Thomas Jefferson Papers

William Cole to George Muter, with Jefferson’s Instructions to Muter, 15–19 March 1781

William Cole to George Muter, with Jefferson’s Instructions to Muter

State Yard, 15 Mch. 1781. Requests arms and ammunition “by return of State sloop”; the skipper will await reply. TJ’s instructions follow: “In Council, March 19, 1781. It is the opinion of the Board that the arms and ammunition desired by Mr. Coles for the safety of the Shipyard, should be sent. Th Jefferson.”

RC (Vi); 3 p.; addressed; endorsed: “Letter from Wm Coles at the State Shipyard, requesg. 25 muskets, & powder and ball. dated 15th March 19th March 1781.” Tr of TJ’s Instructions to George Muter in War Office Journal (Vi).

The letter from George Muter to TJ, transmitting William Cole’s letter, has not been found. However, there is the following minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under date of 19 Mch: “A letter to the Governor on the subject of Mr. Cole’s letter, in which his letter is inclosed.”

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