May 8, 1769

Thomas Jefferson Attend his First Session of the Virginia Assembly

Recently elected to the legislature by the voters of Albemarle County, Thomas Jefferson's first session is a brief, although eventful one. The new governor, Lord Botetourt, begins by inviting the burgesses, in groups of 50 to dinner at the Governor's Palace. The House then adopts resolutions upholding the right of the Massachusetts assembly to send circular letters, reaffirming its stance that Parliament has no authority to tax Virginians, and stating that transporting colonials to England for trial is an affront to the British constitution. They then draft an address to the King based on the resolves. Botetourt, declaring their "ill effect," dissolves the assembly after only nine days in session.