31To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I went this morning to a Book-binder to purchase the notes of Your Excellency on the State of Virginia, but was informed by the Gentleman, that the Book was not published, as it was waiting for a map which was to be prefixed to it, and I am to call in the course of a fortnight or 3 weeks. I have taken the liberty to avail myself of the early part of this interval to mention a circumstance...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, with Enclosure, 9 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to trouble your Excellency on a subject which is of material consequence to me. Colonel Blackden, no doubt, informed you of my being the proprietor of Lands in the western country of Virginia; of which he had some for sale while he was in France, tho they turned out short of my expectations. I have therefore applied my thoughts to another system, which there is a greater certainty...
33To George Washington from Richard Claiborne, 17 November 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Richard Claiborne, 17 Nov. 1784. On 15 Dec. GW wrote to Claiborne : “I have received your letter of the 17th ulto.”
34To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 20 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The total disappointment which I have met with in support from Philadelphia obliges me to repeat to your Excellency that my sole dependance is upon the Treasury of this State for money for the Quarter Masters department. I can affirm to your Excellency that œconomy has been used in expending what I have received and that none has been disbursed except in cases of the most necessary nature; but...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 19 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Major General Baron de Steuben has made a requisition for twelve Wagons, with teams, harness, and drivers complete, to attend his detachment to the Southern Army. As it is totally out of my power to procure them to go further than the verge of the State, I beg leave to ask your Excellency for advice and authority in the case. The only step which I could take of myself in the matter would be to...
36From Richard Claiborne, enclosing a List of Articles to be Furnished to Steuben and Lafayette, 18 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency a Memorandum of what Major General the Marquis de la Fayette and Major General the Baron de Steuben have required of me and the Stated periods for their delivery. As the resource from which I have derived my support ever since I have been in the department is the only one to which I can have recourse in this matter I beg leave to trouble your Excellency for the aid...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the extract from the Marquis’s letter respecting Wagons to transport ammunition, with an order affixed from your Excellency to take Measures to answer the demand. However easy it was for your Excellency to Issue such an order, the business is attended with so many difficulties that I am very fearful it will not be in my power to comply with it; I beg leave to recommend to your...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Gratefully acknowledges receipt of a warrant “for two Millions of Pounds”; gives assurance that “every method will be taken to dispose of the money with the greatest œconomy and Justice.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed and endorsed. Printed in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State Papers … Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond , ii , 14.
45To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The great demands which are made upon me for things to be furnished from this department, both for the Southern Army, and the Troops within this State, alarm me more and more, as I have Not the means to answer any purpose whatsoever. I am called upon by the Commissary General of Purchases, and the Commissary General of Military Stores for Wagons and horses daily, to transport their Stores, and...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have looked over my estimates, which I transmitted some time since to the Assistant Quarter Master General, and find that they Amount to Two hundred and thirty eight thousand, one hundred and twenty eight Pounds, five Shillings, Specie or other money equivalent; This is for Supplies required for the Southern Army, The Pay of Persons employed, Waggon hire and contingent expenses in this State...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday I received an order from Major General Baron Stuben, to immediately get ready Saddles and Accoutrements for 300 horses; also to lay in a large Magazine of Forage at Petersburg. As this Business cannot by any means in my possession be effected I beg leave to entreat your Excellency again for a Warrant on the Treasury for the sum you mean to appropriate to my department. Money is...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Excellencys directions about returning the horses and boats which have been impressed for the expedition against Portsmouth. It gives me concern to say that the thing is very impracticable. In the first place there is nothing obligatory upon the impressors to return the horses or Boats and money will not induce them to undertake the business. In the next place, the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The great demands which are made upon me of late for the purchasing department under my direction, obliges me to beg your Excellency for a Warrant on the Treasury for the sum which is to be appropriated for the purpose of the said department, of the late emission of the Assembly. I have lately received an appointment of Quarter Master for the Troops in Continental service in this state. This...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency an extract of a letter from Colonel Carrington to me dated the 19th. Instant at the Southern Army, respecting the Wagons to come from the different Counties in this State. Frequent representations of one thing, I have no doubt, is disagreable to your Excellency, but the duty which I owe to my Country and to my office, compel me to it. I beg...
51To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 24 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The order from your Excellency dated in Council this day, respecting the impressed horses, shall meet with my immediate attention. Copies of the letter, with forms and instructions agreable shall be transmitted to Majr. Day at Williamsburg, and Mr. George Elliott at Petersburg, to whom the horses were sent. I beg leave to mention to your Excellency, that owing to some deficiency, either with...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 24 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency the whole proceedings respecting Mr. Boswell the Express Rider who was some time since discharged from the public service. No. 1 is a copy of the charges given by Colo. Jones, and written by your Excellency. No. 2 is a copy of my Letter to Mr. Elliott to discharge Mr. Boswell. No. 3 is a Copy of Mr. Elliotts answer to my Letter. No. 4 is a Copy of a receipt given...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 21 Mch. 1781 . Acknowledges TJ’s “ favor of this day respecting the bad conduct of the Express rider at Burk’s bridge”; has dismissed him and will treat other offenders similarly; has given directions to the line of expresses “towards General Greene.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed and endorsed. TJ’s Favor of this day has not been located. Claiborne’s handling of the line of expresses...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the intelligence which I conveyed to your Excellency last evening respecting the arrival of the Marquis and his Troops was not delivered to me officially, I hope it will apologize for my not being more particular. The Baron has now returned from York town and informs that a party of thirty men arrived at that place who left the Marquis and his troops a little below the mouth of Patuxen the...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inform your Excellency that Baron Steuben has this moment left this to meet the Marquiss Delafayette at Yorktown. Part of the troops have landed. It is probable the Marquiss will be in Williamsburg to-night. The necessity of ordering all the Vessels to be at Hoods without loss of time, your Excellency will judge of and direct accordingly. I have yet had no direction...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing a Letter from Steuben, 11 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency a copy of a letter which I have Just received from Baron Steuben. I beg for an answer as Speedily as the importance of the matter requires; immediately upon the receipt of which, I shall Issue my orders in consequence, and repair to Williamsburg without a moments loss of time. Your Excellency cannot be a stranger to the dispatch, which is...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel so much concern about the horses that are to be impressed for the expedition against Portsmouth, that I beg leave to propose to your Excellency a method which may very possibly answer our wishes as the manner which has been practiced for two days past has proved ineffectual. Impresses cannot be made in a Country which has for a long time, in repeated instances, suffered from the conduct...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 6 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Mch. 1781 . Has made repeated endeavors to correct abuses among the express riders and in every other branch of his department, but “many evils have taken such deep root that it is tedious destroying them.” Thanks TJ for the information respecting Boswell and has directed Mr. Elliott to exclude him from public employment. Has not made this an individual matter but has long since...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 25 Feb. 1781 . Writes “respecting the duty of Feild Quarter Master within this State.” Has observed for a long time that there “is very little regularity or system in that Line … nor is there a principal in Commission to call the Subordinate officers to account for their Receipts and Issues. … While Troops are kept in such small and scatered Bodies, as they must be from the situation...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Mr. Elliott at Petersburg, I am informed that there is in the possession of Mr. McNeal, Assistant to Mr. Ross at that place, a considerable quantity of Duck proper for Tents. The difficulty of procuring this article, for want of Money, obliges me to beg of your Excellency that a part of it may be delivered to Mr. Elliott, as he can have it made up immediately. There are Twenty...