Daniel Preston had 20 years in historical documentary editing before joining the Papers of James Monroe Project as editor. The project is sponsored by the James Monroe Presidential Center at Mary Washington University.Marlena C. DeLong

"Monroe's (1758-1831) correspondence during this early period of his life is fairly sparse, so most existing letters are included here. Missing are almost all letters to or from his family, all but one passing mention of religion, and no opinion at all on the subject of slavery. His long career in public service began when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1782, and this volume includes speeches and motions, reports and legislation he wrote, and official journal entries for his following 12 years in Virginia state politics." - Reference & Research Book News

• Introduction Editorial Method Abbreviations Chronology Genealogy The Continental Army, January 1776-July 1777 (from "The Autobiography of James Monroe") Selected Correspondence from 1777 through 1794 Index