1191From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Holmes, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As we have at present a great superiority of Prisoners of war in our hands, and artificers and manufacturers are very much wanting in the different parts of the Country, we are of Opinion it will be advantageous to the State to permit such artificers and manufacturers as may be useful to settle in the Country restraining them to some particular County subject to the orders of the County...
1192[From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Magill, 7 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 7 Mch. 1781 . On 13. Mch. Nathaniel Pendleton, aide-de-camp to Nathanael Greene, wrote to Lt. Col. William Washington in part as follows: “By a letter from Governor Jefferson we are informed that a report prevails at Philadelphia, that Count d’Estaing has taken off the western Isles, 7 out of nine ships of the line and three frigates convoying a number of transports to the West...
1193To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Senf says that a very considerable number of entrenching tools will probably be wanted below, and informs me that there are a considerable number at Fredericksburgh, which he wishes to have sent down forthwith to York. I have no knowledge of any tools belonging to the state being at Fredericksburgh, but as I cou’d wish to have Colo. Senf’s desire complyed with, I have taken the liberty...
1194From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed came to hand this moment. As I make no doubt it communicates what was mentioned in a letter from the Marquis to me received at the same time, I shall not trouble you with it. Scows which the Marquis desires for the transportation of cannon cannot venture into the wide waters over which they will be to be transported, as I apprehend. Flats (which abound in York river) are the best...
1195To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from General Greene dated High Rockford february 29 (probably march 1) who informs me that on the night of the 24th Colo. McCall surprized a subaltern’s guard at Hart’s mill, killed 8 and wounded and took 9 prisoners, and that on the 25th Genl Pickens and Lieutenant Colo. Lee routed a body of near 300 Tories on the Haw river, who were in arms to join...
1196Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 8 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. The inclosed papers so fully explain themselves, that I need say nothing more to apprize you of the Subject. Should the Governor of Maryland and President of Maryland not close with my third proposition you are hereby authorized to treat with the Delegates of those two States or any other Person appointed by the States and to settle the best...
1197From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to Washington of this date. For variations in the text see note to that letter. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, with complimentary close and signature in TJ’s hand; endorsed, in part: “read. 15th.” FC ( Vi ). Tr ( DLC : TJ Papers). Tr (
1198From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving last night your Letter of the 3d instant and of learning your arrival at the Head of Elk three Days sooner than General Washington had given us reason to expect. In the mean Time I hope you will have received my answer to your first Letter which I forwarded by Express to the Head of Elk and which is of greater Importance a Letter from Baron Steuben, who commands...
1199From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Mch. 1781 . This letter is identical with the first part of the letter sent to George Washington, same date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p. TJ’s letter was presented to the House the same day and was “ordered to lie on the table” ( JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Mch. 1781, Va. State Libr., Bull. , 1928, p. 16).
1200From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that the several persons whose Services we desire to avail ourselves of on this occasion, wish an authentic assurance of what before I had communicated to you verbally. You are therefore authorized to inform them that their vessels and their Loading shall be ensured by the State, that a reasonable hire shall be paid for their vessels and men, and the usual share of prize and...
1201From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to George Washington, same date . For variations in the text see note there. RC ( NHi ); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ: “The Honble Major General Baron Steuben Williamsburg ⅌ Express.”
1202From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers so fully explain themselves, that I need say nothing more to apprize you of the Subject. Should the Governor of Maryland and President of Maryland not close with my third proposition, you are hereby authorized to treat with the Delegates of those two States or any other Person appointed by the States and to settle the best method of availing the Southern Army of their...
1203From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from General Greene dated High Rock ford February 29. (probably March 1) who informs me that on the night of the 24th Colo. McCall surprized a subaltern’s guard at Hart’s mill, killed 8 and wounded and took 9 prisoners, and that on the 25th Genl. Pickens and Lieutenant Colo. Lee routed a body of near 300 tories on the Haw river, who were in arms to join...
1204From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It being absolutely necessary to send an immediate Reinforcement of Militia to General Muhlenburg’s Camp, I am to desire you without Delay to send effective men from your County to him. I will assure you that they shall be detained but a few Days, which considering the Shortness of Time they were out on the last Call will not more than make their Times of Service equal to those of the other...
1205From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it my duty to communicate to the General assembly the inclosed papers giving information of the refusal of considerable numbers of militia within certain counties to come into the feild, and the departure of some others in defiance with their arms. The crisis at which these instances of disobedience to the laws have appeared, may bring on peculiar ill consequences. I have taken the...
1206From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive were informed during the last summer or Fall that the Accomack and Diligence gallies were deserted by officers and men, and left open to be plundered of their guns and furniture. Orders were immediately given to Commodore Baron to arrest the officers, to have the men sought for and taken, one of the gallies brought round to the Bayside of the Eastern shore and manned with the...
1207From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Intending that this shall await your arrival in this State, I with great joy welcome you on that Event. I am induced to it from the very great Esteem I bear your Personal Character, and the Hopes I entertain of your relieving us from our Enemy within this State. Could any Circumstance have rendered your Presence more desireable or more necessary, it is the unfortunate one which obliges me to...
1208From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Major General Baron Steuben expressed in the inclosed letter, I take the liberty of laying it before you. The number of Militia necessary to be called into the field, and time of their being there, we begged the Baron to advise. He did so. Apprehending deficiencies, we ordered a considerably larger number. As soon as we received the Letters informing us of the deficiencies...
1209From Thomas Jefferson to Granville Smith, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A very great and important [need] has arisen for 130 Waggon Horses and 50 Saddle Horses. The Call is as immediate as it is important. I must therefore desire you to employ proper Persons to proceed without a moments Delay to procure them as far as it can be done by voluntary Purchase. That mode is to be preferred. But as Time urges I fear that much must be supplied by Impress. This method is...
1210From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 8th. instant and am sorry to find that this distressing flag is not yet off our Hands. I sincerely wish that by the perplexities she has introduced, she may not be more effectually working for our Enemies than if she had pursued their original Purpose. This can only be avoided by candid explanation and dispassionate Judgment. The line of Conduct which the...
1211From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of this day’s date, yours of yesterday has come to hand. The orders to the Counties which were to reinforce General Muhlenberg were that their detachments should be with him ‘Capos;on the fifth or at farthest the sixth’. On receipt of the Letter of the 8th. informing us of the almost total deficiency of New-Kent, we ordered 164 men from Chesterfield and 187 from...
1212From Thomas Jefferson to George Lee Turberville, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to find that your detaining some Letter from Baron Steuben to Lieutenant Hare has been viewed by him in an offensive Light insomuch as that he has made it the Subject of Part of a Letter to me. As I am satisfied you would not mean to keep it with this View, I will take the liberty of requesting you to return it to him by a safe Conveyance. Your own understanding will I am sure...
1213From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Board your Letter of yesterday handed me by Mr. Page. They are sorry it is not in their power to do what you desire as to Mr. Page and Mr. Fitzhugh, but on revisal of the law they find that their powers do not extend to it. On the embodying the Militia the law authorises the Executive to appoint General Officers. Nothing is said about their Aids, which therefore are we...
1214From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 11 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot certainly say that any Vessels which may have gone down will not get out, but I hope they will not. The Dispatches which I sent to the French Commodore were by Capt. Maxwell. The Commodore having gone to cruize out of the Capes, the British had ventured out of Elizabeth river and were near taking Capt. Maxwell, which prevented my letter being conveyed to the Commodore at that time. I...
1215From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hanover and Certain Other Counties, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to send effective men of your militia immediately to Williamsburg under proper officers. I would advise that they carry what good firelocks they have. Deficiencies I expect may be supplied. I must beseech you to lose no Time in executing this order as the aid of these men is immediately wanting. Should the Call of such a Proportion of your militia render the prosecution of...
1216From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Holmes, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you an Extract of a Letter from the President of Congress directing that the Prisoners of war taken at the Cowpens shall be moved Northwardly by the Way of Knowlands Ferry. They will thence be subsisted and guarded by the State of Maryland. I accordingly apprized the Governor of Maryland of their Approach. You will be pleased to move them on immediately, calling for a proper guard on...
1217From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a Copy of a Letter which was intended to have awaited you in Virginia. But as there seems to be a probability that you will be detained at the Head of Elk longer than you could have expected, I have thought it best to send a Copy there also. An Idea having unfortunately got abroad that the militia now called on are intended to storm the Enemy’s works at Portsmouth, the numbers...
1218From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 12 March [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing the preceeding I have been honoured with your Letter of the 6th. The first notification of this Enterprize came to me in the night of the last Day of February. We were informed there were few or no armed vessels in the three Northern rivers and supposed if there were any they could not be impressed, manned, and brought into place by the Time at which it was then thought they...
1219From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners of Convention and those taken at the Cowpens having been ordered on the late Approach of Lord Cornwallis to move on to our Northern Boundary, while Congress could be consulted as to what should be done with them, I have received a Letter from the President from which the inclosed is extracted. They have I believe reached as far as Winchester from which place they are now ordered...
1220From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 7th. came to Hand last night. We have been endeavouring to procure what armed vessels we could, but they are in James river and of Course cannot possibly get out of that River, but under Countenance of a Naval power superior to that of the Enemy; and indeed they are so trifling that they could not venture up the Bay were they out of James River. From the best...
1221From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As you have been so unluckily delayed about the Delivery of the Dispatches to the French Commodore and you are exceedingly wanting above I must beg the favour of you to engage some trusty Person to deliver the Letters, finish whatever you have to do, and serve as a guide and advisor to the Gentlemen who were to have gone on Board the French Commodore. Inform that Person in Confidence that the...
1222From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, Jr., 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Rowland comes down on a Business of very great and pressing Importance which he will communicate to you. I have too often experienced your readiness in aiding the public operations and therefore with the more freedom recommend him to you and solicit your Cooperation and utmost exertions. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ).
1223From Thomas Jefferson to the Superintendent of the Shipyard, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Maxwell being absent, I am at a loss to know what is doing with the State vessels. He was desired to have them fitted for immediate Service, and I think said that the Jefferson one of the Gallies and, if I mistake not, the Tempest would be in order. Be pleased to see that this work be carried on with all possible Dispatch, and that the vessels be in readiness to execute the Orders of...
1224From Thomas Jefferson to the Superintendent of the Public Vessels and Workmen at the Shipyard on Chickahominy, 12 March … (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to deliver to Major Claiborne Continental Deputy Quartermaster General whatever Boats are at the Ship yard or elsewhere in your Custody and which he shall think fit for Transportation across the Rivers. Also deliver to him whatever Oars you have and make immediately such number as he shall direct. If you have any of the Seamen or mariners at the yard which belong to the Public...
1225From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a Copy [of a resolve] of Congress directing that the Convention prisoners shall be moved Northwardly by the way of Knowlands ferry. Their ultimate destination is Lancaster in Pensylvania. From Knowlands Ferry they are to be guarded and subsisted by the State of Maryland. I accordingly have apprized that State of their approach. You will be pleased to move them on immediately. I...
1226From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We think it certain that Overby and Wells may be tried by a Court Martial at Camp, but doubtful whether they can in the County. Their Trial there will be more likely to be supported by proper evidence and will have a better effect by way of example. For these reasons we will desire the favor of you to send them to General Muhlenburg’s Headquarters. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ). See Banister to TJ, 9...
1227From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Accomac and Northampton Counties, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On further Consideration of the paragraph in my Letter of January 19th requiring the public Arms in the Hands of the People to be sought for and collected together we are of Opinion it will be better to dispense with it in the two Counties on the Eastern Shore. You will therefore be pleased to consider it as dispensed with. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ). This suspension of part of the orders of 19 Jan....
1228From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of March 8th and 11th. have remained so long unanswered from a constant Hurry of Business, but orders were immediately given for executing your requisitions as far as could be. Mr. Armistead tells me he has procured you one set of Shoemaker Tools, being the whole to be found here which now go to you; He sends also the Deer skins which on receipt of your Letter on that Subject I had...
1229From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to procure immediately a pilot Boat to go as a Flag to Charles Town for the Conveyance of a Letter and to let me know where she shall be ready. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ). See TJ to David Ross, 13 Mch.
1230From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Marquis Fayette having desired a number of waggons and Saddle Horses and Colo. Pickering fixing the number of the former at 130 and of the latter at 50, We authorized the Continental Quartermaster to procure them. Lest he should fail however the State Quarter master is ordered to get as many as he can and to send them to be kept at your Camp under some careful person to be appointed by...
1231To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, a note to Mr. Ross to furnish sundry articles to Mr. Mayes who is employed in the Countrys service by Capt. Brown, if you approve it. Mr. Ross’s furnishing the articles at Petersburgh, which I understand he can do, will save the expence of transportation from hence. There is also inclosed a certificate from Capt. Browne respecting Mr. Mayes’s...
1232From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the first of the present invasion, I desired Col. Syme to superintend the removal of the Stores from Cumberland Town to Newcastle; as soon as we found that the enemy had fixed themselves at Portsmouth, as there was but little land carriage saved by bringing them to Newcastle, we discontinued it. Col. Syme never made me a report of the Articles which he had removed actually. Perhaps it may...
1233From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Scott has obtained Leave to receive Tobacco from this State for the Support of our Prisoners in Charlestown. As the easiest way of cloathing them will be to remit them their Pay in hard money to be procured there with Tobacco to be sent him hence, You will be pleased to procure them 300 Hogsheads of Tobacco which amount to about three months Pay. I am sending a flag pilot Boat there to...
1234From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We apprehended Culpeper was too distant and it appeared too detached from the other counties we were to call on, as we must have passed over some uncalled to get at that. We have therefore required Hanover, Caroline, Spotsylvania and King William to send militia immediately. Below is a state of the several counties and the numbers called for. These are exclusive of what are in camp with Genl....
1235From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We just receive the pleasing Information of your safe arrival at York yesterday. My Letters of the 12th, which were sent to the Head of Elk (Duplicates of which accompany this) will inform you that we were endeavouring to accomplish your several Requisitions. I now inclose you a List of Articles actually procured which will go from this place this evening, most of them in waggons to General...
1236From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mitchell or William Lewis, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of the Marquis De La Fayette at York. Whether a Naval Force is come yet or not, I have not heard. I hope this will find you at Hoods with your little Fleet. Should it not I must request you to fall down there immediately with all the vessels. A vessel with some provisions for the Army and other articles goes from hence this evening. Be pleased...
1237[From Thomas Jefferson to the State Naval Officers, ca. 14 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, ca. 14 Mch. 1781 . Extract from Va. Council Jour. , ii , 308 (14 Mch): “The Board when formerly considering the Act of General Assembly for the defence of the Eastern Frontier of this Commonwealth, having come to a resolution that the ratio at which current money should be received by the several naval officers in lieu of the Duties in specie imposed by the said Act should be the...
1238From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Taylor, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before this comes to Hand Colo. Wood will have received Orders to carry on the Conventioners to Knowlands Ferry, thence to be guarded by the State of Maryland. At that Place therefore you will please to discharge such of your regiment as were enlisted to serve only during the Continuance of the Conventioners in Albemarle or in this State. Be pleased on their discharge to have their dues of pay...
1239William Cole to George Muter, with Jefferson’s Instructions to Muter, 15–19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
State Yard, 15 Mch. 1781 . Requests arms and ammunition “by return of State sloop”; the skipper will await reply. TJ’s instructions follow: “In Council, March 19, 1781. It is the opinion of the Board that the arms and ammunition desired by Mr. Coles for the safety of the Shipyard, should be sent. Th Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; addressed; endorsed: “Letter from Wm Coles at the State Shipyard,...
1240Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 15 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. A Difference of opinion having taken place between the Executive of this State and Mr Simon Nathan as to the rate at which certain Bills of exchange should be discharged in paper money—we have agreed with him to refer it to such Gentlemen of Knowledge in the Laws, of established Character & of any other State as yourselves shall mutually agree...