1301From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 25 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The difficulties, which you proposed to me as to the commission of the peace I will endeavor to answer, as a private friend, for the satisfaction of your own judgement: the regular determination of them belongs to the judiciary department between whom and the executive should be a sacred barrier. Under the regal government, the office of a justice of the peace was held during the pleasure of...
1302To 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...
1303From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board approves of the whole of the foregoing measures except as follows. They think the particular works of defence [to] be constructed at York had better be referred to the Engineers of this State and of our Allies on view of the ground; and under the controul of Col. Marshall and the commanding Officer of the French. They are of opinion that the application to the State of North Carolina...
1304From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor Lee and intelligence (from the French Minister) accompanying it, gives reason to apprehend that the enemy meditate an invasion of this state. The reasons which support this opinion as well as those which oppose it will occur to the General assembly. It is our duty to provide against every event, and the Executive are accordingly engaged in concerting proper...
1305From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 18 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Cap. De Klauman having sometime ago explicitly in the presence of the Board made his election to withdraw from duty in the Regiment of Artillery, and relied on his appointment to a majority in one of the Eastern Batalions and the vacancy thereby occasioned having been supplied by a new appointment, they are of opinion he cannot resume his command in that Regiment: the proposition to promote...
1306To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of putting under cover to your Excellency, some Letters to Generals Philips & Reidesel, uninformed whether they are gone into New York or not, and knowing that you can best forward them in either Case. I also trouble you with a Letter from the Master of the Flag in this State to the British Commissary of Prisoners in New York, trusting it will thus be more certainly conveyed...
1307Thomas Jefferson in Council to Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1779 (Madison Papers)
We have information from our Delegates in congress that the detention of some continental arms by the executive of this State during the course of the last summer has given considerable umbrage to congress. I beg leave therefore, thro’ you Sir, to lay before that honorable body facts, simply as they occurred, hoping that these will satisfy them that, the arms being justly due to this State,...
1308To 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...
1309From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We have information from our Delegates in congress that the detention of some continental arms by the executive of this State during the course of the last summer has given considerable umbrage to congress. I beg leave therefore, thro’ you Sir, to lay before that honorable body facts, simply as they occurred hoping that these will satisfy them that, the arms being justly due to this State,...
1310From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of putting under cover to your Excellency, some Letters to Generals Philips and Riedesel, uninformed whether they are gone into New York or not, and knowing that you can best forward them in either case. I also trouble you with a Letter from the Master of the Flag in this State to the British Commissary of Prisoners in New York, trusting it will thus be more certainly...
1311From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter which came by a flag of truce from New-York, will, I imagine, inform you that prisoners from your state are sent here for the purpose of exchange. A copy of a letter from the master of the flag I also take the liberty of inclosing, as it will give you further information of their arrival here and escape from the flag. The master is to await the return of the prisoners whom...
1312To 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...
1313From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 13 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 13 Dec. 1779 . Order to carry into execution a resolution of the Assembly of 8 Dec., empowering the governor to contract for clothing and provisions for the slaves and tradesmen at the Westham foundry. Tr of executive order and enclosed resolution in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia ,...
1314To 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;...
1315From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of the General assembly of Pennsylvania with President Reid’s letter came to hand by yesterday’s post. I now do myself the pleasure of transmitting them to the assembly, and of assuring you that I am with the greatest esteem Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed in TJ’s hand. Endorsed: “Governors Letter enclosing Pennsylvania Assembly’s...
1316[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11? December 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 11? Dec. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 86 (11 Dec. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from the Board of War, respecting the attempts of a band of speculators to create an artificial scarcity of grain.” Not located.]
1317From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 10 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution for purchasing Slaves to carry on the West Ham Foundary is transmitted to your Board to be carried into execution, as the care of those works rests with you. P.S. Since writing the above another resolution of Assembly is come to hand for purchasing Iron of Mr. Ross. I inclose it to you with a Copy of his Letter proposing the supply, and Governour Henrys Answer. Th . J....
1318From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before the General assembly the enclosed letter and memorial from the Consul of his most Christian majesty in this state. That gentleman’s letters of appointment came to hand soon after the date of my letter to you on the same subject . MS not located. Extract printed from Anderson Auction Co. sale catalogue, 10 Jan. 1908 (Henry Goldsmith Sale), lot 134, a one-page...
1319From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Reed, 3 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your acceptable present came duly to hand. Tho I had not the happiness of a personal acquaintance with your excellency, I never needed evidence of the propriety of your conduct on any occasion. A circumstantial development however of Governor Johnstone’s essay cannot but have good effects in satisfying the world at large, that the same pure spirit of patriotism which produced this revolution,...
1320From Thomas Jefferson to Pontdevaux, [before 2 December 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
In hopes that by this time you will have discharged those attentions which the situation of your ship and men required on your arrival here, I take the liberty of expressing to you the satisfaction it would give me to have the honour of seeing you in our little capital. As such it would scarcely merit the notice of a stranger, but the exercise and change of air and element may perhaps be...
1321Proclamation Ordering Embargo, 30 November 1779 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the exportation of provisions from this state will be attended with manifest injury to the United States, by supplying the enemy, and by rendering it difficult for the publick agents and contractors to procure supplies for the American troops, and will moreover give encouragement to engrossers and monopolizers to prosecute their baneful practices, I have therefore thought fit, by and...
1322Proclamation of Embargo, 30 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
By His Excellency THOMAS JEFFERSON, Esq; Governour or Chief Magistrate of the commonwealth of VIRGINIA: A PROCLAMATION. Whereas the exportation of provisions from this state will be attended with manifest injury to the United States, by supplying the enemy, and by rendering it difficult for the publick agents and contractors to procure supplies for the American troops, and will moreover give...
1323To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter on the discriminations which have been heretofore made between the troops raised within this state and considered as part of our quota, & those not so considered, was delivered me four days ago. I immediately laid it before the Assembly, who thereupon came to the resolution I now do myself the honor of inclosing you. the resolution of Congress of Mar. 15. 1779 which...
1324Form of Recruiting Commission, [28 November] 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
To Gentleman: You are appointed, and forthwith are to proceed, to recruit men to serve in the infantry of this commonwealth. Each man is to receive at the time of enlistment a bounty which with that heretofore received shall make seven hundred and fifty dollars to serve during the war, and the following articles of clothing, that is to say: A coat, waistcoat, a pair of overalls, two shirts, a...
1325From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 28 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter on the discriminations which have been heretofore made between the troops raised within this state and considered as part of our quota, and those not so considered, was delivered me four days ago. I immediately laid it before the Assembly, who thereupon came to the resolution I now do myself the honor of inclosing you. The resolution of Congress of Mar. 15. 1779 which...
1326[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 25? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 25? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 70 (25 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, two letters from the Governor, stating several matters for the consideration of the House, and enclosing several letters and papers on the subject thereof, which were...
1327To 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...
1328[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 24? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 68 (24 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a memorial of Mr. De Francey respecting a commercial transaction between the executive and his principal, Mr. De Beaumarchais, with...
1329[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 24? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 69 (24 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, requesting that the vouchers returned by the commissioners of the Gun Manufactory at Fredericksburg, on the settlement of their accounts, may...
1330From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [23 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
There is reason to believe that the appointment of a Consul to reside in this State on the part of his most Christian majesty either has been already or will shortly be made. I must submit to the general Assembly the expediency of considering whether our Laws have settled with precision the prerogatives and jurisdiction to which such a person is entitled by the usage of nations; and putting...
1331[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 22? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 66 (22 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, stating sundry matters for the consideration of the House, and enclosing several letters and papers on the subject thereof; and the same were...
1332To 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....
1333From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [20?] November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War apprehending that the mention of the appointment of an assistant Clerk to them, as made in my letter to you of October 20th . was not accurately conformable to their resolution as approved by the Executive, have inclosed me the resolution with the approbation subscribed. This transaction happened in my absence, and the Clerk being otherwise engaged no copy was retained, so...
1334From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 19 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council, 19 Nov. 1779 . Transmits resolution of Congress, enclosed in letter from Samuel Huntington, requesting reconsideration of Act for reopening Virginia land office. MS not traced; A.L.S., 1 p. and address, sold at American Art Association and Anderson Galleries, Terry Sale, pt. 1, 2–3 May 1934, lot 272. Huntington’s letter, enclosed, was dated 30 Oct. 1779, q.v. ; see also JHD Journal...
1335From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 18 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that until the numbers of an invading enemy and the proposed point of invasion known, neither the numbers of militia proper to be drawn into the field, nor the Counties from which they shall be called can be determined on. They approve of the making ready the Artillery harness’s and horses for Artillery, Waggons for the baggage Ammunition forage and for the...
1336[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 17? Nov. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 59 (17 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, on the subject of certain inquiries made by the executive, on complaints against justices of the peace for misfeasance in office, which was...
1337From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Bland being about to retire from his Command at the Barracks in Albemarle, and desirous to withdraw at the same time the party of his horse which has hitherto been Stationed there, wished that we should supply their place by sending thither about twenty or five and twenty of the horse of this State. Our horse being as yet not very well trained, the Officers represented that it woud much...
1338From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board advise the approbation of the proposition from the board of War for building a small magazine at Staunton; but that it be paid for in money, and not by a sale of any of the rifles, these being already ordered to be delivered to the two Western Battalions now raising. They approve also of what is proposed as to the cattle. They advise that no particular supply of Clothing be sent for...
1339From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that a Soldiers oath is not sufficient testimony to entitle him to clothing or a compensation for it: It is their opinion also that the Board of War may proceed to appoint a commissary of prisoners. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). See Board of War to TJ, 13 Nov. 1779 (second letter from the Board under that date).
1340From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that one prison ship agreeable to the resolution of Assembly be employed; that she be moored in James river above the windings thereof which form the Peninsula’s in Henrico and Chesterfield Counties: that picquetts be erected on the South Side of the same river on such Spot as the Board of War or an Officer to be sent by them to examine grounds for that purpose shall direct;...
1341From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of the opinion that Mr. Adams and Mr. Southall or any other persons who shall be appointed by the board of War, be desired to have proper proceedings in Law instituted to compel a conveyance of the Lands purchased from Fortunatus Sydnor and in the mean time proceed to erect the magazines, removing force by force, which the public necessity and Safety, and clear justice and right...
1342From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of May 1779. under which Mr. Blunt has been last Drafted refers to one of October 1778 as to the method of determining who were Subjects of that Draught. This act says the justices and the Field Officers shall lay Off the militia into Districts, each of which districts shall furnish a man. The justices and field Officers then are made Judges who shall be deemed to be of the Militia and...
1343From Thomas Jefferson to David Shepherd, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favour of you to give notice to the Officer recommended by you for the Western Battalions that as soon as one half his [quota] of men is raised and delivered by you, he shall be entitled to his commission and must march the men on to Fort Pitt, the remaining half you must send on under a Serjeant to the same rendezvous. Lieutenant Colo. Knox is appointed to take command of the...
1344From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 9 and 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of opinion that Colo. Le Maire’s expences of £15,545 livres 14 sous be paid in current money at the exchange of 20 for 1. and that £2000 be allowed him for his expences from Boston to this day. Th : Jefferson In Council Nov. 12. 1779 On further consideration the board thinks Mr. Le Maire shoud be allowed 27. livres a day for 430 days to be paid in currency at a rate not exceeding...
1345To 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...
1346From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to appoint Frederickg., Petersbg., New London, Staunton, and Winchester places of rendezvous for New levies raised under the act of Assembly concerning Officers Soldiers Sailors and marines, and to direct an Officer to meet the recruiting Officers of the several counties at these places at certain times, to wit, Petersburg on the first Day of every other month,...
1347To 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.
1348From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Caswell, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received messages and informations from the Cherokee nation of Indians, painting their nakedness and general distress for want of European goods, so strongly as to call for pity and all possible relief. Their several settlements being contiguous to the two Carolinas and to Virginia they have at times received supplies I beleive from each of these states. Their great numbers...
1349Proclamation Appointing a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the Honourable the General Congress, impressed with a grateful sense of the goodness of Almighty God, in blessing the greater part of this extensive continent with plentiful harvests, crowning our arms with repeated successes, conducting us hitherto safely through the perils with which we have been encompassed and manifesting in multiplied instances his divine care of these infant...
1350From Thomas Jefferson to John Rutledge, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Major Martin, our agent with the Northern or Upper Cherokees, comes to Charlestown to see if there be a possibility of purchasing there any goods to supply their wants. Give me leave to hope he will meet with your Excellency’s patronage in the execution of this business. Their present distresses are so great that we have bought up every thing proper for them in our own...