251To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from Mr. Loring British Commissary of Prisoners to our Commissary of prisoners respecting the measures which have been taken in the Care of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton and the enemys intentions of retaliation in Consequence. By this your Excellency will be able to Judge how far it may be expedient to relax in the present...
252To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 14 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 14 Sep. 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing resolves of Congress of 21 Aug. relative to an embargo; of 25 Aug. against restrictions on inland trade; and of 10 Sep. for providing clothing for the troops; also a copy of a circular letter from Congress to its constituents concerning finances. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. The three resolves and the circular...
253To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 20 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of inclosing you a letter that Mr. Mazzie formerly sent to me, and which having been mislaid among a number of papers, prevented me from returning to him so soon as he desired. It is at his request that I send it to you. I find by a letter that I received from Philadelphia by the last post, that some person has been representing a part of my letter to you by Mr. Ford in a...
254To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 23 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am happy to find that your Sentiments Respecting a fortification at or near the Mouth of Ohio is so agreable to the Ideas of Every Man of any Judgment in this Department. It is the Spot that ought to be strongly Fortified and all other garisons in the Western Cuntrey dependent on it if the ground would admit of it but the Misfortune is there is not a Acre of Ground nearer the point than four...
255To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 23 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Chantilly, 23 Sep. 1779 . This letter to be delivered by Messrs. Loyauté and Le Maire. The latter is in unfortunate circumstances. All his private effects are detained on board the ship on which he arrived until the state ratifies the bargain with the house he represents for stores he brought over. His accounts should be quickly settled. Virginia is now well supplied with artillery but lacks...
256To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 24 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
His Excellency Governor Henry was pleased in 1777, with the advice of the Council, to appoint me Agent in France for the State of Virginia and in 1778 by the same authority he sent me a power under the State Seal to obtain Arms, Artillery, Ammunition &c. of his Most Christian Majestys Ministers or any other persons to the amount of 2,000,000 of Livres, or to borrow money to that amount to...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 30 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 29th instant with Copys of the letters refferred to in it reccomending to the Executive of Virginia the stationing of and safe keeping of the Convention Troops in case of invasion and to advise the Board of War of their proceedings. I have the honour to be with great respect your Excy’s most obt & hble Servt, FC ( DLC : PCC...
258To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 Oct. 1779 . Enclosing a resolve of Congress of 2 Oct., recommending to the Governor and Council of Maryland “to permit as much bread flour and wheat to be exported for the State of Virginia as the said State may want for its public Supply.” FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and...
259To Thomas Jefferson from George French, 5 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s favour of the 24th. Ulto. came duely to hand, but being from home prevented me from writing you by last Post. Agreeable to Capt. De Curmars request I forwarded his Watch to Colo. Bland on the 20th. August, by Mr. Alexander Downie, and am surprised the Capt. did not receive her before his departure. On Receipt of Your Excellencys Letter I wrote Mr. Downie, if he had not...
260To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8–9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 8–9 Oct. 1779 . Transmitting a requisition from the Board of War for the purchase of leather breeches for Maj. Nelson’s corps of cavalry. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Below, in TJ’s hand: “In council Oct. 9. 1779. There being a sufficiency of deerskins in Richmond for the purpose of this requisition from the board of war it is disapproved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.;...
261To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We tho’t it prudent, before Mr. Smith’s departure, that he should inform the Board what he expected would be allowed him for his Expences on his intended trip to Europe, that no difficulties might arise with respect to this matter on his return. He has consulted Mr. Beall on the occasion, who it seems lately made the same tour himself, and procured his Opinion, which is herewith submitted to...
262Advice of Council concerning Prisoners, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to take proper and effectual measures for knowing from time to time the situation and treatment of our prisoners with the enemy and to extend to theirs with us a like treatment in every circumstance. And also to order to a proper station the prison ship fitted up on recommendation from Congress for the reception and confinement of such prisoners of war as shall be sent...
263To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 9 Oct. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 6 Oct. for promoting loans. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. The enclosure is actually part of the enclosure in the second circular of this date , which follows.
264To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 9 Oct. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolutions relative to Continental finance (see note below); asks promptness in payment and regrets that the state quotas are so large. RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; signed: “Samll: Huntington President”; endorsed by a clerk. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14). Enclosure: copy of a series of resolves of Congress signed by Charles Thomson ( Vi ):...
265To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 13 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much obliged to you for your favor of the 28 of September and for the trouble you took in writing a copy of the letter I wrote to you by Mr. Ford . I was well apprized that nothing in it which is mine could be made an ill use of, but to remedy this, something not mine, and not in the letter, is substituted for the purpose of misrepresentation. As thus—that “R. H. Lee had written to...
266To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 18 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 25th. Septr last I have the honour of inclosing you an Act of Congress of this day. The board of War to whom your letter was referr’d apprehend great inconvenience from removing or separating the Convention troops and damage to the public in supplying them with wheat flour in the manner pointed out in your letter. As indian Flour is equally wholesome they must...
267To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 19 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 19 Oct. 1779 . Fifteen hundred additional hogsheads of tobacco have been purchased before a further rise in price, because it is feared that within a year goods may not be purchased for money. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Countersigned: “In Council Oct. 19. 1779. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p.
268To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 20 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 20 Oct. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of this day recommending that Thursday, 9 Dec., be appointed a day of public thanksgiving. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure not found; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xv , 1191–3. This letter and enclosure were...
269To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Smith, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 22 Oct. 1779 . The scheme for a commercial negotiation in Europe has been abandoned after all necessary preparations were made. This decision causes almost ruinous personal consequences to the writer. Begs that an allowance be made as a restitution for disappointment and time. Signed: Thomas Smith. Minute in TJ’s hand at foot of text: “In Council Oct. 25. 1779. Referred to the...
270To Thomas Jefferson from James Mercer, [before 23 October] 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Mercer’s most respectfull Compliments wait on the Governor. The Auditors say that the inclos’d order must have his Name to it before they can issue a Warrant on the treasurer. Mr. Mercer begs pardon for troubling him. RC ( Vi ); without date. Addressed: “His Excelly Thos Jefferson.” Docketed in a clerk’s hand: “James Mercer £150, Octobr. 23d. 1779. On Account”; and in another hand,...
271To Thomas Jefferson from John Randolph, 25 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters, with which you some considerable Time ago, honourd me, got to Hand ; tho’, from their appearance, their Contents were known to many, before they reach’d the Person, for whom they were intended. The gloomy Cloud, which hung over our public affairs, and the general Suspicion, which prevail’d at that Time, recommended Caution, and prevented my answering them. But, as Matters now are...
272To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 29 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 29 Oct. 1779 . Transmitting a letter of Thomas Smith to the Board of Trade, 28 Oct. 1779, stating that in March of that year he was engaged by the Council to undertake a mission to Europe to purchase goods for the state; that he departed on 2 June but was captured and taken to New York and returned to Virginia about 25 July; that he was again ordered to be in readiness to...
273To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 29 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 29 Oct. 1779 . The salary of Mr. James Warren, assistant in the agent’s office, has never been fixed. Forty pounds per annum, payable in tobacco at twenty shillings per hundred, seems an ample compensation. Signed by Ambler and Rose. RC ( CSmH ); 1 p.; TJ’s reply of the same date, q.v. , is written on the lower portion of the page.
274To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 30 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed an act of Congress of this date, earnestly recommending to the State of Virginia to re-consider their late act of Assembly for opening their land office; And to that, and all other States similarly circumstanced, to forbear settling or issuing Warrants for unappropriated lands or granting the same during the continuance of the present war. I am with...
275To Thomas Jefferson from Giovanni Fabbroni, 1 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Sento dal Sig. Digs [Digges] vostro amico, che voi siete stato recentemente eletto Governatore della Vostra rispettabil Provincia. Vi sia egli testimone del contento, che ne provai, e per voi e per tutta La Virginia, che invano cercherei d’esprimervi colla mia penna. Mi si presentano tutte ad un tratto alla spirito Le vostre belle qualità di cui è ripiena La Francia, ed anco L’Inghilterra, e...
276To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 2 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency having inadvertently mistated to the Assembly, the nature of the Requisition, made by the Board of War, and approved by the Executive; for the appointment of a second Clerk to our Office; We take liberty by the inclosure accompanying this, to inform you more fully of the meaning of our Request. We had not in Idea, the space of two months, or any time, shorter than the duration...
277Petition of Alexander Dick to the Governor and Council, 2 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 2 Nov. 1779 . The petitioner embarked on an armed brig in February 1777 as a part of the state regiment and was taken to England as a prisoner; having contracted a debt of 160 guineas while a prisoner and during escape, he requests that his pay as captain be made equal to hard money; he requests also a commission as major of marines. RC ( Vi ); 2 p. Dick’s petition was...
278To Thomas Jefferson from Cyrus Griffin, 2 November [1779] (Jefferson Papers)
My Colleague Mr. Mercer has charged himself with the naval Commissions mentioned a post ago in a letter from your excellency. We have a report from the Eastward that a bloody Engagement has happend in English Channel, and that the admiral of his Britanic Majesty was met with sails and Colours flying; but we do not give the utmost credit to the Intelligence. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your...
279To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 3 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Nov. 1779 . Submits requisitions from Board of War for shoes and for clothing for Col. Buford’s battalion at Petersburg; also a memorandum of George Purdie offering sundry articles. Mr. Greenhow has 10 dozen men’s large shoes which he offers at £12 per pair and 9 dozen small men’s shoes at £10. Prices for all the articles are exceedingly high, but the need for them is...
280To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 4 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Some men having arrived in Town who were enlisted under the Act for raising soldiers sailors and marines, The Board of War recommend to the Executive to Order the sailors on board of some of the armed vessells of this state, and the soldiers and marines to join the state Garrison Regiment which is very weak. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ).
281To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 4 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War recommend to the executive to authorize the Commanding Officer of each County to review all the men recruited in their respective Counties under the Act for recruiting Soldiers Sailors and marines and to give certificates of review to the Officer, appoint a place of rendezvous if necessary supply the recruits with rations, and to make application for money to defray the...
282To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 5 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, respecting such of the officers and privates of Blands and Baylors Regiments of Dragoons and of Harrisons Artillery as belong to the state of Virginia. Their situation is really disagreable and discouraging; and it is perhaps the more so, from its being now almost if not entirely singular. It is said, that under the idea of...
283To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We have considered the several letters and papers received from Messrs. Pollock and Lindsey referred by your Excellency to this Board, and beg leave to observe, that it appears therefrom that the late Governor Mr. Henry by virtue of an Act Assembly intituled “an Act for establishing the County of Ilinois” did, on the day of in the Year one thousand seven hundred and seventy Depute Mr. Joseph...
284To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, with a Memorial on the Status of French Subjects in Virginia, [7 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of informing your Excellency and the honourable the House of Assembly that having received lately a Commission that appoints me Consul of France for his most christian Majesty in the State of Virginia, I accept it with the highest degree of pleasure. His Majestys Choice flatters me infinitely as I am entirely conscious with what particular Distinction he considers this State,...
285To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Lieut. Colo. Muter of the Artillery Colo. State Garrison Regiment. Major Matthews Lt. Colo. Artillery Captain Edmunds Major Artillery The Board having not in possession a Regular and proper Roster of the State Artillery, cannot certify precisely how far the chain of preferment occasioned by Colonel Muters removal may extend. We have specified the field promotions, and will notify those of a...
286To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 8 Nov. 1779 . John Peyton, clothier general to the state troops, should proceed to camp to receive from the Continental clothier general the proportion of clothing allowed by Congress and to issue it according to directions. His duty should be extended, with an increase in salary, to include the issuing of all supplies sent in by the Boards of War and Trade, because Mr. Moss, the...
287To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We had the Honor of Your Excellency’s Instructions respecting the settlement of Capt. Le Maire’s Expences. We confess ourselves at a loss to know whether the several Articles stated in his Account have been admitted by The Executive or whether under the Engagements entered into with him by the late Governor in Council, We are authorized in making any deductions. We confess ourselves unable to...
288To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia and the charge for freight immense. The extensive orders given to Col. Smith of Baltimore to purchase flour should, therefore, be immediately countermanded and a price limit set of £30 Maryland money per hundred....
289To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d an act of Congress of the 8th instant together with the Copy of a letter from Colo. Broadhead of the 26th Ultimo. In pursuance of the orders contain’d in the act of Congress enclos’d I am to request your Excellency’s endeavours to prevent a repetition of the trespasses mention’d in the letter from Colo. Broadhead. The evil tendency of such...
290To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779. Approved, except so far as relates to the establishment of pursers, which measure is still to be considered of. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 3 p.
291To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 11 Nov. 1779 . A statement of the duties of the state clothier. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 15th. 1779. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 2 p.
292To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We inclose to you for your approbation some arrangements which we think necessary to be adopted in the military and Naval departments. In the issuing the several portions of rum sugar Tea, and Coffee we have been regulated totally by the rank and rations of the several Officers, allowing to every rations as by Law directed one jill of Spirits, the other articles we have endeavoured to...
293To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 12 Nov. 1779. In compliance with the requisition of 30 Oct. for the purchase of clothing for the Cherokee Indians, all the articles mentioned in Maj. Martin’s list that were to be had were secured, but for want of money the goods are being held until payment for them can be made. Before the treasury is replenished the goods may be sold. Every effort has been made to secure the...
294To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [13 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
The State of Virginia, to Jacques Le Maire Dr. To Money laid out in France, as ⅌ a former Account rendered, 5345 liv. 14 sous. at 25 for 1, £5,846 15 6 To travelling expences, for 430 Days, at 27 livres ⅌ Day at 25 for 1, or 11,610 livres 12,698 8 9 To Money allowed for Expences upon the Continent, to the 10th. Novr. 2,000 £20,545 4 3 Board of Trade Novr. 13. 1779 The above appears to...
295To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. It is expedient to establish a small magazine in or near Staunton; Col. Sampson Matthews is to be furnished with money and implements to complete it as soon as possible. Rifles in his care should be repaired and he should have power to sell some arms to defray the expense of repairing the rest, if that seems more expedient than drawing money. He should also be...
296To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Instructions desired as to whether a soldier’s oath on his own behalf concerning his allowance of clothing shall be legal testimony for his compensation. The legislature at its last session elected a commissary of prisoners, who has declined serving, though the law constituting the Board of War vests that power in the Board. The Board proposes electing a proper...
297To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Upon consideration of the resolution of the House of Delegates of 1 Nov., it is recommended that two prison ships be prepared for the reception of prisoners of war and be moored in James River. One ship is now ready. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Griffin. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). 2 p. For the resolution concerning prison ships, see JHD Journal of the...
298To Thomas Jefferson from the Executive Council, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Sickness necessary Business and other Causes often preventing the Attendance of the members of this Board so as that no Council can be held, while many persons are waiting from great distances and at much expense on Business with the Executive; which inconvenience might in a great degree be obviated by a Standing Advice of the Board to the Governor to act during the intervals of their sitting...
299To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of returning to your Excellency the papers referred to me, respecting the Portuguese snow captured by Captain Cunningham while Commander of the privateer Phœnix. The resolutions, entered into by Congress upon this Subject on the 21st. day of July 1779, call for public punishment, as well as private reparation; the former of which can be sought for upon no other principle...
300To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War have had under Consideration the present State of the Westham Foundery, and several papers to them referred relative to a Contract entered into between Mr. Henry the late Governour in Behalf of this State and Mr. David Ross to take of the said Ross two hundred and fifty tons of iron for the use of the public foundery. Previous to their forming any opinion thereupon, they held...