1II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles...
The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to...
Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace Gentlemen You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of...
4Garret Van Meter and Others to the Auditors with Andrew Woodrow’s Bill and Jefferson’s Certification, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampshire County, 20 Apr. 1781 . Garret Van Meter, Abel Randall, James Murphy, and George Beall, Commissioners of the Tax, state that they “have employed the bearer hereof Mr. Andrew Wodrow, to go to Richmond to bring up money, to pay off the draughts for this County, likewise to carry some very important inteligence to his Excellency the Governour” and wish his expenses to be paid....
5To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 12 Nov. 1779. In compliance with the requisition of 30 Oct. for the purchase of clothing for the Cherokee Indians, all the articles mentioned in Maj. Martin’s list that were to be had were secured, but for want of money the goods are being held until payment for them can be made. Before the treasury is replenished the goods may be sold. Every effort has been made to secure the...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, with Reply, [25 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of Assembly having directed a Sale of the Ships Tartar and Dragon, the Gallies Henry, Manly, Hero, Page, Lewis and Safeguard, except such of them as may consistently with the public Interest be employed in the commercial Concerns of this Commonwealth, it is recommended to the Board of Trade to declare which of the said Vessels they are of Opinion should be retained under that...
9To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 14 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 14 July 1779 . Upon consideration of the want of necessary supplies, it is proposed to offer Hunter & Co. “77 ½ for 1. for such Goods as will suit the State payable in Tobacco at the Market Price.” Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. Countersigned: “In council July 16. 1779. Disapproved of, the price being thought too exorbitant. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. See Board of...
10To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, [17 March 1780]–18 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears from an Act of the last Session of Assembly that the Executive are empowered to make Sale of sundry State Vessells therein mentioned with this proviso that they shall have power also to retain for the State such of the said Vessels as can consistently with the Public Interest be employed in the Commercial concerns of this Commonwealth. The Commissioners of Trade beg leave to inform...
11To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 3 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Nov. 1779 . Submits requisitions from Board of War for shoes and for clothing for Col. Buford’s battalion at Petersburg; also a memorandum of George Purdie offering sundry articles. Mr. Greenhow has 10 dozen men’s large shoes which he offers at £12 per pair and 9 dozen small men’s shoes at £10. Prices for all the articles are exceedingly high, but the need for them is...
12To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We tho’t it prudent, before Mr. Smith’s departure, that he should inform the Board what he expected would be allowed him for his Expences on his intended trip to Europe, that no difficulties might arise with respect to this matter on his return. He has consulted Mr. Beall on the occasion, who it seems lately made the same tour himself, and procured his Opinion, which is herewith submitted to...
13To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, [5 April 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The following Slaves have been purchased for the use of the State agreeable to the Instructions given this Board by His Excellency in Council Gabriel cost £6305. Ned, cost 4210 Soloman 3675 Sam 4700 Kitt (a Boy 3640. Charles 3115 Tom 3755 Sawney 3190 David 3820 James
14To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 23d . was this day laid before the Board; there is a Vessel now at the Capitol Landing which we shall have detained till the 7th of next month, in order to take in those Articles directed to be removed to Richmond; unless it should be thought better to order her round to the College Landing to receive them: The other instructions contained in the Letter shall be...
15To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 13 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 13 July 1779 . The proposals of Hunter & Co. concerning the cargo of the ship Dolphin seem exorbitant. From information respecting tobacco now owned by the state, it is impracticable to comply with the proposal. This commodity is rising daily and will probably soon reach £20 per hundred. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. Countersigned with the following instruction: “In...
16To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8–9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 8–9 Oct. 1779 . Transmitting a requisition from the Board of War for the purchase of leather breeches for Maj. Nelson’s corps of cavalry. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Below, in TJ’s hand: “In council Oct. 9. 1779. There being a sufficiency of deerskins in Richmond for the purpose of this requisition from the board of war it is disapproved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.;...
17To 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia and the charge for freight immense. The extensive orders given to Col. Smith of Baltimore to purchase flour should, therefore, be immediately countermanded and a price limit set of £30 Maryland money per hundred....
19To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard Barron, commanding officer of the state navy. If necessary, Capt. Barron will convey the ship to a place of safety on the western shore. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 15th. Approved...
20To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Before issuing orders for the privateersmen at King William Courthouse to be delivered to the flag from New York, the Board wish instructions concerning the British prisoners of war. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Reply follows: “In Council Mar. 25th. 1780. The Board are [of] opinion that all the prisoners of War belonging to this State (excepting only Governor...
21To 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...
22To 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:...
23To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
24To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11–15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War recommend that a fast sailing Boat be kept as a look out at Smiths Island to give the alarm in Maggoty Bay on the approach of an Enemy; from thence an Express to be sent across the Country to Northampton Court House; the Boat then to proceed to York with the alarm. The Battery at Cheriton to be repaired, and the Guns there remounted immediately for the defence of that Inlet;...
25To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 23–25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter Master General informs us, that for want of proper Offices and Store houses, The State not only incurs a considerable expence for rents but that the public property from the impossibility of procuring proper accommodations for Storage suffers very great detriment. We take liberty to recommend that your Excellency would direct such houses on the lot purchased by the Executive of Mr....
26To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Nov. 1779 . Alexander Stewart of Rockbridge co. has offered to supply the state with gunpowder. He should be engaged to supply as much as he is willing to contract for and should be paid as much as others receive for all he delivers to the magazine at Staunton. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council December 1st. 1779. Approved on condition that Mr....
27To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779. Approved, except so far as relates to the establishment of pursers, which measure is still to be considered of. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 3 p.
28To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16–17 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Minnis of General Mulenburgh’s family, who belongs to the 1st. Virginia Continental Regiment, being destitute of active employment, owing to the deficiency of the Virginia Line, has been called on to resume his command in his Regiment, and his company therein being extremely thin, he requests to be honored with the charge of a proportion of the recruits raised under the act concerning...
29To 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...
30Virginia Council of State’s Appointment of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor called the attention of the board to the subject of appointing Visitors for the University of Virginia in Conformity with the provisions of an act of assembly passed the 25 January 1819 —Whereupon, the following persons were duly appointed Visitor—to wit: Thomas Jefferson — James Madison — Chapman Johnson — Jos. C. Cabell
31Answer of President and Directors of Rivanna Company to Thomas Jefferson’s Bill of Complaint, 7 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Answer of the President & Directors of the Rivanna Company to the Bill of Complaint exhibited in this honble Court against them by Thomas Jefferson These Respondents saving to themselves now & hereafter all manner of exceptions to the various matters & things set forth in the Plaintiff’s Bill of Complaint for Answer thereto, or to so much thereof as they are advised is necessary for them...
32Jane Battles to Ann Carrington Cabell, with Postscript to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace this opportunity to Inform you that I am well and am In hopes that these few lines will find you and famely enjoying the Same Blessing please to recollect that you promised to assist me In geting my pay from the United States I have Been In their Service Considerable time Since I Saw you I went through Kentuckey by the way of the falls of the Ohio river from thence on to wabash river...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, with Enclosures, 27 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received on the 15th. May the Letter you did me the honor to address me the third of that month and should sooner have replied to it, had I not expected to avail myself of a private conveyance from hence, by which I might write with greater security, than I can do by the Post. It is with the greatest satisfaction that I find you are disposed to cultivate an intercourse, which for the reasons...
34James Dinsmore’s Report on Tin to Central College Board of Visitors, 10 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Haveing been requested by the visitors of the Central College to Examine and report on the Eligibility of Tin as a Covering for Houses as Introduced in Staunton —I beg leave to inform them that I have repaired to that place. was Introduced to the owners of the two Principal Houses Coverd with Tin— m r Smith , and m r Cowan and also to m r Brook the workman who put it on—they all acted with...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, with Enclosure, 9 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to trouble your Excellency on a subject which is of material consequence to me. Colonel Blackden, no doubt, informed you of my being the proprietor of Lands in the western country of Virginia; of which he had some for sale while he was in France, tho they turned out short of my expectations. I have therefore applied my thoughts to another system, which there is a greater certainty...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from William Claiborne, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 May 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from William Claiborne, “one of the Gentlemen employed to purchase horses for the use of the Continent, by order of the Marquis”; and inquiring how and when the money will be advanced. Extract of a letter from Mr. William Claiborne dated 3d. May 1781 “In the Marquis’s letter to you I observe he says that the Governor has given his promise...
37Michele Raggi and Giacomo Raggi to Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke, [received 1 September 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Li loro Servi Michele e Giacomo Raggi esebisconsi per fare un Acomodo di fargli tre proggetti, che loro Sig ri potranno apprendersi a quello che gli senbrerà piu Aproposito ⅌ il loro Avantaggio. P mo Che il Súnomato Michele prontamente si porterà nel piu Vicino Porto D’ Europa a prendere sua moglie a proprie Spese e Carico de Viaggi, sempre che gli rinovino il Contrato
38Arthur S. Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson, with Jefferson’s Note to John H. Cocke, 12 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Nelson has come over to do the work of Pavilion N o 5 – Before I knew of it was your and General Cocke s intention that M r Nelson should
39Enclosure: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Cost Estimates for University of Virginia Building Construction, 1 October 1819 … (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the order of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia , requiring of the Proctor “an estimate of the whole cost of completing ten pavilions, with their appendages, the number deemed necessary for the proper accommodation of the whole number of Professors contemplated by the Legislature , five hotels, and dormitories in number depending on the number of Students who...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Willink & Van Staphorst, with Enclosures, 31 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
We are honored with Your Excellency’s respected favor of 13. Inst. urging us again to pay the ƒ51,000 Guilders reimbursable by the United States the First Instant at the House of Henry Fizeaux & Co. which we should have effected, had you and Mr. Adams wrote us clearly and decidedly to do it; instead of which you both desired us to discharge only the Interest and wait the Orders of the Board of...
41Philippe Jacques Dahler to Jefferson and Congress, 6 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est pour procurer à ma famille des renseignemens sur l’existence oû la mort de nôtre Oncle et depuis longtems vôtre compatriote Jean Daniel Hammerer que j’ose Messieurs m’adresser jusqu’à Vous respectables Président & Membres du Congrès. Depuis 1774 époque de la derniere de ses nouvelles, nous lui avons écrit à reïtérées fois, sans avoir pu recevoir reponse, ni de lui ni des Siens. Comme des...
42To 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...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 30–31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The General expressed to me yesterday in such strong terms the great importance of the post at Chesterfield, and urged so strenuously his idea of the necessity of my continuing my superintendance at that place till the march of the new raised troops shall be over, that it was in vain I represented my opinion of the impracticability of discharging my duty towards it, or the fatigue and trouble...
44From Daniel L. Hylton, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 30 Mch. 1781 . Mr. Eppes desires him to inform TJ that “a Gun Smith up the Country will undertake the Cleaning and repairing Arms. He will also get 3 or 4 Men to Assist him provided they are exempt from Military duty.” The arms must be sent up to him. TJ’s instructions follow: “Referred to Colo. Davies; Colo. Muter had the name of this man in a note from me. He lives in...
45To 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...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
47From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The equipment of the cavalry is a matter of real consequence to our military operations. The enclosed account appears to have arisen from an application to Mr. Simpson by the officers of the cavalry for a number of articles the troops were in want of. He has applied to Col. Finnie for payment, who tells him he can only give him a certificate for what is due him. Mr. Simpson is very willing to...
49From John Christian Senf, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By our present Situation Your Excellency will find it highly Necessary, that all kind of Intrenching Tools, as well for the defensive as offensive Operations, should be got immediatly ready. I take therefore the Liberty to propose what Kind and Quantity of Tools [there] may be Occasion for, 800 Spades 400 Common Axes 200 Broad and Grubbing Hoes 100 Pick Axes 300 Fashine Knifes and smal...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the Assistants of the Quartermaster general is going over to the Eastern Shore. It appears to me an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of disposing and securing the public stores of every kind that are there. A great deal has been lost, a great deal more is in danger, and I submit it to the decision of your Excellency whether it will not be proper to sell what cannot be...