Nelson, Thomas (1738-1789) to Benjamin Harrison
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04827 Author/Creator: Nelson, Thomas (1738-1789) Place Written: Fluvanna County, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 June 1781 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 33.7 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy
Accepts the appointment as governor of Virginia. States that first he must settle some matters relating to the army with Major General Marquis de La Fayette. Reports that they are in pursuit of the British army which is moving down the James River. Written from camp near Watson's Tavern, Fluvanna County, Virginia. Addressed to Harrison as speaker of the House of Delegates.
Nelson was a delegate to the Continental Congress from Virginia 1775-1777 and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Harrison was also a signer and a delegate to the Congress from Virginia 1774-1777.
Dear Sir Campnear Watsons Tavern [strikeout] [inserted: Fluvanna] County
June 15th 1781
Major Lee deliver'd me your Letter of the 13th Instant yesterday Evening, inclosing the Resolution of the Assembly appointing me to the important office of Governor of the Commonwealth. I beg leave, thru you, to assure the House of Delegates that I am truly Sensable of the very signal House confer'd on me by this appointment. Notwithstanding the present circumstances of the Country may render the execution of the Office extremely difficult, I shall obey the order of the Assembly and repair to [Slanton] after setting some matters relative to the Army with the Honble Major General Marquis La Fayette: The British Army was yesterday below Goochland Court House moving down James River, and I am happy to tell you that we are in pursuit of it.
I have the honor to be Dear Sir
Your Obedient
Thos Nelson Jr
[address leaf ]
The Honble Benjamin Harrison
Speaker of the House of Delegates
Favord by
Capt. Callis
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