1To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 21 January 17[80] (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Jan. 1780 [ misdated 1779 ]. A recent regulation enables captains of artillery in the Continental army to keep horses, which makes boots necessary equipment. A request for boots from the public shops at the reduced price seems reasonable, but, being unusual, the approval of the executive is desired. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 24th. 1780. The...
2From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Continental Board of War, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the letters to Samuel Huntington and to Thomas Sims Lee of the same date, qq.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War.”
3To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard Barron, commanding officer of the state navy. If necessary, Capt. Barron will convey the ship to a place of safety on the western shore. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 15th. Approved...
4To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a roster of Col. Marshall’s officers, together with a recommendation of some cadets and others for commissions to complete officers for the corps of artillery, and requests that commissions be issued according to the dates specified. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “Feb. 17th. 1780. The Board Advise that commissions be issued accordingly. Th:...
5To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
6From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Approved as to the gallies; and as to the ship Gloster it is recommended to the board of war to have a proper enquiry and report made whether it may not be more advantageous to convert her into a galley than to sell her, and on such report to reconsider the matter. Tr in Board of War Journal ( Vi ); printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H....
7From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that a Soldiers oath is not sufficient testimony to entitle him to clothing or a compensation for it: It is their opinion also that the Board of War may proceed to appoint a commissary of prisoners. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). See Board of War to TJ, 13 Nov. 1779 (second letter from the Board under that date).
8From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the North Carolina Board of War, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually the same as that to Abner Nash of the same date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “Governor Nash & in part to the Prest of the Board of War N Caro.”
9To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779. Approved, except so far as relates to the establishment of pursers, which measure is still to be considered of. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 3 p.
10To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a letter from Lt. Col. Porterfield stating objections to the new quartermaster’s arrangement; these objections seem proper and will be given consideration if the executive approves. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Feb. 16. 1780. The board approve of giving Colo. Porterfield 200. Dolls. ⅌ month in Addition to the 600 Doll. ⅌ month...
11From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 19 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On a conjectural view of the money likely to come in to the Treasury between this and the 15th. of June, and on estimates of the several demands on the public for money with in the same period we find it will be necessary to restrain the amount of Warrants to be issued hereafter to about two thirds of what would have been a full supply. We Allot therefore as follows. To the Commissaries...
12From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of May 1779. under which Mr. Blunt has been last Drafted refers to one of October 1778 as to the method of determining who were Subjects of that Draught. This act says the justices and the Field Officers shall lay Off the militia into Districts, each of which districts shall furnish a man. The justices and field Officers then are made Judges who shall be deemed to be of the Militia and...
13From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board approves of the whole of the foregoing measures except as follows. They think the particular works of defence [to] be constructed at York had better be referred to the Engineers of this State and of our Allies on view of the ground; and under the controul of Col. Marshall and the commanding Officer of the French. They are of opinion that the application to the State of North Carolina...
14From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board advise the approbation of the proposition from the board of War for building a small magazine at Staunton; but that it be paid for in money, and not by a sale of any of the rifles, these being already ordered to be delivered to the two Western Battalions now raising. They approve also of what is proposed as to the cattle. They advise that no particular supply of Clothing be sent for...
15From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that one prison ship agreeable to the resolution of Assembly be employed; that she be moored in James river above the windings thereof which form the Peninsula’s in Henrico and Chesterfield Counties: that picquetts be erected on the South Side of the same river on such Spot as the Board of War or an Officer to be sent by them to examine grounds for that purpose shall direct;...
16From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Capt. de Klauman cannot regularly be promoted to the Majority in the State Garrison Regiment; but considering him as a very good Officer and as having resigned his command in the Artillery Regiment on being nominated to a majority in one of the Eastern Battalions then intended to be raised, a nomination which could not then be considered as exposed to...
17From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Peyton Clothier General is directed to repair to the Grand Army there to receive and issue to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line all Cloathing and Stores for them that shall be put into his hands either by the Continental Cloathier General or the Continental State Agents. If the salary annexed to his Office by the Assembly is insufficient, to them the application must be made....
18To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia and the charge for freight immense. The extensive orders given to Col. Smith of Baltimore to purchase flour should, therefore, be immediately countermanded and a price limit set of £30 Maryland money per hundred....
19To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Before issuing orders for the privateersmen at King William Courthouse to be delivered to the flag from New York, the Board wish instructions concerning the British prisoners of war. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Reply follows: “In Council Mar. 25th. 1780. The Board are [of] opinion that all the prisoners of War belonging to this State (excepting only Governor...
20From Thomas Jefferson to the North Carolina Board of War, 23 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that it is utterly out of our Power to furnish a single stand of Arms for the Use of your Troops. After making reasonable Deductions we have right to expect, that 5000 or 5,500 Regulars and Militia will march from this State to yours in the Course of this and the ensuing Month; for these we have but 3000 Stand of Arms. I have apprised Congress and General Washington of this and...
21To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . In Feb. 1779 Mark Talbot agreed with Capt. Maxwell and Col. Travis, commissioners of the navy, to build a vessel of war for the state. Talbot, supposing he had a bad bargain, did not comply with the terms of the contract. When called on in June for delivery, he stated that the enemy had destroyed the vessel, though it appears that timbers for the hull had not been...
22From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to appoint Frederickg., Petersbg., New London, Staunton, and Winchester places of rendezvous for New levies raised under the act of Assembly concerning Officers Soldiers Sailors and marines, and to direct an Officer to meet the recruiting Officers of the several counties at these places at certain times, to wit, Petersburg on the first Day of every other month,...
23From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of the opinion that Mr. Adams and Mr. Southall or any other persons who shall be appointed by the board of War, be desired to have proper proceedings in Law instituted to compel a conveyance of the Lands purchased from Fortunatus Sydnor and in the mean time proceed to erect the magazines, removing force by force, which the public necessity and Safety, and clear justice and right...
24From Thomas Jefferson to the Continental Board of War, 28 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
General Gates has written to me most pressingly for 1000 Tents. We have not a single Tent, nor is there stuff to be got within the State to make one. What we had were formerly lent to Colo. Finnie and have not been replaced. Our Militia went without a single Tent; and Porterfield’s Detachment carried but few. I think it my duty to state this matter to you as I am satisfied the Southern Army...
25From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 25 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph having been at first appointed a Lieut: of horse, and declined accepting it Mr. Reid was then appointed. He therefore is conceived to Stand on a footing of an original appointment. He raised his whole quota within a few Days after receiving notification from the executive. This then not being a case of vacancy by Death, resignation or removal, where regular succession takes place,...
26To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11–15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War recommend that a fast sailing Boat be kept as a look out at Smiths Island to give the alarm in Maggoty Bay on the approach of an Enemy; from thence an Express to be sent across the Country to Northampton Court House; the Boat then to proceed to York with the alarm. The Battery at Cheriton to be repaired, and the Guns there remounted immediately for the defence of that Inlet;...
27From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Board of War, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Wood has applied to us to take Measures for furnishing provisions and building Barracks for the Convention Prisoners at Winchester. Neither of those can be effected without considerable Sums of Money either advanced or to be paid within some reasonable Time and I am sorry to be obliged to inform you it is not in our power to do either. Such are the Calls on us for Money for the Southern...
28To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 23–25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter Master General informs us, that for want of proper Offices and Store houses, The State not only incurs a considerable expence for rents but that the public property from the impossibility of procuring proper accommodations for Storage suffers very great detriment. We take liberty to recommend that your Excellency would direct such houses on the lot purchased by the Executive of Mr....
29From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 18 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that until the numbers of an invading enemy and the proposed point of invasion known, neither the numbers of militia proper to be drawn into the field, nor the Counties from which they shall be called can be determined on. They approve of the making ready the Artillery harness’s and horses for Artillery, Waggons for the baggage Ammunition forage and for the...
30To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Nov. 1779 . Alexander Stewart of Rockbridge co. has offered to supply the state with gunpowder. He should be engaged to supply as much as he is willing to contract for and should be paid as much as others receive for all he delivers to the magazine at Staunton. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council December 1st. 1779. Approved on condition that Mr....
31From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that the sailors enlisted under the Act concerning Officers Soldiers Sailors and marines, Shoud be put on board such State vessells as the Board of War shall direct: that soldiers enlisted and to be enlisted under the same act, shall do duty in the garrison Regiment until further Orders, it being their Idea that these men shall at a proper time be sent on to the grand...
32To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16–17 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Minnis of General Mulenburgh’s family, who belongs to the 1st. Virginia Continental Regiment, being destitute of active employment, owing to the deficiency of the Virginia Line, has been called on to resume his command in his Regiment, and his company therein being extremely thin, he requests to be honored with the charge of a proportion of the recruits raised under the act concerning...
33From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 18 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Cap. De Klauman having sometime ago explicitly in the presence of the Board made his election to withdraw from duty in the Regiment of Artillery, and relied on his appointment to a majority in one of the Eastern Batalions and the vacancy thereby occasioned having been supplied by a new appointment, they are of opinion he cannot resume his command in that Regiment: the proposition to promote...
34From Thomas Jefferson to the Continental Board of War, 18 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed you will receive the information you formerly desired on the subject of the barracks ordered to be built at Frederick. Some difference will appear between the report of some gentlemen formerly appointed for that purpose and Colo. Smith ’s letter ; which difference however may be accounted for by their different dates. It is with concern we find that the continent is likely to lose by...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, Jr., 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Rowland comes down on a Business of very great and pressing Importance which he will communicate to you. I have too often experienced your readiness in aiding the public operations and therefore with the more freedom recommend him to you and solicit your Cooperation and utmost exertions. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ).
36From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Walker, John Walker, and Nicholas Lewis, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you a resolution of council requesting you to carry into execution the desire of Congress as to the settlement of Colo. Wood’s accounts. I am with much respect & esteem Gent. Your most obedt. humble servt. RC ( ViU ); addressed: “Doctr. Walker John Walker Nicholas Lewis esqrs. Albemarle.” For the enclosure and the events leading up to the appointment of the...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Eppes, Doct. Griffin, Doct. Foushee, Mr. Hylton, Mr. Selden and others wish to serve in the Cavalry during the Invasion. We give orders to furnish them with such accoutrements as we have, and will be oblig[ed] to you to form them and others into a proper troop or troops, settling the commands as shall be most agreeable to themselves. I am With great respect, Sir, your most obed. Servt., FC...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 21 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington, same date , q.v., but with the omission noted there. Tr ( MdAA ). FC ( Vi ). Enclosure ( MdAA ): Copy of James Barron to TJ, 20 Mch. 1781 , q.v.
39From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 22 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An order and Account of which the inclosed is a Copy being presented to the Board and no advice thereof previously received from you they ask the favour of you to inform them of the particular Occasion which rendered the order necessary, and (as far as you are able) to what uses the Horses were applied. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Enclosure not identified. No reference to an order or account...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the preceding letter to Samuel Huntington, q.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War”; the letter sent to Lee is printed in Md. Archives , xlvii , 17–19. A copy was enclosed in TJ’s letter to Benjamin Harrison, 29 Jan. 1781 , q.v.
41From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The judge of the Admiralty of Pensylvania has given notice to our Delegates in Congress that there are three Negroes, Tom, Hester and Celia confined in jail in Philadelphia in consequence of a condemnation of a vessel in which they were taken. They say they are the property of a certain Money Godwin of Norfolk, that their Master went off with the British Fleet under Leslie, and gave them...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomas, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed you have a much larger supply of oil than will shortly be necessary for your works and the Continent being distressed at their tannery here for that article, be so good as to lend Majr. Claiborne so much as he may want and you can spare, which he will replace. I am Sir Your very humble servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ: “Captn. Thomas Warwick”; endorsed. This letter was...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomas, 10 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Please to furnish Capt. Markham for the use of the brig Jefferson with twenty three fathom of seven inch rope, six coil of spunyarn, 150 ℔. seine twine, six coil of 2½ inch rope, three coil of 2.I. do. and one coil of 3½ I. do. six hanks of Marline six do. of Housline two coil of Hamberline. RC ( PWacD : Feinstone Collection, on deposit PPAmP ); at foot of text: “Capt Thomas”; with notations...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Turpin, with Reply, 22–23 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have directed Horatio to wait on you with this in order to beg you will inform me by him when you think a jury will be on my land in Richmd., when you think there is a Probality of my being Paid for it, and whether in Tobo. or money. I should not have given you this trouble now but that I have some expectation of making a considerable Purchase and “twil be highly necessary to know what...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 20 December 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of receiving a letter from your excellency desiring that application might be made to Colo. Arthur Campbell of Washington for certain papers taken on his expedition against the Cherokees, and described, in his relation of that, as the Archives of the nation. The application was immediately made, and he has transmitted to me the packet which accompanies this , with a promise of...
46[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 3 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Nov. 1780. A letter from the Maryland Council to Col. Moses Rawlings dated 10 Nov. states: “we have received one from Governor Jefferson, of the 3d informing us that he had given Directions for the March of the Convention Troops, in two Divisions, the first to consist of the British, amounting to about 804 Rank and File, the second consists wholly of Germans, in Number, the...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by your Excellency’s favour of Janury. 5th. Joseph Shoemaker is a citizen of this State and has been an active mischeivous traitor. The dangers of escape on the road from Baltimore to this place, and from this place, where since our removal from Wmsburg no public jail has been yet erected, are so great as to induce me to suggest to your Excellency the trial and punishment of...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Burke, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. covering a draught of Mr. Clay’s for 106,775 D. came safely to hand last night. I am sorry that Mr. Clay adopts this method of negotiating money claims on our treasury which is not and I fear will not again be in a condition to answer his draughts with any kind of punctuality which might justify his drawing and negotiating in the mercantile way. In my letter to you of...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 26 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by your friendly communication of the intelligence from the Chevalier de la Luzerne. It was delivered to me on the 22d. Instant, two days after the date of your letter, and three days sooner than I received it by Express in the ordinary way, a Time very precious if the Enemy should really visit us. I was sorry that the Master of the Vessel returned before I could send to him,...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Whiting, enclosing List of Materials for Temporary Buildings at Richmond, 26 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of the directors of the public Buildings in Richmond, I am to desire that you will provide for them locks of different kinds fit for house doors, hinges for do., window glass, putty, lathing nails and shells. For the quantities I must refer you to the Directors themselves. I am Sir Your humble Servant, RC ( CSmH ). In a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ. Addressed: “Thomas Whiting...