1To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 12 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Recommend “the bearer Mr George Baylor, not only on Account of the memory of his worthy Father, wth whom you was acquainted, but For his own merit . . . . His Ardor in the noble cause has drawn him to your school for instruction & emploiment as far as his services may be required.” LS , in Edmund Pendleton’s writing, CtY : Pendleton Papers. In addition to Pendleton, the letter was signed by...
2To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 26 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
“We recommend our Countryman Mr Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. . . . You will readily discern Sir, how important a consideration it is, that our Country should be furnished with the security and strength derived from our young Gentry being possessed of military knowledge, so necessary in these times of turbulence and danger.” LS , in Richard Henry Lee’s writing, DLC:GW . The...
3Virginia Delegates in Congress to the Virginia Convention, 18 [May] 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolutions were reported by a committee appointed to consider of a letter from general Lee to the president. We have nothing to observe upon them unless it be, that the surgeons whom the director general of the hospital is empowered to appoint, and the regimental surgeons to be nominated by the convention, according to a resolution lately forwarded to you, are different officers....
4Virginia Delegates in Congress to the Executive of Virginia (Patrick Henry), [15 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
We were informed a few weeks ago that 5000 ℔ of lead imported by our colony were landed at Fredsbgh. As it appeared very unlikely it should be wanting in Virga., and the Flying camp forming [in] the Jerseys, in the face of a powerful enemy, are likely to be in distress for this article, we thought we should be wanting to the public cause, which includes that of our own country, had we...
5Virginia Delegates in Congress to the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Convention, 15 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The honorable the convention of Virga. attending to the inconveniencies which may arise from an unsettled jurisdiction in the neighborhood of fort Pitt, have instructed us to propose to your honorable house to agree on some temporary boundary which may serve for preservation of the peace in that territory until an amicable and final determination may be had before arbiters mutually chosen....
6Virginia Delegates in Congress to Fielding Lewis, 16 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We were informed a few weeks ago [that 5000 ℔ of] lead imported on account of our colony were landed at Fredsbgh. There appears scarcely a possibility it should be wanting in Virga., more especially when we consider the supplies which may be expected from the mines of that colony. The Flying camp now forming in the Jersies and which will be immediately in the face of a powerful enemy, is...
7To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your letter in answer to ours respecting the Paymt of the Bounty to the re inlisted virginia Soldiers, we now send you thirty Thousand Dollars, by particular direction of the executive of our State, ordered into your Hands; it should however have been negotiated, in a less troublesome way to you, but the warrant was thro mistake made out in our Names. Eighty Dollars are sent...
8To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter being referred by Congress to the Virginia Delegates we have judged it proper to request of you that you will be pleased to assist us with your advice upon the occasion. We see this business involved in circumstances of such a nature as to create much difficulty and embarrassment. On the one side is presented Colo. Spotswoods merit as an Officer, his seniority of service,...
9To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from the Virginia Delegates, 21 May 1779. On 25 May, GW wrote to the delegates , “I was last night honoured with your favor of the 21st Instant.”
10Certificate from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 5 Sep. 1780 . Certifies that Congress has received authenticated copies of state legislative acts complying with its 18 Mch. 1780 resolutions on public finance from Maryland (12 June), New Jersey (9 June), New York (15 June), Massachusetts (5 May), and New Hampshire (29 Apr.), as well as a conditional act from Pennsylvania (1 June). MS ( Vi ); 2 p.; in James Madison’s hand,...
11From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 5 October] 1780 (Madison Papers)
Draft (New-York Historical Society). Although this undated, unsigned, and mutilated manuscript was written by Theodorick Bland, Jr., and endorsed “Rough drt of letter, from Col. Theok Bland Jr to Govr. Jefferson,” its message is phrased as coming from all the Virginia delegates. Whether the letter bore JM’s signature, along with Bland’s and John Walker’s, cannot be known since the recipient’s...
12Virginia Delegates to Samuel Nightingale Jr., 14 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
You will observe by the enclosed letter from his Excellency the Govr. of Virginia how much that State are obliged by your kind, and voluntary interposition, in its favor in the Affair of the Comitee. Its present distresses in which the welfare of the whole Union in [ sic ] much concernd from your passd Conduct induces us to hope you will Continue your good offices in procuring as much of the...
13To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [5 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The great depreciation of money and the extravagant prices of every thing here together with the difficulty of negociating Bills renders it absolutely necessary that some stable provision shoud be made, and some fixed mode adopted for supplying us with money. Other wise we shall not be able to exist. We shou’d be glad to be informed on this head as soon as possible. Tr ( Vi ), bearing notation...
14To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [ca. 10] December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia , [ ca. 10] Dec. 1780. Enclosing a resolution of Congress of 6 Dec. relating to the Convention troops and also “a copy of a letter from G. Anderson found among the dead letters in the post office and communicated to Congress by the Postmaster. If there should be occasion for the original of the latter it shall be transmitted on the first intimation.” Imprisonment of Henry Laurens...
15To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The complexion of the intelligence received of late from Spain, with the manner of thinking which begins to prevail in Congress with regard to the claims to the navigation of the Mississippi , makes it our duty to apply to our constituents for their precise full and ultimate sense on this point. If Spain should make a relinquishment of the navigation of that river on the part of the United...
16To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been Honored with Your Excellencys favor in answer to ours concerning the Safest and best Harbor &c. &c. which has been duely communicated, through the proper Channel, and we beg leave to inform you that we have endeavord to improve the intended design into a mode for obtaining a more speedy and safe Conveyance of the Cargoe of the Comite to Virginia (should it take place,) than a land...
17From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). The inclosed extract of a letter from General Washington No. 1 will give your Excellency a more particular account of the late embarkation from N. York than has been before obtained. On thursday last Congress were informed by General Potter & Col. Johnston who came expresses for the purpose that a general mutiny of the Pennsylvania line stationed near Morris Town...
18To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [23? January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
It is with much concern that we have learnt from your Excellency’s, and the Baron de Steuben’s letters to Congress, the misfortunes our Country has suffer’d from the Invasion under the command of the detestable Arnold, and that he has ventured with impunity even to our Capitol. We have some reason to Imagine that the same plan of operations which induced Clinton to send him there will occasion...
19To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 30 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We were honored yesterday with your Excellency’s favor of the 15th. inst: inclosing Mr. Anderson’s explanation of his letter to Capt. Trott, and that of the 18th. enclosing instructions as to the Mississippi and requesting sundry military supplies, in promoting which no exertions shall be omitted on our part. Your Excellency’s letter to Congress on the subject of the Convention Prisoners and...
20To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Speaker Harrison who arrived here the day before yesterday we were honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 26th. Ulto. We shall communicate your answer to the Baron d’Arendt, and if his claim against the State be supported by proper evidence shall take the best steps in our power to discharge it. A Vessel just arrived from Cadiz has brought Congress two letters from Mr. Carmichael ,...
21To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We are Just informd from Genl. Varnum a Member now in Congress from Rhode Island that he has received Certain Intelligence that the Culloden of 74 Guns is drove on Shore and all her Crew except 17 men Perishd. The London of 90 Guns is driven out to Sea dismasted and two other 64 Gun Men of War Were dismasted entirely and all their Guns thrown over board in the late storm. Since writing the...
22To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [20] February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since our last in which we informd Your Excellency of the Arrival of Col: Harrison in this City, his Applications to Congress have been referd to a Special Committee, and the necessary Steps are takeing to Answer the wishes and wants of the Southern States, and of our State in particular as far is practicable in the present Situation of affairs. We doubt not but that Gentleman will give you...
23To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new to communicate but what is contained in the inclosed paper except that a considerable Reinforcement from the Continental Army under the Command of the Marqs. la Fayette is on its march to join the Southern Army. This Force added to that now under Genl. Greene will we expect enable him to oppose Ld. Cornwallis or subdue the Traiter Arnold, to whichever object circumstances...
24Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Continental Congress Miscellany, portfolio 103). Written by JM and signed by JM and Joseph Jones. Addressed to “His Excellency The Governor of Virginia” and docketed by a clerk, “Delegates for Virga. in Congress Mar. 6th. 1781 AD.” There appears in Joseph Jones’s hand, at the close of the text of the letter, “Phila: 6th Mar: 1781.” Jefferson may have momentarily overlooked this...
25To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 6 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Minister of France having imparted to Mr. Jones as Chairman of a Committee appointed to confer with him on some secret matters the intentions of Ct. Rochambeau and Mr. Destouches explained in the inclosed note, we thought it of such consequence that your Excellency should be certainly apprized of them, that notwithstanding the probability of the communication being made through some other...
26Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written by Bland and signed by JM and Bland. Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of Virginia” and franked by JM. Docketed, “Colo Blands Lr. March 81.” Since our last nothing new has happened except the sailing of the French fleet Consisting of (as near as we can obtain intelligence) the Ships and Guns as p[er] list inclosed...
27To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 20 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since our last nothing new has happend except the Sailing of the French fleet Consisting of (as near as we can obtain intelligence) the Ships and Guns as ⅌ list enclosed together with about twelve Hundred of their Chosen troops which we flatter our selves are by this time actively and successfully employd in our Bay; And the departure of the M. de la Fayette with about the same Number of Men...
28Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpts ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VI, 38; and Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1078 [Feb. 14–15, 1913], item 430). On the receipt of your favor of the 22d of February inclosing the Memorial of Mr. Stodder and Kerr with the protests and affidavits annexed, we communicated the matter to...
29To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your favor of the 22d of February inclosing the Memorial of Mr. Stodder and Kerr with the protests and affidavits annexed, we communicated the matter to Congress, and have obtained an instruction to the Hon’ble Mr. Adams to represent the same to the States General of the United Provinces, and to claim such redress for the Memorialists as justice and the law of Nations...
30Virginia Delegates to La Luzerne, 2 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Copy (Virginia State Library). Written by JM and enclosed in JM to Jefferson, 3 April 1781 . Docketed, “April 2 Communications of Delegates from Va in relation to Refugees taken by Capt Tilly of the Ship.” The Underwritten Delegates from the State of Virginia have been informed that there are among the refugees taken by Capt: Tilly commanding his M. C: Majesty’s Ship lEveillè on his return to...
31Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Theodorick Bland and signed by JM and Bland. Bland inadvertently dated it “1771” rather than 1781. Addressed to “His Excelly Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr of the State of Virginia” and franked by Bland. Docketed by a clerk, “James Madison’s Ltr April 12th. 1781.” We have been favord with Your Excellencys enclosing a State of the affair between Mr. Nathan...
32To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been favord with Your Excellencys enclosing a State of the affair between Mr. Nathan and the Commonwealth of Virginia which we are endeavoring to put in train for a decision on the Principles you have been pleased to direct, the event of which Your Excellency shall be informd of as soon as tis decided. The Unfortunate consequences which have attended the Naval engagement of Chesapeake...
33Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 10 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Fragment of RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Meriwether Smith but signed only by JM. with no Difficulty in arbitrating [the dis]pute, as he admitted the Facts state[d as] agreed between you; and acquiesced in the Gentleman proposed, but contrary to our Expectation we received a Letter from him a Copy of which is enclosed and also our answer to it. You [will] see by these Letters the...
34To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [ca. 10 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] [ap]plication […], […] with no Difficulty in arbitrating [the?] dispute, as he admitted the Facts stated [as?] agreed between you; and acquiesced in the Gentleman proposed; but contrary to our Expectation we received a Letter from him a Copy of which is inclosed and also our Answer to it. You [will] see by these Letters the Turn this affair has taken; and we must wait your further...
35Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Calendar of Virginia State Papers William P. Palmer et al ., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.; Richmond, 1875–93). , II, 50–52). Anderson Galleries Catalogue No. 1565, Part 5 (1921), furnishes an extract and calls it an autograph letter of JM. The inclosed resolution of Congress answers your Excellency’s letter of the 26th ulto., relating...
36To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of Congress answers your Excellency’s letter of the 26th ulto., relating to the appointment of Col: Davies to the War Office of Virginia. You will observe that it determines his rank in the Army alone, to be the bar to his acceptance of a civil office. Should Col: Davies be willing to give up that, and his place be supplied by one of the supernumerary Colonels, So that...
37Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Continental Congress Miscellany). Written by Theodorick Bland and signed by Bland and JM. Docketed, “Virga Delegates Letter 24th April recd May 81.” We were yesterday Honord with your Excellency’s of the 13th Inst. with its enclosures. You may be assured that our utmost endeavors have been exerted in forwarding the arms and stores mentiond in our last, but insurmountable difficulties...
38Virginia Delegates to Merchants of Virginia, [ca. 24 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 348–49). This copy is written by Theodorick Bland, and the phraseology suggests that he also wrote the recipient’s copy. The letter is docketed, “Letter of the Delegates from Virginia no date.” The Underwritten delegates from the State of Virginia Sensible of the distress of that and the Southern states for want of arms, and anxious for the relief of their own...
39To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We were yesterday Honord with your Excellency’s of the 13th Inst. with its enclosures. You may be assured that our utmost endeavors have been exerted in forwarding the arms and stores mentiond in our last, but insurmountable difficulties have prevented their seting off untill now, but we are happy to inform you that the first of them will go on to day as the Quarter Master assures us. We have...
40Virginia Delegates’ Agreement with Ebenezer Cowell, 27 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.). Not in Cowell’s hand nor in that of any of the Virginia delegates, but signed by all of them. Endorsed, “Articles Between the Delegates of Virginia & Ebenezer Cowell about 2000 Ramport Muskets.” A copy made for Governor Jefferson by Theodorick Bland is in the Executive Papers of the Virginia State Library. Memorandum of an Agreement entered into this 27th of...
41Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written by Theodorick Bland and signed by Bland, JM, and Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Virga. Delegates Letter recd. May 81. April 27th.—AD.” Having discovered that there were a considerable number of Rampart Arms belonging to the U. S. at this place, which have long lain dormant, (having been supposed useless for the Field,) we have found on enquiry...
42To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 27 Apr. 1781 . “Having discovered that there were a considerable number of Rampart Arms belonging to the U:S. at this place, which have long lain dormant, (having been supposed useless for the Field,) we have found on enquiry that with a small alteration, and fixing Bayonettes to them they are capable of being renderd exceeding good Field Arms.” The Delegates undertook to arrange...
43Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by JM and signed by JM, Theodorick Bland, and Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Letter from Delegates 1 May 1781, Not answerd.” We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr: which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it...
44To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr. which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it will not be possible for him to get some of the most essential articles even if an exchange of his funds can be negociated, and that the difficulty of such an...
45Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written and signed by JM, “By order of the delegation.” Docketed, “Jas Madisons Letter Recd May 81.” The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose, by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of...
46To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old Continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of Congress of the 18th. of March 1780. to be 150 for 1. The speculation arising from this measure to the prejudice of this State with the other...
47Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Addressed to “His Excelly. Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Except for Meriwether Smith’s signature, the entire letter is in Theodorick Bland’s hand. In the editors’ opinion, this dispatch was from JM as well as his two colleagues, and the omission of his signature reflects merely his momentary absence at the time the letter was sealed. Having...
48To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having so lately and so often wrote to your Excellency we have little new to Communicate at present; the confusion respecting money still continues in this City, tho with less commotion than could be expected as in a few days the old Continental money has depreciated from two hundred to seven, eight, and some say nine Hundred for one, the new money has of course sufferd in proportion. What...
49Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 22 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). The complaints about the delegates’ financial condition and the spelling of words such as “opend” and “arrivd” indicate that the missing original was in Theodorick Bland’s hand. This transcript is endorsed, “May 22d 81 Copy of an intercepted letter from the Delegates to Congress from Virginia to the Governor.” Another transcript (Public...
50To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 22 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Nicholson we presume will communicate to your Excellency or his principal the State of the business committed to his care. He has we believe been greatly embarrass’d for want of money, and it has not been in our power to afford him assistance, although our endeavours have been exerted for the purpose. The Chevr. Luzerne has received within a few days past Dispatches from his Court. The...