Elected to the House of Burgesses in 1774, he was one of eighty nine who convened at the Raleigh tavern when that house was dissolved by the royal Governor. He was a member of the Virginia provincial convention in 1775, and there he undertook the creation of the Virginia Militia. He then assumed duty as its first Commander. Shortly thereafter he was elected to the Continental Congress. Nelson began suffering health problems in 1777 and thought best to retire to his native state. LS signed 'Tho. Nelson, Jr.,' one page, 6.5 x 8.5, January 17, 1781. War dated letter to Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson, mentioning troop movements along the river and stating 'it is said Arnold himself was with them,' referring to Benedict Arnold. In full, 'This day the Enemy's ships passed Burwell's Ferry and have fallen so far down the river, that I think they intend nothing farther on the north side of the James River at present. They yesterday landed some troops at Cobham, in Surry, and it is said that Arnold himself was with them. If this be so, it is probable they intend marching by the Route of Smithfield and Suffolk to Portsmouth. I write to Genl. Weedon informing him of this movement of the Enemy, that he may stop the militia who were coming down under his Command, and who possibly may be necessary for the Defense of Hunter's Works. I shall order Part of the Troops under me to attend the motions of the Enemy down the river, and to give protection to the country.' Integral second page has been professionally inlaid to a slightly larger size and bears an address leaf, written in another hand, to 'His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Governor of Virginia.' In 1781, Arnold went to New London,Connecticut, where he invaded former neighbors. There he burned more than 150 buildings, and his troops killed American armies at Fort Griswold, near New London. There was no turning back for Benedict Arnold. He had changed sides hurting whoever he could to have the power he always wanted. In fine condition, with some mild toning and spotting to both pages, small repair to paper loss on second page, and a light water stain to left edge touching, but not affecting, several words of text. Nelson's signature is strong and bold. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
