To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 30 June–1 July 1779
From the Board of Trade
[Williamsburg] 30 June and 1 July 1779. Instructions desired concerning purchase of sundry articles from Thomas Pierce, John Carter, and Richard Burnly. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose.
RC (CSmH); 1 p. Both notes appear on the same page. Below them, in TJ’s hand, is this instruction: “In council. July 1st. 1779. The board refers the determination on the above propositions totally and absolutely to the Board of Trade. Th: Jefferson.”
These brief communications indicate that the newly constituted Board of Trade was uncertain of its authority to act and that TJ wished to assign to the Board responsibility for the determination of details. Upon receipt of TJ’s instructions, the Board “Ordered that the State Agent purchase the goods offered by Mr. Pierce and Mr. Carter” (MS Minutes of Board of Trade in CSmH).