2301From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Southall, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An extreme throng of business prevented my answering your Letter yesterday. The order then given of which you sent me a copy, was not a general order but a special one in behalf of the bearers whoever they were. I think it was in the case of the waggoners employed by Majr. Pierce at Baltimore who had made them a special promise. It is certainly just that all should receive a reasonable price...
2302From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Loyall from the post at the North west Bridge representing to me that about 400 of the militia of Princess Anne and Norfolk are embodied, that they annoy the enemy considerably, restraining their foraging parties, and checking their motions (which latter circumstance is confirmed by letter from Genl. Lawson) but that they are dispirited for want of some communication with the main army on...
2303From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the proposition for exchanging two of the British souldiers for Mr. Hurst and Mr. Locke , on condition that we give Colo. Alligood for Colo. Warner [Warneck]. I am sorry the enemy should annex impossibilities to their proposition, as it seems to throw on us the refusal to exchange. Colo. Alligood has been proposed in exchange for Colo. Matthews , a full colonel...
2304From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence that Ld. Cornwallis continues his rapid approach and there is reason to beleive he was at Roanoke on the 14th. This information is not authentic, yet it comes in such manner as to command some attention. I have therefore thought it expedient to order every Man of the Counties of Powhatan, Cumberland, Amelia, Lunenburg and Brunswick who has a firelock or...
2305From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 17 Feb. 1781. . This letter is identical in substance with that sent by TJ to Huntington this day , q.v., except that the last sentence in the first paragraph and the last two sentences in the paragraph before the complimentary close in the letter to Huntington are not in the letter to Washington. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 4 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and with postscript in...
2306From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Augusta, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before the receipt of this letter I expect you will have furnished Mr. Hyrne Depty. Comsy. Genl. of Prisoners with a guard for the safe custody of the prisoners taken at the Battle of the Cowpens. You will be pleased to continue that guard on duty with the prisoners untill releived by one from Shenandoah as ordered. I [am] with much respect, &c. FC ( Vi ).
2307From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where the very rapid march of Ld. Cornwallis may terminate, I think it necessary to desire that every man of your Militia who has a firelock or for whom one can be procured by impressing or otherwise be immediately embodied under proper Officers. I do not herein give orders for their march because you are so convenient that you can without it’s causing but little delay give me...
2308From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Lunenberg, Amelia, Powhatan, Cumberland, and Brunswick, 18 February … (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where the very rapid march of Ld. Cornwallis may terminate I think it necessary to desire that you immediately assemble the whole of your Militia who have arms, or for whom they can be procured by impressing or otherwise and march them with proper officers without delay to join Genl. Greene who by the last intelligence had crossed the Dan at Boyd’s ferry and was retreating before...
2309From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Shenandoah, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners taken at the Battle of the Cowpens being to pass under the conduct of Mr. Hyrne or Mr. Boush Commissaries of Prisoners, they will be attended by the guard at present with them as far as Shenandoah Court House. There you will be pleased to have assembled such guard and at such time as either of these Gentlemen shall fix on, which guard must see them safely over the Potowmack. I am...
2310From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The very interesting situation of Southern affairs with respect to our state at this crisis, and the multiplicity of your business which alone must forbid me to hope a very frequent communication from you, have induced me to send on the bearer Majr. McGill to give us from time to time notice of the movements of the two armies and other important occurrences that we may be able to adapt to them...
2311From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your favor of the 15th. from Boyd’s ferry. I had heard yesterday of the approach of the Ld. Cornwallis, gave orders in consequence for embodying so many of the militia between this place and that as could be armed and of this gave you information in a letter of yesterday’s date. I hoped at the same time that the militia would not await my orders, and by the letters...
2312From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Massingbird Hyrne, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 14th. inst. from New London, and expect this will find you at Staunton. I formerly advertised Congress of the necessity of sending these prisoners on Northwardly, and have again yesterday given them notice that the rapid approach of Ld. Cornwallis who was at Boyd’s ferry on the 14th., rendered it necessary to send on both these and the Convention...
2313From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Magill, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of Southern affairs having become very interesting to this State, I am to desire the favor of you to proceed without delay to the head Quarters of Genl. Greene, to remain there or at any other place, from which you shall think the best intelligence may be obtained. You will be pleased to communicate to me the interesting movements of both Armies, the calls which shall be made on...
2314From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Ld. Cornwallis’s approaches are so rapid that we know not where they will terminate. He was at Boyd’s ferry on the 14th. inst. Without arms as our Countrymen are there is no safety for the Convention troops but in their removal; you will therefore be pleased to remove them in the instant of receiving this, only allowing them time to pack their baggage that it may follow them in Waggons. As the...
2315From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Letter on the subject of the backwardness of the militia of Berkeley and Frederic to proceed Westwardly and had before received representations from the Counties. This circumstance was the more mortifying as we were informed from various quarters that should we persist in the order it would produce an open disobedience. Many Circumstances concurred to render it prudent to avoid...
2316From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Chesterfield, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I have hopes that 280 men of your County may arm themselves, and I do not think it proper that a greater number should be sent from thence, you will be pleased to order that number of the most effective men to proceed to Watkin’s Mills at which place they shall receive further orders, as soon as further intelligence shall enable me to point them properly. I am Sr. &c &c. FC ( Vi ).
2317From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, Enclosing Warrant to Impress Horses, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you in haste yesterday by the return of your express in answer to your letter of the 15th. Majr McGill not being able to set out till this morning, furnishes me with an opportunity of inclosing you regular blank powers of impress to be directed to such persons as you shall think proper for impressing horses for your dragoons. When we ordered out the militia from the several counties,...
2318From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Martin, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In our present circumstances peace with the Cherokees is desirable to us on our own accounts as it always was on theirs; you will therefore take such measures to effect this as you think best. Should you find it most likely to preserve peace, we should approve of your removing such of the Nation as you can draw off to the Island or any where else within their own unceded territory: Those who...
2319To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 19–20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Feb. 1781 . “Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown] attends to know the detirmination of your Excellency and the Hon. Council respecting his acting as Commissary of military stores.” All that remains to do is to fix his “allowance,” and since he is soon to be reduced to half pay as an officer, that allowance should be “the more liberal.” In Council Feb. 20. 1781. The board...
2320From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners in Albemarle were ordered to be removed immediately giving them time only to pack their baggage that it might follow them in waggons. Those taken at the Cowpens which were at New London on the 14th. inst. were likewise ordered Northwardly by the way of Staunton keeping above the Blue ridge while the Conventioners pass below it. These orders were issued at the same time with those...
2321From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is an extract of a letter from Genl. Greene to me. As the Gentlemen of the Army whom he wishes to take Command of the Militia who shall join him are now pretty generally collected with you for the purpose of arranging the line; on which Arrangement it is probable some will become supernumerary I submit to you whether it would not be agreeable to Genl. Greene if you could prevail...
2322From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Mr. George Harmer a Warrant for ten thousand pounds on Account of his Subsistence agreeably to Act of Assembly in his case made. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. See Harmer to TJ, 25 Jan. 1781 .
2323From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a report from Mr. Ross of the Cloathing provided and his prospect of further provision. The procuring Hats or leather Caps still appears desperate, so that unless some substitute can be thought of I know not what will be done. There are no Hats I am told among the Cloathing come from the Northward. I wrote you that after having called certain numbers from Washington, Montgomery,...
2324From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The want of a board of Council prevented our taking up the final arrangement of the Clothier’s duties till yesterday, the paper I sent you having contained only what was proposed to be agreed on. Unfortunately no copy of it was retained, so that I am obliged to ask the favor of you to return it if you still have it. We have here a large number of undressed deer-skins, and no person who can...
2325From Thomas Jefferson to George Elliott, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The establishment of a Line of riders between Genl. Gregory’s Camp and Suffolk is very necessary. I would advise you to purchase horses for that purpose at any rate almost, rather than to impress. But if you cannot purchase they should be impressed. I think it would be better, whether you purchase or impress, that it be done in the neighbourhood of the enemy as much as possible, because horses...
2326From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to you the inclosed advice of Council that proper measures may be taken for notifying it for ascertaining what officers remain on duty and calling them to take command at the several posts where men are stationed. I should be glad also that there should be an inspection return made to me of the state of the men. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Enclosure (missing):...
2327From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 18th. the night before last and deferred answering it till I could confer with Baron Steuben which I had an opportunity of doing yesterday evening. He shewed me a letter from Monsr. Tilly from which and the information of his aid who went down, we suppose the French squadron sailed on a cruise yesterday morning. They will however be within our call, and therefore...
2328From Thomas Jefferson to John Christian Senf, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of inclosing you the advice of Council for your appointment as finally settled. The Law which authorizes them to appoint an Engineer, restrains the rank to that of a Lieut. Colonel, and restrains also the circumstance of actual command. The resolution of Council is silent as to your continuance in Office after the War, because they are apprised of nothing which might...
2329From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received from Mr. Armistead yesterday afternoon a Copy of the receipt for the 117 blankets. He excuses himself for the error in calling them 155 from having spoken by memory. I did not observe till I delivered it to you that the Certificate of the delivery of Mr. Ross’s blankets (105 I think they were) wanted a date. I know however that they were delivered about the same time with those from...
2330From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I will immediately dispatch the orders you desire to the militia of Chesterfeild and Dinwiddie. Your favor of this day being put into my hands after the adjournment of Council I cannot answer as to Mrs. Byrd’s property till tomorrow. I take the liberty of inclosing you some papers relative to the nine men sent to the barracks in Albemarle, on which you will please to give any orders you think...
2331From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We consent to the dividing the Germans between Winchester, Martinsburg and the Berkely springs till further orders as proposed by you. I must get the favor of you to know from Colo. Mingen what sum of money by the fortnight they will have occasion for, and it shall be sent either to the Barracks in Albermarle to any Agent whom they shall leave there to settle their affairs or to their new...
2332From Thomas Jefferson to William Yates, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It is become necessary that we ascertain the number of arms which we sent into Continental service with our regiments. As the only authentic information must come from you, I must beg the favor of you to make a return to me of the number of Arms sent on in the hands of regiments while you were Muster Master. I must pray also that this be without delay. I am &c. FC ( Vi ).
2333From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New London, Staunton, Winchester, and Fredericksburg being appointed as places of rendezvous for the new Levies, if you have not Deputies already at those Posts, or in the Counties, you will be pleased to appoint them with instructions to furnish the Recruits with Provisions during their stay at the Rendezvous, and on their march from it. The Bearers hereof are going to Winchester to receive...
2334From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had written the inclosed before Capt. Richeson arrived. I transmit it open through you for your perusal. I am very sorry that the men first called into the field have not been releived: but it has proceeded from the want of such a return as is mentioned in my letter and for which I applied some time ago to Baron Steuben, who has had hopes of furnishing it. You will readily be sensible that...
2335From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We sent expresses on the 17th instant to call down a fourth part of the militia of the Counties of Loudon, Fauquier, Prince William and Fairfax (about 1090) with orders to march immediately to Wmsburg. Genl. Weedon followed these orders to hasten their execution. These Counties are indeed distant, but they had been some time held in readiness; so that I hope they will afford an early and very...
2336From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[Whether restitution of the identical property taken from Mrs. Byrd might be permitted seems to be a question unnecessary now to be determined by the board as Mr. Hare the Conductor of the flag does not pretend to have brought the identical property, but goods in compensation of it; and to what amount we are uninformed. This kind of compensation we think can by no means be permitted. Let the...
2337From Thomas Jefferson to Frederick Victor, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid the inclosed depositions before the Council. However just and proper your anxiety may be to wipe away the aspersions thrown on you, yet it seems a matter on which the Executive cannot take up on these papers; nor could with propriety take up at all where no complaint has been lodged. Perhaps the proceedings of Courts of enquiry may come properly before them: but there does not...
2338From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The object of the inclosed Memorial of Messrs. Stodder, Kerr and North being attainable by Congress only and proper to be the subject of a representation from them I take the Liberty of transmitting it to you that Justice may be done to the parties interested. I have the honor to be with great respect Gentlemen Your mo. ob. Hble Servant, P.S. We are and have long been without Letters of Marque....
2339To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
2340From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arms you mention being Continental, they are subject to the orders of Baron Steuben. I have therefore sent him a copy of your letter and begged him to send you by this conveyance such orders as he thinks proper. As he is anxious that the reinforcement should be respectable I make no doubt he will order the Arms. My letters mentioning that the detachments should go under proper officers...
2341From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of James City and Certain Other Counties, [24 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to order to on receipt of this of the militia of your County to remain on duty only till releifs ordered from Counties less exposed shall arrive. I hope this call will be thought less heavy on your County as we would avoid calling on it to perform a full tour of duty, and only wish them to serve during those short intervals between the necessary discharge of the militia and arrival...
2342From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 24 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
Having not yet received a General return of the men in service from the respective Counties, and time they have served, which might enable me to order releifs, from those Counties from which they ought to come, I must refer to your discretion to govern yourself by actual circumstances, and if you find a discharge of any of the militia with you necessary that you call from the Counties of York...
2343From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...
2344From Christopher Calvert, with a Note by Jefferson to the Attorney General, 25 February–21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
South Quay, 25 Feb. 1781 . “Agreeable to the within information,” Calvert has seized the trunk and has found no letters in it, but rather a quantity of “valuable dry Goods”; wishes to know what is to be done with them. By law the Naval Office is open from ten to three; this prevents Calvert from attending muster; and, on account of his feet, he believes himself entitled to exemption from...
2345From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received information from Colo. Bannister that there were 400 stand of good Continental Arms at Petersburg of which he desired 150. I wrote to Baron Steuben on that, and shall immediately write to him again to let him know your want, and I have no doubt but he will order on the balance for your Militia; besides these, 600 stand passed by this place three days ago for Genl. Greenes...
2346From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Lawson writes me word that he can march 1000 men to-day or to-morrow to reinforce Genl. Greene if he can be aided with arms. I inclosed you yesterday a letter from Colo. Banister informing me there were 400 good Continental arms at Petersburg, of which he seemed to wish about 150. The state stock being already exhausted, I could only inform Genl. Lawson that I would take the liberty of...
2347From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, [26? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The matter referred to us in your letter of the 25th. Inst. we conceive to be improper for us to meddle in, I mean as to the necessity, and duties of a Field Quarter Master. The expences of defence in cases of actual invasion being altogether Continental, I mentioned early in the present invasion to Baron Steuben the propriety of directing every expenditure to be through the hands of...
2348From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I gave you information in my last letter that Genl. Greene had cross’d the Dan at Boid’s ferry, and that Ld. Cornwallis had arrived at the opposite shore. Large reinforcements of militia having embodied both in the front and rear of the enemy, he is retreating with as much rapidity as he advanced. His route is towards Hilsborough. Genl. Greene crossed the Dan, the 21st. in pursuit of him. I...
2349From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Feb. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington of the present date , q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “Ansd. 21st. March.” Printed in HAW Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson , Washington, 1853–1854 , i , 296–7, and elsewhere. Tr ( DLC ).
2350From Thomas Jefferson to John Fitzgerald, 27 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Messrs. Amable & Alex. Lory of Alexandria advertised a Copy of the Encyclopedie for sale. I wrote to enquire as to the condition and price of the work, and received for an answer of which the inclosed is a Copy. I take the liberty, under sanction of the readiness you have ever shewn to aid us, of inclosing to you the notes of 15068 ℔ of Tobo. and of asking the favor of you to make the purchase...