Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 November 1780

To Benjamin Harrison

In Council November 22d. 1780.

Sir

Major Nelson, commanding officer of the three troops of cavalry belonging to this state but in continental service informs me on the part of his officers that they find the service extremely discouraging on account of the preference in command given to Continental officers of the same rank tho junior in their appointments, and pray that they may be placed on continental establishment without which they can not reconcile a longer continuance in the present service with their ideas of propriety. At his request therefore I beg leave to refer this matter to the pleasure of the General Assembly with whom alone rests the power of negociating such a transfer with the continental Congress. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir, your most obedient & most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson

RC (Vi); in a clerk’s hand, corrected, signed, and addressed by TJ to Harrison as Speaker. Endorsed: “Governors Letter Novr. 22d: 1780. referred to the Committee on the recruit Bill.” See JHD description begins Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) description ends , Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 25.

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