Title: Report on Instructions to John Jay, [2 May] 1781
From: Continental Congress
To:

[2 May 1781]
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from Mr. Jay dated the 6th. of Novr. last with sundry other papers report the following answer thereto. (Instructions to the honl Mr. Jay Minister plenipotentiary of these united States at the Court of Madrid.)
Sir
Your letter of the 6th. of November last detailing your proceedings from the 26th. of May down to that period has been received by the United States in Congress Assembled. At the same time was received your letter of the 30th. of November with the several papers therein referred to.
It is with pleasure Sir I obey the direction of Congress to inform you that throughout the whole course of your negociations & transactions in which the utmost address & discernment were often necessary to reconcile the respect due to the dignity of the United States with the urgency of their wants, and the complaisance expected by the Spanish Court, Your Conduct is entirely approved by them. It is their instruction that you continue to acknowledge on all suitable occasions the grateful impression made on these States by the friendly disposition manifested towards them by his C. M. and particularly by the proofs given of it in the measures which he has taken & which it is hoped he will further take for preserving their credit, and for aiding them with a supply of Cloathing for their army. You are also authorized & instructed to disavow in the most positive & explicit terms any secret understanding or negociations between the U. States & G. Britain, to assure his C. M. that such insinuations have no other source than the insidious designs of the common Enemy, and that as the U. S. have the highest confidence in the honor & good faith both of his M. C. and of his C. Majestys, so it is their inviolable determination to take no step which shall depart in the smallest degree from their engagements with either.
Should the Court of Spain persist in the refusal intimated by its Minister, to accede to the Treaty between the U. States & his M. C. Majesty, or to make it the basis of its negociations with you, the difficulty, it is conceived may easily be avoided, by omitting all express reference to that treaty, and at the same time conforming to the principles and tenor of it; and you are accordingly authorized so far to vary the plan of your original instructions. As his M. C. M. however may justly expect, in a matter which so nearly concerns him and which was brought into contemplation in the Treaty he so magnanimously entered into with these States, the strongest marks of attention and confidence, you will not fail to maintain in the several steps of your negociation a due communication with his Minister at the Court of Spain, and to include his interests as far as circumstances will warrant.
You are authorized to acquaint his C. M. that not only entire liberty will be granted, during the war at least, to export naval stores for the royal marine, but that every facility will be afforded for that purpose.
Congress are willing to deliver over to his C. Majesty’s service the 74 gun ship now on the Stocks at Portsmouth in New Hamshire, on his replacing all the expences as nearly as they can be liquidated which shall have been incurred at the time of her actual transfer. The first cost as she now stands is upwards of 60,000 Spanish Milled dollars. The further cost of completing her Hull and launching her will it is computed amount to upwards of 40,000 more. All the materials necessary for rigging and arming her must be imported. No engagement can be made for American Seamen to navigate her.
As Congress have no controul over the Captains of private Vessels, however proper your hints may be of obliging them to give a passage to American Seamen returning home from foreign ports, and to send an Officer with the dispatches entrusted to them for foreign Ministers, it is impracticable to carry them into execution. You will therefore continue to provide for these objects for the present in the best manner you can. As soon as the U. States are in condition to establish Consuls in the principal ports of the States with which they have intercourse, the difficulty will be removed, or if any other practicable remedy be suggested in the mean time, it will be applied.
The Letter of which you enclose a copy from Stephen Audibert Caille stiling himself Consul for unrepresented nations at the Court of Morocco, had before been received through the hands of Docr. Franklin. If you shall see no objection to the contrary you will correspond with him and assure him in terms the most respectful to the Emperor that the United States in Congress assembled entertain a sincere disposition to cultivate the most perfect friendship with him and that they will embrace a favorable occasion to announce their wishes in form.
The generous & critical services rendered these U. States by Messrs. Neufville & son have recommended them to the esteem & confidence of Congress. You will signify as much to them and that their services will not be forgotten whenever a proper occasion offers of promoting their interests.
Your intimation with respect to complimenting his C. Majesty with a handsome fast sailing packet boat, claims attention, but the variety of publick embarrassments will render the execution of it very uncertain.
Congress agree to an extension of Col. Livingston’s furlough till the further order of Congress which you will make known to him.
Your letter of the  of September last was rec’d. on the  of  . No bills have been drawn on you since. That of the  was received on the  of  and in consequence of it the sale of the bills already drawn but then remaining on hand was countermanded.
By a letter from Mr. Carmichael dated the 22d of February and rec’d. on the 27th of April last, Congress are informed that you had received dispatches from them dated in October. These must have contained their instructions to you to adhere to the claim of the United States to the navigation of the Mississippi. A reconsideration of that subject determined Congress on the  of  to recede from that instruction so far as it insisted on their claim to the navigation of that river below the 31st degree of Latitude, and to a free port or ports below the same. On the receipt of this latter instruction, Congress have little doubt that the great obstacle to your negociations will be removed, and that you will not only be able without further delay to conclude the proposed alliance with his C. Majesty; but that the liberality & friendly disposition manifested on the part of the United States by such a cession will induce him to afford them some substantial & effectual aid in the article of money. The Loss attending the negociation of bills of exchange has been severely felt. A supply of specie through the Havannah would be much more convenient and acceptable.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Philada. May 5th. 1781
In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the committee in binding them up. The encomium on the inhabits. of Rhode Island was a flourish of a Delegate from [that] State who furnished the Committee with the acct. of its Constitution, and was very inconsiderately suffere[d] to be printed.
I am Dear Sir Yr sincere friend
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sir
Philadelphia May 5th. 1781
The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose, by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of Congress of the 18th. of March 1780, to be 150 for 1. The Speculation arising from this measure to the prejudice of this State with the other reasons stated in the inclosed publication by the Executive Council led to their Act of the 2d instant therein referred to declaring the rate between the two kinds of money abovementioned to be 175 for 1. The effect of this declaration has been a confusion among the people of this City approaching nearly to tumult, a total stop to the circulation of the old money, and a considerable stagnation and increased depreciation of the new. The difference between the latter and hard money is at present vibrating from 4 to 1 downwards. Should the circulation of the former therefore revive, its value cannot exceed 1/700 of that of hard money. The opportunity which this circumstance gives and which we have reason to believe many are already taking measures to improve, of fraudulent speculation not only on the Citizens of Virginia, but on the State itself, is so obvious & alarming that we thought it our duty to set an Express in immediate motion to put you on your guard against the mischief.
The inclosed list of prisoners taken by Capt: Tilly has been communicated to us by the Minister of France in consequence of our application. We shall select such of the names as have already been mentioned by your Excellency as obnoxious & dangerous to the State, and put them into the hands of the Minister, who as well as the French Commander is entirely disposed to secure the State from all further apprehension from their malice. If there are any other names which you would wish to add to your former list we beg to be informed of them by the first opportunity. If there are any of the Prisoners who are not considered as objects of much dread, particularly of those who hold commissions we believe our Allies would chuse not to be deprived of the use of them as subjects of exchange.
We have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Yr. Excellency’s obt. & humble servts., (By order of the Delegation)
J. Madison Jnr.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 May 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Caroline 7th May 1781
I have yr favr of the 24th past, which contain’d & inclosed much Intelligence—from the various accounts of French & Spanish Fleets, they would almost appear to cover the Seas in Europe, America & the West Indies, & when the promised spirited exertsion of the Dutch is added, we may hope our cruel & haughty enemies are on the Eve of being reduced to reason at least; more especially if our present current report should prove true, that the Bank of England has become Bankrupt—and if it is not, Our author must lie wilfully, as he affirms he read a full and circumstantial Account of it in a London & in a New York paper. I shall be impatient to receive your next paper on that account perhaps that may have changed Sir Harry Clinton’s purpose of coming Southward, since we are told by some officers just from your city, that he had not left New York.
General Philips in his way up James River, at Wmsburg, & all other places, affected to show great lenity, avoiding all private injury or even requiring paroles from individuals not in arms. the affair at Blandford was not so considerable as I wrote you, the Number killed not exceeding ten on either side. Our Militia however behaved well, since there were not above 500 engaged against 2000 at least, whom they fought for two hours & more than once produced disorder in their ranks. The arrival of the Marquis’s Corps was critical to save Richmond, which I believe the Enemy meant to Occupy. They even Meditated an Attack on the Marquis on this day se’nnight; when Arnold was detached with 1500 to cross below & begin an Action with the Marquis’s left Wing, whilst Philips was to cross from Manchester with the remainder of the Army & Attack his right. part of Arnolds troops had cross’d when Philips was induced to recall him & drop the affair, on Information that Muhlenburg was coming down the South side James River with a large body of Militia, which however was a mistake for he came down on the North side & was ready to have received Philips, if he had attempted to cross. There was then an end to Philips’s good humour, and he began with burning the Warehouses in Manchester as he did, before & after, all those on that side from thence to Blandford, containing it is said about 15000 hogsheads. they went down the River sweeping all the slaves and other property & Pillaging & destroying Houses, in which business they had got as low as Sandy Point on Friday evening last; Our Army is Marching down on this side, nearly opposite to them, so that I believe they will not call again at Wmsburg. Their plunder is immence particularly in slaves—of whom the Vessels lately up Potomac got a large number also and a Vessel lately at York Town ship’d 360 from that neighbourhood, so infatuated are these wretches that they continue to go to them, notwithstanding many who have escaped inform others of their ill treatment, those who are not sent off to the West Indies being kept at hard labour upon very short allowance, so as to perish daily. We have a good body of Militia in the field join’d to the Marquis, so that we should not fear the Enemy, if we could bring them to Action, but the situation of our rivers whilst in their power will unavoidably enable them by running from one to another, to do much Mischief to individuals & Plunder now appears to be their mode of Warfare in all parts. I hope their Marine Dominion will not be of long duration & then we can fight them on more equal terms.
I have heard nothing respecting Genl Green for a long time. Our Lawson I hear is setting out with a body of Militia to join him, I wish he had also the Pennsylvania line.
I am Yrs affecty
Edmd Pendleton


Title: Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sr.
Philadelphia May 8th. 1781
Having so lately and so often wrote to your Excellency we have little new to Communicate at present; the confusion respecting money still continues in this City, tho with less commotion than could be expected as in a few days the old Continental money has depreciated from two hundred to seven, eight, and some say nine Hundred for one, the new money has of course sufferd in proportion. what this Convulsion will end in, it is difficult to Surmise. in the mean time we are in infinite distress as may be easily supposed; the Currency of the old money has been stoppd for some days past and it is said to day that the new is about to share the same fate. In the midst of these misfortunes we have the pleasure to transmit to Yr. Excelly a Copy of a letter from Genl. Cornell one of the members of the board of War, who has been directed by Congress to visit the Magazines, and if possible to Send to the Southward Such Arms Cloathing and Military stores as we are in want of. the Extract is as follows
“Inclosed is a return of Clothing now on the Road and ordered to be sent immediately from this Place to the care of the board of War, for the Use of the Marquises detachment and the Southern Army, to which may be added one thousand Stand of good Small arms orderd forward immediately by the Commander in Chief for the use of the Militia of the Southern States as the board of War shall direct. Early to Morrow morning I shall go to fish Kill with General Knox from which Place the Genl. thinks two or three thousand Cartouch Boxes can be movd[;] if so they will be forwarded Immediately to the southward. I Expect to be able to forward for the same Purpose two thousand Small Arms from Springfield exclusive of the Rampart Muskets, my Prospects at present are better than I Expected.
New Windsor April 30th 1780[1][”]
Copy

We have also the pleasure to acquaint your Excellency that about three thousand Suits of Cloathing are safely arrived at Boston from Spain, which our Friend the King of Spain has Enabled our Minister at that Court to procure, we are with the greatest respect
Yr. Excelly’s most obedt. Sets
M. SmithTheok. Bland
N.B. about 400 of the Rampart arms to be made into good Muskets and fixd with Bayonettes for the State as advised in ours of last week are finishd and will be sent forward immediately and the others are finishing with all possible Expedition


Title: Motion on Pay of Troops, [10 May] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

Ordered
[10 May 1781]
That Warrants issue in favor of J. P. paymaster general upon the loan offices of the States of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia in the following proportions in bills of the new emission arising from the 4/10 of the ten Millions issued in pursuance of the Act of the 18th. of March last and that the same be applied to the paying the lines of the said States respectively viz on the Commissr. of the Cont: loan office

of Delaware25,863dollars
of Maryland124,143
of Virginia237,279
[for which sums the said J. Pierce, paymaster general, is to be accountable.]


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 10 May 1781
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen
In Council May 10th. 1781
A small Affair has taken Place between the British commanding Officer in this State (Genl. Phillips) & the Executive which as he may endeavour to get Rid of through the medium of Congress, I think it necessary previously to apprise you of it.
General Scott obtained Permission from the Commandant at Charlestown for vessels with necessary Supplies to go from hence to them, but instead of sending the Original sent only a Copy of the Permission taken by his Brigade Major. I applied to Genl. Phillips to supply this Omission by furnishing a Passport for the vessel. having just before taken great Offence at a Threat of Retaliation in the Treatment of Prisoners he inclosed his answer to my Letter under this Address ‘To Thos. Jefferson Esqr. American Governor of Virginia.’ I paused on receiving the Letter & for some time would not open it, however when the miserable Condition of our Brethren at Charlestown occurred to me, I could not determine that they should be left without the necessaries of Life while a Punctilio should be discussing between the British General & myself; & knowing that I had an Opportunity of returning the Compliment to Mr Phillips in a Case perfectly corresponding, I opened the Letter.
Very shortly after I received as I expected the Permission of the Board of War for the British Flag vessel then in Hampton Road with Cloathing & Refreshments to proceed to Alexandria. I inclosed & addressed it ‘To William Phillips Esqr. commanding the British Forces in the Commonwealth of Virginia.’ personally knowing Phillips to be the proudest man of the proudest Nation on Earth I well know he will not open this Letter; but having Occasion at the same Time to write to Capt Gerlach the Flag master, I informed him that the Convention Troops in this State should perish for want of necessaries before any should be carried to them through this State till Genl Phillips either swallowed this Pill of Retaliation or made an Apology for his rudeness. And in this should the matter come ultimately to Congress we hope for their Support. He has the less right to insist on the expedition of his Flag because his Letter instead of inclosing a Passport to expedite ours, contained only an Evasion of the Application by saying he had referred it to Sir Henry Clinton & in the mean time he has come up the river & taken the vessel with her Loading which we had chartered & prepared to send to Charlestown & which wanted nothing but the Passport to enable her to depart. I would further observe to you that this Gentleman’s letters to Baron Steuben first & afterwards to the Marquis Fayette have been in a stile so intolerably insolent & haughty, that both these Gentlemen have been obliged to inform him that if he thinks proper to address them again in the same spirit all Intercourse shall be discontinued.
I am with very great Respect & Esteem Gentlemen Your mo: obt. Servt
Th: Jefferson


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates and George Washington, 10 May 1781
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates,Washington, George

Sir,
In Council May 10th. 1781.
The papers of the Executive having been almost wholly lost in the visit which was made by General Arnold to this place, we are endeavouring to procure Copies of as many of them as we can. As the Correspondence with Congress is among the most important I am to solicit the Favor of you to give permission [to] the Bearer hereof Mr. Granville Smith to take Copies of any Letters with which they have been pleased to honour the Executive or have received from them previous to the Commencement of the present year. Besides the General Importance of preserving the Memorial of Public Events, it is natural for those who have had a Share in the Administration to wish that under every possible Circumstance the records of their proceedings may guard them against Misrepresentation or Mistake. Mr Smith has been particularly chosen to execute this Office because of his approved Discretion, and we think ourselves safe in assuring you that he may confidentially be relied on. I have &c
Tho Jefferson


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 14 May 1781
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen
Richmond May 14th. 1781
I have received your Favor of the 5th. Inst and am obliged to you for the notification of the State of the Continental Money of which we shall endeavour to arm ourselves to prevent Loss to the State.
We are much obliged to his Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne for his Readiness to secure us against the malice of the prisoners taken on Board the Romulus. We would beg Leave to add the name of Jonathan Eelbeck to the others whom we consider as capable of doing us particular Mischief and would not lessen further the Subjects of Exchange in the Hands of our Allies.
The movements of the enemy in the neighbourhood of this place not admitting of that quiet necessary to the Deliberations of Public Bodies, the General Assembly have adjourned themselves to meet at Charlottesville on the 24th inst. I rather expect that the want of Accomodations there will oblige them to adjourn again to some other place. I am &c.
Tho Jefferson.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 May 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Virginia, May 14th 1781
I was disappointed in receiving no letter from you by the last post, which was the greater, as I was anxious to be satisfied about a piece of Intelligence which had been related here by a Baltimore Merchant. A particular account of which he affirmed he had read both in a London & New York paper, that is, that the Bank of England had failed, however as I can’t find that any other person hath seen such an Account, or even heard it otherwise than from him, I conclude it to be some Hum, tho’ I am not able to develope the wit or policy meant by it: unless that he was not a warm friend to America & intended to sneer at that confusion in our paper which I am concern’d to hear happen’d about that time, from some State finesse between Pennsylvania & Jersey; pray how was that affair, & what consequences have attended, or are likely to result from it? since we can place very little confidence in Accounts which trading men give of money matters.

Since my last Genl Philips after going as low as James Town suddenly tack’d about & sail’d up to Brandon where he landed his Troops; the Marquis, and Genl. Muhlenburg with a body of Militia, cross’d James River leaving Genl. Nelson with another body on this side to watch the Motions of the Enemy & give him notice if they should recross the River below. But Philips reach’d Petersburg before him, & Ld. Cornwallis being, as is said near Hicks’s Ford, about 45 miles from that Town, the Marquis found it impracticable to prevent their junction & return’d to Richmond where I suppose he will collect all his force to oppose them, but what his, or rather their united force may be, I know not, we are impatient for the arrival of the Pennsylvania line, since tho’ our Militia are going cheerfully to the scene, I fear they will be but badly Arm’d. The Assembly have adjourn’d to Charlottesville that their deliberations might be undisturbed. They will be in poor quarters there & some speak of going from thence to Staunton others to Fredericksburg, the day they have adjourned to is the 24th.
We have been uneasy about the fate of Genl Green as his last letter to the Governor mentions his finding Cambden much stronger both in the works & Garrison, than he expected to find it, so that he had little to hope & much to fear. since then we are told that a Mr Willis is arrived from his Camp and relates an Action has happen’d, with the following circumstances “that a deserter from Green inform’d Ld. Rawdon his Artilery was not come up, Which induced his LdShip to come out in force to Attack Green, whose Artilery however came up just before and a Battle ensued which lasted 5 hours, when both Ar[mies] retired & encamp’d on the ground they had respectively Occupied the night before, & Green expected the fight would be renew’d next morning; The Enemy however retreated, were charged in their retreat by Colo. Washington who killed & took 250 making up their loss in the whole 600 kill’d, wounded & taken. Green’s loss about 200” This is Willis’s Account, who is said to be a Gentleman of credit; he adds that a few days before Green had intercepted about 300 Tories going into Cambden & killed the greatest part of them.
If these things be true, I hope Green is in a better way than he & we fear’d he would be, and I am not able to Account for the Policy of Earl Cornwallis having left those States in such situation & come hither, unless he has a mind to add Virginia to the Roll of Nominal Conquests.
I am Dr Sr Yr mo affec & obt Servt
Edmd Pendleton

Col. R. H. L. declin’d taking a Seat in the Assembly. I am told Mr Henry is not elected. I suppose he declined also.
Cornwallis is at Halifax. the Marquis has cross’d Appomatox above to march down on Philips. the Militia go to Petersburg on this side.


Title: Motion on Impressment of Supplies, [18 May] 1781
From: Continental Congress
To:

[18 May 1781]
A motion was made by Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Joseph] Jones,
That the Board of War be, and are hereby, directed to transmit to Brigadier General Wayne, copies of the intelligence received yesterday, relating to the sailing of the British fleet from New York; and that General Wayne be, and he is hereby, authorised and directed, in case the supplies of provisions and forage necessary for the immediate march of the detachment under his command to the southern department cannot be otherwise obtained, to impress the same, and to report the amount thereof to the executives of the states within which the same shall be taken; such states to be credited therefor as part of the specific supplies due on the requisitions of Congress.


Title: David Ross to Virginia Delegates, 18 May 1781
From: Ross, David
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen
Richmond 18 May 1781.
The vicinity of the Enemy to this place having determined the Assembly to adjourn to Charlottesvile where they are soon to meet The removal of the Executive from this town and not being yet assembled at any other place obliges us on many occaisions to dispense with the usual forms, and will I hope apologize for my troubling you with this letter.
Virginia having for some time past been the theatre of war—her ports intirely stopt by the enemy—many of her Stores destroy’d some time ago by the rapid March and unexpected arrival of Mr. Arnold at this place—’Tis with reluctance I am obliged to inform you that we are greatly distressed for many necessarys for the equipment of the Army
Some time ago I dispatched an agent to Philadelphia with Instructions to dispose of a Considerable quantity of Tobacco & some hemp in order to purchase the articles most wanted hoping that with your Countenance he would be able to procure such a supply as might enable our people to take the field with tolerable Comfort & respect
I am sorry to be informed by Mr Nicolson that the present Invasion of Virginia puts it out of his power to Negotiate the Sale of any Tobacco in Philadelphia, that he has no chance of procuring supplys there unless he is furnished with Specie or hemp—the former cannot be procured—of the latter I hope to send on 40 tons in Course of this summer. this will be far short of the supplys required besides the long time it will take to transport it. It would be presumption in me to mention to you who are so well informed, that almost the whole supplys for the Southern Army are drawn from Virginia. That she hath freely and with a liberal hand upon every occaision furnished whatever was in her power for the service of the other States. She may surely at this time expect Some returns when we are told the Northern States enjoy an extensive trade and are in affluent Circumstances. I have desired Mr. Geo: Nicolson to wait upon you & shew you a list of the articles wanted, perhaps some of them can be borrowed from the Continental Magazines & others procured on the Credit of the State, in that case I have directed him to remain in Philadelphia & attend to the immediate forwarding of such articles as can be got.
I am happy in having it in my power to inform you that we have the prospect now of a plentyfull supply of Lead from the Mines, our stock of Powder is respectable & I hope in security
I am with great regard Your most huml servant
David Ross    Coml. Agent


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 May 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir.
Virga. May 21, 1781
Yr obliging favr of the 1st hath raised my curiosity Yet I cannot but approve your Caution, and notwithstanding my keen appetite for News, I would rather be the last man in America to know an Interesting thing, than that our cause should be injured in the smallest degree by my knowing it the first. and I think I told you formerly that I entertained too high a sense of yr honour to expect or desire you to communicate any secrets of yr body: It gives me Satisfaction to find that European Politics wear a favourable Aspect for America.
I have read the Pennsylvania Law for giving Congress a Revenue Independent of the Individual States, and cannot but much approve the Spirit of it, not only as it tends to give more Stable dignity to that Great Council, but the subject of taxation promises an Additional Cement to the Union, by Interesting each State in some degree in the trade of the whole; two doubts appear to me to arise upon the propriety of this Act however, which I mention, that you may if it can be done, remove them & prevent what may otherwise prove some obstruction to the Passage of a Similar Act here, as I mention’d them to a Gentn of our Assembly, who meant to be a Warm Advocate for such a law.
1. The law is perpetual, and as it is in general a dangerous Policy to lay such a tax, so it appears to me particularly wrong to do so in the Infancy of States, and upon an Opening trade, when no just estimate can be made of what it probably may amount to, when that trade comes to maturity. I should rather think it should be for a term only when experience may teach whether it is proper to continue, increase or diminish it.
The 2d Objection is to the mode—the law says it shall be “levied & collected as Congress shall direct.” Now how can Congress direct and inforce the Collection of this money, without Judiciary & Executive Powers, which may Interfere with the internal Government reserved to each State by the confederation. I should think therefore that the law imposing the duty should point out the mode of Collection & give speedy and Adequate remedies to inforce the Payment to such person as Congress shall appoint in each State to receive it, and to be subject to their disposition, which will preserve their uncontrollable power over the money without the other Inconveniences. It might give them indeed some Additional weight to have the appointment of the several Collectors, but as it appears to me that they must necessarily be the Naval officers, I suppose the States will scarcely agree to leave the Appointment of them, who are necessary & important Officers in many State Affairs to Congress. you’l consider these things & give me yr sentiments upon them as soon as convenient.
It is confidently said that Clinton is arrived in our Bay, but I give no credit to it—nor indeed can I to any thing I hear even from James River. General Philips is certainly dead & the Command is again in Arnold, between whom and the Marquis nothing material has yet happened, how soon they may begin I dont know. Reports as to Ld Cornwallis are various—he has been said to be at Halifax, Hicks’s Ford & even at Petersburg, but now is left at Tar River in North Carolina, from whence he sent Cols Hamilton & Tarleton to Hallifax without opposition, nay, they are even brought to Petersburg, but I can’t rely upon any part of it. Nor on the Reports of Green’s being in Possession of Camden, which we have had for two days.
I am told our Army are well supplied with Provisions at present, and I doubt not but the Collection of one tenth of our Cattle lately made, & which are now fatting in the several Counties, will keep up the supply through the year, we shall also furnish them with some Bacon for change of Diet. Adieu for this week.
Yrs Affecty
Edmd. Pendleton


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 May 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

Editorial Note
In a “memorial” of 26 May, laid before Congress two days later, the minister plenipotentiary of France, La Luzerne, made known that Great Britain, manifesting “a desire of peace,” had accepted the offer of the empress of Russia to the courts of Versailles and London to be “mediatrix.” The Holy Roman Emperor had also “proposed his co-mediation to the belligerent powers in Europe.” King Louis XVI had replied to Catherine the Great that “it was not in his power to accept,” since “the consent of his allies was necessary.” La Luzerne added that his sovereign might deem it wise to negotiate in a preliminary way “before the answer of Congress can reach him,” but, however this might be, “it is of great importance that this assembly should give their plenipotentiary instructions proper to announce their disposition to peace … and to convince the powers of Europe that the independence of the thirteen United States, and the engagements they have contracted with the king [of France], are the sole motives which determine them to continue the war; and that whenever they shall have full and satisfactory assurances on these two capital points, they will be ready to conclude a peace.” La Luzerne requested Congress “to name a committee, with whom he will have the honour to treat” (JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37)., XX, 560–61).

1781 May 28.
Com[mitte]e to confer &c. Mr. Carroll, Mr. Jones, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Sullivan & Mr. Matthews


Title: George Nicolson to Virginia Delegates, [ca. 28 May] 1781
From: Nicolson, George
To: Virginia Delegates

[ca. 28 May 1781]

repairing 2000 Stand of Arms and fitting on Bayonets
@ 9/–
£ 900.

400 Bayonets purchased for the above
7/6
150.

80 Chests for the Arms
7/6
30.

in part payment for the Waggonage to be advanced here

120.

Specie or the Value in Currency

£ 1200.

Gentlemen
Above you have an estimate of money wanted for the immediate purpose of defraying the repairs of the Arms lent the State of Virginia by the Continent, and for which 800 Stand will be retaind and Sold by the Gunsmiths agreeable to contract, unless a Sum adequate to their demand can be raised to pay them, whereby our State will be deprived of that number of Arms in so critical a juncture.

At present the confused situation of our Country prevents any funds being thrown into my hands, in so short a time as will pay for the articles contain’d in the estimate. I therefore most earnestly request you would represent the situation of matters to the Honbl the Congress and endeavour to obtain from them the whole or such part of the £1200. which they can possibly assist us with.
I have the Honour to be Gentle. Your mo: ob. Servt
Geo: Nicolson for
David Ross C. A for S. of V.
Requested to be advanced on Account of the State of Virginia which is to be accountable.

Philada. 30 May 1780
Jos: Jones
J. Madison Junr.
Theok. Bland


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 May 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
May 28th 1781
Since my last I have yr two favrs of the 8th & 15th—the former have met wth a circuitous passage thro’ several Post offices beyond me. The Noise about the paper money Was as weak as the cause which produced it, and proves I fear that people in those parts have more at heart the making fortunes, than promoting the glorious Cause we are concern’d in; however it must be acknowledged that our Finance hath wanted Stability and System; different States will adopt various modes of complying with the requisitions of Congress, and Individuals in each will pertinaciously pursue their Opinions, so as to carry at one Session what they have been over ruled in at a former, & hence arises that mutability, so destructive of every Political measure. I fear this mischief hath its Origin in human Nature, & that a change will be difficult; however I think Congress have taken the most promising method to effect it, in appointing this important subject to the sole consideration of one man, whose mind shall be kept free from the distraction of Various Objects; and from the general Character of Mr Morris the choice of him Appears Judicious. I cordially wish success to his endeavours.
Our people are made very angry by a Report that the Pennsylvania, instead of forwarding their Troops wth that celerity, which their duty & the situation of things demanded, were throwing out Insulting speeches that Virginia was too grand—let her be humbled by the Enemy, & such like. What consequences this may produce, I know not, but they will be chargeable to the Companies of Land Jobbers, who for their own Interest are poisoning the minds of the people by their falacious publications. I am sorry that line was not forwarder, as for want of them probably the Marquis was obliged to abandon Richmond, which he left on Saturday evening & retired on this side Chickahominy; We suppose this step was occasioned, by information that the Enemy was crossing that swamp below & by Marching up on the Hanover side meant to cut off his retreat, however we deal in conjecture only and if the Marquis means to avoid an Action at present, it will be probably a prudent measure, since tho’ his numbers would be fully equal to the most flattering expectations if they were regulars, it might be too much to risque the loss of his few valuable Veterans, upon the firmness of Militia. Our last Account of the enemy was that they had landed at Westover & were on Saturday between that & four miles Creek, which I believe is about 20 miles from Richmond, they are said to be between 4 & 5000. 12 Vessels are lately come up James River, some say they bring Earl Cornwallis’s Baggage & Invalids from Cape Fear, others that they brought Troops from New York, perhaps some of each.
A Militia man just return’d from a tour of duty under General Green, & who is said to be a man of credit, reports that a few days after the action of the 25th of April, Ld Rawdon burnt Cambden & retreated to George Town, leaving behind him his own & our sick & wounded. That the Virginia Militia being discharged in the Evening, stay’d all night, and two hours before day next morning Genl. Green marched with his Army, he could not tel which way, but supposed towards George Town, if this deserves any credit. I suppose you’l have an express from the General.
I am glad to hear Mr Jones is return’d to Congress on more accounts than one. I shall write him by this post & hope he’l releive you from half the labour of corresponding wth
Dr Sr Yr Affe friend
Edmd Pendleton
Perhaps my next may be dated from the Mountains.


Title: Motion on Currency, [30 May] 1781
From: Madison, James,Mathews, John
To:

[30 May 1781]
Whereas the period assigned by the Act of the 18th. of March 1780 for calling in & cancelling the bills of Credit emitted by Congress prior to that date, hath long since elapsed, and a great proportion of the said bills is notwithstanding through the remissness of the States in sinking their respective quotas, still left in circulation whereby the public is deprived of the use of the 4/10 of the new bills issuable pursuant to the Act aforesaid in place thereof to the great prejudice of the public service, Ordered that Warrts. be drawn on the Comrs. of the several loan offices for the full amount of the said fourtenths. And that the Commissioners of the said loan Offices cause new bills to the amount of the said 4/10 to be perfected with all possible expedition in order to answer the draughts made upon them, and that they deliver no more of the 6/10 to their respective States untill the 4/10 are paid, & thereafter not untill the states shall have delivered & cancelled old bills to the amount of twenty times the nominal sum of the sd. 4/10 after which they are to deliver to the respective States what remains of the new bills as fast & no faster than old continental bills are by them respectively brought in & cancelled at the rate of 20 of the latter for one of the former.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 3 June] 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Jefferson, Thomas

D’r S’r,
[ca. 3 June 1781]
… The delegates have done all they could to hasten Wayne as well as to forward other assistance to our State foreseeing what occasion you would have for aid but could only get the Pen[nsy]lvanians under March very lately and a Resolution a few days past to send forward some Militia from this State and our Neighbour Maryland. Your situation no doubt you have occasionally communicated to the Comr. in Chief and must refer you to him for such consolation as he has in prospect. The Delegates endeavours to second your efforts in that quarter have not been wanting and we have no doubt the General will do all in his Power.
[P.S.] 7 Battalions of Milita-Infantry in the whole and 1 Do Horse.…


Title: Motion on Instructions on Peace Negotiations, [6 June] 1781
From: Continental Congress
To:

[6 June 1781]
Resolved That the M. Plen: &. be authorized & instructed to concur in behalf of these U.S. with his M. C. M in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia, and the Emperor of Germany, and to accede to any treaty of peace which may be the result thereof, in which the Independence and sovereignty of the thirteen United States is effectually assured to them according to the form and effect of the Treaties subsisting between the sd States & his M. C. M, and in which the said treaties shall be left in their full force and validity.
That the boundaries of the said States be as follows:


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 6 June 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

June 6 [, 1781]
Mr. Witherspo[o]n & Houston moved must direct Minister for peace to recede from old Ultm. if the mediating powers & circumstances require—on question Sul: & Livr. ay—Massts. Lovel, Ward no—R.I. Varnum ay—Ct. S. Huntgn. no. Elsth. ay, Shern. no—N.J. W. & H. ay—Pa. Atlee, Clymer, T. Smith ay—Md. Jenifer ay—Virga. Madison Bland—M. Smith no—N.C. Sharpe ay, Johns[t]on no—S.C. Matthews, Bee Motte ay Geo. Walton—Few—Howley ay Question lost & the Rept. of communication from Luzn. with the lost motion recomt’d to Car. Jones—Withn.—Sul: Mats. of May 28.


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 7 June 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

June 7[, 1781]
Sd. Come. Carol. Jones &c—report—Witherspoon’s motion with a Secret adl. instrn. 1. to try for old ultm. as to Boundary 2 but if necessary to leave qon open—or this refused 3 to settle matter as well as possible—on 1st all ay—on 2. all ay but Sul: & Livr. Ward—Mr. Mer. Smith—so carried—on the 3d—Sul: & Liv. ay—Lovl. & Ward no—Varm. ay—Huntington—Elsworth ay Sherman no—Witherspoon & Houston ay—Jones, Madison Bland—Smith no. Sharpe ay Johnson no—Matthews Bee Motte ay—Walton Few, Howley ay—lost—


Title: Motions on United States Boundaries, [8 June] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

Editorial Note
According to the JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37)., these two motions in JM’s hand were “made by the State of Virginia.” Following them, as given below, and on the same general subject, is a third proposal, also drafted by JM. The JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37). makes no mention of this undated proposal and hence it may never have been introduced. The manuscript of it is in NA: PCC, separated from the other two proposals by a document in an unknown hand, dated 15 July 1781.
[8 June 1781]
Provided that you shall not recede from the former ultimatum of Congress on the subject of the boundaries of the U. States, in any part thereof except with respect to so much of the sd. Ultimatum as delineates the boundary from the intersection of the 45th. degree of N. Latitude with the River St. Laurence, to the mouth of the Illinois River, from which you are authorized to recede so far as to agree that the boundary of the U. States, between these two points shall run from the intersection aforesaid through the middle of the said River; of Lake Ontario; of the Straight of Niagara, & of Lake Erie to the mouth of the Miamis River, thence in a direct line to the source of the River Illinois & thence down the middle of the sd. River to its confluence with the Mississippi
Provided that you shall not in any case agree to a cession of any part of the territory lying on the S. East side of the River Ohio; nor admit any exclusive claims on the part of Great [Britain] to the territory lying between the sd. River, the Rivers Mississippi & Illinois and the Lakes Erie & Ontario.
With respect to the boundaries of the 13. U. States you may, if any obstacles to peace can be thereby avoided, & it should be approved by our Ally, leave the same altogether untouched & open to future adjustment. But as they will in all probability become an article of discussion, you are in the first instance to use every prudent endeavor to obtain an admission on the part of G. B. of the boundaries described in the Ultimatum of Congress on that subject: In case neither of these purposes can be effected you are to insist on the exclusive right of the U. States to all the territory included in the sd. Ultimatum which is actually settled by Citizens of any one of the 13 States, and avoid admitting any exclusive claims in [resp?]ect of G. B. to the territory remaining within the boundaries described in the aforesaid Ultimatum, which is settled neither by Citizens of the U. States nor by Subjects of the King of G. B.


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 8 June 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

June 8[, 1781]
State of Virga. moves to limit power to cede boundaries as qualification to Mr. Witherspoon’s motion to recede—all no but Sharpe Houston & Virga—on question on the sd. motion—all ay but Virga.


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, [9–15 June] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

[9–15 June 1781]
Note all from Va. vs. joing. others with Mr. A.
June 11. the sd. Come. reported—to instruct Mr. A. to be govd.—ultimately &c—on question—Sulln. Livermore ay—Lovill & Ward no—Varnum no, Huntington Elsworth Sherman no—Witherspoon Houston ay—Montgomery no—Atlee Clymer ay T. Smith no—Jenifer Carrol ay—Jones, Madison, M. Smith ay—Bland no—Sharpe Johnson ay—Matthews, Bee, Motte ay—Walton Few, Howley, ay—on motion after addl. Ministers—to reconsider—Livermore no—Lovel Partdge. Osgood ay Varnum ay—Hunt: Els: Sherm. ay. Withsn. Houst: no. Atlee Clymer no. T. Smith ay—Rodney McKean ay—Jenifer Carol, Potts no—Jones & Mad: no Bland ay, Mr S. no—Sharpe no—Johnson ay. Matt. Bee, Motte Eveleigh no, Wal. Few How. so lost


Title: Credentials as a Delegate to Continental Congress, 14 June 1781
From: Virginia General Assembly
To:

Virginia to wit,
In General Assembly
Thursday the 14th: June 1781.
Resolved
that James Madison, Edmund Randolph, Joseph Jones, Theodorick Bland and John Blair Esquires be appointed Delegates to represent this Commonwealth in Congress, for one Year from the first Monday in November next; they having been so elected by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly.
(Signed),
Archibald Cary Sp: SenateBenjamin Harrison Sp: H. D.
A Copy, John Beckley C. H. D.


Title: Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 20 June 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

1781.
From March 20–June [20]—1781

To Balance in hand on last settlement
11859 Dollrs.
May 9.
By Board &c. including liquors & Compy. from

March 20
To do recd. of Mr. Jones
 3918⅓

  March 20th. to May 9th
20,300

To do recd. of Col. Bland
 6118⅓

By washing
 1595

21895⅔

21895

June 20.
By Board &c from May 9th
£35-12-6

By washing
  2-18-

By Horses from March 20th
 24-10-

By allowance for 92 days at  — per day


Title: Leonard Cooper to Virginia Delegates, [22 June] 1781
From: Cooper, Leonard
To: Virginia Delegates

[22 June 1781]
To The Honble. the deligates for the State of Virginia in Congress
The memorial of Leonard Cooper Captain in the Invalid Regiment formerly of the 4th Virginia Regiment Sheweth,
That your memorialist having Receiv’d a wound in the month of October 1779 which has renderd him uncapable of doing duty with his Regiment ever since—and being much Embarrass’d by not having receiv’d any pay, Cloathing or other Emoluments granted to the Officers of your State, Since July 1779—and that his Sittuation being such at present which renders it impossible for him to go to that State to apply, woud be much oblidged to you if convenient that he Cou’d have Some money Advanced Untill able to get his affairs Settled as the Officers and Soldiers of that State have had four months pay Advanced in hard money or the Exchange [.] Cou’d the Same Indulgence be granted to your memorialist the favour Shall ever be Esteem’d by your Honors
Most obedient Humble Servant
Leonard Cooper Capt. Invalids


Title: Motion on Management of Navy, [28 June] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

[28 June 1781]
Resolved That the management & direction of the navy be, untill a Secretary of Marine shall be appointed, committed to the Superintendt. of Finance, and that he be authorized to appoint such temporary agents as may be necessary to execute the business of that Department.


Title: Motion on Instructions on Treaty of Commerce, [29 June] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

Editorial Note
The motion given below represents a further effort by JM and his Virginia colleagues to have Congress revert to its original instructions, stipulating that the United States would not agree to peace terms with Great Britain unless they defined “the middle of the River Mississippi” from its source to its junction with 31° north latitude as the western boundary of the United States. In these same instructions, Congress declared that any commercial treaty must include a guarantee to Americans by Great Britain of “their common right to fish on the Banks of Newfoundland, and the other fishing banks and seas of North America, preserving inviolate the Treaties between France and the Said States.” The tenth article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce of 6 February 1778 with France pledged that neither the United States nor their people would ever disturb French subjects “in the enjoyment and exercise of the right of fishing on the banks of Newfoundland.” In spite of the adverse vote of the Virginia delegation, possibly because of the fisheries “ultimatum,” Congress had adopted these instruction on 14 (not 13, as below) August 1779 (JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37)., XI, 428; XIV, 955–62).
During the nine months before JM introduced the present motion, he had remarked the opposition of many New England delegates to Virginia’s land claims in the Old Northwest and their indifference, if not hostility, toward insisting upon the Mississippi River as the western boundary of the United States and toward sending adequate military aid to the southern states in their time of desperate need. Against his wishes, the Virginia General Assembly had instructed the Virginia delegation in Congress to yield the right of free navigation of the Mississippi River below 31° north latitude, if no treaty of alliance with Spain could be effected without that concession (Papers of MadisonWilliam T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al., eds., The Papers of James
          Madison (2 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——)., II, 72–77, 195–97, 231, 302–3; above, Report on Instructions to Jay, 2 May 1781). In spite of the central government’s obvious lack of money for military use, Massachusetts and Rhode Island were opposing the attempt of Congress to gain authorization from the states to levy a 5 per cent import duty. Notwithstanding JM’s efforts, Congress on 15 June left the determination of the western and northwestern boundaries of the United States in the contemplated peace negotiations largely to the discretion of the ministers plenipotentiary of the United States, or to their French counterparts, but did not recede from the original instructions about the Newfoundland fisheries (Notes from Secret Journal, 6 June 1781, and n. 3; Motions on Boundaries, 8 June 1781, and nn.; JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37)., XX, 651–52). By the present motion JM was asserting, in effect, that, despite Virginia’s withdrawal of its previous sine qua non and, incidentally, despite his instructions, justice to the southern states obliged Congress to be as adamant about the western and northwestern limits of the United States as about the Newfoundland fisheries.

[29 June 1781]
Additional instruction to the Minister Plenipotentiary for negociating a Treaty of Commerce with G. Britain.
Resolved
That the Minister Plenipotentiary for negociating a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain be & he hereby is instructed to enter into no such Treaty, unless in addition to the Stipulations relative to the fisheries required by Congress in their instructions to the sd. Minister of the 13th of Augst. 1779, All the objects included in their Ultimatum relative to a Treaty of peace as the Same stood prior to their instructions on that subject of the  day of  be in such Treaty of Commerce explicitly acknowledged & stipulated to the U. States.


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 29 June 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

June 29, 1781
James Madison & M. Smith moved to instruct Minister for treaty of Commerce with G. B. not treat unless other points in old Ultm. as well as fisheries be ackd. & stipulated to U. S. on which Sul: Livermore no.—Lovel. Partridge. Osgood no—Var—ay Huntington ay, Sherman ay—Elsworth no—Witherspoon no Houston ay Montgom’y. Clymer no T. S. ay—Jenifer Carrol Potts no—Jones Mad. M. Smith ay. Bland no—Sharpe. Johnson ay Matts.—Bee. Motte Eveligh no—Walton Few no—lost—


Title: Report on Staff of Superintendent of Finance, [6 July] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

[6 July 1781]
The Committee appointed to confer with the Superintendt. of Finance on the subject of his letter of the 28th. of June report,
That the Superintendt of Finance be authorised to appoint an Assistant in his Department, who shall be entitled to an annual Salary of 1850 Spanish milld dol, to be paid quarterly from the Treasury of the U States, and two clerks who shall be entitled each to the annual salary of 500 Spanish milld dollars to be paid in like manner


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 July 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My Dear Sir:
Mountains July 6th. 1781
I think my last to you was the 27th of May when I prophecied that my next would be probably dated from hence. It was on the day after that, more to comply with the earnest importunity of my neighbours than influenced by my own Judgment or inclination, I took flight from Caroline with a few slaves & necessaries to enable me to exist if what I left should become a prey to the Enemy. Our Neighbourhood however happily escaped the hostile Visit hitherto, & I hope will yet do so, unless some reverse of fortune or change of circumstances, should change the present disposition of the Enemy or the Marquis’s Army. After the hurry of Spirits which usually attend a precipitate flight were over, I have enjoyed some pleasant hours with my friends, Amongst others a few happy days at yr fathers, who I was glad to find enjoying fine health, after being many years without seeing him, Tho’ I was the less surprised at it, after experiencing the Salubrious Air of his fine Seat, not to be exceeded by any Montpelier in the Universe; I wish you would hasten peace, that you may return to the Influence of it upon your crazy constitution. In this happy retirement I regret nothing but the dearth of News; Your last favr was the 29th of May, There are probably others below which have not reach’d me. You have been at much pains to remove my objections to the Mode of the Congress duty. I wish they may operate as forceably upon those whose duty it is to give effect to the measure, as on me, who tho’ I think them [st]ill founded on propriety in General, must yield to the necessity of giving stable credit to congress so far as their engagements require, which greatly overweigh in consequence any possible inconvenience on the other side. I am not over-jealous of power, but my creed is to withold from no public body So much as is necessary to their Appointment, & give them not an Iota that is unnecessary—upon this rule should I determine was it my province, upon every demand of Congress. It is time however I quitted this subject by begging pardon of Congress for supposing these difficulties which had been so fully discuss’d, had escaped them.
You’l probably have by this post a much better Account of the Enemy than I can give you at this distance; when I last heard of them they were supposed to be between Wms.burg & York, and their light horse plundering in Gloucester, their intentions whether to fortify at York, where their ships are, or leave Us, Or change the scene of devastion, not yet discovered They have had a small skirmish wch ended to our advantage, and I am told our Militia are full of Ardor for a Battle.
The proffitable trade open’d with Spain & the Metalic returns, give a flatering Prospect of having our finances on a better footing, and will soon abolish our paper and all Inconvenience & iniquitous Speculations upon it, towards wch Mr Morris’s Bank, appears to me a promising Aid. Our Assembly have stop’d the circulation of the old notes, except to the Treasury, & even the 1 new for 40 are not to be Issued [but] by order of the Executive; I wish they could also have avoided the Expedient of emitting more State money.
Pray what are the Powers of Europe doing? Are they holding a Congress at Antwerp? or has the Contest between France & Britain whether America shall have a Plenipo there, or be entirely excluded from any consideration in the Pacific plan, put an end to it?


Title: From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 7 July 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Mazzei, Philip

My dear Friend
Philada. July 7th. 1781
I have received 2 copies of your favor of the 7th. of Decr. last and 3 of that of the 30th. of Novr. preceding Having neglected to bring with me from Virginia the cypher concerted between you & the Executive, I still remain ignorant of the paragraph in your last which I suppose the best worth knowing.
The State of our affairs has undergone so many vicisitudes since you embarked for Europe, and I can so little judge how far you may have had intelligence of them, that I am at a loss where I ought to begin my narrative. As the present posture of them is the most interesting I shall aim at nothing further at present than to give you some idea of that, referring to past events so far only as may be necessary to explain it.
The insuperable difficulties which opposed a general conquest of America seem as early as the year 1779 to have been felt by the enemy & to have led them into the scheme of directing their operations & views against the Southern States only. Clinton accordingly removed with the principal part of his force from N. York to S. Carolina & laid siege to Charlston which after an honorable resistance was compelled to surrender to the superiority of force. Our loss in men besides the inhabitants of the Town was not less than 2000. Clinton returned to N. York. Cor[n]wallis was left with about 5000. troops to pursue his conquests. Genl. Gates was appointed to the Command of the S. Department, in place of Lincoln who commanded in Charlston at the time of its capitulation. He met Cornwallis on the 16th. of August 1780 near Campden in the upper part of S. Carolina & on the border of N. Carolina. A general action ensued in which the American troops were defeated with considerable loss, though not without making the enemy pay a good price for their victory. Cornwallis continued his progress into N. Carolina, but afterwards retreated to Campden. The defeat of Gates [was] followed by so general a clamor agst. him that it was judged expedien[t] to recall him. Greene was sent to succeed in the command. About the time of his arrival at the army, Cornwallis having been reinforced from N. York resumed his enterprize into N Carolina. A detachment of his best troops was totally defeated by Morgan with an inferior number, & consisting of a major part of Militia detached from Green’s Army. 500 were made prisoners, between 2 or 300 killed & wounded, & abt. the like number escaped. This disaster instead of checking the ardor of Cornwallis, afforded a new incentive to a rapid advance in the hope of recovering his prisoners. The vigilance & activity however of Morgan secured them. Cornwallis continued his pursuit as far as the Dan River which divides N. Carolina from Virginia. Greene, whose inferior force obliged him to recede that far before the enemy, recd. such succors of Militia on his entering Virga. that the chase was reversed. Cornwallis in his turn retreated precipitately. Green overtook him on his way to Wilmington, and attacked him. Altho’ the ground was lost on our side the British army was so much weakened by the loss [of] 5 or 600 of their best troops that their Retreat towds. Wilmington suffered little interruption. Green pursued as long as any chance of reaching his prey remained & then leaving Cornwallis on his left took an oblique direction towards Campden which with all the other posts in S. Carolina except Charleston & Ninety six have in consequence fallen again into our possession. His army lay before the latter when we last heard from him. It contained 7 or 800 men & large quantities of Stores. It is nearly 200 miles [from] Charleston, & without some untoward accident can not fail of being taken. Green has detachments all over S. Carolina; Some of them within a little dista[nce] of Charleston, and the resentments of the people again[st] their late insolent masters ensure him all the aid they can give in restablishing the American Government there. Great progress is also making in the redem[p]tion of Georgia.
As soon as Cornwallis had refreshed his troops at Wilmington, abandoning his Southern Conquests to their fate; he pushed forward into Virginia. The Parricide Arnold had a detachment at Portsmouth when he lay on the Dan, Philips had reinforced him so powerfully from New York that the junction of the tw[o] armies at Petersburg could not be prevented. The whole force amounted to about 6,000 men. The force under the Marquis de la fayette who commanded in Virginia, being greatly inferior, did not oppose them, but retreated into Orange & Culpeper in order to meet Genl Wayne who was on his way from Pennsylvania to join him. Cornwallis advanced Northward as far as Chesterfield in the County of Caroline, having parties at the same time at Pages Warehouse & other places in its vicinity. A party of Horse commanded by Tarlton was sent with all the secrecy & celerity possible to surprize & take the Genl Assembly & Executive who had retreated from Richmond to Charlottesville. The vigilance of a young Gentleman who discovered the design & rode express to Charlottesville prevented a complete surprise. As it was, several Delegates were caught, and the rest were within an hour of sharing the same fate. Among the captives was Col. Lyon of Hanover. Mr. Kinloch a Member of Congress from S. Carolina was also caught at Mr. John Walker’s whose daughter he had married some time before. Governor Jefferson had a very narrow escape. The Members of the Government rendevouzed at Staunton, where they soon made a House. Mr. Jefferson’s year having expired he declined a reelection & General Nelson has taken his place. Tarlton’s party retreated with as much celerity as it had advanced. on the junction of Wayne with the Marquis & the arrival of Militia the latter faced about and advanced rapidly on Cornwallis who retreated to Richmond & thence precipitately to Williamsburg where he lay on the 27th. Ultimo. The Marquis pursued & was at the same time with in 20 miles of that place. One of his advanced parties had had a successful skirmish within six miles of Williamsburg & Bellini has I understand abided patiently in the College the dangers & inconveniences of such a situation, I do not hear that the consequences have condemned the experiment. Such is the present State of the War in the Southern Department. In the Northern the operations have been for a considerable time in a manner suspended. At present a vigorous siege of New York by Gen Washingtons army aided by 5 or 6000 french troops under Ct. de Rochambeau is in contemplation and will soon commence. As the English have the command of the water, the result of such an enterprize must be very uncertain. It is supposed however that it will certainly oblige the Enemy to with draw their force from the S. States which may be a more convenient mode of relieving them than by marching the troops from N. York at this season of the year to the Southward. On the who[le] the probable conclusion of this campaign is at thi[s] juncture very flattering, the Enemy being on the defensive in every quarter.
The vicisitudes which our finances have undergone are as great as those of the War. The depreciation of the old continental bills having arrived at 40, 50, & 60 for 1, Congress on the 18th. of March 1780, resolved to disp[lace?] them entirely from circulation, and substitute another cur[rency] issued on better funds & redeemable at a shorter period. For this purpose they fixed the relative value of paper & Specie at 40 for 1 & directed the States to sink by taxes, the whole 200 Millions in one year, and to provide proper funds for sinking in Six years, a new currency which was not to exceed 10 Millions of Dollars, which was redeemable within that period & to bear an interest of 5 per Ct. payable in bills of exchange on Europe or hard money.

   The loan office-certificates granted by Congress are to be discharged at the values of the money at the time of the loan; a scale of Depreciation being fixed by Congress for that purpose.

 This scheme has not yet been carried into full execution. The old bills are still unredeemed in part, in some of the States where they have depreciated to 2, 3, & 400 for 1. The new bills, which were to be issued only as the old ones were taken in, are consequently in a great degree still unissued; and the depreciation which they have already suffered has determined Congress & the States to issue as few more of them as possible. We seem to have pursued our paper projects as far as prudence will warrant. Our medium in future will be principally Specie. The States are already levying taxes in it. As the paper disappears, the hard money comes further into circulation. This revolution will also be greatly facilitated by the influx of Spanish Dollars from the Havannah where the Spanish forces employed agst the Floridas

   They have lately taken West Florida with a garrison of 1500 Troops

 consume immense quantities of our flour, and remit their dollars in payment. We also receive considerable assistance from the direct aids of our Ally & from the money expended among us by his auxiliary troops. These advantages as they have been & are likely to be improved by the skill of Mr. Robert Morris whom we have Constituted Minister of our Finances afford a more flattering prospect in this department of our affairs than has existed at any period of the War.
The great advantage the Enemy have over us lies in the superiority of their navy which enables them continually to shift the war into defenceless places and to weary out our troops by long marches. The squadron sent by our Ally to our support did not arrive till a reinforcement on the part of the Enemy had counteracted their views. They have been almost constantly blocked up at Rhode Island by the British fleet. The effects of a hurricane in the last Spring on the latter gave a temporary advantage to the former, but circumstances delayed the improvemen[t] of it, till the critical season was past. Mr. Destouches who commanded the french fleet nevertheless hazarded an expedition into Chesapeak bay. The object of it was to co-operate with the Marquis de la fayette in an attack agst. Arnold who lay at Portsmouth with about 1500 British Troops. Had he got into the Bay & taken a favorable station the event would certainly have been adequate to our hopes. Unfortunately the British fleet, which followed the french immediately from Rhode Island, reached the capes of Virginia first. on the arrival of the latter a regular[?] & fair combat took place. It lasted for several hours, and ended rather in favor of our Allies. As the Enemy however were nearest the capes, and one of the french ships had lost her rudder & was otherwise much damaged, the Commander thought it best to relinquish his object & return to his former Station. The damage sustained by the Enemy according to their own representation, exceeded that of the french & as their number of Ships & weight of metal were both superior, it does great honour to the gallantry & good conduct of Mr. Destouches. Congress & indeed the public at large were so sensible of this that their particular thanks were given him on the occasion.
No description can give you an adequate idea of the barbarity with which the Enemy have conducted the war in the Southern States. Every outrage which humanity could suffer has been committed by them. Desolation rather than conquest seems to have been their object. They have acted more like desperate bands of Robbers or Buccaneers than like a nation making war for dominion. Negroes, Horses, Tobacco &c not the standards and arms of their antagonists are the trophies which display their success. Rapes, murders & the whole catalogue of individual cruelties, not protection & the distribution of justice are the acts which characterize the sp[h]ere of their usurped Jurisdiction. The advantage we derive from such proceedings would, if they were purchased in other terms than the distresses of our Citizens, fully compensate for the injury occurring to the public. They are a daily lesson to the people of the U. States of the necessity of perseverance in the contest, and where ever the pressure of their local tyranny is removed the subjects of it rise up as one man to avenge their wrongs and prevent a repetition of them. Those who have possessed a latent partiality for them[,] as their resentments are embittered by their disappointments[,] generally feel most sensibly their injuries & insults and are the foremost in retaliating them. It is much to be regretted that these things are so little known in Europe. Were they published to the World in their true colours, the British nation would be hated by all nations as much as they have heretofore been feared by any, and all nations would be sensible of the policy of abridging a power which nothing else can prevent the abuse of.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, [ca. 9 July] 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania

[ca. 9 July 1781]
The underwritten the Delegates attending in Congress from the Common Wealth of Virginia, beg leave to communicate to the supreme Executive Council of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania, the Information they have received from George Nicolson an Agent from the State of Virginia now in this City.
“That an Attachment granted by a Magistrate of the City of Philadelphia hath been levied on fifteen Bales of Merchandise, imported in the Ship Franklin, the property of the State of Virginia and in the possession of Messrs: Butler & Mifflin, who have been summoned to appear and answer as Garnishees. a Copy of the Attachment and Sheriff’s Return of the Execution thereof is hereunto annexed. That these Goods are for cloathing the Troops of the State in the Continental Army and were shipped on Board the Franklin by Mr. P. Penet Merchant in France, and addressed to the Care of Mr. Robert Morris for the Use of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as by the Bill of Loading and Invoice ready to be produced if required may appear.”
The Underwritten think it necessary to communicate this Transaction to the Supreme Executive Council for their Information; and take the Liberty of observing that they conceive the Goods in Question—the property of the State of Virginia cannot be arrested or detained by process issuing from any of the Courts or Magistrates of Pennsylvania or any other State in the Union, such proceeding necessarily involving one of two Consequences, either that the State, whose property is thus arrested, suffer the Inconvenience of an exparte Adjudication ever dangerous to the Rights of property, or abandon its Sovereignty by descending to answer before the Tribunal of another Power—Alternatives, which, it is equally the Interest of the State of Pennsylvania as of Virginia, to avoid.
The Courts of Law in the Common Wealth of Virginia being open, as well to the Citizens of other States, as to her own, the said Simon Nathan, as well as any other individual might have applied there, for Justice, and obtained it. If his Demand, although just, were of such a Nature as to be out of the reach of the Courts of Law, still the Case would not be without Remedy; as on Petition to the Legislature, the supreme Authority of the State, it would no doubt be attended to, and redressed.
Besides the Consequences above stated, it will occur to the supreme Executive Council, that great Evils may ensue to the particular State, and to the Union in general, if Individuals Claims be allowed to arrest the Military Supplies of one State imported into or passing through another in Time of War, and to withold them from her until released by the usual Course of Law.
The underwritten therefore cannot but consider this proceeding as unwarrantable; derogatory to the Rights of Sovereignty of the State of Virginia, and requiring the immediate Interference of the Authority of the State of Pennsylvania to put a Stop thereto; and for restoring the Goods to the Condition they were in when the Attachment was levied.
Jos: Jones.James Madison JunrTheok: BlandM. Smith


Title: Joseph Reed to Virginia Delegates, [10 July] 1781
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Virginia Delegates

Gent.
[10 July 1781]
I have the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of your Memorial on the Detention of the Property of the State of Virginia. And beg Leave to assure you of our entire Disapprobation of the Measure & Concern at so disagreeable an Incidint. As the Case is of the first Impression, & the Procedure thereupon may tend to establish a Precedent of great Importance we have thought it proper to advise with the Law Officer of the State & shall communicate as soon as possible the Result. In the mean Time I am very respectfully Gen. Your obed. Hbble Ser
J. R.


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to John Adams, 12 July 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

July 12[, 1781]
Madison & Mathews moved to revoke Comissn. & instrns. to Mr. Adams for Treaty of Commerce with G. B.—on which Liverm: no—Partridge Osgood no—Varnum ay—Elsworth—Sherman no, Montgomery, Clymer, T. Smith ay—Rodney McKean ay—Jenifer no Carrol ay Potts ay—Jones ay. Madiso[n] ay—Bland ay—Sharpe Johnson ay—Matts—Bee—Motte Eveligh ay—Walt[on] Few, & Howley, ay—so affirmative.


Title: Joseph Reed to Virginia Delegates, [12 July] 1781
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen,
[12 July 1781]
I take the earliest oppy to inform you that the Council fully concur with you in your Sentiments respecting the Seizure of Property of the Commonwealth of Virginia & that the most effectual Measures will be taken for the immediate Restoration of the Property to such Person as you shall direct, & if you think proper a Punishment of the offending Parties if upon Inquiry no mitigating Circumstances shall appear. We beg Leave to assure you, Gentlemen, that we shall on every Occasion be happy in manifesting our Attention & Respect to the State you represent.
I am Gent.
your obed. & very Hbble St,
J. Reed


Title: Virginia Delegates to Joseph Reed, 13 July 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Reed, Joseph

Philadelphia July 13th. 1781
The Underwritten Delegates from the State of Virginia have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letters of the 10th. & 12th instant, and to express their entire satisfaction at the readiness shewn by the Supreme Executive Council to arrest & punish the attempt made on the rights and dignity of the State they represent in the presumptuous siezure of its property. They will take the earliest opportunity of communicating the whole transaction to their constituents, and have no doubt that it will be equally satisfactory to them, and that they will embrace with pleasure every occasion of manifesting a correspondent attention & respect to the State over which Your Excellency presides.
As this is the first instance known to us in which it has been necessary to assert the sacredness of the property of a Confederate State it is the wish of the Underwritten that the offending parties should have the full benefit of this mitigating circumstance, and that no further notice should be taken of their misconduct than the Supreme Executive Council may judge necessary for the purpose of example.
Jos: JonesJames MadisonTheok: Bland


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 July 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Caroline, July 23d, 1781
My last to Mr Jones inform’d you of my return home from a fugitive trip of near two Months, which however I spent very agreably among my friends above, after the retreat of Ld Cornwallis had quieted the minds of people in that quarter; I found my property here had escaped the Enemy, tho’ some small depredations were committed by my Domestics or neighbours, perhaps both. It is strange that I don’t yet know the present situation of the Enemy, tho’ We hear daily from our Army. One day Ld Cornwallis was on ship board going to England in disgust, the next going or gone to New York to take the command in the room of Sr. Harry who had sailed for England: At one time his Infantry were divided, half gone with the light horse to Caroline, & the other to Portsmouth. Now we are told the whole Infantry are at Portsmouth, & the Cavalry at Petersburg a few days agoe, on their return from Amelia where they have been plundering; so that nothing certain can be collected from this loose Account—perhaps these may be thrown out for amusement, whilst they mean to draw the Marquis over James River & then come up Rappahannock or Potowmack & ravage easily; I should have no thought of their leaving this State, if it were not for an Idea that New York is to be invested by the commander in chief, wch may call this detachment to its defence. We have a loose account of an Action near King’s bridge in which we had the Advantage but no partitlars.
Augusta is certainly taken, and Genl Green since his retreat, having collected his Various detachments, return’d upon Ld Rawdon—we have a report (not to be relyed on indeed) that they have met & had a warm conflict, in which his Ldship had 300 killed, wounded & taken.
It is also said that the Spanish Fleet since the Surrender of Pensacola, has been seen at Tybee, supposed to Inland Expeditions against St. Augustine & the Savanah at the same time.
Our troops from Charles Town are Arrived at James Town & all the privates, tho’ but a few Officers, exchanged—the Ranks muster thin, many having been induced by the usual Artifices of threatning, wheedling and L——y——g to inlist with the Enemy, out of whom they have form’d a fine Regimt. which is gone to the West Indies.
I believe the Account given in the Pennsylvania Packet of the Reinforcement to Chas Town was just, & that they did not amoun[t] to more than 1500; those it seems were in very Ill humour, and about 60 or 70 soon got killed on their March, the rest became very sickly.
We shall now listen for Intelligence from yr quarter, as very Interesting events are in Embrio there. What is become of the European Congress? And the Fleets & Armies of our Allies in the West Indies, Cadiz & Brest? &c
Pray present my complts to Mr Randolph, & tel him I would have accepted his kind offer of correspondence, but Colo Taylor will write him & answer his purpose better, let yr other Colleagues know they are always affely remembered by
Yours
Edmd Pendleton


Title: Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 July 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

July 28. 1781
Com[mitte]e on plan of Consular Convention Randolph Elsworth Vandyk


Title: Report on Salaries of Southern Delegates and Civil Officers, [ca. 30 July] 1781
From: Madison, James,McKean, Thomas
To:

[ca. 30 July 1781]
[Resolved:]
That, until the Delegates for the states of North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia, shall receive remittances from their respective States for their support, during their attendance in Congress, the superintendent of finance be authorized & directed [to] supply such of them as have their families with them a sum not exceeding 200 dollars per month, each, and to such as have not families with them 150 dollars per month each, the said sums to be charged to the said States respectively[;] That the Superintendt of Finance be authorized & directed to make provision for discharging the arrears of pay due to the officers on the Civil establishmt. of the U. States, & for the future payment of their salaries as the same shall become due.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Thomas Nelson, 31 July 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Nelson, Thomas

Sr.
Phila: 31st July 1781
The Rider being robid of the Mail a few miles on this side of Wilmington prevented your Excellency from receiving our Letter of last week a copy of which we now inclose. Nothing material having since intervened we have only to add that the information given by Mr. Boudinot of the arrival of Adml. Digby at the Hook appears by subsequent intelligence to be premature. No Mail has yet arrived from the Southward, owing we presume to the interruption of last week. we have the honor to be.
Sr. your most obed. Servts.
Jos: JonesJ. Madison JunrTheok: BlandM. SmithEdm: Randolph.
P.S. The southern post is just arrived.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1–2 August 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James

Philada. Augst. 1st. 1781
I recd. your letter by Mr. Randolph and this morning have a verbal information from you by B. Bradburn. I shall send by him a Barrel of Sugar and a bag of Coffee, which I wish to be retained for your own use as far as necessary, & the residue divided between my brothers Fr. & A. This purchase has not been effected without inconvenience & increases the urgency of some supply of cash as early as your resources will admit. I also send a number of little books to be added to the library of Miss Fanny.
The letter I intended to have written by Capt. M. Walker, was by accident prevented from getting into his hands in Time. The newspapers inclosed in it with a large addition are sent by this conveyance. As they are continued down to the present day it would be tautology to enter into the current intelligence. We have heard little of late from Europe, except that the Mediation proffered by Russia for the dispute between England & Holland has been referred by the former to the general pacification in which the mediation of the Emperor will be joined with that of Russia. As this step is not very respectful to Russia it can only proceed from a distrust of her friendship and the hopes entertained by Britain as to the issue of the Campaign, which as you will see in an intercepted letter from Germaine to Clinton were extravagantly sanguine. We have no late intelligence from the W. Indies. Genl. Washington is going on with his preparations & operations agst. N. York. What the result will be can be decided by time alone. We hope they will at least withdraw some of the Invaders from Virginia. The French fleet is still at Rhode Island. The British it is reported has lately left the Hook.

Augst. 2d. Information has been recd. from N. York thro’ a channel that is thought a good one, that orders are gone to Virginia for a large part of the troops under Cornwallis immediately to sail for that place. Should this be well founded the execution of the orders will announce it to you. Among other advantages attending an Evacuation of Virga. it will not be the least that the communication with this place by the Bay will supply the State with many necessary Articles wch. are now transported by land at so much expence & will enable you to pay for them easier by raising the price of your commodities. It gives me pain to hear that so many of the people have incautiously sold or rather given away their Tobo. to Speculators when it was in no danger from the Enemy. The destruction of that Article which alarmed them, was an obvious cause of its future rise, and a reason for their retaining it till the alarm should be over. Goods of all kinds, particularly dry goods are rising here already. Salt in particular has risen within a few days from 2 Dollrs. to a guinea per bushel.
I send you by this opportunity five English Grammars for Mr. W. Maury agreeably to his request. This is the first that has offered although I have had them on hand for some months. The price of the whole is a guinea. The price of Dr. Cullen’s medical book published here is also one guinea. If you would chuse a copy on that condition I can send you one by a future opportunity. With my most affectionate regards to the family. I am Yr. dutiful Son
J. Madison Jnr.

Augst. 2d. In my letter of this day I have made a mistake in the number of Grammars & the price of them. I find the real no. to be 6 instead of 5. The price of the whole is consequently 42s. Penn: Currency equal to about 33s. 6 Virga. Currency. J. M.


Title: Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 3 August 1781
From: Nelson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen
Richmond August 3d 1781
In the last Letter I wrote to you I mentioned that a Fleet of the Enemy’s Transports with Troops on Board had fallen down from Portsmouth into Hampton Road. They have since moved round into York River and have landed both on the York and Gloucester Shores. The uncertainty we were in with respect to their Intentions had induced the Marquis to take a Position not far below this Place that he might have it in his Power to march either Northward or Southward as their Movements should make necessary. Few Troops were left below as it was not suspected that they would come to a Place the neighbourhood of which they had lately evacuated. From these Circumstances and their being able with ease to transport their Troops across the River as they see fit, They will have it in their Power for a short Time to commit great Devastations. These sudden Incursions into different parts of the State are Calamities which the Geography of the Country and their possessing the Water make it impossible for us to guard against, but I hope the Measures we have taken for our Defence will effectually prevent in future their penetrating far or possessing long what their Command of the Water does not secure to them.
I am anxious to hear what Congress has done respecting the Illinois Country. It is a matter which I think ought not to be deferred if they mean to take it up at all.
Mr Charles Tomkins and William Buckner Inhabitants of Gloucester County were taken prisoners by the Enemy some time last March in Chesapeake Bay by Arbuthnots Fleet which they mistook for a French one, and I am informed are now confined at New York. They are only private Militia Men when taken and by a Cartel settled between the Commanders of the American and British Southern Armies, all the Militia made Prisoners in the Southern Department before the 15th of last June are exchanged and are to be immediately liberated. They are then evidently intitled to their Liberty and cannot be refused it on Application being made for this Purpose. I hope you will take the Trouble of doing them this Favour and recovering two good Citizens for the State.
I have for a long Time had no other Information of what has been doing in your Part of the Continent than what vague Report has given me. If any Intelligence has been intended, it has met with some Interruption. This I am inclined to think has been the Case, as I understand the last Mail was robbed near Christiana Bridge. I shall on[c]e a week expect to be favored by some one of you with the News of your City. I am &c
Thomas Nelson


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 August 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My Dear Sir
Edmundsbury, Augt 6th. 1781
Judge of my Anxiety at having pass’d two Long-Long weeks without a line from you or my friend Jones at so critical a juncture, when we hear a busy & importt scene has Opened to the North; The disappointment one week has been accounted for by the loss of the Mail in or near Wilmington, the other, I hope did not proceed from your sickness, as I recollect it was your turn, since I would rather it should have any other cause. perhaps the danger of the Mail may make it improper to communicate any Intelligence at such a time, if so, continue yr silence, as I would foregoe that or any other pleasure rather than risque the smallest Injury to the Cause.
The Enemy we are told remain here, their Vessels some in York River & others in Mock-Jack Bay. they have landed in York & Gloucester & are plundering; whether that, or a more extensive plan, be their design we are yet to learn, In the mean time the Marquis is on the branches of York River, Watching their motions, expecting for some time past, they intended up Potowmack, or up the Bay to Baltimore or the head of Elk, & inclining his March Northward on that Account, to divert which may be the design of the Enemy in this last landing.
Nothing to be depended on hath been handed Us from General Green since the collecting his scattered Detachments had enabled him to look the Enemy in the face. You have probably better Intelligence of him than we. Our Militia keep the field & perform their regular tours of duty with Alacrity, & I fancy the Enemy find recruiting, a dull business here. Our crops are promising, and I hope we shall be able to feed the Army & those who have met devastion from the enemy. I am
Dr Sr Yr mo. Affe
Edmd. Pendleton.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Thomas Nelson, 7 August 1781
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Nelson, Thomas

Phila. 7th Augt. 1781
We have received your Excellencies favor of the 25th ult. and are happy to hear, contrary to our private information, that the State hath not suffered in any material degree by the expedition of L’d Cornwallis into the Heart of the Country, and in particular that he was joined by so few of our People. The spirit of opposition being high, we doubt not your Excellency will be able after the Harvest to draw forth a Force sufficient to oppose their future excursions and cover the Country from their ravages, which we conceive can no way, while they command the water, be so effectually accomplished as by equiping a large Body of Cavalry.

The repeal of the resolutions permiting the trafic of Bermuda with these States was the consequence of mature deliberation, and to prevent those abuses which had crept in under the indulgence, and would have been dishonorable in the States any longer to countenance. perhaps the peculiar situation of our State may, as was lately done in favor of South Carolina, induce Congress to grant passes for a few Vessells for the importation of Salt only. we shall endeavour to obtain this permission for the State and if we are successful will loose no time in transmitting the Pasports of yr. Excellency.