49181Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 17 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
The enclosd relation was directed by Congress to be transmitted to the Executives of Virginia & Pensylvania, that they might make enquiry into the facts, & take such measures in it as they deemed proper. Your Excellency’s Letter, touching the capture in north Carolina, remains yet unreported on. We thought it necessary to have a decision from Congress, relative to the cession of our western...
49182From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 14 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Benjamin Harrison, c.14 Oct. 1778. In an undated letter to GW, probably written sometime in November, Harrison wrote: “your favor by Mr Custis came to hand about three weeks after date” (see GW to Harrison, 18–30 Dec. 1778 , source note). On his return trip home to Virginia, Custis carried GW’s letter to Patrick Henry of 14 Oct. (see the source note to that document), and...
49183Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 15 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Edmund Randolph and addressed to “His excellency the governor of Virginia Richmond.” Having informed your excellency in our last letter, that we should repeat our dispatches, transmitted to Capt. Irish, unless you should announce the receipt of them by yesterday’s post, and hearing nothing from the executive, we shall prepare them for the mail of the...
49184[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 26? May 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[Richmond, 26? 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. 24 (26 May): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from a council of officers, held at Botetourt courthouse, and their determination on the subject of an offensive and defensive war with the...
49185From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 19 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council, 19 Nov. 1779 . Transmits resolution of Congress, enclosed in letter from Samuel Huntington, requesting reconsideration of Act for reopening Virginia land office. MS not traced; A.L.S., 1 p. and address, sold at American Art Association and Anderson Galleries, Terry Sale, pt. 1, 2–3 May 1934, lot 272. Huntington’s letter, enclosed, was dated 30 Oct. 1779, q.v. ; see also JHD Journal...
49186[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 22? 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. 58 (22 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a memorial of the officers of the Virginia line in captivity at New York; also several letters from General Washington and the committee of...
49187From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter conveying intelligence of a fleet appearing in our bay, came to hand yesterday. It’s size has given suspicions that it may be hostile, more especially as we have been lately informed that an embarkation was taking place at New York. I have thought it my duty to communicate it to the General assembly before their rising, as they might perhaps wish to give some advice to the...
49188Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 19 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Except for the signatures of JM and Joseph Jones, the letter was written, franked, and addressed by Arthur Lee to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “Virga. Delegates Lr. March 19th 1782.” The Motion we made for Congress to accept the Beef, that might be supplied by the State for the southern Army above her former quota of that...
49189Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [18 March] 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed summary ( Calendar of Virginia State Papers , III, 458). The original letter has not been found, but the enclosure and a portion of the cover are in the Virginia State Library. On this fragment of the cover is “His Excellency Ben” in the hand of John Francis Mercer and also his signature below the franking word “Free.” As a rule the member of the Virginia delegation who drafted its...
49190Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [ca. 20] August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Theodorick Bland, except for the signatures of JM and Arthur Lee. Lacks cover and docket. Both the contents of this letter and the delegates’ practice of writing weekly to the governor on Tuesday, the post day, make it probable that 20 August is the correct date. We have been duely hond. with your Excellys of the 8th Inst. Since our last such a dearth of...
49191Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 8 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for the signatures of Theodorick Bland, Jr., and Arthur Lee. Docketed, “Virginia Delegates Sept. 8th. 1783.” For the absence of JM’s signature, see Delegates to Harrison, 24 June 1783 , ed. n. This Post brought us no Letter from your Excellency, & little has ocurred with us since our last communications, worthy your...
49192Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 7 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Madison Papers). Written and initialed by JM. Addressed by him to “Govr of Virginia.” For JM’s docket, see JM to Jones, 6 Jan. 1783 , hdn. and ed. n. Recipient’s copy not found, but it was advertised for sale by George H. Richmond of New York City in his catalogue of November 1902, part 1, p. 28, item 430. JM designated the letter “official.” See JM to Randolph, 7 Jan. 1783 . Your...
49193Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 10 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Theodorick Bland. Cover addressed by him to “His Excellency Benjn: Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Bland also wrote on another fold of the cover, “Delegates—Apr. 10th.” At the opposite side of the same fold appears the docket, “Letter from the Delegates in Congress. April 10th 1783.” We take the opportunity by a Gentn. who sets off to North...
49194Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 18 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand except for Bland’s signature. JM wrote all italicized words in the official cipher. Docketed, “Virga Dels Lr. June 18th 1782.” Accompanying the manuscript in the Virginia State Library is a page upon which the second paragraph of the letter was decoded by Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council of State. The Post having been robbed of his mail on his...
49195Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 November 1783 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Cover missing. Addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison.” In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for Arthur Lee’s signature. For the absence of JM’s signature, see Delegates to Harrison, 24 June 1783 , ed. n. The present letter and the other one of 1 November from the delegates to Governor Harrison were given a single docket, reading “Delegates letters....
49196Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 12 November 1782 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 November 1782, Philadelphia. “We have been honord with your Excellys of the 2d. Inst. Since our last nothing of Material Consequence has happend, nor has any news of Importance arrived from Europe that is well Authenticated. The Enclosed News Paper contains all the Intelligence of every kind.” Printed facsimile of RC (University Archives Catalogue No. 110 [1994], item 105). 1 p.; in the...
49197From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of a resolution of the last session of General Assembly the Executive proceeded to form a Contract with Messrs. Penet Windel & co. for the establishment of a manufactory of fire arms and foundery of ordnance on James river and for extending navigation through it’s falls. The several preliminary papers which passed between them are now transmitted to the General Assembly, that they...
49198From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the resolutions of General Assembly at their last Session on the rank of the officers of the two State regiments, I wrote to the Continental board of war on that subject; an extract from my Letter is now inclosed. To this I have never received an answer. Brigadier General Muhlenberg has desired me to lay before the General Assembly the inclosed letter to him from Colo. Brent...
49199From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 18 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have just had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 8th—for the friendly & affectionate terms in which you have welcomed my return to this Country & to private life; & for the favourable light in which you are pleased to consider, & express your sense of my past services, you have my warmest & most grateful acknowledgments. That the prospect before us is, as you justly observe, fair,...
49200From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. John Gibson is appointed to go as next in Command under Genl. Clarke on the business communicated to you. As Colo. Gibson is now here he will return to Fort Pitt by the way of Baltimore to see the powder sent on, and prevent any danger of it’s stopping by the way. Be so good as to lodge at Goddard[’s] the Printer in Baltimore a line to Colo. Gibson informing him in what state the...
49201Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 5 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed copy ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VI, 532). Another copy of the letter, which omits its date line, salutation, first sentence, and complimentary close, is in Samuel T. Freeman & Co. (Philadelphia), Catalogue, 1947, Peck Sale, Part I, item 151. Except for these omissions, the text of the two...
49202Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 24 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (University of North Carolina Library: Southern Historical Collection). The letter was written by Edmund Randolph. It is docketed: “Lre from our Delegates in Congress Janry 24. 1782. Reced Febry 7th:” The minister plenipotentiary of France communicated to us this afternoon the inclosed extract from a letter of Count de Vergennes. We are happy to find, that the supplies, which your...
49203From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th. Ult. on the determination of Congress as to their future residence has been duly received. You would doubtless soon after have heard of their subsequent determination on the same subject. As all this had taken place before my arrival I can give you an account only from the information of others. Congress, it seems, thought it best to generalize their first...
49204[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 25? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 25? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 70 (25 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, two letters from the Governor, stating several matters for the consideration of the House, and enclosing several letters and papers on the subject thereof, which were...
49205Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [26] July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed copy ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VII, 238–39). In or shortly before 1934, Stan. V. Henkels of Philadelphia had possession of the original of this letter ( ibid ., VII, 238, n. 1). For the date of 27 July as printed in Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the...
49206From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 31 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Letters from Holland from the middle to the last of September inform us that the citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion. The conduct of the Prince of Orange having been such as greatly to strengthen the republican party, they are now pressing in the firmest tone a restoration of their constitutional rights. Friesland, as usual, leads the way. They have demanded of the sovereign...
49207From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing you an act of Congress on the subject of Western territory as passed a few days ago. The Ordinance for opening the land office so soon as our purchases are made from the Indians is not yet passed. I also inclose a copy of the estimate and requisitions of the year as they passed Congress. This however you will shortly receive from the President officially....
49208From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a confirmation of the arrival of a hostile fleet consisting of 19. ships, 2 brigs and 10 sloops and schooners. The advance of the fleet were yesterday morning in Warrasqueak bay, and just getting into motion up the river with a favorable wind and tide. Their destination from the intelligence of deserters and some captured mariners whom they put on shore is up James...
49209To Benjamin Harrison, with Extract from Franklin’s Letter, 18 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of the 3d inst. I mentioned to you the gazette account of a change in the British ministry. Just in the moment of the departure of the post we received a letter from the Marquis Fayette confirming the account of the change and rectifying that of the vote of the Prince of Wales. The letter which had come here supposed the king a friend to the E. India bill and that the Prince voted...
49210From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Major General Baron de Steuben, I take the liberty of transmitting to you his Letter and observations on the cautions he thinks necessary to be observed on the raising future recruits. I think it my duty also to mention to the General Assembly that I have received information from him that a very considerable proportion of the new Levies raised under an act of the last...
49211[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 24? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 68 (24 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a memorial of Mr. De Francey respecting a commercial transaction between the executive and his principal, Mr. De Beaumarchais, with...
49212Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand, except for the signatures of Joseph Jones and Arthur Lee. Addressed by JM to “His Excelly. Govr. Harrison.” Docketed, “Lr frm Virga Delegates Oct. 1. 82.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 20th. of Sepr. was recd. yesterday. Whatever curiosity or wonder might be excited by the letter in the post office addressed to you from Sr. G. Carlton with an...
49213From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 9 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
No authentic intelligence from Europe. Public papers as late as the 27th. of January state Mr. Pitt and his associates as still in office, but having a decided majority against them in the House of commons. The king seems well affected to them, and the city of London also. He probably would dissolve the commons in hopes of getting a new house under the influence of his ministry; but the...
49214From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 3 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hardy’s illness and Colo. Mercer’s absence deranged the order in which the office of corresponding member was to pass; so that Mr. Lee exercised it for January, Colo. Monroe for Feb. and Mr. Hardy takes it for the present month. I mention this that my own correspondence as an individual may not at any time be mistaken as having passed the sanction of the delegation. On receiving the act of...
49215From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [ca. September 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Le Maire who was in the service of the Comw. of Virga. during the late war informs me that he is about to apply to Your Excellency on some occasion on which he would wish you to be satisfied of his rank and services in that state, and that the capture of his person effects and papers by the enemy has put it out of his power to produce to you his commission which would...
49216Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 24 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for the signatures of the other delegates. Cover addressed by Mercer to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Mercer signed his name on the lower left, and wrote “(On public Service)” on the upper right portion of the cover. The letter was carried to Richmond by a special courier. The cover is...
49217Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 23 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In Arthur Lee’s hand, except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “Lr. from Virga Delegates rec’d Augst 1st. 82 July 23d. 1782.” The cover is missing. The Letter of the 11th. with which your Excellency honord us, came safe with the enclosd Resolves, which we shall lay before Congress The Super-intendant’s Contract, for the main Army, is ten pence pensylvania curry. per...
49218Virginia Delegates in Congress to Benjamin Harrison, 22 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
We inclose to your Excellency by the bearer Mr. McAlister an Exemplification of the deed of Cession executed according to the directions of the act of assembly transmitted us, and have the honor to be with very high respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt. & most humble servt. Text from facsimile in Amer. Art Assoc. Catalogue, Turner-Munn Sale, 21–22 Jan. 1926, Lot 271, where it is erroneously...
49219Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 24 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for JM’s signature. Cover franked by Mercer and addressed to “His Excelly. Benja. Harrison Esqr Governor of Virginia.” Cover docketed, “Virginia Delegates June 24th 1783 Letter in Cypher.” Words italicized were written in the official cipher. Filed with the recipient’s copy is a decipherment of the dispatch, docketed,...
49220Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 28 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Theodorick Bland except for JM’s signature. Docketed, “Letter from Virga Delegates recd June 6 1782.” The words written by Bland in the official cipher are italicized below. Accompanying the letter are three pages upon which the cipher was decoded by Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council of State. The state of News as it respects the action of the French...
49221From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 13 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The supplies of cloathing and of other necessaries actually procured for the officers of the Virginia troops having been very far short of what an act of the legislature had authorised them to call for, and it being evident to the Executive from a view of the supplies on hand provided by the board instituted for that purpose, and of the means now in their hands for making future provision,...
49222From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 21 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
If you can serve me by having the deed from Muse to me fully recorded, it will be an acceptable act —The deed is in the Clerk’s Office, and will shew what is necessary to be done—and who are the witnesses. If it cannot be accomplished without running me to the expence of subpoenas, I must and will incur that expence. Enclosed I send you all the Patents which are in my possession, and which...
49223From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council some Time ago came to a Resolution that they would advance Money for the Pay of the Virginia Continental Troops but for no others. It is therefore not in my power to say that any Money shall be advanced you out of the Treasury for the Payment of any other Troops. I suppose them in this Instance not liable to Imputation till a precedent can be produced where the Troops of one State...
49224[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 15 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 15 Mch. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “B. Harrison junr. Acknol. receipt of bills 433⅓ and 333⅓—glad to receive remittances thro’ him—state of Congr.” Not found.]
49225From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 15 June 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Having occasion to enquire into the situation of mr Short ’s Green sea lands, I wrote to Colo. Harvie on the subject, who refers me to you. I wish to be informed of the quantity, county, and whether the taxes have been paid. I will thank you for information on these points addressed to me at Monticello, and also for the patent if in your hands, having been desired by mr Short to look into the...
49226From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I thank you very sincerely for your kind congratulations on the close of the War, & the glorious Peace which is held out to us, but not yet made definitive; I return them with great cordiallity & heartfelt pleasure; & only wish that the business was so far wound up as that I might return to the walks of private life & in retirement enjoy that relaxation & repose which is absolutely necessary...
49227From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 15 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Unacquainted as I am with the cause of my friend Nelson’s resignation, I shall say nothing respecting it—but as the event has taken place, permit me to congratulate you, and my Country on your late appointment to the Government; and to assure you that you have few friends who wish you more honor and satisfaction in managing the Reigns of it than I do—You have certainly embarked on a troubled...
49228From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter I have lately receiv’d from Brigadier General Mulenberg, I find he has reported the proceedings respecting Captain Fox to your Excellency, and requested your farther directions. I am also informed by that General Officer, that there are two obstacles which still greatly oppose & retard the success of collecting your Recruits, viz. the want of Provisions to support and carry them to...
49229From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 11 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencys Letter of the 23 November inclosing one to Sir Guy Carleton which I have forwarded to New York and I have directed Colonel Smith our Commissary of Prisoners to receive any monies that may be sent out on that account. I am sorry to hear that the ragged state of your Soldiers in the line, should prevent your recruiting, it cannot be attributed to any partiallity...
49230From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 18 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Favor of the 31st —of May—covering your Letter Addressed to Sir Guy Carleton. As your Letter, with the Depositions which accompany it, contain everything that is to be said on the Subject, it is needless for me to impress it with any Observations of mine. The Letter to Sir Guy is forwarded by a flag to N. York, and any Reply he may be pleased to commit to my...