Scope and Contents Congress today informed by letter to Genl Washington by Sr. Guy Carleton & Admiral Robert Digby in [?] of Commissioners for making peace that Lord George Grenville has been sent to Paris with powers to negotiate a peace with all countries at war. Great Britain advises minister to empower Grenville to offer America her independence as a preliminary condition of peace. This intelligence and mode of communication. Was addressed to Washington and not to Congress. Offer made in same manner...

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Regrets Tucker could not pay his order for his Tavern bill to Mr. Galt in Richmond. Complains of lack of money and food. Enclosed is copy of account: glass, horse, muslin, etc. Mentions Mrs. Bowdoin, Maria Rind. Enclosed copy of account of John Randolph, who was always very exact. Asks Tucker to compare accounts. Directions for sending letters to self.

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Witnessed by John Cox and Alex Campbell

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You will receive by Mr. Rose twenty barrels of corn. One of my three sons is very ill.

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Our concern with Page remains unsettled. He has now departed for Baltimore after having sold his horse and everything he possessed. Page says the two chests of tea were exchanged for rum which was afterwards paid for in tobacco and all of this came to Norton and Beall’s hands. I am just about to get off for Philadelphia. I am uncertain whether I will continue there or return.

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Received his postscript with letter enclosed. Regrets father's (Theodorick Bland, Sr.) ill health. Advised to sell only what tobacco is necessary. Thinks it preferable to let self get 25 shillings in Virginia currency than 22/6 shilling. Believes residue will quadruply pay for keeping.

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We th;ank you for the order on John Bolling's warehouse for four hhds. of tobacco.

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Mr. Bee, bearer of this letter, will travel slowly. Thompson (enslaved person) Tucker sold came to this city with French army who quit them. He is sending him to Virginia to be delivered to William Starke, Jr. from whom he ran away. As guardian to Randolph boys, and in interest of their estate, self believes Tucker should take bond from Starke for Thompson's safe return.

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Since receiving your order on Messrs. Goode and Watts, I have made application to them but without succeeding in the tobacco. Nothing, but neccessity urges me to press like this.

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I have written you several times since this island was taken by the French. My Father's property has been in danger of being confiscated Hinson for Bermuda.

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Congratulations on birth of second son . Accounts of Adams as minister from U. S. He secured loan of 4,000,000 from Dutch mercants. French frigates arrived in Delaware with supplies for French army. Asks them to come to Chatsworth.

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Sends boys back in good health. Theodorick Randolph far exceeds both his brothers. Regrets Tucker sent for them before examination he has arranged as an exhibition on Wednesday. Congratulates him on birth of son. Boys have promised to study during vacation of five weeks so they will not get rusty.

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Sometime in 1780 a Capt. Darrell gave me an order on you for two thousand and 500 weight tobacco. Immediately after the reduction of the York garrison. I saw you and you promised to pay it. I have been much in want of the tobacco. Please pay to Mr. Young.

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The work tht is done in my shop now is not all together on my account. Please send me an order on any store for about £30. Your chariot will be ready by the return of the bearer.

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Richard Burke is indebted to me 50£ on a note payable September 1. Please present the enclosed and if you receive the money retain it. I have been in Gloucester for some weeks. I have had a dangerous fever, succeeded by cholic and the jaundice. Have you heard about the death of Page's second son. Enclosed letter to Michael Burke concerning a 50£ note, same date.

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Received letter with note from father Theodorick Bland, Sr.) to St. G. Tucker enclosed. Father's health and situation better than self expected. Self had to leave Congress for upper and healthier parts of state. Recommends to his notice Mr. Pollock of New Orleans who carries this letter. Hope to send him a coy of McFingall, a poem by John Trumbull of Connecticut, after the manner of Hudibras. Self thinks it surpasses the original. Congratualtions of birth of another son.

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Tommy (Thomas Tudor Tucker) wrote he left you well. I should like to see your children. We have heard from you Papa and Natty and the children are well. Your sister Fanny now has three sons and three daughters. Your brother's wife has six sons and one daughter.

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Enclosed copy of McFingall by John Trumbull. Royal George gone to bottom with Admiral Richard Kempen felt and part of crew. British worsted in naval action in East Indies. Peace negotiations continue. Gibralter closely besieged. (Enclosure not present).

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I am sending you four sides of good leather.

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I will finish you with a list of my law books and the sterling price. If we can't agree, it may be settled by Mr. Baker. I have had noney of Mr. Randolph's estate in my hands for sometime. Please have Mrs. Tucker send me a list of the bonds Mr. Randolph delivered me and I shall send her a statement.

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I have had a succession of ill health for three months. General Leslie made a formal declaration of to General Greene. British will leave in three months and then I hope to visit Matoax.

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I am not in want of the tobacco now, please discharge the order. Capt. Mallory Todd lives in Smithfield. He has the character of being fond of settling his accounts. I dare say he will pay any balance that he may owe.

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Our camp is still on Ashley Hill, on the south side of the river. The enemy is still in possession of Charles Town, but are making preparations to abandon. Your criticism on Barry's poem I dare say is just. He is one of those kind characters who acts contrary in every instance to make the world believe by attempting great things. He is a great man.

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Received his favor by Mr. Yates with amount in closed. Will endeavour to obtain payment in Williamsburg. Regrets Bland's inability to walk. Has lost two friends: Mr. Fanning and Uncle John Tazewell. Bland will learn political news when his son Theodorick Bland Jr). returns from Congress. Self expects to be in Brunswick about Christmas. Will try to visit them at Amelia.

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Harrison the Lord Archbishop of America joined Lord Cornwallis as his Chaplain. He preached a Thanksgiving sermon at Blandford Church on the day appointed by Congress as a day of general Thanksgiving to God ofr his merices afforded them against their enemies.