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...
301From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 4 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the pleasure of the House of Delegates signified in their resolution of the 16th. of the last month, I now inclose you a State of the armed Vessels belonging to this Commonwealth, and returns of the Garrison and Artillery regiments, and of such part of the four troops of horse for Eastern service as are raised. What progress is made in raising the four new battalions, is out of my...
302Returns of Virginia Land and Naval Forces, [4 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[Text reproduced in illustration section following p. 254.] [1] [2] [3] [4] MS ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand. Principally compiled in Oct. 1779 at the request of the House of Delegates, these memoranda are drafts of the returns actually sent in a letter to Speaker Harrison on 4 Nov., q.v. , but contain additions made after receipt of Washington’s letter to TJ of 26 Dec. 1779 , q.v.; and other...
303Roll of Officers of the Regiment of Guards for the Convention Prisoners, [5 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
Oct. 8. 1779. Oct. 25. 1779. Colonel Francis Taylor. Francis Taylor. Francis Taylor. Lt. Colonel. Major. John Roberts. John Roberts. John Roberts. Captains. Garland Burnley. Garland Burnley. Garland Burnley. Ambrose Madison. Ambrose Madison. James Purvis. Benjamin Timberlake. Benjamin Timberlake.
304[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 5? Nov. 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. 42 (5 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, respecting sundry losses sustained by Mr. Martin, the present Indian agent, in the Cherokee country, and the propriety of making him...
305From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of opinion payment should be made to Mr. Pollock of all the articles of his account except the draughts by O’Hara, of whom they know nothing, nor by what authority he drew. They would recommend to the board of trade to desire from Mr. Pollock an explanation of O’Hara’s draughts and to assure him that if it shall appear they were made on due authority, they shall be immediately...
306From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
It is recommended to the board of trade to settle the expences of Capt. LeMaire stated in this account, and those incurred from his arrival at Boston until the 10th. instant. RC ( CSmH ); written on the final page of the account submitted: “Etat des Depenses faites en france par le Capitaine Le Maire a l’occasion de la Mission dont il a été chargé par L’Etat de la Virginíe,” signed by Le Maire...
307From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of trade are requested to direct that Major Martin be furnished at the big island with 1000℔ iron 100℔ Steel and a Set of Smiths Tools for the Cherokee nation. Also 100 Gallons of good Whiskey or rum. A Copy Tr ( Vi ). See also TJ to Board of Trade, 30 Oct. 1779 .
308From Thomas Jefferson to John Bowman, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favour of you to give notice to the officer recommended by you for the Western Battalions, that as soon as one half his Quota of Men is raised and delivered by you, he shall be entitled to his Commission. These Men are to make part of a Battalion, which will be commanded by Lieut. Colo. Knox, and which is to be stationed this Winter in Powels Valley. As this station is so very...
309From Thomas Jefferson to Certain County Lieutenants, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favor of you to give notice to the Officers recommended by you for the Western Battalions that as soon as one half the quota of one of them is raised and delivered by you he shall be entitled to the Commission for which he was recommended. As soon as that quota is complete and half the next raised another shall be entitled to his commission: and so on where there are more. You...
310[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 6 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 6 Nov. 1779 . Cover only survives (in Vi ), addressed in TJ’s hand to Harrison as Speaker and endorsed: “Governors Letter Novr: 6th: 1779. Returns Military & Naval Referred to whole House on State of the Commonwealth.” According to JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) (Oct. 1779, 1827 edn., p. 43), the...
311From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
It has become necessary to advance an additional Sum of Money to Mr. Lindsay. The Board of Trade will therefore be pleased to issue a further Warrant in his favour for Six Hundred Pounds on Account. I am Sir with much respect Your most obedt. humble servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed in another hand: “To the Honble Commissioners of the Board of trade.”
312From Thomas Jefferson to Bernardo de Gálvez, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Lindsay who was sent from our County of Islinois on the Mississippi to new Orleans and lately arrived here on his return by the way of Havanna, we hear that Col. Rogers had left New Orleans and proceeded up the Mississippi; We are anxiously expecting by him your Excellency’s answer to the Letters of January 14 1778 by Col. Rogers and January 26th. 1778 by Captain Young from Governor...
313From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The matter of the inclosed petition being proper for the discussion of the legislature alone, I do myself the honour of transmitting it to them through you: and am Sir Your most obedient servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed: “The Honble Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Speaker of the House of Delegates.” Docketed: “Governo[r’s] Letter containing Capt. Dicks: Memorial November 8. 1779. referred to whole on the...
314From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 9 and 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of opinion that Colo. Le Maire’s expences of £15,545 livres 14 sous be paid in current money at the exchange of 20 for 1. and that £2000 be allowed him for his expences from Boston to this day. Th : Jefferson In Council Nov. 12. 1779 On further consideration the board thinks Mr. Le Maire shoud be allowed 27. livres a day for 430 days to be paid in currency at a rate not exceeding...
315To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia and the charge for freight immense. The extensive orders given to Col. Smith of Baltimore to purchase flour should, therefore, be immediately countermanded and a price limit set of £30 Maryland money per hundred....
316From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that the sailors enlisted under the Act concerning Officers Soldiers Sailors and marines, Shoud be put on board such State vessells as the Board of War shall direct: that soldiers enlisted and to be enlisted under the same act, shall do duty in the garrison Regiment until further Orders, it being their Idea that these men shall at a proper time be sent on to the grand...
317From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Peyton Clothier General is directed to repair to the Grand Army there to receive and issue to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line all Cloathing and Stores for them that shall be put into his hands either by the Continental Cloathier General or the Continental State Agents. If the salary annexed to his Office by the Assembly is insufficient, to them the application must be made....
318From Thomas Jefferson to D’Anmours, 10 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the request which you were pleased to lay before us, I am now to authorize the forces of his most Christian majesty to land in such place, and his vessels to withdraw into such harbours within this commonwealth as the Admiral or other commanding officer shall think proper and to procure houses for the purpose of hospitals. In determining on the place of his debarkation and...
319To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779. Approved, except so far as relates to the establishment of pursers, which measure is still to be considered of. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 3 p.
320From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Caswell, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received messages and informations from the Cherokee nation of Indians, painting their nakedness and general distress for want of European goods, so strongly as to call for pity and all possible relief. Their several settlements being contiguous to the two Carolinas and to Virginia they have at times received supplies I beleive from each of these states. Their great numbers...
321Proclamation Appointing a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the Honourable the General Congress, impressed with a grateful sense of the goodness of Almighty God, in blessing the greater part of this extensive continent with plentiful harvests, crowning our arms with repeated successes, conducting us hitherto safely through the perils with which we have been encompassed and manifesting in multiplied instances his divine care of these infant...
322From Thomas Jefferson to John Rutledge, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Major Martin, our agent with the Northern or Upper Cherokees, comes to Charlestown to see if there be a possibility of purchasing there any goods to supply their wants. Give me leave to hope he will meet with your Excellency’s patronage in the execution of this business. Their present distresses are so great that we have bought up every thing proper for them in our own...
323To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 12 Nov. 1779. In compliance with the requisition of 30 Oct. for the purchase of clothing for the Cherokee Indians, all the articles mentioned in Maj. Martin’s list that were to be had were secured, but for want of money the goods are being held until payment for them can be made. Before the treasury is replenished the goods may be sold. Every effort has been made to secure the...
324From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to appoint Frederickg., Petersbg., New London, Staunton, and Winchester places of rendezvous for New levies raised under the act of Assembly concerning Officers Soldiers Sailors and marines, and to direct an Officer to meet the recruiting Officers of the several counties at these places at certain times, to wit, Petersburg on the first Day of every other month,...
325From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of the opinion that Mr. Adams and Mr. Southall or any other persons who shall be appointed by the board of War, be desired to have proper proceedings in Law instituted to compel a conveyance of the Lands purchased from Fortunatus Sydnor and in the mean time proceed to erect the magazines, removing force by force, which the public necessity and Safety, and clear justice and right...
326From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of May 1779. under which Mr. Blunt has been last Drafted refers to one of October 1778 as to the method of determining who were Subjects of that Draught. This act says the justices and the Field Officers shall lay Off the militia into Districts, each of which districts shall furnish a man. The justices and field Officers then are made Judges who shall be deemed to be of the Militia and...
327From Thomas Jefferson to David Shepherd, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favour of you to give notice to the Officer recommended by you for the Western Battalions that as soon as one half his [quota] of men is raised and delivered by you, he shall be entitled to his commission and must march the men on to Fort Pitt, the remaining half you must send on under a Serjeant to the same rendezvous. Lieutenant Colo. Knox is appointed to take command of the...
328From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board advise the approbation of the proposition from the board of War for building a small magazine at Staunton; but that it be paid for in money, and not by a sale of any of the rifles, these being already ordered to be delivered to the two Western Battalions now raising. They approve also of what is proposed as to the cattle. They advise that no particular supply of Clothing be sent for...
329From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that a Soldiers oath is not sufficient testimony to entitle him to clothing or a compensation for it: It is their opinion also that the Board of War may proceed to appoint a commissary of prisoners. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). See Board of War to TJ, 13 Nov. 1779 (second letter from the Board under that date).
330From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that one prison ship agreeable to the resolution of Assembly be employed; that she be moored in James river above the windings thereof which form the Peninsula’s in Henrico and Chesterfield Counties: that picquetts be erected on the South Side of the same river on such Spot as the Board of War or an Officer to be sent by them to examine grounds for that purpose shall direct;...
331From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Bland being about to retire from his Command at the Barracks in Albemarle, and desirous to withdraw at the same time the party of his horse which has hitherto been Stationed there, wished that we should supply their place by sending thither about twenty or five and twenty of the horse of this State. Our horse being as yet not very well trained, the Officers represented that it woud much...
332[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 17? Nov. 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. 59 (17 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, on the subject of certain inquiries made by the executive, on complaints against justices of the peace for misfeasance in office, which was...
333From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 18 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that until the numbers of an invading enemy and the proposed point of invasion known, neither the numbers of militia proper to be drawn into the field, nor the Counties from which they shall be called can be determined on. They approve of the making ready the Artillery harness’s and horses for Artillery, Waggons for the baggage Ammunition forage and for the...
334From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 19 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council, 19 Nov. 1779 . Transmits resolution of Congress, enclosed in letter from Samuel Huntington, requesting reconsideration of Act for reopening Virginia land office. MS not traced; A.L.S., 1 p. and address, sold at American Art Association and Anderson Galleries, Terry Sale, pt. 1, 2–3 May 1934, lot 272. Huntington’s letter, enclosed, was dated 30 Oct. 1779, q.v. ; see also JHD Journal...
335To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Nov. 1779 . Alexander Stewart of Rockbridge co. has offered to supply the state with gunpowder. He should be engaged to supply as much as he is willing to contract for and should be paid as much as others receive for all he delivers to the magazine at Staunton. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council December 1st. 1779. Approved on condition that Mr....
336From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [20?] November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War apprehending that the mention of the appointment of an assistant Clerk to them, as made in my letter to you of October 20th . was not accurately conformable to their resolution as approved by the Executive, have inclosed me the resolution with the approbation subscribed. This transaction happened in my absence, and the Clerk being otherwise engaged no copy was retained, so...
337[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 22? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 22? Nov. 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. 66 (22 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, stating sundry matters for the consideration of the House, and enclosing several letters and papers on the subject thereof; and the same were...
338From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, [23 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
There is reason to believe that the appointment of a Consul to reside in this State on the part of his most Christian majesty either has been already or will shortly be made. I must submit to the general Assembly the expediency of considering whether our Laws have settled with precision the prerogatives and jurisdiction to which such a person is entitled by the usage of nations; and putting...
339To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
340[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24? November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 24? Nov. 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. 68 (24 Nov. 1779): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a memorial of Mr. De Francey respecting a commercial transaction between the executive and his principal, Mr. De Beaumarchais, with...