201Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Addressed to “His Excelly. Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Except for Meriwether Smith’s signature, the entire letter is in Theodorick Bland’s hand. In the editors’ opinion, this dispatch was from JM as well as his two colleagues, and the omission of his signature reflects merely his momentary absence at the time the letter was sealed. Having...
202To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the Assistants of the Quartermaster general is going over to the Eastern Shore. It appears to me an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of disposing and securing the public stores of every kind that are there. A great deal has been lost, a great deal more is in danger, and I submit it to the decision of your Excellency whether it will not be proper to sell what cannot be...
203To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having so lately and so often wrote to your Excellency we have little new to Communicate at present; the confusion respecting money still continues in this City, tho with less commotion than could be expected as in a few days the old Continental money has depreciated from two hundred to seven, eight, and some say nine Hundred for one, the new money has of course sufferd in proportion. What...
204To Thomas Jefferson from James Hendricks, 7 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of Your Excellency’s letter of 12th. Ult. on the subject of Building a Fort and Blockhouse at this Place and am instructed by the Common Council to inform you that a Considerable part of the work which they conceive necessary towards the Completion of the Battery is already excuted, and one Nine and Two Twelve-pounders mounted on travelling Carriages at the expence of a few of...
205From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Pierpont Morgan Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress This will be delivered to your Excellency by Mr. Grieve, who goes to America with a View of establishing himself in the State of Virginia, where he has also some Business in which your Countenance & Protection may be of great Service to him. I beg leave to recommend him to you as a Gentleman, who has always been a Steady...
206To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 6 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered to your Excellency by Mr. Grieve , who goes to America with a View of establishing himself in the State of Virginia, where he has also some Business in which your Countenance and Protection may be of great Service to him. I beg leave to recommend him to you as a Gentleman, who has always been a Steady and serviceable Friend to our glorious Cause, and who will I doubt not...
207To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Reed, 6 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys Favours of the 17. and 18. Ult. have been duly received and claim our particular Acknowledgments as well for the Readiness which has been shewn in concurring with our Proposition of running the Line, as the friendly Sentiments express’d towards this State which I am happy in assuring your Excellency are perfectly reciprocal. A Family Event having last Fall estrang’d me from...
208From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr” and marked “private.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas May 5. 1781.” In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the committee in binding them up. The...
209Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written and signed by JM, “By order of the delegation.” Docketed, “Jas Madisons Letter Recd May 81.” The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose, by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of...
210To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c. published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the Committee in binding them up. The encomium on the inhabitants of Rhode Island was a flourish of a Delegate from [that] State who furnished the Committee with the account of its...
211To Thomas Jefferson from George Moffett, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to last Octbr. act of assembly for Recruiting this States Quota of troops to serve in continental army, the Militia of this County was laid off into Districts for Raising their proportion of Said troops. The 26th of last March was the day appointed for the Districts to assemble at Staunton and Deliver their Recruits and those that failed were then to be allotted. I had not Returned...
212To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My application to the Honbl. Majr. Genl. the Baron Steuben (the nature of which Your Excellency is acquainted with) not having produced me any command, and the enemy having gone down the river again, I intend going up the country for some time, or ’till I am honoured with a command. I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that I intend to go from hence to the Point of Fork, and thence to Colo....
213To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Did my self the pleasure of writing to you yesterday by Colo. Davies advising you of the flattering prospect we have at the Lead mines of a plentyfull supply of that article in a very short time. Mr. Maury has just now call’d upon me and am sorry to learn the fate of his vessell. It would appear from Mr. Phillips’s letters and conduct in other respects that he is somewhat intoxecated with...
214To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I had received your letter of 11 April I had discharged part of the Regiment Guards at this place and delivered their Arms to the Quartermaster here. Most of the returned arms, and those now in possession of the men, want repair. The Militia of Albemarle drew some of the Arms sent to the Quartermaster at the Barracks, about four hundred was delivered Col. Muter last Octr. and some were...
215To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old Continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of Congress of the 18th. of March 1780. to be 150 for 1. The speculation arising from this measure to the prejudice of this State with the other...
216To 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,...
217Petition from the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, 4 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Kaskaskias, 4 May 1781 . Humbly profess their loyalty and services to George Rogers Clark, against whom they have no complaint, though the paper money with which he paid them has been found valueless. But Col. John Montgomery, who succeeded him, was not satisfied with the 60,000 lbs. of flour furnished by the inhabitants for his 38 troops between the fall of 1779 and May 1780, ordered his men...
218To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 4 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have just now the Pleasure of receiving your letter of yesterdays date. I am happy in having it in my power to inform you that there is at present the prospect of a very abundant Supply of Lead from the Mines. I have this day received a letter from thence advising me there would be from 40 to 50 ton made in a Short time. At present I hope there will be no distress for the article. 1 M ℔ was...
219[To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, ca. 4 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Camp Bottom’s Bridge, ca. 4 May 1781 . In a letter to Major Lomagne, replying to an urgent appeal for forage, Steuben wrote: “Orders are given to provide Forage and Provision for your Corps and a good Pasture to refresh the Horses. I have wrote to the Governor to procure the necessary Cloathing for the men whilst in Quarter. What may be necessary for the Campaign must not be furnished till...
220To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from William Claiborne, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 May 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from William Claiborne, “one of the Gentlemen employed to purchase horses for the use of the Continent, by order of the Marquis”; and inquiring how and when the money will be advanced. Extract of a letter from Mr. William Claiborne dated 3d. May 1781 “In the Marquis’s letter to you I observe he says that the Governor has given his promise...
221To Thomas Jefferson from Sir John Peyton, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of our exposed situation, I have to beg our draught may be suspended. This county having upwards of two hundred miles on navigable water courses, altho our guards are small, yet it takes a number of men to act as guards, and in spight of all our efforts the enemy take the Inhabitants, even out of their bed’s. A Captain of the Militia and a Man who was active in collecting the...
222To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the many Applications I make free to Address your Excellency once more in behalf of the Detatchment of Militia from this County now on a Tour of duty who are very uneasie as well on account of a Shocking Fever now Rageing in this County as the Planting their Crops. Twenty persons have Died in about ten days within five miles of my house, but Very fortunate they are mostly such as are no...
223To Thomas Jefferson from Silas Deane, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Greive who goes to America with the Resolution of establishing himself in the United States, whose Interests, he has, (to my knowlege,) at all times zealously espous’d, and of which he has a few Days since, qualified himself a Citizen; He has an Affair of some Importance in your State, in the adjustment of which, I flatter myself, you may be of service to him,...
224From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Madison Jas.,” by Jefferson. On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets & have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. it is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not...
225Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by JM and signed by JM, Theodorick Bland, and Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Letter from Delegates 1 May 1781, Not answerd.” We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr: which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it...
226To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This day the Marquis de la Fayette has given me orders to purchase Sixty good horses for Continental Service, to mount Major Nelsons Corps, and the Field Officers of the Continental detachment from the Northward. I have employed Gentlemen for this purpose, and given them very pointed instructions. In consequence they assure me that the business shall be done without delay; and, that the horses...
227To Thomas Jefferson from John Dixon, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 12th. Ulto. requesting Cavalry to be raized to join Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben, and was anxious to have comply’d therewith, but the Executive appearing to discourage my plan of raising and equiping a Troop of Horse, it has effectually prevented the Gentlemen from being equip’d in any manner to answer the purpose for which they were call’d. A few indeed have acted...
228To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Lawson, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives me great concern to find that the Militia from many Counties go forth to join General Greenes Army with the greatest reluctance. Indeed there are many Counties very deficient in sending the quota call’d for—some of them send none at all. Mr. Bush waits on your Excellency with Mr. Henrys Letter , from Henry County, representing the difficulty of sending the number of Men call’d for...
229To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets and have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. It is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not received the antecedant one referred to in it. The Executive have...
230To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr. which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it will not be possible for him to get some of the most essential articles even if an exchange of his funds can be negociated, and that the difficulty of such an...
231To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 30 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honord with your Excellencys letter of April the 5th and with the enclosures respecting the misconduct of Lt. Rudder. I consider it a public misfortune that such hot headed Youth, have it in their power to injure the public by such imprudent conduct. Let him and every other Officer who misbehaves be subject to such punnishment as they merit. You may depend upon it that no Officer...
232To Thomas Jefferson from Miles King, 30 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampton, 30 Apr. 1781 . Bearer brings a letter from Capt. Gerlach of the flag vessel from New York, who is very desirous of knowing “where his Ship is destined for.” TJ’s orders may be sent by the bearer. RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; addressed; endorsed. The bearer was one Bryan, to whom there is a note by King on the cover of King’s letter to TJ ordering Bryan “to proceed to Richmond with the Inclosed...
233To Thomas Jefferson from Bolling Stark, 30 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It is probable your Excellency may have heard that I reached Cumberland old Court house on wednesday last with the books and papers belonging to Your’s, and the other public-boards, where I judged they would be perfectly secure from the enemy, but on Saturday, we were alarmed with an account of their having penetrated the country as far as chesterfield Court-house, at which place they had...
234To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bellini, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Non o potuto resistere alla tentazione di scriverle, e toglierle in conseguenza un poco del tempo da Lei destinato agli affari in queste calamitose circostanze. Jo non so cosa i’ mi sia, nè che cosa sia per esser di me se io resto più qui; mi pare per altro ch’io sarò Suddito non più alle leggi di questo Stato, ma a quelle d’un Quadrumvirato. Questa idea solamente è piu che bastante a rendere...
235To Thomas Jefferson from Vivian Brooking, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Amelia, 29 Apr. 1781 . Encloses “a Return of Men and Arms sent from this County to join Genl. Green in Feby. last.” Brooking having been sick at the time, the return is signed by Col. [James] Jenkins. The enclosed Return, dated 24 Feb. 1781 and signed “J Jenkins Colo. 2 B, A[melia] M[ilitia], lists 222 officers and men, 204 guns, 32 bayonets, 21 lbs. of powder, 24 lbs. of lead, 14 cartridge...
236To Thomas Jefferson from Heinrich Gerlach, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been Waiting with grate anxiety to receive Your Excellency answer to my Letter of the 27th. March last, which Your Excellency was pleasd to inform me You had forwarded to Congress for their Determination. I beg leave to Inform Your Excellency I am verry desirous to get the Bussiness of the Flag of Truce Settled as soon as possible, and to propose if it can be done without any Trouble to...
237To Thomas Jefferson from Churchill Gibbs, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
“Pohattin [ Powhatan ] Court hous,” 29 Apr. 1781 . On 27 Apr. five prisoners under Gibbs’ care at this place escaped from jail, and “from Every Circonstance we [have] Reason to Believe the Sentinals which ware on their Post At that time ware pryvy to it.” The sentinels have therefore been jailed but are not yet tried. RC ( Vi ); addressed and endorsed.
238To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 29 April 1781 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Thomas Boush waits on you with a proposition , the Nature of which he will explain to you. Nothing but a Conviction of an almost Impossibility of complying with your Excellency’s Requisition for two hundred & fifty men from the County, could induce the Officers to trouble you on the Subject. I can only say that I am satisfy’d the Difficulty of getting provisions here & on the...
239To Thomas Jefferson from John Rogers, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Harodsburg, 29 Apr. 1781 . Since arriving at the Falls of Ohio, Rogers has “been much Surprised to find that some Persons have wrote aspersions against my Character during the time of my Command at the Illinoys last Winter. Richd. Winston and Richd. McCarty I am informd are the Persons.” TJ should know that McCarty “has ever since Septr. last been under an Arrest for Treason,” and Winston,...
240To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a 20 Apr. 1781 resolution of Congress recommending that certain states make good the depreciation of monthly pay to the officers and soldiers belonging to the regiment of Colonel Moses Hazen who are considered part of their quotas in the same manner as they have done for the officers and soldiers in their respective state lines. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360,...
241To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, [28 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency in answer to the resolutions of your Assembly relative to the conduct of the Cavalry Officers, and the measures pointed out to supply this Army in future with Horses, I have been considering more fully the tendency and consequences that would attend it. It is to be lamented that Officers will not exercise more discretion and prudence when entrusted with the...
242To Thomas Jefferson from Beesly Edgar Joel, [28 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have this instant received notice that the Enemy appears to be again in motion at Osburn’s. I have dispatch’t a Vidett to recoinoitre them, and am collecting some negroes to hew down Trees and be ready to take up the different Bridges in their rout. There is no Officer on this side but myself . I desire to know if you have any commands. I am Sir &c., RC ( Vi ); without place or date;...
243To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Read, enclosing a Resolution of the Charlotte County Militia Officers, 28 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlotte Court House, 28 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a resolution of the militia officers of this county and is “directed to mention to you Sir, that Arms are dificult to be procured in the County, not having been Recovr’d since Sent out with the Militia under General Green.” Ammunition is also wanting. Asks where the men, if ordered out, are to march, and would be glad to have the six weeks term...
244To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 27 April 1781, enclosing a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard. You will observe by the Journals of Congress under the 20th of July 1778, Encouragement given to this Gentleman to collect Materials for a History, and a Recommendation to the several States to aid and assist him in such Collection. If any of the Manuscripts &c. to which his Letter...
245Garret 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....
246Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written by Theodorick Bland and signed by Bland, JM, and Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Virga. Delegates Letter recd. May 81. April 27th.—AD.” Having discovered that there were a considerable number of Rampart Arms belonging to the U. S. at this place, which have long lain dormant, (having been supposed useless for the Field,) we have found on enquiry...
247To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain North from Baron de Stüben’s Camp Has Been with Me last Evening and was directed By the Baron to Give me Every intelligence Relative to the Situation. From what He says I think the Baron is By this time [at] Chesterfield Court House, And Consider Richmond as the Present object for Both Parties. Every Boat that is in the River should Be Collected Above the falls By which Means A...
248To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Hamilton has informed us that a Flag with Cloathing and Money for the late Convention Troops stationed in Virginia and Maryland has arrived at Hampton and requested Permission to land them at George Town in Maryland, which we have granted so far as concerns the Troops in Maryland under certain restrictions and referred him to your Excellency as to the Necessaries for the Troops in...
249To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 27 Apr. 1781 . “Having discovered that there were a considerable number of Rampart Arms belonging to the U:S. at this place, which have long lain dormant, (having been supposed useless for the Field,) we have found on enquiry that with a small alteration, and fixing Bayonettes to them they are capable of being renderd exceeding good Field Arms.” The Delegates undertook to arrange...
250To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, with a List of Armed Vessels, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A List of the Arm’d Vessels at Coxes dale with there Force and present Compliment of Men. Tempest 16 Six pounders 6 Men. Complimt. 120 when Compt. Jefferson 14 four pds: 23. do: 70 Renown 16 Six do: 23.