301To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclos’d you will recieve sundry Letters and Copys for your perusal, a Copy of the proceedings of the Commissioners against the Commissaries wou’d also been sent but on my application to Colo. John Floyd by Letter I did not recieve it for what reasons I am at a loss to determine he promising Verbally to wait on me yesterday. The Savages have been very troublesome this Spring; almost every...
302To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to enclose on the 28th Ulto. that the Action of the 15th. had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident marks of distress, and that our Army, in good spirits, were advancing upon them. From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter; and the enclosure from the Baron...
303To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Wooding, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Within a few weeks Past Genl. Green has sent into this County several Parties of Brittish Prisoners Directed to the Sheriff with Orders for them to be safely conveyed to the Post or such Place in this state Appointed for their Receiption. In consequence of which the Sheriff has summond sundry Men, within his Baliwick, of the Militia to Assist him in the safe Conveying the said Prisoners to...
304Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Calendar of Virginia State Papers William P. Palmer et al ., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.; Richmond, 1875–93). , II, 50–52). Anderson Galleries Catalogue No. 1565, Part 5 (1921), furnishes an extract and calls it an autograph letter of JM. The inclosed resolution of Congress answers your Excellency’s letter of the 26th ulto., relating...
305To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have the Honor to inform Your Excellency that the detachement Under My orders is on its Way to Richmond Where I Expect to Receive directions from General Greene. From the intelligences I get of the Number General Philips’s Army Consist of, I Aprehend that the State of Virginia Must Need An immediate support. This Consideration alone Could induce Me to Advance By Rapid and forced Marches with...
306To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, with Plan for Defensive Operations, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Major Mitchell will present to your Excellency a List of the Men now with Genl. Muhlenberg and will inform you of the number of those who are on the point of leaving him. He will also communicate to your Excellency my plan for defensive Operations , which will require at least the number of Men I have already asked for, and I must again request that this force may be on foot before the Enemy...
307To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of Congress answers your Excellency’s letter of the 26th ulto., relating to the appointment of Col: Davies to the War Office of Virginia. You will observe that it determines his rank in the Army alone, to be the bar to his acceptance of a civil office. Should Col: Davies be willing to give up that, and his place be supplied by one of the supernumerary Colonels, So that...
308To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Make No Doubt but you have heard the Determination of Congress with respect to the Convention Troops, and their Instructions to Me; the Board of War Assured Me that you wou’d be furnished with both by the first Post. Your Excellency will recollect that I wrote you in Feby. that I had Assumed the Debts of the British Officers, for Bills for the Use of the State, I agreed with their Creditors...
309From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “Madison Jas,” by Jefferson. The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful...
310To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The badness of the weather has prevented my return to Richmond today. I am, however, so firmly persuaded of the enemy’s intentions up the rivers, that I cannot refrain from renewing my request for the impressment of a number of waggons not only for the removal of the stores at Petersburg and Chesterfield, which amount to at least 150 waggon loads, but also for the removal of the cannon at...
311To Thomas Jefferson from John Floyd, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About the first of January last Commissions were delivered me, one appointing me Colonel of the Militia of this County one other Appointing Isaac Cox Lieutenant Colonel, also a Majors Commission for William Lyn; five Capt. Commissions together with the Commission of the Peace &c. directed to four of the said Officers who are Inhabitants of the County and to three others, one of them being also...
312To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Alliance of the American States being now compleated by the assent of the State of Maryland to the Articles of Confederation the future proceedings of Congress must be governed by those Rules and every deviation from them become matter of complaint or jealousy to the States. It would be wise therefore where defects appear to have them supplied in time and while the Temper of the States...
313To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful deficiency of some of the States which are most capable of yielding...
314To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Skipwith, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Cumberland County, 16 Apr. 1781 . Skipwith’s neighbor, John Chapman of Amelia co., proposes to undertake the business of repairing public arms. Skipwith can recommend him “as an honest independent Freeholder” and “an uncommon mechanical genius, fully equal to the task of either repairing or making Guns”; he will, moreover, perform his duties with strict fidelity. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed in...
315To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 15 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a resolve of Congress of 13 Apr. “directing the Commander in Chief to transmit to the Executives of the several States, Lists of the Names of all the new Levies belonging to each State respectively … and recommending it to the said States to cause Payment to be made to the said new Levies agreeable to such Lists, on Account of the United States.” FC ( DLC...
316To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Apr. 1781 . The bearer, George Nicolson, “is engaged to go the Northward to try and procure some of the Stores wanted for the Army”; making payment there will be difficult, and Ross would be pleased if TJ would write the Virginia delegates in Congress to assist Nicolson. Ross has sent to the back country to obtain a return of the hemp collected under the tax laws. “This is an...
317To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already appointed Mr. Robinson Deputy Commissary Issues and hope that Department will soon be properly Arranged. Orders are already given to Captain Prior for the Removal of the stores from Prince George Ct. Ho. to this place. I have no doubt it will be done immediately. General Muhlenberg in a Letter dated 14th. informs me that the Enemy have nearly compleated 25 Boats to contain each...
318To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lancaster County, 15 Apr. 1781 . Encloses “a list of the number of Men raised in this County for recruiting this States quota of Troops to serve in the Continental Army, likewise a particular number of each Division, and a return of the Militia but not so full as your last instructions required, as I have not recieved any returns from the Different Captains since.” The return of ammunition...
319To Thomas Jefferson from John Todd, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24 Decr. as also that of the 19th Jany. last inclosing sundry papers came safe to hand a few days ago. By the best Accounts I can procure from Jefferson and Lincoln the Militia of the whole three Counties at present amount about 1050—Fayette 156, Lincoln 600 and Jefferson 300. I have just made a Draft of 78 from this County for Col. Clark and if the other Counties draft...
320To Thomas Jefferson from John Todd, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inhabitants of Fayette County have been so harrassed this Spring by the Indians that I was for some time apprehensive that the whole County would be evacuated as Panicks of that Kind have proved very catching and the fate of the Neighbouring Garrisons at Licking last year was fresh in their Minds. The only plan I could devise to prevent it and sufficiently secure the provisions laid up at...
321To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from Joseph Holmes, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency an Extract of a letter which I have just received from Captain Holmes, who is the Assistant Deputy Quarter Master at Petersburg. In such cases as this, I beg leave to ask, what I am to do? I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, Humble Servant, “It is with much concern I tell you, all my workmen have quit me on account of their not being exempt...
322To Thomas Jefferson from William Call, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys Proposition of the 12th Inst. to me in behalf of this county I received yesterday where I had assembled the greater part of the People together to make out the relief going down to Genl. Muhlenbergs head Quarters, which gave me at once an oppertunity of making it known. The one fourth of those who are able to do Militia Service are now going down, and one third being already...
323To Thomas Jefferson from John Gordon and John Hull, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Messrs Ball and Opie requesting the favour of your Excellency to grant them a flag of truce to go on board some of the Enemys vessells in quest of some slaves which they have lost. As the Representatives of this county we think it our duty to inform your Excellency that they are Gentlemen of unexceptionable characters and have from the earliest period of the...
324James 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
325To Thomas Jefferson from James Mercer, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It wou’d be an affront to your Excellency’s Understanding was I to make an appollogy to the first magistrate of this State, for communicating any Facts, or even Hints that might contribute to Your better Information in your public Character. I shall therefore without appollogy proceed to inform your Excellency, that from my own knowledge of the Countrey and the uniform opinion of all I have...
326To Thomas Jefferson from George Skillern, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before your Favour of Febry. the 15th Came to hand I had ordred a Draft of three Hundred and fifty men to the ade of General Green, but Reports prevailing that the Enemy ware still approaching Induced me to order the Remaining part of the Militia to his Assistance also, who ware Imbodied and we Nearly ready to march when your Orders Came to hand, which only Requir’d one forth part, and as I...
327To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Salt River, 14 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a copy of the proceedings of the commissioners to examine into the conduct of Capt. William Shannon, commissary in the western department. Having failed to prove the charges he made against Shannon, Slaughter hopes “that no part of the information formerly given by me, will further injure him in your esteem.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p., including enclosure; addressed...
328To Thomas Jefferson from Garret Van Meter, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed you have the Return of our Two Battalions and as I Received instructions from General Clarke not to march the Malitia untill Further Orders, So I have Gave orders for the full of Your Excellencies Demand but am afraid the orders will not Be Comply’d with by Reason of the Disaffected people amongst us (a Collecter of one of the Divisions for making up the Cloathes and Beef was...
329To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with the resolution of Council 10th Inst. and as Genl. Philip’s Letter dated 6th demanded an answer from me, have confined it chiefly to the very words of the Council, Copy of which have the Honor to enclose. I am desirous of cultivating the Liberal Idea held out by the British General to those who are unfortunate, as nothing but reciprocal advantages can result from it. I am...
330To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Brown informed Mr. Parks, that Mr. Hay of this town, sent down to Captain Charles Thomas at Warwick four hundred Gallons of Oil; As the Continental Commissary of Hides has not any, will your Excellency be pleased to direct Capt. Thomas to lend us a little for a Short time; as Mr. Marks is gone to Philadelphia respecting his department, and will furnish himself so as to be able to return...
331To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 13 Apr. 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from Mr. Young at Fredericksburg. “He mentions nothing of my letter respecting the Waggons to be ready for the Stores that are to come from the Marquis.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p., including enclosure; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed; endorsed in part: “April 14th 1781” (date of receipt?). Enclosure (filed with the letter in Vi...
332To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As it would be proper for us, I suppose, to make use of the same kind of parole that the British require of us, which is very restricted in its terms, I will be obliged to your Excellency to favor me with a copy or the original parole signed by Govr. Hamilton. I am your Excellency’s most obdt servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed; endorsed in part: “April 14th 1781” (date of receipt?).
333To Thomas Jefferson from Prevost Deleurieux, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Sr. Mary, négociant de cette ville, qui Expédie pour votre province de virginie son brigantin le Darth, capitaine Davis, avec des Denrées de cette colonie, se propose de charger en retour chez vous des farines et salaisons, nous vous prions instamment de luy accorder cette grace; ce Sera un Service essenciel que vous nous rendrés ayant fait cet armement à nôtre demande pour rapporter des...
334To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Gaskins, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Northumberland, 13 Apr. 1781 . Encloses an account of the draft in Northumberland county. Only three men enlisted for the war: Thomas Giles, Michael Taylor, and Thomas Harding; sends certificates for these men and wishes them returned by the bearer, together with bounty money for them and for 40 men drafted. “We have great Destruction in and about our place By the Barberous and Cruel Pirating...
335To Thomas Jefferson from George Gilmer, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Revolutions indeed. Yesterday George Twyman, C. L. Lewis, James Marks, and Isaac Davis mounted the rostrum, the two latter were returned delegates for the once favored County of Albemarle, Colo. Joseph Cabell, Senator for this district. This day a change took place in our Military department. Colo. John Coles resigned, Capt. John Marks promoted. Colo. Nicholas Lewis resigned, Thos. Walker...
336To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Hamilton, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencies Orders I have Allow’d the Following Prisoners of War, the Liberty of the Town, Vizt. George Richardson, John Askin, Richard Aris, John Gibson, Robert Tackberry, Edward Conner, Jonathan Shaw, John Uree, and Richard Brady. Mr. Rose informs me that they were deliver’d to him as prisoners of War and from examineing them I belive them to be such. Inclos’d your...
337To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Holmes, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellencies Letter by Express enclosing sundry Matters for the County Lieutenant. He being absent the business falls upon me to execute. I shall therefore immediately give the necessary Orders, and send On the Draughts with as Much Expedition as possible. Very few, if any of this County March’d to the westward but have been Oblig’d to furnish upwards of one...
338To Thomas Jefferson from La Luzerne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Cette Lettre Vous sera remise par Mr. le Camus, Enseigne de Vaisseaux à qui Mr. le Chevalier Destouches a donné le Commandement du Brig de 14. Canons, une des prises faites par la division aux ordres de Mr. de Tilly. Il est chargé aussi de faire tous ses efforts pour armer une goëlette de 10. canons prise par cette même division. Ces deux Batimens seroient d’une grande utilité à Mr. Destouches...
339To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you by the Express that brot the acts of assembly , one ship and a brig additional to the enemies force on the day of our rencontre with them, have joined and all proceeded together up to Alexandria. We have heared of their passing by the mouth of Occaquon. Being thus reinforced, it is not improbable, that in resentment for what happened here on the 9th....
340To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As, by the Neglect of our Commissioners, The Assessment has not yet been returned we have been prevented from laying off our Divisions for the Draught; and as our County is at present in a very defenceless State and daily exposed to the Ravages of the Enemy I must entreat you in behalf of the County to suspend the Operation of the Act till the Situation of our Affairs may render it less...
341To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed I have sent your Excellency a return of the militia of this county, according to the lists delivered by the captains a few days past. I expect the number will encrease fast, as many people have removed and are removing from the troubles of the Southern states, to take shelter here for a time, until the storm blows over. This induces me to hope that your Excellency will order this...
342To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the inclosed copy of the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed to examine into the conduct of Captain James Francis Moore purchasing Commissary for this department by which you will observe that I have not proved the charge against that Gentleman I have nothing to say in justification of my conduct more than that I had put too much confidence in the information whom I before thought...
343To Thomas Jefferson from George Bird, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Middlesex, 12 Apr. 1781 . Was appointed with Col. George Daniel a commissioner of the specific tax for Middlesex, “and Agreeable to Law we appointed commissioners to receive the said Taxes and gave public notice thereof, as also of the places appointed for the People to cary their grain.” Daniel and Bird also appointed, among others, Mr. William Chowning a deputy “for the purpose of seizing...
344To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency an extract of a letter which I have received from Major General Baron Steuben respecting the horses at Petersburg. These are the horses that have been impressed and purchased for the late expedition against Portsmouth and have been collected agreable to the Baron’s orders. Some of the owners are willing to take them back and give up their...
345To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your Excellency’s letter of March 31st. referred to the Board by Congress they beg leave to observe, that they think it will be proper for the flag vessel to proceed round from James River to Potomack, and land their Cloathing, refreshments Money &c., designed for the Prisoners at George Town in the State of Maryland; there to be received by two Officers of the Convention Troops...
346To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
347To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the negligence of Col. Munford the issuing continental commissary general in this State, there is the most shameful waste of provision and scandalous abuses in that department that can well be conceived. He has not for many months paid the least attention to his deputies, and has even refused to appoint the necessary issuers to the troops below. The provisions delivered by Mr. Brown [John...
348To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mitchell, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday on my Arrival at Alexandria I found the town in much confusion occasioned by a small Fleet that appeared off the Town—say, three Ships, two Brigs and two Schooners. Two of the Ships appears to me to be of 18 Guns each, the other I cou’d not make out what number of Guns she mounted, but belive her to be a Frigate. The Lieutenant of the County expecting a sufficient number of Militia...
349To Thomas Jefferson from John O’Bannon, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 12 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a recommendation from the officers of the Fauquier militia for the appointment of O’Bannon as major. Maj. Aylett Buckner, who commanded this battalion on its march from Fauquier, has been obliged to give up the command on account of poor health. Desires a commission by the bearer. RC ( Vi ); 5 p., including enclosure; addressed (in part): “favor of Mr. Jno...
350To Thomas Jefferson from Lindsay Opie and James Ball, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About ten or twelve daies ago I lost two very valuable Fellows, and Mr. James Ball lost three, which we conjectured were gone on board some of the Enemys Vessells, as for some time past, they have been, and still are hovering about the Shores of Potomack, from the mouth of the River, as high as Alexandria; our conjectures Proved true, for from the information of a young Gentleman, a near...