191To 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...
192From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 23 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new here now but from the southward. The successes there I hope will prove valuable here, by giving new spirit to our people. The ill successes in Canada had depressed the minds of many; when we shall hear the last of them I know not; everybody had supposed Crown Point would be a certain stand for them, but they have retreated from that to Ticonderoga, against everything which...
193Memorandum on Testimony concerning Major Hughes, 24 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Foulke . July 24. 1776. Mr. Vernet informed deponent that one of the English officers had applied to Mr. Coignet to serve in the English army instead of the provincial. Vernet wrote his name ‘Yousenne’ and said he was a major and lodged near Mrs. House’s. This it is supposed was ‘Hughes’ a major, who lodged near there. Coignet applied to Vernet for the same purpose, Vernet refused. Mr....
194To 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...
195To 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...
196From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 29 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you Dr. Price’s pamphlet . I should have done so sooner but understood your brother was sending many to Virginia and not doubting one would be to you, I laid by the one I had purchased for that purpose. Little new here. Our camps recruit slowly, amazing slowly. God knows in what it will end. The finger of providence has as yet saved us by retarding the arrival of Ld. Howe’s recruits....
197Resolution on the Case of General Sullivan, [29 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the former determinations of Congress to pass by rank and seniority on necessary occasions in order to avail their country of superior talents and experience were entered into on mature deliberation as being absolutely requisite for the salvation of these states, the armies of which, tho’ large, were embodied on sudden emergencies, and were of necessity in some instances...
198To 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...
199To 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...
200From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 30 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your letter we enquired into the probability of getting your seal done here. We find a drawer and an engraver here both of whom we have reason to believe are excellent in their way. They did great seals for Jamaica and Barbadoes both of which are said to have been well done, and a seal for the Philosophical society here which we are told is excellent. But they are expensive, and...
201To 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...
202From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 5 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to hear that the Indians have commenced war, but greatly pleased you have been so decisive on that head. Nothing will reduce those wretches so soon as pushing the war into the heart of their country. But I would not stop there. I would never cease pursuing them while one of them remained on this side the Misisippi. So unprovoked an attack and so treacherous a one should never be...
203From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 9 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
As Col. Harrison was about to have some things packed, I set out upon the execution of your glass commission, and was surprised to find that the whole glass stores of the city could not make out anything like what you desired. I therefore did what I thought would be best, imagining you wanted the number you mentioned at any event, and that not being able to get them of that form, you would...
204To 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,...
205Jefferson’s Outline of Argument Concerning Insubordination of Esek Hopkins, 12 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commodore’[s] excuse for not going to Southern colonies agreeable to orders . Before he left capes of Delaware, he heard the Liverpool was joined to Ld. Dunmore , which made enemy an overmatch, and many of his men sea sick. He did not go to N. Carolina because [he] received intelligence the enemy’s force had gone from there and from S. Cara. to Georgia. (His men recovered as he got to the...
206From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 13 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Aug. 3. came to hand yesterday. Having had no moment to spare since, I am obliged to sit down to answer it at a Committee table while the Committee is collecting. My thoughts therefore on the subject you propose will be merely extempore. The opinion that our lands were allodial possessions is one which I have very long held, and had in my eye during a pretty considerable part of my...
207I. Franklin’s Proposal, [20 August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Moses standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharoah who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds, reaching to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity. Motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God. MS ( DLC ); in Franklin’s hand. For the...
208II. Jefferson’s Proposal, 20 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Pharaoh sitting in an open chariot, a crown on his head and a sword in his hand passing thro’ the divided waters of the Red sea in pursuit of the Israelites: rays from a pillar of fire in the cloud, expressive of the divine presence, and command, reaching to Moses who stands on the shore and, extending his hand over the sea, causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh. Motto. Rebellion to tyrants is...
209From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 20 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been in hourly expectation of the great decision at New York but it has not yet happened. About three nights ago an attempt was made to burn the two ships which had gone up the river. One of the two fire-rafts prepared for that purpose grappled the Phenix ten minutes but was cleared away at last. A tender however was burnt. The two ships came down on Sunday evening and passed all our...
210[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...
211Draft of Resolutions on Lord Drummond’s Peace Proposals, [22? August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the articles inclosed by Ld. Drummond to Ld. Howe whereby it is proposed ‘that it shall be ascertained by calculation what supply towards the general exigency of the state each separate colony shall furnish, to be encreased or lessened in proportion to the growth or decline of such colony, and to be vested in the king by a perpetual grant, in consideration whereof Great Britain...
212To 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...
213From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 26 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 10th. inst. came to hand about three days ago, the post having brought no mail with him the last week. You seem to have misapprehended my proposition for the choice of a Senate. I had two things in view: to get the wisest men chosen, and to make them perfectly independent when chosen. I have ever observed that a choice by the people themselves is not generally distinguished for...
214To 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...
215Notes for the Report on the Value of Gold and Silver Coins, [2 September 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
In Silver. Given the quantity of Standd [Standard] metal, say As 40 : 37 :: qty. Standd metal: qty. of pure silver, or X by .925. In Gold. Given the quantity of Standd metal, deduct 1/12 it leaves the qty. of fine gold. To make a dollar 6/. silver of that alloy must be 4d 20/139 the pennyweight. I.e. pure silver must be 4d 7404/15429 the dwt. By Virga. laws 24 grs standard gold = 22 grs pure...
216To 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...
217To 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...
218To 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...
219To 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...
220III. Jefferson’s Outline of Argument in Support of His Resolutions, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Befre. ent. on Propr. Redress—see wt. is Injury—ye sta. Religs. Lib. Apostacy. act. 1705.c.6. 1st offce. disabld. to hold office. 2d. disabled to sue, incapb. of gift or legacy 3 3 three years imprismt. however conscients. ye Conversion. Heresy. < 1.El.c.1. > Heretico combura. State hs. adoptd. Athanasn. creed. Arians therefore Heretics eithr. Civl. or Eccles. judge in burn 1.H.P.c.405. 2....
221V. Notes on Acts of Parliament and of the Virginia Assembly concerning Religion, 11 October – 9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Arians. Jews. N ( DLC ). MS worn; the marginal glosses can no longer be read and are here omitted. Rast : I.e., William Rastell, A Collection of Statutes Now in Force , numerous enlargements and abridgements from 1557 to 1706; TJ’s edn. was that of 1611 ( L.C. Cat. A Catalogue of Books Represented by Library of Congress Printed Cards , Ann Arbor, 1942–1946; also Supplement , 1948. ;...
222VI. Notes on Locke and Shaftesbury, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Locke’s system of Christianity is this. Adam was created happy & immortal: but his happiness was to have been Earthly , and earthly immortality. by sin he lost this, so that he became subject to total death (like that of brutes) & to the crosses & unhappinesses of this life. at the intercession however of the son of god this sentence was in part remitted. a life conformable to the law was to...
223VII. Notes on Episcopacy, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Gr. Eπιςκoπoς. Lat. Episcopus. Ital. Vescovo. Fr. Evesque. Saxon. Biscop. Bishop. (overseer) The epistles of Paul to Timothy & Titus are relied on (together with tradition) for the Apostolic institution of bishops. As to tradition, if we are protestants we reject all tradition, & rely on the scripture alone, for that is the essence & common principle of all the protestant churches. As to...
224VIII. Notes on Heresy, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
A heretic is an impugner of fundamentals. what are fundamentals? the protestants will say those doctrines which are clearly & precisely delivered in the holy scriptures. Dr. Waterland would say the Trinity. but how far this character [of being clearly delivered?] will suit the doctrine of the Trinity I leave others to determine. it is no where expressly declared by any of the earliest fathers,...
225IX. Miscellaneous Notes on Religion, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
* * N ( DLC ). Miscellaneous fragments, described in textual notes below. Partly illegible. Brackets in MS . This Act was passed in the session of 1659/60 ( Hening, William W. Hening, The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia I, 532–3); the parts within brackets, indicating illegible or mutilated portions of the MS , are supplied from the Act itself. The foregoing...
226I. Rough Draft of Jefferson’s Resolutions for Disestablishing the Church of England and for Repealing Laws Interfering … (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved &c. That the statutes 1.E.6.c.1. 5 & 6.E.6.c.1. 1.El.c.2. 23.El.c.1. 28.El.c.6. 35.El.c.1. 1.Jac.1.c.4. 3.Jac.1.c.1. 3.Jac.1.c.4. 3.Jac.1.c.21. and the act of ass. 1705.c.6. & so much of all other acts or < ordinances > statutes as < prescribe punishments for the offence of opinions deemed heretical > render criminal the maintaining any opinions in matters of religion or the...
227From Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 11 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 30th. together with the resolutions of Congress of the 26th. Ult. came safe to hand. It would argue great insensibility in me could I receive with indifference so confidential an appointment from your body. My thanks are a poor return for the partiality they have been pleased to entertain for me. No cares for my own person, nor yet for my private affairs would have induced...
228Additional Instructions by Congress to Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson, 16 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Additional instructions to B F, S D, and T J, commissioners from the united states of America to the king of France. Whilst you are negotiating the affairs you are charged with at the court of France you will have opportunities of conversing frequen[t]ly with the ministers and agents of other european princes and states residing there. You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and...
229To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 28 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 18th instant , by some accident or other, did not come to hand before it was too late to answer it by this days post. Make use of the house and furniture. I shall be happy if any thing of mine can contribute to make your and Mrs. Jefferson’s residence in Williamsburg comfortable. Adieu. RC ( DLC ). TJ’s letter of the 18th instant is missing. It must have contained a request...
230To Thomas Jefferson from William Irvin, [before 1 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
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,...
231To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 3 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
As I have received no answer to the letter I wrote you by the Express from Congress I conclude it has miscarried. I heared with much regret that you had declined both the voyage, and your seat in Congress. No Man feels more deeply than I do, the love of, and the loss of, private enjoyments; but let attention to these be universal, and we are gone, beyond redemption lost in the deep perdition...
232Memoranda on the Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland Boundaries, [5 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
If the Monongahela is the line it will throw 300. Virginia families into Pennsylva. Most of these live between the Yohiogany and Monongahela. Not one third of that number of Pennsylvanians would be thrown on the Virginia side. If the Laurel hill is the boundary it will place on the Virginia side all the Virginia settlers, and about 200. families of Pennsylvania settlers. A middle line is...
233To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 11 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The resolutions describing treasons are inclosed. The report for ascertaining the value of coins , &c. remains in the same state of repose as you left it in, among several others that are, as the president says, not acted upon. I gave Col. Harrison an extract of that part of your letter which related to him, and asked him what answer I should make? He told me he would do what you desired so...
234Notes concerning the Bill for the Removal of the Seat of Government of Virginia, [11 November 1776?] (Jefferson Papers)
N ( DLC ). These memoranda are written on the last page of the draft Bill for the Removal of the Seat of Government, introduced 11 Nov. 1776, q.v. It is not possible to say whether these notes, which obviously pertain to the Removal Bill, were made in 1776 or 1779; the cost figures would indicate the latter, but in that year the arguments in favor of removal (as indicated by the speedy...
235To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 18 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever you and the speaker think I should return to Virginia to engage in the part which shall be assigned to me in revising the laws , I shall attend you. As to the time and place of meeting and my share in this work, I can accommodate myself to the appointment, and be content with the allotment my colleagues shall make. In the mean time, I purpose to abide here, if the enemy do not drive...
236IV. List of Acts of Parliament and of Virginia Assembly, 1661–1759, concerning Religion, 19 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
1661. c.1. Church to be built or [chap]el of ease. c.2. Vestries appointed. c.3. Ministers to be inducted. c.4. Ministers to provide [reade]rs c.5. Liturgy to be read. c.6. Church Catechism c.7. Ministers to preach weekly c.8. the 30th. of January to be kept a fast. c.9. the 29th. of May to be kept holy. c.10.
237I. Bill for Establishing a Court of Appeals, [25 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a court of Appeals for finally determining all suits and controversies, be it enacted by the General assembly that at such place as shall be appointed by act of General assembly there shall be holden a court of Appeals, < to consist of the Judges of the High court of Chancery, the Judges of the General court, and the Judges of the court of Admiralty, any nine of them to be a...
238II. Bill for Establishing a High Court of Chancery, [25 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a Court of general Jurisdiction in Chancery, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia, That at some certain place to be appointed by Act of General Assembly and at the times hereinafter directed shall be held a principal Court of Judicature for this commonwealth which shall be called the High Court of Chancery and shall consist of three judges to...
239III. Bill for Establishing a General Court, [25 November 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a Court of Common Law of general jurisdiction for the more speedy and easy administration of Justice in this Commonwealth and for regulating the proceedings therein. Be it enacted That, at some certain place to be appointed by act of general assembly, and at the Times herein after directed, there shall be held one principal Court of Judicature for this Commonwealth; which...
240IV. Bill for Establishing a Court of Admiralty, [4 December 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a court of Admiralty, Be it enacted by the General assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia that at some certain place to be appointed by act of General assembly there shall be held as often as there may be occasion a court of Admiralty to consist of three judges to be chosen by joint ballot of both houses of assembly and commissioned by the Governor any two of them to make a...