101Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [20 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed extract ( Cal. of Va. State Papers William P. Palmer et al ., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.; Richmond, 1875–93). , III, 485). The style of the paragraph quoted in this abstract suggests that the letter was written by JM, except for the signatures of Bland and Mercer. They had recd. his letter of the 9th and had made the correction therein...
102Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 27 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (New-York Historical Society). Written by Theodorick Bland, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “Lr. f’m Virginia Delegates August 27th.” We were yesterday Hond. with your Excellys letter by post dated Augt. 16th. together with the resolution of the Assembly 2d. July 1782. we shall pay due attention to your desire concerning the Resolution and in our next transmit your Excelly. an account...
103From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 5–7 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th of Feby arrivd safe by Colo. Mead abt the 10th of Apl —It conveyed to me a two fold pleasure; 1st to hear that you were ready to obey the call of your Country in a representatn of it and 2dly that yo. cd do it with more ease & convenience to your Affairs than formerly. If my time would permit, and it was proper & safe by the Post to go into a free discussion of the...
104From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 7 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Harvard University Library). Although the cover is missing, the contents permit no doubt that Governor Harrison was the recipient. According to my promise by the last post & to your Excellency’s request I have made enquiry for some person fit for the service which my unfitness obliged me to decline, but with as little success as I expected. If skill in the business alone were requisite, it...
105Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In Arthur Lee’s hand, except for Theodorick Bland’s signature. Addressed to “His Excely. Govr. Harrison.” For the absence of JM’s signature, see Delegates to Harrison, 24 June 1783 , ed. n. Congress have directed the Superintendent of Finance to make public an order he has given to the continental Receivers in the different States, to receive the Notes issued from...
106From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 16 [December] 1779 (Madison Papers)
Being notified that the General Assembly have honoured me with a delegation to serve this commonwealth in general Congress, I beg the favour of you Sir to communicate to them my acceptance thereof, and my assurances that as far as fidelity and zeal can supply the place of abilities the interests of my Country shall be punctually promoted. I have the honor to be with great respect Yr. Most Obt...
107Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). In the hand of Joseph Jones, except for the signatures of JM, John Francis Mercer, Arthur Lee, and Theodorick Bland, Jr. Addressed to “His Excellency the Governor of Virginia.” Docketed by Harrison, “Lr: from the Delegates in Congress February 11th. 1783.” We had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor, of the 31st. of Jany.; & sympathize very...
108II. Petition of Mace Freeland to the Governor and Council, 15 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excellency Benjamin Harrison esq. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the honourable the Council of state the Petition of Mace Freeland of the county of Buckingham humbly sheweth That James Freeland your petitioner’s father being seised and possessed of a considerable estate in lands slaves and personalties, and having issue James Freeland your petitioner’s elder brother by one...
109From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
handing me the Letters herewith inclosed (amongst others) without apprizing me of the direction of them, I opened one of yours before I discovered the mistake—I offer this as an appology to you for the Seal coming to you broken. With great esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affect Serv. Privately owned.
110Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 14 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). In JM’s hand, including the signature for “Jos: Jones.” Addressed to “His Excy. The Govr. of Virginia.” Docketed, apparently by Harrison, “Virginia Delegates in Congress Jany 14. 83.” In LC : Madison Papers is JM’s file copy of this letter. Except for a few differences in punctuation and abbreviations and only “We have the hon” as the complimentary...
111Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 8 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed extract (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1170 [2 June 1916], p. 34). The catalogue states that this letter, four pages in length, is dated as below and signed by JM, Joseph Jones, and Edmund Randolph. The dispatch is apparently in JM’s hand. It was found that great quantities of British goods, were brought by circuitous commerce into these States, that this trafic tending to strengthen...
112From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 3 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter of resignation from Mr. Armistead Commissioner for the Continental loan office I beg leave to lay before the General assembly by whom that officer was appointed. With sentiments of the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt., RC ( CtY ). Addressed by TJ to Harrison as Speaker; John Beckley’s endorsement concludes: “to lie on table.”...
113Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 3 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand. The cover is franked by “J. Madison Jr.,” addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Richmond,” and docketed, “Letter from Virg Dels Decr. 3d. 82.” The words italicized in the letter are those written by JM in the official cipher. From a consultation with the Secy at War we concluded that it would be fruitless, and therefore unadvisable to...
114Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 2 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Arthur Lee. Docketed, “Letter from Delegates April 2d 1782.” We had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 23d. ult. with the Papers for Congress which we shall present. We are obliged to your Excellency for your intelligence from the W. Indies, which we hope will be confirmed. Mr. Foster Webb will receive every assistance we can give...
115Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 25 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for the two other signatures. Cover missing. Docketed, “March 25th. 1783 Letter from Repsts in Congress.” Having dispatched an Express yesterday, by whom we communicated to your Excellency, the substance of the important & happy advices, receiv’d by the Ch: du Quesne. We now enclose yr. Excellency the days papers, in which...
116[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 9? May 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 9? May 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 4 (9 May): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others addressed to the executive, and sundry resolutions of Congress, with other papers, and stating several matters for the consideration...
117Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 4 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Jasper E. Crane, Wilmington, Del., 1957). In the hand of John F. Mercer, except for the other four signatures. Cover franked and addressed by him to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “Lr. from the Delegates in Congress—March 4th. 1783.” We have receiv’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th. Ult, enclosing a copy of the King of Great Britain’s speech,...
118Returns of Virginia Land and Naval Forces, [4 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[Text reproduced in illustration section following p. 254.] [1] [2] [3] [4] MS ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand. Principally compiled in Oct. 1779 at the request of the House of Delegates, these memoranda are drafts of the returns actually sent in a letter to Speaker Harrison on 4 Nov., q.v. , but contain additions made after receipt of Washington’s letter to TJ of 26 Dec. 1779 , q.v.; and other...
119From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We thought it best as I informed you in a former letter to call into Service on this occasion the Militia whose families and property were not immediately exposed. Being circumscribed in our number of Arms it still appears best, that what we have should be put into the hands of those Militia. Were we to send any to Charles City, we must dismiss so many Militia now collected here, and at...
120From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor Lee and intelligence (from the French Minister) accompanying it, gives reason to apprehend that the enemy meditate an invasion of this state. The reasons which support this opinion as well as those which oppose it will occur to the General assembly. It is our duty to provide against every event, and the Executive are accordingly engaged in concerting proper...
121Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 10 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand, except for the signatures of Bland, Lee, and Jones. Addressed by JM to “His Excelly. Govr. Harrison.” Docketed, “Lr. f’m Virga. Delegates Sept. 10. 82.” The cover is missing. Your Excellency’s favors of the 23. and 30. Ulto. were recd. yesterday. Not recollecting that any resolutions of Congress declaratory of their ultimate sense with regard to...
122Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 4 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Theodorick Bland, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “1782. June 4th.” Our last of the 28th. Ultimo informed your Excelly. fully of the State of News at this place, Since which nothing material has happened, except what the enclosed News Paper contains. There yet remains some doubt relative to the event of the Action of the two fleets in the West...
123Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 5 [July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). The misdatings of “June 5th,” both in date line and docket, were apparently corrected soon after the letter’s receipt. The letter was drafted and signed by Theodorick Bland, although he obviously was also writing on behalf of JM and John Francis Mercer, his two colleagues from Virginia then in Congress. Docketed: “Virginia Delegates Letter Theo Bland one of the...
124Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 21 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand, except for Joseph Jones’s signature. Docketed by Harrison, “Virginia Delegates Jany 21st 1783.” The Post which arrived late yesterday evening brought us your Excellencys letters of the 4th. and 11th. with their several inclosures. we shall loose no time in carrying into execution the intentions of the Executive respecting the settlement with Mr....
125From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 15 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Princeton University Library). Cover reads: “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Richmond Hon’d by Col: Bland.” Theodorick Bland left Philadelphia on 15 November to return to Virginia. See JM to Randolph, 12 November 1782 (first letter), n. 5 . I send you as a peice of information of which you will be the best judge of the use to be made, an extract of a letter laid before Congress by...
126Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 15 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Joseph Jones. Docketed, “Virga. Delegates Letters, Feby. 15th. 1782. inclosg. resolution of Congress respectg Beef & men.” We have your favor of the 2d. with the inclosures. those for Monsr. Mazzei shall be delivered to the minister of foreign affairs with request to forward them in the manner desired. Although general Greenes information of the number...
127[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5? June 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 35 (5 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from the President of Congress, together with a resolution of that body, concerning a Monsieur Legrass of Illinois, and several letters and...
128Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 6 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed copy ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VI, 427–28, and n. 6). Around 1930 the manuscript was owned by Stan. V. Henkels of Philadelphia. Arthur Lee rather than JM seems to have been the draftsman. See n. 9, below. Endorsed by Harrison, “to be laid before Ass.” We received the Letter your Excellency...
129From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1[7] January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Southern post, which had not come in for three weeks past, surprised us by his arrival to-day. Being to return in half an hour I could only, after perusal of my letters, hastily inclose to your excellency a copy of the proclamation announcing the ratification of the peace, which we were enabled to expedite on the 14th. inst. that being the first day on which nine states have attended...
130From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the date of my former letter to you, I have received the inclosed resolutions of Congress containing a requisition of additional supplies of money. The General Assembly in considering this Subject will naturally cast their eyes on the funds already provided for the Supply of their public treasury. As a principal branch of these was in some degree under the care and direction of the...
131From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 25 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honor of informing the General assembly of the instructions which had been given on the subject of the British Convention officers and their horses, Colo. Wood writes me that he has received a notification from Genl. Washington of the exchange of eighty eight of them, and that they are to proceed to Elizabeth town immediately where they will receive the General’s further...
132[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 16? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 16? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 50 (16 June): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, enclosing several letters and papers from a committee of Congress, on the present state of the army.” Not located. Enclosures: presumably the Committee...
133From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the advice of the General Assembly we have proceeded to take Measures for selling six hundred thousand weight of the public Tobacco. To do this as readily as possible we determined to allot for this purpose the Tobacco at the nearest Warehouses, and particularly four hundred thousand at the Warehouses at or near the Falls of James River and on Appamottox. We have now an offer for...
134From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to lay before the General Assembly the inclosed Letter from the honourable Theoderick Bland, one of our Delegates in Congress, the subjects of which may be proper for the consideration of the Legislative Body and have the honor to be with great respect sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant, RC ( Vi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ to Harrison as Speaker....
135From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 August 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters from Colo. Turpin will in some measure explain to you the reason of my troubling you with the present application. On the removal of the seat of government I engaged his house on the hill. A house having been always found for the Governor I took for granted that the rent of that would be considered as a public charge. Tho’ from the nature of my application to Colo. Turpin...
136Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 27 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed copy ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VII, 172, and n. 1). John F. Mercer probably wrote the letter, with the exception of the other two signatures. An abstract, emphasizing the third paragraph, is in Cal. of Va. State Papers William P. Palmer et al ., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and...
137Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 4 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Joseph Jones and addressed to “His Excellency The Governor of Virginia Richmond.” JM wrote the postscript. Relying on the assurances given by your Excellency, that we should be releived from our embarrassments here, by the agency of Mr. Ross to whom our supply had been committed, we ceased from further representations on that head, believing them to be...
138Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written and franked by JM. Addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia[.] Public service.” A Letter from Genl Heath who commands the army on the North River, dated the 26th. Ulto: informs Congress that an intelligent person from N. York had reported to him that an embarkation of troops was taking place there, that he saw a part of them...
139Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 17 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “Virga Delegates Letter recd June 27. 83, June 17th 1783.” Since our last to Yr. Excellency, little has occurr’d worthy of communication. A Letter from General Washington encloses a very feeling address from the Officers of that part of the Army, comprehended in the late...
140Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 11 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for the signatures of the four other delegates. Docketed, “Lr. from the Delegates in Congress—March 11th 1783.” Cover franked by Mercer and addressed by him to “His Excelly. Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” The second paragraph of the letter explains why Harrison wrote on the cover, “The Treasurer B H.” Yr....
141Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 2 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand, except the signatures of Bland and Lee. Addressed to “His Excellency. The Honble B. Harrison.” Docketed: “Virga Delegates Lr. July 82[.] July 2d 1782.” We had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 22. Ultimo by yesterday’s mail. All the late intelligence from Europe which has not been already communicated, is contained in the gazettes...
142Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 23 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Theodorick Bland. Docketed, “Letter Hon Virga Del: 23d August 83.” A different hand, possibly that of an unknown archivist, continued the docket: “1783 Aug: 23d Containing among other Matters, Sir Guy Carletons reasons for delaying the evacuation of. and informing the Govr. that Congress by resolution had demanded the records and State papers...
143From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 September 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honour of inclosing you a letter received from mr Thomas Smith as agent for mr Nathan. I have no idea that the laws, as they stand at present, can give him an action against me for assumpsits of public debts, made in council & so expressed, with their unanimous advice, & this in the presence of mr Nathan, who knew the debts to be public, who applied to me as a public officer...
144Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 14 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (McGregor Library, University of Virginia). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Lr. from the Virga Delegates[.] May 23d. 1782[.] referred to the Committee appd: to prepare Instructions to the Delegates in Congress.” This statement is discussed in n. 13. In our letter of the 17th Ulto. we informed your Excelly. that we had called upon Congress for a decision on the report of the Committee on the...
145Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [10 December] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). Extract of letter in the hand of Thomas L. Savage. Docketed in an unknown hand, “Letter from Virginia Delegates in Congress to the Governor 1782.” Both the retained copy, if any, and the recipient’s copy of the complete letter are missing. The style of the letter strongly suggests that JM was its author. For subjects probably taken up in the dispatch, but not...
146Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 8 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Edmund Randolph. Docketed: “Lre from Delegates in Congress Dated Jany 8th. 1782[.] Inclosing Mr D Murrays papers[,] Also facts and reasons respecting the incorporation of the National Bank.” Your excellency’s favor of the 28th. Ulto, not having acknowledged the receipt of our despatches by Capt. Irish, we shall repeat them, unless the next post should...
147[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 6 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 6 Nov. 1779 . Cover only survives (in Vi ), addressed in TJ’s hand to Harrison as Speaker and endorsed: “Governors Letter Novr: 6th: 1779. Returns Military & Naval Referred to whole House on State of the Commonwealth.” According to JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) (Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 43), the...
148[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 19? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 19? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 51 (19 June): “The Speaker laid before House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a letter from the committee of co-operation appointed by Congress, calling for specific aids of men, provisions, forage, &c.; which were read, and...
149Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 5 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Joseph Jones. Docketed, “Virga Delegates Lr. recd. March. 1782. March 5th.” This weeks Post has brot. us no Letter from your Excellency. Mr. Ross has directed Mr. Whiteside a mercht. of this City to pay us £200 each, which will enable those of us who have been sometime here to discharge our outstanding balances but will leave a small sum only for future...
150Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 12 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Joseph Jones. Docketed, “Del: in Congress March 12th 1782.” We are honoured with your favors of the 22d. ult. and 1st. instant the last covering a resolution of the House of Delegates of the 5th. of Jan[ua]ry last which we had before received and lodged a Copy with the supertendt. of Finance. We cannot at present return a full answer to your request...