251To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 13 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 13 July 1779 . The proposals of Hunter & Co. concerning the cargo of the ship Dolphin seem exorbitant. From information respecting tobacco now owned by the state, it is impracticable to comply with the proposal. This commodity is rising daily and will probably soon reach £20 per hundred. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. Countersigned with the following instruction: “In...
252To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 14 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 14 July 1779 . Upon consideration of the want of necessary supplies, it is proposed to offer Hunter & Co. “77 ½ for 1. for such Goods as will suit the State payable in Tobacco at the Market Price.” Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. Countersigned: “In council July 16. 1779. Disapproved of, the price being thought too exorbitant. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. See Board of...
253From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 15 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[Extract of?] a letter from A. Lee [to] Gov. Henry. Paris Dec. 14. 1778. [’I inclo]se the account of the paper which the Treasurer wrote for [… strike] the paper bills on which you will have the goodness to [… hi]m.’ [T]he inclosed paper and letter abovementioned came by […] Genl. Washington. We have hopes that the paper (which [we … s]uppose to be laded with some military stores) will come to...
254Credentials for Peter Penet, 15 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the General Assembly by their resolution bearing date the 9th day of December 1778 did empower the Governor with the advice of the Council of State to take such measures as might be necessary and should seem probable for obtaining a Loan of Gold and Silver to this Commonwealth to such extent as they should think expedient, and that the said assembly would make good his Contracts for...
255To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I some time ago inclosed to you a printed Copy of an Order of Council, by which Governor Hamilton was to be confined in Irons and in close Jail. This has occasioned a letter from General Philips of which the inclosed is a Copy. The General seems to suppose that a prisoner on capitulation cannot be put into close confinement tho his Capitulation shall not have provided against it. My idea was...
256From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 17 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
This being post morning and many letters to write I must beg leave to refer you for some articles to my letter to the feild officers of Northumberland &c.. In order to render our miserable navy of some service orders were some time ago issued for two gallies on the seaboard of the Eastern shore to join the others; another galley heretofore stationed in Carolina (if not purchased by that...
257From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I some time ago inclosed to you a printed copy of an Order of Council, by which Governor Hamilton was to be confined in Irons in close Jail. This has occasioned a letter from General Philips of which the inclosed is a Copy. The General seems to suppose that a prisoner on capitulation cannot be put into close confinement tho his capitulation shall not have provided against it. My idea was that...
258From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Approved as to the gallies; and as to the ship Gloster it is recommended to the board of war to have a proper enquiry and report made whether it may not be more advantageous to convert her into a galley than to sell her, and on such report to reconsider the matter. Tr in Board of War Journal ( Vi ); printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H....
259From Thomas Jefferson to William Phillips, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter, on the Subject of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton’s confinement, came safely to hand. I shall, with great chearfulness, explain, to you, the Reasons on which the advice of Council was founded, since, after the satisfaction of doing what is right, the greatest is that of having what we do approved by those whose opinions deserve esteem. We think ourselves justified in Governor...
260Contract between the State of Virginia and Peter Penet, Windel & Company, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 22 July 1779 . Contract entered into by the Governor and Council of Virginia on the one part and Peter Penet, Windel [or Wendel] & Company on the other part, by which the company pledges to establish “a Manufactory of Arms and Foundery of Cannon … on James river,” to import artisans therefor, and to furnish 10,000 stand of arms annually to the state, while the state on its...
261To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of begging leave of your Excellency to forward the enclosed by the first flag which may happen to be going into New york. They are addressed to [a] good man in distress which I am sure will apologize with you for my asking your intervention. I am with the greatest respect your Excellencys mos. obdt & most hbl. servt Copy, DLC : Jefferson Papers. GW replied to Jefferson from...
262Orders for Defense of the Western Frontier, 23 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of General Assembly intituled an act for raising a Body of Troops for the defence of the Commonwealth, having directed that two battalions shall be raised for the Western and two for the Eastern Service, the Board advise the Governor to Order that the men to be raised according to the said act in the Counties of Yohogania, Monongalia, Ohio, Kentucky, Hampshire, Berkley, Frederick,...
263Notes and Plans for Western Defense, [23 July 1779 and after] (Jefferson Papers)
Plan for regimenting & stationing the two Western battalions. Joseph Crocket & James Knox Lt. Colonels commandants } appointed by the Council George Walls, Robert Powell. Majors. William Cherry, Samuel Gill. Captains. Thomas Walls, Peter Moore. Ensigns. no. of men supposed they will raise Officers to be recommended by the feild officers of the respective countries Destination . Yohogania. a...
264From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 9th ulto. has been taken under Consideration, and I have now the pleasure to inform Your Excellency, that the report of the Board of Field Officers contain’d therein, meets with the intire approbation of the Executive of this State; I have therefore inclosed four blank Commissions , which it is requested You will be pleased to order to be filled up properly for the...
265From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of begging leave of your Excellency to forward the enclosed by the first flag which may happen to be going into New York. They are addressed to [a] good man in distress which I am sure will apologize with you for my asking your intervention. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obt. & most hbl. servt., Tr ( DLC ). Enclosure missing. The enclosure was a letter...
266From Thomas Jefferson to Col. William Fleming, 7 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed order will explain to you the general plan adopted for regimenting, officering, and stationing the two Western battalions. We are in hopes you will so far proceed in concert with the other commissioners as that the chain of posts to be recommended may form a complete Western defence, leaving no chasm in the middle. We wish you, when you report the stations proposed, to advise us...
267From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, 7 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
You are desired to call together your feild officers and in conjunction with them to recommend to the Executive a Lieutenant and an Ensign to take command in one of the battalions to be raised for the defence of the Western frontier under an act of the late assembly intit[uled ‘an] act for raising a body of troops for the defence of the Commonwealth.’ The men to be raised in your county under...
268Testimonial for Charles Clay, [15 August 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
The reverend Charles Clay has been many years rector of this parish, and has been particularly known to me. During the whole course of that time his deportment has been exemplary as became a divine, and his attention to parochial duties unexceptionable. In the earliest stage of the present contest with Great Britain, while the clergy of the established church in general took the adverse side,...
269Pass for David Geddes, [25 August 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Geddes assistant Paymaster general to the troops of Convention now within this commonwealth, is permitted to pass attended by his servant, from the county of Albemarle by the way of Richmond and of the honourable Archibald Cary’s along such direct roads as he shall chuse, to Williamsburg, and to return by the same way, using reasonable dispatch, avoiding communication...
270Passes for Poellnitz and Others, [25 August 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Capt. Pelnitz , one of the aids de camp to Majr. Gen. Riedesel of the German Convention troops now within this commonwealth, has permission to pass, attended by his servant, from the county of Albemarle along such direct roads as he shall chuse to the Medicinal springs in the county of Berkeley there to continue with Majr. Genl. Riedesel or his family and to accompany them on...
271[From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 4 September 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 4 Sep. 1779 . Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ), under 19 Feb. 1780, records that upon application by the Board of Trade for a clarification of the terms under which the agent, commissary of stores, and his assistants were licensed to draw from the public store for their own use, TJ replied, 4 Sep. 1779, that “They have no objection to their drawing Goods out of the public Store,...
272From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 25 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The various calamities which during the present year have befallen our crops of wheat, have reduced them so very low as to leave us little more than seed for the ensuing year, were it to be solely applied to that purpose. This country is therefore unable to furnish the necessary supplies of flour for the Convention troops, without lessening by so much as should be purchased, the sowing for...
273Commission for Harry Innes, 29 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ], 29 Sep. 1779 . Appointing Innes “a Commissioner, in the room of David Robinson, for executing in Montgomery and Washington District, the Act of Assembly entituled ‘An Act for adjusting and settling the titles of Claimers to unpatented Lands under the present and former Government previous to the establishment of the Commonwealths and Office.’” MS ( PPAP ); in a clerk’s hand,...
274To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your letter of August 6th during my absence the Council had the irons taken off the prisoners of war. When your advice was asked we meant it should decide with us: and upon my return to Williamsburg the matter was taken up and the enclosed advice given. A parole was formed of which the enclosed is a copy and tendered to the prisoners. They objected to that part of it which...
275Form of Parole Offered to Henry Hamilton, [1 October 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
I do promise on my parole of honor that I will not depart out of the limits which shall from time to time be prescribed to me by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any other person having authority from him to prescribe or alter such limits: that I will not say or do any thing directly or indirectly to the prejudice of the United States of America or any of them: that I will hold...
276From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your letter of August 6th. during my absence the Council had the irons taken off the prisoners of war. When your advice was asked we meant it should decide with us; and upon my return to Williamsburg the matter was taken up and the enclosed advice given. A parole was formed of which the enclosed is a copy and tendered to the prisoners. They objected to that part of it which...
277To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Just as the letter accompanying this was going off Colo. Mathews arrived on parole from New York by the way of head quarters bringing your Excellencys letter on [t]his subject with that of the British Commissary of prisoners. The subject is of great importance & I must therefore reserve myself to answer after further consideration. Were I to speak from present impressions I should say it was...
278From Thomas Jefferson to William Phillips, 2 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I had just concluded what was requisite for the dispatch of the flag by which this comes, and was proceeding to inclose to you the within papers, when your letter of Aug. 20. on the same subject, that of Sep. 4. on the subject of Colo. Bland’s conduct, and that of Sep. 15. containing your protest against the stoppage of some money in the Treasury for the transport of stores were put into my...
279From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Just as the letter accompanying this was going off Colo. Mathews arrived on parole from New York by the way of headquarters bringing your Excellencys letter on [t]his subject with that of the British Commissary of prisoners . The subject is of great importance and I must therefore reserve myself to answer after further consideration. Were I to speak from present impressions I should say it was...
280To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8–9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 8–9 Oct. 1779 . Transmitting a requisition from the Board of War for the purchase of leather breeches for Maj. Nelson’s corps of cavalry. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Below, in TJ’s hand: “In council Oct. 9. 1779. There being a sufficiency of deerskins in Richmond for the purpose of this requisition from the board of war it is disapproved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.;...
281To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We tho’t it prudent, before Mr. Smith’s departure, that he should inform the Board what he expected would be allowed him for his Expences on his intended trip to Europe, that no difficulties might arise with respect to this matter on his return. He has consulted Mr. Beall on the occasion, who it seems lately made the same tour himself, and procured his Opinion, which is herewith submitted to...
282To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the second of the present month written in the instant of Colo. Mathews delivery of your letter I informed you what had been done on the subject of Governor Hamilton & his companions previous to that moment. I now enclose you an advice of council in consequence of the letter you were pleased to enclose me from the British commissary of prisoners with one from Lord Rowdon. also a...
283From Thomas Jefferson to George Mathews, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings respecting Governor Hamilton and his companions previous to your arrival here you are acquainted with. For your more precise information, I enclose you the advice of Council of June 16th of that of August the 28th. another of Sep: 19th. of the parole tendered them the 1st: instant and of Governor Hamilton’s letter of the same day stating his objections in which he persevered:...
284From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In mine of the second of the present month written in the instant of Colo. Mathews delivery of your letter I informed you what had been done on the subject of Governor Hamilton and his companions previous to that moment. I now enclose you an advice of Council in consequence of the letter you were pleased to enclose me from the British commissary of prisoners with one from Lord Rowden [Rawdon]....
285From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, 15 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Having heard the disagreeable news of your illness, and that there was a doubt whether you would recover in time to attend to the duties of the commission for settling the Western titles, and the executing that commission being of very great importence, the executive has been induced, considering the great distance and the delays that would occasion, to direct the inclosed commission to be...
286From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency for some blank letters of marque for use in this state, those we have on hand (forty seven in number) bearing the signature of Mr. Jay your predecessor. I am in hopes a safe opportunity of conveying them may not be long wanting. I have the honour to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No....
287From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter on the general subject of the deficiencies in the Virginian quota of troops came to hand yesterday by post: but not attended by Colo. Davis’s particular returns as the letter seemed to imply. This particular return is so essential that without it our legislature can do nothing towards supplying the deficiency and as they have just met I think it is important that there should be no...
288Parole to Philip Dejean, 19 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 19 Oct. 1779 . Parole accepted and signed by Philip Dejean, prisoner with Henry Hamilton. Identical in text with parole offered to Hamilton and others, printed under date of 1 Oct. 1779, above. MS (Brit. Mus.: Add. MSS 21,885); in a clerk’s hand; 1 p. Signed at foot by TJ.
289From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the date of my former letter to you, I have received the inclosed resolutions of Congress containing a requisition of additional supplies of money. The General Assembly in considering this Subject will naturally cast their eyes on the funds already provided for the Supply of their public treasury. As a principal branch of these was in some degree under the care and direction of the...
290From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Byrd the other day inclosed to me copies of two entries under your hand, the one for 1000 acres at and near the Lead mines on both sides New river joining Forbes’s and Herbert’s land including the Mine hill, the other for 1000 acres at the big French Salt lick on the S. W. side of Cumberland river near the mouth of Stone’s creek, both made by Colo. Byrd on the 1st. of March 1774 by virtue...
291From Thomas Jefferson to James Mercer, [before 23 October 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
In the act establishing the board of Auditors the words are that they are authorised and required ‘to give warrants on the Treasurer for the payment or advance of wages to our delegates in Congress, debiting each delegate’ &c. The Auditors then and not the Governour are to give the warrant, as they will see on turning to the act. RC ( Vi ); without salutation or date. Addressed: “Mr. Mercer.”...
292From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Willing Byrd, 24 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the last week found me much engaged or it should then have been answered. You were not truly informed as to the purpose for which Colo. Matthews came out of New York. The purpose expressed was that himself should be permitted to remain in Virginia on parole if Lieutt. Colo. Hamilton were permitted to go to New York on parole; and from this it was seen that he was pointed out as...
293From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 24 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time in June I received from Mr. Jay a letter desiring I would have evidence collected on the subject of some Frenchmen who were said to have been murdered in cold blood by the English during their invasion of this commonwealth in the Spring. Several disappointments have retarded this matter much more than I could have wished, tho’ we have paid repeated attention to it. I now do myself...
294From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Taylor, 25 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
When you wrote your letter of the 13th. inst. my last to you was on the road. I now send you one Captain’s and three Ensigns commissions, so they will stand thus. Burnley } Captains Slaughter } Lieutenants Purvis Taylor Porter Paulett Burton Pettus White Winston } Ensigns. Herndon
295From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 29 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council concur in opinion with the board of trade that forty pounds per annum to be paid as they have said is a sufficient compensation for Mr. Warren’s services, and approve of that stipend. They will consent that he shall have from the public store necessary cloathing at the current advance paid or paying on the wholesale purchase by the state at the time they are drawn, proper...
296From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 29 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive in the Month of March 1778, in order to secure the acquisition and proper choice of a supply of Arms, Ordnance, and Military implements sent a Mr. Le Mair of the Kingdom of France their Agent express for that purpose to Europe. He executed his Commission with a zeal and assiduity which we have rarely met with, having traversed for fourteen Months those parts of Europe backwards...
297From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 30 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
It is recommended to the Board of trade to take measures for the immediate purchase of necessary cloathing for the use of the Cherokee Indians wherever to be found within this state. Majr. Martin the agent with them will be able to give them information as to the articles and quantities. RC ( Vi ). Endorsed: “Recommendations from the Executive to furnish Sundries for Cherokees.” A MS ( Vi )...
298[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30? October 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 30? Oct. 1779 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 30 (30 Oct. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, respecting the purchase of a frigate for the use of the State, which was read, and ordered to be referred to the committee of the whole House...
299From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of a resolution of the last session of General Assembly the Executive proceeded to form a Contract with Messrs. Penet Windel & co. for the establishment of a manufactory of fire arms and foundery of ordnance on James river and for extending navigation through it’s falls. The several preliminary papers which passed between them are now transmitted to the General Assembly, that they...
300To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 3 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Nov. 1779 . Submits requisitions from Board of War for shoes and for clothing for Col. Buford’s battalion at Petersburg; also a memorandum of George Purdie offering sundry articles. Mr. Greenhow has 10 dozen men’s large shoes which he offers at £12 per pair and 9 dozen small men’s shoes at £10. Prices for all the articles are exceedingly high, but the need for them is...