New York April 30th, 1785
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency an Act of Congress that has been produced by a very pressing state of the public affairs. Your Excellency will observe that exclusive of other important business, Congress points to two objects particularly, - the requisition for the present year, and an Ordinance for disposing of lands in the western Territory - The honor and justice of the United States is much concerned in the former, and upon the wise, speedy, and effectual execution of the latter, essentially depends the future ease, happiness and prosperity of the people - it is indeed true that thinner houses are compitent to the first digestion and preparation of business like this, but such is the nature of the foederal constitution that a full Congress is necessary to the final completion of Objects great as those which; are now under consideration - I am therefore, by desire of Congress, to request that your Excellency will be pleased to exert your fullest influence with the Delegates of your State to repair immediately to Congress - I have the honor to be with great respect and esteem, Sir,
Your Excellencys - most Obedient Servant.
Richard Henry Lee
Papers of the Continental CongressLibrary of Congress
Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 2, 1779 - 1794, p. 351. Similar letters were written to the governors of Delaware, Connecticut, and Georgia.