Abstract: A brief sketch of the stratigraphy of the Miocene of Virginia and the Miocene and Pliocene of North Carolina was prepared by Dr. W. C. Mansfield before his death in July 1939. His purpose was "to provide a background of formational nomenclature" for the taxonomic treatment of the molluscan faunas. The physical nature and distribution of the upper Tertiary formations within those States are discussed, characteristic sections given, and diagnostic molluscan species listed. Part 1 of the systematic report covers the Pelecypoda. A monographic treatment is not attempted, but 132 previously known species are considered, and 62 new species and subspecies are described and figured.