51To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 4 February 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I had written to you soon after the repulse of our Troops at Quebec, giving you, as I thought, a true state of that unfortunate affair; but upon comparing it, (altho I had my information from a person who pretended to know a good deal of the matter) with one that I saw afterwards, I found they differ’d so materially that I burnt my Letter and determin’d to leave you to the News papers for your...
52To Thomas Jefferson from James McClurg, 6 April 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
If this should find you at Congress, when the business it relates to is undetermined, I hope you will use your Influence in favor of your humble Servant. It is believ’d here that a Physician will be appointed to the Continental Troops in this Colony; an office that I desire Exceedingly, as it would gratify at the same time my passion for Improvement in the profession I am destined to, and my...
53To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 6 April 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish you would use your Interest in behalf of Dr. McClurg. He offers his Service as Physician to the Continental Forces in Virginia. Such a Person is much wanted. Col. Grayson who behaved admirably well at Hampton and who has taken great Pains to improve himself in the Military Science intends to offer his Service to the Congress. He is highly deserving of Encouragement. Do introduce him and...
54To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 26 April 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I have snatched a few Moments to scribble you a few loose Thoughts on our present critical Situation. I think our Countrymen have exhibited an uncommon Degree of Virtue, not only in submiting to all the hard Restrictions and exposing themselves to all the Dangers which are the Consequence of the Disputes they are involved in with Great Britain, but in behaving so peaceably and honestly as they...
55Resolutions of the Virginia Convention Calling for Independence, 15 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
FORASMUCH as all the endeavours of the United Colonies by the most decent representations and petitions to the king and parliament of Great Britain to restore peace and security to America under the British government and a re-union with that people upon just and liberal terms instead of a redress of grievances have produced from an imperious and vindictive administration increased insult...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 16 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here last Tuesday after being detained hence six weeks longer than I intended by a malady of which Gilmer can inform you. I have nothing new to inform you of as the last post carried you an account of the naval engagement in Delaware. I inclose a vote of yesterday on the subject of government as the ensuing campaign is likely to require greater exertion than our unorganized powers...
57From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 17 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Having arrived here but lately I have little to communicate. I have been so long out of the political world that I am almost a new man in it. You will have heard before this reaches you of the naval engagement in the Delaware. There are letters in town it is said from General Sullivan which inform that the lower town of Quebec is taken and a breach made in the wall of the upper; but I do not...
58Virginia 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....
59Amendment to Report of Committee on Letters from Washington, Schuyler, and the Commissioners in Canada, [21 May 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Strike out 3d. 4th. and 5th. Instead of 11th. substitute ‘that General Schuyler be informed that Congress have in view these two great objects, the Protection and assistance of our Canadian friends, and the Securing so much of that country as may prevent any communication between our enemies and the Indians. The means of effecting these purposes by fortifying proper posts, building armed...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 24 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Edmd. Pendleton to Thos. Jefferson , Esqe. I am conscious of a large Arrears of debt to you for favor received before you left Congress in the Winter, but your return to Virga. and my continued hopes of the pleasure of seing you, postponed my writing ’til I heard you had resumed your charge in Congress and I will now endeavor to pay some of the debt. I am sorry to hear your pleasure at home...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 1 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by the intelligence inclosed in your favor of the 21st . All the circumstances which have occurred in America, seem to confirm the Account, as Cornwallis is said to be arrived at Cape Fear, and his troops from 3 to 4000. We must defend our selves as well as we can. I am concerned to find there is danger of disunion at such a crisis, as that only can give Success to our...
62Resolution of Independence Moved by R. H. Lee for the Virginia Delegation, 7 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved MS ( DLC : PCC , No. 23); in R. H. Lee’s hand; slightly worn and torn at the lateral edges. Endorsed by Charles Thomson: “[J]une 7, 1776. No. 4. Resolutions moved June 7th. 1776. referred for consideration till to morrow respecting Independanc[e or y] of the U.S.” The present Resolution was introduced in accordance with the instructions sent to the Virginia delegation by the...
63Notes of Proceedings in the Continental Congress, 7 June–1 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Jefferson ’s extraordinarily graphic account of the debates and proceedings in Congress during two critical months in the summer of 1776 is perhaps the best single source of information concerning the movement toward independence and the formation of the Articles of Confederation, not even excepting the similar notes made by John Adams ( Works , ii , 485–502; also JCC Worthington C. Ford and...
64I. First Draft by Jefferson, [before June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas George Guelph King of Great Britain & Ireland and Elector of Hanover, heretofore entrusted with the exercise of the kingly office in this government, hath endeavored to pervert the same into a detestable & insupportable tyranny by < neg > putting his negative on laws the most wholesome & necessary for the public good by denying to his governors permission to pass laws of < the most >...
65II. Second Draft by Jefferson, [before 13 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill for new modelling the form of government and for establishing the Fundamental principles of our future Constitution Whereas George king of Great Britain & Ireland and Elector of Hanover Be it therefore enacted by the authority of the people that the said George the third king of Great Britain < formerly holding & exercising the kingly > < power > < office within this colony be , & he is...
66III. Third Draft by Jefferson, [before June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill for new-modelling the form of Government and for establishing the Fundamental principles thereof in future. Whereas George Guelf king of Great Britain and Ireland and Elector of Hanover, heretofore entrusted with the exercise of the kingly office in this government hath endeavored to pervert the same into a detestable and insupportable tyranny; by putting his negative on laws the most...
67IV. The Plan of Government as Originally Drawn by George Mason, [8–10 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A PLAN OF GOVERNMENT Laid before the committee of the House, which they have ordered to be printed for the perusal of the members. 1. Let the legislative, executive, and judicative departments, be separate and distinct, so that neither exercise the powers properly belonging to the other. 2. Let the legislative be formed of two distinct branches, who, together, shall be a complete legislature....
68V. The Mason Plan as Revised by the Committee, [22 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A PLAN Laid before [ a ] committee of the House , [ appointed to prepare a form of Government ] which they have ordered to be printed for the perusal of the members. 1. Let the legislative, executive, and judicative departments, be separate and distinct, so that neither exercise the powers properly belonging to the other. 2. Let the legislative be formed of two distinct branches, who,...
69VI. The Draft Reported by the Committee, [24 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Amendments to the plan of Government continued Page 3 line 23. leave out from the word successively to the word an in the next line & insert nor be eligible until the expiration of jour years after he shall have been out of that office. 24. after the word salary insert shall. 25. strike out the words let him and insert he shall 26. strike out from the word Government to the end of the Clause &...
70VII. The Constitution as Adopted by the Convention, [29 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
In a General Convention. Begun and holden at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg, on Monday the sixth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, and continued, by adjournments to the day of June following: a constitution, or form of government, agreed to and resolved upon by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations of Virginia. Whereas George...
71To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 15 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your favor by the post, and beg you will be so obliging as to repeat it, whenever you have leisure. The news from Canada which I fear is too true, is very discouraging, tho’ I am not without hope that things will take a favourable turn in that quarter. A letter I have seen from general Washington seems to cherish it. Military operations in the southern department seem for the...
72From the Virginia Committee of Safety to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 17 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The confusion which hath for some time happened amongst the People in the disputed Lands between Pennsylvania and this Colony, and a Representation to the Convention, that a Civil War, was like to be the consequence if something was not done to prevent it, Induced that Body to take the Subject into consideration, who were sorry to discover that a Jealousy seemed to prevail in the Governing...
73First Report of the Committee to Digest the Resolutions of the Committee of the Whole respecting Canada, &c., [17 June … (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved R. 1. pospon’d that the Commissioners for Indian affairs in the Northern department be directed to use their utmost endeavors to procure the assistance of the Indians within their department to act against the enemies of these colonies, that they particularly endeavor to engage them to undertake the reduction of Niagara, engaging on behalf of Congress to pay them 133 ⅓ dollars for...
74Additional Report of the Committee to Digest the Resolutions of the Committee of the Whole respecting Canada, [17 June … (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to whom the reports from the Committee of the whole house was recommitted, have had the same under their consideration and agreed to the following resolutions. Resolved G. 1. that it is the opinion of this Committee that an experienced general be immediately sent into Canada, with power to appoint a deputy adjutant general, a Deputy Quarter master general, and such other officers...
75Major Sherburne’s Testimony on the Affair at the Cedars, [17 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The place called the Cedars is on the river St. Lawrence, about 43 miles above Montreal. At this place Colo. Bedel was posted with 390 men. He had here laid off some works of defence inclosed the greater part of them with picquets and the rest with lines of earth and had two canons mounted. Colo. Bedel having received intelligence on Wednesday the 15th. of May that the enemy were approaching...
76Report of the Committee on the Cedars Cartel, [17 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to whom were re-committed the Cartel between Brigadier General Arnold and Captain Forster for the exchange of prisoners and the several papers relating thereto have had the same under their consideration and agreed to the following report. Your committee having proceeded to make enquiry into the facts relating to the agreement entered into at St. Anne’s between Brigadier General...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, [21 June 1776?] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper has been read and with some small alterations approved of by the committee. Will Doctr. Franklyn be so good as to peruse it and suggest such alterations as his more enlarged view of the subject will dictate? The paper having been returned to me to change a particular sentiment or two, I propose laying it again before the committee tomorrow morning, if Doctr. Franklyn can...
78To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 22 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I, being inform’d that the post is to set out in an hour, have just left the committee appointed to prepare a form of government to give you a summary of their proceeding. The inclosed printed plan was drawn by Colo. G. Mason and by him laid before the committee. They proceeded to examine it clause by clause, and have made such alterations as you will observe by examining the printed copy and...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 23 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Gilmer, not being able to attend the Convention the other Day, when the Delegates were chosen, sent a Memo. to me, to press your Non-election. I urged it in decent Terms: but stirred up a Swarm of Wasps about my Ears, who seemed suspicious, that I designed to prejudice you. However, fortunately for my Credit, your Letter to the President was yesterday read to the House, confirming, What I had...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, [ca. 30 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
I this day received information that the Convention had been pleased to reappoint me to the office in which I have now the honor to be serving them and through you must beg leave to return them my sincere thanks for this mark of their continued confidence. I am sorry the situation of my domestic affairs renders it indispensably necessary that I should sollicit the substitution of some other...
81From Thomas Jefferson to William Randolph, [ca. June] 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of August I received in this place, that of Nov. 24th. is just now come to hand; the one of October I imagine has miscarried. On receiving the first of these, I proposed to have spoken to the gentleman you mention, as I was then about to return to my own country and had expectations of seeing him. I knew him to be just and good; but I knew at the same time that for some cause or other...
82From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, [June? 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The dignity and stability of government in all its branches, the morals of the people, and every blessing of society, depend so much upon an upright and skilful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that. The judges, therefore,...
83Proposed Resolution for Rotation of Membership in the Continental Congress, [before 2 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
To prevent every danger which might arise to American freedom by continuing too long in office the members of the Continental Congress, to preserve to that body the confidence of their friends, and to disarm the malignant imputations of their enemies It is earnestly recommended to the several Provincial Assemblies or Conventions of the United colonies that in their future elections of...
84From Thomas Jefferson to William Fleming, 1 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of 22d June came to hand this morning and gratified me much as this with your former contains interesting intelligence. Our affairs in Canada go still retrograde, but I hope they are now nearly at their worst. The fatal sources of these misfortunes have been want of hard money with which to procure provisions, the ravages of the small pox with which one half of our army is still down,...
85I. Composition Draft of That Part of the Declaration of Independence containing the Charges against the Crown, 11 June–4 … (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas George Guelph King of Great Britain & Ireland and Elector of Hanover, heretofore entrusted with the exercise of the Kingly office in this government, hath endeavored to pervert the same into a detestable & insupportable tyranny < has kept some colonies without judiciary establmts > < judges dependant > refused judiciary establmts to some without unjust & partial judges dependant...
86II. Fragment of the Composition Draft of the Declaration of Independence, [before 29 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
re-established them in po[wer …] < this conduct and > at this very time too, they are permitting their < sovereign > chief magistrate to send over not only soldiers of our < own > common blood but Scotch & foreign mercenaries to < destroy us > invade and deluge us in blood. < this is too much to be borne even by relations. enough then be it to say, we are now done with them. > these facts have...
87III. Jefferson’s “original Rough draught” of the Declaration of Independence, 11 June–4 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration of the Representatives of the United States of America , in General Congress assembled. When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for a people to advance from that subordination in which they have hitherto remained, & to assume among the powers of the earth the equal & independant station to which the laws of nature & of nature’s god entitle them, a decent respect...
88IV. The Declaration of Independence as Amended by the Committee and by Congress, 11 June–4 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Ed. Note: This document is TJ’s text of the Declaration as copied into his Notes of Proceedings in the Continental Congress, 7 June to 1 Aug. 1776 (which was eventually incorporated in his Autobiography) and is printed above as part of these Notes (q.v., p. 315), above; a facsimile text is available in Boyd, Declaration of Independence , 1945, pl. viii . This copy (actually there are two,...
89V. The Declaration of Independence as Adopted by Congress, 11 June–4 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect...
90Notes of Witnesses’ Testimony concerning the Canadian Compaign, [1–27 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Blake. July. 1. 1776. He lives at Montreal. A merchant. Has lived there almost from the year 1760. Was a great scarcity hard cash, could not supply troops with clothes or food, wood. He lent 471–18–9 and 394–15–3 in January. If had been cash in Canada, provisions might have been had. He has lent individuals of army 130. half Joes. Continental bills would not have passed in Canada. A...
91To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 6 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote last week to Col. Nelson I promised to write to both of you by this Post, a circumstantial Account of the State of Things here, but the whole Week has slipt away in the Hurry of Business, without my being able to spare a single Minute for that Purpose and I am now as much in Want of Time as ever, the Post being about to set out in a few Hours, in which Time I am to wait on our new...
92From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 8 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
For news I refer you to your brother who writes on that head. I enclose you a copy of the declaration of independence as agreed to by the House, and also, as originally framed. You will judge whether it is the better or worse for the Critics. I shall return to Virginia after the 11th of August. I wish my successor may be certain to Come before that time, in that case, I shall hope to see you...
93Report of the Committee to Draw Up Rules of Procedure in Congress, [before 10 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed to draw up Rules and Orders for the Government of this House have agreed to the following report. iii . No Member shall read any printed Paper in the House during the sitting thereof without Leave of the Congress. vii . No Member shall speak more than twice in any one Debate without Leave of the House. ix . No Motion shall be debated until the same be seconded. x . When...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 3d inst. came to hand to-day. I wish I could be better satisfied on the point of Patty’s recovery. I had not heard from her at all for two posts before, and no letter from herself now. I wish it were in my power to return by way of the Forest, as you think it will be impracticable for Mrs. Eppes to travel to the mountains. However, it will be late in August before I can get home,...
95Virginia 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...
96To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 15 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just Time to inclose you a Copy of General Lee’s Letter written the Day after the Cannonade of Fort Sullivan. It came to Hand two Days after his other though written 4 Days before it. This was a glorious affair. Ld. Dunmore has had a most compleat Drubbing . The Fleet left 7 fine Cables and Anchors worth at least £1200, three of their Tenders compleatly furnished fell into our Hands. If...
97From Edmund Pendleton to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 15 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot take leave of the duty of writing Official Letters, now transferred to the Governor and Council, without giving you some free thoughts on two Subjects depending before Congress, both of them of importance to this Countrey, I mean the Pensylvania boundary, and the Petition of some factious people on the Ohio to be made a Separate Government. On the first of these You had formerly a...
98Virginia 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....
99From Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Henry, [16 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from the President was directed before he knew of your being invested with the office of Governor: you will therefore please to open it. After congratulating you on your appointment and hoping every thing favourable from our new institutions I subscribe myself Dr. Sir Your very humble servt., RC (The Rosenbach Co., Philadelphia, 1946). Endorsed: “Virginia Delegates July 16....
100Virginia 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...