301Proclamation concerning Consuls, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
By his Excellency THOMAS JEFFERSON, Esq; Governour or Chief Magistrate of the commonwealth of Virginia. Whereas the General Assembly by their act intitled “ An act for the protection and encouragement of commerce of nations acknowledging the independence of the United States of America” have authorized the Executive to receive and admit into this commonwealth, a Consul or Consuls from any...
302From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 31 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Nov. 20. 1779. came safe, tho lately, to hand. The future acts of our assembly I shall take care regularly to transmit, as also such of those past since the institution of the commonwealth as can be procured: for they are become scarce. I have in my own collection of pamphlets some few duplicates which I will also forward to you as soon as I shall be able to examine them, for...
303From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter will be pleased to enquire into the particular arms and accoutrements delivered by deserters into hands responsible to the state, and to settle a price on them at about 80 for one of what they used to cost in the state. I will send the individuals to Colo. Muter. RC ( PHi ); unsigned; addressed by TJ: “Colo. Muter”; endorsed: “Govr. respecting those people who have recd. Arms from...
304Pass for Charles? Torriano, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Torriano has permission to visit Colo. Wilson Miles Cary at his residence either in Fluvanna or Hanover, he there considering himself as under all the obligations of his parole other than that which is meant to be hereby dispensed with as is necessary to give him the benefit of this permission. Dft ( DLC ). There were two Torrianos who were British officers serving in America: Charles, It....
305Form of Pass for British Deserters, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof a deserter from the British army has permission to cross James river at Goochland Courthouse and to remain on the South side of the river above Chesterfeild county, conducting himself with fidelity to this commonwealth. Dft ( Vi ); endorsed: “Pass to the Deserters.” At foot of text, in a hand other than TJ’s: “15 Copies.” There is no good clue as to the date of this paper.
306Notes concerning the Right of Removal from Office, [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
N ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand. Undated, but before Gen. Lee’s dismissal by Congress 10 Jan. 1781 ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xvi , 33) and after the Boards of War and Trade were abolished in June 1780. TJ became familiar with the “rapacity, inattention and means of evasion” practised by forage masters, purveyors,...
307Memorandum Books, 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 1. Gave Norwell’s man 24/. 2. Pd. Martin houshold expences £7–4. 4. Gave in charity £3. 8. Pd. houshold expences 30/. 9. Pd. Giovanni for sundries £10–10. 10. Pd. Nicholson for a book £6. 11. Gave Mrs. Jefferson for sundries £49–10. 15. Pd. Mrs. Hallam 1st. quarter for Patsy’s dancing £20–2. Pd. houshold expences 36/. 17. Pd. houshold expences £3–6.
308From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 1 January 17[80] (Jefferson Papers)
The late assembly having made some alteration in the Western force as stated to you in my former letter , I think it necessary to apprize you of it. They have directed your battalion to be completed, 100 men to be stationed at the falls of the Ohio under Majr. Slaughter, and one only of the additional battalions to be completed. Major Slaughter’s men are raised, and will march in a few days,...
309From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 2 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters which came to hand yesterday from France do myself the pleasure of forwarding to you. I have had in my possession for you, two months, four numbers of the parliamentary register, containing the whole correspondence between the ministry and Sr. Wm. Howe, and Burgoyne from the time of Howe’s coming to America till the Convention of Saratoga. I kept them at first in hopes of...
310From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A large packet directed to the President of Congress with other dispatches for the Chevalier de la Luzerne and others, coming to my hands two days ago, I thought it proper to forward them to you by express. He should have set out yesterday but it was too tempestuous. I have the honor to be with all possible respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71,...
311From Thomas Jefferson to Theodorick Bland, 18 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The most timid being now satisfied that the enemy will not pay us a visit, Baptiste is relieved, after a delay which seems to have been very painful to him. This should have taken place much sooner, but I wished and hoped daily to send by him orders for taking off the suspension of General Scott’s march, which it was thought not proper to do, till we received satisfactory information of the...
312From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 19 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On a conjectural view of the money likely to come in to the Treasury between this and the 15th. of June, and on estimates of the several demands on the public for money with in the same period we find it will be necessary to restrain the amount of Warrants to be issued hereafter to about two thirds of what would have been a full supply. We Allot therefore as follows. To the Commissaries...
313To 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...
314From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Martin, 24 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We are very desirous of having a fort at the mouth of Ohio which together with other posts meant to be established on the Ohio may form a chain of defence for our Western frontier and at the same time protect our Trade with New Orleans. But the ground at the Mouth of Ohio on the South side belonging to the Cherokees we would not meddle with it without their leave. We wish you therefore to...
315Proclamation Requiring Settlers Northwest of the Ohio to Vacate, 24 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor or chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia: a proclamation Jany 24. 1780 Whereas the General Assembly by an act passed at their Session in October 1779, intituled ‘An Act for more effectually securing to the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line the Lands reserved to them, for discouraging present Settlements on the north west...
316From Thomas Jefferson to Evan Shelby, Jr., 24 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Before the receipt of your Letter , the assembly having empowered us to raise one troop of horse for the Illinois, we had commissioned Captain Rogers for that purpose who raised his men and proceeded some time in the fall to join Colo. Clarke, who was not informed of any of these measures at the date of his Letter to you. We have therefore no authority to direct the raising any more. After...
317To 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...
318From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 25 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph having been at first appointed a Lieut: of horse, and declined accepting it Mr. Reid was then appointed. He therefore is conceived to Stand on a footing of an original appointment. He raised his whole quota within a few Days after receiving notification from the executive. This then not being a case of vacancy by Death, resignation or removal, where regular succession takes place,...
319Instructions to Inspector of Stores and Provisions, 25 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War have appointed you to act a[s] inspector of all the military Stores and provisions in the several Magazines of this State. You will make the inspection every three months and make report the[re]of to this board. All commissaries of provisions and milita[ry] Stores and all the Superintendants of the public magaz[ines] are under your directions and controul. To them you will...
320From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 26 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to recommend to the Board of Trade to draw Bills of Exchange on Messrs. Penett & Co. to the amount of £4,000. Sterling payable to Colo. Geo. Rogers Clarke, to be by him disposed of to the best Advantage, and the proceeds paid, four fifths to Colo. Legras, and one fifth to Capt. Lintot in part of the debt due to them, and to take Measures for procuring other Bills of...
321From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 28 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the recommendation of council to have bills of exchange drawn and sent to Colo. Clarke that the proceeds may by him be divided between Colo. Legras and Capt. Lintot will not answer, as I now understand the latter does not mean to return to the Illinois but to take a trip to France. The bills must therefore be made separate here. I think also that those which shall be sent to Colo....
322From Thomas Jefferson to John Todd?, 28 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By Colo. Legras I have written to Colo. Clarke fully as to the military affairs in the Western department. Among other things I have advised him to withdraw to the Eastern side of the Ohio all the forces not absolutely necessary to sustain the Spirits of the Inhabitants of the Illinois, and for their real defence. This necessity has been inforced by the impossibility of our supporting an armed...
323From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 29 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of October 26 and 28 and Novr. 6 came safely to hand and lastly that of August 24. I am glad the proposition of establishing a post at or near the mouth of Ohio is likely to answer as well in practice as to us, who judged on theory only, it seemed likely to do. I have therefore written to Messrs. Walker and Smith , as you will see by the enclosed copy of my letter to them, to take...
324From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Walker and Daniel Smith, 29 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As we propose this Spring to take possession of and fortify some post as near the mouth of Ohio as the ground will admit, it becomes very important for us to know the exact latitude thereabouts. I take it for granted that your present Line will be stopped before you get there by unpurchased Lands. We therefore wish extremely that one of you would take a trip to the mouth of the Ohio with your...
325From Thomas Jefferson to Bernardo de Gálvez, 29 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency the last Month expressing hopes that by the return of Colo. Rogers we should receive information on the Subject of a Loan of Money formerly sollicited through the intervention of your Excellency by my Predecessor Governor Henry . Colo. Rogers however was unhappily surprised and killed on his return by the Indians together with about 20 others of...
326From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 30 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A most distressing harvest in this State having reduced us to the necessity of either disbanding our military force or seeking subsistence for them else where we asked permission from Governor Johnson to purchase a quantity of flour in your State. He was pleased to grant it to the extent of two thousand Barrels. Mr. Smith who was intrusted with the purchase informed us at different times of...
327From Thomas Jefferson to David Shepherd, 30 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the execution of the Commission for determining disputed titles to land, so far as the same has taken place in the controverted territory, has given great alarm and uneasiness to the State of Pennsylvania, who have applied to Congress on the occasion, and produced their interference. I hope no other Act has taken place subversive of the quiet of the Settlement. I must intreat you...
328From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 4 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of Opinion that exorbitant as the Price is these Articles must be bought to complete the cloathing which will authorize us to march Buford’s Battalion out of the State. A few day’s subsistence and pay (if detained for want of Shirts) will exceed the price demanded. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ).
329From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys letter inclosing that of Mr. Scott to President Reed, and the President’s to the Delegates of Pennsylvania in Congress, together with the resolutions of your honorable body recommending to both States to forbear granting lands within their disputed territory came safely to hand. I immediately availed myself of an opportunity, which occurred at that time, to Pittsburg, of...
330To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is possible you may have heard that in the course of the last summer an expedition was mediated by our Colonel Clarke against Detroit; that he had proceeded so far as to rendezvous a very large body of Indians (I beleive four or five thousand) at Saint-Vincennes; but being disappointed in the number of whites he expected, and not chusing to rely principally on the Indians, was obliged to...
331From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is possible you may have heard that in the course of the last summer an expedition was meditated by our Colo. Clarke against Detroit; that he had proceeded so far as to rendezvous a very large body of Indians (I beleive four or five thousand) at Saint-Vincennes; but being disappointed in the number of whites he expected, and not chusing to rely principally on the Indians, was obliged to...
332To 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:...
333To 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...
334Commission to D. M. G. Linctot as Indian Agent, 17 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commonwealth of Virginia to Daniel Morice Godefrey Lintot Greeting: Know you that in consideration of your courage, zeal and attachment our Governor with the advice of the Council of State, constitutes and appoints you to be agent on behalf of this Commonwealth with the indians in the northwestern department with the pay of five shillings in silver money by the day and the rank and rations...
335From Thomas Jefferson to [William Woodford], 17 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[Editors’ Note: the recipient of this letter was misidentified in volume 3 of the print edition as George Washington. The editors now believe the recipient was probably William Woodford, who was in communication with TJ at this time regarding military commissions and recruitment, although letters between the two during this period have not been found. See Woodford to George Washington, 8 Feb....
336From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board, in order to give Satisfaction as far as they are able to Colo. Legras and Major Lintot, recommend to the Board of Trade to convert into Tobacco such of the Bills of Exchange formerly recommended to be drawn as they shall be able to do on reasonable terms, such Tobacco to be delivered in payment in lieu of the Bills; they do not doubt the Board of Trade will endeavor to negotiate at...
337From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have spoken with the board of war on the subject of the battery at Hood’s , and they concur with me in wishing to avail themselves of your services there, and will give orders accordingly. This together with similar batteries on the other rivers will probably take some time, tho’ considering their great importance to the security and quiet of the country above them, we are assured you will...
338From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 19 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Crocketts Battalion is now rendezvousing at the Barracks in Albemarle from whence it is to proceed to join Colo. Clarke as soon as the season will admit them to march. I therefore refer to your consideration whether measures should not be immediately taken for furnishing them with Clothing, Blankets &c. Arms Ammunition and other necessaries to last them through the summer, as also for...
339Notes on Council Proceedings, [March 1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
What station of vessel during stay? Cherryton’s. What relief shall be furnished and how? Let him state his wants. What rules of intercourse with natives? Leave it on footing of my letter on officers. What guard? The boat to continue. Who correspond with them as Commissary of prisoners? Recommended to Colo. Innes to get Porterfeild to act pro hac vice—Capt. Barron. What done with letters to...
340From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A Doctr. John August Leonhard Kohly , chaplain to Brigadr. Specht’s regiment complains that a considerable sum of money is due to him from a German Doctor Smith who he says is a tavern keeper on the road to Richmond. As he cannot maintain an action for it I have recommended to him to call on Smith personally as the most likely way to sustain his right, and have referred him to you for leave....
341To 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...
342To 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...
343From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, [18? March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Nathan having taken up Bills drawn on us to a considerable amount payable in N. Orleans, and having occasion for ten thousand Livres in France in part paiment, I am to desire you to furnish him with Bills of Exchange to that amount, carrying them to his debit; also that you will be pleased to take back the Bills you gave Colo. Legras on Penet & Co. He having received Satisfaction for them...
344From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, [18? March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
It is recommended to the Board of Trade to procure for Colo. Bufords Officers now under orders to march to Charles Town 50 yds. Cloth blue and white Cloth, 16 Suits Tremings, 40 Shirts with buttons, 30 ⅌ of Thread Hose, 40 Handkerchiefs, 44 Summer Vests and Breeches. Also for the Officers of Colo. Bland’s Regiment 60 Shirts 45 Summer Vests and Breeches, 30 Handkerchiefs, 30 ⅌ Thread Hose. Also...
345To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to your Excellency on the subject of the expedition against Detroit, the want of men, want of money & difficulty of procuring provisions, with some other reasons more cogent if possible & which cannot be confided to a letter, have obliged us to decline that object. I thought it therefore necessary to notify this to your Excellency that no expectations of our undertaking it may...
346From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 19 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last to you by Capt. Shannon informing you that draughts from yourself and Colo. Todd to the amount therein mentioned had been presented by Colo. Legras and Capt. Lintot, a Mr. Nathan merchant from the Havanna has presented us with others which he had taken up in New-Orleans to the amount of near 50,000 dollars. These two parcels added to those before presented from Mr. Pollock and...
347From Thomas Jefferson to John? Harris, 19 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Patsy flag of truce fr[om] York having arrived at Hampton with cash, Stores and refreshments for the Officers of convention, and being to proceed as far up James river as her commanding Officer shall think proper, I am to request of you to take charge of her. You will apply to Capt. Wright for a guard of eight men under a commissioned Officer who will be subject to your directions. You...
348From Thomas Jefferson to John Todd, 19 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter from the falls of Ohio of Dec. 22. came safely to hand. You mention therein that you have not in a twelvemonth received any letters from hence. I know not what were written before the 1st. of June last, but since that time I have written several to you. The expences attending the support of our troops in the Illinois have obliged us to call them all to the South side of the Ohio,...
349From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 19 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing to your Excellency on the subject of the expedition against Detroit, the want of men, want of money and difficulty of procuring provisions, with some other reasons more cogent if possible and which cannot be confided to a letter, have obliged us to decline that object. I thought it therefore necessary to notify this to your Excellency that no expectations of our undertaking it...
350From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 20 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This express brings some packets of letters for Generals Specht, Hamilton and Gall, which came by the Patsy, flag of truce, just arrived from New York with money and stores for the Convention Troops. You will please send on the Express to the first two named gentlemen. The flag is to go up the James River as far as she can. When her arrival there shall be notified to you, you will be pleased...