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Richmond, September 6, 1775.
DEAR SIR: I have it in command to transmit to you the thanks of the Convention of Virginia, for the faithful discharge of the important trust reposed in you as one of their Delegates to the Continental Congress. Your appointment
The Convention appointed Patrick Henry Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Observation to be raised, which is to consist of one thousand men, to be divided into two Regiments. Mr˙ William Woodford commands the second. The Lieutenant-Colonels are Christian and Scott. Besides these, the Colony being divided into sixteen Districts, each District is to raise five hundred men, who are to be trained, paid, and disciplined, and are to be paid during the time of training and while in actual, service. Patrick Henry is excluded from the Congress, the Convention having resolved that no officer in command in the military shall be a member of the Congress, Convention, or Committee of Safety. Mr˙ Pendleton and Mr˙ Bland both resigned, and in their room Colonel Nelson, Mr˙ George Wythe, and Colonel Frank Lee, are appointed Delegates to the Congress.
I am much obliged to you for your letters. That relating to the action of the men of war and transports did not come to hand till the account had been in Virginia some time.
I shall be much obliged to you to remember me to Edward, from whom I expect to hear by the next post.
I am your most obedient servant,
PEYTON RANDOLPH.
Peyton Randolph to General Washington
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to an office of so much consequence to America, and incompatible with your attendance on this duty, was the only reason that could have induced them not to call you to the Convention. Your brother Delegates were unanimous in their acknowledgments; and you will believe it gives me the greatest satisfaction to convey to you the sentiments of your countrymen, and at the same time to give you every testimony of my approbation and esteem.