1Board of War to Board of Trade, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 20 Nov. 1779 . Approval, with the concurrence of the executive, of the purchase of cloth, to be paid for in part by cannon at the foundry. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 23. 1779. This purchase is approved: paiment to be made in Cannon as above proposed, so far as they will go towards full paiment; the balance to be paid in money as soon as...
2To 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...
3To 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....
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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:...
8To 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...
9To 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;...
10To 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....
11To 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....
12To 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.
13To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply by John Page, 30 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 30 July 1779 . Because of the multiplicity of business, one clerk cannot attend to all the duties the office requires, including keeping a journal. Appointment of a second clerk desired. Signed by James Innes, Clerk. Countersigned by Lt. Gov. John Page: “In Council July 30th. 1779. The Council approves of the reasons above given by the board of War for the appointment of a second...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16From 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...
17From 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...
18From 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...
19From 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...
20From 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;...
21From 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...
22From 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....
23From 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,...
24From 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...
25From 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....
26From 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,...
27From 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).
28From 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...
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...
30From 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...
31From 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...
32Enclosure: Major General Johann Kalb to the Board of War, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to write to you from Petersburg the 6th Instant that I was to march the Second Brigade next day, but I could not effect it untill the 11th for want of the most neccessary Waggons. I shall march the first Brigade and Colonel Harresson’s Artillery to morrow towards Hillsbourough where I shall be joined by the Secd Brigade under Genl Gest, and by Colonel Porterfield who has with...
33Enclosure: Major General Steuben to the Board of War, January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Delivered to the Board of War by Major General steuben on Friday Jany 28th 1780. The incomplete state & Extreme inequality of our Regiments of Infantry, against all good Order and regular formation, induced me last Campaign to present to H[is] E[xcellency] the Commander in Chief a Plan of formation for an Order of Battle, in which I joined Two and three Regiments together in Order to form a...
34From George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd the inclosed from Capt. Von Heer. As I do not know how he has been supplied heretofore with the Articles he now calls for, I cannot determine upon the propriety of the present application. I can only say, if it appears that they are necessary, he ought to be furnished with them—If The Quarter Master supplied him in the first instance with Horses he can I suppose remember...
35From George Washington to the Board of War, 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Not having been as yet made acquainted with the Mode proposed for remounting the Regiments of Dragoons, or whether it is expected that the Horses for this service will be furnished by the Continent, or the States to which the Regiments are now assigned—I could wish to be informed of the intentions of Congress & that Measures might be adopted to put the Cavalry on a respectable footing for...
36From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 22d accompanied by the Returns of sundry of the additional and detached Corps, from which, and from those which I had been enabled to collect in and near the Army I have furnished the respective States with a tolerably accurate account of the deficiencies of their Quotas. I have informed them, that should any more Men appear to their Credit upon a full...
37From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive Your several favors of the 23d 24th 25th & 25th Instant. I have spoken to the Quarter Master General upon the subject of Waggons and he has written, I believe, both to Mr Pettit & Mr Mitchell to use every possible exertion to obtain a supply. I am exceedingly pained—that we are so deficient in point of Arms. As to the demands you mention to have been made by...
38From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 12th and 15th instants, in consequence of the latter I dispatched Copies of your letters to Mr Skinner deputy Commissary of prisoners who was not at Elizabeth town to repair thither to take the necessary paroles from Majors General Philips and Riedesel and the Officers accompanying them previous to their going into New York—The paroles taken by Colo. Bland...
39From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your favor of the 17th Instant. Besides the absence of General Hand and the want of a state of his claim—the Resolution of the 4th of February only authorises me to settle the rank of Officers under the degree of a Brigadier —and therefore at any rate the case between him and General Irvine could not be taken up without special authority for the purpose; which has...
40From George Washington to the Board of War, 16 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 12th and 13th. I am much obliged to you for the step you took respecting the city-horse; their services here at this juncture will be extremely useful. I write to His Excellency the President requesting they may be sent forward. I shall have no objection to Lt. Col. Conolly’s having the indulgence he asks though I should wish his going in to be postponed...
41From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favour of the 27th Ulto on the 1st instant, inclosing sundry resolves of Congress and other papers respecting two expeditions meditated into the Indian Country one from the Southward and the other from the Northward. I have since the receipt of it been endeavouring to collect the necessary information concerning the means already provided, or to be provided...
42From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th Instant I received on Saturday Evening. The Release of Genl Thompson is what I wish much to effect. No circumstances have arisen since his captivity by which it could be accomplished. Your Letter is the first & only information, I have had respecting Genl Hamiltons desire of being exchanged & remaining in America, having never received a Line from Genl Gates or any...
43From George Washington to Board of War, 28 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Letter from Doctr Craick of the Hospital, is of so much Importance, that I cannot omit to transmit it to your Board—& to enforce it with my Warmest Desire that its Request may be complied with in the shortest Time possible—The Exhausted Condition of this State admits no Relief—our only Hope is from you—the Importance of the Soldiers life to our Service, is too well known to you,...
44From George Washington to the Board of War, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 19th I received the Honor of Your Letter of the 9th and knowing how very essential harmony is to promote our Affairs and to bring them to a happy conclusion—I was much concerned to find, that there was a cause of difference between You and General Sullivan. I inclose a Copy of a Letter of this date which I have written to Congress in consequence of your Letter upon the subject, in which...
45From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 31st Augt and 3d instants. Hallet was safely delivered to me by Lt Colo. Washington and I sent him up to Govr Clinton, with an account of his conduct, similar to that which you have transmitted to me. I agree with you in opinion, that the Standard, with the Union and Emblems in the Centre, is to be preferred—with this addition, the number of the Regt and...
46From George Washington to the Board of War, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 29th ulto I barely expressed our want of shoes. I did not then know the extent of our wants, or that there was not a single pair in the hands of the Cloathier at Camp to supply them. A considerable part of the Army is now returned unfit even for fatigue duty in these stony Grounds, and should circumstances require a move we must inevitably be deprived of the services of a number...
47George Washington to the Board of War, 17 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 17, 1779 . Discusses proposed regulation for settlement of accounts. Suggests an additional regulation for giving certificates to inhabitants for articles taken for use of Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
48George Washington to the Board of War, 12 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 12, 1781 . Asks board to issue commissions to the officers appointed by Colonel Charles Armand in Armand’s corps. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
49From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit You the arrangements of Jackson’s—Webbs & Moylans Regiments—and also a List of promotions to be made in Spencers & the Three Regiments belonging to Jerseys. The want of Commissions in these several instances, is a subject of pressing application, & in many of them, of great dissatisfaction and complaint. I entreat that the Board will have them made out and...
50From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed plan for the establishment of a corps of Engineers has been submitted to me by General Du Portail. I now return it to the Board accompanied with my remarks on such parts of it as appeared to me to require them. These have been first communicated to General Du Portail. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Gentlemen Yr Most Obed. servt. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s...