1From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency for some blank letters of marque for use in this state, those we have on hand (forty seven in number) bearing the signature of Mr. Jay your predecessor. I am in hopes a safe opportunity of conveying them may not be long wanting. I have the honour to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No....
2From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 24 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time in June I received from Mr. Jay a letter desiring I would have evidence collected on the subject of some Frenchmen who were said to have been murdered in cold blood by the English during their invasion of this commonwealth in the Spring. Several disappointments have retarded this matter much more than I could have wished, tho’ we have paid repeated attention to it. I now do myself...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Bland being about to retire from his Command at the Barracks in Albemarle, and desirous to withdraw at the same time the party of his horse which has hitherto been Stationed there, wished that we should supply their place by sending thither about twenty or five and twenty of the horse of this State. Our horse being as yet not very well trained, the Officers represented that it woud much...
4Thomas Jefferson in Council to Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1779 (Madison Papers)
We have information from our Delegates in congress that the detention of some continental arms by the executive of this State during the course of the last summer has given considerable umbrage to congress. I beg leave therefore, thro’ you Sir, to lay before that honorable body facts, simply as they occurred, hoping that these will satisfy them that, the arms being justly due to this State,...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We have information from our Delegates in congress that the detention of some continental arms by the executive of this State during the course of the last summer has given considerable umbrage to congress. I beg leave therefore, thro’ you Sir, to lay before that honorable body facts, simply as they occurred hoping that these will satisfy them that, the arms being justly due to this State,...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter inclosing the resolutions of congress relating to the capture of the Portuguese Snow by Captain Cunningham has remained hitherto unanswered because I hoped Daily to be enabled to write more fully on that subject. The resolutions, and documents accompanying them, as soon as received, were put into the hands of our Attorney General, for his opinion, with intention to have such...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A large packet directed to the President of Congress with other dispatches for the Chevalier de la Luzerne and others, coming to my hands two days ago, I thought it proper to forward them to you by express. He should have set out yesterday but it was too tempestuous. I have the honor to be with all possible respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71,...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys letter inclosing that of Mr. Scott to President Reed, and the President’s to the Delegates of Pennsylvania in Congress, together with the resolutions of your honorable body recommending to both States to forbear granting lands within their disputed territory came safely to hand. I immediately availed myself of an opportunity, which occurred at that time, to Pittsburg, of...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 9 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your requisition for 1,900,000 Dollars and of laying the same before the General Assembly then sitting. They immediately took measures for complying therewith. As we had not the money in our treasury it became necessary to raise it partly and principally by a sale of property, and partly by borrowing. These operations requiring some time it is absolutely...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Excellency’s letter inclosing a resolution of Congress of the 5th. inst. for the establishment of a line of expresses from Cape Henry to Philadelphia. I had before on the request of General Washington formed such a line from Cape Henry to this place. I therefore thought it better to execute your desire by continuing the line from this place Northwardly, as it would save expence...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 28 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The want of intelligence of the Southern movements of the enemy, and the anxieties we have felt on that account, cannot have been less experienced by Congress. Having just now received a state of things as they are at present in that quarter, from Governor Nash, and from Colo. Monroe (the gentleman whom in a former letter I had informed Congress I had sent to hang as near as he could about the...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 30 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Foster Webb you will receive in part of the requisition of Congress of 1,953,200 Dollars, the following sums, to wit 650,000 Dollars in money, and bills for 780,239 8/9 Dollars, making in the whole 1,430,239 8/9 Dollars. There remains a deficiency of 522,960 1/9 dollars which I hope to be able to send on within four weeks from this time. I should have been very happy to have been...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 2 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received and shall duly comply with the recommendations of Congress for corresponding with their committee at Headquarters. It having been necessary to lay their and your requisitions before the General assembly, it has not been within my power to give any effectual answer till within these few days; and now only on the article of provisions. I beg leave to refer you to my letter to...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 27 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the desire of Congress expressed in their resolutions of the 17th Ult. I shall endeavor to inform them what has been done by this state in consequence of the several resolutions there referred to. 1779. Mar. 9. Recommendation to the states to compleat their respective quotas of 80 battalions. 1780. Feb. 9. United states to furnish their respective deficiencies of 35,211 men on or...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is not in my power to add any circumstance of consequence to those communicated to you by Genl. Gates, and as I suppose to the delegates of N. Carolina by Gover. Nash a letter from whom accompanies this, and I take for granted communicates the later intelligence which he was so kind as to transmit me at the same time. A force is again collected of between four and five thousand men...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 6 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the dispatches forwarded three days ago I have received others from Genl. Gates which he was pleased to leave open for my perusal and desired they might then be sent on by the line of expresses. He has therein informed you of the articles he has called on us for, and it may be important that you should know as well what we cannot as what we can do. Of the tents desired we cannot procure...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of the resolutions of Congress of June 19, for procuring Horses to remount Whites and Washingtons cavalry we laid the same before the assembly and were authorized by them to engage the state for payment. We thereon sent out powers to the different counties to purchase 160 Horses which were properly described in addition to 83, the purchase of which we had before authorized. That...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 14 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
According to Genl. Gates’s request I transmit to your Excellency the inclosed copy of a letter I received from him this morning. That the enemy should meditate taking possession of Portsmouth in the manner they give out does not seem probable, as Sr. Henry Clinton under the present appearances would scarcely consent to spare men from New York; and that they should think of taking possession of...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Genl. Gates I transmit you the inclosed letters from Genl. Harrington and Colo. Marian and the deposition of a prisoner escaped from the enemy. A Gentleman will set out from this place within two days for Philadelphia to receive and bring our quota of the new money, which we hope will be in readiness for him. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s...
20[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 27 September 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[Richmond, 27 Sep. 1780. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 912 (9 Oct. 1780): “A letter, of 27 September, from Governor Jefferson was read, accompanied with copies of the acts of the Virginia assembly, from the beginning of the year, 1779.” Letter not located, but the Journals record two days later that, on a motion...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the within copies of letters transmitted me by Genl. Gates, according to his desire expressed in the one addressed to me. I shall endeavor as far as shall be in my power to have his several desires complied with. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); endorsed by Charles Thomson: “Letter from...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Majr. Genl. Gates I do myself the honour of transmitting you the inclosed papers sent by him to me, and copies also of his letters to me. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt. & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); endorsed by Thomson: “Letter from Gov Jefferson Oct 8. 1780 Read 13.” Enclosures: Gates to Huntington, 5...
23[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 10 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 10 Oct. 1780. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 957–8 (21 Oct.): “A letter, of 10, from Governor Jefferson was read; Whereupon, Resolved , That the reasons assigned by his excellency Governor Jefferson for inviting Oconostota and a few other principal warriors of the Cherokee nation to visit Congress and...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 14 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Majr. General Gates I transmit you the inclosed papers which he put under cover to me. He complains of the arrival of our troops without clothes, tents, or arms at Hilsborough: and desires they may not be sent on at all unless completely equipped with every necessary. This would indeed put an end to the marching a single man there. They go clothed as militia. Few of them carry...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of congratulating your Excellency on the small dawn of good fortune which at length appears in the South, as you will find by the dispatches I have the honor of inclosing to you, and which I this moment receive from Genl. Gates. There seems to be a confusion between the numbers 810. and 1400. However the smaller one is not to be despised. The line of expresses having...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letters which came to hand this morning will inform your Excellency that a Fleet of the Enemy has arrived in our Bay; and that a Debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that as their first Scene of Action. We are endeavouring to collect a Body to oppose them as numerous as the Arms we have will admit. We are obliged of Consequence to...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of handing on the dispatches from General Gates accompanying this. Since my last informing you of the appearance of an enemy’s fleet they have landed 800 men in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth and some more on the bay side of Princess Anne County. On the 23d. in the morning they landed 1000 infantry and 100 cavalry at New Port’s news who immediately took possession of...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr Jefferson Octr 26. 1780 Read Novr 2 Referred to the board of War to take order.” For variations from the text of the letter to Lee, see note there.
29From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 25th ult, the enemy have withdrawn their force from the north side of James river, and have taken post at Portsmouth, which we learn they are fortifying; their highest post is Suffolk, where there is a very narrow and defensible pass between Nansemond river and the dismal swamp, which covers the country below from being entered by us....
30To Samuel Huntington, enclosing an Intercepted Letter from Leslie to Cornwallis, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose your Excellency an intercepted Letter from Major General Leslie to Ld. Cornwallis. It was taken on a person endeavouring to pass through the Country from Portsmouth towards Carolina. When he was apprehended and a proposal made to search him, he readily consented to be searched but at the same time was observed to put his hand into his Pocket and carry some thing towards his mouth as...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 7 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency sundry dispatches received from Majr. General Gates. You will observe in these what the General had at first proposed to do with the prisoners taken at Kings Mountain, and that difficulties suggested afterwards had produced subsequent doubts. As to the regulars among those Captives I should think them properly disposed of if joined to the...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 13 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing your Excellency a copy of a letter I received from Colo. Wood. As the determination whether he shall be allowed travelling expenses rests with Congress alone, we could only communicate his application to that honourable Body. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect &c &c., Tr ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); entirely in the hand of George Taylor (clerk in the...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 19 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel which had been sent by General Leslie to Charles town as we supposed, returned about the 12th. inst. The enemy began to embark soon after from Portsmouth, and in the night of the 15th. compleated the embarkation of their whole force. In the morning of the 16th. some of our people entered Portsmouth. They had left their works unfinished and undestroyed. Great numbers of negroes who...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 25 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Instructions given by me to Capt. Lockhart for conducting on the Prisoners taken at King’s Mountain, and his report, of which a Copy is also inclosed, will inform Your Excellency in what manner these Prisoners are disposed of. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humbl Servt, RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand,...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 17 January 1781, enclosing Resolution of Assembly concerning the Cession of … (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency a resolution of the General assembly of this Commonwealth entered into in consequence of the resolution of Congress of September 6th. 1780. on the subject of the confederation. I shall be rendered very happy if the other States of the Union, equally impressed with the necessity of that important convention, shall be willing to sacrifice...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 10 Jan. 1781. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to George Washington of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 4 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr. Jefferson Jany 10. 1781 Read 18. Referred to board of war”; MS mutilated. Tr ( DLC ); in an unidentified hand, with signature and the following caption in TJ’s hand: “Letters from Th:...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the dangers which threaten our Western frontiers the ensuing spring render it necessary that we should send thither Col. Crocket’s Battalion, at present on guard at Frederick Town, but raised for the Western service, I thought it necessary to give your Excellency previous information thereof that other forces may be provided in time to succeed to their duties. Cap. Read’s troop of Horse if...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received some time ago from Major Forsythe, and afterwards from you a requisition to furnish one half the supplies of provision for the Convention troops removed into Maryland. I should sooner have done myself the honour of writing to you on this subject but that I hoped to have had it laid before you more fully than could be done in writing by a Gentleman who was to have passed on other...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received intelligence which though from a private hand , I beleive is to be relied on, that a fleet of the enemy’s ships have entered Cape Fear river, that eight of them had got over the Bar and many others were laying off; that it was supposed to be a reinforcement to Ld. Cornwallis under the command of Genl. Prevost. This account which had come through another channel is...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed extract of a letter from Governor Nash which I received this day being a confirmation of the intelligence I transmitted in a former letter, I take the liberty of handing it forward to your Excellency. I am informed through a private channel on which I have considerable reliance, that the Enemy had landed five hundred Troops under the command of a Maj. Craig, who were joined by a...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a Letter from General Greene dated Guilford C. House Feby. 10. we are informed that Ld. Cornwallis had burnt his own waggons in order to enable himself to move with greater facility and had pressed immediately on. The prisoners taken at the Cowpens were happily saved by the accidental rise of a Water course which gave so much time as to withdraw them from the reach of the enemy. Ld....
42From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I gave you information in my last letter that Genl. Greene had cross’d the Dan at Boid’s ferry, and that Ld. Cornwallis had arrived at the opposite shore. Large reinforcements of militia having embodied both in the front and rear of the enemy, he is retreating with as much rapidity as he advanced. His route is towards Hilsborough. Genl. Greene crossed the Dan, the 21st. in pursuit of him. I...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to Washington of this date. For variations in the text see note to that letter. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, with complimentary close and signature in TJ’s hand; endorsed, in part: “read. 15th.” FC ( Vi ). Tr ( DLC : TJ Papers). Tr (
44From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 19 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with TJ’s letter to George Washington of this date , q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed, in part: “Read 27.” FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “To the President of Congress & General Washington.” Enclosures: Copy of Nathanael Greene to TJ, 10 Mch. ( DLC :
45From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter will inform you of the arrival of a British fleet in Chesapeake Bay. The extreme negligence of our stationed Expresses is no doubt the cause why as yet no authentic Account has reached us of a general Action which happened on the 15th. inst. about a Mile and a half from Guilford Court House between Genl. Greene and Lord Cornwallis. Capt. Singleton an intelligent Officer of...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment of Commissioner to the War Office of this State having lately become vacant, the Executive are desirous to place Colo. William Davies of the Virga. Continentals in that office. This Gentleman however declines undertaking it unless his rank in the army, half pay for life, land and allowance for depreciation of pay can be reserved to him; observing with justice that these...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I forward to your Excellency, under cover with this, copies of letters recieved from Major General Greene and Baron Steuben which will give you the latest state of the situation of things with us and in North-Carolina. [I observe a late resolve of Congress for furnishing a number of arms to the Southern States; and I lately wrote you on the subject of ammunition and cartridge-paper. How much...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters and papers accompanying this will inform your Excellency of the arrival of a British flag vessel with clothing, refreshments, money &c. for their prisoners under the Convention of Saratoga. The Gentlemen conducting them have, on Supposition that the prisoners, or a part of them still remained in this State, applied to me by Letters, copies of which I transmit your Excellency, for...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hearing that our arms from Rhode island are arrived at Philadelphia, I have begged the favor of our delegates to send them on in waggons immediately, and for the conveyance of my letter have taken the liberty of setting the Continental line of expresses in motion, which I hope our distress for arms will justify, tho’ the errand be not purely Continental. I have nothing from Genl. Greene later...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured yesterday with your Excellency’s Favour inclosing the Resolutions of Congress of the 8th. inst. for removing Stores and Provisions from the Counties of Accomack and Northampton. We have there no Military Stores except a few Musquets in the hands of the Militia. There are some Collections of Forage and Provisions belonging to the Continent and some to the state, and the Country...