101[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...
102From 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...
103[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...
104[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.]
105From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 22 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
It is not easy for me to decide by which my mind was most affected upon the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst.—surprize or gratitude: both were greater than I have words to express. The attention & good wishes which the Assembly have evidenced by their act for vesting in me 150 shares in the navigation of each of the rivers Potomac & James, is more than mere compliment—there is an...
106Thomas 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...
107Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 4 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Theodorick Bland, except for the signatures of the other three delegates. Cover addressed to “His Excellency The Governor of Virginia” Docketed in an unknown hand, “Lr. from the Delegates in Congress. February 4th. 1783.” Neither this post nor the preceding one brought us any letter from your Excellency The affair with Nathan is now under...
108Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 20 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 9th. inst: was duly recd. by yesterday’s mail. We had communicated to Mr. Thomson the mistake contained in your preceding letter, relative to a recall of the territorial Cession, but have now corrected it as you desire. If our official & joint correspondence with your Excelly. be less circumstancial than that which individual delegates may enter into with their...
109[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.]
110Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 17 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Joseph Jones, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “Virginia Delegates to Govr of Virginia Decr 17th 1782.” We are honoured with your Excellencys favor of the 7th. Our last communicated the measures that had been taken for supplying the unfortunate captives then on their way to Virginia, which we hope will meet the approbation of the Executive. We have...
111Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 30 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Addressed, “His Excelly. B. Harrison Esqr.” Entirely in JM’s hand except for the signatures of the other delegates. The words in the official cipher are here italicized. Accompanying the recipient’s copy is a sheet upon which the second paragraph of the letter was decoded by Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council of State. We have not the honor of acknowledging any...
112From 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...
113From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 29 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of Congress came to hand yesterday. As it is on the same subject with the resolution of Assembly of 23d. Decr . I beg leave to lay it before them. That the Assembly may be informed of the footing on which this matter stood at the time of their resolution I beg leave to inclose to them an extract from my Letter to Colo. Wood giving a general order for the removal of the...
114Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Franked by Edmund Randolph. Docketed, “Virga Delegates recd 14 Febry 1782.” The post of the present week having failed to arrive in this city on its usual day (Tuesday) and our letters not coming to hand until this morning (Friday) we can answer your excellency’s favor of the 17th. instant only by acknowledging the receipt of it. We have the honor sir to be with...
115From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of July 20. 1784 with which your Excellency was pleased to honour me and which inclosed the resolution of assembly for the statue of Genl. Washington came to my hands on the 29th. of Nov. by Mr. Short: and a few days afterwards I received a duplicate of it. As it was not practicable to get the business into any train before the sailing of the December packet, I omitted acknol– eging...
116From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 13 April 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The legion of Colo. Armand which was stationed here to be refitted for service has for some time been on sufferance for provisions. Flour they have had and still have, but of animal food the supplies have almost totally failed, and failed from a cause which is without remedy, that is, the want of it in the neighborhood. The former calls for beef by fifteenths and tenths had reduced the stocks...
117From 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...
118Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 30 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jeffersons letter of this date will give your Excellency every Communication that is worth transmitting. Nothing therefore remains for me; but to manifest the Attention which I shall always feel myself happy in paying to every request which you may think proper to honour me with. I have conferred with Mr. Jefferson on the expediency of his acting as a Commissioner for extending the...
119Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 26 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written and franked by Arthur Lee. Docketed: “Virga. Delegates Lr. recd. Apl 82[.] March 26h 1782[.] Latest advices from Europe indicate determination of British Cabinet to continue the War.” The Superintendant of Finance informs us, that he has sent a proposition to our Executive which he conceives will answer the object of our motion relative to the supply of...
120Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [20 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed extract ( Cal. of Va. State Papers William P. Palmer et al ., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.; Richmond, 1875–93). , III, 485). The style of the paragraph quoted in this abstract suggests that the letter was written by JM, except for the signatures of Bland and Mercer. They had recd. his letter of the 9th and had made the correction therein...
121Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 27 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (New-York Historical Society). Written by Theodorick Bland, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “Lr. f’m Virginia Delegates August 27th.” We were yesterday Hond. with your Excellys letter by post dated Augt. 16th. together with the resolution of the Assembly 2d. July 1782. we shall pay due attention to your desire concerning the Resolution and in our next transmit your Excelly. an account...
122Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VII, 301, and n. 1). Probably written by John Francis Mercer, who signed it, and possibly also signed by Joseph Jones and JM. The original manuscript has not been found, although about 1930 it was among the Executive Papers in the Virginia State Library. We...
123[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 12 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Governor. Definitive treaty—British proclamation on commerce.” Not found.]
124From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 12th. instant on the subject of the Definitive treaty. On the day following we made up a Congress of seven states, but nine being requisite to ratify the treaty, we have been unable to get this done; and of course till it be ratified Congress can make no communications on the subject to the states. I am sorry to say that I see no immediate...
125From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 5–7 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th of Feby arrivd safe by Colo. Mead abt the 10th of Apl —It conveyed to me a two fold pleasure; 1st to hear that you were ready to obey the call of your Country in a representatn of it and 2dly that yo. cd do it with more ease & convenience to your Affairs than formerly. If my time would permit, and it was proper & safe by the Post to go into a free discussion of the...
126From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 7 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Harvard University Library). Although the cover is missing, the contents permit no doubt that Governor Harrison was the recipient. According to my promise by the last post & to your Excellency’s request I have made enquiry for some person fit for the service which my unfitness obliged me to decline, but with as little success as I expected. If skill in the business alone were requisite, it...
127Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 10 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencies favour of the 2nd. Inst. I was this day honoured with. It was not my Idea or that of any Gentleman in the Delegation to introduce the complaint of Mr. Cammel to the view of Congress, if justice to our Citizens could be obtained by any other means. I am happy to be informed by your Excellency that the business is in a train that promises so amicable a conclusion. Since the...
128Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In Arthur Lee’s hand, except for Theodorick Bland’s signature. Addressed to “His Excely. Govr. Harrison.” For the absence of JM’s signature, see Delegates to Harrison, 24 June 1783 , ed. n. Congress have directed the Superintendent of Finance to make public an order he has given to the continental Receivers in the different States, to receive the Notes issued from...
129From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 16 [December] 1779 (Madison Papers)
Being notified that the General Assembly have honoured me with a delegation to serve this commonwealth in general Congress, I beg the favour of you Sir to communicate to them my acceptance thereof, and my assurances that as far as fidelity and zeal can supply the place of abilities the interests of my Country shall be punctually promoted. I have the honor to be with great respect Yr. Most Obt...
130Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 5 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that Congress have accepted the Cession of our Western Territory: and we have in conformity to the Act of the General Assembly of Virginia executed a deed for the same. This I trust will pave the way for similar Cessions from other States and lay the foundation for the discharge of our domestic debts. Congress have appointed Commissioners for the...
131Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). In the hand of Joseph Jones, except for the signatures of JM, John Francis Mercer, Arthur Lee, and Theodorick Bland, Jr. Addressed to “His Excellency the Governor of Virginia.” Docketed by Harrison, “Lr: from the Delegates in Congress February 11th. 1783.” We had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor, of the 31st. of Jany.; & sympathize very...
132II. Petition of Mace Freeland to the Governor and Council, 15 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excellency Benjamin Harrison esq. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the honourable the Council of state the Petition of Mace Freeland of the county of Buckingham humbly sheweth That James Freeland your petitioner’s father being seised and possessed of a considerable estate in lands slaves and personalties, and having issue James Freeland your petitioner’s elder brother by one...
133From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
handing me the Letters herewith inclosed (amongst others) without apprizing me of the direction of them, I opened one of yours before I discovered the mistake—I offer this as an appology to you for the Seal coming to you broken. With great esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affect Serv. Privately owned.
134Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 14 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). In JM’s hand, including the signature for “Jos: Jones.” Addressed to “His Excy. The Govr. of Virginia.” Docketed, apparently by Harrison, “Virginia Delegates in Congress Jany 14. 83.” In LC : Madison Papers is JM’s file copy of this letter. Except for a few differences in punctuation and abbreviations and only “We have the hon” as the complimentary...
135Enclosure: John Beckley to Benjamin Harrison, 2 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency a Copy of the resolution of Assembly, voting a Bust in honor of the Marquis Fayette, and to inform you that the Speaker communicated to both Houses of Assembly the Marquis’s Letter of acknowledgment —and am, with due respect, Your Excellencys Most obedt & humble servt ALS , DLC:GW . John Beckley (1757–1807) arrived in Virginia from England in...
136Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 8 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed extract (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1170 [2 June 1916], p. 34). The catalogue states that this letter, four pages in length, is dated as below and signed by JM, Joseph Jones, and Edmund Randolph. The dispatch is apparently in JM’s hand. It was found that great quantities of British goods, were brought by circuitous commerce into these States, that this trafic tending to strengthen...
137From 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.”...
138Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 3 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand. The cover is franked by “J. Madison Jr.,” addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Richmond,” and docketed, “Letter from Virg Dels Decr. 3d. 82.” The words italicized in the letter are those written by JM in the official cipher. From a consultation with the Secy at War we concluded that it would be fruitless, and therefore unadvisable to...
139Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 2 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Arthur Lee. Docketed, “Letter from Delegates April 2d 1782.” We had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 23d. ult. with the Papers for Congress which we shall present. We are obliged to your Excellency for your intelligence from the W. Indies, which we hope will be confirmed. Mr. Foster Webb will receive every assistance we can give...
140Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 25 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for the two other signatures. Cover missing. Docketed, “March 25th. 1783 Letter from Repsts in Congress.” Having dispatched an Express yesterday, by whom we communicated to your Excellency, the substance of the important & happy advices, receiv’d by the Ch: du Quesne. We now enclose yr. Excellency the days papers, in which...
141[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...
142Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 4 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Jasper E. Crane, Wilmington, Del., 1957). In the hand of John F. Mercer, except for the other four signatures. Cover franked and addressed by him to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “Lr. from the Delegates in Congress—March 4th. 1783.” We have receiv’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th. Ult, enclosing a copy of the King of Great Britain’s speech,...
143James Monroe to Benjamin Harrison, 26 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I must first apologize for not sending you a copy of the constitutions before this by assuring you that the first inquiry I made on my arrival here was to obtain one and that soon as I procure one from Phila. for which purpose I have particularly instructed Mr. Murray I will transmit it. During the winter we have had so few States on the floor that we have been able to do but little of any...
144Returns 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...
145From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We thought it best as I informed you in a former letter to call into Service on this occasion the Militia whose families and property were not immediately exposed. Being circumscribed in our number of Arms it still appears best, that what we have should be put into the hands of those Militia. Were we to send any to Charles City, we must dismiss so many Militia now collected here, and at...
146From 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...
147From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 9 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
My friendship is not in the least lessened by the difference which has taken place in our political sentiments; nor is my regard for you diminished by the part you have acted. Men’s minds are as varient as their faces, and, where the motives to their actions are pure, the operation of the former is no more to be imputed to them as a crime, than the appearance of the latter: for both being the...
148Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 10 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand, except for the signatures of Bland, Lee, and Jones. Addressed by JM to “His Excelly. Govr. Harrison.” Docketed, “Lr. f’m Virga. Delegates Sept. 10. 82.” The cover is missing. Your Excellency’s favors of the 23. and 30. Ulto. were recd. yesterday. Not recollecting that any resolutions of Congress declaratory of their ultimate sense with regard to...
149Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 4 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Theodorick Bland, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “1782. June 4th.” Our last of the 28th. Ultimo informed your Excelly. fully of the State of News at this place, Since which nothing material has happened, except what the enclosed News Paper contains. There yet remains some doubt relative to the event of the Action of the two fleets in the West...
150Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 5 [July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). The misdatings of “June 5th,” both in date line and docket, were apparently corrected soon after the letter’s receipt. The letter was drafted and signed by Theodorick Bland, although he obviously was also writing on behalf of JM and John Francis Mercer, his two colleagues from Virginia then in Congress. Docketed: “Virginia Delegates Letter Theo Bland one of the...