1To James Madison from the Governor of Virginia, 14 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
Some difficulties having occurred in the settlement of the Accounts of this state with the United States between the agents of the two parties; the Executive have thought it proper to send forward Colonel Davies immediately to the seat of the fœderal government there to represent the particular situation of this business. He is instructed in all cases of difficulty to confer with you. Permit...
2Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 16 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Since my late letter to you, inclosing the dispatches, received from Kentucky on the subject of the Scioto lands, we have been requested by one of the superintendants to have a meeting of his associates called for the 15th. of next month. The result of their consultation will probably affect the measures, which we now meditate. It is therefore adviseable, that we should again request you to...
3Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 15 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed so fully speak for themselves, that I need only add the respect with which I am &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In a clerk’s hand. Enclosures not found. The enclosures were copies of letters from William Croghan and Richard Anderson, and the report of Thomas Marshall and George Muter concerning the surveys...
4Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 8 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our express returned yesterday from Kentucky; bringing an answer from Colo. Muter and Colo. Marshall, on the subject of the surveys on the Miami. This answer however is not complete. We shall endeavour to make it so, as soon as we receive further information from another of the superintendants, and from the Register of the land-office. This will be accomplished I presume, early enough to go by...
5Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 7 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 27th ultimo, with its inclosures. We are not at present advised of any measures which may be necessary in addition of our letter to you of the 23d. Ulto. A copy of that letter is herewith inclosed. I have the honor &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In...
6Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have some reason to believe, that the resolutions of our legislature on the subject of the Mississippi never reached your hands. The inclosed copy will satisfy you, that they were forwarded. Perhaps the letter was delivered to one of our delegates who were here; The resolutions will be found annexed to the laws of october 1786, of which Congress have had a copy. I have the honor, gentlemen...
7Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 3 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
We have received a letter from the board of treasury, with several inclosures, concerning arrearages of pensions. I do myself the honor of inclosing to you a copy of our act, in consequence thereof. I beg leave at the same time to add, that we have not spoken of carrying the arrearages of militia to any other period, than the time of the wounds which occasioned the disability, being received....
8Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 23 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing to you copies of the Vouchers, on which Dr. Draper obtained a military Certificate from our Auditor, together with his account. We are much obliged to you for referring to the resolution of Congress, which establishes the right of Virginia to a credit for this demand, and for the footing, on which you have placed it with the board of treasury. But we cannot...
9Board of Treasury to Virginia Delegates, 15 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
We have considered the letter you did us the honor to write on the 12th Inst. and the Resolve of Congress of the 13th. June 1781 and beg leave to refer you to an Act of Congress of the 20th. February 1782; by which we apprehend Dr. Draper’s Account could only be settled at the Treasury of the United States; if he did not belong to the State of Virginia; which from his application to the...
10Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
It has been the practice of the executive to grant pensions, to take effect only from Jany 1786. From the resolution of Congress of July 11. 1788, we are induced to think, that arrearages of pensions, as far back as Jany. 1782 at least, and perhaps earlier, may now be granted. This seems to be very just; but we do not choose to go immediately into the allowance of those arrearages, until we...
11Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
We are seriously alarmed at the invasion made by Congress on the lands of the Virginia troops by their resolution of the 17th. Ultimo. The steps, which we have taken upon this Occasion are contained in the inclosed advice. But, lest the troubles, which this Act may create, should be ineffectual in obtaining its repeal; or even in restraining Congress from further incroachments, we beg leave to...
12Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 3 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
A Copy of the inclosed resolution was formerly sent to you. No answer now appearing on our files, we take the liberty of transmitting a second copy, and requesting, that the decision of Congress, if already made may be notified to us, & that if your body has not yet decided, something definitive may be immediately urged: The subject is rendered more pressing by the situation of our accounts...
13Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 2 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy, was written on the second day of July last to the secretary for foreign affairs. His communication on the subject of Ferrier is dated on the 13th. of June. The Executive entered into a consideration of it immediately upon its receipt and lost no time in preparing and forwarding an Answer. That answer is unquestionably in the office of foreign...
14Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 2 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
One Archibald Carrol, who was yesterday executed for murder, sent for our Acceptance the books, which will accompany this letter. We have been informed by report, that they were obtained by him, while acting as a British Sea officer, and that he perfidiously communicated them to the Americans during the War. We feel a repugnance to deposit them in the Archives of the Executive; the books, if...
15Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 30 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing for your consideration intelligence just received from Colo. Joseph Martin, formerly our Indian agent. I have the honor gentlemen to be with great respect Yr. mo. ob. serv. RC and enclosure ( PCC ); FC ( Vi ). FC in a clerk’s hand. RC docketed by a clerk. Martin had been discontinued as Virginia’s Indian agent after Congress appointed a superintendent of...
16Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 24 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 November 1787. Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 11 Dec. 1787 . Requests delegates to obtain the appointment of a separate superintendent of Indian affairs for Virginia and North Carolina. Recommends Major Dromgoole for this position.
17Samuel McDowell to Virginia Delegates, 25 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you two Resolutions of a Convention of the Representatives for the District of Kentucky, by which you will be certified of their determinations respecting its separation from the State of Virginia. As you are instructed by Government, to use your endeavours to obtain the assent of Congress to the Measure; we rely on your exertions for success, and are happy that we...
18Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 14 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to remind you of my letter of the first day of last december. It contained a resolution of our assembly for a meeting between Maryland & Virginia commissioners, to which the concurrence of congress was rendered necessary. The commrs of Virga. wish to know the sense of your honorable body. I have &c with the greatest respect &c FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book,...
19Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 11 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 2d. instant, and thank you for its inclosures. Reductions of salaries are in such high fashion here, that congress have risen in character from the reform. But the resurrection of the prophets would not convince british debtors, that those ought to be clothed with an increased authority, who could enforce the british...
20Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
There is every reason to believe, that Genl. Washington will be present at the convention in May. Indeed he says, that the want of health alone shall prevent him. I trust that the rheumatism, with which he is afflicted severely, will be speedily baffled. The Cherokees have begun to be troublesome in our country; and may become more so, in their expected passage thro’ Russell county, in the...
21Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting a list of the Virginia pensioners, chargeable to the united states. The instances, in which the kind and degree of disability has not been ascertained, have proceeded from a personal examination of them, and the want of an accurate entry in our books. In future a stricter attention will be paid to the subject. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter...
22Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 27 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of enclosing to you a copy of Mr. Martin’s letter our late Indian agent, promised in my former letter. When I wrote the other day; I urged Mr. Fox’s return. It was then supposed, that the business must stagnate in his absence. But a further inspection of the public acts has satisfied us of the contrary. I hope that the opportunity reserved for revision in the inclosed...
23Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 22 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 March 1787 . Mentioned in Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 27 March 1787 . Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 13 April 1787 . Concerned Indian problems and the settlement of the Northwest Territory (Illinois) accounts.
24Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 15 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 5th. instant, and the inclosed memorial from Mr. Van Berkel. Should any public document throw a light upon his demand in the course of its discussion, it will be very agreeable to the executive to have access to it. The complaints of our merchants against the pressures of the late laws of trade have formed a distressing picture...
25Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 10 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to inclose to you a letter received a day or two ago from Mr. Arthur Campbell. We cannot act upon it. You possibly may. I have &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In clerk’s hand. Unsigned. Enclosure ( PCC ). Randolph to JM, 7 Mar. 1787 and n. 6.
26Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 March 1787, Richmond . Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 19 March 1787 . Enclosed papers relating to George Rogers Clark’s conduct at Vincennes ( Randolph to JM, 1 Mar. 1787 ).
27Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 30 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of the clerk Samuel Patteson. See Harrison to Delegates, 25 Oct. 1783 , ed. n. The two last posts brought no letters from you which I am really sorry for as a full account of the proceedings of Congress on the place of their permanent residence was expected. There are not yet a sufficient number of members to...
28Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 25 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson. This letter and the one from Harrison on 30 October to the Virginia delegates ( q.v. ) are included in this volume because they are dated before the expiration of the term of JM in Congress on 2 November. Obviously, they could not have reached their destination while he was still a...
29Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 18 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson. I received your favor by the last post with its enclosures which shall be laid before the assembly as soon as they meet which I hope will be next week. The sooner Congress come to a determination on the subject of trade the better as I expect it will be the first thing of consequence that will be...
30Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 10 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Addressed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” The last post brought no letter from you. The Clerk of the Council informs me that whilst I was in Gloster you wrote for an account of the several sums of money that had been advanced by this State to the continent. the letter by some means or other has been mislaid. I have therefore...
31Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 3 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Your favor of the 20th of last month came safe to hand. The determinations of the French and English respecting our trade is really alarming and in the end will prove ruinous to us if not counteracted by some spirited conduct on our part; I think the way is plain and easy...
32Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 27 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” Since I wrote to you yesterday I have seen the Attorney who tells me his performance respecting our claim to the western Country is ready for the inspection of the Committee and that as soon as it meets their approbation it will be transmitted to you. I am &. Q.v. On 1 June...
33Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 26 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Addressed to “The Honorable the Virginia Delegates in Congress.” Your two favors of the 8th. and 13th. instant came to hand by the last post one of them has been detained in the post office which I suppose has also been the case with one of mine. General Irvine’s complaint of the Virginians crossing the Ohio reached me I suppose on...
34Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 19 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Yesterday’s post brought me none of your favors. I have nothing to communicate to you but that my advices from our north western frontiers tell me that if the Pennsylvanians continue their settlements on the other side of Ohio a general indian war is to be apprehended which...
35Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 13 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I arrived here yesterday after a very pleasant trip of a fortnight which has perfectly restored my health. It gives me pleasure to find by your favor that positive orders are given to General Carelton to remove from New York, the sooner he goes the better, as I never can...
36Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 28 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Many thanks to you for your kind concern for my health I was so extremely ill that the doctors advised my leaving the fogs of Richmond for some time as absolutely necessary for my recovery. I have received much benifit from the trip short as it was but am not quite...
37Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 15 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I received your favor of the 1st. instant and shall most assuredly use every endeavor to apprehend any forgers of Morris’s notes that may be in this country and beg you to give me any information respecting them that may come out in the course of the examination of those...
38Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 9 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Unsigned. Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson, appointed temporarily “an Assistant Clerk” by Governor Harrison on 11 August and subsequently “approvd” for regular employment by the Council of State on an unspecified date ( JCSV H. R. McIlwaine et al ., eds., Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia (4...
39Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Demobilization of Troops, 26–27 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Docketed: “Resolution For advancing three Months pay to the Soldiers of the Virginia line, from the Southern Army 26th June 1783 Copied for Govr.” Whereas a body of troops of this States line in the continental service has lately arrived in the town of Richmond from the southward under the command of Captain Parker and other troops of the same line are daily...
40Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 12 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I had not the pleasure of your usual favor by the last post the reason of which I expect was explain’d by a proclamation of your President for the removal of Congress to Prince Town, a step that has given general Satisfaction here, indeed I think nothing could justify your staying...
41Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Permanent Site for Congress, 28 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 46, fols. 55–58). Docketed: “Resolutions of the Genl Assembly of Virginia. Offers to induce Congress to fix their residence in that State. Read July 16. 1783. Copies to be made out & sent to the several States.” Whereas the Legislature of Virginia are fully convinced of the advantages that would result to the United States by having some fixed place of residence for...
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 386–87). Docketed: “Resolutions of Assembly of Virginia 27 June 1783 relative to their offer of Cession of lands NW of Ohio Read 23 July to lie on table.” Resolved that it would be improper to determine upon that part of the memorial of the Officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on Continental establishment presented to this Session of Assembly which prays for...
43Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Ship “Cormorant,” 26–27 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 137, II, 729). Docketed: “Resolution of genl Assembly of Virginia 26 June 1783 Read 23 July Referred so far as relates to the offer of the Ship Cormorant , to the Agent of Marine to report.” Unsigned by John Beckley, clerk of the House of Delegates, or by William Drew, clerk of the Senate, this instruction varies in form from that of the instructions usually sent by the...
44Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 20 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 71, II, 365–67). In Harrison’s hand. Addressed to “The Honble: Virginia Delegates in Congress.” Docketed, “Letter 20 June 1783 Govr. B. Harrison of Virginia to Honble. delegates of that state on a claim of Edward Cowper July 3 1783 Referred to the Agent of marine to report.” The FC in the Virginia State Library varies from the original only in a few instances of punctuation...
45Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Guards for Public Buildings, [20 June] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 384–85). Docketed: “An act of the State of Virginia for the enlisting Guards June 20. 1783 Recd in Congress July 23 Referred to the Secretary at War.” General Assembly begun and held at the City of Richmond on Monday the fifth Day of May in the year of our Lord 1783 An Act directing the enlistment of Guards for the public prison & Stores Whereas it is necessary...
46Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Fortifications, 17 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 20, II, 313–14). Docketed: “Resolve of genl Assembly of Virginia That an application be made to Congress for 750 £ to level works at York Town July 31. 1783 Referred to Mr Read Mr Ellery Mr Williamson.” Resolved that it be an instruction to the Delegates representing this State in Congress to make application to Congress to obtain an order on the Continental Treasurer in...
47Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 7 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I have rec’d. your favor by the last Post, and have no official Communications to make you. We are anxiously waiting for the definitive Treaty, some of our People can hardly persuade themselves that Peace is yet certain and our Merchants wish to Keep them in that Opinion. I beg the...
48Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 31 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia Historical Society). In the hand of Archibald Blair but signed by Harrison. The cover, enveloping several enclosures, is missing. The verso of the present letter is docketed in an unknown hand, “Gov: Harrisons Letter May 31st. 1783.” The original text, clipped on the edges, is internally mutilated or has deteriorated. Obliterated words or letters are supplied, as shown in...
49Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Treaty of Commerce, 23–24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). On 22 May 1783 the Virginia House of Delegates referred to the Committee of Commerce the letter of 13 May from the delegates in Congress to Governor Benjamin Harrison ( Delegates to Harrison, 13 May 1783 , ed. n.; JHDV (1828 ed.). Journal of the House of Delegates of Virginia, Anno Domini, 1776 (Richmond, 1828). , May 1783, p. 16). On 23 May, instead of the...
50Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 17 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I have nothing of Consequence to communicate to you by this Post[.] a sufficient Number to constitute an Assembly met on Munday last, but the great Business of the Session is not sufficiently open’d to enable me to form a conclusive Judgment on the Steps that will be taken to improve...