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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow DRAFT OF DEED OF CESSION OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY 1 - The Works, vol. 4 (Notes on Virginia II, Correspondence 1782-1786)

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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

DRAFT OF DEED OF CESSION OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY 1 - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 4 (Notes on Virginia II, Correspondence 1782-1786) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 4.

Part of: The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols.

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DRAFT OF DEED OF CESSION OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY1

j. mss.

To all who shall see these presents we [here name the delegates] the underwritten delegates for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Congress of the United States of America send greeting.

Whereas the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia at their sessions begun on the 20th. day of Octob. 1783, passed an Act entituled ‘An act to authorise the delegates &c.’—in these words following to wit ‘Whereas the Congress &c.’ [reciting the act verbatim.]

And whereas the sd General Assembly by their Resolution of June 6th. 1783, had constituted & appointed us the sd A. B. C. &c. delegates to represent the sd Commonwealth in Congress for one year from the first Monday in November then next following, which resolution remains in full force.

Now therefore know ye that we the sd A. B. C. &c. by virtue of the power & authority, committed to us by the act of the sd. General Assembly of Virginia before recited, and in the name & for & on behalf of the sd Commonwealth do by these presents convey, transfer, assign, & make over unto the United States in Congress assembled for the benefit to the sd States, Virginia inclusive, all right, title & claim as well of soil as of jurisdiction which the sd. Commonwealth hath to the territory or tract of country within the limits of the Virginia charter, situate, lying & being to the Northwest of the river Ohio to and for the uses & purposes and on the conditions of the sd recited act.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals in Congress the day of in the year of our lord 1784, and of the independance of the United States the eighth.

Signed, sealed and

delivered in presence of

[1 ]The deed as finally executed is in the Journals of Congress for March 1, 1784. This rough draft is in Jefferson’s handwriting.