251To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Woodson, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Without place, 26 Apr. 1781. “After the Fatted Beefs are Consum’d a Call may take Place to Collect Bacon.” If this happens, Woodson desires to be excused from that duty, “as many Publick Stores are Stationd with me, and the absolute Necessity of Being at home as a publican &c.” Eight to nine thousand bushels of wheat for flour will be collected in this county. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed in...
252To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 25 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose for your Excellencys information a Letter just received from Colo. Martin and another from Major Lewis whom I had instructed to drive off the Indians from their haunts near Cumberland Gap. I have no hopes now that the Cherokees will sue for Peace whilst Augusta in Georgia is in the enemies hands and they can receive supplies from thence; several hundred of the Indian Women and...
253To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 25 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday Has found me At this place where we Arrived this After Noon After A March of twenty five Miles which the Extreme Heat of the day And Absolute want of Waggons for the transportation of the Men Have Rendered Very fatiguing. Want of Waggons Has Also detained our Ammunition which Cannot Be Here Untill to Morrow. As soon As we get this Necessary Article the...
254To Thomas Jefferson from Reuben Lindsay, 25 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. Instant came to hand covering the Inclosed Commission and one for Major Charles L. Lewis, the receipt of which I most thankfully Acknowledge—but being consious of my inability to execute an Office of that importance at Present, must beg leave to return the Commission. That fill’d up for Major Lewis I have delivered him, which he told me he would Qualify too the first...
255To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 25 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose your Excellency Copy of Genl: Phillip’s Letter of 12th Inst. also Copies of his returns of Prisoners, and my answer of this date. General Phillips seems from the Complexion of his Letter to complain of an enfringement on the sacred rules of Flags and mentions that borne by Mr. Armstead; In justification of myself, I enclose your Excellency Copy of Mr. Armstead...
256Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Continental Congress Miscellany). Written by Theodorick Bland and signed by Bland and JM. Docketed, “Virga Delegates Letter 24th April recd May 81.” We were yesterday Honord with your Excellency’s of the 13th Inst. with its enclosures. You may be assured that our utmost endeavors have been exerted in forwarding the arms and stores mentiond in our last, but insurmountable difficulties...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Rawleigh Colston, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that your State may Stand in need of cloathing for the Soldiers, I take the liberty of acquainting you that I have lately received a consignment of about one thousand Joannes’s prime cost of woolens containing between 11 and 12 thousand Ells which are extremely well adapted for that purpose amongst them a quantity of blanketing stuff all which I could furnish you with on very...
258To Thomas Jefferson from John Floyd, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Jefferson [ County ], 24 Apr. 1781 . “I wrote to you about eight days ago upon the Subject of our affairs in this County, but as many accidents may happen to prevent the conveyance of Letters such a distance, I have taken the liberty to trouble you with a second.” The substance of what follows is the same as that in Floyd’s letter of 16 Apr., q.v., though in the present letter he adds that he...
259To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment arrived at this place— and shall loose no time . I beg to recieve your orders as I am Ignorant of the Situation of Richmond. I would write more explicitly but for prudential Reasons of which your Excellency will easily Concieve. I am most respectfully Yr Excellency’s most obt. Sert., P.S. I hope to hear from you by the Dawn of Day. RC ( Vi ); addressed: “On Servive His...
260To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Read, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Port Royal [ Caroline co. ], 24 Apr. 1781 . Returned here two days ago “with my Troop from Potowmack River.” The enemy’s ships have all gone down, but “Since my leaving Boyd’s Hole a Small boat came up and Burnt down the Houses there, except the Ware Houses.” On account of “the Rapid Depresiation of our Money,” has never been able to obtain the boots for his troop for which TJ gave him a...
261To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We were yesterday Honord with your Excellency’s of the 13th Inst. with its enclosures. You may be assured that our utmost endeavors have been exerted in forwarding the arms and stores mentiond in our last, but insurmountable difficulties have prevented their seting off untill now, but we are happy to inform you that the first of them will go on to day as the Quarter Master assures us. We have...
262To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Browne’s account it is impossible, I should think, that Col. Innes should be in want of provision. If he has crossed at Ruffin’s, as Mr. Browne says he has, it would be proper to send to New Castle what stores you may under the present circumstances think necessary to order to him. At present we are in great distress for want of waggons. Every one of the public offices almost, as the...
263To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Apr. 1781. Encloses an extract of a letter from Gen. Greene “which came to hand this Morning.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; addressed and endorsed. The enclosed extract of a letter from Greene to Davies was undoubtedly taken from that of 11 Apr. 1781, dated at Little River ( Tr in CSmH ). The extract was transmitted by TJ to Huntington on this date, but it has not been further...
264To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received Intelligence last Evening that the Enemy were moving up Chickahominy River Road with an Intention to attempt a Stroke at the Party under my Command, and had actually advanced so far up as to be able to compel me to give them Action on the most disadvantageous Terms, should I endeavour to retreat by the Way of New Kent Court house. In this Situation, encumbered as my Line was by...
265To Thomas Jefferson from Sarah McIntosh, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely obliged to your Excellency for your very polite letter, and I return my most cordial thanks to the state of Virginia for the seasonable releif which my distressed famely has lately received thro your Excellency. I hope notwithstanding my Famely is numerous and small, that the ten thousand pounds which your excellency was pleased to send by Colo. Russell, will contribute to...
266To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received intelligence from Gen. Muhlenburg which I inclose you. Your letters of Yesterday are received and shall be answered the first leisure moment Yr Excellcys Dft ( NHi ) endorsed: “Copy to Govr Jefferson 23 Apl 1781 8 o Clk Pm.” Enclosure missing, but from two letters that Steuben wrote to James Innes on the same day it is clear what information Muhlenberg had transmitted....
267To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Fisher, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s circular letter of the 12th instant I have just now recived. The reasons therein contained for carrying into execution, the law subjecting the militia delinquents to six months service, are so obvious and cogent, that to reflect a moment on its propriety, would betray a great want of discernment: But in this county, our being without commissions for the captains &c. will...
268To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The movements of the Enemy on the Western side of chickahominy River of which I apprized you yesterday by Express has renderd it expedient for me to take my present position which I think a very defencible one, from which too I can file off towards Richmond without exposing my flanks or Rear to annoyance. They possessed themselves of the Ship Yard about 4 o’Clocke yesterday, and I am...
269To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I need not represent to your Excellency the insecurity of this place. We never can proceed with any degree of certainty in any of our public works while the enemy command the rivers. The state of our arms requires security to the workmen from alarms, and I am confident we shall never be able to get them repaired, unless some buildings are prepared for them in a safe place above the falls. I...
270To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Col. Th. M. Randolph has a large flat or lighter, which he tells me can go sixteen miles above his house . It would carry off a great deal of stores if we had it, and I am very apprehensive without it we shall lose a great deal. I am but little acquainted with him, otherwise should make the request myself. I would therefore submit it to your Excellency whether you would think it proper to...
271To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dick, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fredericksburg, 21 Apr. 1781 . Wrote “About 3 Weeks ago … for a Sum of Money to be brought me for the Use of the Factory by Capt. Peter Minor, who has been some time return’d and brings me no Answer about it. My Credit, Word, Honour and every thing mortal can do will not hold out longer with the people unless I am supported with Money. And it is Amazing the quantity of Arms old and New have...
272To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, [21 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Acrill Cocke this moment inform’d me that about three hundred of the Enemy are landed at Sandy Point, that three Square rigg’d vessels and two Sloops had got up to that place and that he saw one other coming up. I am with great respect Your most obedt Servt, RC ( PU ); addressed: “His Excellency The Governor Richmond Express”; endorsed: “B. Harrison’s Lre April 21st 1781.” The...
273To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, [21? April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The main body of the enemy are landed at Mrs. Morecock’s in this country at the mouth of Chickahominy, supposed to be about twelve hundred. Their object I suppose to be the ships in that river. They came up in the night in about twenty flat-bottomed boats covered by a ship and a brig. I am &c. Tr ( NHi ); in TJ’s hand, headed: “Copy of a letter from Colo. B. Harrison of Chas. City.”
274To Thomas Jefferson from William Hay, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this Moment favoured with a Letter from Mr. Nicolson from Fredricksburg containing very agreeable Intelligence of which the following is an Extract, “By a Gentleman immedeatly from Philada. we have the Agreeable Information of the Arrival of the second Division of the French Fleet off the Capes of Delaware consisting of 9 sail of the Line and 7 Frigates. They were spoke with by a Brig...
275To Thomas Jefferson from William Hay, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 21 Apr. 1781 . Difficulties of Hay’s brother, whose rheumatism prevents him from paying “the least attention to his Bussiness” and whose “two Store Boys are now under Marching Orders, so that his Store with a large Quantity of Goods must be left to the Mercy of the Negroes &c. … Among the Goods now in the Store there is at least One hundred Pieces of Sail Duck of the best Quality...
276To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States in Congress assembled, deeming it proper and necessary to communicate to their Constituents in the several States, as fully as can be done, a proper Representation of their national Affairs, the Amount of the public Debts due from the United States, together with the Estimates for the current Year; having examined and agreed to the Report of their Committee on that Subject of...
277To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About 3 oClock Yesterday the Enemy landed at Burwell’s Ferry 500 Infantry 50 Horse and 4 Peices Artillery, which with a seeming Intention of landing in force at Jamestown or on some part of the River above us, obliged us to evacuate the Town, and move up to Allens Ordinary six Miles above, about 12 o’Clock in the Night. Major Armistead with 150 Men and Capt. Kelly with 50 Riflemen were ordered...
278To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My Last Letter to Your Excellency Having Acquainted You of Our Preparations to Return to the Southward, and Having Also Mentionned the Reasons which in the present danger Urge me to Hasten By forced Marches to the Support of Virginia, I will only Add that We Came in two days from our Encampement Near Baltimore to this place and intend Setting out to Morrow for frederik Burg. Our Baggage,...
279To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, [21 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The great distress we are in for Arms has determined me to deliver out all those we have here that were destined for the Recruits, excep 150 which I have delivered to the recruits that are here. I have in the same time taken the arms out of the hands of the Artificers, in order that they may be deliverd to the Militia. Notwithstanding our Distress I find that the 1,000 Arms which have been...
280To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to Ask Your pardon for Omitting the Return I mention’d; I now inclose it. You Will Observe, it falls greatly short of two Battalions. Your Excellency does not Direct me, How I am to Act in that Case; I did take notice of it Yesterday; We think Here, the Court ought to Make the Arrangements, Accordingly, but I Wait Your Determination. Yesterday Noon I Received Yours, Ordering out my...
281To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I got here last night from Potowmac. On my leaving Williamsburg I pushed across the Country into the Northern Neck, and geting Intelligence of the Ships coming down proceeded to Hollis’s marsh where a body of Militia ware drawn together under the command of Colo. Richard Henry Lee. Two Ships, Two Brigs, a Topsail Schooner and two Tenders, lay oposite, at Blackstones Island. The whole Fleet...
282From James Innes, enclosing a Letter from William Davenport to Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fourteen flatt bottomed Boats a ship two brigs two sloop’s and one schooner heavily manned, have just arrived at Burwells Ferry. From every appearance I think they mean to land, as they have halted with a favorable Tide. I believe they wait for nothing but the arrival of two schooners which have their Cavalry on board. These vessells I am this moment informed have just turned Mullberry Island...
283To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you the latest Intelligence of the movements of the Enemy. I shall immediately march the troops up the New Kent Road, and take such a position as to enable me, to operate vigorously without exposing my Rear and Flanks. I have the honor to be respectfully Yr Excellency’s most obt Sevt., N.B. Since writing the above, I have received Information that 16 flatt Bottomed Boats are above...
284To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This Day at two o’clocke, the Enemy attempted and made good their Landing at Burwells Ferry. At the same time several armed vessells and 16. flatt bottomed Boats proceeded up to James Town where I have been informed they have since Landed. As soon as I found the Designs of the Enemy to circumvent me, I moved the troops to this place which is the nearest position to the Town that can be taken...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel McDowell, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Excellencys Order of the 29 march last, and ordered the Draft accordingly. The Draft is made and the day of Randizvouse is the 26th Inst. But it must Ruin a number of those whose lot it is to march at this time. As most of them were down last fall when Genl. Lesley Invaded this State, by which they were Prevented from Sowing fall Crops; And by going to Join Genl. Green at this...
286To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry Mosby, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having orders from the Executive to put the Recruiting Act in Motion, I appointed Fryday last for that Purpose, but on thursday evening Received orders from you to send the whole of our Militia to Manchester, which has again put a stop to the Business, and As it is Uncertain how long the Militia will be Kept in Service shall not appoint a Nother day untill I have further orders. The Act to...
287To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry Mosby, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Acknowledge the Receipt of the Advice given by the Executive to me, to Call a Court Martial for the purpose of punishing the Delinquents Who has Refused or Neglected to March when Called Upon Under the Invasion Law, some few there May be in this County, and for the purpose aforesaid I had Appointed Fryday last to hold a Court, But the Whole of our Militia being Caled forth has Rendered it...
288To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New Castle, 20 Apr. 1781 . Has received TJ’s orders “Directing A Court Martial, on the Delinquents, for My County. I understand by it, those that Have fail’d in any Tour of Duty, whatever, Say for 12 Months Back, Or thereabouts.” No returns were made by Syme’s officers while he was “at the Springs,” but has “now c[all]’d for them, as thinking it, both just and suitable from your Orders, and...
289To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Towles, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fredericksburg, 20 Apr. 1781 , “Captain Field carries with him under guard from this place to Richmond Six Prisoners some of whom were taken in King George County that had escaped from on board a vessel called the little Trimmer belonging to the british piratical crew that have been plundering up Patowmack.” Asks TJ to give orders concerning them. “A considerable sum of money is wanted here”...
290To Thomas Jefferson from Garret Van Meter, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 14th. Instant, to which refer, and intended to have dispatched the bearer immediatly after. Since then he has had Orders to March with the Militia lately Ordered below, but as I conceive he will be the most proper person I can get to go down, for many reasons, have therefore given him a furlough for Twenty days, before which time is expired he can return, and then join the...
291To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 19 April 1781, with enclosure: “An Ordinance for establishing Courts,” 5 … (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, an Ordinance for establishing Courts for the Trial of Piracies and Felonies committed upon the high Seas, passed in Conformity to the Articles of Confederation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant, An Ordinance for establishing Courts for the trial of Piracies and felonies committed on...
292To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I received the enclosed I am just informed by an officer at Burwells ferry, that there are opposite that place 9. flatt bottomed Boats fully manned. Two armed ships a Brig and a schooner—more in sight. I am preparing to take the most expedient measures my poor Judgment dictates for the honor and Service of the State. I will not fail to acquaint of every material contingency. I am with...
293To Thomas Jefferson from John Christian Senf, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Just now I received Your Excellency’s Letter, which gave me a great deal of Satisfaction. Since Saturday last I have been at this Place, but Nothing heard of Colonel Call. To Day I received four Negroes from my Neighbours and tomorrow I expect Six More. This Morning I sent Capt. Allen with a letter to Coll. Call and if not at home, to find him out, and have his Answer, as I understood, there...
294To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your Excellency’s Letter of this Date. Colonel Innes informs me of some Vessels Being on their way up. Till we know their force, which side they Mean to Act, we can Determine nothing, and till then I approve the Different Rendezvous you have Named. I am only afraid if their Movements are Rapid, they will get here Before the militia. I shall Communicate to your Excellency...
295From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to enclose on the 28th Ulto that the Action of the 15th had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident marks of distress, and that our Army in good spirits, were advancing upon them. From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter, and the enclosure from the Baron...
296To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 18 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a resolution of Congress stating that Col. [William] Davies cannot “exercise a civil Appointment while he retains his Rank in the Army.” Postscript: “I have been honoured with your several Despatches of the 26, 28, and 31. of March and 7th. Instant.” RC ( CtY ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington. Address leaf of RC is in Vi , franked by Huntington...
297To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Moment received by Express from Captain Kelly, stationed a little above Newport News, an Account that eleven Vessels, chiefly Square rigged, have turned Newport News Point on their Way up the River. His Letter bears Date at 10 this Morning, so that, the Wind being fresh at South East, they could with Ease reach Burwell’s Ferry this Evening. I am making the best Disposition to...
298To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing to you this afternoon at four o’Clocke I have received the inclosed Intelligence which I take the earliest opportunity of communicating to your Excellency. Possibly we may at this post feel the Influence of the Enemy in their passage yet I am Confident their main operations are intended higher up Jas. River. I have the honor to be very respectfully yr Excellency’s obt Sevt, RC (...
299To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry Mosby, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreable to your request I have endeavoured as far forth as lay in my power to comply therewith. I have this day enlisted thirty Six Men to serve the time (on the terms) Specified, and doubt not but by the time we march (which is intended on sunday next) we shall Add to the number, as our County has often been pillaged of Armes am doubtful we cann’t git a supply, and consequently shall depend...
300To Thomas Jefferson from Eleanor Sheed, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excelency will I hope easily pardon this intrusion, when you are acquainted, it is the pen of a female that addresses, and solicites your attention for a few moments-And, who nothing should have tempted Most worthy Sir to this freedom; but my ill state of health, joined to the absence of my husband, and a hope of your Excelencies permission to leave the State. I have been inform’d a Flagg...