Withdrawing from the administration of continental affairs, he had been elected governor of Virginia, which office he filled for two years.

He afterwards again represented his native state in the councils of the union, and in the year 1784, was appointed to succeed Dr.Franklin at the court of Versailles.

In that station, he had acquitted himself much to the public satisfaction.

His Notes on Virginia, which were read with applause, were believed to evince the soundness of his political opinions; and the Declaration of Independence was universally ascribed to his pen.

He had long been placed by America amongst the most eminent of her citizens, and had long been classed by the President with those who were most capable of serving the nation.