To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 10 March 1781
From Steuben
Wmsbg 1781 10th March
Sir
A number of boats are absolutely wanting. There are only seven in Colledge Creek and those without oars.
The Quarter Master informs me Your Excellency will not give him Militia for the purpose of impressing boats, when they can not be procured by any other means. The want of them is alone sufficient to put an end to the Expedition.
Tr (NHi); endorsed.
TJ nevertheless issued warrants for impressing boats: On 12 Mch. Capt. John Pryor wrote Steuben from Richmond: “Agreeable to your orders I delivered your Letters to the Governor and Major Claiborne, with the messages, in consequence of which Major Claiborne sets out this morning for Williamsburg. His Excellency the Governor has furnished the necessary Warrants for impressing all the Boats on this as well as York River. Major Claiborne appoints persons to collect them. … [After giving some necessary orders,] I shall immediately set off down this River and render every assistance in my power in collecting the Boats and have them sent down with all possible Expedition to the College creek as you have directed” (NHi). Also, see Claiborne to TJ, 11 Mch. 1781 and note.