51To Thomas Jefferson from James Downie and William Thompson, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 4 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As prisoners of War on parole at this place we beg leave to address the Executive, hoping no offence will be given. We were Commanders of Privateers and taken some time past in Hampton Road, since which part of the time we have been in close Confinement. The request we have to make is that our paroles may be extended and permitted to go to New York where our families and Connections are,...
52Bond of John Ellyson and Richard Harvie, 1 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 1 June 1781 . John Ellyson and Richard Harvie give bond to TJ, or his successor as Governor, in the amount of 20,000 weight of merchantable tobacco, under the condition that they will appear before the Governor and Council when called for and that John Ellyson will not go “within Ten Miles of any post, encampment or party of the enemy.” MS ( Vi ); 2 p.; signed by Ellyson and...
53Garret Van Meter and Others to the Auditors with Andrew Woodrow’s Bill and Jefferson’s Certification, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampshire County, 20 Apr. 1781 . Garret Van Meter, Abel Randall, James Murphy, and George Beall, Commissioners of the Tax, state that they “have employed the bearer hereof Mr. Andrew Wodrow, to go to Richmond to bring up money, to pay off the draughts for this County, likewise to carry some very important inteligence to his Excellency the Governour” and wish his expenses to be paid....
54Deed for the Purchase of Lego, 14 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the Fourteenth day of August in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Three, between James Hickman and Hanah his wife of the county of Culpepper and Thomas Garth and Judith his wife of the county of Albemarle of the one part and Thomas Jefferson of the same county of Albemarle on the other part witnesseth that Whereas Edwin Hickman father of the said...
55Agreement with De Francy, [11 May 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of agreement entered into this eleventh day of May in the year 1780, between his Excellency Thomas Jefferson on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia of the one part, and Lazarus Defrancy of Paris of the other part Witness: that whereas an importation of Goods from France for the use of the State of Virginia, has been proposed by the said Defrancy to the Executive of the State; It is...
56Jefferson’s Annotated Copy of Franklin’s Proposed Articles of Confederation, [June–July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of confederation and perpetual Union proposed by the delegates of the several colonies of New Hampshire &c. in General Congress met at Philadelphia May. 10. 1775. The Art. I. name of this confederacy shall henceforth be ‘The united < colonies > states of North America.’ The Art. II. said united colonies hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other binding on...
57Proposal for the Great Seal of the United States, [before 14 August 1776] (Franklin Papers)
On July 4, 1776, Franklin, John Adams, and Jefferson were named as a committee to suggest a seal. Each man proposed designs, and one of Jefferson’s closely resembled Franklin’s. In addition the painter Pierre Du Simitière, who had been called in as a consultant, produced a version of his own. A letter from John Adams of August 14 described the various proposals; hence Franklin’s had been...
58III. Petition of Mace Freeland to the House of Delegates, 7 June 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
To the honourable the Speaker and the House of Delegates the petition of Mace Freeland of the county of Buckingham humbly sheweth That James Freeland, your petitioner’s father being seised and possessed of a considerable estate in lands slaves and personalties, and having issue James Freeland your petitioner’s elder brother by one venter, and your petitioner by another, devised to the said...
59II. Petition of Mace Freeland to the Governor and Council, 15 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excellency Benjamin Harrison esq. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the honourable the Council of state the Petition of Mace Freeland of the county of Buckingham humbly sheweth That James Freeland your petitioner’s father being seised and possessed of a considerable estate in lands slaves and personalties, and having issue James Freeland your petitioner’s elder brother by one...
60Henry Hamilton’s Parole, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I Henry Hamilton Lieutenant Governour and Superintendent of Detroit do hereby acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the Commonwealth of Virginia and having permission from his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Governor of the said Commonwealth to go to New York do pledge my faith and most sacredly promise upon my Parole of Honor that I will not do, say, write or cause to be done, said or written...
61Will of Ann Eppes Harris, [1777] (Jefferson Papers)
I Anne Harris of the parish of Southam and county of make the following testamentary disposition of my estate. First I give to my son Joseph and his heirs four hundred acres of the tract of land whereon I live, meaning that the parcel I some time ago conveied to him by deed shall be reckoned part of the said four hundred acres, and that the residue necessary to make up his complement be laid...
62From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Virginia Convention, 11 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The continued sitting of Congress prevents us from attending our colony Convention: but, directed by a sense of duty, we transmit to the Convention such determinations of the Congress as they have directed to be made public. The papers speak for themselves, and require no comment from us. A petition to the king is already sent away, earnestly entreating the royal interposition to prevent the...
63Joseph Jones to the Auditors, with James Hayes’ Account and Jefferson’s Memorandum, 16 March–[5 April?] 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you an account delivered me by Mr. Dunlap for the hire of three waggons to transport the Printing Materials to Virginia and the amount of 7 dozen Parchment for the use of the Legislature. Mr. Dunlap assures me he engaged the waggons upon the best terms he could. They are to deliver their loads at Richmond and return to Fredericksburg with any loads the State may furnish. From thence...
64To Thomas Jefferson from John Hay, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 1 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 1 Apr. 1780 . In consequence of executive’s request in reply to Hay’s previous application to borrow 500 lbs. of powder from the state, John Fisher has been sent to Williamsburg for a final answer. The powder is wanted for an “armed vessel now lying at four Mile Creek” she will sail in about eight days. Powder will be replaced in a reasonable time. Signed by John Hay. Countersigned:...
65James Henderson’s Account as Express, with Jefferson’s Certification, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
at the Swet springs £24 Mr. Millers 127– 4 Berton Shavers 21 9 expences comg 336 Mr Tilfords 24 going back 214 Robt. Steel 9 Widow Estills 21 Total expences £550 Leas
66From the Virginia Delegates in Congress to George Washington, 26 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most cordial warmth we recommend our Countryman Mr. Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. This young Gentlemans abilities, natural and acquired, his extensive connections, and above all, his desire to serve his Country in this arduous struggle, are circumstances that cannot fail to gain him your countenance and protection. You will readily discern Sir, how important a...
67From Daniel L. Hylton, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 30 Mch. 1781 . Mr. Eppes desires him to inform TJ that “a Gun Smith up the Country will undertake the Cleaning and repairing Arms. He will also get 3 or 4 Men to Assist him provided they are exempt from Military duty.” The arms must be sent up to him. TJ’s instructions follow: “Referred to Colo. Davies; Colo. Muter had the name of this man in a note from me. He lives in...
68Lines Copied from Tristram Shandy by Martha and Thomas Jefferson, [before 6 September 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
MS (James Monroe Law Office, courtesy of L. G. Hoes, Fredericksburg, Va.); in the hand of Martha Wayles Jefferson with additional lines by TJ as indicated below; endorsed on verso by Martha Jefferson Randolph: “A Lock of my Dear Mama’s Hair inclosed in a verse which she wrote.” The original is wrapped around a lock of Mrs. Jefferson’s hair and is accompanied by an authentication in the hand of...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 5 June 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the receipt of two of your favours, during the session of Assembly, but there being little to communicate to you, and that, being a busy time with me, has prevented my doing it sooner. The Assembly rose on Monday last; their only act, which can shortly aid our army, was one for raising a regiment of horse, which, I think, will be raised as fast as it can be accoutred....
70From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 1 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your Favor of the 27th. by Mr. Daniel. I informed you by Colo. Morris of the reinforcement of Militia ordered to you, but they will not be in Time to supply the place of those now with you, if they leave you so early. Certainly the knowledge that a Relief is coming in will induce them not to leave you in a State which may soon give us all to do over again. A Part of these...
71II. Second Draft by Jefferson, [before 13 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill for new modelling the form of government and for establishing the Fundamental principles of our future Constitution Whereas George king of Great Britain & Ireland and Elector of Hanover Be it therefore enacted by the authority of the people that the said George the third king of Great Britain < formerly holding & exercising the kingly > < power > < office within this colony be , & he is...
72From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 12 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter of this date to Samuel Huntington , q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “recd 28u. Ansd. 21st March.” PrC of Tr ( DLC ). Printed from Tr in HAW Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson , Washington, 1853–1854
73From 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...
74I. Composition Draft of That Part of the Declaration of Independence containing the Charges against the Crown, 11 June–4 … (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas George Guelph King of Great Britain & Ireland and Elector of Hanover, heretofore entrusted with the exercise of the Kingly office in this government, hath endeavored to pervert the same into a detestable & insupportable tyranny < has kept some colonies without judiciary establmts > < judges dependant > refused judiciary establmts to some without unjust & partial judges dependant...
75From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Washington and Certain Other Counties, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lord Cornwallis from Carolina and a Reinforcement of 2000 Men from New York having joined the hostile Army which was before here and crossed James River renders it necessary for us to bring a very great Force into the Field. As I have reason to believe you have not sent the whole Number ordered to the Southward by my Letter of You will now be pleased to send under proper Officers whatever...
76Form 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...
77Estimate of Troops for South Carolina, [ca. 29 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
for the war till Sep. 30 1780. terms not specifd Total exp. befr. Sep. 30. 80. Detachmt. from the State garrison regimt. under Colo. Porterfeild. 46. 39. 85. 1 Detachmt. from Artillery regiment under Majr. Matthews
78Certificate for Archibald Blair, 16 May 1780 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Virginia to wit I hereby certify that Archibald Blair is Clerk to the Council of State & that due faith & credence should be given to his signature, Given under my hand & seal of the Commonwealth at Richmond this sixteenth day of May 1780 RC (Raab Collection, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 2013); entirely in TJ’s hand.
79From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley, 2 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
More precise information of the force invading the enemy enables us to dispense with the aid of your militia required by my Letter of Octo: 22, as we also do with that of all the other counties north of Rappahanock and the proprietary line. We have thought it best to countermand the militia of those counties because they are farthest from the present scene of invasion, and because this may...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Heinrich Gerlach, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry for the delay which has happened in sending the passport. I received it the 20th. of Apr. and sent it the [same] day to Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben to be forwarded. He immediately delivered my letter covering it to an officer with orders to proceed. The papers being directed to Genl. Phillips the officer was uncertain whether he was at Portsm. or with the British army then coming...
81From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mitchell or William Lewis, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of the Marquis De La Fayette at York. Whether a Naval Force is come yet or not, I have not heard. I hope this will find you at Hoods with your little Fleet. Should it not I must request you to fall down there immediately with all the vessels. A vessel with some provisions for the Army and other articles goes from hence this evening. Be pleased...
82From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arms you mention being Continental, they are subject to the orders of Baron Steuben. I have therefore sent him a copy of your letter and begged him to send you by this conveyance such orders as he thinks proper. As he is anxious that the reinforcement should be respectable I make no doubt he will order the Arms. My letters mentioning that the detachments should go under proper officers...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received authority from the Legislature , to provide cloathing and blankets for the troops by seizing the same which will be accompanied by endeavors to purchase. Agents are out procuring salted beef and others setting out to procure pork in as large quantities as they are to be had to be stored on the Roanoke and its navigable waters. Ten thousand barrels of flour will certainly be...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed came to hand this moment. As I make no doubt it communicates what was mentioned in a letter from the Marquis to me received at the same time, I shall not trouble you with it. Scows which the Marquis desires for the transportation of cannon cannot venture into the wide waters over which they will be to be transported, as I apprehend. Flats (which abound in York river) are the best...
85From Thomas Jefferson to the Person Employed to Collect Workmen, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The destruction of the public Storehouses, Magazines, Laboratory, Shops and other Works at this place and Westham by the Enemy having left our Arms, Powder and other Stores exposed in open Houses to plunder and our Artificers unfurnished with Houses to proceed in the repair of Arms and other necessary Works, obliges me, as the only resource for a hasty collection of Sawyers, Carpenters and...
86From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beleive it will be necessary for us to begin to register our people in captivity with the enemy, in order that we may be enabled on all exchanges to give preference according to turn : which is certainly just whether a person be exchanged as a souldier, a sailor, or a citizen. I therefore have recommended to the bearer John Wood to enter his name with you, time of captivity, denomination...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Southall, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An extreme throng of business prevented my answering your Letter yesterday. The order then given of which you sent me a copy, was not a general order but a special one in behalf of the bearers whoever they were. I think it was in the case of the waggoners employed by Majr. Pierce at Baltimore who had made them a special promise. It is certainly just that all should receive a reasonable price...
88From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving last night your Letter of the 3d instant and of learning your arrival at the Head of Elk three Days sooner than General Washington had given us reason to expect. In the mean Time I hope you will have received my answer to your first Letter which I forwarded by Express to the Head of Elk and which is of greater Importance a Letter from Baron Steuben, who commands...
89From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The judge of the Admiralty of Pensylvania has given notice to our Delegates in Congress that there are three Negroes, Tom, Hester and Celia confined in jail in Philadelphia in consequence of a condemnation of a vessel in which they were taken. They say they are the property of a certain Money Godwin of Norfolk, that their Master went off with the British Fleet under Leslie, and gave them...
90From 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...
91From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 30 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Foster Webb you will receive in part of the requisition of Congress of 1,953,200 Dollars, the following sums, to wit 650,000 Dollars in money, and bills for 780,239 8/9 Dollars, making in the whole 1,430,239 8/9 Dollars. There remains a deficiency of 522,960 1/9 dollars which I hope to be able to send on within four weeks from this time. I should have been very happy to have been...
92From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An Officer from Cumberland having called on me this morning to direct what should be done with his unarmed Men, I took the Liberty by him of stating to you the order in which I thought the Militia should be discharged. I did this hastily while he was waiting and must now on more mature Reflection beg leave to correct in some Degree what I then wrote and to take up the whole subject. Fauquier,...
93From 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...
94From 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,...
95[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1? July 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 1? July 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 71 (1 July): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from the President of Congress, General Washington, and the committee of co-operation, together with several resolutions of...
96To 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...
97From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The clearing the bay of the pickeroons which infested it was attended to the moment the brig Jefferson was in tolerable readiness. About the 3d or 4th week of the last month Commod. Barron cruized up the bay as far as the Tangier islands and took five of those vessels which being as many as he could man he returned. About the 1st. inst. I received a letter from Govr. Lee desiring we would join...
98From Thomas Jefferson to George Mathews, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings respecting Governor Hamilton and his companions previous to your arrival here you are acquainted with. For your more precise information, I enclose you the advice of Council of June 16th of that of August the 28th. another of Sep: 19th. of the parole tendered them the 1st: instant and of Governor Hamilton’s letter of the same day stating his objections in which he persevered:...
99From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There are in the hands of Colo. Taylor for the use of his regiment of guards about 500 stand of arms. The regiment having gone to Maryland with the Conventioners was ordered at first to be discharged at Winchester and afterwards to be brought back to Charlottesville to be discharged there. It is therefore uncertain at which place those arms will be deposited. Besides these there were lodged in...
100[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...