301Instructions 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...
302From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letters of the 1st. 2d. and 3d. instant came to hand this morning. It is not in our power to send any additional arms to you at this time. I must therefore on this subject refer you to a Letter of mine which you had not then received, desiring that such men from the Counties destined for the present tour, as you have more than you can arm, may be sent over to General Muhlenberg, who I...
303From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received information from Genl. Greene that Ld. Cornwallis, maddened by his losses at the Cowpens and George town has burnt his own waggons to enable himself to move with facility and has pressed forward as far as the Moravian towns, Genl. Greene being obliged to retire before him with an inferior force. We are endeavouring to gather a force around him from which I hope he will not...
304From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letters of February 28th and March 3d were received yesterday and this Day. It is utterly out of our Power to send the Arms and Cartouch Boxes to Hanover Courthouse which you desire. Every one fit for Service has been delivered out. You will certainly get such of your men armed below as shall be without arms, as there are spare arms under the orders of Baron Steuben drawn down to the...
305From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Byrd the other day inclosed to me copies of two entries under your hand, the one for 1000 acres at and near the Lead mines on both sides New river joining Forbes’s and Herbert’s land including the Mine hill, the other for 1000 acres at the big French Salt lick on the S. W. side of Cumberland river near the mouth of Stone’s creek, both made by Colo. Byrd on the 1st. of March 1774 by virtue...
306From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 22 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter having resigned his appointment as Commissioner of the war office, the board have appointed you to succeed him which I have now the pleasure to notify to you. I shall be exceedingly happy should it be agreable to you to undertake the Office, and if applications to the Commanding Officer or other Person shall be necessary to reconcile your acting in this Office to the reservation of...
307From 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...
308From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 December 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress will receive by this post our approbation of the Confederation . It passed the house of Delegates on Monday and the Senate on Tuesday last. Tho’ our house of delegates is almost wholly of those who are truly zealous, yet there have ever been a few who have endeavored to throw obstructions in our way. Objections to this important instrument came therefore not unexpectedly. The most...
309From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley and Frederick, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have with exceeding distress of mind received information that the service to which the Militia of the Counties of Frederick and Berkely have been called Westwardly is so disagreeable as to render it probable that that call will be very imperfectly obeyed. A knowledge that an extensive combination of Indians had been formed to come on our frontier early in the spring induced us to prevent...
310I. Notes of Thomas Burke’s Speech before the House of Delegates, [19 November 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
Jurisdiction of this state extends to lands in question. Henderson & co. nevertheless a right to the soil. Altho’ he must shew their right to the whole, they wish only to retain a very small part and give up the rest in consideration of protection. To make a good deed 3 essentials. N ( DLC ); with TJ’s title at top of page: “Notes of Burke’s argum. before H. of Deleg. in the case of...
311From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My former Order required only half of your Militia to be embodied. The rapid Approach of the enemy renders it necessary that for instant Opposition you embody the whole able to bear arms. Should they not be armed, there are Waggons loaded with Arms at Chesterfield Courthouse under orders to proceed to Powhatan Courthouse. By an Application to Colo. Carrington or other Commanding Officer, you...
312Proclamation Convening the General Assembly, 23 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By his Excellency Thomas Jefferson esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia A Proclamation. Whereas it is become necessary that the General Assembly be called together before the time to which they stand adjourned: I have therefore thought fit with the advice of the Council of State to issue this my proclamation, hereby appointing the first day of march next for the meeting of the said...
313From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received advice that on the 22d. inst. the enemy’s fleet got all under way and were standing towards the Capes. As it still remained undecided whether they would leave the bay or turn up it I waited the next stage of information that you might so far be enabled to judge of their destination. This I hourly expected; but it did not come till this evening when I am informed they all got to sea...
314From Thomas Jefferson to John Fitzgerald, 27 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Messrs. Amable & Alex. Lory of Alexandria advertised a Copy of the Encyclopedie for sale. I wrote to enquire as to the condition and price of the work, and received for an answer of which the inclosed is a Copy. I take the liberty, under sanction of the readiness you have ever shewn to aid us, of inclosing to you the notes of 15068 ℔ of Tobo. and of asking the favor of you to make the purchase...
315From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 15 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A Difference of opinion having taken place between the Executive of this State and Mr. Simon Nathan as to the rate at which certain Bills of exchange should be discharged in paper money, we have agreed with him to refer it to such Gentlemen of Knowledge in the Laws, of established Character and of any other State, as yourselves shall mutually agree on with him. Their award shall be performed...
316From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 24 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, we have nothing new from England or from the camps at either Cambridge or St. John’s. Our eyes are turned to the latter place with no little anxiety, the weather having been uncommonly bad for troops in that quarter, exposed to the inclemencies of the sky without any protection. Carleton is retired to Quebec, and though it does not appear he has any intimation of Arnold’s...
317From Thomas Jefferson to Anthony Walton White, 14 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of transmitting to you the inclosed advice of Council and order, in answer to your application to us. The board of trade inform me they have and shall immediately forward to the Southward such stores as will amount to about half the annual allowance. I am Sir Your most obedt. Servt., RC (A. Philippe von Hemert, New York City, 1947). Addressed by TJ: “Colo. White of the...
318From Thomas Jefferson to William Rose, 9 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress having taken upon themselves the expresses established by this state from hence to the southern army you will be pleased to turn them over to Colo. Finnie. All expences incurred since the 29th day of June are to be continental. If Colo. Finnie requires the same horses to be continued you will settle with him for them at the price they cost us, otherwise call them in. Whatever sum you...
319From Thomas Jefferson to the Surveyor of Monongalia County, 3 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having become impracticable to settle the boundary between this State and Pensylvania by Astronomical Observations during the present Season, it is referred by mutual Consent till the next year. In the mean time it is agreed that Masons and Dixons line shall be extended twenty three miles with a Surveyors Compass only in the usual manner marking the Trees very slightly. I am therefore to...
320From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 26 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by your friendly communication of the intelligence from the Chevalier de la Luzerne. It was delivered to me on the 22d. Instant, two days after the date of your letter, and three days sooner than I received it by Express in the ordinary way, a Time very precious if the Enemy should really visit us. I was sorry that the Master of the Vessel returned before I could send to him,...
321From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of the 13th. and 20th. Ult. came to hand about a week ago. I am informed the assembly determined against the capacity of reelection in those gentlemen of the delegation who could not serve a complete year. I do not know on what this decision could be founded. My hopes of the success of the Congressional propositions here have lessened exceedingly. Mr. Henry had declared in favor...
322From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Yates, 10 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing the within, I receive information that Congress think to order the money which our tobacco is selling to raise, to be sent on southwardly. It becomes therefore necessary that the paiment offered for the tobacco in your hands should not be made in Philadelphia, but in Fredericksburg, or at our own treasury. I am sir Your mo obedient servant, FC ( Vi , photostat from Brit. Mus.:...
323From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Caswell, 30 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing the within, I learn that the Caswell Galley is sunk at her station, that her bottom is eaten out, and her original form such that she could not be hove down to be refitted. The within proposition therefore, your Excellency will be pleased to understand as confined to the Washington only. By direction of the Assembly of this State, I do myself the honor of enclosing their...
324From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners of Convention and those taken at the Cowpens having been ordered on the late Approach of Lord Cornwallis to move on to our Northern Boundary, while Congress could be consulted as to what should be done with them, I have received a Letter from the President from which the inclosed is extracted. They have I believe reached as far as Winchester from which place they are now ordered...
325From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Goochland and Henrico, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the Marquis Fayette give you Notice at any Time that there is Reason to apprehend the Enemy will cross James River, you will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may be within twenty Miles wherever they shall at any Time be to be removed [&c. as in the Letter to Powhatan.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Brackets supplied; for remainder of text see preceding letter.
326From 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;...
327From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Morris, 7 February 17[81] (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ I consider our last appointment of you as having put the business prescribed by the inclosed resolution into a course of execution, I think it necessary in point of formality to inclose it to you and to repeat my wishes for as expeditious a settlement of the accounts of the Commissioners of the Provision Law and Agents of the Specific tax as can be had. I am with much respect Sir Yrs &c...
328List of Loan Office Certificates Sent to the County Lieutenants, 29 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to certify to the Aud[itor] the number of tobacco loan offices certificates [sent] to the Lieutenant of each county under the [. . . .] [Ea]ch such County Lt. is to be debited [for certificates?] accordingly certified as follows viz: Certif. acts Certif. acts P. George 33 13 Brunswic 94 28 Dinwiddie 59 19 Sussex 57 19 Lunenburg 49
329From Thomas Jefferson to Timothy Pickering, 21 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your favour by Colo. Mead we offered the office of Deputy quarter master General for the Continent in this state to a Mr. George Divers, a person qualified in every point for exercising it as we wou’d wish it to be. A peculiarity in the present situation of his private affairs has however prevented his acceptance of it. I have this day written to major Foresythe to know if he...
330From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 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 : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr Jefferson Octr 26. 1780 Read Novr 2 Referred to the board of War to take order.” For variations from the text of the letter to Lee, see note there.
331VI. Notes on Locke and Shaftesbury, 11 October–9 December 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Locke’s system of Christianity is this. Adam was created happy & immortal: but his happiness was to have been Earthly , and earthly immortality. by sin he lost this, so that he became subject to total death (like that of brutes) & to the crosses & unhappinesses of this life. at the intercession however of the son of god this sentence was in part remitted. a life conformable to the law was to...
332From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of trade are requested to direct that Major Martin be furnished at the big island with 1000℔ iron 100℔ Steel and a Set of Smiths Tools for the Cherokee nation. Also 100 Gallons of good Whiskey or rum. A Copy Tr ( Vi ). See also TJ to Board of Trade, 30 Oct. 1779 .
333To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Just as the letter accompanying this was going off Colo. Mathews arrived on parole from New York by the way of head quarters bringing your Excellencys letter on [t]his subject with that of the British Commissary of prisoners. The subject is of great importance & I must therefore reserve myself to answer after further consideration. Were I to speak from present impressions I should say it was...
334From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 9 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
As Col. Harrison was about to have some things packed, I set out upon the execution of your glass commission, and was surprised to find that the whole glass stores of the city could not make out anything like what you desired. I therefore did what I thought would be best, imagining you wanted the number you mentioned at any event, and that not being able to get them of that form, you would...
335From 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...
336From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure yesterday to receive your favor of the 17th. inst. and am very happy that the Southern States are to have the Benefit of your Aid. On the 18th. inst. the enemy came from Portsmouth &c. (as in the following Letter to the President of Congress to the words Little River on the 11th.) We still consider his [Greene’s] as the interesting Scene of action to us. As long as we can...
337From Thomas Jefferson to the Commissioners of the Specific Tax for Essex County, 6 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to send us by the Bearer the Tobacco Notes still in your Hands of the Specific Tax. Should any Accident prevent your sending them by this opportunity, I am to urge your availing yourself of some other safe and early Conveyance. We do not receive any Notes older than January 1779, And suppose that Transfer Notes not returned to us in Time to have them converted into Crop, you have...
338[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 2 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter from the Governor desiring a return of the State Artillery Regiment, as well as of the 1st. and 2d. State Regiment, and State Garrison Regiment.” Not located.]
339From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you below a List of the Counties which were called on to make a part of the 4000 men for this invasion, tho’ they were called into the field on the last invasion also. As your reduction of the 4000 to 2700 will enable you to discharge some of those Counties, I think it would be best that these below mentioned should be first discharged. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your...
340Subscription to Support a Clerk of the Congregation in Charlottesville, [February 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
We the Subscribers agree to pay on the 25th. day of December in the present year 1777. and so on the 25th. day of December annually in every year after till we shall notify the contrary in writing to the Wardens for our Congregation, the sums affixed to our respective names, to such person or persons as by a majority of our Congregation, to be called together by the wardens for that purpose,...
341From Thomas Jefferson to George Lee Turberville, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your information that I had ordered furloughs to the Guard which brought up prisoners was without foundation as I never have in a single instance given or ordered a furlough . I consider it as my duty to furnish the number of men required by the Commanding Officer, to provide them as far as our circumstances enable us, and to leave to him and those acting under him the direction of them: this...
342From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of the honorable Theodorick Bland I take the liberty of laying before the General Assembly the inclosed paper in which he states a difficulty which has arisen in reconciling his qualification as a delegate to the peculiar channel into which he had previously turned his private fortune. From the inclosed extract of a Letter from our Delegates in Congress you will also perceive...
343Proceedings of Council concerning Purchase of Horses, [8 June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor laid before the board a resolution of General assembly of this day for purchasing horses and accoutrements for the Continental light dragoons raised in this state, and a return of the number of the said dragoons from Capt. Jones whereby it appears they are 70 in number; whereupon the board advise the Governor to furnish Capt. Jones with 70 pr. of pistols, to authorize him to...
344From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Lieutenant Bryant shoud be allowed ten dollars a day for performing the duty of a Provost Marshall. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). The following words appear at the head of text: “The following returned to Colo. Muter commissioner of the War office, in answer to his Letter of August 28. 1780” (not found).
345From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, [ca. 30 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
I this day received information that the Convention had been pleased to reappoint me to the office in which I have now the honor to be serving them and through you must beg leave to return them my sincere thanks for this mark of their continued confidence. I am sorry the situation of my domestic affairs renders it indispensably necessary that I should sollicit the substitution of some other...
346Notes 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,...
347From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of begging leave of your Excellency to forward the enclosed by the first flag which may happen to be going into New York. They are addressed to [a] good man in distress which I am sure will apologize with you for my asking your intervention. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obt. & most hbl. servt., Tr ( DLC ). Enclosure missing. The enclosure was a letter...
348[From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 6? April 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 6? Apr. 1780 . Minute in the Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ) under date of 6 Apr.: “In compliance with Instructions from the Executive Ordered that the Agent be directed to pay Doctr. McClurg the sum of nineteen hundred and eighty Pounds for Mr. Rutledges Draught on the Governor of South Carolina which draught must be remitted to Maurice Simonds, Esqr. of Charles Town to be...
349From Thomas Jefferson to John O’Bannon, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter on the Subject of the Commission came duly to Hand but not having a Council it is out of my Power to have any Thing done with it. I somewhat question too whether if a permanent Commission be expected they would not suppose it necessary to have a resignation from Major Buckner himself. If only a Commission during the Continuance of Your Men in the field be desired, such a...
350From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...