2701From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 15 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lodged with Mrs. Sherrar a small box of books containing Chandler’s debates of the lords and commons (one volume lost) and the Historical register of which I beg your acceptance. I am just now setting out to Monticello where I shall be happy to see you at all times, should health or curiosity lead you thither or a willingness to give that pleasure to Dr. Sir your friend & humble servt,...
2702From Thomas Jefferson to Those Appointed by Lafayette to Remove Horses out of the Route of the Enemy, 15 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There being reason to apprehend that the two hostile Armies under Lord Cornwallis and Genl. Phillips will form a Junction and for that Purpose pass through this State along the Road from Petersburg to Halifax, I instructed the Lieutenants of the Counties lying in that Route to give notice to the Inhabitants to remove all Horses fit for Cavalry within twenty Miles of an Enemy’s Army and all...
2703From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Powhatan, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Dinwiddie, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may at any Time be within twenty Miles of the Enemys Camp to be removed beyond that Distance excepting only such Horses as are unfit either for Cavalry or Artillery. Should the Owners not perform this Order within such short and reasonable Time as you shall prescribe, you will be pleased to order out proper Officers and men of your...
2704From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Goochland and Henrico, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the Marquis Fayette give you Notice at any Time that there is Reason to apprehend the Enemy will cross James River, you will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may be within twenty Miles wherever they shall at any Time be to be removed [&c. as in the Letter to Powhatan.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Brackets supplied; for remainder of text see preceding letter.
2705From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hanover and New Kent, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever the Honble. Major Genl. Marquis La Fayette shall think it necessary and shall so inform you, you will be pleased to have collected all the Boats and other smaller vessels, whether Public or Private, on Pamunkey either on or opposite to the Shore of your County and to have them carried to such Places as he shall direct. I am &c., FC ( Vi ).
2706From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council some Time ago came to a Resolution that they would advance Money for the Pay of the Virginia Continental Troops but for no others. It is therefore not in my power to say that any Money shall be advanced you out of the Treasury for the Payment of any other Troops. I suppose them in this Instance not liable to Imputation till a precedent can be produced where the Troops of one State...
2707From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday your favor by Mr. Archer and will lay the recommendations before Council as soon as they shall assemble. When that will be I cannot precisely say, there being at present five members only and they much dispersed. In the mean time from what passed on the former occasion (as I mentioned to you in my Letter from Colo. Skipwith’s ) I think you may safely call the gentlemen...
2708From Thomas Jefferson to Matthew Pope, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I got the favor of Colo. Senf to be the Bearer of a note to Colo. Davies or in his absence to any person having the Packages in his hand to have them opened and the Articles you desire taken out and sent to you in a Cart or Waggon. Necessity is Law, in times of war most especially. You will therefore take possession of any church, barn or other vacant house or houses convenient and necessary...
2709From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As there will be wanting a very considerable number of Saddles, Bridles, Boots and other Accoutrements immediately, I shall be obliged to you if you will be so good as to employ as many Shops as you can in preparing them. There will be no Danger of having too many made before I shall receive such Returns as will enable me to fix the numbers. I am &c., FC ( Vi ).
2710From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. James Madison and Robert Andrews, 22 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received a Letter from President Reid acknowledging the Receipt of mine on the subject of running our joint Boundary, deferring answering the particulars respecting the mode of running the line till he can confer with their Commissioners on the subject and in the mean time proposing as the season is fast advancing that your meeting shall be on the 12th. of June. I have informed him...
2711From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Reed, 22 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 6th Inst. came to Hand Yesterday. The Movements of the Enemy since I did myself the Honor of writing to your Excellency on the Subject of our joint Boundary having rendered it necessary in the Opinion of the General Assembly for them to adjourn to this Place, the Executive have of Course come hither for a Time. This has placed us at a great Distance from Mr....
2712From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 23 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 18th and 19th inst. came to hand yesterday. Experience has for some time past convinced the Council that as the mode of acquiring waggons, horses &c. by Impress is the most irritating, so it is the most expensive which can be adopted. They therefore have generally meant to discontinue Impresses and to have purchases made wherever a delay can be admitted. And indeed it is...
2713From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 25 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received a letter from Baron Steuben informing me that at the date of it (the 23d) he was on his way to the old Court house to fit the new recruits for the feild, and supposing it might be in your power to aid them with some articles necessary for them. If any thing can be done by the state in this way I think it will be of essential good, as, wherever these recruits are to be...
2714From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 25 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Clothing which came here from Philadelphia is ordered to the Point of Fork in the Waggons which brought it. The other Waggons also proceed there. The Baron Steuben has written to me on the Subject of having the New Levies immediately equipped which I think with him to be very important. You will please to provide for them such articles as he shall inform you are wanting. According to the...
2715From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 26 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly at a Loss to judge whether it be better to try the Method of Application to the new Commanding Officer for a Passport and run the Risk of losing another Month or two, or to pursue the former plan of applying immediately to Charlestown. With Respect to myself however I can more easily determine that the sending to Charlestown having had the Approbation of Council and having a...
2716From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Washington and Certain Other Counties, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lord Cornwallis from Carolina and a Reinforcement of 2000 Men from New York having joined the hostile Army which was before here and crossed James River renders it necessary for us to bring a very great Force into the Field. As I have reason to believe you have not sent the whole Number ordered to the Southward by my Letter of You will now be pleased to send under proper Officers whatever...
2717From Thomas Jefferson to James Hunter, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I formerly desired Mr. Ross to write to you for five hundred horsemen’s Swords made on the Model of the one lodged with you (I believe) by order of Colo. Washington. I must now desire you will add five hundred more to that Number and urge you in the strongest Terms to employ every hand you possibly can in making them; also to let me know what number are ready and how many we may expect by the...
2718From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlottesville, 28 May 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to George Washington, same date, q.v. for variations in the two texts. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed in part: “Read June 4. Referred to the board of War.” FC ( Vi ). Tr ( DLC : TJ Papers).
2719From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honour of addressing the General Assembly by Letter of the 14th instant I have received a second Letter from the Honble. Major General Greene on the subject of cavalry and another in answer to one I had written communicating to him information I had recived as to the conduct of a particular officer employed by him in impressing, which I transmit herewith. I also inclose a...
2720From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I make no doubt you will have heard, before this shall have the honour of being presented to Your Excellency, of the junction of Lord Cornwallis with the force at Petersburg under Arnold who had succeeded to the command on the death of Major General Philips. I am now advised that they have evacuated Petersburg, joined at Westover a Reinforcement of 2000 Men just arrived from New York, crossed...
2721From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of York and Certain Other Counties, 29 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Information having been given me that a considerable number of Men have deserted from the French Army and Navy in America which the Commanding Officers are very urgent to have apprehended, I must desire you to give orders at the several Ferries in your County, that all Foreigners offering to cross at them and having the Appearance of Soldiers or Seamen be examined with great Strictness and if...
2722From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 29 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your Favor of the 26th as I had been by one of the Day before from Colo. John Walker who informed me that he wrote at your Request on the Subject of horses. I have now the Pleasure to inclose to you eight Impress Warrants accompanied with Resolutions of the House of Delegates, which I obtained yesterday and to inform you that as soon as the other Branch of the Legislature is...
2723From Thomas Jefferson to Miles King, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The passports for the British flag vessel was by me put under cover to Genl. Phillips and delivered to an Officer appointed by Major Genl. Baron Steuben to carry it in with a flag and to attend the vessel to and from her port of destination. The movements of the enemy and uncertainty with what part of them Genl. Phillips was, prevented the Officer from going on before the arrival of the Major...
2724From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclosed to Genl. Phillips a passport for the British flag vessel the Genl. Riedesel and delivered it to Captn. Jones who called on me for that purpose by order of Major General Baron Steuben and was to have accompanied the vessel to and from her port of Destination. The movements of the enemy and uncertainty where Genl. Phillips was then to be found delayed his going till you had arrived. I...
2725From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Maury informs me there is Reason to expect from Lord Cornwallis a permission to export to Charlestown tobacco for our Officers and Soldiers in captivity there. As you have been fully apprised of what has been done heretofore and a negotiation for the relief of Officers and soldiers of the Continental Line which you have honored by accepting the command seems equally reconcileable to your...
2726From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Scot, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There is an Indian Chief from Kaskaskia with some companions arrived here, whose rank, services, disposition and proposals are such as require attention from us and great respect. He has particularly desired to be distinguished by a medal, and we think it of so much Importance as to send the bearer express to wait till you can make a medal of the kind formerly made and send it up by him. As he...
2727From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Powhatan and Certain Other Counties, 31 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having become essentially necessary to raise immediately a large body of Cavalry and having no means of providing Accoutrements we are obliged to attempt the recovery of All the public Arms and Accoutrements for Cavalry dispersed in private hands through the state, which if they can be secured will arm and equip a very respectable force. I am therefore to press you instantly and diligently...
2728From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 31 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Patterson and Mr. Southall communicated to me your orders for removing the stores to Henderson’s on the North river, and thence upwards. The superior expediency of removing them to the main river appeared to the council so evident that they had fixed on that river as the proper line of deposit: I have consulted with many gentlemen of judgment now at Charlottesville, and the same measure...
2729[From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 31? May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Charlottesville, 31? May 1781 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1781, 1828 edn., p. 7 (31 May): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from Baron Steuben, with a representation of the present state of the Virginia line; which was read and ordered to be referred to the...
2730From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 31 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor last night of receiving your favor of the 28th. from Goldmine Creek and this morning that of the 29th. I shall be very happy indeed if against such a Superiority of Cavalry you shall be able to keep out of the way of the enemy till you are fully reinforced. I imagine Genl. Weedons observation as to his want of power to call forth the militia respects the Counties round about...
2731Speech to Jean Baptiste Ducoigne, [ca. 1] June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much pleased with the visit you have made us, and particularly that it has happened when the wise men from all parts of our country were assembled together in council, and had an opportunity of hearing the friendly discourse you held to me. We are all sensible of your friendship, and of the services you have rendered, and I now, for my countrymen, return you thanks, and, most...
2732Bond of John Ellyson and Richard Harvie, 1 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 1 June 1781 . John Ellyson and Richard Harvie give bond to TJ, or his successor as Governor, in the amount of 20,000 weight of merchantable tobacco, under the condition that they will appear before the Governor and Council when called for and that John Ellyson will not go “within Ten Miles of any post, encampment or party of the enemy.” MS ( Vi ); 2 p.; signed by Ellyson and...
2733From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 2 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The House of Delegates and so many of the Senate as were here having reason to believe that Genl. Morgan might probably have it in his power to raise a number of volunteers to join in our present defence, have come to a Resolution of which I do myself the honor of inclosing you a Copy. I have transmitted it to him also. Should you find it not inconsistent with any orders under which he may be...
2734From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Morgan, 2 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose to you a resolution of the House of Delegates assented to by so many of the Senate as were here, by which you will perceive the confidence they repose in your exertions, and the desire they entertain of your lending us your aid under our present circumstances. I sincerely wish your health may be so far reestablished as to permit you to take the field, as no one...
2735From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 2 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to refer to the consideration of the General assembly the inclosed letters from the County Lieutenants of Augusta, Rockbridge and Rockingham, and have the honour to be with great respect Sir your most obedt. humble servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ: “The honble Benjamin Harrison esq. Speaker of the House of Delegates.” Enclosures (missing): These were probably George Moffett to...
2736From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Andrews and Rev. James Madison, 3 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The advance of the season has induced his Excellency President Reid to propose deferring the final Settlement of our boundary till the first Day of May 1782 which we have agreed to. You will be pleased therefore to consider that as the time at which your Services will be hoped for by the public. I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “The Revd. Robert Andrews and James Madison.”
2737From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Reed, 3 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The proposition made in your Excellency’s letter of May 14. for deferring the ultimate settlement of our boundary till the 1st. of May 1782. is perfectly agreeable. The observations necessary to fix it with accuracy could not be made in the present season. I also concur in the further proposal to extend Mason and Dixon’s line twenty three miles by an ordinary surveyor and to have it marked in...
2738From Thomas Jefferson to the Surveyor of Monongalia County, 3 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having become impracticable to settle the boundary between this State and Pensylvania by Astronomical Observations during the present Season, it is referred by mutual Consent till the next year. In the mean time it is agreed that Masons and Dixons line shall be extended twenty three miles with a Surveyors Compass only in the usual manner marking the Trees very slightly. I am therefore to...
2739From Thomas Jefferson to Col. William Fleming, 9 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The alarm which took place on the day succeeding my exit from office prevented my depositing with you the public papers in my hands. I now transmit them by express. The labels on them were true formerly; but in preparing for flight I shoved in papers where I could. You will be pleased to recollect that the militia of several counties now with the Marquis are to leave him at the close of this...
2740From Thomas Jefferson to George Nicholas, 28 July 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that a resolution on your motion passed the House of Delegates requiring me to render account of some part of my administration without specifying the act to be accounted for. As I suppose that this was done under the impression of some particular instance or instances of ill conduct, and that it could not be intended just to stab a reputation by a general suggestion under a bare...
2741Charges Advanced by George Nicholas, with Jefferson’s Answers, [after 31 July 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Obj . That Genl. Washington’s information was that an embarkation was taking place destined for this state . Ans . His information was, that it was destined for the Southward as was given out in N. York. Had similar informations from Genl. Washington and Congress been considered as sufficient ground at all times for calling the militia into the feild there would have been a standing army of...
2742From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 4 August 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by the trouble you took in forwarding to me the letter of his Excellency the President of Congress. It found me in Bedford 100 miles Southward of this where I was confined till within these few days by an unfortunate fall from my horse. This has occasioned the delay of the answer which I now take the liberty of inclosing to you as the confidential channel of Conveyance...
2743From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 4 August 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of June the 15th . with which your Excellency was pleased to honor me came unfortunately when I was absent on a journey to the county of Bedford an hundred miles Southward of this. I there received it on the 9th. of July, and a return to this place was necessary to furnish me certain informations on which depended materially my powers to obey the wishes of Congress. This return was...
2744From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 7 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 20’th Ult. inclosing a duplicate of the resolution of Congress which honoured me with an appointment is just come to hand. I received the Original on the 9th. of July, and was prevented answering it till the 4th. of Aug. by accidents which I therein endeavored to explain. This answer I took the liberty of putting under cover to the honble. Majr. Genl. Marquis la...
2745From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 16 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 7th. inst. That mentioned to have been sent by the preceding post has not come to hand nor two others which Mrs. Randolph informs me you wrote before you left Virginia, nor indeed any other should you have been so kind as to have written any other. When I received the first letter fr[om the President of C]ongress inclosing their resolution, and mentioning...
2746Jefferson’s Certification of William Short as an Attorney, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of the Executive I have examined Mr. William Short and report it as my opinion that he is duly qualified to practise the law as an Attorney. Given under my hand on the day above-mentioned. MS ( Vi ); entirely in TJ’s hand; endorsed in part: “Feby 18. [1782?].” Below TJ’s statement is the following in the hand of George Wythe: “Nov. 2. 1781. From an intimate acquaintance, of some...
2747From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer Mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he can here the studies in which he is engaged: and I chearfully add to what you may already have heard of him my testimony of his genius, learning and merit. I do this the rather as it gives me an opportunity of saving the right of...
2748From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Mr. William Short purposing to Philadelphia for the prosecution of his studies, I do myself the honor under authority of the acquaintance I had the pleasure of forming with you in Philadelphia, of introducing him to your notice, persuaded that should you give him an opportunity of being known to you, you will think it a circumstance not merely indifferent to add to the number of...
2749From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Monticello, 30 Sep. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Thomas McKean, this date. Intended as RC , but not sent ( DLC ); written on a sheet which TJ subsequently used for a summary of the case of Hunt v . Tucker’s executors; addressed: “The honourable Robert Morris Philadelphia favored by Mr Short.”
2750From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Peters, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Monticello, 30 Sep. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Thomas McKean, this date. Intended as RC , but not sent ( DLC ); written on a sheet which TJ subsequently used for a summary of the case of King v . Dugard; addressed: “The honourable Richard Peters Philadelphia favored by Mr Short.”