1551Jefferson’s Outline of Argument Concerning Insubordination of Esek Hopkins, 12 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commodore’[s] excuse for not going to Southern colonies agreeable to orders . Before he left capes of Delaware, he heard the Liverpool was joined to Ld. Dunmore , which made enemy an overmatch, and many of his men sea sick. He did not go to N. Carolina because [he] received intelligence the enemy’s force had gone from there and from S. Cara. to Georgia. (His men recovered as he got to the...
1552Commission for Harry Innes, 29 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ], 29 Sep. 1779 . Appointing Innes “a Commissioner, in the room of David Robinson, for executing in Montgomery and Washington District, the Act of Assembly entituled ‘An Act for adjusting and settling the titles of Claimers to unpatented Lands under the present and former Government previous to the establishment of the Commonwealths and Office.’” MS ( PPAP ); in a clerk’s hand,...
1553Proclamation Inviting Mercenary Troops in the British Service to Desert, [2 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
a proclamation Whereas Congress considering that it had been the wise policy of these states to extend the protection of their laws to all those who should settle among them of whatever nation or religion they might be and to admit them to a participation of the benefits of civil and religious freedom, and that the benevolence of this practice as well as it’s salutary effects had rendered it...
1554Draft of Resolutions on Lord Drummond’s Peace Proposals, [22? August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the articles inclosed by Ld. Drummond to Ld. Howe whereby it is proposed ‘that it shall be ascertained by calculation what supply towards the general exigency of the state each separate colony shall furnish, to be encreased or lessened in proportion to the growth or decline of such colony, and to be vested in the king by a perpetual grant, in consideration whereof Great Britain...
1555Memorandum concerning British Forts in the West, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
there is a bar off Presque isle which prevents large vessels coming near the shore. distance from Pittsbgh to Cayahoga by land 150 miles. There are some morasses on the road, but may be made good for carriages, cayahoga is a deep creek at the dryest season. But the mouth is barred as Presque isle is. in a hard winter they travel on the ice from Cayahoga to Sandusky & Detroit, & slays might go...
1556Council Order respecting State Naval Vessels, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of Assembly for regulating the Navy of this Commonwealth having directed the executive to sell for ready money at public vendue the Ships Tartar and Dragon the Gallies Henry, Manly, Hero, Page, Lewis and Safe Guard retaining such only of them as may be requisite for the purposes of the state, and such of the guns and other materials of those which shall be sold as they should judge...
1557IV. Bill for Establishing a Court of Admiralty, [4 December 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
For establishing a court of Admiralty, Be it enacted by the General assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia that at some certain place to be appointed by act of General assembly there shall be held as often as there may be occasion a court of Admiralty to consist of three judges to be chosen by joint ballot of both houses of assembly and commissioned by the Governor any two of them to make a...
1558Proposal 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...
1559Memorandum 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.
1560Jefferson’s Militia Return as County Lieutenant, [ca. 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Albemarle, ca. 1776 ] A tabulated return in six columns giving names and numbers of captains, and numbers of first lieutenants, second lieutenants, ensigns, and rank and file, totalling respectively 15, 15, 4, 11, and 863, making in all 908 officers and men. [ At foot of text :] “About three fourths have firearms of some sort.” MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 6: 1049); entirely in TJ’s hand; undated...
1561Warrant for Impressing Supplies for the Convention Army on Its March to Maryland, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the present invasion of this state by a powerful enemy has rendered it necessary for the safety thereof that the prisoners of war under the convention of Saratoga, be instantly removed, for which purpose great numbers of waggons and quantities of provisions and forage will be wanting. These are therefore to authorize and empower you to impress so many waggons, teams and drivers and so...
1562Notes for the Report on the Value of Gold and Silver Coins, [2 September 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
In Silver. Given the quantity of Standd [Standard] metal, say As 40 : 37 :: qty. Standd metal: qty. of pure silver, or X by .925. In Gold. Given the quantity of Standd metal, deduct 1/12 it leaves the qty. of fine gold. To make a dollar 6/. silver of that alloy must be 4d 20/139 the pennyweight. I.e. pure silver must be 4d 7404/15429 the dwt. By Virga. laws 24 grs standard gold = 22 grs pure...
1563II. Jefferson’s Notes relating to Foreign and Domestic Affairs, [January 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, without date, taken down in Jan. 1783 .] Several series of notes, the order of which is not determinable, from papers principally in the office of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. (1) Notes captioned “Journal of Foreign Affairs. Vol. I. they begin Nov. 29. 1775.” These were taken by TJ from the “Secret Journal of Foreign Affairs” kept separately by Secretary Thomson from the...
1564Financial and Military Estimates for Continental Defense, [June–July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
souls dollars New Hampshire 100,000 82,713 2 Massachusets 350,000 289,496 Rhode island 58,000 47,973 Connecticut 200,000 165,426 New York 200,000 165,426 New Jersey 130,000
1565William Rose’s Return of Tents, with Addenda by Jefferson, [5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
A List of Tents delivered the Army & Militia during the last & present Invasion. 1780. Octo. 3d. delivered to Stephen Southall for Genl. Muhlenburg Tents 23 7 To Jno Carpenter QMS for the Garrison Reg. 48 31 To Ben Sharp sejt. for Colo Harrisons ditto 10 Nov. 4 To Richd Philips for Continental use. militia 15 5 To Jno Hord QMS. militia 45 7 To Wm Jones QM for major Magills corps 14
1566Proclamation of Embargo, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 26 March 1781 . A reissue of the Proclamation of 30 Nov. 1779, q.v., extending the embargo “until the end of the next session of Assembly.” No MS copy of this reissue has been found (see that under 19 Jan. 1781), but the text was printed in Va. Gaz . ( d & n ), 31 Mch. 1781, TJ having been authorized by the Council to reissue it on 26 Mch. ( Va. Council Jour. Journals of the...
1567Memorandum of Executive Agenda, [ca. 19 July 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolution of assembly as to claims of land South of Carolina boundary. ✓ Another copy from clerk of assembly. ✓ One to be inclosed to Governor N. Carola.; ?the other to assembly. ✓ Resolution on Pennsylva. boundary. To be inclosed to President of Pennsylva. Act for putting the Eastern frontier of this Commonwealth into posture of defence. Write letter to County Lieutenants Prs. Anne, Norf.,...
1568Notes and Queries concerning Proposed Removal of Convention Troops, [1779?] (Jefferson Papers)
General heads of enquiry. Situation of barracks. Their distance from navigation. The roads leading to them. Their direction, soil or bottom. The water courses to be crossed. What obstruction. What circumstances when troops came. 3[. . . .] Is there any other situation accessible by roads which cannot be worked into mire or waters which cannot be raised. Did one night’s rain ever render...
1569Memorandum Books, 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 2. Pd. Ned 1/—Jupiter 3/. 3. Pd. Tom 1/. 4. Mr. Bryan receives 355 ℔ pork gross. 5. Giovannini da Prato receives 176 ℔ pork nett. He is to have for his & his wife’s year’s allowance 600 ℔. 6. I am indebted to Giovannini 20 barrels of corn for the year 1781. I do not charge him any money or other thing furnished him. I am to give for him & his wife for a year beginning Dec. 12. 1781. £20....
1570Agreement with James Anderson for Nailers, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Nine lads thats Nailors, which the State may have for one Year at ⅔ Specie Pr. Day, they lads must be fed Clothed Washing and lodgeing fiting for Apprentises. Eight of those lads shall make Twenty five Thousand Nails pr. Week. In Council Feb. 9. 1781. The board agree to engage the above persons for one year on the terms above proposed on the condition that when not necessary to be...
1571XXIII. State of Farell & Jones’ Judgment against John Randolph, [19 December 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Judgment £241.14. 5 Int: on Judgment from 23d July 68 till 23 Sept: 78 122. 17. 9 364. 12. 2 Put into the hands of Th: J. 1778. Dec. 19 { Recd of Sherif of James City 263.2 } 296. 2 Recd of Mr. Blair 33. £ 68. 10. 2 Pd Mr. Tazewell his fee 4 10 291 12 Carried to the Treasury the instant received, to credit of Farrel & Jones. MS (
1572Advertisement, 15 December 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
THE Subscriber having occasion to be absent from the State for some time, has confided the care of his affairs to Francis Eppes, Esq; of Chesterfield, and Col. Nicholas Lewis, of Albemarle, to whom, therefore, he begs leave to refer all persons having business with him. Printed from Hayes’ Virginia Gazette, or American Advertiser (Richmond), 28 Dec. 1782.
1573I. Franklin’s Proposal, [20 August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Moses standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharoah who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds, reaching to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity. Motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God. MS ( DLC ); in Franklin’s hand. For the...
1574Refutation of the Argument that the Colonies were Established at the Expense of the British Nation, [after 19 January … (Jefferson Papers)
Queen Elizabeth by letters patent bearing date the 11th. of June 1578. granted to Sr. Humphrey Gilbert license to search for uninhabited countries, and to hold the same to him and his heirs, with all jurisdiction and royalties by sea and land, reserving to the crown of England his allegiance and the fifth part of all the oar of gold and silver which should be gotten there. He had moreover...
1575Credentials for Peter Penet, 15 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the General Assembly by their resolution bearing date the 9th day of December 1778 did empower the Governor with the advice of the Council of State to take such measures as might be necessary and should seem probable for obtaining a Loan of Gold and Silver to this Commonwealth to such extent as they should think expedient, and that the said assembly would make good his Contracts for...
1576Warrant to Thomas Russell to Impress Boats, 30 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the present invasion of this state by a Powerful enemy renders it necessary to collect Boats and other vessels sufficient for occasional transportation of troops across the rivers and water courses. These are therefore to authorize and empower you to impress so many boats and other vessels with crews and appendages as by any commanding officer acting with a distinct corps shall be...
1577Proclamation Ordering Embargo, 30 November 1779 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the exportation of provisions from this state will be attended with manifest injury to the United States, by supplying the enemy, and by rendering it difficult for the publick agents and contractors to procure supplies for the American troops, and will moreover give encouragement to engrossers and monopolizers to prosecute their baneful practices, I have therefore thought fit, by and...
1578Returns of the State Regiments, [6 February 1781 and after] (Jefferson Papers)
Colone Lt. Col. Majr. Captn. 1st. Lts. 2d. Lts. Ensns. Serjt. Majrs. Q. M. Serjts. Srejts. Dr. & Fifes Rank and File Total N. Commd. & Privates for the War. for shorter terms. for terms not specified. First State regiment Nov. 18. 80. 1. 1.
1579Jefferson’s Account and Attendance Record in the General Assembly for October 1781, [10–22 December 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
1781 [The Commonwealth of Virginia to] Thomas Jefferson [Dr.] Dec. Travelling to & from the Assembly 150 miles @ 2d 300 [℔. Tobo.] To 13. days attendance from Dec. 10th. to 22d inclusive 650 Entries in TJ’s hand in record of accounts and attendance of the members of the General Assembly, 1781–1782 ( Vi ). TJ was more precise in giving the dates of his attendance than the other members from...
1580Recapitulation of Tours of Duty Performed by the Virginia Militia, [March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
No. of militia Carola. June. 1780 Carola. Nov. 1780 Invasn. Oct. 1780 Invasn. Jan. 1781. Cherokees. Jan. 1781. Ohio. Mar. 1781. Relief Virga. Feb. 1781. Carola. Feb. 1781 Accomack 1208
1581Agreement with George Harmer for the Public Use of Slaves, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board agree to give thirty thousand weight of Tobacco for the within Slaves one year: and if Mr. Harmer takes them away on the 10th. of October, or at any time between that and the end of the year, he shall allow a Credit for a part of their cloathing and taxes proportioned to the time wanting to make up the compleat year. If they be withdrawn on Account of an Invasion, a Similar deduction...
1582Proclamation Appointing a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the Honourable the General Congress, impressed with a grateful sense of the goodness of Almighty God, in blessing the greater part of this extensive continent with plentiful harvests, crowning our arms with repeated successes, conducting us hitherto safely through the perils with which we have been encompassed and manifesting in multiplied instances his divine care of these infant...
1583Henry 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...
1584Impressment Warrants to Various Persons, November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas by an act passed at the General Assembly holden in the month of may in this present year and intituled an act for giving further powers to the Governeur and Council and for other purposes, authority was given for obtaining by impress among other things so many horses waggons and necessaries as might be wanting to supply the militia and other troops ordered into actual service. These...
1585Account of Guard for British Prisoners, [5 October 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
£ Acct of the guard as presented by Bernis Brown was for himself from Nov. 15. 1776 to May. 15. 1777. 181 days @ 2/ 18 2 0 to 10. privates from Nov. 15. 1776. to Apr. 10. 1777. 146 days @ 1/4 97 6 8 to 4. privates from Apr. 10. to May 15. 35. days @ 1/4 9 6 8 to 6 ¾℔ candle 6 9 125 2 1 Certified the above.
1586Passes for Poellnitz and Others, [25 August 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Capt. Pelnitz , one of the aids de camp to Majr. Gen. Riedesel of the German Convention troops now within this commonwealth, has permission to pass, attended by his servant, from the county of Albemarle along such direct roads as he shall chuse to the Medicinal springs in the county of Berkeley there to continue with Majr. Genl. Riedesel or his family and to accompany them on...