1From Thomas Jefferson to James Adam, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 18th instant came to hand yesterday. You seem in that to decline meddling with the grain in the counties of Westmoreland, Northumberland because the quantity is small and the commissions too trifling to be worth your attention; while you undertake the care of the grain in those counties, where the quantity is considerable. You will please to recollect that the charge we...
2From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 December 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress will receive by this post our approbation of the Confederation . It passed the house of Delegates on Monday and the Senate on Tuesday last. Tho’ our house of delegates is almost wholly of those who are truly zealous, yet there have ever been a few who have endeavored to throw obstructions in our way. Objections to this important instrument came therefore not unexpectedly. The most...
3From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 21 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 26. came safely to hand. I wish it were in my power to suggest any remedy for the evil you complain of. Tho’ did any occur, I should propose it to you with great diffidence. after knowing you had thought on the subject yourself. There is indeed a fact which may not have come to your knolege, out of which perhaps some little good may be drawn. The borrowing money in Europe (or...
4To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Albemarle, Va., 21 August 1777. RC ( Adams Papers ); printed : Jefferson, Papers The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950-. , 2:27–29. Jefferson suggested applying for a loan from the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who reportedly had a considerable hoard of crowns in his treasury. Philip Mazzei was recommended as a suitable agent to negotiate the loan. Jefferson...
5To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Williamsburg, Va., 17 December 1777. RC ( Adams Papers ); printed : Jefferson, Papers The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950-. , 2:120–121. Noting that Virginia had ratified the Articles of Confederation, Jefferson described the concern among some in the state over Art. 9, which gave power to the congress to enter into treaties of commerce. Opponents...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, to John Adams, and to John Jay, 5 October 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. James Monroe who served some time as an officer in the American army and as such distinguished himself in the affair of Princetown as well as on other occasions, having resumed his studies, comes to Europe to complete them. Being a citizen of this state, of abilities, merit and fortune, and my particular friend, I take the liberty of making him known to you, that should...
7From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 16 May 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Matters in our part of the continent are too much in quiet to send you news from hence. Our battalions for the Continental service were some time ago so far filled as rendered the recommendation of a draught from the militia hardly requisite, and the more so as in this country it ever was the most unpopular and impracticable thing that could be attempted. Our people even under the monarchical...
8To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Matters in our part of the continent are too much in quiet to send you news from hence. Our battalions for the Continental service were some time ago so far filled as rendered the recommendation of a draught from the militia hardly requisite, and the more so as in this country it ever was the most unpopular and impracticable thing that could be attempted. Our people even under the monarchical...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Alexander, 11 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the attorney general’s opinion on the subject of importations from Maryland. We have lately appointed a commercial agent within whose particular line of duty it will be to provide spirit for the army. To him we shall refer the proposition of General Roberdeau to furnish whiskey. Since our Letter directing the delivery of your provisions to the continental quarter master, it has...
10From Thomas Jefferson to John Allen, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having been concluded to build a defensive work at Hoods under the direction of Colo. Senf, I am to desire the favor of you to see to the execution of it according to his instructions. Thirteen Labourers will be with you on Monday next. Besides these I have written to Colo. Southall of this County, Colo. Banister of Dinwiddie, Colo. Call of Prince George and Colo. Munford of Charls. City to...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Jacquelin Ambler, 23 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
During your absence the Speaker Harrison applied to me to let him be furnished with some guns from the foundery, a note of which he furnished Mr. Reeveley and afterwards Colo. Fitzgerald applied for the within; I promised both provided it was not inconsistent with any contracts, orders, or purposes of your board; the Speaker to be first supplied and Colo. Fitzgerald next. You will be pleased...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Griffin, James Southall, and Robert Anderson, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to be obliged to give you so much Trouble with the Horses lately impressed for operating against Portsmouth. That plan being now discontinued we have thought that (Economy and Respect to the rights of our Citizens required a restitution of all the Horses to their Owners. But as they may have fallen off or been injured we wish that the whole should be valued by you as they were when...
13From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. James Madison and Robert Andrews, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The principles on which the Boundary between Pensylvania and this State is to be run having been fixed it is now proposed by President Reid that Commissioners proceed to execute the work from the Termination of Masons and Dixons Line to the Completion of the five Degrees of Longitude and thence on a meridian to the Ohio. We propose that the extent of the five Degrees of longitude shall be...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Griffin, James Southall, and Robert Anderson, 17 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A number of Horses having been impressed for the use of the army collecting before Portsmouth and having been valued in the ordinary way to such prices as no State could pay nor should any man wish to receive, the General Assembly have come to the resolution now inclosed. The Executive for the Purpose of carrying it into Execution beg the favor of you or any two of you to undertake the...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Andrews, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In Answer to your favour of the 4th instant, I am to inform you that two horses shall be furnished by the Public for your Journey to Philadelphia. Mr. Madison having hinted to me that he proposed to be at this Place within a few Days, I have urged him on that Head, and in the mean time shall defer writing to President Reid that I may previously obtain (which I may do from conversing with Mr....
16From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Andrews and Rev. James Madison, 3 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The advance of the season has induced his Excellency President Reid to propose deferring the final Settlement of our boundary till the first Day of May 1782 which we have agreed to. You will be pleased therefore to consider that as the time at which your Services will be hoped for by the public. I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “The Revd. Robert Andrews and James Madison.”
17From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. James Madison and Robert Andrews, 22 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received a Letter from President Reid acknowledging the Receipt of mine on the subject of running our joint Boundary, deferring answering the particulars respecting the mode of running the line till he can confer with their Commissioners on the subject and in the mean time proposing as the season is fast advancing that your meeting shall be on the 12th. of June. I have informed him...
18From Thomas Jefferson to D’Anmours, 10 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the request which you were pleased to lay before us, I am now to authorize the forces of his most Christian majesty to land in such place, and his vessels to withdraw into such harbours within this commonwealth as the Admiral or other commanding officer shall think proper and to procure houses for the purpose of hospitals. In determining on the place of his debarkation and...
19From Thomas Jefferson to D’Anmours, 30 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor from Baltimore and shall carefully attend to the notifying you of the arrival of any fleet here from your nation or other circumstance which I may think interesting to you. The enemy have left us as you will before have heard. Tho’ I do not wish for new occasions of calling together my countrymen to try their valour, yet I really wish, as they were called together that...
20From Thomas Jefferson to D’Anmours, 9 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 3rd instant came to hand last night by Captain Laport. It is unfortunate for you that Major Galvan had left the station. It happened thus. The sailing of the french fleet in two divisions was a circumstance equally unknown to Major Galvan and my self. I received a Letter from General Washington congratulating me on the arrival of the french fleet in general terms, and no...
21From Thomas Jefferson to William Armistead, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I desired you some time ago to provide cloathing for five hundred and odd Men according to a List from Baron Steuben which I put into your hands: be pleased now to deliver the Materials to the Person attending from Colo. Davies to receive them out of the Stock you purchased or what came from Winchester or from any other Stock you have. I am Sir your humble Servant, FC ( Vi ).
22From Thomas Jefferson to William Armistead, 31 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Till the appointment and qualification of a Commercial agent, we are forced to put on you all the duties of that office. You will perceive by the inclosed letters that a compromise as to the recaptured vessel may perhaps be obtained if the master has proper authority to compromise. This would be more agreeable to us than to go into a court of admiralty. I inclose you the letters to undertake...
23From Thomas Jefferson to William Armistead, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There is an account of very considerable amount between us and Mr. S. Nathan a merchant from the Havannah which we are to desire you to settle with Mr. Smith who acts for him. The debts against us may be arraigned under three heads. First, advances on a purchase of goods made at Baltimore and Philadelphia for us by Mr. Nathan; this is to be settled according to the price of tobacco at the...
24From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commonwealth of Virginia Dr. to A. Willy for Candells for the use of the Councill Chamber for Sealling Land pattens and Comisians &c. from Septem. the 1st 80 till December the 18. 80 £30–0–0 to Cash Paid for […] Coall 12–0–0 to do. January the 24 12–0–0 £54–0–0 These services were performed on requisition of the Executive N in Contingent Fund Vouchers ( Vi ); TJ’s confirmation of the...
25From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, with Account of Goods Furnished to the Indians by Major Linctot, 11 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue on the within certificate from Colo. Broadhead a warrant for the sum due on the within account in specie or it’s value in paper money at the current exchange, to be paid to Majr. Lintot or order and charged to the Continent. An Account of what goods Mr. Godfrey Linctot Major and Agent General of all the Indien Nations have Furnished to the Indiens for the Service of the...
26From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Colonel John Syme a Warrant for one thousand five hundred pounds on account for removing public Stores. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed.
27From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Lewis Duval came express from Monongalia on necessary business. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); endorsed (in part): “£657.” On the face of TJ’s note are the following calculations in another hand: “350 miles coming 700 Do. returning 700 1 Days Attendce 60 1460 @ 14/. 3 £4380 219 657” A separate note accompanies TJ’s note and reads as follows: “Ms. Auditors I am well...
28From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Wm. Brackenridge came express from Botetourt on necessary public business and was detained in Richmond three days. Th : Jefferson 380 miles @ 2℔ Tobo is 780 Tobo. @ £75 £585 Ferriages 1: 4 Expences 3 days in Richmond 181:16 768 RC (Contingent Fund Vouchers, Vi ); endorsed: “16 June 1781. Wm. Brackenridge £768 Contingent.” TJ’s orders to the auditors are written on the verso of a...
29From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Doctor Pope a Warrant for seven thousand pounds upon Account as Director of the public hospitals. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. See the Council’s resolution of 1 Feb. 1781 respecting the state medical department and personnel ( Va. Council Jour . Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii ,...
30Joseph Jones to the Auditors, with James Hayes’ Account and Jefferson’s Memorandum, 16 March–[5 April?] 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you an account delivered me by Mr. Dunlap for the hire of three waggons to transport the Printing Materials to Virginia and the amount of 7 dozen Parchment for the use of the Legislature. Mr. Dunlap assures me he engaged the waggons upon the best terms he could. They are to deliver their loads at Richmond and return to Fredericksburg with any loads the State may furnish. From thence...
31From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Mr. John Walker a Warrant for three thousand pounds upon Account. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, with Walker’s name filled in and signed by TJ; endorsed.
32From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Mr. John Brown [Browne] Six Warrants for three hundred thousand pounds each and one for two hundred thousand pounds upon account. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed: “4 April 1781 Jno Brown £2000000 [ This figure has been crossed out and the following substituted in another hand :] 1700000 & 300000 On...
33From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The exchang[e] between Continental and hard money at Kaskaskias at the Date of the within having been at eight for one be pleased to issue to the bearer James Conand for Genl. Clarke on account a warrant for one thousand and forty Dollars continental money in discharge of this Bill. 1040 Doll. RC ( ICHi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ, who also added the figure “1040 Doll.” below the text....
34From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Colo. George Matthews, a Warrant for three thousand pounds upon account of expences on his way from the northward to this State on business of our prisoners in New York. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed.
35From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board would recommend to the Auditors whenever accounts of the deficiencies of bounty, and orders for them for the new levies are produced as directed by law, that warrants should not be staid because the tobacco notes are not sent, as the men are extremely wanting. RC ( Vi ); endorsed: “Apr. 1781. Recommendation from the Executive respectg Bounties.”
36From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The second of the same tenor and date of the within not being paid, be pleased to issue to David Standeford for James F. Moore, a warrant for nine thousand pounds on Account. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; written on verso of “the within,” which was a sight draft on the Treasurer of Virginia, signed “Jas. Frs. Moore D. C. Genl....
37From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Mr. George Harmer a Warrant for ten thousand pounds on Account of his Subsistence agreeably to Act of Assembly in his case made. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. See Harmer to TJ, 25 Jan. 1781 .
38Tax Commissioners of Lancaster County to the Auditors, with a Note by Jefferson, 7–12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lancaster, 7 Apr. 1781 . If the bearer, Mr. Job Carter, applies for an order on the treasurer for his expenses in carrying dispatches to the governor and treasurer, he is to be given the customary allowance. Reply follows: “In Council Apr. 12. 1781. If the Auditors shall be satisfied that the bearer came for the purpose of bringing the tobacco notes and not on private business, the board are...
39Garret Van Meter and Others to the Auditors with Andrew Woodrow’s Bill and Jefferson’s Certification, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampshire County, 20 Apr. 1781 . Garret Van Meter, Abel Randall, James Murphy, and George Beall, Commissioners of the Tax, state that they “have employed the bearer hereof Mr. Andrew Wodrow, to go to Richmond to bring up money, to pay off the draughts for this County, likewise to carry some very important inteligence to his Excellency the Governour” and wish his expenses to be paid....
40From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Avery, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arrival of a powerful British fleet in Chesapeake Bay renders me extremely apprehensive that a French fleet expected here not apprized of this Circumstance may run into the mouths of the Enemy. I must therefore beg of you to procure immediately two good Boats to go out and keep a constant Lookout for the French fleet and to deliver to the Commanding Officer, should they meet with him, the...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Evan Baker, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The distress of the post at the Barracks in Albemarle, for want of animal food being very great, you are desired after reserving 200 of the beeves you have purchased to go with Colo. Crocket, and 600 others to be sent when he shall furnish you with a proper escort, to send all the rest to the barracks in Albemarle. The two hundred it is supposed must be of the first you purchase; but that the...
42XXII. Thomas Jefferson to Jerman Baker, 26 June 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you a state of the tickets received by Mr. Wayles and to whom sold. It is taken from two or three states made out by him at different times and corresponding with one another. One of these appears to have been in Colo Byrd’s hands for examination and has some small queries and annotations in his hand writing which shews it to have been approved. Their authenticity is further...
43From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arms you mention being Continental, they are subject to the orders of Baron Steuben. I have therefore sent him a copy of your letter and begged him to send you by this conveyance such orders as he thinks proper. As he is anxious that the reinforcement should be respectable I make no doubt he will order the Arms. My letters mentioning that the detachments should go under proper officers...
44From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My former Order required only half of your Militia to be embodied. The rapid Approach of the enemy renders it necessary that for instant Opposition you embody the whole able to bear arms. Should they not be armed, there are Waggons loaded with Arms at Chesterfield Courthouse under orders to proceed to Powhatan Courthouse. By an Application to Colo. Carrington or other Commanding Officer, you...
45From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We think it certain that Overby and Wells may be tried by a Court Martial at Camp, but doubtful whether they can in the County. Their Trial there will be more likely to be supported by proper evidence and will have a better effect by way of example. For these reasons we will desire the favor of you to send them to General Muhlenburg’s Headquarters. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ). See Banister to TJ, 9...
46From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 17 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Dodson receives his balance of £4413.4.11. He also receives for you £6060, but this the board has directed to be [on] account. It was agreed with General Lawson that if his Troopers could furnish Leather, the State Artificers should assist in making Caps, but it never was agreed or intended that the State should purchase Caps for them, and had the demand been made f[or] them in the first...
47From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 30 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Colo. Meade, one of Baron Steuben’s aids, by which you will perceive that a Mr. Hill of your county while commanding at Hood’s has seized a work ox from a person in that neighbourhood contrary to the express orders and regulations of the Baron; it is further said that this violence was accompanied with insult which rendered it more injurious. While the public...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Turner Southall, Robert Goode, John Banister, William Call, and William Greene Munford, 15 … (Jefferson Papers)
For the future protection of the Stores and Country on James River it has been thought necessary to erect a defensive work at Hood’s. Among other requisites forty labouring Slaves are wanting for two months. After trying the exertions of the ordinary Officers to procure them we have been able to procure 13 only, who are to be at the place on Monday next. I must therefore resort to the aid of...
49From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter was put into my hands on the evening of the day before yesterday by a young Gentleman whom I informed that it could not be answered till the meeting of Council the next day, and desired he would attend with the receipt which he said he had, for it was not inclosed in the letter as you mentioned. He did not call again. I laid your letter before the council: As far as our money will...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Marbois, 24 March 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry that the papers I had taken the liberty to trouble you with have been so unfortunately delayed. I retired from office in the month of June last, and was obliged by the movements of the enemy to retire from my house at the same time, to which I did not return till the month of Aug. I immediately engaged in the work of digesting the materials I had collected in answer to your...