251From 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...
252Testimonial 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,...
253Pass 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...
254Passes 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...
255[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,...
256From 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...
257Form 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...
258From 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...
259From 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...
260From 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...
261To 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.;...
262To 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...
263From 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:...
264From 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]....
265From 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...
266From 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....
267From 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...
268Parole 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.
269From 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...
270From 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...
271From 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.”...
272From 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...
273From 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...
274From 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
275From 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...
276From 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...
277From 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 )...
278[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...
279From 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...
280To 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...
281From 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...
282Returns 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...
283Roll 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.
284[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...
285From 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...
286From 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...
287From 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 .
288From 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...
289From 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...
290[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...
291From 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.”
292From 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...
293From 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...
294From 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...
295To 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....
296From 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...
297From 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....
298From 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...
299To 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.
300From 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...