To James Madison from William Branch Giles, 4 September 1827
From William Branch Giles
Executive Department Richmond Sepr. 4th 1827.
Sir,
I received a letter some days since from Mr. J. C. Cabell, informing me, that he was authorised by you, to tender the use of any part of your collection of the Public Journals of the General Assembly, that might enable the Executive, to carry into effect, the provisions of a law requiring the reprinting of those Journals from the year 1776 to the year 1790 inclusive.1
You will be pleased Sir, to observe from the advice of Council of the 11th. of Augt. 1827 which I now do myself the honor to enclose you;2 that the Governor was advised, to obtain from you, in behalf of the state, the Journals of the May Session of 1779 and 1782, upon being satisfied, that you had made the offer to loan them for the purpose aforesaid.
In Conformity with this advice; and with the information received from Mr Cabell, I now respectfully ask to be informed Sir, whether you are in possession of the Journals of the two sessions required; And would also thank you, to suggest the mode you think best of causing them to be removed to this place. Upon receiving this information from you Sir, I will order their removal accordingly. Be pleased Sir, to accept my most respectful Considerations and friendly regards.
Wm B Giles
RC and enclosure (DLC); letterbook copy (Vi: Executive Letterbook). RC cover docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 2.
2. The enclosure is a copy (1 p.) of a measure of the governor’s council, 11 Aug. 1827, stating: “The Governor submitted to the Board a letter from Thomas W White stating that the Journals of May Session 1779 and 1782 are not in the Rolls Office, but he has been informed that they may be obtained by Mr Madison who has said that he will loan them to the Executive. It is advised that the Governor, upon being satisfied that Mr Madison has made the offer stated, be requested to apply to him on behalf of the State for the loan of the Journals. Teste. Wm H Richardson cc.”