701From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 28 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington, same date , with the exception of one paragraph in Huntington’s letter which was omitted in this. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed, in part: “Ansd. 18h. April.” FC ( Vi ). Enclosures ( DLC : Washington Papers): Copies of Nathanael Greene to TJ, 23 Mch. ;...
702To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1781 (Washington 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 15. instant about a mile and a half from Guilford Court House, between General Green and Lord Cornwallis. Captain Singleton an intelligent Officer...
703From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 21 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington, same date , q.v., but with the omission noted there. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, with complimentary close and signature in TJ’s hand; endorsed, in part: “Ansd. 4: April.” FC ( Vi ). Enclosure ( DLC : Washington Papers): Copy of James Barron to TJ, 20 Mch. 1781 , q.v.
704To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing your Excellency a copy of a letter from Genl Greene with some other intelligence received, not doubting your anxiety to know the movements in the South. I find we have deceived ourselves not a little by counting on the whole numbers of militia which have been in motion as if they had all remained with Genl Greene, when in fact they seem only to have visited &...
705From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of inclosing your Excellency a copy of a letter from Genl. Greene with some other intelligence received, not doubting your anxiety to know the movements in the South. I find we have deceived ourselves not a little by counting on the whole numbers of militia which have been in motion as if they had all remained with Genl. Greene, when in fact they seem only to have visited and...
706To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from General Greene dated High Rockford february 29 (probably march 1) who informs me that on the night of the 24th Colo. McCall surprized a subaltern’s guard at Hart’s mill, killed 8 and wounded and took 9 prisoners, and that on the 25th Genl Pickens and Lieutenant Colo. Lee routed a body of near 300 Tories on the Haw river, who were in arms to join...
707From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from General Greene dated High Rock ford February 29. (probably March 1) who informs me that on the night of the 24th Colo. McCall surprized a subaltern’s guard at Hart’s mill, killed 8 and wounded and took 9 prisoners, and that on the 25th Genl. Pickens and Lieutenant Colo. Lee routed a body of near 300 tories on the Haw river, who were in arms to join...
708To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I gave you information in my last letter that Genl Greene had cross’d the Dan, at Boid’s ferry, and that L[or]d Cornwallis had arrived at the opposite shore. large reinforcements of militia having embodied both in the front & rear of the enemy, he is retreating with as much rapidity as he advanced. his route is towards Hilsborough. Genl Greene cross’d the Dan the 21st in pursuit of him. I have...
709From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Feb. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington of the present date , q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “Ansd. 21st. March.” Printed in HAW Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson , Washington, 1853–1854 , i , 296–7, and elsewhere. Tr ( DLC ).
710To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter from General Greene dated Guilford C. house Feby 10. we are informed that Lord Cornwallis had burnt his own waggons in order to enable himself to move with greater facility & had pressed immediately on. the prisoners taken at the Cowpens were happily saved by the accidental rise of a watercourse which gave so much time as to withdraw them from the reach of the enemy. Lord...
711From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 17 Feb. 1781. . This letter is identical in substance with that sent by TJ to Huntington this day , q.v., except that the last sentence in the first paragraph and the last two sentences in the paragraph before the complimentary close in the letter to Huntington are not in the letter to Washington. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 4 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and with postscript in...
712To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed 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 500 troops under the command of a Major Craig who were joined by a number of...
713From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 12 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter of this date to Samuel Huntington , q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “recd 28u. Ansd. 21st March.” PrC of Tr ( DLC ). Printed from Tr in HAW Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson , Washington, 1853–1854
714To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence, which though from a private hand, I believe 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 Lord Cornwallis under the command of Genl Prevost. This account which had come through another channel is...
715From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Huntington of this date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); captioned: “Genl. Washington & the President of Congress.” Tr ( DLC ); a defective press copy.
716To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1781 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Thomas Jefferson, 12 Jan. 1781. The entry for 19 Jan. in the journal of the Virginia executive council reads in part: “His Excellency [Jefferson] communicated his proceedings during the recess together with the Copies of the Letters which have passed between him & certain persons which being read & approved the board directs to be registered to wit: … to His Excellency...
717[From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 12 Jan. 1781. The proceedings of the Council for 19 Jan. 1781, the first meeting after the invasion, state that TJ “communicated his proceedings during the recess together with Copies of the Letters which have passed between him and certain persons which being read and approved the board directs to be registered to wit: … to His Excellency General Washington of the 10th and 12th” (...
718To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
It may seem odd considering the important events which have taken place in this State within the course of ten days past, that I should not have transmitted an account of them to your Excellency. but such has been their extraordinary rapidity & such the unremitted exertions they have required from all concerned in Government that I do not recollect the portion of time which I could have taken...
719From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It may seem odd considering the important events which have taken place in this State within the course of ten days past, that I should not have transmitted an account of them to your Excellency, but such has been their extraordinary rapidity and such the unremitted exertions they have required from all concerned in Government that I do not recollect the portion of time which I could have...
720To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition contemplated by this State against the british post at Detroit, and of receiving your answer of october 10th. since the date of my Letter the face of things has so far changed as to leave it no longer optional in us to attempt or to decline the expedition, but compels us to decide in the affirmative and to begin our...
721From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition contemplated by this State against the british post at Detroit and of receiving your answer of october 10th. Since the date of my Letter the face of things has so far changed as to leave it no longer optional in us to attempt or to decline the expedition, but compels us to decide in the affirmative and to begin our...
722To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th instant. having found it impracticable to move suddenly the whole Convention troops, british and germans, and it being represented that there coud not immediately be covering provided for them all at fort Frederic we concluded to march of the British first from whom, was the principal danger of desertion and to permit the germans...
723From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th instant. Having found it impracticable to move suddenly the whole Convention Troops, british and germans, and it being represented that there coud not immediately be covering provided for them all at fort Frederic we concluded to march off the British first from whom was the principal danger of desertion and to permit the germans...
724To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I inclose your Excellency a copy of an intercepted Letter from major General Leslie to Lord Cornwallis. it was taken on a person endeavouring to pass thro 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 something towards his...
725From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 10 Nov. 1780. Encloses copy of intercepted letter from Gen. Leslie to Lord Cornwallis; describes circumstances of its capture in same terms as in letter to Gates of this date, q.v. An added paragraph reports the capture of deserters from the Convention army in same terms as in letter to Huntington of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, with...
726To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 3 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor 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....
727From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 Nov. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, with corrections, complimentary close, signature, postscript, and address in TJ’s hand; endorsed: “No. 19. Richmond 3d: Novr. 1780 from Governor Jefferson Ansd. 9th. Decr.” PrC ( DLC : TJ Papers), lacking postscript.
728To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Executive of this State think it expedient and necessary that under our present circumstances the prisoners of war under the Convention of Saratoga be removed from their present situation. Many circumstances have led to this necessity. It will be utterly impracticable as long as they remain with us to prevent the hostile army now in this State from being reinforced by numerous desertions...
729From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 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 : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. Tr in DLC : TJ Papers. For variations in the text from the letter to Lee, see note there.
730To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you Letters from Genl Hamilton for New York. On some representations received by Colo. Towles that an indulgence to Govenor Hamilton and his Companions to go to New York on parole would produce the happiest effect on the situation of our Officers in Long Island We have given him, Majr Hay & some of the same Party at Winchester leave to go there on Parole: The...
731From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you Letters from Genl. Hamilton for New York. On some representations received by Colo. Towles that an indulgence to Governor Hamilton and his Companions to go to New York on parole would produce the happiest effect on the situation of our Officers in Long Island we have given him, Majr. Hay and some of the same party at Winchester leave to go there on...
732To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received certain information of the Arrival of a hostile fleet of about Sixty Sail in our bay. the debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth, seems to indicate that, as the first scene of their action. we are endeavouring to collect as large a body to oppose them as we can arm: this will be lamentably inadequate if the Enemy be in any force; it is...
733From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this morning received certain information of the Arrival of a hostile fleet of about Sixty Sail in our bay. The debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that, as the first scene of their action. We are endeavouring to collect as large a body to oppose them as we can arm: this will be lamentably inadequate if the Enemy be in any force; it is...
734To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a letter from Ld Cornwallis to Colo. Balfour was sent me by Govr Rutledge: lest you should not have seen it I do myself the pleasure of transmitting it, with a letter of Genl Harrington to Genl Gates giving information of some late movements of the Enemy. I was honored yesterday with your favor of the 5th inst. on the Subject of Prisoners, and particularly of Lt Govr...
735From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a letter from Ld. Cornwallis to Colo. Balfour was sent me by Govr. Rutledge: lest you should not have seen it I do myself the pleasure of transmitting it, with a letter from Genl. Harrington to Genl. Gates giving information of some late movements of the Enemy. I was honored yesterday with your favor of the 5th. inst. on the subject of prisoners and particularly Lt. Govr....
736To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday forwarded to you a letter from Colo. Wood informing you of his situation. That Post has been for some time past pretty regularly supplyed, and I hope will continue so to be for some time to come. A Person whose punctuality can be relied on offers to contract for victualling it. If We can agree on terms, and the Assembly will Strengthen our Hands Sufficiently, We think to adopt that...
737From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday forwarded to you a letter from Colo. Wood informing you of his situation. That Post has been for some time past pretty regularly supplyed, and I hope will continue to be for some time to come. A Person whose punctuality can be relied on offers to contract for victualling it. If we can agree on terms and the Assembly will strengthen our Hands sufficiently, We think to adopt that...
738To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
As I know the anxieties you must have felt since the late misfortune to the South, and our latter accounts have not been quite so unfavorable as the first, I take the liberty of inclosing you a state of this unlucky affair extracted from letters from General Gates, Genl Stevens, & Govr Nash, and taken as to some circumstances from an officer who was in the action. another army is collecting....
739From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, with a Narrative of the Battle of Camden, 3 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As I know the anxieties you must have felt since the late misfortune to the South, and our later accounts have not been quite so unfavorable as the first, I take the liberty of inclosing you a state of this unlucky affair extracted from letters from General Gates, Gen. Stevens, and Govr. Nash, and taken as to some circumstances from an officer who was in the action . Another army is...
740From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of General Hamilton I transmit you Letters from General Specht and himself, to Generals Philips and Reidesal, and a state of the deficiencies of provisions furnished to the barracks. I have no reason to doubt the truth of the state they send, so far as it may be understood of animal food, for of meal they have had always enough, but in justice to ourselves must assure you that...
741To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, c.29 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
At the request of General Hamilton I transmit you Letters from General Specht and himself, to Generals Philips and Reidesal, and a state of the deficiencies of provisions furnished to the barracks. I have no reason to doubt the truth of the state they send, so far as it may be understood of animal food, for of meal they have had alway enough, but in justice to ourselves must assure you that...
742To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 9 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to the resolutions of Congress of January 13. 1780, we have turned over to the Continental Commissary of Prisoners at Winchester forty prisoners of war, a roll of whom I now take the liberty of enclosing to your Excellency. I have the Honor to be with all possible respect & esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , UkLoBM : Add. MSS 38650; copy,...
743From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 9 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to the resolutions of Congress of January 13. 1780, we have turned over to the Continental Commissary of Prisoners at Winchester forty prisoners of war, a roll of whom I now take the liberty of inclosing to your Excellency. I have the Honor to be with all possible respect & esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servt., RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s...
744To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the act of our assembly, a copy of which I now do myself the honor of inclosing you, I am, in the name of the General assembly, “to request you to proclaim pardon to all deserters from the Virginia line of the continental army, who shall within two months after the publication of the act” (which took place about a week ago) “return to their several companies, if on land, & if...
745From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the act of our assembly, a copy of which I now do myself the honor of inclosing you, I am, in the name of the General assembly, ‘to request you to proclaim pardon to all deserters from the Virginia line of the continental army, who shall within two months after the publication of the act’ (which took place about a week ago) ‘return to their several companies, if on land, and if...
746To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 July 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Thomas Jefferson, 22 July 1780 . On 14 Aug. , GW wrote Jefferson: “I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s favor of the 22 of July.”
747From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 4 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The assembly have directed me to send a quantity of tobacco to the Virginia officers in captivity at New York and Long island, or if the enemy will not admit that, that it be sold for hard money and sent to them. I own I do not expect they will admit it. As you are a better judge of this, should you be of opinion they will suffer the officers to receive and dispose of the tobacco, I must...
748To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 2 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received from the Committee of Congress at Headquarters three letters calling for aids of men & provisions. I beg leave to refer you to my letter to them of this date on those subjects. I thought it necessary however to suggest to you the preparing an arrangement of officers for the men: for tho’ they are to supply our battalions, yet as our whole line of officers almost are in...
749From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from the Committee of Congress at Headquarters three letters calling for aids of men and provisions. I beg leave to refer you to my letter to them of this date on those subjects. I thought it necessary however to suggest to you the preparing an arrangement of officers for the men: for tho? they are to supply our battalions, yet as our whole line of officers almost are in...
750To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 11 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Majr Galvan as recommended by your Excellency was dispatched to his station without delay, and has been furnished with every thing he desired as far as we were able. the line of expresses formed between us is such as will communicate intelligence from the one to the other in twenty three hours. I have forwarded to him information of our disasters in the South as they have come to me. Our...