Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 2 October 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.
2d. Octr. 1780
I thank you for your favour of the 19th. ult. and the inclosures. It was really a mortifying circumstance to find the French Fleet converted into twelve British Ships of the line and four Frigates from which nothing can effectually relieve us but the arrival of a superior number of French Battle Ships and unless these come I fear many of our people not only here but in other States will entertain unfavourable opinions of the ability at least, if not the inclination of our ally to give us effective support. The alteration of ye. resolutions I left are not I think mater[i]al excepting the one postponed not to be taken up which I am certain will be made a Condition by Virga. in any Cession she may make as there are jealousies entertained of certain Individuals greatly interested in that question. Congress cannot in honor or Justice delay their determination on the Virmont dispute. Had the Territorial claims of N. Y. & N. Hampshire been settled in the first instance the State of Vermont would not at this Day have been known—delay has given them a name and made them formidable. such excrescencies should be taken off on their first appearance as then the work is easy and less Dangerous than when they have grown to a head. We know not what may be the consequences if Congress shall countenance by precedent the dismembering of States because the people blown up into discontents by designing ambitious Men shall ask or demand it. fix the boundaries of these States and let the people who live within their respective limits know they are their Citizens and must submit to their Government. I was one of a Com: to whom the Generals long Letter on very important matters was referred[.] we had come to some resolutions before I left Congress but no Report made. pray inform me what has been done and whether any recommendation has gone to the States to fill up their Battalions immediately and lay up Magazines in time. I was also of a Com: to arrange or reform the civil departments of Congress and it was in contemplation to place at the head of the Foreign affairs the Admiralty and Treasury some respectable persons to conduct the Business and be responsible. has any thing been done in these matters[?] they are important and should not be forgotten. we shall never have these great departments well managed untill something of this kind is done. I cannot forget Mr. L——ls very candid confession respecting Dr. Franklins complaint of want of information of our affairs. Is there a Report made respecting the Medical Departmt. And is there any hope of geting that branch reformed[?] If any removals are to take place and persons shall be wanting to fill the higher offices of that Department, there are two Gentlemen mentioned to me who from their long and fait[h]full Services deserve the attention of Congress[.] I mean Dr. Craig and Dr. Cochran. Col. Mason wrote to us abt. Mr. Harrison in Case a Consull should be wanting for Spain[.] I have since received a Letter from Col. Meade upon the Same Subject and have assured him should any such appointment take place Mr. Harrison should be recommended but that there was no reason to expect this wod. soon be the case. this reminds me of the report respecting the Mississippi. what has been done with it? Has Dr. Lee made his appearance and does he attempt to revive the old disputes? would not the publication of extracts of the several Acts of the States that have adopted the Scheme of Finance specifying the Funds established for support & redemption of the money be of use, as the money is to circulate through all the States; all the States should be properly and fully informed of the solidity of the Funds; much very much depends on our supporting the Credit of the new money.
The Assembly adjourned to the 3d. Monday of this month instead of the first their usual time of meeting. had I known it I might have staid a week or two longer with you. I have heard nothing of Mr. Henry and cannot inform you when he intends to Congress. I found Mrs. Jones and my little Boy in bad health when I got Home. she has been so ever since July and still in a low state[.] he is something better though not quite well. I sha[ll] prevail on her for her Health sake if nothing else to visit the North next Spring if I do so myself of which I shall soon inform you and give you the trouble of securing either Mr. Pembertons or Mr. Pleasants House as she will not take the small pox by inoculation and by living in the Country she may avoid it.
We have a Report that the French Fleet is arrived at Newport. I hope for a confirmation of it by the Post Tomorrow. Make my Compliments to Genl. Scott and the other Gentlemen of the Family of my acquaintance, also to the good Lady of the House and be assured I am
D. Sir. Yr. Friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 3 October 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear SirPhila. Octr. 3d. 1780
I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 25 ulo. yesterday and am sorry it is not yet in my power to gratify your hopes with any prospect of a successful issue to this campaign. The reports of the approach or arrival of a French fleet continue to be circulated, and to prove groundless. If any foreign operations are undertaken on the continent it will probably be against the Floridas by the Spaniards. A Spanish Gentleman who resides in this City has received information from the Governor of Cuba that an armament would pass from the Havannah to Pensacola towards the end of last month, and that 10 or 12 ships of the line and as many thousand troops would soon be in readiness for an expedition against St Augustine. It would be much more for the credit of that nation as well as for the common good, if instead of wasting their time & resources in these separate and unimportant enter-prizes, they would join heartily with the French in attacking the Enemy where success would produce the desired effect.
The inclosed papers contain all the particulars which have been received concerning the apostacy & plot of Arnold. A variety of his iniquitous jobs prior to this chef d’oevres of his villainy, carried on under cover of his military author[ity,] have been detected among his papers, and involve a number of persons both within & without the Enemies lines. The embarkation lately going on at N York, and given out to be destined for Virginia or Rhode Island, was pretty certainly a part of the plot against West Point; although the first representation of it has not yet been officially c[o]ntradicted. With sincere regard,
I am D Sir Yr Obt & humble servt.
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Notes on Speech regarding Vermont Lands, 6 October 1780
From: Duane, James
To:

In Congress Fryday Evning 6th Octobr 1780.
Mr. Maddison. Expressed his surprize that the Motion shoud be represented as unfair or indirect. That he intended it to bring the true Question before Congress; for that if the District in Question was comprehended within the Jurisdiction of one or more of the United States, it must necessarily follow, that the Inhabitants coud have no Right to set up an independant State. That it had been clearly proved to lie within New York or New Hampshire; for as these States were bounded upon each other there coud be no Room between them for another Jurisdiction. That Congress by the original Union of the States must have a Superior deciding [?] power over the states and that


Title: Notes on Observations of Barbé-Marbois on Western Boundary of the United States, [6–16 October] 1780
From: Madison, James
To:

[6–16 October 1780]
Sketch of ye Observations on the boundary between the Spanish Settlements & the United States.
(by de Marbois) [ca. 1781?]
The King of France though anxious to effect the Triple alliance, yet thinkg. the pretensions on both sides exorbitant, did not chuse to interfere in support of either. But directed his Ministers at Phila. & Madrid to press the importance of mutual concessions[.] With this view the former represents to Congress the ne[ce]ssity of [c]oncent[ra]ting the force agst. the common enemy, for want of which the events of the present campaign have proved inadequate to the exertions. The advantages of an alliance are obvious, in case of a negociation for peace. it will be conducted with perfect harmony between the 3 allied powers—The Spaniards will be as much disposed as the french to support the just claims of U. States. They will not threaten to make a peace excluding them if the others shall be satisfied—on pretence that they are tied to France only, and had no motives to exhaust their resources for a people whose ambition prevented a treaty with a power on whom their safety depended. a continental war to be dreaded by France, as it depends on the death of 2 crowned heads old & sickly and it is 18 years since she was engaged in one—Hence the necessity of seeking a present peace by united efforts. another advantage of an Alliance arises from the impression an acknowledgmt. of independence would make on other Powers of Europe, and on England herself.
The necessity of the Alliance being shew[n] the mea[ns] of brin[g]ing it about are next to be considered, the observations on which are to be taken not as ministerial communications, but the private sentiments of one more impartially attached to the good of both parties, than acquainted with the pretensions of either.
Spain claims the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi; and as much I can guess that part of the continent which lies eastward of the Mississippi & formerly called the Orientalis Louisiana. On this head the following objections were suggested by the Committee to the french minister in Jany. last, when urging the necessity of satisfying Spain—

Obj: 1.  The Charters of the Southern States forbid such a cession.
answer. The transactions of a power with its own subjects [is] not binding on another power unless communicated[,] acknowledged, and in a case like the present, unless actual possession can be pleaded. were it otherwise perpetual contests wd. prevail among the Southern powers of Europe, as they have most of them granted such [charters at sundry times] to [their subjects.] The charters of the Colonies [interfere with each other,] most of them having disputes not only with their neigh[bours, but with those] at a distance how then can they be a rule for another [power? How will it ap]pear for the states at the time they are requesting of Spain [an acknowledgment of their] independence to apply to the very record which is the proof [of their subjection? Is it] not plain that in such a case, there is no other solid [plea but actual occupation,] or at least a former public manifest possession? The King of Spain however will not recur to these arguments: he will only say—those lands have been ceded 18 years ago by france to G.B. (treaty of Paris 63. art. 7) not to the Colonies. If they become the property of any common enemy, I have a full right to make the conquest of and so I do.
Obj: 2.  The lands in question [are] necessary to the safety & prosperity of the States.
Ans: This is not certain. The case of Vermont, Kentucke & some Counties in Massachusets, show the danger of such ext[ensiv]e territories. It is in vain to attempt to convince eithe[r] party that their claims are agst. thei[r] interests, as they are the best judges of it—It rests therefore on the respective possibility of making the conquest, and it may be left even to a partial judge to decide on this point.
Obj: 3.  Spain would take advantage of the present situation of the United States to treat with them on unequal principles.
Ans: This is the case in 99 treaties of a 100—no such inequality—rather on the side of America—Spain will acknowledge her independence and does not need hers to be so—Spain will grant commercial and very likely other advantages and can not expect the same from America. The benefits she is to reap are not of such a positive nature.
Obj: 4.  If these demands were granted Spain might think herself entitled to the demand or conquest of Georgia Penobscot N. York &c.
Ans: This objection is extravagant & cannot be seriously made. the most explicit assurances on this point might at any time be obtained.
Obj: 5.  Such conduct in Spain neithe[r generous] nor liberal.
Ans: The Spanish Ministry have probably on this said to the French Ambassador that the conduct of the Americans is neither liberal nor generous
Obj: 6.  A war even a long war preferable to such conditions
Ans: A Patient extremely ill might as well say to his Phycician death is better than not to drink spirituous liquors & other things not to be found on the island where he was.
Obj: 7.  The Spaniards would not suffer by the sacrifices of their own ambition. No unequal treaty can last long—the injured party will soon or later break it.
Ans: The cautiousness of Spain may be trusted to provide agst. this evil. She may perhaps upon better ground suggest the same danger to the States. They will chuse rather however to confine themselves to their right of conquest upon a country possessed by their Enemy.
Obj: 8.  The teritory cannot be given up with out the previous consent of the interested states.
Ans: As this argmt. is founded on the charters, if it be valid, it would prove that no treaty would be valid, unless it secured to the States [territory?] as far as the South Sea.

In this manner would reason a Minister of the [Court of Spain, and it would seem] no solid objection could be made to it. If any restricti[ons ought to be laid on these principles,] they ought to be taken from the actual settlement [of Americans on the territories] claimed by the Spaniards. By settlement is mea[nt, not temporary incursions] of a few troops, but actual occupancy supported [by the exercise of jurisdiction, and] by building of houses, clearing & inhabiting the [land, &c., without contradiction. Here an] impartial mediator might find the line to be drawn be[tween the contending parties. But I shall] Confine myself to represent to the friends of this case that[, in missing the present fair opportunity of ob]taining solid & lasting advantages to run after a shadow & a chimerical object, they expose themselves to the everlasting reproaches of their Country.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 9 October 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.Spring Hill 9th. Octr. 1780
I think you acted very prudently in declining to press on the part of Virginia the Resolutions I left for the Consideration of Congress, had I been present I should have done the same as I had no intention when they were offered that Virginia should appear anxious about them whatever my opinion might be as to their propriety or Justice. I meant to leave them to the Candor of Congress and to those impartial reflections which ought ever and upon such great questions I trust will generally govern their Councils. I wished also to feel the pulse of that Body upon these points and to know the reasons that governed their resolutions[;] that if the resolutions were any of them rejected and the ground upon which they were overruled good[,] the Assembly of Virga. might in their deliberations on the subject perhaps be influenced by like considerations. I thought I could discover a strong propensity among some of the members to give independence to the people of Vermont. This affair ought to be a warning to Congress how to act in similar situations in future—to be remiss and indecisive upon such pretensions as these serves only to support and not discourage the claimants. it does more[,] it shews the weakness or wickedness of Government and must ultimatly produce dishoner and contempt. I have sent forward your letter to the auditors and inclosed my account whereby the balance due to me is £3000 which I have directed to be applied to your use and requested the money might be forwarded to you as speedily as possible as I well knew you wanted it. the fourth of the eight thousand pounds drawn for is included in the three thousand pounds and so I have informed the Auditors so that when Meade’s orders are paid you must take on my account two thousand pounds. Out of Mrs. House’s account of 8,000 som[e] odd dols. is to be deducted what I advanced for Wine, 5/ hard money overpaid at the former settlemt. and the money advanced by me for the Family the amount of which I gave you in the first instance and Mrs. Trist in the second. I shall go off to Richm[ond] if Mrs. Jones gets tolerably well abt. the middle of next week, from whence you shall regularly hear from me. Have no reasons been assigned by the Minister for the disappointments respecting the expected reinforcement. if there are any that are worthy notice I should be glad to be furnished with them that I may do Justice to the good intentions of France and to their exertions in the common cause which some are but too apt to suspect upon the present occasion and though I am not among the number I must confess I am at a loss how fully to satisfy the doubts of some and to silence the insinuations of others who ground their observations upon the transactions of the present year and particularly the promised reinforcemt.
I have mentioned this matter in Confidence to you that if you think it proper you may take occasion to intimate to the proper persons how much it would contribute to the satisfaction of the Friends of the alliance to be able to give some satisfactory reasons for our disappointments not only of the aid to come to the Continent but of our expectations of advantages to be obtained over the Enemy by the combined Forces in the W. Indies, in short their inactivity there as well as in Europe. These I know are delicate matters, but they are such as we ought to know as well for our future government as for silencing those who throw out insinuations injurious to France.
Be pleased to present my Compliments to Mr. Pleasants and inform him he shall receive an answer from me respecting his House soon after my arrival at Richmond which I expected wou[ld] be the beginning of this month from the usual time of the Assemblys meeting but their adjourning to a later day has prevented my doing it so soon a[s] I intended. In the mean time will you be pleased to sound Mr. Pemberton as to his House and the terms if he is inclined to let it with stable room for four Horses a chariot house Garden and small Pasture with such furniture as he can spare, this information I shall thank you for as soon as possible. The Report here is that Congress has suspended Gates from his Command untill his Conduct is inquired into. Our Recruits I am told are going on to the Southern camp. Our Militia I believe are returned and another Division is I understand preparing to take their place. with great esteem I am
Dr Sr. yr. aff Friend [&] Servt.
Jos: Jon[es]
Compliments to the Delegation.


Title: Motion regarding Virginia Currency, [11 October] 1780
From: Continental Congress
To:

[11 October 1780]
On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Theodorick] Bland,
Ordered, That the letter, of 27 September, from Governor Jefferson, with the copies of the acts of the legislature of Virginia enclosed therewith, be referred to the Board of Treasury, to enable them to ascertain and insert in the bills to be emitted by the said State, pursuant to the resolutions of Congress, of the 18 of March last, the time of the passing of the act adopting the said resolutions.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 17 October 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.Virga. 17th. Octr 1780
We must place the taking Col. Andre among the fortunate occurrances during the present war[.] a more wicked and ruinous combination could hardly have been formed if the accounts published in the papers are generally true[;] and the three honest militiamen who rendered us the service should be rewarded
An attack early the last week of the Ague and fever will prevent my being in Richmond untill next sunday at which time I determine to be there if my Families and own health will permit. We have suffered more sickness this Fall in Virginia than was perhaps ever known[.] there is scarce a Family at this late season, but are part of them sick, and one remarkable Symptom of which all complain is a constant sickness of the stomach and loathing of almost every thing offered them This is found to be obstinate and difficult to remove. I hope you continue well and that the Family are so.
Yr. aff Friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones.

N.B. I forgot to mention and recommend to your attention Drs. Cochran and Craig in the Medical Department as I expect from the systems being formed the appointments will take place. these are recommended to me by a good Judge of their services & qualifications.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 17 October 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear SirPhilada. Oct. 17th. 1780.
The Southern Post having not yet arrived, I have not the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your favor, which I have found you too punctual to doubt his havg. for me.
The best news I have to give you is contained in the inclosed paper in a letter from Eustatia, which comes from a person known to many Gentlemen here who say it may be fully credited. The Saratoga a Continental Vessel of 16 guns is just returned from a cruise in which she took several Jamaica prizes with a prodigious quantity of rum & sugar on board. She parted from them in a fog near the coast, and as they have not yet been heard of it is feared they have fallen back into the possession of the Enemy
Baron Stuben just come to town brings a report that an embarkation left N. York on thursday, but no confirmation has yet arrived from Gl. Washington or any other official source. Adieu
James Madison Jnr. By a letter just recd. from the Continental Agt. at Statia by the Commercial Committee, the Capture of the British fleet by the Spaniards is brought pretty nearly to certainty


Title: Arthur Lee to Committee of Congress, 21 October 1780
From: Lee, Arthur
To:

GentlemenPhiladelphia Ocr 21st. 1780
I had the honor of receiv’g this day at 1 O C. P.M. a Note from you desiring a sight of my Expenditures on public Account, that you may be enabled to report the proper disposition of them for Liquidation

In conformity to your desire, I now send you the Accounts, & will wait upon you immediately if it suit your conveniency, with the Vouchers referrd to in them.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Gentlemen Yr. most Obedt. Humble Servt
Arthur Lee


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, [24] October 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Dear SirPhilada. Octr. [24,] 1780
Your favor of the 9th. which ought to have come on Monday last did not arrive till Thursday. That of the 17th: came yesterday according to expectation.

I wish it was in my power to enable you to satisfy the uneasiness of people with respect to the disappointment in foreign succour. I am sensible of the advantage which our secret enemies take of it. I am persuaded also that those who ought to be acquainted with the cause [of] it are sensible of it; and as they give no intimations on the subject it is to be inferred they are unable to give any that would prevent the mischief. It is so delicate a subject, that with so little probability of succeeding, it would perhaps be hardly prudent to suggest it. As soon as any solution comes out you shall be furnished with it.
I have informed Pleasants that you would write to him from Richmond, and on application to Pemberton was promised a written sketch of his terms which I have not yet received. if it comes before this is sealed I shall enclose it.
We continue to receive periodical alarms from the Commissary’s & Quarter Master’s departments. The season is now arrived when provision ought to be made for a season that will not admit of transportation, and when the monthly supplies must be subject to infinite disappointments even if the States were to do their duty. But instead of Magazines being laid in[,] our army is living from hand to mouth, with a prospect of being soon in a condition still worse. How a total dissolution of it can be prevented in the course of the winter is for any resources now in prospect utterly inexplicable, unless the States unanimously make a vigorous & speedy effort to form Magazines for the purpose. But unless the States take other methods to procure their specific supplies than have prevailed in most of them, their utmost efforts to comply with the requisitions of Congress can be only a temporary relief. This expedient as I take it was meant to prevent the emission of money. Our own experience as well as the example of other Countries made it evident that we could not by taxes draw back to the treasury the emissions as fast as they were necessarily drawn out. We could not follow the example of other Countries by borrowing, neither our own Citizens nor foreigners being willing to lend as far as our wants extended. To continue to emit ad infinitum was thought more dangerous than an absolute occlusion of the press. Under these circumstances the expedient of specific requisitions was adopted for supplying the necessities of the war. But it is clear the success of this expedient depends on the mode of carrying it into execution. If instea[d] of executing it by specific taxes, State emissions or Commissary’s & Q. master’s certificates which are a worse species of emissions, are recurred to[,] what was intended for our relief will only hasten our destruction.

As you are at present a legislator I will take the liberty of hinting to you an idea that has occurred on this subject. I take it for granted that taxation alone is inadequate to our situation. You know as well as I do how far we ought to rely on loans to supply the defect of it. Specific taxes as far as they go are a valuable fund but from local and other difficulties will never be universally and sufficiently adopted. Purchases with State money or certificates will be substituted. In order to prevent this evil and to insure the supplies therefore I would propose, that they be diffused and proportioned among the people as accurately as circumstances will admit, that they be impress[ed] with vigor and impartiality, and paid for in certificates not transferrible & be redeemable at some period subsequent to the war at specie value and bearing an intermediate interest. The advantage of such a scheme is this, that it would anticipate during the war the future revenues of peace, as our Enemies and all other modern nations do. It would be compelling the people to lend the public their commodities, as people elsewhere lend their money to purchase commodities. It would be a permanent resourse by which the war might be supported as long as the earth should yield its increase. This plan differs from specific taxes only in this that as an equivalent is given for what is received much less nicety would be requisite in apportioning the supplies among the people, and they might be taken in places where they are most wanted. It differs from the plan of paying for supplies in state emissions or common certificates in this, that the latter produce all the evils of a redundant medium, whereas the former not being transferrible can not have that effect, and moreover do not require the same degree of taxes during the war.
We were informed a few days ago by Genl. Washington that the fleet with about two thousand troops on board had fallen down [the river] towards the Hook, but as nothing further has since come fro[m him] on that subject I conclude they still remain there. The Cork [fleet,] it is said has at last arrived amounting to upwards of 1[00 Sail.] No further account has been received here of the capture [of] the English Jamaica fleet. There has been a report today that the Prizes of the Saratoga mentioned in my last are in the river
Letters from Governor Clinton mention that two parties from Canada consisting of near 1000 each had appeared on their frontier. The one by the way of Ticonderoga & lake George, the other by the way of the Oneida lake. They have already done some mischief and threaten to do a good deal more.
Although the Genl.’s victory in the Supreme has sa[ved him] from the mortification of being ejected by our late  it has not from the vexation of being pursued by  [He] is now trying the skill of his lawyer in framing a new a[ppeal] and means to carry the Genl. over the whole ground [again.] The old lady is at home very ill. He has made no attempts yet to regain her house & her effects.
I am Dr Sr. Yr. Affectionate friend
J. Madison Jnr.
I shall enclose to the Govr. a copy of the proceedings of the Board of Officers with respect to Andre’s case. I suppose [you] can get a sight of it from him
A confirmation of the  Capture of the B. fleet is just recd from Mr. Harrison at Cadiz. Some of the prizes were in that bay when he wrote. 1000 Highland Troops for the East Indies were on board.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 24 October 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Virga 24th: Octr. 1780.
Dear Sr.
I very sincerely thank you for your Friendly and regular Correspondence. when I am in Richmond which I am in hopes to be the last of this week (being sufficiently recovered from my late indisposition as to be able to take the Bark) I will endeavour to make you amends by a communication from time to time of our proceedings in Assembly and such southern intelligence as may be worth mentioning.
I presume the last Post carryed you the account of our success agt. Ferguson’s Party by a Body of North Carolina Militia. It is said the News came to our Governor by Express from Genl. Gates. From Richmond Genl. Mulenburgh communicated the intelligence by Express to Genl. Weedon, but no doubt the Governor has given the Predident full information. Our account was that Ferguson and 150 of the Enemy were slain, 810 prisoners with a large number of Arms taken. Genl. Weedon who has hitherto remained in Fredericksburg is now under marching orders and is to set out this week from whence I conclude there are sufficient of our new levies gone forward to give him employment and to form two Brigades as Mulenburg being his Senior of course commands the first. I expect you will soon have Mr. Smith with you to succeed Mr. Walker. I hope he will avoid entering into and reviving those party contentions that when he was in Congress before so much disgraced that Body and I trust the Gentlemen of our Delegation will in general check every attempt that may be made to renew former disputes or to do any thing more than what Justice shall require. I own I have my fears Congress will again be drawn into Sects and divisions. what has been done with the alliance and what with Capt. Landais? In a former letter I wished to be informed what was the real cause of the disappointment that the 2d. division of the French Force did not come out, of the inactive Campaign in the W. Indies & the combined or rather the Fleets of France and Spain not combining in the British Channel. I shod. if it can be obtained be glad to hear the Sentiments of certain Gentlemen on these matters. Mrs. Jones’ indisposition has at length terminated in the third day Ague & Fever[.] my little Boy is some what better but his Mother is by a long and severe illness reduced to a skeliton With great esteem
I am Dr Sr. Yr. Friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones.
Be pleased to forward the inclosed by the Post.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [24] October 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear SirPhilada. Octr. [24,] 1780
Your favor of the 8th. which ought to have been here on Monday week did not arrive till thursday; that of the 17th. came yesterday according to expectation. I know not how to account for your disappointment on the last post day having not omitted to write once since the institution of our correspondence.
Although the stroke of good fortune you mention does not appear to have been truly represented, it was only mistaken for one of equal importance which I doubt not is fully known to you by this time. Our joy on this event has been somewhat abated by intelligence of an opposite complexion from the State of N. York. Two parties from Canada composed of regulars tories Canadians and Savages and amounting to about 1000 each have entered their frontiers, the one by the way of lake George, the other by the way of the Oneida lake. They have already done some mischief, and as they are pursuing their incendiary plan, will involve the inhabitants in very great distress, (it being now the eve of winter) unless a speedy check can be given to their progress. It is supposed that this expedition was intended to take advantage of the consternation in that state expected to result from the success of Arnolds treason.
We had information some days ago from Genl Washington that a fleet with about 2000 troops on Board had fallen down towards the Hook, which it was supposed was destined either for Virginia or N. Carolina. As nothing further has come from the General it is to be inferred that they have not yet sailed. It is said the Cork fleet consisting of upwards of 100 Sail has at last safely arrived. The capture of the British fleet from Jamaica rests on the same evidence as mentioned in my last. I am Dr Sr Affec yr. obt. Servt.
[J. Madison Junr.]
PS. The President has just communicated a letter from Mr. Harrison at Cadiz confirming the capture of the B. fleet. Some of the Priz[es were] in that bay when he wrote. The number taken was unknown. the fleet amounted to 60 or 70 Sail, having on board Military Stores provisions dry goods & 1000 Highland troops for the East Indies. You will have the particulars by the next post. 5 or 6 Ships also attempting to get into Gibralter with provisions have been taken by the Spanish Squadron stationed off that place. 30 Sail of French Merchantmen had arrived safe from St Domingo. The post is this moment starting adieu.


Title: To James Madison from David Jameson, 25 October 1780
From: Jameson, David
To: Madison, James

Dr SirRichmond Oct 25. 1780
I recd. your favour without date inclosing the paper of the 10th. You will see by the paper inclosed that we are invaded, since the paper went to press we are certainly informed that the Enemy have landed Men on both sides Elizabeth River. they landed with the greatest confidence—did not fire a Gun—were within speech of the people on shore. What you have in the paper is truly the substance of what intelligence we had then received It is said the Cavalry landed at Hampton had penetrated as high as the half way House between Hampton & York. I fear they will do much mischief before we can collect a force sufficient to stop their progress[;] however every expedient (in our power) is in motion on both sides Jas River It is more that [than?] probable we shall now severely feel the want of Regular Soldiers of which we have next to none but in name Our affairs in the South wear a better aspect than they did but as the president has letters & papers from the Governor & from G Gates on both subjects I need not enlarge. In my last I told you the Wart. for 300,000 dollars for Georgia was paid to Mr Joseph Gray. Our Assembly should have set the 16t., but there are not Members enough of either House to do business. We have not £5000. in the Treasury—are we not in a most pityable situation? I am very sincerely
Yr afe. hb St
David Jameson


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 October 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentlemen
Richmond Octo. 27. 1780
I must beg the favor of you to Solicit the sending on to us immediately a good supply of Cartridge Paper & Cartouch Boxes. Nearly the whole of the former Article which we had bought at Alexandria, Baltimore &Ca. and what the Board of War sent from Philadelphia has been made up and forwarded to the Southern Army: there remains now but a few Ream to make up. I fear we have lost 2000 cartouch Boxes on the Bay which we had had made at Baltimore Our distress for these is also very great[,] muskets being really useless without them. I must entreat the greatest dispatch in forwarding these Articles
A very dangerous Insurrection in Pittsylvania was prevented a few days ago by being discovered three days before it was to take place. The Ring-leaders were seized in their Beds. This dangerous fire is only smothered: when it will break out seems to depend altogether on events. It extends from Montgomery County along our Southern boundary to Pittsylvania and Eastward as far as James River: Indeed some suspicions have been raised of it’s having crept as far as Culpepper. The rest of the State turns out with a Spirit and alacrity which makes me perfectly happy. If they had arms there is no effort either of public or private Enemies in this State which would give any Apprehensions[.] Our whole arms are or will be in the hands of the force now assembling. Were any disaster to befall these, We have no other resource but a few scattered Squirrel Guns, Rifles &C. in the Hands of the western People.
I am with the greatest esteem Gentlemen Your most obedt. humble sert
Th: Jefferson


Title: Arthur Lee to Committee of Congress, 27 October 1780
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Committee of Congress,Madison, James

Gentlemen,
Ocr. 27th. 1780
The remainder of the Furniture, of which you ask the particulars, consists of Knives, Forks Spoons, plates & table Linnen, with two Iron travelling bedsteds, Mattresses & Sheets. The exact quantity of these things I do not know, but they cannot be of much value; being broken Setts, & having been usd for upwards of three years.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Gentlemen Yr. most obedt Servt.
Arthur Lee


Title: To James Madison from David Jameson, 4 November 1780
From: Jameson, David
To: Madison, James

Dr Sir
Richmond Nov. 4. 1780
I was not favoured with any letter from you by this weeks post. the post from the Northward now comes in on thursday & goes out on this day which is the reason Dixon & Co have altered their day for publishing the paper. Clarkson has not sent me a paper for two or three weeks past nor is it material whether he ever does, it is so trifling
Since my last some of the Enemys Vessels run up Nansemond River & landed some Men who took possession of Suffolk, & roamed at large in that neighbourhood. Our last advices from Gen Muhlenberg were from the neighbourhood of Smithfield. He had sent down a party in hope of preventing the mischiefs the Enemy were doing about Suffolk
The report of yesterday was that the Men had again embarked, and that the Ships were moving down. It is said they are fortifying Portsmouth—what may be their intentions is still a mystery—the general opinion is, that they are waiting for orders—that they expected to meet or cooperate with Cornwallis but hearing that Ferguson was defeated & himself obliged to retreat from Charlotte it is said a fast sailing Vessel was immediately sent out—supposed to be for fresh orders
By a sensible deserter we are informed their land force is from 2500 to 3000 foot & abt. 70 horse. Their Convoy—the Romulus of 44 Guns, the Blond of 32, the delight of 16, a ship belongg. to Goodrich of 20, and two Gallies—the land forces commanded by Genl. Leslie and the Naval by Com. Gayton—that they have heavy Cannon on board and plenty of Military Stores. What pity it is we cannot be aided by a few good Ships—the whole Naval & land force would fall an easy prey. The deserter says that they expected our whole force would be sent down to Suffolk & the lower parts and that they then intended to run up to Baltimore. he heard Col Fanning (his Col) say he did not doubt but he should eat his Christmas dinner in Baltimore. This Man is a native of New York—was taken at Fort Montgomery—after sometime of painful captivity inlisted in hope of finding an opporty to escape—was made a Sarjeant—escaped the next day after he was landed
It is said the Vessel is taken in wch Mr Dunlap sent his printing materials. There are not yet Members enough to hold an Assembly. We have for two days been amused with a report that Cornwallis and his whole Army were taken—had there been truth in the report we shd ere this have had an express from that quarter
I am with esteem & respect dr Sir Yr obedt Servt
David Jameson


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, [5 November] 1780
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[5 November 1780]
The great depreciation of money and the extravagant prices of every thing here together with the difficulty of negociating Bills renders it absolutely necessary that some stable provision shoud be made, & some fixed mode adopted for supplying us with money, other wise we shall not be able to exist. we shoud be glad to be informed on this head as soon as possible.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 November 1780
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir:
Virga. November 6. 1780
My friend Mr Griffin left me this Morning by whom I sent you my best Wishes for yr health which he told me was low. I hope the Approaching Cold Season may brace up yr Nerves.

I judged from yr Account of the number of the Enemy embarked from New York, that they were in pursuit of something to eat; we now hear they have pick’d up a quantum suffici[en]t to load their Vessels with Beef & Mutton & are going back to New York, where tis said Provisions were short, but this supply & that by the Cork Fleet will releive them.
We have loose Accounts from the Southward that the British Army to the Amt. of 3000, are taken, that of their being surrounded by some formidable bodies of ours seems well told & renders the other not improbable.
Just after yr Account of the large Invasion from Canada into the Frontiers of New York, we were amused with a certain account (as ’twas called) of the taking of Quebec by the second division of the French Fleet & Army, so long expected at Rhode Island. We are since deprived of this pleasure by a flat contradiction of the Intelligence; was this mere invention, or had they any ground for circulating the Report. We had yet no House of Delegates on Saturday last, which with an Empty Treasury, are circumstances unfavourable at this juncture. Mr Henry has resign’d his Seat in Congress & I hear Mr Jones intends it. It is also said the Governor intends to resign. It is a little cowardly to quit our Posts in a bustling time. I write you in a hurry being detain’d from paying you my complts til I expect the post every moment. I am in all situations
Dr Sr Yr very affe Servt
Edmd Pendleton


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 7 November 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir
Philada. Novr. 7th. 1780.
Your favor of the 30 of last month came by yesterday’s post, and explained a report which had amused us here for several days. It was said that some movements of the French to the Southward, had alarmed the enemy to such a degree that they had suddenly re-embarked their troops and were leaving Virginia. The re-embarkation of the detachment which had taken possession of Hampton and its vicinity was no doubt the foundation of it. Our curiosity is at present almost wholly directed to the Southward and I am happy in having so intelligent and punctual a correspondent so near the principal scene of military operations.
There is I believe no doubt of an intended Congress at the Hague not of Ministers from the Belligerents but neutral powers under the auspices of Russia; and as the avowed object of it is to establish the liberty of the Seas which G. B has so little respected, and is highly approved by France & Spain as well as all the neutral Maritime powers, it must necessarily prove unfavorable to G. B. and consequently friendly to our views. Congress have thought it advisable to testify their approbation of the liberal principles held out by Russia as the basis of the proposed negociation, and have accordingly by a public Act adopted them so far as to direct the Board of Admiralty to prepare instructions for their armed vessels conformable to them.
Doct. Lee and Mr. Izzard particularly the latter have been here some time, and I believe are not very reserved in their reflections on the venerable Philosopher at the Court of Versailles. Mr. Izzard I understand is particularly open in his charges against him. Doctr. Lee on his arrival applied to Congress for a hearing on the subject of Mr. Deanes allegations, if any doubt remained of the falsehood & malice of them, but nothing final has been done as yet in Consequence of it. I have had great anxiety lest the flame of faction which on a former occasion proved so injurious should be kindled anew but as far as I can judge the temper of Congress is in general by no means prone to it, although there may be individuals on both sides who would both wish & endeavour it. Not a word has been heard of the Saratoga’s prizes. A partial exchange of Prisoners we hear is agreed on, but have no official account of it. Genls. Lincoln, Thomson & du portail it is said are included in it, having been set against Philips & Reidezel. I have heard but few inferior officers named, except Col. Laurens.
A gentleman in Statia writes to the Commercial Committee on Octr. 3d that a Dutch war is seriously talked of at that place, that the Dutch are certainly preparing a formidable marine, and that open protection & respect is now given to American Vessels in the same manner as to those of other Independent Nations. If this fact be truly represented, and it is mentioned with strong circumstances of credibility, it is probably one of the fruits of the neutral combinations set on foot by Russia.
Congress have just finished an estimate of supplies for the ensuing year requiring of the States the value of 6 Millions of Drs. in specie. The principal part of the requisition consists of specific articles, the residue in specie or the new emissions, receivable as specie. If the States fulfill this plan punctually, there is no doubt that we shall go smoothly through another Campaign and if they would forbear recurring to State emissions & certificates, in procuring the supplies, it may become a permanent & effectual mode of carrying on the war. But past experience will not permit our expectations to be very sanguine. The collection & transportation of specific suppl[ies] must necessarily be tedious & subject to casualties; & the proceedings of 13 separate popular bodies, must add greatly to the uncertainty & delay. The expence attending the mode is of itself a sufficient objection to it, if money could by any possible device be provided in due quantity. The wan[t] of this article is the source of all our public difficulties & misfortunes. One or two million of guineas properly applied would diffuse vigor and satisfaction throughout the whole military departments and would expel the enemy from every part of the United States. It would also have another good effect. It would reconcile the army & every body else to our republican forms of governments; The principal inconveniences which are imputed to these being really the fruit of defective revenues. What other States effect by money, we are obliged to pursue by dilatory & undigested expedients, which benumb all our operations and expose our troops to numberless distresses. If these were well paid, well fed, and well cloathed, they would be well satisfied and would fight with more success. And this might & would be as well effected by our governments as by any other if they possessed money enough as in our moneyless situation the same embarrassments would have been experienced by every government,
With very sincere regard I am Dr Sr. Yrs &ca.
J. Madison Junr.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 10 November 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Richmd. 10th. Novr. 1780
Dear Sr.
I have your favour by the last Post. We have had a House since Monday and in Com: of the whole this day have voted the raising the deficiency of our continental Troops for the War and to recruit them by a bounty which I expect will be very high but the Members in general seem to prefer that method to any other let the expences be what it will What may be the ultimate determination is yet very uncertain as there is no accounting for the whim and caprice of some but from the unanimity with which the question was carryed today (not a voice dissenting) I presage a happy issue to the business. We have recommended the bringing in the old paper currency to exchange for the new bills just arrived. by this operation if it succeeds we loose one half the Sum we expected to have the first use of but of which we have been deprived by the necessity of anticipating the Taxes by which channel alone the old money could come in, and now from an empty Treasury and the amazing expence incurred by calling forth men to oppose and repel the invasion and the pressing necessity for money it will be unavoidable I fear, the making a further emission and which was also resolved this day in Committee Every one seems to be sensible of the evils of this measure but they see or think they see greater evils in our present situation will result to the Community from the want of money than from the increase of it, and indeed I can not see a way of carrying on our operations at this juncture so indispensably necessary withot. money. of the evils that present themselves we think we choose the least.

On the fourth instant one of our Light Horsemen met and closely interrogated a suspected person whose concious Guilt at length manifested itself and induced the Horseman to search him when he found in his poss[ess]ion a Letter written on very thin or silk paper from Genl. Lessly to Ld. Cornwallis informing his Lordship he had taken Post at Portsmouth and waited his orders. The person apprehended is it seems a Citizen employed by Lessly who informs Cornwallis he was to receive a hansome reward if he succeded in his embassy[.] unfortunately for the Embassador he was in a fair way to receive the Compliment of the Bowstring alias the halter on the 8th. instant. Three other Fellows were apprehend[ed] yesterday abt. ten miles below this place the one a Sergeant of British Grenediers, the others Soldiers and all Deserters from the Barracks the last Summer and got into New York. they were part of the British Army at Portsmouth and it is supposed were on their way to the Barracks whether sent with written or verbal instructions has not yet come out. Our Force below on each side James River must be Formidable. ten thousand of the Militia were I am informed ordered out but the draughts from sevl. Counties have been countermanded as soon as satisfactory information was obtained of the strength of the Enemy[.] six thousand it is thought will be a number very sufficient to secure us agt. the Armament now at Portsmouth. It is supposed this party was to have attempted a junction with the Army under Cornwallis somewhere in North Carolina but our present Force in the Field here and the unpromising [prospects?] that present themselves to Cornwallis in the South will prove strong impediments to the execution of the project. Our Militia are commanded by our supernumerary and other experienced officers. Col. Lawson has a Corps of abt. 700 volunteer Horse and Infantry—abt. 300 of them under my nephew Col Monroe compose part of the light Infantry commanded by Col. Gibson. If the Enemy stay as by the intercepted Letter it wod. seem they mean to do there must soon be skirmishing if nothing more but I hope our people will be cautious untill they are somewhat used to skirmishing of venturing to more general action. I inclose you an answer to Mr. Pleasants, which you will be pleased to deliver unless you can engage for me Pembertons House upon moderate Terms with Coach house Stabling for four Horses and the use of a small Pasture with the Gardens with a Hay loft and as much furniture for Kitchen and House as he can spare. Pembertons place is more convenient and would suit me rather better than the other but is I fear not so healthy wch. is a great object not only to myself but to Mrs. Jones who has this Summer undergone a long and tedious illness from wch. she is not yet recovered having terminated in the third day Ague and Fever. I know not what sort of House on the inside Pembertons is and wish if you are likely to engage for it you wod. take the trouble of looking into the house. If his demands are unreasonable I wod. at any rate like Pleasants’s. You will observe I propose to pay the Rent quarterly wch. Mr. Pleasants required shod. be all paid at the commencement of the year[.] if he will not consent to this I will agree to pay the first Quarter at the Commencemt. and so proceed on to the first of November. Mr. Henry I believe returns to Philadelphia as I hear nothing of his intention to resign. he sent to the Treasurer for £8000 to enable him to set out but could not obtain it. I have done what I could since I have been here to forward money to the Delegates but could not effect it. Mr. Jameson yesterday informed me they wod. be able speedily to send you a supply. Our accounts have not yet been before the Assembly but expect them to day or Monday. The account from the Books shod. be stated and sent forward agreeable to the resolves. I shall endeavour to get matters so settled as that our supply be regular. With Compliments to the Gent. of the Dele[gation] and the Family at Mrs. Houses
I am yr[s] sincerely
Jos: Jones.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 13 November 1780
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Virga Novr 13. 1780
I have yr favr of the 31st past & am pleased to hear the former Account of the Arrival of the Cork fleet proved premature, since we are so bad Christians as to be gratified with the distress of our Enemies. It was probably the transports with their new levies which were mis taken for the others.
The Enemy here have collected a handsome recruit of Provisions, but whether they mean to carry them to their friends at New York, or to stay here and consume the stock, yet remains a doubt, since their continuing to fortifie at Portsmouth & the Great Bridge, indicate the latter, & yet their numbers if we are not deceived in them forbid such a conjecture. I have heard nothing certain from Genl Muhlenburg, a loose report was that they had been fighting two days, but this is destroy’d by later Accounts, perhaps the paper of to day, may give some Account of that as well as the Enemy’s Southern Army, who it is said have escap’d our Parties, & are like to get safe to Charles Town. The Enquiry into Genl. Gates’s Conduct gives General Satisfaction, as popular prejudices against his Conduct to the Southward ran high, & such an Inquiry will Satisfie the Public of the justice or injustice of the Suspicion.
It was rather unfortunate that Our Assembly at this important Juncture, could not make an House ’til last Monday (three weeks too late) for want of members. I hope they will make Amends by their Vigor and dilligence, for this great listlessness & inattention. I may truly call this a Gossiping letter, & will put an end to it by assuring you once again that I am
Yr obliged & affe Servt
Edmund Pendleton


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 14 November 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

GentlemenRichmond, Nov. 14, 1780
I do myself the pleasure of inclosing to you a draught of mr. Ben: Harrison jur. and co: on messieurs Turnbull and co: merchants of Philadelphia for 66,666 2/3 dollars for which we have had transferred to mr. Harrison the Auditors warrant of aug. 9. 1780. for £20,000 Virginia money with which you stand charged in their books.
I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem and [r]espect Gentlemen, Your most obedient & mo. hble. servant.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 14 November 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Philada. Novr. 14th: 1780
I am glad to find by your favor of the 5th. inst: recd. yesterday that your health & that of your family have admitted of your going to Richmond. The tardiness of other members is very unfortunate and inexcusable at the present critical moment. I wish when they do meet the vigor & wisdom of their measures may make amends for it.
I do not learn that any of the States are particularly attentive to prevent the evils arising from certificates & emissions from their own treasury, although they are unquestionably the bane of every salutary arrangement of the public finances. When the Estimate for the ensuing year was on the anvil in Congress, I proposed a recommendation to the States to discontinue the use of them, & particularly in providing the specific articles required. It met however with so cool a reception that I did not much urge it. The objection against it was that the practice was manifestly repugnant to the Spirit of the Acts of Congress respecting finance, and if these were disregarded, no effect could be expected from any additional recommendations. The letters from G. Washington & the Com: General for some time past give a most alarming picture of the state & prospects of the Magazines. Applications to the contiguous states on the subject have been repeated from every quarter, till they seem to have lost all their force. Whether any degree of danger & necessity will rouse them to provide for the winter season now hastening upon us, I am unwilling to decide because my fears dictate the worst. The inroads of the Enemy on the frontier of N. York have been most fatal to us in this respect. They have almost totally ruined that fine Wheat Country, which was able and from the energy of their Govt. most likely, to supply Magazines of flour both for the main Army & the NW posts. The settlemt. of Schoarie which alone was able to furnish, accordg to a letter from Genl Washington 80,000 bushels of grain for public use has been totally laid in ashes.
Genl Washington in a letter to Congress of the 4th inst: mentions that another embarkation was on foot at N York. In another of the 7. he says he had received no further intelligence on the subject, but had reason to think such a measure was still in contemplation. From the last letter it appears that by the late exchange abt. 140 officers including Genls. Lincoln, Thomson, Waterbury & du portail & Col. Laurens are liberated, as also all our privates amounting to 476. The General had acceded to a further proposal of Clinton for exchanging almost the whole residue of our Officers for Convention Officers with out attaching any privates to them.
Reports of the 2d division of the French fleet are again reviving as you will see by the inclosed paper. It is also said that Rodney has sailed from N. York with 10 Ships of the line for Europe, but if there be any reality in the first report, it is more likely he is gone out to meet the french. The Cork fleet is not yet arrived, and very serious apprehensions begin to prevail at N. Y. on account of it.
Mr. Walker has been detained since the expiration of his serv[ice] by an indisposition. He will set out in two or three days. Col. Pendleton informs me that Mr. Henry has resigned his place in Congress and intimates his fear that you may follow his example. I hope he is mistaken in the first as I am assured by your req[uest?] concerning Pemberton that he must be in the last. If Mr. Henry however should have resigned I intreat you to see that the vacancy is judiciously filled; and if any thoughts of it have been indulged by your self, I intreat you still more strongly to dismiss them. I have not yet received an answer from Pemberton, and have not had time since yours came to hand to apply for it. I was unwilling to appear very anxious about the matter. You shall know what is to be expect[e]d from him by next Post. I make no apology for inaccuracies & bad writing because you know the manner in which we are obliged to write for the post, and having been prevented by Company from doing any thing last night I am particularly hurried this morning. Dr sir,[?]
J. Madison Jr


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 14 November 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dr. Sir
Philada. Novr. 14th. 1780
Yr. favor of the 6th. inst: came to hand yesterday. Mr. Griffin by whom you appear also to have written has not yet arrived.
It gives me great pleasure to find that the Enemy’s numbers are so much less formidable that [than] was at first computed, but the information from N. York makes it not improbable that the blank in the computation may shortly be filled up. Genl Washington wrote to Congress of the 4th. inst: that another embarkation was going on at that place, and in another letter of the 7th. he says that although he had received no further intelligence on the subject, he had reason still to believe that such a measure was in contemplation. Neither the amount nor the object of it however had been ascertained.
The inroads of the Enemy on the Frontiers of N. York have been distressing & wasteful almost beyond their own example. They have totally laid in ashes a fine settlement called Schoarie which was capable Gel Washington says of yielding no less than 80,000 bushels of grain for public consumption. Such a loss is inestimable, and is the more to be regretted because, both local circumstances, and the energy of that Govt. left little doubt that it would have been applied to public use.
I fancy the taking of Quebec was a mere invention Your letter gave me first account of such a report. A different report concerning the 2d. division of the French fleet has sprung up as you will see by the inclosed paper. It is believed here by many, and some attention given to it by all. It is also said that Rodney has saild from N. York with 10 Ships for Europe. If he has sailed at all & the first report be true also, it is more likely that he is gone out to meet the french.
The late exchange has liberated abt. 140 Officers and all our privates at N. Y. amounting to 476. G. Washington has acceded to a proposal of a further exchange of the Convention Officers without attaching any privates to them, which will liberate almost the whole residue of our Officers at that place.
I am Sir with the highest esteem & regard Yr. Obt. friend & servt.
J. Madison Jnr.


Title: George Morgan to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 16 November 1780
From: Morgan, George
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentlemen
Philadelphia Novr 16th 1780
I hope you will excuse the trouble I give you in calling your attention to a Subject, which is not only interesting to myself and Several other Citizens of America, but also to the State of Virginia, which you have the Honour to represent. It cannot be unknown to you Gentlemen that some time Since, the Indiana Company were called upon by the Honble the Senate and assembly of your State to set forth their right to a tract of Country on the Ohio which was Ceded to them by the treaty at fort Stanwix in 1768 & of the Consequent proceedings thereon. You Must also as Members of the Honble. the Congress of the United States be acquainted with the Memorial of the Company to Congress on this Subject, requesting them to hear and determine the Case at the Bar of their House, as also that nothing decisive has yet taken effect in consequence of their application. It is unnecessary to go further into a detail of Facts, to Introduce a proposition I have to make to you, in behalf of myself and the rest of the Company; which is to Submit the dispute in Question between the State and the Company, to the arbitration & final Decision of Gentlemen of the first Capacity, Integrity, & Experience upon the Continent, to be Chosen by the Honble. the Congress in the Same Manner as is directed by the articles of Confederation in like Cases, between State and State.
This Proposition is so Consonant to reason & Justice that I hope it will not be rejected. It cannot be the desire of the State of Virginia to oppress and ruin a Number of Individuals who never did them an Injury, there is every reason to Suppose her Councils are governd by more honorable motives If the Company have no right to the Lands in Question there will no doubt be a decision against them, the Compy will be Satisfied, & the State will be applauded for her Candor & Justice in Submitting the dispute to an Impartial discussion.
That the Indiana Company have just Pretensions to this tract of Country, is admitted by a great Number of Gentlemen of the first Character and abilities in the State of Virginia. On the Motion for Compensation to the Company the House of delegates were equally divided, untill the speaker gave the Casting Vote against them. Some of the first Characters in other States and in England have declared their opinions in Support of our right and the Names of Camden, Franklin, Stockton, Glyn[,] Dagge & Henry, Cannot but Impress the Strongest Ideas of the Company’s Right to the disputed Territory.
If then they have pretensions which are warranted by Such respectable Opinions, why should they be refused an unprejudiced Investigation.
I do assure your Honors, that this proposition proceeds from an Ardent desire to Settle the dispute which we are so unfortunate as to have with the State, in the most Amicable manner and with the least Expence possible. It would be our Wish to decline investigating the rights of Virginia to the territorial Jurisdiction if not drove to such a step from necessity & to save ourselves and Families from Impending Destruction. The Act of Virginia for depriving the Company of their property, may possibly be viewed by the United States in a very different light, than what those who promoted it intended.
I intreat you will honor me with an answer in writing & believe me to be with the greatest respect
Gentlemen Yr. most obedt. & very Humb: Set
George MorganAgent for the Indiana Compy.


Title: Certification to a Committee of Congress, [16–17 November] 1780
From: Madison, James
To:

[16–17 November 1780]
[At] the request of the Honble. T. Matlack Esqr. I received the enclosed papers from him Octr. 27. and have since had them in my care. The two certificates of faithful “each”[?] entry, on the margin of two[?] of the sheets by Mr. Walker were signed in my presence at the time I received them. Mr. Walker was not desired to certify the like with regard to the other passages. He observed that he was constantly present during the enquiry and had no doubt that the whole of the within minutes were a true recital of facts.
J Madison Junr.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 17 November 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentn:
Richmd. Novr 17th. 1780

With respect to the payment made on behalf of Mr. Braxton into the Continental treasury in Part of our Quota of the fifteen Million tax, the Executive having been Charged with the raising and remitting that money, we have thought it unnecessary to lay it before the Legislature. The Sum to be sent, was sent, partly in Money and Partly in Bills. These Bills were drawn in Continental Dollars. and paiable in such, and not in Specie. of this nature was Mr. Braxtons Bill desiring his Correspondent to pay so many Continental Dollars into the Treasury. If the treasurer has received payment in another kind of money at an Arbitrary rate of Exchange, this must have been either under the Rules of his office or against them. The former I can Hardly Suppose, and in the latter case it has become his own Private act, and he should be deemed to have received (no[t] £1318–15 hard Money but) 263750 dollars Continental Money as he has I Suppose given a discharge on the Bill for so much of its Contents. Had he rejected the Tender of the Hard Money would not Continental dollars have been paid? if they had not, then indeed the demand should have reverted on the State, and we would have fallen on means for compelling payment. We were really concernd on the return of our agent who Carried the Money and Bills that he did not have them regularly protested as there appeard some doubts on them. But he acted for the best in his own Judgment, and in that point of view was to be approved. I am exceedingly Sorry that this want of Punctuality has arisen in these remittances. We sold Tobo. for these Bills, which would in Much less time have produced us money here. But the responsibility and known Connection between the drawer & drawee induced us to consider them as even Better than Money which wd. have been, liable to Accidents in transportation. Had a tender of Specie been made to us here we would certainly have rejected it. But the payment being now to be transacted between the Drawee & Congress (passing us over) neither the Tender or receipt can be considerd as our act, but the former the act of the Drawee, and the latter of the Treasurer of Congress. we do not therefore think ourselves concernd immediately in this transaction. if Congress please to Consider the Payment of £1318..15 hard Money as a discharge of 263750 dollars paper which was to be paid by the drawee[,] well: if not on rejecting it he will make payment in the Specific Money he was Calld on to pay or we will resort to the Drawer and Compell such payment.
Since writing thus far I note more particularly than I had before done, that the treasurers return sais that he had received from the Commonwealth of Virginia a Sum of Money in Specie, &.c. this indeed stating it as the act of this Commonwealth renders it necessary for me to disavow it—which I hereby do. it was the Act of the drawee of which the Commonwealth had neither knowledge or Intimation; and this return fixing the Act on the Commonwealth instead of the Drawee is so far wrong.
&c. &c.
Thos. Jefferson


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 November 1780
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Virga. Novr. 20. 1780.

Just coming home I have but a moment to pay you my respects & preserve my Character of a Punctual, tho’ not of an Intelligent Correspondent, which you partially call me in yr. favr. of the 9th. as my time & matter are equally short. Not a word have I lately from the Southern Army, to join which Genl. Green pass’d Us on Wednesday last, travelling in Post haste & wth as little parade as might be.
We have had a Skirmish below, in which we killed some, took 60, & lost only two. I just now saw a deserter from the Enemy, a Native of the Delaware State, who says he left them Monday, that they have had No reinforcement, are about 3000, & that they were embarking either for New York or Charles Town, some sd. one, some the other. I wish you health & am
Dr. Sir Yr. Affe. & Obt. Servt
Edmd. Pendleton


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 21 November 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir
Philada. Novr. 21, 1780

Your favor of the 13th. came safe yesterday. The past week has brought forth very little of consequence, except the disagreeable and I fear certain information of the arrival of the Corke fleet. Our last account of the embarkation at N. york was that the Ships had fallen down to the Hook, that the number of troops was quite unknown, as well as their destination, except in general that it was Southwardly. It is still said that Philips is to command this detachment. If the projected junction between Leslie & Corn[w]allis had not been so opportunely frustrated by the gallant volunteers at King’s Mountain it is probable that Philips would have reinforced the former, as the great force in his rear would otherwise have rendered every advance hazardous. At present it seems more likely that the declining state of their Southern affairs will call their attention to that quarter. They can it is well known regain at any time their present footing in Virginia if it should be thought expedient to abandon it, or to collect in their forces to a defensible point, but every retrograde step they take towards Charlestown proves fatal to their general plan. Mr: J. Adams in a letter of the 23d. of Augst. from Amsterdam received yesterday, says that Genl. Prevost had sailed from England with a few frigates for Cape fear in order to facilitate the operations of their Arms in N. Carolina, and that the Ministry were determined to make the Southern States, the scene of a very active Winter Campaign. No intimation is given by Mr. Adams of the number of troops under Genl Prevost. The 2d. division of the French fleet mentioned in my last to have been off Bermuda has not yet made its appearance. It is now rather supposed to have been a British one. The death of Genl Woodford is announced in a N. York paper of the 17th. I have not seen the paper, but am told no particulars are mentioned. I suppose it will reach his friends before this will be recd. through some other channel. Adieu.
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Theodorick Bland, for Virginia Delegates in Congress[?], to Thomas Jefferson, 22 November 1780
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Sr.
Philadelphia Novr 22d 1780

Mr. Walker, who sets off to Virginia tomorrow, affords us this opportunity of Enclosing your Excellency a Copy of a letter Presented to us the 16th Inst. together with a Copy of our Answer, concerning the affair of the Indiana Compy
It may not be improper to Inform Yr. Excellency and, (through yr. Excy.) the Legislature who we suppose may be now Siting—that every art has been and tis probable may be used, by that Company to extend their influence and Support their pretensions—and we are Sorry to say that we have Suspicions founded upon more than mere Conjecture, that the land Jobb[er]s, of this Compy., the Vandalia, and the Illinois Companies, have too great an influence in procrastinating that desireable and necessary event of compleating the Confederation, which we hope the Wisdom, firmness, candor and Moderation of our Legislature now in Session will remove every obstacle to
We Could wish also and we think it a duty we owe to our Constituents to call their attention to a revision of our former instructions relative to the Navigation of the Missisipi—that, Should any overtures from Spain be offerd which are advantageous to the United States, and which might contribute not only to releive our present necessities, but promise us peace and a firm establishment of our Independance, it might not be considerd as an object that would counterbalance the distant prospect of a free Navigation of that River, with Stipulated ports—which may perhaps under another form or at some more convenient opportunity be obtaind from that Nation, in behalf of our Citizens Settled on its Banks and Water. Having shewn the above to my Colleague Mr. Madison—he has thought it unnecessary to Join in that Part of it relating to our Instructions on the subject of the Navigation of the Missisipi. I am Sorry to Say that notwithstanding the high Idea I entertain of that Gentlemans good Sense, Judgment and Candor, I feel myself, irresistably impelld by a Sense of my duty, to State a Matt[er] & to communicate it through the Proper Channel which may eventually effect so greatly the Prosperity and even existence of the United States at large—and feeling myself willing to receive the Censure of my Constituents if I have done wrong, or their applause if I have done Right in Suggesting to them so important a matter I am under the necessity (as to that matter) of standing alone in my opinion; which I wd. not wish, should in the Minutest degree, be interpreted, as obtruding or dictating a measure however necessary I as an individual Representative of the State may conceive a relaxation of our instructions on that head to be, nor do I conceive that any Member either of the Executive or Legislature of our State, who is acquainted with my wish to promote the Public good, and to conform to the Strict tenor of their instructions, can attribute my suggestion to any wish to swerve from them in my Vote in Congress, having pledged myself both in Principle and in promise Steadily to adhere to them on all occasions. I have the Honor to be
Yr. Excellys Most obedt. & very H: Svt.
Theok: Bland


Title: To James Madison from David Jameson, 25 November 1780
From: Jameson, David
To: Madison, James

Dr Sir
Richmond Nov 25th. 1780

I duely recd. your favour of the 14t. and am much obliged to you for forwarding my letters to my Nephew. I have desired him to trouble you with his letters to me and must beg the favour of you to send them as opportunities may offer—I suppose it will not be right to frank them by Post It appears by the proceedings of a Court Martial held in Pittsylva. many were privy to and aiding in the intended insurrectn. in that County, but they were chiefly if not altogether composed of the lower rank of the people. three of them by the name of Lay, Billings & Lawless (who were the ringleaders of those tryed) were adjudged guilty of Treason, but there was error in the proceedings & they are to have another trial. I much dislike the mode of trial by Ct. Martial & wish to see that only in use wch. the Constitution points out. Several persons of more note in Pittsylva. were mentd. as promoters of the insurrection And indeed in all the Counties where insurgents have appeared, Men of note have been named as abettors, but on examination few have incurred censure—some have been strongly suspected, but not sufficient proof The 22d. the Enemy’s Ships left Hampton Road and stood down the Bay We suppose they mean to go to So. Carolina, but time must discover their destination I am with great esteem
Dr Sir Yr. Mo hb Servt
David Jameson
this by the Express


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 25 November 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Dear Sir Philada. Novr. 25th. 1780

I informed you some time ago that the instructions to Mr. Jay had passed Congress in a form which was entirely to my mind. I since informed you that a Committee was preparing a letter to him explanatory of the principles & objects of the instructions. This letter also passed in a form equally satisfactory. I did not suppose that any thing further would be done on the subject, at least till further intelligence should arrive from Mr. Jay. It now appears that I was mistaken. The Delegates from Georgia & South Carolina, apprehensive that a Uti possidetis may be obtruded on the belligerent powers by the armed neutrality in Europe and hoping that the accession of Spain to the Alliance will give greater concert & success to the military operations that may be pursued for the recovery of these States, and likewise add weight to the means that may be used for obviating a Uti possidetis, have moved for a reconsideration of the Instructions in order to empower Mr. Jay in case of necessity to yield to the claims of Spain on condition of her guarantieng our independence and affording us a handsome subsidy. The expediency of such a motion is further urged from the dangerous negociations now on foot by British Emissaries for detaching Spain from the war. Wednesday last was assigned for the consideration of this motion and it has continued the order of the day ever since without being taken up. What the fate of it will be I do not predict; but whatever its own fate may [be] it must do mischief in its operation. It will not probably be concealed that such a motion has been made & supported, and the weight which our demands would derive from unanimity & decision must be lost. I flatter myself however that Congress will see the impropriety of sacrificing the acknowledged limits and claims of any State without the express concurrence of such State. Obsticles enough will be thrown in the way of peace, if [it] is to be bid for at the expence of particular members of the Union. The Eastern States must on the first suggestion take the alarm for their fisheries. If they will not support other States in their rights, they cannot expect to be supported themselves when theirs come into question.
In this important business, which so deeply affects the claims & interests of Virginia & which I know she has so much at heart, I have not the satisfaction to harmonise in Sentiment with my Colleague. He has embraced an opinion that we have no just claim to the subject in controversy between us & Spain, and that it is the interest of Virginia not to adhere to it. Under this impression he drew up a letter to the Executive to be communicated to the Legislature, stating in general the difficulty Congress might be under, & calling their attention to a revision of their instructions to their Delegates on the subject. I was obliged to object to such a step, and in order to prevent it observed that the instructions were given by the Legislature of Virga. on mature consideration of the case, & on a supposition that Spain would make the demands she has done, that n[o] other event has occurred to change the mind of our Constituents but the armed neutrality in Europe & the successes of the Enemy to the Southward which are as well known to them as to ourselves, that we might every moment expect a third delegate here, who would either adjust or decide the difference in opinion between us, and that whatever went from the Delegation would then go in its proper form & have its proper effect, that if the instructions from Virga. were to be revi[sed] and their ultimatum reduced, it could not be concealed in so populou[s] an Assembly, and every thing which our Minister should be authorised to yield would be insisted on, that Mr. Jay’s last despatches encouraged us to expect that Spain would not be inflexible if we wer[e] so, that [we] might every day expect to have more satisfactory information from him. that finally if it should be thought expedient to listen to the pretensions of Spain, it would be best before we took any decisive step in the matter to take the Counsel of those who best know the interests & have the greatest influence on the opinions of our Constituents, that as you were both a member of Congress & of the Legislature & were now with the latter, you would be an unexceptionable medium for effecting this, and that I would write to you for the purpose, by the first safe conveyance.
These objections had not the weight with my Colleague which they had with me. He adhered to his first determination & has I believe sent the letter above mentioned by Mr. Walker who will I suppose soon forward it to the Governour. You will readily conceive the embarrassments this affair must have cost me. All I have to ask of you is that if my refusing to concur with my Colleague in recommending to the legislature a revision of their instructions should be misconstrued by any, you will be so good as to place it in its true light, and if you agree with me as to the danger of giving express power to concede, or the inexpediency of conceding at all, that you will consult with gentlemen of the above description and acquaint me with the result.
I need not observe to you that the alarms with respect to the inflexibility of Spain in her demands, the progress of British intrigues at Madrid and the danger of a Uti possidetis, may with no small probability be regarded as artifices for securing her objects on the Mississippi. Mr. Adams in a late letter from Amsterdam, a copy of which has been enclosed to the Governor[,] supposes that the pretended success of the British emissaries at Madrid is nothing but a ministerial finesse to facilitate the loans and keep up the spirits of the people.
This will be conveyed by Col. Grayson, who has promised to deliver it himself, or if any thing unforeseen should prevent his going to Richmond, to put it into such hands as will equally ensure its safe delivery.
I am Dr. Sr. Yrs. Sincerely
J. Madison Junr.


Title: John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 27 November 1780
From: Mathews, John
To: Greene, Nathanael

Editorial Note
On 23 October 1780 Congress added JM and William Sharpe to the standing committee, created 8 July 1779 “to correspond with the commanding officer of the southern department,” and prescribed that the committee should thereafter “keep a journal of their proceedings and correspondence” (Journals of the Continental Congress, IV, 807; XVIII, 963). If the committee obeyed this injunction, its journal has apparently been lost. Since most matters relating to General Gates’s (after early December 1780, General Greene’s) army were referred to other committees, Congress intended that this particular committee should be a secretarial rather than a policy-recommending group, largely limited in its function to relaying relevant actions by Congress to the commander of the troops in the South. When JM and Sharpe joined the committee, the only other member was the chairman, John Mathews (1744–1802) of South Carolina.
The letters of Mathews to General Greene, preserved among the Greene papers in the William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, and published in Burnett, LettersEdmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental
          Congress (8 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1921–36)., Vols. V and VI, rarely make clear whether Mathews was writing as the committee’s chairman or on his own initiative. How long JM served actively on the committee is unknown. He made no mention of it in his papers. The present letter is apparently the earliest extant dispatch of the committee following JM’s appointment as a member. Although the address sheet is missing, the letter is among General Greene’s papers and was almost certainly directed to him.

Sir Philadelphia Novr. 27th: 1780

Inclosed is an extract of a letter of the 23d of August last lately received from Mr. John Adams. As the intelligence relates particularly to your department, we thought it necessary to be forwarded to you. This is all the foreign intelligence, worth transmitting you. As to domestic, we recollect none.
No effectual means have as yet been taken for supply[i]ng the southern army with cloathing. The Committee to whom your letter (before you left Philadelphia) was refered have made no report yet. Your letter of the 19th inst. is refered to another committee, the result, we will give you the earliest information of.
We are sir with sincere Esteem & regard yr. most Obedt Servts. By Orders of the Committee
Jno. Mathews Chairman


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 27 November 1780
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dr Sir:Virga Novr 27th 1780
My last Account of the Enemy was the 18th. when they were all embarked, but whether with a design to leave the State or to make an impression on some other part of it was doubtful. There was something Mysterious in their leaving their Slaves on shore & some Captur’d Vessels in the harbour at Portsmouth, & indicated their having designs of further Hostility—unless they had not room for the Slaves, Nor hands to spare to man the Vessels. this uncertainty & a report of some deserters that they meant to come up James River, induced Genl Muhlenburg to move his camp higher up the River to Watch their Motions. I expect however that the Post to day will bring us an Account of their having left us. There was no truth in the story of a battle I mentioned in my last, but I believe it was true that a clever stroke of that sort, was prevented by some dispute between two officers about rank, my friend there dont name them, but report says it was Gibson & Josiah Parker.
Our last Accounts from the Southward are that Ld Cornwallis being surprised at a Tory’s house at dinner, Rode off thro’ a hot fire of the Militia & went off immediately in a litter to Charles Town said by deserters to be Mortally wounded. That his Army was surrounded by different parties of ours all of both very hungry, except Sumpter’s party who were foremost & had the picking of the Provisions. That Tarlton’s horse had made a Charge upon Sumpter in his Camp, but found him so well prepared that he was glad to scamper off as quickly as his lean Cavalry could do, leaving ten killed and twenty prisoners. I suppose he hoped for another surprise.
I am told the Assembly are raising a fund of Negroes & Plate as a means of recruiting our Army for the War according to your Requisition on that head, but mean to contravene your Wishes on the subject of money, intending I hear a large New Emission & to make that as well as what was emitted under the Act of last Session, and all Certificates, payable for taxes of the next year, which will of course leave so much of the old money in Circulation & stop a proportion of the New from coming forth, & so retard, if not defeat the purpose of Congress upon that great subject. I take this only from report & it may be misrepresented; or if such be the present opinion as they have yet a very thin House, it may change in the progress of laws framed on the subject, which is a deep & delicate one & may Heaven give them Wisdom to discover what is best & I doubt not their Integrity in adopting it. I don’t hear they have proceeded yet to any Elections of a Chancellor or Members to Congress. I suppose they wait to be fuller. I have a horid pen & can’t see to mend it, so will only add that I am
Yours Affectionately
Edmd Pendleton


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 28 November 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Dr. SirPhilada. Novr. 28th. 1780
Yrs. of the 18th. came yesterday. I am glad to find the legislature persist in their resolution to recruit their line of the army for the war, though without deciding on the expediency of the mode under their consideration, would it not be as well to liberate and make soldiers at once of the blacks themselves as to make them instruments for enlisting white Soldiers? It wd. certainly be more consonant to the principles of liberty which ought never to be lost sight of in a contest for liberty, and with white officers & a majority of white soldrs. no imaginable danger could be feared from themselves, as there certainly could be none from the effect of the example on those who should remain in bondage: experience having shown that a freedman immediately loses all attachment & sympathy with his former fellow slaves.
I informed you in my last that I had engaged Pleasants’ house for you. Pemberton would come to no agreement on the subject. I have received the £2000 your share of the draught on Meade & Compy. and the residue of the draught has all been paid. I will endeavor to send you the Journals by the first opportunity. They are too heavy to go by post. I wrote to you too [two] days ago by Col. Grayson on the subject of the Mis——pi. Mr. Walker set out a few days ago, accompanied by Mr. Kinlock, who is soon to be in a very near relation to him. The Books of Accts are on the way. We have enclosed to the Govr. a copy of an Act of the Legislature of Connecticut ceding some of their territorial claim to the United States, which he will no doubt communicate to the Assembly. They reserve the jurisdiction to them selves, and clog the cession with some other conditions which greatly depreciate it, and are the more extraordinary as their title to the land is so controvertible a one.
The evacuation of Portsmouth was received with much satisfaction, but a story from Baltimore that it was a manoeuvre & ended in the Enemy’s running up Nansemond and entrapping our army below although exceedingly improbable has thrown us into an uneasy suspence. By accounts from the W. Indies there has been in the Windwd. Islands one of the most violent & desolating hurricates ever known. The British Islands have been laid almost entirely waste, and most of their shipping with their crews lost. Such an event with the interception of the destined supply of provision by the Combined fleets in Europe, cannot fail to bring on great distress if not a general famine. The French islands have also suffered severely.
The Association of the Merchants for fixing the depreciation seems likely to prove a salutary measure. it reduced it from 90 & 100 to 75 at once which is its present current rate; although it is observed that many of the retailers elude the force of it by raising the price in hard money.
I am Dr Sir Yr. Affect F
J. Madison Junr.