Beschreibung:

MADISON, James (1751-1836), President and LEE, Arthur (1740-1792). Letter signed ("A. Lee & J. Madison Jr.") to [Benjamin Harrison] Governor of Virginia, Philadelphia, 6 August 1782. 3 pages, 4to, postscript and second Lee signature at bottom of page 3, neatly inlaid, small acid holes, endorsed on verso "to be laid before Ass." "A NEGOTIATION FOR A GENERAL PEACE HAS COMMUNED," WHILE THE BRITISH EVACUATE SOUTHERN CITIES A fine, boldly penned letter from two Virginia delegates to the Continental Congress, reporting Vermont statehood, British evacuations and the forthcoming peace: "The committee to whom your Excellency's letter, touching the garrisons of York & Glouster was referrd... informed Congress, that they waited for some arrangements, which the Secretary at war was making...These we understand to be the dissmission of those garrisons, as soon as the french Stores are removd; which they state as the reason for Count Rochambau's having desird to have them establishd." They continue: "Tho no official accounts have been receivd of the evacuation of Savannah, yet it is not doubted; and it is expected that of Charlestown will soon follow. Advices from Europe make it probable, that a negotiation for a general Peace has Communed; but on what terms, or with what probability of succeeding we are yet to learn." They conclude with the "expected instructions from the general Assembly, on the Fishery, the admission of Vermont into the union , the western cession & the navigation of the Mississippi. But we have not receivd any." Two postscripts follow, one in the hand of Madison, and one in the hand of and signed by Lee.