51Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 30 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In Theodorick Bland’s hand, except for JM’s and Lee’s signatures. Addressed to “His Excellency the Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “Virga Delegates Lr., July 30. 82 July, 1782.” Cover missing. We deliverd the Letter to the Chevalier de la Luzerne, enclosd in that your Excellency honord us with on the 19, together with the apology you desird for your...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 20 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days after my arrival here Colo. Le Maire writer of the inclosed letter called on me and asked me to forward it to you with such explanations as I could give. As to his commission , having lost the original as he therein mentions, he asks an authenticated copy of it which he thinks will enforce some applications he is making to this government. As to the lands, I remember the gift of...
53Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 12 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last nothing material has occurred. The Indiana Company some days ago preferred a petition to Congress respecting their Claim. Jersey patronized the Interest of her Citizens and wished a fœderal Court to determine the validity of the purchase. It was however negatived on this principle; That the lands lay within the limits of Virginia and could be affected by the decision of no other...
54From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of this morning the post has arrived and brought us a letter from Dr. Franklin of Mar. 9. He had received a letter from Congress informing him of the reasons of delaying our ratification. He apprehends no difficulty from this circumstance, and the rather as he had received a letter from Mr. Hartley dated Mar. 2. (the day before the exchange should have taken place) desiring he...
55Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [17 April] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed extract (Paul C. Richards Catalogue No. 11 [1964], item 266). The catalogue describes the manuscript as comprising two pages written by JM and bearing the signatures of Joseph Jones, Theodorick Bland, JM, and Arthur Lee. We thought it necessary to have a decision from Congress relative to the cession of our western territory, for the information of the ensuing Assembly; & therefore...
56Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 19 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Virginia Miscellaneous Collection, 1773–1789). In JM’s hand, except for Joseph Jones’s signature. Addressed to “His Excy. Govr. Harrison.” We had the honor yesterday of your Excellency’s letter of the 8th. inst. on the several subjects of which we must postpone an answer untill the next mail. We are sorry to be obliged to repeat our inability to add any intelligence relative to the...
57From 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...
58Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 22 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand. Addressed to “His Excelly Govr. Harrison.” Cover missing. Docketed, “Lr f’m Virginia Delegates inclosg Memorial of S. Nathan 1782 Oct 22d.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 12th. instant came duly to hand yesterday. A Vessel lately arrived at Boston brought Congress a letter from Mr. Adams dated Hague Aug: 18th. 1782. The paper No. 1. herewith inclosed...
59From 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....
60From 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...
61From 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...
62Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 31 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In Joseph Jones’s hand, except for JM’s signature. Cover franked by Jones and addressed to “His Excellency The Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “Virga. Delegates Letter 31. Decr.” Yesterdays post brought us your Excellencys favor of the 21st. intelligence being received the last week that Virginia had repealed her Law imposing a duty of 5 PCt. on imported articles...
63[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...
64Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [ca. 17] September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City). In JM’s hand, except for Arthur Lee’s signature. Addressed to “His Excelly. Governor Harrison.” Cover missing. The copy of sundry late resolutions of Congress herewith inclosed will inform your Excellency of the necessity they have been under of enlarging their requisitions on the States. This necessity has resulted in part from the perseverance of...
65From 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,...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 2 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
We have received no foreign intelligence through any authentic channel since the letter from Dr. Franklin of Dec. 25. an extract from which I formerly did myself the honour of inclosing you. Through different ways however, such as to merit beleif, we have information that the utmost confusion prevails in the British government. The House of commons on the 16th of January came to a vote that...
67Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 3 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday’s Post arrived without any letter from your Excellency. We laid before Congress the resolution of the assembly, relating to the emission of the 18th. of March 1780, and the destruction of the old Continental money by Commissioners within the states, which was refer’d to the Superintendt. of finance to report generally upon—as the steps to be taken on the Resolution of our Assembly,...
68Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 9 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand except for Arthur Lee’s signature. Addressed to “His Excelly. Governor Harrison.” Docketed, “Virga Delegates Letter July 9th 1782.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 29th. of June inclosing a letter to Mr. Irwin & a bill of exchange in his favor from Mr. O. Pollock was received this morning. The defect of intelligence which rendered our last so...
69From 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...
70Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [11] June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (New York State Historic Sites, Albany, N.Y.). Entirely in the hand of Theodorick Bland, Jr., except for JM’s signature. Although the cover is missing, the title by which the recipient is addressed, along with the contents of the letter, establishes the identity of the addressee. The complete date probably should be 11 June 1782 in view of the nature of the information in the dispatch and...
71From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 18 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th inst: enclosing an Act of the General Assembly, which passed at my request. This new proof of the confidence repos’d in me by my Country, lays me under additional obligations to it; and I am equally sensible of its favors, and the polite & friendly wishes with which you accompanied the act. If the etiquette of business makes it necessary...
72From 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...
73Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 18 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Arthur Lee, except for the signatures of the other four delegates. Docketed, “Lr. from the Delegates in Congress—February 18th. 83.” We had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 7th. & shall communicate what it contains relative to the supply of the Post at Winchester to the Financier, & transmit you his answer. We have reason to...
74Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 15 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new has happend Since our last by Mr. St. Greaves —the last Post Brought us no letter from yr. Excelly we have the honor to enclose to days Paper & are with Perfect respect Yr. Excellys. most obdt. Sets RC ( ViHi ). In the hand of Theodorick Bland, except for JM’s signature. Enclosure not found. This letter was noted as missing in Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson et al., eds.,...
75From 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...
76[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...
77[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 18? December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 18? Dec. 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. 55 (18 Dec.): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from Major General Baron Steuben, containing requisitions for the army, which were read, and ordered to be referred to the...
78Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 26 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The American Philosophical society (at Philadelphia ) are in possession of a MS. journal of Col o Byrd , father of the late Col o W m Byrd , while he was on the line of Virginia & Carolina . I suppose it went with the Westover
79Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 13 September 1783—Missing Letter (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 September 1783 . In a letter of 26 September to the Virginia delegates in Congress ( q.v. ), Governor Harrison acknowledged receipt of their letter dated thirteen days earlier. This letter, now missing, was written by Joseph Jones on behalf of the Virginia delegation and forwarded by Harrison on 20 October to John Tyler for submission by him to the Virginia General...
80From 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...
81Thomas 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...
82Virginia 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...
83Virginia 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...
84From Benjamin Franklin to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 4 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives I arrived here about two Weeks since, where I found Mr. Deane. Mr. Lee has since join’d us from London. We have had an Audience of the Minister, Count de Vergennes, and were respectfully receiv’d. We left for his Consideration a Sketch of the propos’d Treaty. We are to wait upon him tomorrow with a strong Memorial requesting the Aids mentioned in our...
85Virginia 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...
86From 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...
87Virginia 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...
88From 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...
89From 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...
90Samuel 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...
91Virginia 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...
92Virginia 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...
93Virginia 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...
94From 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...
95Samuel 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...
96From 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...
97Samuel 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...
98Virginia 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...
99Virginia 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...
100Enclosure: 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...