2251Advice of Council respecting Purchase of Gunpowder, with a Warrant for the Purchase, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive will advance £20,000 to Messrs. Lewis and Thornton on the 12th. of March, and will agree to the terms proposed in Mr. Lewis’s letter of Feb. 6. 1781 . reserving a liberty to pay for the powder in tobacco @ 20/ the hundred or it’s worth in paper money as valued by the grand jury next preceding paiment. Mar. 5. 1781. The Executive will take five tons or so much of it as shall be...
2252From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to provide in the neighbourhood of New Castle flour and stalled beef for 50,000 rations to be applied to no use but on my special order that these are meant to be applied. The beef must be kept ready for Slaughter at the Shortest warning. FC ( Vi ). The proceedings of Council this day explain this order; the rations were to be gathered “in case of any french forces coming...
2253From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the time for receiving the specific tax is approaching, you will be pleased to instruct your deputies in the several Counties to receive all the articles except the tobacco and to apply them to the general purposes of the Commissary’s and Quarter Master’s departments. I inclose you orders on the Commissioners and Commissaries of the specific tax of the several counties to authorize your...
2254From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. John Gibson is appointed to go as next in Command under Genl. Clarke on the business communicated to you. As Colo. Gibson is now here he will return to Fort Pitt by the way of Baltimore to see the powder sent on, and prevent any danger of it’s stopping by the way. Be so good as to lodge at Goddard[’s] the Printer in Baltimore a line to Colo. Gibson informing him in what state the...
2255From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed extract of a letter from Governor Nash which I received this day being a confirmation of the intelligence I transmitted in a former letter, I take the liberty of handing it forward to your Excellency. I am informed through a private channel on which I have considerable reliance, that the Enemy had landed five hundred Troops under the command of a Maj. Craig, who were joined by a...
2256From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of yesterday’s date. Your representation of the importance of erecting a small Work at Hoods was considered by the Executive as an evidence of your friendly attention to the defence of the State and was by them as you desired laid before the Assembly. The Assembly, pressed in time, did not, as far as I am informed, take it under consideration. The invasion...
2257From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 12 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter of this date to Samuel Huntington , q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “recd 28u. Ansd. 21st March.” PrC of Tr ( DLC ). Printed from Tr in HAW Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson , Washington, 1853–1854
2258From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Brodhead, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor by Colo. Gibson . I am sorry to learn there is any scarcity of provisions in your settlement. Nevertheless I must suppose it too numerous to be at any time under a difficulty to support so moderate a Garrison as yours, if the means of drawing provisions from the people are furnished you. I apprehend your wants proceed rather from deficiences of mony than of...
2259From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Still having at heart the success of the expedition at the head of which you are placed, we have obtained leave from Baron Steuben for Colo. J. Gibson to attend you as next in command, and of course to succeed to your offices in the events of your death or captivity which however disagreeable in contemplation yet as being possible it is our duty to provide against. I have further added my most...
2260From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Clarke, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I expect to see Majr. Forsythe here within a few Days I must beg leave to postpone a definitive answer to your Letter ‘till I am informed whether he has any and what objections to your demand, after which I will do myself the pleasure of writing you on the Subject. FC ( Vi ). your letter : Dated 6 Feb. 1781, q.v.
2261From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having obtained leave from Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben that you should concur in an expedition across the Ohio under the command of Genl. Clarke, I am to desire that you will in the first place take Baltimore in your way, at which place I have reason to beleive four tons of powder have been furnished us by the Continental Board of War which we mean for this expedition. The obtaining this powder...
2262[From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 13 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 13 Feb. 1781. Minute in Va. Council Jour. , ii , 292: “Tuesday February 13th 1781 … Letters of this date from the Governor to General Greene, Colonel John Gibson, and Colonel Brodhead, on the Subject of the Western Expedition … being read, are approved, and ordered to be registered.” No such letter from TJ to Greene has been found and none of this date was acknowledged by Greene....
2263From Thomas Jefferson to Linctot, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received two Days ago your favor of Decemr. 5. 1780 from Fort Pitt. It was the more acceptable as I had not before heard of you after your departure for that place on your way from Wmsburgh and had really entertained fears that some accident had befallen you. The Letter you mention to have written informing me of your proceedings never came to hand and of course could not be answered. I...
2264To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never seen the law that exempts people employed for the public from militia duty &c., therefore I take the liberty of inclosing a note from Wm. Stone and Thos. Stone, for your Excellency’s determination. They I beleive have contracted with Mr. Moody for making wheels and waggons, tho’ I have nothing from Mr. Moody at present to show for it; and wish to have something to show, to satisfy...
2265To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 13 Feb. 1781. Encloses an attestation of three soldiers enlisted for the war who have applied to Muter for a certificate for their bounty money. Muter desires to know what the bounty for such enlistments is. Below the text are two undated notes in TJ’s hand: “The bounty for Continental enlistments for the war is 2000 dollars to be charged to the United States and the...
2266From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your suspension of Capt. Joel’s enterprise against the Enemy’s fleet seems to have been well grounded. It was become so universally known, as to leave little doubt of the Enemy’s being apprised of it and of course prepared against it. Capt. Maxwell had some time before informed me that the Dragon had been devoted to this purpose. He at the same time assured me he had found it impossible to...
2267From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolutions of Congress of Janry. 8th. and Aprl. 9. 1777 under which Capt. Heth’s independant company at Fort Pitt were raised, will inform you of a condition to which they seem entitled of not being removed from that Station without their consent: the subsequent one of Octor. 3d. 1780 incorporates them in positive terms into the troops of the State. The former resolutions were...
2268From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
That the reformation of the troops of the Continent and State now on hand may be complete, I beg leave to inclose you a return of Col. Taylors regiment of guards. They are enlisted most of them to serve only during the continuance of the Saratoga troops in Albemarle. Their numbers being two hundred thirty eight, non-commission’d and private, I suppose they should be reduced to four companies...
2269From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Taylor, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The claim of the souldiers to discharges is by no means well founded as many of their enlistments were during the continuance of the Convention troops in this State, and others during their continuance in Albermarle. No occasional exit from the County with an intention to return can be considered as having broken off their continuance in the County and determined the enlistments. As however I...
2270From Thomas Jefferson to George Lee Turberville, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your information that I had ordered furloughs to the Guard which brought up prisoners was without foundation as I never have in a single instance given or ordered a furlough . I consider it as my duty to furnish the number of men required by the Commanding Officer, to provide them as far as our circumstances enable us, and to leave to him and those acting under him the direction of them: this...
2271From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the several Certificates you were pleased to inclose to me. They are very clear that an enlistment to serve untill the prisoners should be removed from Albermarle can by no fair construction be deemed at an end by any occasional crossing of the line with an intention to return. A man is not said to be removed from his residence by taking a journey from it. You...
2272From Thomas Jefferson to James Henry, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Gallies of which you are so kind as to give me information have been the subject of great misconduct in the Officers. They were first abandoned by Officers and men, and all their Apparel and furniture left with themselves exposed to depredation. On information of this last summer, we ordered Commodore Baron to bring one of them over to the Western shore, to bring the other to the Bay side...
2273From Thomas Jefferson to Beesly Edgar Joel, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that any circumstances have arisen to occasion the laying aside the enterprise which you had undertaken, bold in itself and, if succesful, advantageous. As it was however, pretty certain that the enemy had received notice of it, there seemed little hope of it’s success for the present with however bold a hand it might have been conducted. Attempts of this kind have been generally...
2274From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to have immediate measures taken for the following purposes. To send some of the worst Arms to Fredericksburg to be repaired at the Factory and by Mr. Hunter and to bring all the Camp kettles in readiness. To have five ton of powder brought from Baltimore at Continental expence to replace what we have lent them and to bring our Cartouch boxes. To have all the lead...
2275From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Washington and Certain Other Counties, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received intelligence from Genl. Greene that Lord Cornwallis, maddened by his losses at the Cowpens and George town, has burnt his own Waggons to enable himself to move with facility, and is pressing forward towards the Virginia line, Genl. Green being obliged to retire before him with an inferior force. The necessity of saving Genl. Green’s Army and in doing that the probability...
2276From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Lynch, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The rapid approach of Ld. Cornwallis renders it necessary for us to made a sudden and effectual opposition. If you can raise any body of Volunteers and proceed immediately to oppose the enemy either by joining Genl. Greene or falling in with any other forces embodied, you will render essential service. I therefore pray you to do it, taking the command of the men yourself, and having such...
2277[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...
2278From Thomas Jefferson to Turner Southall, Robert Goode, John Banister, William Call, and William Greene Munford, 15 … (Jefferson Papers)
For the future protection of the Stores and Country on James River it has been thought necessary to erect a defensive work at Hood’s. Among other requisites forty labouring Slaves are wanting for two months. After trying the exertions of the ordinary Officers to procure them we have been able to procure 13 only, who are to be at the place on Monday next. I must therefore resort to the aid of...
2279From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 15 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night a letter from Genl. Green referring me for particulars to you. However he gives me enough to convince me that reinforcements of Militia must be sent him. I think the most speedy and effectual reinforcement would be the Militia of Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah now encamped below, provided they can be induced to go willingly. The length of their march...
2280From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad my proclamation has offended Arnold: it proves it to be right. The exchange of the prisoners must await a board of Council, which I doubt having immediately. I will have every thing done which can be done here for providing the deficient clothing. Doctor Pope set out about three days ago for Genl. Muhlenberg’s camp, with powers to employ assistants, so that I hope there will be no...
2281From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received information from Genl. Greene that Ld. Cornwallis, maddened by his losses at the Cowpens and George town has burnt his own waggons to enable himself to move with facility and has pressed forward as far as the Moravian towns, Genl. Greene being obliged to retire before him with an inferior force. We are endeavouring to gather a force around him from which I hope he will not...
2282From Thomas Jefferson to John Allen, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having been concluded to build a defensive work at Hoods under the direction of Colo. Senf, I am to desire the favor of you to see to the execution of it according to his instructions. Thirteen Labourers will be with you on Monday next. Besides these I have written to Colo. Southall of this County, Colo. Banister of Dinwiddie, Colo. Call of Prince George and Colo. Munford of Charls. City to...
2283From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Baron Steuben being very desirous to have as large [a] collection of Boats made as possible and joined to those he now has at Sandy Point, You are hereby authorized to impress all boats proper for the transportation of troops in James or Appamattox rivers (excepting only one horse Boat at every ferry, and such cases of extreme hardship as in your discretion you shall think should exempt the...
2284From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley and Frederick, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have with exceeding distress of mind received information that the service to which the Militia of the Counties of Frederick and Berkely have been called Westwardly is so disagreeable as to render it probable that that call will be very imperfectly obeyed. A knowledge that an extensive combination of Indians had been formed to come on our frontier early in the spring induced us to prevent...
2285From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Hampshire, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter is founded on representations received from the Counties of Frederic and Berkely. I have not heard that the same aversion to the service has arisen in your county, and I am led to hope it has not from many considerations: Lest it should however, and you should be delayed by sending here, I inclose you a copy of my letter to the County Lieutenants of the other Counties and...
2286From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arrival of a French naval force will render it necessary for us to put into immediate order for service and to man every Vessel we have capable of rendering any service. You will therefore be pleased to have this done, and to have the Vessels kept in readiness to move at a moment’s warning. You are also desired, having left this matter in a proper train, to proceed yourself and examine the...
2287From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very anxious to prepare for cooperating with our Allies, and for providing for their support. For the former purpose measures are taking as agreed on this moment in a conference with Baron Steuben. For the latter we suppose York town the most effectual to prepare as an Assylum for their Vessels. Colo. Senf comes down with instructions to point out what may be done there in a short time;...
2288To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Southall, enclosing Order, [16? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Without place or date [ 16? Feb. 1781 ]. Has settled with several persons whose wagons were employed in Continental service “at the Price then allowed by the Continent which did not exceed twenty pounds, and on the Presumption of the Enclosed Order from you I did in some measure promise them the same pay as was allowed by this state.” Having given certificates to these people for the...
2289From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the inclosed letter last night and took the liberty of informing Colo. Loyauté that I would let you know of the offer of his services and that he is here, as you could best judge in what line they might be useful. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir your most obedt. sert., RC ( NHi ); endorsed. Enclosure not found. On Loyaute (variously spelled), see R. H. Lee to TJ, 11...
2290From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I think from every enquiry we shall find it impossible to get hats for the men at Chesterfeild. Could not a cap of cloth be made to answer? The grenadiers I beleive wear such. If you think it would do, could you help us to a model? I am with much respect Sir your most obedt. sert., RC ( NHi ); addressed by TJ, but without place; endorsed.
2291From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I make no doubt from what passed in council in your presence you were led to beleive as I was that I should be advised to impress immediately all armed vessels in James river to cooperate with the French force. The board however decide against an impress, so that I am only to endeavor to engage the willing. I mention this to you that nothing more may be expected than is likely to be obtained...
2292From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter was put into my hands on the evening of the day before yesterday by a young Gentleman whom I informed that it could not be answered till the meeting of Council the next day, and desired he would attend with the receipt which he said he had, for it was not inclosed in the letter as you mentioned. He did not call again. I laid your letter before the council: As far as our money will...
2293From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur Campbell, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your several favours by Mr. Lathim and am much pleased at the happy issue of the expedition against the Cherokees. I wish it to be used for the purpose of bringing about peace, which under our present circumstances is as necessary for us as it can possibly be to them. If you can effect this a right should be reserved of building a fort at the confluence of Holston and...
2294From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 17 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have submitted your Letter of yesterday to the consideration of the Gentlemen of the Council, who are present. It is thought that as the Letter of the Draft Law has left it to the Militia Officers to determine who are the proper Subjects of the Law, so the exemptions specifyed by the Law itself imply that no others shall be allowed. Whether the Staff Officers of the Continent or State are...
2295From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased immediately on receipt of this, to order one fourth of your Militia to be assembled and marched without delay to Wmsburg under proper field officers, Captains, and subalterns. Send as many riflemen among them with their rifles as can be had, and of the rest let every man bring a good musket and accoutrements who has one. Let them proceed first to Fredericksburg where we...
2296From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of affairs here and in Caroline is such as must shortly turn up important events one way or the other. By letter from Genl. Greene dated Guilford C. house Feb. 10. Ld. Cornwallis rendered furious by the affair at the Cowpens and surprise of George town had burnt his own waggons to enable himself to move with facility, had pressed on to the vicinities of the Moravian towns and was...
2297From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the moment of receiving your letter of the 10th. I issued orders to the Counties of Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt and Bedford for seven hundred and odd riflemen and to those of Henry and Pittsylvania for four hundred and odd of their Militia. Yet my trust is that neither these nor the adjacent counties have awaited orders, but that they have turned out and will have joined you in...
2298From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a Letter from General Greene dated Guilford C. House Feby. 10. we are informed that Ld. Cornwallis had burnt his own waggons in order to enable himself to move with greater facility and had pressed immediately on. The prisoners taken at the Cowpens were happily saved by the accidental rise of a Water course which gave so much time as to withdraw them from the reach of the enemy. Ld....
2299From Thomas Jefferson to the Officers of the GreenbrierCounty Militia, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am fully sensible of the pressure of the several calls which are made on your County for Militia and for regulars at the same time, and should not have been induced to urge the first of these at the time we did, but to counteract and prevent movements meditated against you by the savage enemy in the West. I beg you to believe also that these calls are not made on your county alone. At...
2300From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Read, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had received two days ago information from Genl. Greene of the advance of Ld. Cornwallis and immediately ordered about 1200 men from Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt, Bedford, Henry and Pittsylvania. Besides this I trusted that the Militia of other Counties immediately in their way would turn out with Spirit. If this be done I hope a very good account will be rendered of Ld. Cornwallis....