31To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Hazard, with Jefferson’s MS Memoranda, 23 August 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Collection, mentioned in the Proposals annexed, is a Matter of Importance to the Colonies in general, and may answer valuable Purposes, I flatter myself you will think it not unworthy of your Patronage;-and therefore take the Liberty of soliciting your kind Assistance by favouring me with the Use of such suitable Papers, relating to your Colony, as it may be convenient for you to...
32To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 5 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not know that the terms on which the crown engaged to grant the lands in Virginia are contained in any other charter than that by Car. ii. the 10. of Oct. 28 of his reign. The original, I believe although the seal is not now to it, I found in my office; and I understand it is recorded in the Secretary’s office. A copy of it I now inclose to be sent by the first opportunity. In the mean...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 6 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday, I have looked cursorily over all the charters in my office. Of those sent by Mr. Montagu the three which seem to concern the matter you are considering are the same that are in the appendix to Mr. Stith’s history and the other which is all that I have of them besides is an ordinance relating to the appointment of a council in England for the affairs of the colony....
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41Commission 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...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Walker, [ca. October 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
I am thus far on my way to attend the Business of my Indian department at Salisbury and have just recollected a duty I owe a very worthy Man; the case in short is this. Mr. John Gibson a very worthy and clever Man, the man thro’ whom Lord Dunmore hoped to have carryed on a Correspondance with the Indians in the middle district and who nobly disdaining any such dirty business immediately...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 10 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I was so much ingaged last week in watching the motions of his Lordships Tenders, that I was depriv’d the pleasure of writing to you, three of which came up the length of James Town, and were haild by some of our riflemen, and not answering were fired upon by them, another report says the Tenders fired first, and attemted to and some men, but were prevented by eight rifle men, for there are no...
46To 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,...
47To 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...
48To 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....
49To 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...
50To 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...
51To 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...
52To 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...
53To 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...
54To 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...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 27 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I writ to you the 22d. Inst. by Miles Taylor and inclos’d you £4.16.0 continentle money to buy me some articles that are not to be bought in this part of the world. We have been in dayly expectation of seeing Mrs. Jefferson for some time past, but she is not yet arriv’d, nor have I been able to hear from her since my last, but hope by next post to inclose you a letter from her. On the 22d....
56To 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...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 3 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my writing to you last I have had the pleasure of hearing that Mrs. Jefferson and your family are well. This we herd from Mr. Hylton who sent one of his servants up to your house. She at that time intended to be at Mr. Hyltons last Friday. If she came we shall see her in a few days. Lord Dunmore and his motly crew have taken up their Quarte[rs] at Gwins Island in Gloucester county. I...
58To 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...
59To 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...
60To 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...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 3 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We return’d last sunday from Elk-Hill whare we had been for a week on a visit to your good Lady; she is perfectly recover’d from her late indisposition, and except being a little weak, is as well as ever she was. She is in great expectation of seeing you in August, if your appointment to serve in Congress the insuing year dont prevent. However I am in hopes you will be able to spare a few...
62To 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...
63To 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...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Stockton, 19 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon my arrival at this place I waited upon the New Jersey Convention, and proposed to them their agreeing to furnish 2000 Men for the increase of the flying Camp: they alledged the reasons against the measure which I expected, to wit, their having furnished their full proportion. However, upon my urging the importance of the measure, I was so happy as to be assured that they would, without...
65To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 20 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We are very much at a Loss here for an Engraver to make our Seal . Mr. Wyth and myself have therefore thought it proper to apply to you to assist us in this Business. Can you get the Work done in Philadelphia? If you can, we must get the Favour of you to have it done immediately. The inclosed will be all the Directions you will require. The Workman Engraver may want to know the Size. This you...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 21 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you much for your favor and its inclosures by this post, and I wish sincerely, as well for the honor of Congress, as for that of the States, that the Manuscript had not been mangled as it is. It is wonderful, and passing pitiful, that the rage of change should be so unhappily applied. However the Thing is in its nature so good, that no Cookery can spoil the Dish for the palates of...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 22 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Ere this reaches you, you’l have been furnished with all Our doings of importance at the last Convention, Our Mode of Government and the several Elections to Offices. I expected you had in the Preamble to our form of Government, exhausted the Subject of complaint against Geo. 3d. and was at a loss to discover what the Congress would do for one to their Declaration of Independance without...
68To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 27 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Our convention having, the 12th. instant, adjourned to the first monday in October, I did not receive yours of the 1st. July ‘til I had been a fortnight at home. I am much concerned at the situation of our affairs in Canada, but am not without hope they may yet be retrieved. A thorough knowledge of the sources of human evils, is, generally speaking, a good step towards pointing out effectual...
69To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 27 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Lord Dunmore, driven from Gwins, retreated to St. George’s island in Potowmack, a station we hear he found no less unquiet than what he left, so that he hath gone up that river, distressed, it is imagined for want of water. Ought the precept, ‘if thine enemy thirst give him drink,’ to be observed towards such a fiend, and in such a war? Our countrymen will probably decide in the negative; and...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 29 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I set down to continue my correspondence, tho’ have nothing to communicate worthy so much of your time as the reading will require. We have nothing from the Southward, at least that has reached Us, since Genl. Lee’s Letter to me. Dunmores Squadron were Pirating up Potowmack last week. I am not informed of any particular damage they did, except to Mr. William Brent of Stafford, in burning his...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Adam Stephen, 29 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commencement of hostilities by the Cherokees, is the only News of general Importance on this Quarter. I hope they will be proceeded against with the Same Rapidity we made use of on the Shawnese Expedition. Then it is probable we may make such an impression upon them as will Strike terror into the most distant Indian Nations. Unsupported by the Country in general, and not assisted by any...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 3 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I have [been] beating my brain about your old Opinion that our Land tenure should be merely Allodial, and a New Opinion frequently mentioned during the last convention, that the unappropriated Lands should all be sold for the benefit of the commonwealth; and it was thrown out, that Congress had some thoughts of taking up this business as a Continental Fund. As to this Last I hope No such Idea...
73To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 10 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Esteemed Favor of July 29th . I received with Dr. Price’s Judicious Pamphlet which I had before received from my friend Braxton and read with great pleasure, and tho’ late, I beleive it will produce benefit to the cause in removing by his clear and explicit reasoning, all scruples which may remain in the minds of Our people. I am also obliged by your Original Declaration of Independance,...
74[To Thomas Jefferson from Thomson Mason, 21 August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Gunston Hall, 21 Aug. 1776 . On this date Nicholas Cresswell “Called at Mr. Mason’s” and obtained promise of letters of introduction “for some of the members of the Congress”; two days later he again called on Mason who gave him a “letter to Messrs. Francis Lightfoot Lee, Thos. Stone, Thos Jefferson, and John Rogers Esq., all members of the Congress.” A week later Cresswell noted in his...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Carter Nicholas, 24 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I was pleased with the Receipt of your favour Yesterday, being a little apprehensive that Mr. Walton’s Note might have miscarried, as I had heard nothing of it. The Amount will stand charged in my Books as so much remitted to our Delegates, as do all the Bills and Money, which I have sent them at different times. I know nothing of the State of the Accounts with the Committee of Safety and...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 26 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been abroad for some time accompanying Mrs. Pendleton on a Visit to a sick Parent, I find my self Indebted for two of your favors of the 5th and 13th. As to the Allodial System respecting Our Lands, I confess since former conversations with you on the Subject and your late hint, I have thought a good deal on the Subject and still think, that the inconveniencies attending any mode I can...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Giovanni Fabbroni, 15 September 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Tis need less to tell You that the present troubles of America postponed the return of Mr. Mazzei’s Vessel to Virginia deprived me also of the pleasure of accepting the him [kind?] offers You were so good as to make me. I was not a Little chagrined to find my self all at once bereft (at Least for some time) of the hopes of Seeng that fine Contry the fertility of wich can be equalled by...
78To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Lightfoot Lee, 17 September 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Our affairs at N. York have not much alter’d since your departure, the Militia of the eastern states have mostly left it, and probably improved the Army. The Enemy having by every motion shewn a design to get above our troops, Genl. Washington is busy in removing his stores from the City, and collecting his forces at and about King’s bridge, but we fear he has been interrupted by the Enemy, as...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 27 September 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have written to you before now if I had not been uncertain about finding you at home, as the distance was great, and the meeting of our Assembly approaching. All the material events that have happened since you left us are to be found related pretty faithfully in the public papers, which I suppose are regularly conveyed to you. The plan of foreign treaty is just finished, and...
80To Thomas Jefferson from John Hancock, 30 September 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The Congress having appointed you to fill a most important and honorable Department, it is with particular Pleasure I congratulate you on the Occasion. By the enclosed Resolves you will percieve, that Doctor Franklin, Mr. Deane, and yourself, are chosen Commissioners at the Court of France, to negotiate such Business as the Congress shall entrust you with. For this Purpose, Letters of Credence...