Title: To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 30 November 1780
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Madison, James

pma: copia
Carmo: Amico,
Firenze 30 9bre 1780.
Vi scrivo in lingua toscana perchè è più facile per me, e sarà una lezione per voi; e preferisco lo stil familiare allo scrivere in terza persona affinchè vi riesca più intelligibile, conoscendovi abbastanza filosofo per disprezzare l’inutile cirimoniale. Ò inteso ultimamente da una breve lettera dl. Bellini dei 4 Giugno anno corrente (l’unica da me ricevuta d’America dopo la mia partenza) che voi siete in Congresso. L’avevo inteso anche in Nantes dal giovanetto Little-Page, ma non in modo da esserne sicuro. Lo credevo per altro, e ne ò parlato molte volte con Mr. John Adams in Parigi, il quale sospirava sempre for good members from Virginia e desidera ardentemente di conoscervi non avendovi conosciuto avanti neppur per fama a motivo d[e]lla vostra giovinezza. Ò piacere che voi siate in Congresso per la giustizia che la [Pa]tria à reso al vostro merito e molto più per il vantaggio che la Causa comune può ricevere dalla saviezza dei vostri consigli; ma ne compiango la perdita nel Consiglio di Stato in Virginia. In questo vi dirò ingenuamente che ci contribuisce molto il mio amor proprio. La politica, le leggi di cui rispetto sommamente trattandosi di cose altrui, e specialmente d’affari pubblici, non voglio che entri ne’miei propri. Quando si tratta di me stesso intendo che la Sincerità (quel mio Nume prediletto) trionfi su tutte le altre mie qualità buone, o cattive. V[i] ripeto dunque che il mio amor proprio contribuisce molto a farmi desiderar[e] che voi foste tuttavia nel nostro Consiglio di Sta[to, pe]rchè mi lusingo che avreste f[at]to i vostri sforzi per impedir ch’io fos[si stato] discretamente e indecentemente negletto. Detto anche dall’istesso B[ellini, se] per maggiore sventura Mr. Page abbia renunziato. Dio sa di che razza [di] gente sarà ora composto il Consiglio; e il povero Governatore non solo non avrà forse il potere di fare adottare le massime opportune, ma riguardo a me sarà anche sospettato di parzialità. Mi ricordo quando voi con espressioni amichevoli e patetiche mi parlavate del trionfo che avrebbero avuto i miei nemici, e delle crudeli mortificazioni che avrebbero sofferto gli amici, che si erano resi in certo modo responsabili della mia condotta, se questa non avesse corrisposto alla loro aspettativa. La memoria di ciò serve ad inasprire non poco il mio giusto risentimento, vedendomi, o [per] negligenza imperdonabile; o per malignità la più scellerata, costituito in una totale inazione, mentre con sommo mio onore, e consolazione dei miei cari amici avrei potuto rendere importantissimi servigi alla Patria nel tempo del maggior bisogno. Io non so ormai quali altre scuse potere addur qua per non aver dopo tanto tempo ricevute nuove Commissioni, o almeno la copia delle vecchie, e neppure una risposta ad alcuna delle mie tante lettere, molte delle quali si sa essere arrivate, e per vari bastimenti, mandandone 4 copie d’ognuna. Non ardisco di scrivere tutti i dubbi che mi vengono in [m]ente, ma non vi tacerò che, se il giusto riguardo, che io devo al mio propr[io dec]oro e alla sensibilità dei miei cari Amici in Virginia, mi ridurrà mai a [g]iustificare al Mondo la mia condotta, farà probabilmente più strepito di quel che certi vili e pusillanimi soggetti forse s’immaginano. Le testimon[ian]ze del mio zelo non solo per le incombenze a me confidate, ma per promuovere tutto ciò che puo esser’utile alla nostra gloriosissima Causa ovunque io sono stato, saranno di gran peso non sol[o] per natura loro, come per i Personagi che le faranno. Se mai però arrivasse questa per me infelice necessità farei tutti i miei sforzi per salvare il pubblico carattere, quantunque le mie offese venisser[o] da chi lo rappresenta. Vi ricorderete quanto io mi raccomandai di esser fornito d’aneddoti onorevoli per [esser]e continovamente ragguagli[a]to di tutto ciò che passa d’essenziale. Io non ò potuto neppure arrivare a sapere su che piede il Pubblico prenda denaro a cambio dopo l’ultima riforma della nostra moneta corrente, per il che siamo restati privi di molte cose utilissime e necessarie, che vari avventurieri ci avrebbero mandate. [Se] i carichi non son molto ricchi non possono sopportare le gravi spese, da ciò ne segne che gli avventurieri non potrebbe[ro coi] medesimi [va]scelli riport[are] in[dieto] che una piastre por[zione] [torn] Come è dunque sperabile che vogliano correre tanti risc[hi se n]on posso dir loro in qual maniera potrebbero impiegare il lor denaro presso di noi? Se volete veder chiaramente quanto io abbia ragion di lagnarmi, bisogna che vi diate l’inco[m]modo di leggere con ordine cronologico le 22 lettre che ò scritto al nostro Governo, ed avrei piacere che vedeste anche la lettera privata, che ò scritto in questa lingua al nostro Governatore. Spero che di tutte ne verrà alm[e]no una copia a salvamento: ne mando 3 delle private, e 4 delle pubblice. Da queste, facendone uno spoglio, mi lusingo che potreste ricavar molte cose, che vi sarebbero di qualche uso in Congresso. Di qua è difficile ch’io possa darvi nuove interessanti, che non riceviate più presto da altre parti. Vi avverto per vostra regola, acciò ne facciate uso come giudi[c]ate proprio, che in Genova inclinerebbero a prestare il lor denaro al Congresso piuttosto che a un solo Stato, e che qua per quanto mi pare avrebbe molto peso la mia opinione. [in unintelligible cipher] Dalle mie lettere al Governo si vede in che miserabile stato devono esse[re l]e mie finanze, ma potete anche immaginarvelo dal sentire che non ò [re]cevuto finora neppure una lettera. Non mancate di ragguagliarmi dei nostri affari, e indirizzate le lettere a Mr. Mark Lynch Mercht. in Nantes, o a Mr. Adams. Mr. Page vi avrà notificata la cagione, per cui non vi ò scritto prima. Conservat[em]i la vostra carissima amicizia, e credetemi colla maggiore stima,
Vostro Umismo: Servo e Amico Vero
Filippo Mazzei

first copy
Florence 30 November 1780
My very dear Friend
I am writing in tuscan because it is easier for me and it will be a lesson for you; and I prefer the familiar style to the third person so that I might be more intelligible to you, knowing you to be enough of a philosopher to despise useless ceremony. I have learned recently through a brief letter from Bellini of 4 June this year (the only one I have received from America since my departure) that you are in Congress. I had also heard this in Nantes from young Little-Page, but not in such a way as to be sure of it. Nevertheless, I believed it, and I have spoken about it many times with Mr. John Adams in Paris, who always longed for good members from Virginia. He ardently desired to become acquainted with you, not having known of you before, not even through the renowned activity of your youth. I am pleased that you are in Congress for the honor that the Country has rendered to your merit and even more so for the advantages that our common cause can receive from the wisdom of your counsels, but I regret the loss to the Council of State in Virginia. In this regard I will tell you ingenuously that my own personal pride plays a considerable part. I do not want politics, whose principles I highly respect, especially in regard to public affairs, to enter into my personal life, when it is a matter of my honor, I believe that Sincerity (that favorite Divinity of mine) triumphs over all my other qualities, good or bad. I repeat then, that my own self-esteem contributes a great deal to my desire that you were still in our Council of State, for I am confident that you would have made an effort to prevent my being indiscreetly and indecently neglected. This also applies to Bellini who, unfortunately, might be renounced by Mr. Page. God knows what kind of people the Council will be composed of now; and the unfortunate Governor will perhaps not only lack the power to adopt the best measures, but in regard to me he will also be suspected of partiality. I recall when you used to speak to me in friendly and touching terms of the triumph that my enemies could have had and of the cruel mortifications my friends would have suffered, they who were made in some degree responsible for my conduct, which might not have corresponded to their expectations. The memory of this greatly arouses my just resentment, seeing myself the object of unpardonable negligence and, through such wicked malevolence, relegated to complete inaction, when to my own honor and to the consolation of my friends I would have been able to render important services to the Country in the time of great need. I do not know what other excuses I could present for not having received new commissions, or at least a facsimile of the old one, after all this time. I have not even received a reply to some of my many letters. I know a number of them have reached their destination, having sent 4 copies of each one on various ships. I dare not write of all the doubts that come to my mind. I will not conceal from you, however, considering the just regard I owe to my own honor and to the sensibility of my dear friends in Virginia, that I will ever be obliged to defend my conduct to the world. It will perhaps cause more of an uproar than certain vile and pusillanimous persons suppose. The evidences of my zeal, through the duties confided to me and through the promotion of everything that can be of use to our glorious cause wherever I have been, will have considerable weight, not only by their nature, but through the important people who will bear witness to them. Therefore, if the unhappy necessity should ever arise, I would make every effort to save my public character, regardless of the effect my offenses might have. You will remember how much I used to pride myself on being made the subject of honorable anecdotes for being informed of everything of importance. I have not even been able to find out on what basis the public might obtain money for exchange since the last reform of our currency. This has deprived us of many necessary and useful things that various adventurers could have supplied. If the cargoes are not very profitable, they cannot meet the heavy expense, from which it follows that the adventurers, with the same ships would not be able to bring back more than a small portion for their efforts. Consequently, how can it be hoped that they would want to run such risks if I cannot tell them how they could invest their money with us? If you wish to see clearly how much cause I have for complaint, you should make an effort to read, in chronological order, the 22 letters I have sent to our Government. I would also be pleased if you could see the private letter I have written in this language to our Governor. I hope that of all of them at least one copy will have been preserved: I send three of them privately and 4 by public mail. After examining one of these letters carefully, I am sure you could find many things that would be of some use to you in Congress. From here it is difficult to give you interesting news that you do not receive more quickly from elsewhere. I am advising you for your information, and you can use this as you see fit, that in Genoa they would be inclined to lend their money to Congress rather than to an individual state, and that my opinion should carry considerable weight here.
It can be seen from my letters to the Government in what a miserable state my finances must be, but you can imagine my feelings at not having as yet received even one letter. Do not fail to keep me informed of our affairs, and address your letters to Mr. Mark Lynch Mercht. in Nantes, or to Mr. Adams. Mr. Page will have notified you as to why I have not written to you before. May you preserve our dear friendship, and may you hold me in high esteem.
Your Humble Servant and True Friend
Philip Mazzei


Title: Report of Committee on Letter of Arthur Lee, [1 December] 1780
From: Bee, Thomas
To:

[1 December 1780]
The Committee to whom were referred the Letter from Arthur Lee Esqr. &c submit the following report.
Arthur Lee Esqr. having deposited with the President of Congress a Picture of the King of France set with Diamonds presented to him by the Minister of that Monarch on his taking leave of the Court of Versailles as a Mark of his Majesty’s esteem, and intimated, that as the Picture was presented to him in consequence of his having been a Commissioner of Congress at that Court, it did not become him to retain the same without the express approbation of Congress, Resolved that he be informed that Congress approve of his retaining the Picture
Resolved That Mr. Lee be further informed in Answer to his Letter that there is no particular charge against him before Congress properly supported. That Congress are sensible of his zealous & faithful Exertions to discharge the great public trust reposed in him; and that he be assured his recall was not intended to fix any kind of censure on his Character or Conduct abroad but appeared at the time a necessary measure to put a stop to differences subsisting among their Commissioners in Europe greatly detrimental to the Interest of the United States, the particular grounds of which differences, it was not then in the power of Congress fully to Investigate.
The Committee also report That the Sum mentioned in his accounts to have been paid for Intelligence appears a reasonable charge & ought to be allowed.
That the same allowance be made to his secretary, as was made to Mr Stockton who acted in that capacity to the Honble Willm. Lee Esqr. and that the other Articles stated in his accounts with the Vouchers produced, be referred to the Board of Treasury for liquidation.


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

Dear Sir.Richmond 2d. Decr. 1780
I have no Letter from you by this weeks Post although I expect you sent one as Mr. Griffin informs me what News there was worth communicating, especially the contents of Mr. Adams’s Letter, you had mentioned. I have been much indisposed the greatest part of this week and not able to give much assistence in the business upon hand which are chiefly the Bills for recruiting the Army—and emiting and funding I suppose six Millions of pounds. The first was reported to the House near a week past and has been the subject of Debate every day. It went in a plan for giving Negro bounties and has been rejected by an amendment from the word Whereas[.] the amendment proposes to give a bounty of five thousand pounds to each recruit for the war or three years[,] which is yet uncertain[,] but I expect it will be the last and this money to be demanded from all persons having assessable property above 100£ Specie value at the rate of 2 PCt. at present it stands no lower than those having property above three hundred but I expect it will be brought to 100£. The money or some specifics which are allowed to be paid in lieu of money are to be collected by the last [of] Janry. This collection added to the Tax to be paid by the people under the Act of the last Session will be very difficult for them to comply with but the situation of the Treasury withot. money and the demands now due from the public and the late expe[nces] occasioned by the invasion will soon exhaust the new emission which will be gone as soon and as fast as they can make it for almost the whole burthen of the Southern Army will and must as Genl. Green informs us fall on this State. I am in hopes the bounty of 5 will be reduced to three thousand pounds which will then for 3000 men amount to 9,000,000 an amazing Sum for a bounty. But our Legislators are timid or affect many of them to be timid abt. a draft which had better be made of ye. Militia to serve two years witht. bounty unless a very small one and that body or any other that may be necessary supplyed from the Militia by rotation to be at Camp by the time the others are to come away and to serve other two years. In the meantime let an exemption from draft or even Militia Duty out of the State be offered by the Law to every person who recruits a Soldier for the war whereby a number of our people will be constantly endeavouring to enlist Soldiers for the war and a great number I have no doubt might be so enlisted for a much less Sum than the bounty prop[osed] to be offered. If we raise the 3000 only for three years it is intended to furnish money to the officers or some proper person to take the proper occasion of enlisting as many of them for the War as they can and there are moments when most of them may be enlisted. It is in contemplation to send some proper person to lay before Congress the resources of this State and its ability to maintain the Southern War in which embassy perhaps North Carolina may join that more dependence may not be placed on us than we are able to bear least a disappointment may ensue as we have no doubt the great operations of this Winter and next Spring will be to the South. The Person is also to press the making strong remonstrences to France and Spain for their cooperation with proper Force by Sea and Land to recover S. Carolina and Georgia—a Resolution to this effect now lies on the Table. Mr. Henry has sent in his resignation[.] no proposal yet of filling his place and am doubtfull whether it will be done as some think to save expence the number should be lessened. Our accounts as well as those of the preceding Delegates are before a Committee. No step yet taken abt. the cession of Lands but will be taken up so soon as the recruiting and supply Bills are passed. Mr. Mason has not yet appeared and I do not expect he will this session as he has the remains upon him of a severe fit of the gout. however I have my hopes we shall obtain a cession of all beyond the Ohio. Certainly if Lessly is gone to the Southward and anor. reinforcement from New York and also one expected from England in that quarter Congress or the Commander in Chief shod. send on to the Southwd. the pensylvania line before it is too late for if their reinforcements arrive they will go where they pleas[e] as our army will be unable to withstand them and the severity of the approaching Season will retard the march exceedingly of any succour by Land. Mrs. Jones still continues to suffer the assaults of the Ague and Fever and she writes me it has so weakened and reduced her she fears she shall not be in condition to go north and if her state of Health shod. be such as to render her unable to travel I think I shall decline it myself. Have you fixed any thing with Pemberton or Pleasants[?] if you have not and either of them are disposed to Rent upon the Terms I mentioned endeavour to make it conditional that if in a month or six weeks I shod. decline the bargain I may be at liberty as they shod. if any other offered to Rent their places. As soon as I return Home or soon after you shall hear further from me upon this subject. I send for my Horses today and shall return abt. the 10th. or 12. Your Letters after the receipt of this please to direct to Fredericksb[urg] untill further informed. I have [this] moment your Letter wch. I expect by some mistake went on to Petersburg as this is the day for the return of the Post from there. I find you have engaged Pleasants House for me and must abide by it. I thank you for your trouble in that matter and shall be ready to return you the favour whenever in my power. I am
Yr. Aff Friend
Jos: Jones


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 5 December 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dr Sr.Philada. Decr. 5th. 1780
I have your favor of the 27th. ulto. and congratulate you on the deliverance of our Country from the distresses of actual invasion. The spirit it has shewn on this occasion will I hope in some degree protect it from a second visit.
Congress yesterday received letters from Mr. Jay & Mr. Carmichael as late as the 4 & 9th of Sepr. The general tenor of them is that we are not to rely on much aid in the article of cash from Spain, her finances & credit being scarcely adequate to her own necessities, and that the B. emissaries are indefatigable in misrepresenting our affairs in that kingdom and in endeavouring to detach it from the war. The character however of the Catholic king for steadiness and probity, and the entire confidence of our allies in him, forbid any distrust on our part. Portugal on the pressing remonstrances of France & Spain has at length agreed to shut her ports agst. English prizes but still refuses to accede to the armed neutrality. Mr. Adams writes that the fate of the Quebec and Jamaica fleets arrived at London nearly about the same time and had a very serious effect on all ranks as well as on stocks and ensurance.
Our information from the W. Indies gives a melancholy picture of the effects of the late tempest. Martinique has suffered very considerably both in shipping & people. Not less than 600 houses have been destroyed in St. Vincents. The Spaniards in Cuba also have not escaped, and it is reported that their fleet on its way from the Havannah to Pensacola has been so disabled & dispersed as to defeat the expedition for the present. On the other side our Enemies have suffered severely. The Ajax a ship of the line and two frigates stationed off St Lucei [Lucia] to intercept the Martinique trade are certainly lost with the greatest part if not the whole of their crews; and there is great reason to believe, that several other capital ships that have not been since heard of have shared the like fate. The Island of St. Lucie is totally defaced. In Barbadoes a[lso], scarce a house remains entire and 1500 persons at least have perished. One of the largest towns in Jamaica has been totally swept away and the island otherwise much damaged. The consequences of this calamity must afford a striking proof to G. Britain of her folly in shutting our ports against her W. India commerce and transferring the advantage of our friendship to her Enemies.
I am Dr. Sir yrs. sincerely
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Samuel Nightingale, Jr., to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 6 December 1780
From: Nightingale, Samuel, Jr.
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentlemen,Providence, December 6th, 1780
I this day received your favor, dated the 14th October, inclosing a letter from his Excellency Governor Jefferson, dated the 28th of the same month, also a letter to the Hon. John Foster, which I have delivered him. Due attention shall be paid to them.
I am very sorry to hear your state is invaded by a powerful enemy, but hope you will soon be able to dislodge them.
Observe you design the goods belonging to the state of Virginia which came in the schooner Committee, shall be transported by land; and that you request me to do something, but am not able to tell what, as that part of your letter was entirely worn out before I received it. The small arms are very badly packed, having nothing between them and considerable play in the boxes. I shall consult some person that is acquainted with the manner of packing arms, and endeavor to get them packed properly, as it must be for your interest, and presume you will justify me in so doing. I sent a letter to his Excellency Governor Jefferson, dated 22d of November, inclosing an invoice of that half of the goods which is stored for the former owners, to your care. By it you will see the marks and numbers which were found on the goods when.…


Title: To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, [7 December] 1780
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Madison, James

Firenze, [7. 10]bre 1780
Carmo: Amico
[Questa serv?]irà di supp[lemento alla pr?]ecedente d[el 30 del passato?] unicamente  [un’aneddoto che potrebbe causare una revoluzione?]
della Regina [d’Ungheria]
della guerra [al me questo?] ultimo  [L’Imperatore è tutto di?] contrario  nel’occhi il Rè [di Prussia in?] posse[so a?] mig[lior] parte della Silesia. Non è contento del  della Francia  [in] tempo delle dispute intorno alla Baviera, e Seguet[asse?] una guerra in Germania, se la Francia el’Inghilterra ci si mescolassero inclinerebbe a collegarsi colla seconda. Se potessi dirvi da chi sono Stato informato delle disposizioni dell’Imperatore considerereste come una dimonstrazione geometrica. Come tale potete annunziarla al Congresso, e quando vi piaccia potete comunicare anche Le mie congetture che Sono le Seguenti. Il Rè di Prussia non può essere unito all’Imperatore, e La Russia non Si Staccherà dalla Prussia. Gli Olandesi, medessimi Giudei d’Europa, prenderanno schiaffi e calci in culo in infinito prima di romper La Neutralità, che è sempre vantaggiosa al Loro interesse, non ostante le prese che gl’Inglesi fanno dei Loro Bastimenti; ed [essen?]do forzati ad entrare in guerra, non converrebbe Loro di mettersi contro La Russia e La Prussia, dalle quali potrebbero essere si facilmente oppressi. La Russia à 30 Vascelli di Linea, e l’Imperatore non ne à uno; e Se La Danimarca si unisse all’Inghilterra, La Svezia che non Sarà disgiunto dalla Francia non è inferiore in forze marittime. Gli affari di Germania non posson progiudicare ai vantaggi, che potremo ricavar dall’Italia Se prendiamo i passi opportuni, quantunque il Granduca, fratello dell’Imperatore, per ragioni
Vostro Umilmo. Servo e Amico Vero
Filippo Mazzei

Florence, [7 December] 1780
Dear Friend
This will serve as a supplement to my preceding letter of the 30th of last month  a story that could produce a revolution
of the Queen of Hungary
of the war [and in this latter regard it appears to me that the Emperor is completely opposed  the King of Prussia?] in possession of the greater part of Silesia. He is not satisfied with  of France  in the time of the disputes over Bavaria, and [should?] a war in Germany follow, if France and England were to become involved in it, he would be inclined to ally himself with the latter. If I were to tell you by whom I have been informed of the inclinations of the Emperor, the result could be regarded as a geometrical demonstration. You can announce it to the Congress as such, and when you wish, you can also communicate my conjectures, which are as follows. The King of Prussia cannot be united with the Emperor, and Russia will not detach herself from Prussia. The Dutch, those Jews of Europe, will accept an infinite number of slaps and kicks in the posterior before breaking their Neutrality, which is always advantageous to Their interests, in spite of the fact that the English seize Their Ships; and being forced to enter a war, it would not profit them to place themselves in opposition to Russia and Prussia, by whom they would easily be defeated. Russia has 30 Ships of the Line, and the Emperor does not have even one; and if Denmark should unite with England, Sweden, which will not detach herself from France, is not inferior in maritime forces. The affairs of Germany cannot be detrimental to the advantages that we will be able to procure in Italy if we take the proper steps, though the Grand Duke, the brother of the Emperor, for reasons
Your Humble Servant and True Friend
Philip Mazzei


Title: Motion on Instructions to John Jay, [8 December] 1780
From: Madison, James
To:

[8 December 1780]
Whereas the propositions moved by the Delegates from Georgia and taken into consideration on the 5th. instant: do essentially affect the claims of Virginia as defined & recognized by Congress in their instructions both to their Minister Plenipo: for negociating peace & their Minister Plenipo: to the Court of Spain; which claims the State of Virginia has expressly instructed their representatives in Congress to insist upon; and it has been urged as a reason for agreeing to the propositions above mentioned that the change of circumstances which has taken place since these instructions were given on the part of Virginia may have changed the sense of that State with regard to the object of them; Resolved yt. the further considerations of the said Propositions be suspended untill such of the Proceedings of Congress and of the communications from their Ministers in Spain as relate to this matter together with the said propositions shall have been transmitted by the Delegates from Virginia to the Legislature of that State, and their ultimate sense thereon be made known to Congress.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 8 December 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.Richmond 8th: Decr. 1780
I have yours of November the 28th. by the Post and wish I could inform you the assembly had yet fixed the plan of recruiting our quota of Continentals but such various opinions and modes are proposed that great delay has been the consequence. The present proposition is a bounty of 5000 for the War 2500 for three years if it comes to a draft for that period—the whole to be collected from the Taxable property by the last of Janry—each division to cloath the Soldier and find him a Beef. It is expected this mode will raise us 3000 Men and as many Beeves to feed them. Whether this will pass I cannot pretend to say but am told it is the most agreeable of any thing that has been proposed. My speaking thus doubtfully proceeds from my nonattendance in the House this week being confined by a slight but lingering Fever. I am somewhat better today and hope in a few days to be in the house again though I shall continue a very short time having sent for my Carriage to go home. The Finance Bill was under consideration of the Com: of the whole yesterday. I have not heard whr. they got through it. These finished[,] the next great object will be to take up the question of ceding the back Country. This I want done before I go and also to have some mode fixed for the Deputies being regularly supplied. I mean to take a few days of next week for these purposes before I set out. I have already requested your future Letters to be addressed to me at Fredericksburg untill I give you notice of my being abt. to leave Virga. for Pensylvania This I expect yet to do as by the last Post Mrs. Jones informs me she and my Son Are both upon the mend[.] you need not Therefore if not already done say anything to Mr. Pleasants as I expect Mrs. Jones may be prevailed upon her health being in some measure restored to venture North.

The Negro scheme is laid aside upon a doubt of its practicability in any reasonable time and because it was generally considered as unjust, sacrificing the property of a part of the Community to the exoneration of the rest, it was reprobated also as inhuman and cruel. how far your Idea of raising black Regiments giving them freedom wod. be politic in this and the Negro States deserves well to be considered so long as the States mean to continue any part of that people in their present subjection as it must be doubtfull whether the measure wod. not ultimately tend to increase the Army of the Enemy as much or more than our own for if they once see us disposed to arm the Blacks for the Field they will follow the example and not disdain to fight us in our own way and this wod. bring on the Southern States probably inevitable ruin[.] at least it wod. draw off immediately such a number of the best labourers for the Culture of the Earth as to ruin individuals, distress the State and perhaps the continent when all that can be now raised by their assistance is but barely sufficient to keep us joging along with the great expence of the war. The Freedom of these people is a great and desireable object[.] to have a clear view of it wod. be happy for Virginia but whenever it is attempted it must be I conceive by some gradual course alowing time as they go off for labourers to take their places or we shall suffer exceedingly under the sudden revolution which perhaps arming them wod. produce. Adieu I hope my head will be easier when I next write
affly yrs.
Jos: Jones.
Majr. Lee is now here on his way to the South. The Army we are told is very weak in that quarter and we hear the Enemy are reinforcing from New York. I am apprehensive all Virga. can do will not be sufficient to make head agt. them if it be true what is said that they will be eight thousand strong. Cloathing and Blankets are exceedingly wanting in our Army. for want of these not above 400 of 800 and upwards of our new levies can yet go forward since the Enemy left us.


Title: John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 12 December 1780
From: Mathews, John
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir,Philadelphia Decr. 12th: 1780
The inclosed extracts appear as sufficiently interesting, to induce us to forward them to you. The reiterated information we have lately received from different quarters leave little room to doubt, that the Southern States, will be the grand theatre of war this ensuing winter and spring.
The Waggons with stores for the army under your command, with two Companie[s] of Artificers, are now on their way to join you.
Nothing has been as yet done to supply your troops with cloathing. Capt. Jones had sailed with the cloathing, but being dismast[ed] a few days after he got to sea, was obliged [to p]ut back to be refitted. By a letter recei[ved] yesterday from Mr. Williams at Nantz; he informs us, that the Vessels will be ready to sail again in a few days. They will have on board, [already?] made and materials sufficient for making, 20,000 suits of cloaths, with some hats, stockings, shirts, Overalls, Shoes & Stocks and barrels & locks, for 20,000 muskets, & 100 Tons of Saltpetre.
The article of intelligence contained in the inclosed extracts, respecting Portugal seems to be pretty well [sustained?] by subsequent advices.
We have received no late intelligence of the enemies movements at New York. They appear to be quiet at present.
We are sir with much Respect & Esteem Yr. most Obet. Servts. By Order of the Committee
Jno. Mathews Chairma[n]


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, [12] December 1780
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Philada. Decembr. [12,] 1780
We have the honor to enclose your Excellency a Resolution of Congress of the 6th. instant relating to the Convention troops[,] also a copy of a letter from G. Anderson found among the dead letters in the post office and communicated to Congress by the Postmaster. If there should be occasion for the original of the letter it shall be transmitted on the first intimation.
An Irish paper informs us that Henry Laurens Esquire was committed to the Tower on the 6th. of October by a warrant from the Secretarys of State on suspicion of High Treason. All the despatches entrusted to the same conveyance unfortunately fell into the hands of the Enemy at the same time.
A letter from Mr. Jonathan Williams dated at Nantz, Octr. 17. confirms an account received several days ago, of the Ariel commanded by P. Jones, Esqr. & containing cloathing &c for the Army being dismasted & obliged to return into port. The effect of this delay will be severely felt by the troops who have already but too much reason to complain of the sufferings they have been exposed to from a want of these necessaries.
The same letter from Mr. Williams as well as some others received within a few days give us reason to believe that Portugal has at length yielded to the solicitations of the Neutral Powers & to the remonstrances of France & Spain so far as to accede to the general object of the former and to exclude the English from the privileges which their vessels of War heretofore enjoyed in their ports. we have received Payment of the Bill drawn by Mr. Benjn. Harrison.
we [are?] with perfect respect Yr. Excellys most obedt. & very Hum[ble] Servts.
James Madison Junr.
Theok. Bland Jr.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 12 December 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Dear SirPhilada. Decr. 12th. 1780
Agreeably to your favor of the 2d. instt. which came to hand yesterday I shall send this to Fredericksbg. I am sorry that either your own health or that of your lady should oblige you to leave the legislature before the principal business of the Session is finished. I shall be still more sorry if either of these causes should disappoint my hopes of your return to Philada. at the promised time. I am the more anxious for your return because I suppose it will supersede the proposed measure of sending an envoy to Congress on the business you mention. If the facts are transmitted by the Speaker of the Assembly or the Executive, may they not be laid before Congress with as much efficacy by the established representatives of the State as by a special messenger? and will not the latter mode in some measure imply a distrust in the former one, and lower us in the eyes of Congress & the public? The application to the Ct. of France has been anticipated. Congress have even gone so far as to appoint an Envoy Extraordinary to solicit the necessary aids. Col. Laurens was invested yesterday with that office. I leave the measure to your own reflection. How far it may be expedient to urge Spain to assist us before she is convinced of the reasonableness of our pretensions, ought to be well weighed before it be tried. The liberty we took in drawing on her for money excited no small astonishment, and probably gave an idea of our distress, which confirmed her hopes of concession on our part. Accts. rcd. since my last repeat her inflexibility with regd. to the object in question between us. It is indispensable that we should in some way or other know the Ultimate sense of our Constituents on this important matter.
Mr. Laurens is certainly in captivity. An Irish paper tells us he was committed to the tower on the sixth of Octr. under a warrant from the three Secretaries of State. Portugal has acceded to the neutral league so far as to exclude the English from the privileges her armed vessels have heretofore enjoyed in her ports. The Ariel with P. Jones & the cloathing &c. on board was dismasted a day or two after she sail’d & obliged to put back into port. If G. Washington detaches no further aid to the Southwd. it will be owing to the reduction of his force by the expiration of enlistments. The Pennsylvania line is mostly engaged for the war and will soon form almost the whole of the army under his immediate command.
Mr. Sartine, it seems has been lately removed from the administration of the naval department, in consequence of his disappointing the general hopes formed from the great means put into his hands. When it was mentioned to me by Mr. M——s. I took occasion to ask whether the deception with regard to the 2d. division ought to be ultimately charged upon him, observing to him the use the Enemies of the Alliance had made of that circumstance. From the explanation that was given I believe the blame rests upon his head, and that his removal was the effect of it in a great measure; though it is possible he may like many others have been sacrificed to ideas of policy, and particularly in order to cancel the unfavorable impression which the disappointment left on America. A high character is given as might be expected of his successor the Marquis de Caster, particularly with respect to those qualities in which Mr. Sartine is charged with having been most deficient.
I am yrs. sincerely
J. Madison Jnr.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [12] December 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir.Philada. Decemr. [12] 1780
I had the pleasure of yours of the 2d. instant yesterday. We have not heard a word of the fleet which lately left Cheasapeake. There is little doubt that the whole of it has gone to the Southward.
Our intelligence from Europe confirms the accession of Portugal to the Neutral league; so far at least as to exclude the English from the privileges which their Vessels of War have hitherto enjoyed in her ports. The Ariel commanded by P. Jones which had on board the cloathing &c. which has been long expected from France was dismasted a few days after she sailed and obliged to return into port; an event which must prolong the sufferings which our army has been exposed to from the delay of this supply. Mr. Sartine, the Minister of the french Marine has been lately removed from the admi[ni]stration of that departmt. His successor is the Marquis de Caster, who is held out to us as a man of greater activity & from whom we may hope for more effectual co-operation.
An Irish paper informs us that Mr. Laurens was committed to the Tower on the 6th. of Octr. by the three Secretaries of State on suspicion of high treason. As the warrant with the names of the Secretaries subscribed (with some other particulars) is inserted, no hope remains of the fact being a forgery.
With very sincere regard, I am Dr. Sir Yr Obt Servt.
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1780
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Jefferson, Thomas

SirPhiladelphia December 13 th. 1780
The complexion of the intelligence received of late from Spain, with the manner of thinking which begins to prevail in Congress with regard to the claims to the navigation of the Mississippi, makes it our duty to apply to our constituents for their precise full and ultimate sense on this point. If Spain should make a relinquishment of the navigation of that river on the part of the United States an indispensable condition of an Alliance with them, and the State of Virginia should adhere to their former determination to insist on the right of navigation, their delegates ought to be so instructed not only for their own satisfaction, but that they may the more effectually obviate arguments drawn from a supposition that the change of circumstances which has taken place since the former instructions were given may have changed the opinion of Virginia with regard to the object of them. If on the other side any such change of opinion should have happened, and it is now the sense of the State that an Alliance with Spain ought to be purchased even at the price of such a cession if it cannot be obtained on better terms it is evidently necessary that we should be authorized to concur in it. It will also be expedient for the Legislature to instruct us in the most explicit terms whether any and what extent of territory on the East side of the Mississippi and within the limits of Virginia, is in any event to be yielded to Spain as the price of an Alliance with her. Lastly it is our earnest wish to know what steps it is the pleasure of our Constituents we should take in case we should be instructed in no event to concede the claims of Virginia either to territory or to the navigation of the abovementioned river and Congress should without their concurrence agree to such concession.
We have made use of the return of the Honble. Mr. Jones to N. Carolina to transmit this to your Excellency, and we request that you will immediately communicate it to the General Assembly.
We have the honor to be with the most perfect respect & esteem Yr. Excelly’s Most Obt. & humble servants,
James Madison Junr.
Theok: Bland


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 18 December 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

A Richmont le 18. Decemb. 1780.

   Above this line and separated from it by a horizontal line is written, “Traduction de la lettre du Gouverneur de Virginié aux délégués de cet état en congrés.”

Messieurs
J’ai pris les informations nécessaires pour connoitre les rades d’ou les vaisseaux de guerre François qu’on stationneroit cet hiver dans notre Baye pourroient proteger le plus efficacement son commerce, etre le plus en sureté et avoir la meilleure retraite. Celles d’Hampton et d’York sont les seules qui commandent l’entrée de la Chesapeak; aucun vaisseau ne peut y pénétrer sans être vu de l’une ou l’autre de ces deux places. La rade D’Hampton est plus à portée des caps d’environ une heure ou une heure et demi de navigation et par cet avantage l’emporte de beaucoup: mais d’autres considérations la rendent très infèrieure à celle d’York. Les vaisseaux ne sont pas dans la première parfaitement à l’abri des tempetes; on n’y peut recevoir aucune assistance de la terre contre une supériorité maritime, si petite qu’elle soit; un Vaisseau de ligne ne peut remonter plus haut qu’à environ huit milles de Burwell’s Ferry et une frégate qu’à Jamestown, sans s’alleger; il est vrai qu’en prenant ce dernier parti, elle pourroit s’avancer Jusque par de la Hoods, ou elle seroit en toute sureté. D’York-town au contraire, on a également vue sur la Baye quoiqu’on en soit un peu plus éloigné; le port y est parfaitement sur pendant tout l’hyver; les batteries de la place peuvent par une coopération sauver de la nécessité de faire retraite devant une petite supériorité de Force, et si la retraite étoit indispensable, l’on a quatre brasses d’eau jusqu’à portopotank, 25 miles audessus d’York et 6. au dessous de West-point ou la rivière a un mile et demi de large, mais ou le chenal n’a que 150. Verges et s’etend le long de la rive du nord. Il y a une barre à cet endroit ou ne trouve que 18. pieds d’eau quand la marée est haute. cette derniere profondeur se soutient jusqu’à Cumberland sur la pamunkey et jusqu’à King and queen Court house sur la Mattapany. À Cumberland la rivière a 100. ou 120 yards de large, à King et queen Court house elle en a 250. et ces deux places sont dans le coeur du pays. Il paroit d’après cela que des Fregates auroient une retraite sure à tous égards; mais que des vaisseaux de ligne ou tous autres tirant plus de 18. pieds d’eau ne seroient pas dans le même Cas. On peut d’ailleurs se procurer plus facilement à York town qu’à Hampton les rafraichissement necessaires et toutes ces considérations paroissent devoir lui obtenir la préférence.
J’ai l’h. d’E. & &.
Signé    Th. Jepherson.

At Richmond the 18. Decemb. 1780.
Gentlemen:
I have gathered the information necessary to become acquainted with the roadsteads from which the French warships that will be stationed this winter in our bay can most effectively protect its commerce, be safest, and have the best harbor. Only those of Hampton and York command the entrance of the Chesapeake; no vessel can enter there without being seen from one or the other of these two places. Hampton roadstead is only an hour’s or an hour and a half’s sail from the capes and this is very much of an advantage: but other considerations make it very inferior to that of York. In the first of these places ships are not completely protected from gales; nor can they receive any assistance from land against a superior naval force, however slight that superiority may be. A ship of the line can not go farther up stream than about eight miles from Burwell’s Ferry and a frigate only to Jamestown, without unloading; it is true that by doing the latter it can move up even beyond Hoods, where it would be in complete safety. On the other hand one may keep an equally good watch on the Bay from Yorktown although one’s view from there is a little more distant; the harbor there is completely safe all during winter; the batteries at that site can cooperate to make unnecessary a retreat before a slightly superior force, and if the withdrawal were to be indispensable, there are four fathoms of water as far as portopotank, 25 miles above York and 6 below West-point where the river is a mile and a half wide, but where the channel is only 150 rods [wide] and extends the length of the north bank. There is a bar at that place where the water is only 18 feet deep at high tide. This latter depth continues up to Cumberland on the pamunkey and up to King and queen Court house on the mattapany. At Cumberland the river is 100 or 120 yards wide, at King and queen Court house it is 250 and these two places are in the heart of the country. In view of this it appears that frigates would have in every respect a secure haven; but that ships of the line or all others drawing over 18 feet of water would not be in the same circumstances. Moreover, necessary supplies can be procured more readily at Yorktown than at Hampton and all these considerations ought to make it the preferred location.
I have the h[onor] of b[eing] & &
signed    Th. Jepherson


Title: Motion on Accounts of Carter Braxton, [19 December] 1780
From: Madison, James
To:

[19 December 1780]
On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Theodorick] Bland, Ordered,
That so much of the sd. letter as respects the receiving in specie, at the rate of 75 cont: drs. for 1. of specie into the Continental Treasury be referred to the Board of Treasury & that they be directed to have the transaction stated in their books & in the books of the Treasurer in such manner that the state of Virginia may not be included in it.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 19 December 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, December 19th, 1780.

Yours of the eighth instant came to hand yesterday. I was sorry to find the Assembly had not then taken up the recommendation of Congress on the subject of the western lands. Its being postponed so late will, I fear, prevent the result of their deliberations from being communicated to Maryland before the rising of their Legislature; in which case much time must be lost, unless their Delegates be authorized to accede to the Confederation, on a cession satisfactory to themselves,—a liberality of proceeding hardly to be expected from that State, after the jealousy and reserve it has shown. I am no less sorry to find so little progress made in the plan for levying soldiers. The regular force for the southern department must be principally, it seems, contributed by Virginia, the North Carolina Assembly having broken up without making any effectual provision of that sort. One would have supposed that the fatiguing service exacted of the militia in that State, would have greatly facilitated such a measure, and yet that is assigned as the obstacle to its practicability.
I wish anxiously to hear from you on the subject stated in my letter by Grayson, and in my subsequent one by the post. Circumstances which I do not choose unnecessarily to hazard by the post, have made it expedient to lay the matter before the Assembly, that their former instructions may not be invalidated by a supposed effect of a change of situation, or may be rescinded if real. This went by W. Jones, Esquire, on his return to North Carolina, who, I suppose, will not be at Richmond till nearly Christmas. I wish it could have reached the Assembly before your leaving it.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 19 December 1780
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir
Philada. Decr. 19th. 1780

You preserve your character for punctuality so well that I always have the pleasure to begin with acknowledging the receipt of a favor from you. That of the 11 instant came to hand yesterday. As the sufferings of your Militia are ascribed to the conduct of their Commanding Officer, I hope the disgust will be only local. A general disgust would be a very serious misfortune.
We are informed from good authority that an embarkation is taking place at N. York. From the number of Regiments & Corps mentioned, it probably consists of about 4000 troops. Knyphausen & Philips it is said are to have the command of them. Their course will without doubt be directed to the Southern States.
We have a probable story from the Southward, corroborated by a paper from N. York, that Tarlton has had an encounter with Sumpter, in which he lost upwards of 100 men including the wounded, & received a mortal wound himself. Sumpter is said to have been wounded but slightly and to have lost one man only. The personal wound of Tarlton is omitted in the N. Y. Paper, but his loss otherwise is represented as greater than our own account makes it.
I am Dr Sr. Yrs. sincerely
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, [20 December] 1780
From: Madison, James
To:

Dr.
[James Madison Junr. in account with the Commonwealth of Virginia]
Cr.

1780
From Sepr. 20—to Decr. 20–1780

To Balance on last settlement
9962⅓
Dollars

1780

[Dollars]

Ocr. 17
}

Nov. 1

Novr. 8

To Cash recd. of Geo. Meade & Co. for draught on the Auditors in their favor
6666⅔
Decr. 20
By Board & Lodgs. including liqrs & Co. from Sepr 20
1889

By incidental expenses not included the above
800

[Nov. 14]
To do. recd of—Graatz in part of a draught on the Auditors in their favr. (my share 10,000)
4000

By expence of two Horses at public Stables
2827⅓

Decr. 6.
To do recd from Turnbull & Co
23691

By extra do. during occasional scarcities of forage there
1370⅔

44320

By 5¼ Cord of Wood
276

By Candles—276—washing 1025—Barber 350
1641

By allowance for 91 days at 20 Drs. per day
1820

30,028

By advance to Robt Jewel for cloathg. food & medicine for 6 sick Sailors belongg. to Virga. exchanged at N. Y.
2760

By Cash pd. for box to inclose the Books of the Delegates sent to Virga. under the care of Col. Febiger
30

32818

Balance
11502

44320


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to William Livingston, 21 December 1780
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Philada. Decr. 21st. 1780

We received this morning a letter subscribed by Peter Thornton informing us that he is the son of a gentleman in Virginia, that he lately made his escape from N. York and is now detained by your Excellency till some testimony shall be given by the Delegates from Virga. in his favor. Although we are total strangers to the youth, and are very imperfectly informed of his case, yet as we have no reason to doubt his being the son of the gentleman he calls his Father, whom we know to be of respectable character & family and firmly attached to the independance of this Country, we venture to request your Excellency to permit him to proceed on his journey to Virginia[.] If on his arrival here we shall have reason to suspect the reality of his professions, we shall take the necessary steps to frustrate the views of Impostors.
We have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Yr. Excelly’s. Most Obt. & humb Servts.
James Madison Junr:Theok: Bland


Title: Board of War to Virginia Delegates in Congress and Motion of Delegates, [22 December] 1780
From: Board of War
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

[22 December 1780]

The delegates for Virginia laid before Congress a letter, of 21, from the Board of War, stating that there are three gentlemen citizens of Virginia who were taken in arms as voluntier militia men and carried to New York, that the enemy have admitted them to their paroles, that they are now here and want money to carry them home; that there is no provision made by Congress for persons in their circumstances; Whereupon,
On motion of the delegates of Virginia,
Ordered, that the Board of War advance to those three gentlemen so much money as may be absolutely necessary to enable them to proceed to Virginia, and charge the same to the said State.


Title: George Mathews and Christian Febiger to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 28 December 1780
From: Mathews, George,Febiger, Christian
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentlemen
Philadelphia December 28. 1780

Some doubts arises with us, whether, under the late Acts of Congress for arranging the Army of the United States, the Officers of the State of Virginia that have been, or now are Prisoners of War on Long Island, may be equally intituled to their Rank in that Line, (agreable to their Standing in the Army,) with those Officers who have never experienced the distresses of Captivity, or even those that are prisoners at the Southward: We therefore request that you will use your endeavours to have a Resolve passed by Congress, giving, (or rather confirming) that right; and we flatter ourselves no difficulty will be in your way on a Subject of such equal Justice, as we think ourselves Justifiable in Saying that it is the wish of the Officers of that Line; that the Prisoners have the same Rank when exchanged, which they would have been intituled to had they never been taken; and that their will be but few Officers more than will complete their Line agreable to the new arrangement.
We are, Gentlemen, with due respect Your Most Obedient and Humble Servants.
Geo. Mathews Col.
Christian Febiger
Colo 2nd Va Regt


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Samuel Nightingale, Jr., 30 December 1780
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Nightingale, Samuel, Jr.

Sr.
Philadelphia Dcr. 30th [1780]

Please to deliver to the Order of Monsr. de Touche, Commander in Chief of the Squadron of his Most Christian Majesty now at Rhode Island, the Arms, Amunition Cloathing Medcines and other Articles, imported in the Comite on account of the State of Virginia and oblige Sr.
Yr. most obedt. H. Sets
James Madison Junr.
Theok: Bland


Title: Motion on Instructions to George Washington, [1 January] 1781
From: Continental Congress
To:

[1 January 1781]

That so much of the letter from Mr. Adams as relates to the probable operations of the enemy against the southern states be transmitted to the Commander in Chief; and that he be informed that it is the desire of Congress that he should immediately make such a distribution of the forces under his command, including those of our allies under the Count de Rochambeau as will most effectually counteract the views of the enemy and support the southern states.


Title: Motion on Seniority in Army, [1 January] 1781
From: Continental Congress
To:

January 1st. 1781

Resolved, That in the new arrangement of the Army it is the sense of Congress, that the Officers of the continental lines, who have been exchanged since the said arrangement or are now in captivity ought to be considered and arranged according to their respective ranks in the same manner with those who have not been Prisoners.


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1781
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sr.
Philadelphia Jany 1st. 1781

We have been Hond. with Your Excellencys favor in answer to ours concerning the Safest and best Harbor &c. &c. which has been duely communicated, through the proper Channel, and we beg leave to inform you that we have endeavord to improve the intended design into a mode for obtaining a more Speedy and safe Conveyance of the Cargoe of the Comite to Virginia (should it take place,) than a land Carriage would be and hope it will meet with yr. approbation, as it appeard to us the most eligible method, we have venturd to adopt it without particular Instructions for so doing. Monsr. L_____ has promised to use his endeavors to have our request complied with. We have the Honor of transmiting to Yr. Excellency a Proposal from a Baron D’Arendt. He Speaks of a Commission with which he is charged but we have not as yet seen his Commission or powers, we have seen Mr. Wm. Lee’s written request to him to endeavor to negotiate the Sending of Arms, Linen, &c. with Mr. Wm. Lee’s promise to him in writing that if he Succeeded he shd. be handsomely rewarded by the State of Virginia, but if not he shd. be Entitled to receive from that State twenty five Louis D’ors for his trouble; all these things we offer to Yr. Excellency at his request, (being ourselves Ignorant of the whole transaction except as stated above) and wait your Orders thereon.
In a letter from his Excy. Genl. Washington dated New Windsor Decr. 27th. 1780 we have the following Intelligence—”Another embarkation has taken place at New York supposed to consist of two thousand five Hundred land forces, whose destination is not yet known the fleet fell down to the Hook on Wednesday last.” Our Conjecture is that they are destined to the Southward, and indeed all the Enemy’s political & military manoeuvres seem to indicate their Intention of making a Vigorous effort against the Southern States, this Winter. We are Sorry to inform yr. Excellency that we receive very little Authentic Intelligence of the Steps which are taking to counteract those vigorous operations, that we are in a great measure uninformd of the progress that has been made in raising the new army, and on what terms, of what has been, and will be, done in establishing Magazines for its Support, and above all, of the measures persuing to cancell the old money and give an effectual Support to the new, by providing for its punctual and final redemption with Specie. This is a crisis at which we conceive a most assiduous application to these great objects to be necessary, and (next to the completion of the Confoederacy which is perhaps the Basis of the whole) of the first importance to America therefore highly importing us to know, as the measures of so large a state as ours cannot but have considerable effects on the other states in the Union.
We have the honor to be with the greatest respect Yr obt. & humble Servants.
James Madison Junr.
Theok: Bland


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 January 1781
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Virga Jany 1st 1781

I have forfeited my reputation for punctuality, by omitting to pay you my Respects by last post, Which being Christmas day, I had fancied the rider would not move, but he did so, & without my letter. I am afraid you’l say it would have been no loss, If I had repeated the Mistake to-day, since I have not a Sylable of Intelligence foreign or domestic, except that we have housed a fine Crop of Corn, such as was never seen in Virginia before, & have hitherto had a charming winter. The account of Sumpter’s Success agt Tarlton, & of Colo Washington’s Compleat surprise of the Enemy, at least a party of them, are our last Accounts from the Southward, & I do not hear on what ground our Assembly fix’d the recruiting Bill which changed shapes as often as Proteaus. It is said they adjourned on Saturday last. I am glad to hear that the embarcation at New York was only taking place when you wrote your last letter, as we had supposed the reinforcement were already at the Southward—as it is, we have some more time for preparation. I fear not enough. pray what do you think of our New Appointment of something I know not what to call him, to Congress? Accept the Complts of the Season, & my wishes for your enjoyment of health & every Felicity, who am
Dr Sr Yr Affe & Obt Servt
Edmd Pendleton


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Samuel Nightingale, Jr., 2 January 1781
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Nightingale, Samuel, Jr.

Sir
Philada. Jany. 2d. 1781

We have been honored with yours of the 6th. Ulto. and in behalf of the State we represent are greatly obliged by the attention you have been pleased to pay to their interest in the Comitè and her Cargo, a continuance of which we must request. We conceived when we last wrote that a speedy and safe conveyance of the arms ammunition cloathing & other Articles might be obtained by land. To that end we obtained an order of Congress to the Board of War directing them to order the Quarter Master General or his Deputy to send them on as expeditiously as possible and also a requisition of Congress to the State of Rhode Island, to cause the residue of the arms that were adjudged to the recaptors, to be purchased and sent on. We have now hopes of as certain and a more speedy conveyance for them & therefore have to request you that (if they are not already sent forward by the first intended mode of conveyance) they may be delivered to our order, which you will probably receive soon after the receipt of this. You will oblige us by taking triplicate receipts for the Articles you may deliver, one of which to be sent to the Governor of Virginia, another to us & the third to be kept by yourself. We are in behalf of the state we represent,
Yr. Most Obt. & humble servants
James Madison Junr
Theok. Bland


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 2 January 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir
Philada. Jany 2d. 1781

Yesterday’s post was the first that has failed to bring me a line from you since our correspondence commenced. I hope it has not been owing to any cause which concerns your health.
We had it yesterday from under Genl Washington[’s] hand that another embarkation is actually departed from N. York, amoun[ting] to abt. 2500 troops. There is little d[oubt] that they will steer the same course with the preceding detachments. Congress are under great anxiety for the States agst. which this accumulating force is to be directed and the more so as the principal means of their defence is so little in their power. It is not so much the want of men as the want of subsistance arms & cloathing which results from the want of money that gives the greatest alarm. A disposition appears to do every thing practicable for their relief and defence.
Mr. Harrison writes from Cadis that the Combined fleets in that port, including 18 Ships from the W. Indies under Guichen, amounted to 68 Ships of the line. He offers no conjecture as to the manner in which they will be employed.
I am Dr Sir Yrs Sincerely
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Instruction from Virginia General Assembly to Its Delegates in Congress, [2 January] 1781
From: Virginia General Assembly
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

[2 January 1781]
Resolved, That the navigation of the river Mississippi ought to be claimed by Virginia only, as co-extensive with our territory, and that our delegates in Congress be instructed to procure for the other States in the Union, the free navigation of that river as extensively as the territorial possession of the said States reaches respectively. And that every further or other demand of the said navigation be ceded, if insisting on the same is deemed an impediment to a treaty with Spain.
Provided, That the said delegates use their endeavor to obtain, on behalf of this State, or other States, having territory on the said river, a free port or ports below the territory of such States respectively.


Title: From James Madison to Michael Gratz, 3 January 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Gratz, Michael

Jany 3d. 1781

Recd. of Mr. Michael Gratz four thousand eight hundred and thirty seven continental dollars, being part of ten thousand dollars due on a draught in his favor by the Virginia delegates on the Auditors of that State, four thousand dollars having been received before. the remaining ballance eleven hundred sixty three.
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Christian Holmer to Virginia Delegates in Congress, [ca. 3 January] 1781
From: Homer, Christian
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

[ca. 3 January 1781]

The Honourable Gentlemen Delegates from the Common Wealth of Virginia.
Your Most Humble Memorialist Shew that he in August last year, Acquainted the Honourable Congress, and Delegates from Virginia his Circumstances and Condition in Health as in Wanting every Thing Nessesary, and beg’d to be help whit a part for which he have Ventered his life Spend in your Service his Fortune, lost his Health, Cripled and unfit to Earn any thing, but by Colonel Muhlenberg a Member of Congress Received a Answer Un exspected, that the Resolve was I Should wait the[re] was no money; Pray I beg you to Consider if a Major can Seport him Self with One Shilling a day for Three Ration and Sixty Two and a half Dollar in Gold or Silver According to promiss a month if that is not enough to make any officer Run in Debt I leve to your own Genereose Consideration; for to Seport me Self I must Sell one thing after a other to I am most Ruind and Nou But Waiting 6 or 7 Months before one Shilling a day Can be paid, is that Just, Right, or Generouse, I will leve it to God and the world. Shall I as I exspect go to Goal for my own Money and Suffer Missery in my Weekniss of Body, the Almighty God I hope will Soon Relieve me, but my Complain Shall Appear for his Throne Against Unjustice done me on Earth. Pardon my free writing Gentlemen for Dead is a Nothing to Compare Against that Miserable life I must leve in, all for my True and Faithfull Service pass Five years. One Hundred Pound hard money or the Exchance is all what I at present time Want[,] pass Sixty Thousand dollars is due me, if Such Sum of 100 Pound may be Granted as a avance or part of my due, that I may Cleare my Self as a Honest man for the world I shall be Extremly Glad and Thankfull. if not I beg a Answer to or from, that I may give me Self up to my Creditors, and Acquaint the world of my Suffering.
I Remain with the Greatest Regard Honourable Gentlemen
Your Most obedient and most Humb. Serv.
Christian Holmer.
Majr. in the Virginia Artillary Continental Armee.


Title: John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 4 January 1781
From: Mathews, John
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir,
Philadelphia Jany 4th: 1781
The inclosed extracts from Genl. Washingtons letter of the 13th & 27th. Ulto. and from Mr. Houston’s of the 30 Ulto. & newspapers will give you all the information from this quarter, worth communicating, except that the fleet from New York, is sailed; what it’s destination is, we are at present uninformed. ’tis said Portsmouth in Virginia.
There are now 1500 coats, some vests, & overalls, making up for the southern army, & blankets are also procured for them: all of which will be forwarded without loss of time. And we hope with more care than has hitherto been done so as they may arrive safe.
The resolve of Congress of the 1st. inst. is only the foundation of what is to be done for your department. the result, we will as early as possible inform you of.
We are sir with much Esteem & Regard Yr. most Obedt. servts. By Order of the Committee
Jno. Mathews Chairman

P.S. We will thank you for a copy of our last letter, having forgot to keep one


Title: Committee Report on Relief to Prisoners, [8 January] 1781
From: Madison, James
To:

[8 January 1781]
The Committee to whom was referred the Report of a Committee on Letters from Genl Washington &c. report the following Resolutions.
Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the States from N. Hamshire to N. Carolina inclusive to procure & forward to the Treasurer of the U. States or to their Commissy of Prisoners appointed to reside in N York by the first day of March next for the use of the officers in captivity at that place and on Long Island & to be charged to the United States the following sums respectively in specie or bills of exchange on N. York viz N. Hamshire 2,319. Massachussetts 13,334. Rhode Island 1,160 Connecticut 9,855 New York 4,347. New Jersey 5,217. Pennsylvania 13,334. Delaware 987. Maryland 9,159. Virginia 14,492 No Carolina 5,796.
Resolved that it be permitted to such of the said States as can not provide their respective proportions within the limited time, in specie or bills as aforesaid, to export to N York Lumber boards scantling Iron Hemp Tar or pitch to be consigned to the American Commissary of Prisoners sending them, in sufficient quantity to procure the same.
That to prevent a repetition of the distresses to which the want of Specie has exposed the Officers of the United States in Captivity, it be further recommended to the States above named to procure & transmit to the Treasurer of the United States half yearly during the war reckoning from the first day of March next, the sum of  Dollars in specie in the proportions above assigned. The same to be credited to the sd States respectively.


Title: John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 9 January 1781
From: Mathews, John
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir,
Philadelphia Jany. 9th: 1780.[1781]
We are desired by Congress to transmit you the inclosed resolutions.
Nothing new has transpired since we last wrote, informing you of the departure of the British fleet from New York, except that in less than forty eight hours after their sailing, there was a most violent storm, which we have the best reason to imagine they had to encounter. This circumstance we flatter ourselves, will be attended with many advantages, as it will necess[a]rily cause delay on their part, & give the longer time for your reinforcements coming in. And further, that our Express, will reach you before they can, & although the notice of their approach may be short, yet it will be of consequence.

We are Sir with much Esteem & Regard Yr. most Obedt. servts. In behalf of the Committee
Jno. Mathews Chairman


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1781
From: Madison, James,Virginia Delegates
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sir
Philada. Jany 9th. 1781
The inclosed extract of a letter from General Washington No. 1 will give your Excellency a more particular account of the late embarkation from N. York than has been before obtained.
On thursday last Congress were informed by General Potter & Col. Johnston who came expresses for the purpose that a general mutiny of the Pennsylvania line stationed near Morris Town apart from the rest of the Army had broken out on the morning of New Year’s day. Every effort was used by the Officers to stifle it on its first appearance but without effect. Several of them fell victims to the fury of the Mutineers. The next information came from Genl Wayne who wrote from Princeton whither the troops had marched in regular order on their way to Philada. as they gave out, with a determination not to lay down their arms nor return to their obedience till their grievances should be redressed. They did not suffer any of their Officers to remain with them except Genl Wayne and Coins: Steuart & Butler and these they kept under a close guard, but in every other respect treated with the utmost decorum. The greivences complained of were principally a detention of many in service beyond the term of enlistment & the sufferings of all from a deficient supply of Cloathing & subsistance & long arrearage of pay. Several propositions & replies on the subject of redress passed between a deputation of Sergeants on the part of the Troops & General Wayne, but without any certain tendency to a favorable issue. The Affair at length took a very serious aspect and as a great proportion of that line are foreigners and not a few deserters from the British Army, and as they shewed a disposition to continue at Princeton from whence a refuge with the Enemy who it was said were coming out in force to avail themselves of the situation of things, was very practicable, it was thought necessary to depute a Committee of Congress with powers to empl[o]y every expedient for putting a speedy end to it. The President of the State with a number of Gentlemen from this place also went up to interpose their influence. The inclosed copy of a Letter from the Committee No. 2 with the paper No. 3 referred to in it are the last accounts received of the matter. The manner in which the offers of [the] emissary of Clinton were received & treated is a very auspicious circumstance & will probably in its impression on the enemy fully balance the joy & encouragement which this event tended to give them.
Col. Bland being one of the Committee does not join me in this
I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem Yr. Excelly’s obt. & hum. serv
James Madison Jnr.

His Excelly. The Govr. of Virginia


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 January 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dr Sr.
Philada. Jany 9th: 1781
I have again the pleasure to begin with acknowledg the receipt of a favor from you, that of the 1st. inst: having come to hand yesterday.
On Thursday last Congress were informed by Genl. Potter & Col. Johnston who came Expresses for the purposes that a general mutiny had broken out on the morning of New Year’s day in the Pennsylvania line which was cantoned near Morris Town apart from the rest of the Army. Every effort was used by the Officers to stifle it in its infancy but without effect. Several of them fell victims to the fury of the Mutineers. The next information came from Gen Wayne who wrote from Princeton whither the troops had marched in regular order on their way to Philada. as they gave out with a determination not to lay down their arms nor return to their obedience till a redress of grievances should be obtained. They suffered none of their officers to be among them except Genl Wayne & Cols. Steuart & Butler and these they kept under close guard, but in every other respect treated with the utmost decorum. The grievances complained of were principally a detention of many in service beyond the Term of Enlistment & the sufferings of all from a deficient supply of cloathing and subsistence and the long arrearage of pay. Several propositions & replies on the subject of redress passed between a deputation of Sergeants in behalf of the Troops & Genl Wayne but without any certain tendency to a favorable issue. The affair at length began to take a very serious countenance and as a great proportion of that line are foreigners & not a few deserters from the British Army and as they shewed a disposition to continue at Princeton from whence a refuge with the Enemy who it was said were coming out in force for the purpose, was at any moment practicable it was thought necessary, notwithstanding the humiliation of the step to depute a Committee of Congress with powers to employ every expedient for putting a speedy end to the discontents. The President of the State with a number of Gentlemen from this place also went up to interpose their influence. By a letter from the Committee who had proceeded as far as Trenton recd. the evening before last, it appears that the President who was ahead & had written in to Genl. Wayne was likely to have a confidential reception. The Committee also[?] write that an Emissary of Clinton who had appeared among the Soldiers with a paper setting forth the folly & danger of adhering to a cause which had already brought so much misery upon them, promising a protection under the British Govt. a body of troops to cover their escape, & payment of all arrears due from Congress, was siezed & given up to Genl. Way[n]e Who handed him with his guide over to the President of this State, who placed them under the custody of his light-horse. This circumstance not only presages a fortunate issue to the Mutiny, but is such a proof of attachment to the Country in the most trying situation as must effectually repress the joy & encouragement which the Enemy had taken from this threatening event. The late detachmt from N. York which a letter from Fredg. says is in Chesapeak is abt. 1600 strong & commanded by Arnold.
I am Yrs Sincerely
J. Madison Junr.


Title: From James Madison to Nathanael Greene, 13 January 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Greene, Nathanael

Jan. 13, 1781
I enclose you an extract of a letter from General Washington of the 2d instant, giving a more precise account of the embarkation from New York on the 20th ulto. than has been before obtained. On the night of the 1st instant a mutinous spirit which had been for some time working in the Pennsylvania Line of the Army broke out with such violence that the utmost efforts of the Officers were insufficient to suppress it. Two of them unhappily fell victims to the fury of the Mutineers, after completely shaking of[f] all military authority they proceeded in an entire body and in regular order to Princeton with an intention as they gave out to come on to this city and with a determination neither to lay down their arms nor return to their obedience until their grievances should be redressed. These consisted principally in the detention of many in service beyond the term of enlistment, and the sufferings of all from deficient supplies of cloathing and provisions, and the long arrearage of pay, contrary to their first plan they declined coming to this place and established their encampment at Princeton, where they entered into negotiations with Genl. Wayne, Lt. Cols. Stuart & Butler (the only officers they suffered to remain among them and whom they kept under close confinement, although in every other respect they treated them with the utmost decorum) on the subject of redress. The nature of some of their demands and the manner of their proceeding gave at length a very serious countenance to the affairs, and as the proximity of Princeton to a place of junction with the Enemy was surmised to be the probable motive of their stopping at that place, as it was confidently alleged that the Enemy were coming out in force to avail themselves of the event, and as many of the troops were foreigners & not a few deserters from the British Army it was thought best to appoint a Committee with full powers to take the necessary steps for quieting the disturbance as speedily as possible. In consequence of the appointment the Committee judged it advisable to proceed immediately to meet the Troops. The President of the State with several other Gentlemen from this place had set out for the same purpose a little time before the[m?] The information since received both from the forces & the latter is, that the President had met with a confidential reception from the troops, that they had given up to him & Genl. Wayne, an emissary and guide from Clinton with a flattering invitation to them to take sanctuary from their miseries & the resentment of those who had usurped the public authority, under the British Government, that they had been prevailed on to come forward as far as Trenton where an accommodation of principles of equity was pretty far advanced & in a sure train of being soon completed, & that the emissary & guide were under sentence of death, and would be executed yesterday morning.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 January 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir
Philada. Jany. 16th: 1781
I was very glad at not being disappointed in my expectations of a favor from you by yesterday’s post. Several reports in quick succession of the arrival & progress of the predatory band under Arnold had rendered us exceedingly anxious to hear the truth & particulars of the matter. Some letters by the post tell us that the Governor with Baron Steuben was wholly engaged in removing & securing the arms & ammunition. If so he was better employed than in writing to Congress on the subject, which from his usual punctuality was expected. The enterprise against Richmond at this season was certainly an audacious one and strongly marks the character which directed it. Having been long sensible that the security of the country as high up as tide water reaches has been owing more to the ignorance & caution of the enemy than to its own strength or inaccessibleness, I was much less astonished at the news than many others. To those who are strangers to the sparse manner in which that country is settled & the easy penetration afforded by its long navigable rivers, the rapid and unopposed advances of the Enemy appear unaccountable & our national character suffers imputations which are by no means due to it.
Congress have yet received no official report of the result of the conciliatory measures taken with the revolted Soldiers at Trenton. From oral & circumstantial evidence There is no doubt that they have been successful. A discharge of a part from the service & a supply of cloathing & money to the rest is the price of their submission. This much considered in itself was required by justice & is consequently consistent with dignity. But considered with respect to the circumstances attending the negotiation, there is but too much ground to suspect that it will be attributed to our fears, & is therefore not a little mortifying. Happily the example, as we understand by a letter from Genl Washington recd. yesterday had not infected the other parts of the Army. As the same causes however which engendered this malignant humour in the Pennsylvania line are known to exist in the other lines, we cannot be sure that the same effects will not yet take place in the latter unless they be speedily removed. As one step towards it Congress are endeavoring to profit of the alarm which this event must have excited in the States by calling upon them for the means of immediately furnishing some pay to the troops of their respective lines.
You ask me what I think of the Delegate Extraordinary to Congress? I wish you had told me what you think of such an appointment. It is pretty certain I believe that people in general will not consider it as a proof of confidence in the ordinary Delegation. As Mr. Jones who I believe possesses the confidence of his Country & I am sure will have as much weight in Congress as any man that will be sent on such an occasion, will come about the same time, & having attended the Legislature will be as well informed in every point of view I can not deny that the appointment appears to me to be at least a supernumerary one. I wish the good effects of it may shew that I am mistaken.
The trade of this City has just suffered a very severe blow. No less than seven fine vessels have been taken out of an Outward bound fleet & carried into N. York.
I am Dr Sir Yrs. very sincerely
James Madison Junr.

The Emissary from Clinton with his guide were executed on Saturday morning last.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 17 January 1781
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
17th. Janry 1781
I was in doubt whether to write you by this post or not as I intend seting out in a day or two for Philadelphia and should probably have the pleasure of taking you by the hand before my Letter wod. arrive but as we have yet in this quarter recd. no certain account of the departure of the Enemy and it is reported they intend paying us a visit up Potomack I may possibly delay my Journey a few days to see the event of this affair.
We hear they have done great injury to the Houses of Col. Harrison of Berkely and carryed away all his valuable Negros. If they attempt to visit Fredericksburg I believe they will have reason to repent the Enterprise as there now is there and in the Neighbourhood a considerable Force and a further reinforcemt. expected to Day. I have I confess no expectatio[n] they will come up Potomack River. their Force is inadequate to any attack where the Country has been previously alarmed which is here and I believe in most other parts the case. If they do us any injury it must be by plundering private persons of their property along the Shores and receiving the Negros who may run away and join them. It is not improbable this days Post may bring us information of their departure. I hav[e] a Letter from Col. Anthony Thornton f[or] you with I presume the Cash inclosed you advanced his Son. The Assembly have come to a set [of] Resolutions relinquishing to the United States the Lands beyond the Ohio upon certain conditions. They have also changed the allowance to the Delegates to 46/ specie P day.
I am Dr. Sr. Yr. aff Friend & Sevt.
Jos: Jones
Be pleased to renew a Ticket in the Lottery for Mrs. H. Battaile No. 12153 a price of 40 doll and for J. J. the number inclosed.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 18 January 1781
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentlemen,
Richmond Jan. 18. 1781.
I inclose you a resolution of Assembly directing your Conduct as to the navigation of the missisippi.

The loss of powder lately sustained by us (about 5 tons) together with the quantities sent on to the Southward have reduced our stock very low indeed. We lent to Congress in the course of the last year (previous to our issues for the Southern army) about ten tons of powder. I shall be obliged to you to procure an order from the board of war for any quantity from five to ten ton to be sent us immediately from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and to enquire into & hasten from time to time the execution of it. The Stock of Cartridge paper is nearly exhausted. I do not know whether Captn. Irish or what other Officer should apply for this. It is essential that a good stock should be forwarded & with out a moments delay. If there be a rock on which we are to split, it is the want of Muskets, bayonets & cartouch boxes. The occurrences since my last to the President are not of any magnitude. three little rencounters have happened with the enemy. in the first General Smallwood led on a party of two or three hundred Militia and obliged some armed vessels of the enemy to retire from a prize they had taken at Broadway’s, and renewing his attack the next day with a 4 lbr. or two (for in the first day he had only muskets) he obliged some of their Vessels to fall down from City point to their main fleet at Westover. The enemy’s loss is not known. ours was 4 men wounded. One of the evenings during their encampment at Westover & Berkeley their Light horse surprized a party of about 100 or 150 Militia at Charles City Courthouse killed & wounded 4. & took as has been generally said about 7 or 8. On Baron Steuben’s approach toward Hood’s they embarked at Westover; the wind whi[ch] till then had set directly up the river from the time of their leaving James Town, shifted in the moment to the opposite point. Baron Steuben had not reached Hood’s, by 8 or ten miles when they arrived there. They landed their whole army there in the night Arnold attending in person. Colo Clarke (of Kaskaskias) had been sent on with 240 men by Baron Steuben, & having properly disposed of them in ambuscade gave them a deliberate fire which killed 17 on the spot & wounded 13. they returned it in confusion by which we had 3 or 4 wounded. & our party being so small & without bayonets, were obliged to retire on the enemy’s charging with bayonets. They fell down to Cobham, from whence they carried all the tobacco there (about 60 hhds.[)] and the last intelligence was that on the 16th they were standing for Newports news. Baron Steuben is of opinion they are proceeding to fix a post in some of the lower Counties. Later information has given us reason to believe their force more considerable than we at first supposed. I think since the arrival of the three transports which had been separated in a Storm, they may be considered as about 2000 strong[.] their naval force according to the best intelligence is the Charon of 44 guns, Commodore Symmonds; the Amphitrite, Iris, Thames, & Charles town Frigates, the Fowey of 20 guns, 2 Sloops of war, a privateer Ship & 2 brigs. We have about 3700 militia embodied, but at present they are divided into three distant encampments: one under General Weedon at Fredericksburg for the protection of the important works there; another under General Nelson at & near Wmsburg; & a third under Baron Steuben at Cabbin Point. as soon as the enemy fix themselves these will be brought to a point.
I have the honor to be with very great respect Gentlemen Your most obedt. servt
Th: Jefferson


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1781
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sr.
Philadelphia Jany 23d. 1781
It is with much concern that we have learnt from Your Excellencys and the Baron de Steubens letters to Congress, the Misfortunes our Country has sufferd from the Invasion under the command of the detestable Arnold, and that he has ventured with impunity even to our Capitol. we have some reason to Imagine that the same plan of operations which induced Clinton to send him there will occasion him to remain in our Bay and continue that alarm to our state and Maryland which he has so successfully begun in order to Harrass our Militia encrease our expences, waste our resources destroy our Magazines and Stores when he finds it practicable, and by thus distracting us prevent our sending the necessary Succours to the Southern Army. This Sr. is a game we are open to at every period of our short enlistments, and in a great measure exposed to for want of a Militia organized to take the field, a few Gun boats or Galleys, and some good fortifications in the most advantageous Situations on our Rivers for defence, but this late event has renderd this so obvious, that we are fully persuaded our Country will now see the necessity of adopting arrangements very different from what have been of late trusted to. We have been anxiously expecting to hear that some steps were taken at Rhode Island in Consequence of our application to the Minister—but it is more probable you will hear before we do[.] shd. that event take place, which we have spared no pains to have accomplished; and of this we have little doubt shd. it be found practicable;—Nothing new has happend here since we last wrote.
The Judge of the Admiralty of this State has given us notice that there are three Negroes Tom Hester & Celia confined in Goal here in consequence of a condemnation of the Vessel in which they were taken. They say they are the property of a certain Money Godwin of Norfolk in Virginia, that their Master went off with the British fleet under Leslie and gave them permission to do the same, on which they went on board the Vessel in which they were taken. If on enquiry your Excellency shall find these facts to be truly stated, we shall with pleasure execute your instructions for securing the slaves for those to whom [they] shall be adjudged.
We have the honor to be with the utmost respect Yr Excelly’s Most Obt. & humble servants
James Madison Junr.
Theok. Bland


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 23 January 1781
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear SirPhilada. Jany 23d. 1781
I have nothing new this week for you but two reports: the first is that very great discontents prevail in N. York among the German Troops for causes pretty similar to those which produced the eruption in the Pennsylvania line. It is further said on this head that a party of 200 have deserted from Long Island & gone to Rhode Island. The other report is that the British Minister either has or proposes to carry a bill into Parliamt. authorising the Commanding officer in America to permit & promote a trade with us in British Goods of every kind except Linens & Woolens. This change of system is said to be the advice of some notable refugees with a view to revive an intercourse as far as possible between the two Countries, & particularly to check the habit that is taking place in the consumption of French Manufactures. Whatever their public views may be it is certain that such a plan would open fine prospects to them in a private view.
We have recd. no fresh or certain information of the designs of F. and Spain in assembling so great a force at Cadiz. There does not appear to be any object in that Quarter except Gibralter. Should the attempts be renewed agst. that place, it will prove that the former has not that absolute sway in the Cabinet of the latter which has been generally imagined. Nothing would have prevailed on the French to recall their fleet from the Islands at the time they did but the necessity of humouring Spain on the subject of her hobby horse.
I am glad to hear that Arnold has been at last fired at. It sounded a little unfavorably for us in the ears of people here that he was likely to get off without that proof of a hostile reception. If he ventures an irruption in any other quarter I hope he will be made sensible that his impunity on James River was owing to the suddeness of his appearance & not to the want of spirit in the people.
I am Dr. Sir Yrs sincerely
J. Madison Junr.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 26 January 1781
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Virginia Delegates in Congress

Gentlemen
Richmond January 26th 1781.
I shall now beg leave to answer your Letter of the first inst. which inclosed a Paper from Baron de Arendt. Mr. William Lee was some Time ago invested with a special Agency from this State, having received however no instructions from him of his having engaged any other Person to transact any Part of it, we are uninformed as to his Stipulations with the Baron de Arendt. If he has left the particular one for twenty five Louis unfulfilled we think ourselves bound to discharge which we will do in such Sum of paper money as may purchase that quantity of hard money in Philadelphia for there being no hard money here there is no fixed exchange. If you will therefore settle this Sum with him we will make the Remittance either in money or by answering a Bill or otherwise as shall be most practicable. After a variety of Trials to effect the cloathing of our Troops and procuring of military Stores and failing in them all a particular Institution has been adopted here for those Purposes. into this Channel all our means must be turned to enable it to be effectual. Our Situation is too well known to suppose we have any Thing to spare. It is therefore not in our Power to enter into the Commerce with Prussia proposed by the Baron de Arendt however desirous we are of opening a Communication with that respectable State and willing under every other Circumstance to effect it by great Sacrifices were Sacrifices necessary. Should the Subject of Prussia chuse to adventure on Private Trade with our Citizens every Facility and encouragement in our Power will be certainly afforded. As the Speaker Harrison sets out within three or four Days for Philadelphia and can so much more fully explain to you by words the Steps taken for supporting our Opposition to the common enemy. I shall decline answering that Paragraph of your Letter and beg leave to refer you to him.
(Signed)    Th Jefferson
P S   We have no Letters of Marque left[.] be so good as to send us some by the first Opportunity.


Title: Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, 30 January 1781
From: Virginia Delegates in Congress
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Philada. Jany. 30th. 1781
Sir
We were honored yesterday with your Excellency’s favor of the 15th. inst: inclosing Mr. Anderson’s explanation of his letter to Capt. Trott, and that of the 18th. enclosing instructions as to the Mississippi & requesting sundry military supplies, in promoting which no exertions shall be omitted on our part. Your Excellency’s letter to Congress on the subject of the Convention Prisoners & the unequal apportionment of the general resources with respect to the two great Departments was also received yesterday and referred to a Committee. The Resolutions of the General Assembly ceding the Territory N. West of the Ohio to the United States was laid before Congress at the same time. Although nothing has been yet done declaratory of their sense of them and although they are not precisely conformable to the recommendations of Congress on the subject, we flatter ourselves that the liberal spirit which dictated them will be approved & that the public will not be disappointed of the advantages expected from the measure. We have pretty good though unauthenticated information that Maryland has already acceded to the federal Union.
Since the extinguishment of the Mutiny in the Pennsylvania line, some commotions founded on similar complaints have taken place in that of New Jersey. But we have the pleasure to inform you that the prudent & seasonable remedies applie[d] have re-established order & discipline among the troops.
We have the honor to be with the most perfect esteem & regard Yr Excelly’s. Most Obt. servts.
Jos. Jones.
James Madison Junr.
Theok. Bland