51From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Inglis, 19 October 1772 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter was delivered me in court to-day when it was impossible for me even to read it. I therefore detained the servant till the evening lest there might be any thing which would require an answer. I shall file the answer in which you say nothing of McCaul’s effects. Indeed the other would be improper because it confesses effects of his in your hands at the time of the subpoena served,...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Zane, [ca. 1773–1778] [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
You must give me leave to return you the inclosed, as I have laid aside the distressing trade of receiving money for serving my friends. the pleasure of doing them an acceptable office is the richest reward which can be conferred on me, and I never think them ungenerous but when they decline giving me an opportunity of proving this. the late occasion too was peculiarly sacred. the packet to...
53Memorandum Books, 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 7. Richard Vernon (Orange). Gave him advice for which took his note for 21/6. 8. John Stewart (Augusta) v. James Callison (Augusta). I was directed to enter this petn. some time ago, and did it, but it being still blank and so not chargeable I bring the memm. forward, to get rid of old books. So when necessary recur to rough memm. books 1770. Jan. 21. Mar. 8. Feb. 20. Aug. 22. Carter...
54Thomas Jefferson to John Minor, 30 August 1814, including Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Moore, [ca. 1773?] (Jefferson Papers)
I have at length found the paper of which you requested a copy. it was written near 50. years ago for the use of a young friend whose course of reading was confided to me; and it formed a basis for the studies of others subsequently placed under my direction, but curtailed for each in proportion to his previous acquirements and future views. I shall give it to you without change, except as to...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Charles McPherson, 25 February 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Encouraged by the small acquaintance which I had the pleasure of having contracted with you during your residence in this country, I take the liberty of making the present application to you. I understood you were related to the gentleman of your name Mr. James Macpherson to whom the world is so much indebted for the collection, arrangement and elegant translation, of Ossian’s poems. These...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Ann Eppes Harris, 26 April 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
I have applied to Mr. Waller on the subject of your bonds. He sais that Colo. Hunter when he left the country directed him not to call for the money due from yourself and son nor to do any thing further with your bonds till further orders. On being furnished by Daniel Hylton with a copy of Colo. Hunter’s letter […] he immediately inclosed it to Colo. H[unter an]d desired his directions […] for...
57Notes for Epitaph and Grave of Dabney Carr, [after 16 May 1773] (Jefferson Papers)
Inscription on my friend D. Carr’s tomb-stone. Lamented shade! [whom ev’ry] gift of heav’n Profusely blest: a temper winning mild; Nor pity softer, nor was truth more bright. Constant in doing well, he neither sought Nor shunn’d applause. No bashful merit sigh’d Near him neglected: sympathizing he Wip’d off the tear from Sorrow’s clouded eye With kindly hand and taught her heart to smile....
58From Thomas Jefferson to William Fleming, 19 May 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
You have before this heard and lamented the death of our good friend Carr . Some steps are necessary to be immediately taken on behalf of his clients. You practised in all his courts except Chesterfeild and Albemarle. I shall think I cannot better serve them than by putting their papers into your hands if you will be so good as to take them. I once mentioned to you the court of Albemarle as...
59Notice concerning Legal Fees, 20 May 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
ON serious Consideration of the present State of our Practice in the General Court, we find it can no longer be continued on the same Terms. The Fees allowed by Law , if regularly paid, would barely compensate our incessant Labours, reimburse our Expenses, and the Losses incurred by Neglect of our private Affairs; yet even these Rewards, confessedly moderate, are withheld from us, in a great...
60From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. Charles Clay, 21 May 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Carr is to be buried at this place, and I am to beg the favor of you to officiate at his funeral and to give a sermon. I have fixed on no day because I knew not what day would suit you. You will therefore be pleased to appoint one and to inform me of it by the bearer. Any day after Monday would suit me, and the sooner the better, because I left Mr. Warples in so low a situation that his...
61XII. Thomas Jefferson to Farell & Jones, 9 July 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of April 23d. 1773 came to hand a few days after the death of Mr. Wayles an event of which I doubt not Mr. Evans has before this advised you. We are assured that you Sympathize on this occasion with his family and friends here, as a correspondence kept up, and we hope approved thro’ a long course of years must have produced on your part some degree of that friendship which we know...
62Notice of Sale of Wayles Properties, 15 July 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Two Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres of land in Cumberland , commonly known by the Name of Saint Jame’s ; one Thousand four Hundred and twenty Acres in the Counties of Goochland and Cumberland , on both Sides of James River, opposite to Elk Island; and one Thousand four Hundred and eighty Acres on Herring Creek, in Charles City County. The above Tracts of Land were of the Estate of the late
63Further Notice of Sale of Wayles Properties, 9 September 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Five Hundred and fifty Acres of land in the County of Charles City , with a convenient Dwellinghouse and other Improvements, Two Hundred and twenty Acres, in the same County, pleasantly situated on James River. Two Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres in the County of Cumberland , commonly known by the Name of Saint James’s. And one Thousand four Hundred and twenty one Acres in the Counties...
64Deed from Jane Randolph Jefferson for the Conveyance of Slaves, 29 September 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas Peter Jefferson did by his last will and testament bequeath to Jane Jefferson his wife one sixth part of all his slaves during her life, with power by deed or will to appoint the same to any of his children as she should think proper, and on his death partition having been made, the several slaves hereafter named with divers others were alloted to the said Jane: and whereas Thomas...
65Memorandum Books, 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 2. John Skip Harris (Cumbld.) v. John Hall (S. Carolina). Enter petn. for 750. as. Bedford on both sides of Calloway’s waggon road patd. by def. Dec. 23. 1754. 3. Thomas Jefferson (myself) v. Thos. Mann Randolph (Goochld.). Enter friendly cav. for 400. as. land Albemarle on the South West mountains adjoining Edgehill. 8. John Hylton estate. Give credit for two gross of bottles £3. 9....
66Notes on the Progress of Certain Bills, [9–25 May 1774] (Jefferson Papers)
Entail bill (my own) May 9. 1774. leave to bring in the bill 10. bill read first time & ordd. to be read 2d time 13. Committed 19. reported & ingrossed 20. read 3d time and passed. General Entail bill May 25. leave to bring in bill to empower certain persons to convey away their lands. 26. presented, read, & to be read 2d time Road bill presentd. by Commee Cts. justce. read 1st. time & ordd....
67Draft of Instructions to the Virginia Delegates in the Continental Congress (MS Text of A Summary View, &c.), [July … (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that it be an instruction to the said deputies when assembled in General Congress with the deputies from the other states of British America to propose to the said Congress that an humble and dutiful address be presented to his majesty begging leave to lay before him as chief magistrate of the British empire the united complaints of his majesty’s subjects in America; complaints which...
68Thomas Jefferson and John Walker to the Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Anne, [before 23 July 1774] (Jefferson Papers)
To the Inhabitants of the parish of Saint Anne. The members of the late house of Burgesses having taken into their consideration the dangers impending over British America from the hostile invasion of a sister colony, thought proper that it should be recommended to the several parishes in this colony that they set apart some convenient day for fasting, humiliation and prayer devoutly to...
69Draft of a Declaration of Rights Prepared for the Virginia Convention of August 1774, [ca. 26 July 1774] (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration of rights and League for their support by the inhabitants of Virginia. We the subscribers inhabitants of the colony of Virginia do declare that the people of the several states of British America are subject to the laws which they adopted at their first settlement and to such others as have been since made by their respective Legislatures duly constituted and appointed with their...
70From 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...
71Memorandum Books, 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 2. Elias Wells v. Higgins 2. Cav. v. Thompkins v. C. Tompkins. See Apr. 18. 1774. Pl. supposes are patd. If so dismiss Cav. (Those v. B. & C. Tompkins are patd. See Feb. 7. 1774.) 26. Robert Biscoe (Cumberland). Send him an opinion on the case of John Muse’s children to whom he is father in law. John Woodson (Cumberld.). Credit him for ferriages 8/6. Feb. 14. Biscoe. Committed opn. to...
72Draft of Resolution concerning Adherence of New York to Articles of Association, [24 March 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
Ordered that certain paragraphs in the public papers, said to have been the votes of the house of representatives of New York be read. The house of Convention taking into their consideration that the said province of New York did by their delegates in General Congress solemnly accede to the compact of Association there formed for the preservation of American rights, that a defection from such...
73Resolution on Land Grants, [27 March 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
His Excellency the Governor having by proclamation bearing date the 21st. day of March in the present year declared that his majesty hath given orders that all vacant lands within this colony shall be put up in lots to public sale and that the highest bidder for such lot shall be the purchaser thereof, and shall hold the same subject to a reservation of one half-penny sterling per acre by way...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Ebenezer Hazard, 30 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 23. 1774 and Proposals for collecting and publishing the American state papers I have received. It is an undertaking of great utility to the continent in general, as it will not only contribute to the information of all those concerned in the administration of government, but will furnish to any historical genius which may happen to arise those materials which he would...
75From Thomas Jefferson to William Small, 7 May 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure by a gentleman who saw you at Birmingham to hear of your welfare. By Capt. Aselby of the True-patriot belonging to Messrs. Farrell & Jones of Bristol I send you three dozen bottles of Madeira, being the half of a present which I had laid by for you. The captain was afraid to take more on board lest it should draw upon him the officers of the customs. The remaining three...
76Jefferson’s Annotated Copy of Franklin’s Proposed Articles of Confederation, [June–July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of confederation and perpetual Union proposed by the delegates of the several colonies of New Hampshire &c. in General Congress met at Philadelphia May. 10. 1775. The Art. I. name of this confederacy shall henceforth be ‘The united < colonies > states of North America.’ The Art. II. said united colonies hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other binding on...
77Financial and Military Estimates for Continental Defense, [June–July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
souls dollars New Hampshire 100,000 82,713 2 Massachusets 350,000 289,496 Rhode island 58,000 47,973 Connecticut 200,000 165,426 New York 200,000 165,426 New Jersey 130,000
78From Thomas Jefferson to St. George Tucker, 10 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknoledge the receipt of your letter, and to scribble a line in answer, being just in the moment of setting out on my journey. The situation of your island is truly hard, and I should think deserves a relaxation of our terms if I may trust my first thoughts on the subject. I also think it probable it might be mutually beneficial to us. Should I continue of that opinion I will...
79I. Jefferson’s Composition Draft, 26 June–6 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The large strides < advances > of late taken by the legislature of Great Britain towards establishing < in > over the colonies their absolute rule, and the hardiness of their present attempt to effect by force of arms what by law or right they could never effect render< s > it necessary for us also to change < shift > the ground of opposition and to close with their last appeal from reason to...
80II. Jefferson’s Fair Copy for the Committee, 26 June–6 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
< We > A Declaration < of > by the representatives of the United colonies of America now sitting in General Congress, < to all nations send greeting > < of > setting forth the causes & necessity of their tak[ing up arms]. The large strides of late taken by the legislature of Great Britain towards establishing over these colonies their absolute rule, and the hardiness of the present attempt to...
81From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 26 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
You will before this have heard that the war is now heartily entered into, without a prospect of accomodation but thro’ the effectual interposition of arms. General Gage has received considerable reinforcements, tho’ not to the [wh]ole amount of what was expected. There has lately been an action at the outlet of the town of Boston. The particulars we have not yet been able to get with...
82From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, nothing new has happened. Our accounts of the battle of Charleston have become clear, and greatly to our satisfaction. Contrary to what usually happens, the first accounts were below truth; it is now certain that the regulars have had between 1200 and 1400 killed and wounded in that engagement, and that of these 500 are killed. Major Pitcairn is among the slain, at which...
83From Thomas Jefferson to George Gilmer, [5 July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
The battle of Charlestown I expect you have heard, but perhaps not so as you may depend on. The provincials sustained two attacks in their trenches, and twice repulsed the ministerial forces, with immense slaughter. The third attack, however, being made with fixed bayonets, the provincials gave ground, retired a little way, and rallied ready for their enemy; but they, having been pretty...
84From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Virginia Convention, 11 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The continued sitting of Congress prevents us from attending our colony Convention: but, directed by a sense of duty, we transmit to the Convention such determinations of the Congress as they have directed to be made public. The papers speak for themselves, and require no comment from us. A petition to the king is already sent away, earnestly entreating the royal interposition to prevent the...
85I. Jefferson’s Draft Resolutions, [25 July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
The Congress proceeding to take into their consideration a resolution of the House of Commons of Gr. Br. referred to them by the several assemblies of New Jersey, Pennsylva. and Virga., which resolution is in these words ‘that it is the opinion &c.’ are of Opinion That the colonies of America possess < an > the exclusive < right > privilege of giving and granting their own money; that this...
86Virginia and Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress to the Inhabitants West of Laurel Hill, 25 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives us much concern to find that disturbances have arisen and still continue among you concerning the boundaries of our colonies. In the character in which we now address you, it is unnecessary to enquire into the origin of those unhappy disputes, and it would be improper for us to express our approbation or censure on either side: But as representatives of two of the colonies united,...
87From the Virginia Delegates in Congress to George Washington, 26 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most cordial warmth we recommend our Countryman Mr. Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. This young Gentlemans abilities, natural and acquired, his extensive connections, and above all, his desire to serve his Country in this arduous struggle, are circumstances that cannot fail to gain him your countenance and protection. You will readily discern Sir, how important a...
88Election Tally for the Virginia Committee of Safety, [17 August 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( Vi : Third Virginia Convention, Loose Papers); probably in an unidentified hand in part, with the last eight names and numerical totals added by TJ, the dots and check marks being in TJ’s or another hand; undated, but assigned on basis of minutes of the Third Virginia Convention (see below); left margin partly torn away; with inverted and unrelated notation in the hand of John Tazewell,...
89From Thomas Jefferson to John Randolph, 25 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your message by Mr. Braxton and immediately gave him an order on the Treasurer for the money, which the Treasurer assured me should be answered on his return. I now send the bearer for the violin and such musick appurtaining to her as may be of no use to the young ladies. I beleive you had no case to her. If so, be so good as to direct Watt Lenox to get from Prentis’s some bays or...
90From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to Patty on my arrival here, and there being then nothing new in the political way I inclosed her letter under a blank cover to you. Since that we have received from England news of much importance, which coming thro’ many channels we beleive may be confidently relied on. Both the ministerial and provincial accounts of the battle of Bunker’s hill had got to England. The ministry were...
91Memoranda on the Connecticut-Pennsylvania Boundary Dispute, [17 October 1775?] (Jefferson Papers)
Connecticut is bounded Westward 1. by the N. W. line of Virginia. 2. by the Proviso in the Plymouth grant in favr. of the Southern colony. 3. by the decision of Nicholson & al. pa. 14. declard Western boundary , to which Connecticut assented. 4. by the grant of Pensylvania. N ( DLC ). These notes on the protracted dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut over the Wyoming Valley are...
92From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 24 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, we have nothing new from England or from the camps at either Cambridge or St. John’s. Our eyes are turned to the latter place with no little anxiety, the weather having been uncommonly bad for troops in that quarter, exposed to the inclemencies of the sky without any protection. Carleton is retired to Quebec, and though it does not appear he has any intimation of Arnold’s...
93From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 31 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new from England or the camp before Boston. By a private letter this day to a gentleman of Congress from General Montgomery we learn that our forces before St. John’s are 4000. in number besides 500. Canadians the latter of whom have repelled with great intrepidity three different attacks from the fort. We apprehend it will not hold out much longer as Monsr. St. Luc de la Corne...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 7 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
We have no late intelligence here except of the surrender of Chambly, with 90. prisoners of war, 6½ tons of powder, 150 stands of arms and some other small matters. The acquisition of this powder we hope has before this made us masters of St. John’s, on which Montreal and the upper parts of St. Laurence will of course be ours. The fate of Arnold’s expedition we know not as yet. We have had...
95From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 21 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
After sealing my last letter to you we received an account of the capture of St. John’s which I wrote on the letter. What I there gave you was a true account of that matter. We consider this as having determined the fate of Canada. A Committee of Congress is gone to improve circumstances so as to bring the Canadians into our Union. We have accounts of Arnold as late as Octob. 13. All well and...
96From Thomas Jefferson to John Randolph, 29 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to give you the melancholy intelligence of the death of our most worthy Speaker which happened here on the 22d of the last month. He was struck with an Apoplexy, and expired within five hours. I have it in my power to acquaint you that the successes of our arms have corresponded with the justice of our cause. Chambly and St. John’s have been taken some weeks ago, and in them the whole...
97From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, [ca. 10 December 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
De rebus novis, ita est. One of our armed vessels has taken an English storeship coming with all the implements of war (except powder) to Boston. She is worth about £30,000 sterling as General Washington informs us, and the stores are adapted to his wants as perfectly as if he had sent the invoice. They have also taken two small provision vessels from Ireland to Boston; a forty gun ship blew...
98Memorandum concerning British Forts in the West, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
there is a bar off Presque isle which prevents large vessels coming near the shore. distance from Pittsbgh to Cayahoga by land 150 miles. There are some morasses on the road, but may be made good for carriages, cayahoga is a deep creek at the dryest season. But the mouth is barred as Presque isle is. in a hard winter they travel on the ice from Cayahoga to Sandusky & Detroit, & slays might go...
99Militia Return as County Lieutenant, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt Orl[ando] Jeremiah Nichols Clear Jones’s Company Ice-and Snow Clear Joshua Fry Clear 15. William Gaines Clear Alexander Gordon Clear Capt . Wallace’s
100Jefferson’s Militia Return as County Lieutenant, [ca. 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Albemarle, ca. 1776 ] A tabulated return in six columns giving names and numbers of captains, and numbers of first lieutenants, second lieutenants, ensigns, and rank and file, totalling respectively 15, 15, 4, 11, and 863, making in all 908 officers and men. [ At foot of text :] “About three fourths have firearms of some sort.” MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 6: 1049); entirely in TJ’s hand; undated...