To Thomas Jefferson from William Irvin, [before 1 November 1776]
From William Irvin
[Before 1 November 1776]
Dr. Sir
Being taken sick I had the Opportunity of offering the inclosed Memorial and Petition to but very few. I am perswaded, however, that a large Majority of the two Counties would have signed it, had they had the Opportunity. However, I trust that the reasonableness of the thing in itself, will have more Weight with the Honourable House of Delegates and Senators, than ever so many Names.
Please, Sir, to take it under your Care, and either read it, or have it read in the House, as either Custom, or your own Inclination shall direct, and befriend the Contents, of it, and in so doing you will greatly oblige the greater Part of your Constituants, and many others, and none more than Your cordial Friend and very huml. Servant,
William Irvin
RC (MHi); addressed: “Col. Thomas Jefferson Williamsburg.” Address leaf contains faint pencil notes in TJ’s hand reading as follows: “Public become security. [Expence?] of Collection nt be refund. y cd collect with less expence. Obj. yt wll gve premium for [paying?] Debts not ye propty of ye Factors.” This may refer to the debates on the Act for Sequestering British Property ( ix, 377–80).
The memorial and petition referred to as being enclosed is undoubtedly the Petition of Dissenters in Albemarle and Amherst counties, introduced on 1 Nov. 1776, q.v. William Irvin was a signer of this petition.