351From Thomas Jefferson to Silas Deane, 13 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Shore comes to Europe on behalf of a mercantile house of which he is a member for the purpose of establishing a proper correspondence. With himself I have but little personal acquaintance, but consider his character as sufficiently certified when appointed to transact business by those with whom he is connected, whom I know to be men of business, punctual, able and...
352Parole to Philip Dejean, 19 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 19 Oct. 1779 . Parole accepted and signed by Philip Dejean, prisoner with Henry Hamilton. Identical in text with parole offered to Hamilton and others, printed under date of 1 Oct. 1779, above. MS (Brit. Mus.: Add. MSS 21,885); in a clerk’s hand; 1 p. Signed at foot by TJ.
353From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Dick, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was willing to hope from your letter to me that you would still consent to conduct the gun factory at Fredericksburg; in the hurry of business while you were here I omitted to ask you particularly, for which reason I think myself obliged to send you the inclosed resolution, and inform you that the Executive have reappointed you to that business and hope your continuance in it. Colo. Lewis’s...
354From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Dick, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter desiring a warrant for £100,000 was handed in to the Council chamber and the warrant made out immediately, but the gentleman never called for it. It remains in my possession ready to be delivered to your order. I am with great respect Dr. Sir Your most obedt. servt, RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); addressed by TJ: “Mr. Charles Dick Fredsburg” and endorsed in the Auditor’s...
355From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Dick, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly pleased at the spirited exertions of your town and its Neighbourhood, which with the aid Gen. Weedon carries back, and the Militia called from the Counties of Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah (supposed about 900) and directed to proceed to Fredericksburg will I hope secure you. I meant this day to have begged the continuance of your attention to the Gun factory...
356From Thomas Jefferson to Dudley Digges, Joseph Prentis, and Meriwether Smith, 28 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The disaster which has lately befallen our Army under the command of Major General Gates calls on me for an immediate and great exertion to stop the progress of the enemy, if nothing can be done. The measures most likely to effect this are difficult both in choice and execution. I wish therefore to have the advice of as full a board as can be collected before any thing is finally determined;...
357From Thomas Jefferson to Arnold Henry Dohrman, 24 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The many Kindnesses which you have shown to our captive countrymen, whom the fortune of war has carried within the reach of your inquiries, do great honour to your humanity, and must forever interest us in your welfare. I beg leave on behalf of my countrymen to assure you, that these attentions are felt with sensibility, and that any occasion which shall offer of rendering you service will be...
358From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Donnally, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to find that the Indians have begun their Hostilities so early: however I hope General Clarke will soon give them employment nearer home and that you will be thus effectually relieved. I have directed Mr. Brown the Commissary to appoint a Deputy in your County for subsisting any Militia it shall be necessary to employ, which Deputy will have a Power of using the Tax Grain and...
359Speech to Jean Baptiste Ducoigne, [ca. 1] June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much pleased with the visit you have made us, and particularly that it has happened when the wise men from all parts of our country were assembled together in council, and had an opportunity of hearing the friendly discourse you held to me. We are all sensible of your friendship, and of the services you have rendered, and I now, for my countrymen, return you thanks, and, most...
360From Thomas Jefferson to William Eaton, enclosing Warrants for Impressing Cattle, 7 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You are hereby appointed a Commissioner of the provision Law in all the counties on the south side of James river, but restrained specially to the procuring houses for storing them, waggons, carts, horses, gear, drivers, boats and other vessels and their crew for transporting provisions, materials for making such barrels or other proper casks or boxes for containing the same, and pastures for...
361From Thomas Jefferson to William Eaton, [7] September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The distress of the southern army calling for our greatest exertions, it becomes necessary that we avail ourselves of the provision law to supply them; and as a call on the counties generally woud produce a glut for a short time, which woud exhaust them at once, and leave the army again in distress, we find it necessary to put it into the hands of some one person who shall call on so many...
362From Thomas Jefferson to George Elliott, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The establishment of a Line of riders between Genl. Gregory’s Camp and Suffolk is very necessary. I would advise you to purchase horses for that purpose at any rate almost, rather than to impress. But if you cannot purchase they should be impressed. I think it would be better, whether you purchase or impress, that it be done in the neighbourhood of the enemy as much as possible, because horses...
363From Thomas Jefferson to George Elliott, 16 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to return the Studd Horses and Mairs Kept for breeding of those which have been impressed under the powers given by me in consequence of the Requisitions for the service near Portsmouth, proper Persons shall be Appointed to value the residue According to the Direction of the resolve of Assembly of this day date. I am Sir Your huml Servt., Tr ( NHi ). Another Tr (same). FC (...
364From Thomas Jefferson to George Elliott, 23 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board wish to have all the Horses impressed for the Portsmouth Service valued by the same set of Gentlemen, that all may be rated on the same scale. They therefore desire that Colo. Griffin and the other Gentlemen before appointed be applied to, to go to Hog-island when the 20 odd Horses get there and value them. You will therefore have them detained there till valued by those Gentlemen....
365From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, [3? October 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
The girls being unable to assure you themselves of their welfare the duty devolves on me and I undertake it the more willingly as it will lay you under the necessity of sometimes letting us hear from you. They are in perfect health and as happy as if they had no part in the unmeasurable loss we have sustained. Patsy rides with me 5 or 6. miles a day and presses for permission to accompany me...
366From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to Patty on my arrival here, and there being then nothing new in the political way I inclosed her letter under a blank cover to you. Since that we have received from England news of much importance, which coming thro’ many channels we beleive may be confidently relied on. Both the ministerial and provincial accounts of the battle of Bunker’s hill had got to England. The ministry were...
367From 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...
368From 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...
369From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 21 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
After sealing my last letter to you we received an account of the capture of St. John’s which I wrote on the letter. What I there gave you was a true account of that matter. We consider this as having determined the fate of Canada. A Committee of Congress is gone to improve circumstances so as to bring the Canadians into our Union. We have accounts of Arnold as late as Octob. 13. All well and...
370From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 3d inst. came to hand to-day. I wish I could be better satisfied on the point of Patty’s recovery. I had not heard from her at all for two posts before, and no letter from herself now. I wish it were in my power to return by way of the Forest, as you think it will be impracticable for Mrs. Eppes to travel to the mountains. However, it will be late in August before I can get home,...
371From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 26 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
You will before this have heard that the war is now heartily entered into, without a prospect of accomodation but thro’ the effectual interposition of arms. General Gage has received considerable reinforcements, tho’ not to the [wh]ole amount of what was expected. There has lately been an action at the outlet of the town of Boston. The particulars we have not yet been able to get with...
372From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, nothing new has happened. Our accounts of the battle of Charleston have become clear, and greatly to our satisfaction. Contrary to what usually happens, the first accounts were below truth; it is now certain that the regulars have had between 1200 and 1400 killed and wounded in that engagement, and that of these 500 are killed. Major Pitcairn is among the slain, at which...
373From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 14 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
You will hardly expect to receive a letter from me at this place, and of so late a date. Yet I have apprehensions of being here ten days or a fortnight longer, for though ready myself, some time since, the vessel in which I go is not ready. Yesterday’s post brought no mail from Virginia. I was not disappointed in this, as I was pretty certain that under expectation of my being gone you did not...
374From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 7 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
We have no late intelligence here except of the surrender of Chambly, with 90. prisoners of war, 6½ tons of powder, 150 stands of arms and some other small matters. The acquisition of this powder we hope has before this made us masters of St. John’s, on which Montreal and the upper parts of St. Laurence will of course be ours. The fate of Arnold’s expedition we know not as yet. We have had...
375From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing my letter of this date which is to go by Govr. Nash now here on his way to N. Carolina, I went to his lodgings to chat an hour. He has proposed to me a land party which I think is hopeful and great and which he desires may be entirely secret. I have never adventured in this way in my own country because being concerned in public business I was ever determined to keep my hands...
376From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last, from Baltimore, I informed you that my voyage to Europe was at least suspended till further intelligence should be received. I returned to this place about four or five days ago, that I might be on the spot to act as shall be ultimately concluded by Congress. Though nothing since has come to us, we consider the event of peace as certain and speedy. The hearing nothing is a proof of...
377From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 23 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new here now but from the southward. The successes there I hope will prove valuable here, by giving new spirit to our people. The ill successes in Canada had depressed the minds of many; when we shall hear the last of them I know not; everybody had supposed Crown Point would be a certain stand for them, but they have retreated from that to Ticonderoga, against everything which...
378From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Morgan and Other Late Commanding Officers of the Virginia Line, 28 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It has become necessary on the Settlement of our Account of Arms furnished the Continent to produce Vouchers for the Numbers. When our Regiments went first into Continental Service Most of them were full Armed, no Receipts or Certificates however were taken at the time. It remains that we supply this Omission in the best Manner we can, which is by application to the feild Officers who had...
379Orders for Defense of the Western Frontier, 23 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of General Assembly intituled an act for raising a Body of Troops for the defence of the Commonwealth, having directed that two battalions shall be raised for the Western and two for the Eastern Service, the Board advise the Governor to Order that the men to be raised according to the said act in the Counties of Yohogania, Monongalia, Ohio, Kentucky, Hampshire, Berkley, Frederick,...
380From Thomas Jefferson to the Treasurer, Register of the Land Office, Auditors, Commissioner of the Navy, and Clerks of … (Jefferson Papers)
We have received advice this morning that the enemy were in motion up James river in eleven vessels most of them square rigged, the foremost of which was in the afternoon of yesterday within sight from Burwells ferry. Their destination being unknown to us and possibly for this Place we thought it our duty to give you notice of the above, as you may think it adviseable to prepare the papers and...
381Instructions to Express Riders between Richmond and Cape Henry, [ca. 31 May 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
You are to proceed immediately to Hood’s and be there in constant readiness, never absenting yourself a moment from your quarters, nor suffering your horse to be out of your instantaneous command. Whenever you shall receive from the express who will be placed next to you any letter or paper from me to Majr. Galvan you will proceed without a moment’s delay by night and by day and without regard...
382From Thomas Jefferson to Giovanni Fabbroni, 8 June 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Sep. 15. 1776 from Paris came safe to hand. We have not however had the pleasure of seeing Mr. De Crenis, the bearer of it in this country, as he joined the army in Pennsylvania as soon as he arrived. I should have taken particular pleasure in serving him on your recommendation. From the kind anxiety expressed in your letters as well as from other sources of information we...
383From Thomas Jefferson to William Finnie, 12 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed extract of a Letter from Colo. Corbin of the eastern shore, will inform you of the danger, in which the corn there lies for which you had an order. The presumption that you would immediately remove it on receiving the order prevented us from taking measures for that purpose. This gives me occasion to observe to you that in all such cases we consider the grain as lying at your...
384From Thomas Jefferson to William Finnie, 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 undertake their superintendance. I suppose the expence is to be theirs from the 29th day of June when their vote was passed. If you find the horses already employed necessary to be continued you will be pleased to receive them from our quarter master at the...
385From Thomas Jefferson to the First Magistrate of Each County, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
THE invasion of our country by the enemy at the close of the late session of Assembly, their pushing immediately to this place, the dispersion of the publick papers, which for the purpose of saving them necessarily took place, and the injury done at the printing office, have been so many causes operating unfortunately to the delay of transmitting you the important act for supplying the army...
386From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Fisher, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter was handed me at a Time when I was much engaged in preparing to render a visit then expected from the Enemy as little prejudicial as possible. The Act of Assembly having not exempted the Commissaries from Militia Duty, we do not chuse to give them a formal Exemption. Yet their Exertions are so essential for subsisting the Army when assembled that it is impossible for them to be...
387From 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...
388From Thomas Jefferson to John Fitzgerald, 9 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Being much distressed for Cartridge boxes, and cartridge paper for muskets (most particularly the latter article) we find it necessary to purchase up immediately as much of both as we can. Having no particular agent in the neighborhood of Alexandria, we take the liberty of asking your exertions on behalf of the public on this occasion; and have hopes that in Alexandria and Baltimore you may be...
389From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Botetourt, 24 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You will receive by this express an act to prevent dese[rtion]; an extract on the same subject from another act; an act for drafting your militia; and sixt[y] tobacco loan office certificates. For the last mentioned act, and the certificates, be pleased to return your receipt by the bearer. You stand debited in the Auditors books with these tobacco certificates. You will be pleased therefore...
390From Thomas Jefferson to William Fleming, 1 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of 22d June came to hand this morning and gratified me much as this with your former contains interesting intelligence. Our affairs in Canada go still retrograde, but I hope they are now nearly at their worst. The fatal sources of these misfortunes have been want of hard money with which to procure provisions, the ravages of the small pox with which one half of our army is still down,...
391From Thomas Jefferson to Col. William Fleming, 9 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The alarm which took place on the day succeeding my exit from office prevented my depositing with you the public papers in my hands. I now transmit them by express. The labels on them were true formerly; but in preparing for flight I shoved in papers where I could. You will be pleased to recollect that the militia of several counties now with the Marquis are to leave him at the close of this...
392From Thomas Jefferson to William Fleming, 8 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter and have now to thank you for it. Some resolutions of Congress came to hand yesterday desiring an authentic state to be sent them of the cruelties said to have been committed by the enemy during their late invasion. The council had already taken measures to obtain such a state. Tho’ so near the scene where these barbarities are said to have been committed I am not able...
393From Thomas Jefferson to Col. William Fleming, 7 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed order will explain to you the general plan adopted for regimenting, officering, and stationing the two Western battalions. We are in hopes you will so far proceed in concert with the other commissioners as that the chain of posts to be recommended may form a complete Western defence, leaving no chasm in the middle. We wish you, when you report the stations proposed, to advise us...
394From Thomas Jefferson to William Fleming, 13 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The General Assembly have adjourned themselves to meet at Charlottsville on the 24th. instant at which Time I am desirous of having a Board of Council. Colo. Digges, Mr. Prentis and Mr. Tyler having resigned you will see the necessity which impels me to ask the favor of your Attendance to make a Board. I am with much Respect Sir Your mo: obt Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, with one...
395From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Fletcher, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive cannot agree to your return to reside within the State unless you Consider yourself freed from your Parole. You informed me that the British Commanding Officer expressed the Determination to hang any Person who should be found in Arms after having given a parole. If the validity of these paroles were without question under the Law of nations still that law only punishes a breach...
396From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Forsyth, 9 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It being once settled that you are the person to receive the provisions from the commissioners of the provision law, I am perfectly satisfied on that head. I inclose you a List of the posts at which these provisions have been directed to be stored, and the counties which are at liberty to send to each post, as also twenty copies of orders on the several commissioners to make the delivery to...
397To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
398From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 3 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud and the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, and may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission, it shall be my endeavor to do it no injury. I understand that I...
399To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, [21 June 1776?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This note has probably far more importance than appears on the surface, because the likelihood is that Jefferson enclosed with it his draft of the Declaration of Independence. The evolution of that document has undergone repeated and microscopic analysis. A number of minor questions remain unanswered, but the general outline is clear. On June 7 the issue of...
400From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, [21 June 1776?] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper has been read and with some small alterations approved of by the committee. Will Doctr. Franklyn be so good as to peruse it and suggest such alterations as his more enlarged view of the subject will dictate? The paper having been returned to me to change a particular sentiment or two, I propose laying it again before the committee tomorrow morning, if Doctr. Franklyn can...