51Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 14 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas L. Savage. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” You have Mazzeis Letter which was left out of mine by mistake now enclosed. I am anxious to know what he has written to Mr. Adams as he seems to think it a Matter of some Consequence to America. I congratulate you on the good news you will find in the enclosed paper, which I think may...
52Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 2 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Lyttleton Savage. Addressed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” On 14 October 1782 Savage had succeeded William Tatham as assistant clerk of the Council of State ( Journals of the Council of State H. R. McIlwaine et al ., eds., Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia (3 vols. to date; Richmond, 1931——). , III, 156). I received...
53Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 23 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas L. Savage. Addressed to “The Honble Virginia Delegates in Congress.” If the letter mention’d in the enclosed ever came to Congress thro’ Mr. John Adams I shall be oblig’d to you for a copy of it, the request can not be improper as it was the Intention of the writer that I should have it. An enquirey is order’d into the Conduct of a Gentleman...
54Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 17 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I have nothing of Consequence to communicate to you by this Post[.] a sufficient Number to constitute an Assembly met on Munday last, but the great Business of the Session is not sufficiently open’d to enable me to form a conclusive Judgment on the Steps that will be taken to improve...
55Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 20 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” Your acceptable favor of the 12th. Instant reached me last Evening, the acknowledgement of our Independence gives me great Pleasure, for tho’ the Peace is not finally concluded, yet we may safely look on that Part of it, as certain and not to be retracted. I shall make such Parts...
56Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 11 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “Virga. Delegates.” The handwriting is that of Archibald Blair through the word “Counties” in the first paragraph. The copying was completed by Thomas Meriwether. When Count Rochambeau was about to leave this State He call’d on Government for 1000 Men to garrison the Towns of York & Gloucester. his request has in part been comply’d with[.] about 520...
57Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 23 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In William Tatham’s hand and directed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I recd. your favor of the 13th. instant. It gives me real pleasure to find the English Ministry seriously inclined to peace, yet I agree with you, it would be imprudent to relax in our preparations for War. I find by the resolutions of Congress that they are not inclined to any kind of...
58Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 27 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. By some queries that have been presented to the Attorney General there is reason to apprehend that the people who inhabit the lands that were in dispute with the State of Pennsylvania are likely to suffer, not only in the property of their lands but by a reversal of the decrees of the Courts whilst they were look’d on as subjects of this...
59Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 19 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Archibald Blair. I enclose you a copy of the direction of a Letter dated 14th. May which came to me from Winchr. three days ago which I shou’d not have open’d but for its being frank’d by Mr. Livingstone, I am really concernd that so little care should have been taken in Communicating the Birth of a Dauphine to me, it may perhaps induce a belief in...
60Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 11 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas L. Savage. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” Your favor of the 31th. of last Month is before me the contents of it were in some Measure answer’d by the last post. Why the Bill laying an impost of 5 pCt. on imported Articles was repealed, is left to conjecture, other than is declared by the preamble, the Assembly had your Letter as...
61Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 8 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas L. Savage. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” Your favor of the 29th: Ulto: reached me yesterday. If the reports from Canada and New York are true, the English are certainly become the most faithless Nation on Earth, and mean by fraud and deceit to accomplish what they could not do by force. how far their Plan will succeed I can...
62Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 2 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. We have received none of your Favors by the last two posts, nor has any Northward Mail come in. I suppose the Badness of the Weather as usual stopped them on the road. On looking over your letter by Captn Irish I find that you suppose the bill drawn payable to him was for part of the four tenths of the new Congress money as it is called;...
63Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 1 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of William Tatham, assistant clerk of the Virginia Council of State, and directed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” It gives me great pleasure to find that the States of Holland have at last de[c]lared in favor of the Independence of America I have no doubt but great good will result from it both to them & us. Your Secretary at War (Gen. Lincoln) has...
64Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Demobilization of Troops, 26–27 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Docketed: “Resolution For advancing three Months pay to the Soldiers of the Virginia line, from the Southern Army 26th June 1783 Copied for Govr.” Whereas a body of troops of this States line in the continental service has lately arrived in the town of Richmond from the southward under the command of Captain Parker and other troops of the same line are daily...
Printed text ( Journal of the House of Delegates Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg . Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon reads, Begun and Held in the Town of Richmond. In the County of Henrico . The journal for each session has its own title page and is individually paginated. The edition...
66Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Financial Quota, 28 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 380–81). This manuscript is twice docketed on folio 381. One docket, probably written in Virginia, reads, “Resolution of assy of Virginia relating to payment of the requisitions of Congress to be laid before Congress.” The other docket, probably written by one of Charles Thomson’s clerks, is as follows: “Resolutions of Legislature of Virginia 28 Decr. 1782 for...
67Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Tobacco Contract, 28 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 376–79). Docketed: “Resolves of the Virginia Assembly December 28th 1782 relating to the Shipment of a larger qy of Tobo under passports of July of Congress than was agreed to be permitted to be laid before Congress.” The outstanding example in Virginia of the general problem of suppressing illicit trade with the enemy by flag-of-truce vessels was the...
68Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Fortifications, 17 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 20, II, 313–14). Docketed: “Resolve of genl Assembly of Virginia That an application be made to Congress for 750 £ to level works at York Town July 31. 1783 Referred to Mr Read Mr Ellery Mr Williamson.” Resolved that it be an instruction to the Delegates representing this State in Congress to make application to Congress to obtain an order on the Continental Treasurer in...
69Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Ship “Cormorant,” 26–27 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 137, II, 729). Docketed: “Resolution of genl Assembly of Virginia 26 June 1783 Read 23 July Referred so far as relates to the offer of the Ship Cormorant , to the Agent of Marine to report.” Unsigned by John Beckley, clerk of the House of Delegates, or by William Drew, clerk of the Senate, this instruction varies in form from that of the instructions usually sent by the...
70Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Treaty of Commerce, 23–24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). On 22 May 1783 the Virginia House of Delegates referred to the Committee of Commerce the letter of 13 May from the delegates in Congress to Governor Benjamin Harrison ( Delegates to Harrison, 13 May 1783 , ed. n.; JHDV (1828 ed.). Journal of the House of Delegates of Virginia, Anno Domini, 1776 (Richmond, 1828). , May 1783, p. 16). On 23 May, instead of the...
71Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Permanent Site for Congress, 28 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 46, fols. 55–58). Docketed: “Resolutions of the Genl Assembly of Virginia. Offers to induce Congress to fix their residence in that State. Read July 16. 1783. Copies to be made out & sent to the several States.” Whereas the Legislature of Virginia are fully convinced of the advantages that would result to the United States by having some fixed place of residence for...
72Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Settlement of Accounts, 28 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 382–83). Docketed, “Resolution of the Assemby of Virga. relative to the Loss of Vouchers &.c Decemr. 28. 1782 to be laid before Congress.” Mr. Richard Henry Lee reported from the Committee appointed to inquire into the Progress of the Continental Account that the Committee had according to Order examined the same and had agreed upon a Report and come to several...
73Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Peace Negotiations, [17 and 19 December] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Journal of the House of Delegates Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg . Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon reads, Begun and Held in the Town of Richmond. In the County of Henrico . The journal for each session has its own title page and is individually paginated. The edition...
74Instructions to Virginia Delegates, 24–25 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Beckley, clerk of the House of Delegates, with the exception of the attestation by William Drew, clerk of the Senate. Resolved unanimously that a Proposition from the Enemy to all or any of these United States for Peace or Truce, separate from their Allies, is insidious and inadmissible. Resolved unanimously that a Proposition from the Enemy for...
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 386–87). Docketed: “Resolutions of Assembly of Virginia 27 June 1783 relative to their offer of Cession of lands NW of Ohio Read 23 July to lie on table.” Resolved that it would be improper to determine upon that part of the memorial of the Officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on Continental establishment presented to this Session of Assembly which prays for...
76From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I called on Mr. Anderson the Writer of the letter to Capt. Trot which you were pleased to inclose to me and desired he would explain the foundation on which he had written that letter. His explanation I now inclose you, from which you will be able to collect only thus much, that his application on behalf of Mr. Trot was utterly rejected and nothing said which could authorize him to suppose we...
77Thomas 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...
78From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 10 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A small Affair has taken Place between the British commanding Officer in this State (Genl. Phillips) and the Executive which as he may endeavour to get Rid of through the medium of Congress, I think it necessary previously to apprise you of it. General Scott obtained Permission from the Commandant at Charlestown for vessels with necessary Supplies to go from hence to them, but instead of...
79From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
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 method of availing the Southern Army of their...
80From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 15 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
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 and of any other State, as yourselves shall mutually agree on with him. Their award shall be performed...
81Thomas 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...
82From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Courier d’Europe a vessel from Penet & Coy. [Company] having on board military stores for this state was chased into Boston by the enemy in the Summer of 1779. They were principally Artillery Stores, too bulky and heavy for us to think of bringing them on by land. By the loss of our papers we are unable to furnish an invoice of them but they are in the hands of a Mr. J. Bradford in Boston...
83Thomas 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...
84[From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 22 September 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 22 Sep. 1780 . JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 899 (4 Oct. 1780): “The delegates for Virginia laid before Congress a letter of 22 September, from Governor Jefferson, which was read; Whereupon, Resolved , That the same be referred to the Board of War, and that so much of the 20,000 pounds sterling...
85From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 14 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
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 avail ourselves to prevent Loss to the State. We are much obliged to his Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne for his Readiness to secure us against the malice of the prisoners taken on Board the Romulus. We would beg Leave to add the...
86From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 31 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We agree to employ Mr. Dunlap according to his proposals inclosed in your Letter of the 15th instant except that we must adhere to our requisition that a complete sheet of his weekly paper shall be kept clear of advertisements, and reserved for intelligence, essays, &c., except that advertisements from the Legislature or Executive shall be put into the same sheet with the intelligence. The...
87Thomas 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...
88From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The object of the inclosed Memorial of Messrs. Stodder, Kerr and North being attainable by Congress only and proper to be the subject of a representation from them I take the Liberty of transmitting it to you that Justice may be done to the parties interested. I have the honor to be with great respect Gentlemen Your mo. ob. Hble Servant, P.S. We are and have long been without Letters of Marque....
89Thomas 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...
90From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 3d inst. came to hand yesterday. You will by this Time have received letters from me desiring you to do what you have done as to the Arms and in some measure as to the refugees. It would be more agreable to us that they should be sent to France than delivered up to us. I beg leave to add to the Names of those I before mentioned one Cranmer who is said to be the most...
91From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai pris les informations nécessaires pour connoitre les rades d’ou les vaisseaux de guerre François qu’on stationneroit cet hiver dans notre Baye pourroient proteger le plus efficacement son commerce, etre le plus en sureté et avoir la meilleure retraite. Celles d’ Hampton et d’ York sont les seules qui commandent l’entrée de la Chesapeak; aucun vaisseau ne peut y pénétrer sans être vu de...
92From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 14 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of inclosing to you a draught of Mr. Ben: Harrison jur. and co: on Messieurs Turnbull and co: merchants of Philadelphia for 66,666? dollars for which we have had transferred to Mr. Harrison the Auditors warrant of aug. 9. 1780. for £20,000 Virginia money with which you stand charged in their books. I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem and respect Gentlemen,...
93Thomas 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...
94From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington and the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 10 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The papers of the Executive having been almost wholly lost in the visit which was made by General Arnold to this place, we are endeavouring to procure Copies of as many of them as we can. As the Correspondence with your Excellency is among the most important I am to solicit the Favor of you to permit the Bearer hereof Mr. Granville Smith to take Copies of any Letters with which you have been...
95From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 17 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
With respect to the payment made on behalf of Mr. Braxton into the Continental treasury in Part of our Quota of the fifteen Million tax, the Executive having been Charged with the raising and remitting that money, we have thought it unnecessary to lay it before the Legislature. The Sum to be sent, was sent, partly in Money and Partly in Bills. These Bills were drawn in Continental Dollars ,...
96From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 6th. I received Information that two Parcels of Medicines marked C V (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 Vigne, he paying all reasonable Charges. I am &c.,...
97From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made the necessary enquiry as to the place where any armed vessels, which the minister of France shoud think proper to have wintered in our bay, might cover its trade, be safest, and have the most secure retreat. Hampton road and york town are the only ports from which a view of the entrance into the bay is commanded. No vessel can pass up it without being seen from either of these...
98Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates and George Washington, 10 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk and directed to “His Excellency General Washington & the Honble Virginia Delegates in Congress.” The papers of the Executive having been almost wholly lost in the visit which was made by General Arnold to this place, we are endeavouring to procure Copies of as many of them as we can. As the Correspondence with Congress is among the most important...
99Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 6 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. A copy of the second paragraph in JM’s hand is in NA : PCC , No. 71, II, 95. It is docketed, “Extract of a letter from Gov of Virginia April 6, 1781 Read 23 Referred to the board of treasy Letter filed April 24 & Reported.” I have received your letter informing us of the Arrival of our Arms &c from Rhode Island at Philadelphia, and must pray you...
100From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter informing us of the Arrival of our Arms &c. from Rhode Island at Philadelphia, and must pray you immediately to send forward the packages within mentioned containing Arms, &c., engaging Waggons for that Purpose who shall be paid on their arrival here the price you contract to give them and be protected from Impresses while in this State. Tho’ we do not know the...