Letter signed : Williamsburg, to the President and House of Convention, 1776 Jun. 29.

Expressing his gratitude and thanks at being appointed the Governor of Virginia; saying "When I reflect that the Tyranny of the British King and parliament hath kindled a formidable War, now raging throughout this wide extended Continent, and in the Operations of which this Commonwealth must bear so great a part, & that, from the events of this War, the lasting Happiness or misery of a great proportion of the human Species will finally result; That, in order to preserve this Commonwealth from Anarchy, and its attendant Ruin, and to give Vigour to our Councils, and Effect to all our Measures, Government hath been necessarily assumed and new model'd; That it is exposed to numberless hazards, and perils, in its infantine State; that it can never attain to maturity, or ripen into firmness, unless it is guarded by affectionate assiduity, and managed by great abilities; I lament my want of talents. I feel my mind filled with anxiety and uneasiness to find myself so unequal to the duties of that important station to which I am called by the favour of my fellow Citizens, at this truly critical conjuncture. The errors of my Conduct shall be atoned for so far as I am able, by Endeavours to secure the freedom and happiness of our common country;" adding that he is ready "to enter upon the duties of my office when ever you, Gentlemen, shall be pleased to direct..."