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LETTER XXXIX. TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Richmond, January 17, 1781: SIR,

I do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, a re solution of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, entered into in consequence of the resolution of Congress of September the 6th, 1780, on the subject of the Confederation. I shall be render ed very happy if the other States of the Union, equally impressed with the necessity of that important convention, shall be willing to sacrifice equally to its completion. This single event, could it take place shortly, would overweigh every success which the ene my have hitherto obtained, and render desperate the hopes to which those successes have given birth.

I have the honor to be, with the most real esteem and respect, your Excellency s most obedient,

and most humble servant,

TH: JEFFERSON.

LETTER XL. TO THE VIRGINIA DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.

Richmond, January 18, 1781. GENTLEMEN,

I enclose you a Resolution of Assembly, directing your conduct as to the navigation of the Mississippi.

The loss of powder lately sustained by us (about five tons,) to gether 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 tons, to be sent us immediately from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and to enquire into and hasten, from time to time, the execution of it. The stock of cartridge paper is nearly exhausted. I do not know whether Captain Irish, or what other officer, should apply for this. It is essential that a good stock should be forwarded, and without a moment s delay. If there be a rock on which we are to split, it is the want of muskets, bayonets and cartouch boxes.

The occurrences since my last to the President, are not of any magnitude. Three little rencounters have happened with the