting reconsideration of Act for reopening Virginia land office. MS not traced; A.L.S., 1 p. and address, sold at American Art Association and Anderson Galleries, Terry Sale, pt. 1, 2–3 May 1934, lot 272. Huntington’s letter, enclosed, was dated 30 Oct. 1779, q.v. ; see also JHD Journal...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [20?] November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War apprehending that the mention of the appointment of an assistant Clerk to them, as made in my letter to you of October 20th . was not accurately conformable to their resolution as approved by the Executive, have inclosed me the resolution with the approbation subscribed. This transaction happened in my absence, and the Clerk being otherwise engaged no copy was retained, so...
18[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 22? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 66 (22 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, stating sundry matters for the consideration of the House, and enclosing several letters and papers on the subject thereof; and the same were...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [23 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
There is reason to believe that the appointment of a Consul to reside in this State on the part of his most Christian majesty either has been already or will shortly be made. I must submit to the general Assembly the expediency of considering whether our Laws have settled with precision the prerogatives and jurisdiction to which such a person is entitled by the usage of nations; and putting...
20[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 24? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 68 (24 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a memorial of Mr. De Francey respecting a commercial transaction between the executive and his principal, Mr. De Beaumarchais, with...
21[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 24? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 69 (24 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, requesting that the vouchers returned by the commissioners of the Gun Manufactory at Fredericksburg, on the settlement of their accounts, may...
22[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 25? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 25? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 70 (25 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, two letters from the Governor, stating several matters for the consideration of the House, and enclosing several letters and papers on the subject thereof, which were...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before the General assembly the enclosed letter and memorial from the Consul of his most Christian majesty in this state. That gentleman’s letters of appointment came to hand soon after the date of my letter to you on the same subject . MS not located. Extract printed from Anderson Auction Co. sale catalogue, 10 Jan. 1908 (Henry Goldsmith Sale), lot 134, a one-page...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of the General assembly of Pennsylvania with President Reid’s letter came to hand by yesterday’s post. I now do myself the pleasure of transmitting them to the assembly, and of assuring you that I am with the greatest esteem Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed in TJ’s hand. Endorsed: “Governors Letter enclosing Pennsylvania Assembly’s...
25[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11? December 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 11? Dec. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 86 (11 Dec. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from the Board of War, respecting the attempts of a band of speculators to create an artificial scarcity of grain.” Not located.]
26From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor Lee and intelligence (from the French Minister) accompanying it, gives reason to apprehend that the enemy meditate an invasion of this state. The reasons which support this opinion as well as those which oppose it will occur to the General assembly. It is our duty to provide against every event, and the Executive are accordingly engaged in concerting proper...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I this day received the inclosed letter from Mr. Blackburn, appointed by the last assembly to be of the council of state, but declining to act in that office. Incertain whether he may have given the same information to the general assembly immediately, or may have relied on my doing it, I do myself the honour of inclosing it to you and am with the greatest esteem & respect Sir Your most...
28[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 9? May 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 9? May 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 4 (9 May): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others addressed to the executive, and sundry resolutions of Congress, with other papers, and stating several matters for the consideration...
29[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 26? May 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[Richmond, 26? May 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 24 (26 May): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from a council of officers, held at Botetourt courthouse, and their determination on the subject of an offensive and defensive war with the...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council, Richmond, 30 May 1780. Transmitting letters and intelligence concerning the surrender of Charleston. RC ( Vi ); mutilated. Addressed by TJ to Harrison as Speaker. Endorsed: “Governors Letter. May 30. 178[0.] Inclosing Govr. Nash & Rutledge’s respecting Surrender of Charles town. Referred to Committee of whole on the State of the Commonwealth.” Enclosures: Abner Nash to TJ, 25 May...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 3 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter of resignation from Mr. Armistead Commissioner for the Continental loan office I beg leave to lay before the General assembly by whom that officer was appointed. With sentiments of the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt., RC ( CtY ). Addressed by TJ to Harrison as Speaker; John Beckley’s endorsement concludes: “to lie on table.”...
32[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5 June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5 June 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 35 (5 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from Governor Nash of North-Carolina, containing intelligence from Charleston.” Not located, but see the letter from Nash, 30 May , which was...
33[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5? June 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 35 (5 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from the President of Congress, together with a resolution of that body, concerning a Monsieur Legrass of Illinois, and several letters and...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the advice of the General Assembly we have proceeded to take Measures for selling six hundred thousand weight of the public Tobacco. To do this as readily as possible we determined to allot for this purpose the Tobacco at the nearest Warehouses, and particularly four hundred thousand at the Warehouses at or near the Falls of James River and on Appamottox. We have now an offer for...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 9 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor Nash with the articles of Capitulation entered into between Generals Lincoln and Clinton, having just come to hand I beg leave to communicate them to the General assembly. I am with great esteem & respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC ). Endorsed by John Beckley: “Governors Letter June 9th: 1780. enclosing Govr: Nashs Letter of 30th....
36[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 12? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p 44 (12 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from the President of Congress, with sundry acts and resolutions of that body.” Not located. Enclosures not clearly identifiable.]
37From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 13 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The supplies of cloathing and of other necessaries actually procured for the officers of the Virginia troops having been very far short of what an act of the legislature had authorised them to call for, and it being evident to the Executive from a view of the supplies on hand provided by the board instituted for that purpose, and of the means now in their hands for making future provision,...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 14 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In a Letter , which I had the Honor of addressing you on the meeting of the present General Assembly, I informed you of the necessities which had led the Executive to withdraw our western troops to the Ohio. Since the date of that Letter I have received the inclosed of the second instant from Colo. Todd communicating the measures he had adopted in Conjunction with Colo. Clarke to procure such...
39[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 15 June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 48: “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, respecting the removal of the Convention troops in case of danger, and enclosing one from Col. Wood on the same subject.” TJ’s letter has not been found; James...
40[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 16? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 16? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 50 (16 June): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, enclosing several letters and papers from a committee of Congress, on the present state of the army.” Not located. Enclosures: presumably the Committee...
41[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 19? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 19? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 51 (19 June): “The Speaker laid before House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a letter from the committee of co-operation appointed by Congress, calling for specific aids of men, provisions, forage, &c.; which were read, and...
42[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 22? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 58 (22 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a memorial of the officers of the Virginia line in captivity at New York; also several letters from General Washington and the committee of...
43[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1? July 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 1? July 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 71 (1 July): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from the President of Congress, General Washington, and the committee of co-operation, together with several resolutions of...
44[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5? July 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5? July 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 75 (5 July): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from General Washington, and the committees of co-operation, respecting the state of the army.” Read and referred to committee of...
45[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 7? Nov. 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 10 (7 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others addressed to the executive, and sundry resolutions of Congress, with other papers, and stating several matters for the...
46[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 16? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 16? Nov. 1780. JHD, Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 19 (16 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a return of the present state of the navy, and stating additional matter for the consideration of the General Assembly; and the same were read. Ordered , That the Governor’s letter do lie on the table. Ordered , That the return of the state of the...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of the honorable Theodorick Bland I take the liberty of laying before the General Assembly the inclosed paper in which he states a difficulty which has arisen in reconciling his qualification as a delegate to the peculiar channel into which he had previously turned his private fortune. From the inclosed extract of a Letter from our Delegates in Congress you will also perceive...
48[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 20? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 20? Nov. 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 22 (20 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, containing information respecting the embarkation of the enemy from Portsmouth, which was read and ordered to lie on the table.” Not located.]
49From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 20 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Letter from the President of Congress with the resolutions of that honourable body of the fourth instant, having come to hand yesterday and being intended for the consideration of the Legislature, I beg leave through you to transmit them to the General Assembly, and have the honor to be with every sentiment of esteem and respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant, RC...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Major Nelson, commanding officer of the three troops of cavalry belonging to this state but in continental service informs me on the part of his officers that they find the service extremely discouraging on account of the preference in command given to Continental officers of the same rank tho junior in their appointments, and pray that they may be placed on continental establishment without...