1From 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...
2From 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...
3To Thomas Jefferson from St. George Tucker, 8 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I must apologize to you for the Liberty I take in addressing you as a Member of the General Congress , but the Importance of the Occasion I hope will excuse it. I shall therefore without further prelude proceed to the Occasion of this Letter. The Island of Bermuda, by it’s detached Situation, by the Number of it’s Inhabitants, by its inconsiderable produce, and by the small progress made there...
4From 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...
5Virginia Resolutions on Lord North’s Conciliatory Proposal, 10 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved , that it is the Opinion of this Committee that an Address be presented to his Excellency, the Governor, to inform him that we have taken into our Consideration the joint Address of the two Houses of Parliament, his Majesty’s Answer, and the Resolution of the Commons which his Lordship has been pleased to lay before us. That wishing nothing so sincerely as the perpetual continuance of...
6From 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...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Hazard, 30 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very obliging Letter of 30th. April did not come to hand before a few Days ago, or it should have been answered sooner. I am happy that you coincide with me in Sentiment respecting the Utility of my Undertaking, and, judging of the whole from the Materials I am already possessed of, I cannot help thinking the Collection will be vastly more important than I at first imagined. The polite...
8Jefferson’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...
9Financial 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
10From 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...
11From 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...
12I. 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...
13II. 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...
14III. John Dickinson’s Composition Draft, 26 June–6 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America now < sitting > met in General Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms. If it was possible for < Beings endued with Reason to believe, that the Divine Author of their Existence > < who > < entert >< feel a proper Reverence for > Men who exercise their Reason in...
15IV. The Declaration as Adopted by Congress, [6 July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration by the Reprensentatives of the United Colonies of North-America, now met in Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms. if it was possible for Men, who exercise their Reason to believe, that the Divine Author of our Existence intended a Part of the human Race to hold an absolute Property in, and an unbounded Power over others, marked...
16Second Petition from Congress to the King, 8 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
We your Majesty’s faithful subjects of the colonies of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhode island and Providence plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, in behalf of ourselves and the inhabitants of these colonies, who have deputed us to represent them in...
17From 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...
18I. 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...
19II. The Resolutions as Adopted by Congress, 31 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
THE several Assemblies of New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Virginia , having refered to the Congress a resolution of the House of Commons of Great Britain , which resolution is in these words, viz. Lunae , 20° die Feb. 1775. The House in a Committee on the American papers. Motion made, and question proposed . That
20Virginia 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,...
21From 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...
22To Thomas Jefferson from George Gilmer, [26 or 27 July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 5th Inst. this instant came to my hands in our encampment in Wallers Grove , the account of the battle at Charles town is pleasing, I wish it is true. It appears astonishing to me that some armed Vessel has not attempted to bring in powder &c. it certainly is practicable and wants proper encouragement only to put it in execution. Do order some of those Privateers to all the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from St. George Tucker, 12 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Were I certain that a Letter I addressed to you a few Weeks ago, by way of Virginia had been delivered to you, I should not have intruded on Business of greater Importance in which you may be at present engaged, a second Time. But lest any Accident should have happened thereto, I take the Liberty of enclosing you the Plan for continuing the Exports from America to foreign Markets, which I...
24From 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...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 31 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
No new Occurrence at Cambridge can justify an Intrusion on the well-employ’d Moments of a Delegate. I must, however, urge you, to assign a Reason for the Supineness of Virginia, amidst the Robberies, and other Violations of private Property, said to have been committed by Lord Dunmore. He plunders Custom-Houses, and reviews his Body-Guard at Gosport, unarrested. What is the Conclusion from...
26To Thomas Jefferson from John Randolph, 31 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved ten Guineas of the Treasurer and have left the Violin with Mr. Cocke of Wmsburg. I wish I had had a Case for it. Tho we may politically differ in Sentiments, yet I see no Reason why privately we may not cherish the same Esteem for each other which formerly I believe Subsisted between us. Should any Coolness happen between us, I’ll take Care not to be the first mover of it. We...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Walker and Others, 13 September 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
After a very disagreeable, wet and fateagueing Journey, we got here on the 10th Inst. the day appointed for opening the Treaty, but found scarcely any Indians here. We have dispatched runners to meet them and hope they will be in soon. We are told that the Shawnese and Delawares are on their way, but can not hear a tittle of the Wiandotts, from which circumstance ’tis feared that they have...
28Commission as Lieutenant of Albemarle, 26 September 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The COMMITTEE of SAFETY for the Colony of VIRGINIA To Thomas Jefferson Esquire By Virtue of the Power and Authority invested in us, by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to...
29From 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...
30Memoranda 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...
31From 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...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 31 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Pleasure of yours of the 17th Instant last night by Post, am much obliged to you for it. As well as yourself I am much at a loss why Gage &c. should be sent for, and cannot judge whether it Augurs Good or Evel; but my Fears are that no Good Can Happen to America from any Orders of Those in Power on the other side the Atlantick. I think very much depends on the Success of the...
33From 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...
34From 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...
35Continental Congress: Agreement of Secrecy, 9 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved That every member of this Congress considers himself under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his Country not to divulge directly or indirectly any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress before the same shall have been determined, without leave of the Congress; nor any matter or thing determined in Congress which a majority of the Congress shall order to be kept secret,...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Carter Nicholas, 10 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I was favour’d with your Letter the other Day by Mrs. Randolph . We had before her Arrival heard of the death of our worthy Friend. The great Load of Business I have had on Hand ever since the Convention obliged me to confine my Correspondence to him, knowing that he would communicate my Letters to the rest of the Associates. The infamous Practice of opening all Letters passing thro’ the...
37To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 11 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank God I am now so well that I could venture to write you a long Letter if a Multiplicity of Business did not render it impossible. But I will make the best Use of my Time and scribble you some fugitive Sentences. I wrote to Col. Nelson and you by the Post before the last, giving some Account of the Norfolk and Hampton Affairs. I can assure that our young Soldiers behaved extremely well,...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 16 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Former labours in Various Public emploiements now appear as recreations compared with the present, which affords a scanty allowance for food and sleep; I mention this as an Appology to you and my other freinds for not having wrote more frequently. The Committee having now Adjourned for a fortnight, I am at home and mean to write for Next Post as I set out on a small mountain excursion...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Lynch, 20 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I receiv’d your favour dated Philadelphia Oct. 26th by the Express. In answer thereto I assure you I have not the least doubt but we shall be able to procure that Necessary article of Salt Petre if Attended to. I find Gentlemen here loath to risk as much cash as wou’d Make the Necessary preperations. I have been kept back my self by sickness in my famely, and have been much indispos’d my self....
40From Charles Lynch to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 20 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The express Messenger has been long detain’d, by my not being at home. It so hapend I was out in serch of the Mineral Salt Petre when he came to my house. I have at sundry times had small parcels of Salt Petre made from that mineral to manufacture into gun powder and find it to be very good, when properly refin’d. But no one attemting to carry on the business so as to be of Use to the Country...
41From 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...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 24 [November 177]5 (Jefferson Papers)
I was not a little disappointed to find that you still complain of my not writing to you, when I have written twice since the Norfolk and Hampton Affairs. Your not mentioning those Letters greatly discourages me—not that I care who sees what I write, but that I stil should write and write again And you of my Neglect complain. The Affair of Princess Ann mentioned in your joint Letter to our...
43From Robert Carter Nicholas to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 25 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Committee of Safety is not sitting, i take the Liberty of addressing you on the Subject of the unhappy Situation of our Country. Former Occurrances you are unquestionably acquainted with. A few Days since was handed to us from Norfolk Ld. D’s infamous Proclamation, declaring the Law martial in force throughout this Colony and offering Freedom to such of our Slaves, as would join him....
44From 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...
45From 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...
46From Robert Carter Nicholas to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 12 December 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Referring you to a former Letter , in which amongst other Things, I mentioned the Necessity we should be under of having a large Quantity of Paper to make up the Sum of Money voted by the last Convention, besides the 2/6 and ⅓ penny Bills, which I have immediate Occasion for, I must repeat my request that the whole may be provided and forwarded with all Expedition. The Committee of Safety...
47Draft of Report on the Powers of a Committee of Congress to Sit during Recess, [15 December 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and prepare instructions for a committee who are to sit during the recess of Congress have agreed to the following Resolutions: Dft ( DLC : PCC , No. 23); in TJ’s hand; endorsed by Thomson: “Report made 15 Decr. 1775 … . No. 2. Report of the Comee app. to prepare instructions to the Comee. in Recess … .” Written on the back of the top half of a broadside...
48Report of Committee to Ascertain Unfinished Business before Congress, 23 December 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed to examine the journals and state what business remains still before Congress unfinished, have agreed to the following report. Dft ( DLC : PCC , No. 23). Endorsed by Charles Thomson: “No. 1. Report of the Comee appointed to examine the Journal. Decr. 23. 1775.” The paper underwent several stages of amendment, which could not be fully represented except by a facsimile....
49Draft of a Declaration on the British Treatment of Ethan Allen, [2 January 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration by the Representatives of the United colonies in Congress. When necessity compelled us to take arms against Great Britain in defence of our just rights, we thought it a circumstance of comfort that our enemy was brave and civilized. It is the happiness of modern times that the evils of necessary war are softened by refinement of manners and sentiment, and that an enemy is an...
50Refutation of the Argument that the Colonies were Established at the Expense of the British Nation, [after 19 January … (Jefferson Papers)
Queen Elizabeth by letters patent bearing date the 11th. of June 1578. granted to Sr. Humphrey Gilbert license to search for uninhabited countries, and to hold the same to him and his heirs, with all jurisdiction and royalties by sea and land, reserving to the crown of England his allegiance and the fifth part of all the oar of gold and silver which should be gotten there. He had moreover...