University of Virginia Library

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Upon the resignation of Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, by election
of the General Assembly, succeeded him as Governor of Virginia,
June 1st, 1779. During his administration, in January, 1781, the
traitor Arnold invaded Virginia, leaving ravage in his wake. At
Richmond, the public stores fell a prey; private property was plundered,
and several houses were burned. Many of the public archives were also
destroyed. Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe, of his command, commanding
the Queen's Rangers, proceeded to Westham, six miles above Richmond,
and destroyed the foundry, magazine, arms, and military supplies there.
Arnold now retired to Portsmouth, where he rested until April, when
General William Phillips, succeeding to the command, paid another
visit of desolation to Manchester. In May came Lord Cornwallis with
his victorious army from the South, driving every thing before him.
The 7th of May was the day appointed by law for the meeting of the
Assembly at Richmond. A quorum not being in attendance, the house
adjourned from day to day until the 10th, when, upon the approach of
the enemy, they adjourned to the 24th, to meet at Charlottesville. The
house did not proceed to business until the 28th. Eight days after,
they again fled before the rapid approach of the rapacious Tarleton.
All the machinery of government for a time was in confusion, the
Governor, Assembly, and the Council, save a single member, Colonel
William Fleming, as it appears, being in flight before the enemy. Governor
Jefferson resigned June 1st, and was succeeded by General
Thomas Nelson, Jr., on the 12th of the month. An extended sketch

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THOMAS LORD CULPEPER,

Governor of Virginia,

From a portrait in oil in the possession of the Virginia
Historical Society.

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