From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Spotswood, 31 January 1781
To Alexander Spotswood
Richd. January 31st. 1781
Sir
I received your favour containing a proposition for raising a Legion for the defence of the State: As there are several parts of it which are beyond the powers of the executive to stipulate, I shall do myself the pleasure of laying it before the General Assembly whom we have been obliged to convene on the first of March next. The result of their determinations shall be immediately communicated to you.
T.J.
FC (Vi).
Your favour: Spotswood’s letter and the enclosed proposition have not been found. TJ transmitted the proposition to the House of Delegates, who referred it to a committee that reported on 8 Mch. An Act based on the plan was passed on 17 Mch.; and on 20 Mch. Spotswood was appointed brigadier general in command of the two legions (1,400 men) to be raised for defense of the state during actual or threatened invasions (, Mch. 1781, Va. State Libr., Bull., 1928, p. 12, 15–16 [Spotswood’s plan printed in full], 21, 23, 36, 41–42; x, 391–3).