251To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d two acts of Congress of the 11th instant and one other of this Day by which you will be inform’d that Congress have determin’d to call upon the several States to furnish their quotas of such Supplies as may from time to time be wanted for carrying on the war taking due care to suit the conveniencies of the several States, and the articles by them...
252To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 15 Dec. 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of this date recommending an embargo on exports. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 2 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xv , 1383. TJ had anticipated the recommendation of Congress in his Proclamation...
253To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . When Col. Travis entered into a contract with Edward H. Moseley to build a ship of war for the state, Moseley refused, after the contract was written, to accede to the terms unless it was stipulated that if the vessel were destroyed by the enemy it would be the state’s loss. Col. Travis agreed, but through haste the stipulation was not entered into the written...
254To 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...
255To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . There are three captains, two lieutenants and four cornets in Maj. Nelson’s corps. Two gentlemen are appointed to recruit the quotas of a lieutenant. If they have not done so, they do not belong to the corps of horse, and the officers who have raised their quotas and are now on duty should be the officers of the three troops of horse and should rise according to...
256To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 16 Dec. 1779 . A flag-of-truce vessel brings this letter, together with food and stores for the Convention troops. To save expense it is desirable that the flag vessel “be permitted to go up the James River as far as possible to discharge her cargo.” Capt. Farquhar of the 20th Regt., who comes with the flag, brings a supply of money and will need an escort from the vessel to...
257To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 17 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 17 Dec. 1779 . Workmen are needed for the next year at the shipyard. The commissioner should attend the sales of British property and purchase Negroes for that purpose instead of hiring them, because the hire is so exorbitant. A pair of sawyers would not cost less than £600 per annum. Signed by Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 18th. 1779. Approved. Th....
258To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 December 1779–9 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We Know at last, that D’Esteing’s melancholy affair happened in Georgia; that our few regulars there behaved very well; and we hear that it was the militia who did not Keep their ground; and that the pretended treachery did consist in the villany of one of our officers from New-England, who deserted and informed the enemy of Desteing’s plan for the attack. We are convinced that D’Esteing’s...
259To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 18 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 18 Dec. 1779 . The public shipyard at Cumberland should be discontinued because of the enormous cost of maintenance. The trading department has only six vessels, and there is little prospect of increasing the number. These can be kept in repair at less expense than the present cost of the public yard. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters...
260To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 18 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delay’d Answering your letter respecting the Goods Sent to Majr. Hay, in hopes of Giveing you Some Certain Account of the Theft, but as yet have not been able to Fix it with precision; I am however on a Good Sent [Scent], and hope Shortly to Give you an Account of the offender. The badness of the Weather and a Cold which by Venturing out on a Damp day a Cought prevented my being in Town...
261To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
To the previous general question from the Executive relative to Cap. de Klauman Whether established usage authorizes the transferring a Senior Captain from one Regiment to the Majority of another in preference to a junior Captain of that other. The Board Answer, in continental Service, the Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry are distinct and separate Corps and promotions take place accordingly...
262To Thomas Jefferson from Giovanni Fabbroni, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Ho avuto già L’onore di congratularmi coll’ Eccellenza Vostra, per La giustizia resa al vostro carattere, e ai vostri talenti dai vostri compatriotti elevandovi al grado di Loro Governatore. Io ne ebbi La nuova dal Sige. Digs, e per mezzo di esso vi spedii La mia Lettera. Il Sige. Lee mi favorisce adesso d’offrirmi una nuova occasione di scrivervi, ed io non trascuro di profittarne. La mia...
263To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is a Copy of Intelligence, this Moment received by this Board, from his Excellency the Chevalier De la Luzerne. We have taken the speediest Method of conveying it to your Excellency, under an Impression of the Propriety of giving you the earliest Intimation of the Design of the Enemy. We have the Honor to be &ca. FC ( MdAA ). Enclosure missing; see, however, La Luzerne to Gov....
264To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 23 Dec. 1779 . The commanders of two vessels from Bermuda with salt to exchange for corn submit a proposal, enclosed. The terms agreed upon last July were bushel for bushel, but the price of corn has fallen and the price of salt doubled. It would be good policy to allow two bushels of corn for one of salt to induce others to bring salt. The captains are granted permission to...
265To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that the most expeditious measures be immediately adopted, to remove to places of Safety both up James and York river all military Stores of any kind and Sort. That the Garrison Regiment hold itself in readiness to march to York at a momen[ts] warning, Nelsons Corps immediately to proceed to the same place. One third of the Militia of York, Warwick, James City, New Kent and...
266From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 11th inst. I then informed you it was reported that the fleet, which had been some time preparing at New York had sailed the day before. I have since found the account was premature; or, that if any Vessels went out at that time, they were but few. I have now certain information that a fleet of about one hundred sail, under convoy of a 74—a...
267To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 11h: inst. I then informed you it was reported that the fleet, which had been some time preparing at New York, had sailed the day before. I have since found the account was premature; or, that if any Vessels went out at that time, they were but few. I have now certain information that a fleet of about one hundred sail, under convoy of a 74,...
268From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 13th Instant I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th Ulto with a Copy of the Resolution of the Assembly to which it refers. The proceeding is founded in a generous & just liberality with respect to the Officers & Soldiers who had not been provided for by the Act alluded to—and will I hope at least have a happy operation in alleviating their distresses which were...
269To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 13th. Instant I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th Ulto. with a copy of the Resolution of the assembly to which it referrs. The proceeding is founded in a generous and just liberality with respect to the Officers and soldiers who had not been provided for by the Act alluded to and will I hope at least have a happy operation in alleviating their distresses...
270To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d the copy of a letter from Thomas Scott to the President of Pennsylvania of the 29th of Novemr. last with a copy of the proceedings of the President and Council of Pennsylvania of the 15th of Decemr., as also an act of Congress of the 27th Instant consequent thereon recommending to the contending Parties not to grant any part of the disputed lands...
271Steuben’s Plan for Preventing Desertion, [December] 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place or date ] In a long war the difficulty and expense of raising men increases, and “every possible means should be employed for the preservation of the Men after they are raised.” The incomplete state of the regiments obliges one regiment to be shifted into another, destroying the attachment between officers and men “which is necessary for their preservation.” The officers,...
272To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Kinloch, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
I have to [entreat?] that your Excellency would be so kind as to forward the letters that accompany this; that addressed to [Gen.?] Huger to Charles Town You will be pleased to send southwardly, and I could wish that your Excellency would so far indulge me, as to enclose it with any occasional dispatches, either to Genl. Greene or to Governor Nash. I have already, If I am not mistaken,...
273To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that the Virginia Line are ordered from the Main Army to reinforce the one here. Unless they have more than a common stock of shoes and socks, they will soon be barefooted, which will at this inclement season, prevent their continuing the march. I have, therefore, to request that these articles may be provided for the troops and supplied them, if necessary, on the march. And as...
274To Thomas Jefferson from James Mercer, 8 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The severity of the weather obligeing Colo. Mason to continue with me for three days, he among other things communicated to me the powers the General assembly had vested your Excellency with respecting the settlement of this State’s accounts with the united States, and your Inclination that I shou’d undertake this business. Considering the Recess I have had from the fatigues of public Service...
275[To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Reed, 8 January 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 8 Jan. 1780 . From “Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania,” Penna. Colonial Records, xxi , 224: “A letter was sent to his Excellency Thomas Jefferson, esquire, Governor of the State of Virginia, enclosing the Proclamation of the Council of the twenty-eighth day of December last, with an attested copy of the resolution of Congress of the twenty-seventh of...
276To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 18 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d two Acts of Congress of the 13. and 14. Instant. The former containing the regulations adopted relating to prisoners of War whether taken by Continental Troops or captured by the arms of any particular State either by sea or Land. Many difficulties have frequently occurred for want of such a general regulation too numerous to be recited. It is...
277To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Jan. 1780. Because of the dissolution of the fourth troop of Nelson’s corps of cavalry, a dispute concerning the lieutenancy of the third troop has arisen between Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Read. It is recommended that the decision be referred to a board of officers “as the most proper Tribunal to determine all military disputes.” Signed by Innes and Barron. Tr in Board of War...
278To 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...
279From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your Excellency’s favor of the 16th of Decr last. The inclosures for New-York have been duly transmitted. with respect to the prevention of flags to Chesepeak under the present appearance of things in that quarter, I shall should any fresh application come from the enemy give it proper consideration. The case of Col. Bland wch your Exy was pleased to communicate is very...
280To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Morristown, 22 Jan. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 16 Dec. 1779, which did not come to hand until 16 Jan. Will give proper consideration to applications from the enemy for flag-of-truce vessels to the Chesapeake. Has communicated Col. Bland’s case to Congress. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2p. In hand of James McHenry; endorsed. Printed: Washington, Writings , ed. Fitzpatrick, xvii ,...
281To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By a vessel decoyed in here yesterday bound from New York to Savannah we learn that she sailed from the Hook the latter end of December in company with a fleet of about 90 sail, bound to Georgia, with Troops on board, the number uncertain or who commands, of which 6 were line of Battle ships besides one 54 one 40 and one frigate, and that she parted with them off Cape Hatteras in a storm. It...
282To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 25 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 25 Jan. 1780 . Requests advice of Council concerning purchase of spirits and other commodities from De Francy for the use of the several garrisons. Reply follows: “In Council January 25th 1780. The Board disapproves altogether of the proposed purchase of Rice and Salt; and refer to the Board of Trade to determine whether the sum to which the State of the Public Treasury will...
283To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 26 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 26 Jan. 1780 . Recommending purchase of the whole or part of a tract of escheated land near the public foundry at Westham, as it would “probably furnish Wood, Grain and other necessaries for the use of that Work,” these items now being purchased at very extravagant rates. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors...
284To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address your Excellency on the 24th. our frigates have returned from a short cruize. By what they discovered, and the information of the Prisoners taken on board two sloops, part of the fleet with about 45 Dragoons on board, (their horses were shipped in the same Vessels, but were all lost on the passage but two) which were brought in by them, the enemy are now...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 1 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Secretary’s Office, 1 Feb. 1780 . Encloses the journals of Congress to complete the state’s set to 1 Jan. 1780, hereafter to be printed in monthly pamphlets regularly sent, and requests a reply to his letter of 20 Nov. 1779, the request therein not being made “by idle curiosity but a desire of promoting public Utility and the cause of America.” RC ( MdAA : Red Books); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand,...
286To Thomas Jefferson from Fielding Lewis, 2 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have advanced upwards of Two Thousand pounds for the use of the Gun factory under the care of Mr. Dick and myself, and Money daily wanted which I shall continue to furnish untill a supply can be obtained from the Treasury; Majr. Alexander Dick informs me that he shall shortly return to this place and has promissed to bring up any Money you will please to send me, about Ten Thousand pounds...
287To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 3 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I find it altogether Out of My Power to engage Any of the Tradesmen Among the German Troops to go to Richmond; by Some Means or Other they have found Out Our Distress for Tradesmen to do Our Public Work, and their Officers have Contrived to get so Considerably in their Debt for Work, Besides their Pay and Cloathing, that they are Afraid to go without their Consent, least they shou’d be...
288To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 4 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 4 Feb. 1780 . The agent has secured all of the deficient supplies for the new levies of Col. Buford’s battalion as recommended, with the exception of 152 shirts. Proper linen not to be had and shirts exceedingly high-priced; therefore, decision to purchase them is left to executive. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 2 p. Printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the...
289To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [4 February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The exhausted State of the Treasury rendering it impracticable to make the Purchases of Slaves, Tobacco and Land which have from time to time been recommended to this Board, We wish, as the only Means left us to comply with those recommendations, to have a Letter from his Excellency in Council to the Escheators of those Counties where the Purchases can be made, authorizing them to admit of our...
290To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 5 Feb. 1780 . Requests advice for the disposition of six Negroes purchased for the state. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii , 96. TJ’s reply has not been located, but the following minute appears in the Board’s Journal under the same date: “The Executive...
291To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As the removal of the public Boards and Public Shops to Richmond may be Attended with very great inconvenience for the want of houses, The Board recommends to his Excellency the Governor to direct that all the escheated houses in Richmond be purchased for public use. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ).
292To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, [5? February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
A plan for new modelling the Quarter Masters department in this State. The Quarter Master General, taken from the Line, to draw three rations four forages and receive six hundred dollars ⅌ month in Addition to his pay in the Line, be allowed the use of three public horses. Two assistant Quarter Master Generals to draw each one ration two forages and receive four hundred Dollars ⅌ month...
293To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Chantilly, 7 Feb. 1780 . Acknowledges letter and enclosures of 2 Jan. Intends to go into next Assembly and will early procure lodgings in Richmond. Hopes the southern news is true. A letter from Arthur Lee of 28 Sep. brings news of naval fighting in European waters. Arthur Lee may not be able to leave Europe because he stands pledged for 300,000 livres which he has no means of paying. RC ( DLC...
294To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing you a Letter from our worthy friend Mr. Fabroni. A powerful fleet of 18 Sail of the Line and 4000 troops has just left Brest for the W. Indies to restore the superiority of this Country in that quarter. The Enemy’s fleet has been successful on the coast of Spain in taking some Spanish men of war and a number of transports laden with naval stores, but as there is a...
295To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 8–12 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Nantes, 8–12 Feb. 1780 . Is still at Nantes but has been obliged to beg personal financial assistance from Tuscany. Action of the Spanish and British fleets off Cadiz; capture of numerous Spanish merchantmen by Admiral Rodney. French success under M. LaMotte Picquet at Martinique. Encloses extracts from French Gazette to show “the monstrous contrast” between the published accounts in Spain and...
296To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 10 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 9th. Instant ascertaining the number of men exclusive of Commissioned Officers for the Continental Army the next Campaign to be 35. 211. which Congress deem necessary for the service of the present Year the Quota of each State being specified in the Act. You will observe that all the Men belonging to each State...
297To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 10 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
For your very polite recollection and kind Compliments as well, as those from Your Lady, to whom please to present my best respects, myself and Madame de Riedesel return you our most perfect thanks, requesting you will be persuaded that nothing can ever efface from our Memory the Esteem we have for so respectable a Family from whom we received so many instances of Friendship. Madme: de...
298To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 11th. Instant authorizing the Executive Power of Virginia to examine the Accounts charged against Colo. Bland while in Command at Charlotte-Ville by the Deputy Commissary General of Purchases and Issues and make such allowances in his favour as they deem Just and proper &c from the peculiar Situation of his Command. I...
299To 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:...
300To 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...