51To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 19–20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Feb. 1781 . “Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown] attends to know the detirmination of your Excellency and the Hon. Council respecting his acting as Commissary of military stores.” All that remains to do is to fix his “allowance,” and since he is soon to be reduced to half pay as an officer, that allowance should be “the more liberal.” In Council Feb. 20. 1781. The board...
52To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
53From Christopher Calvert, with a Note by Jefferson to the Attorney General, 25 February–21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
South Quay, 25 Feb. 1781 . “Agreeable to the within information,” Calvert has seized the trunk and has found no letters in it, but rather a quantity of “valuable dry Goods”; wishes to know what is to be done with them. By law the Naval Office is open from ten to three; this prevents Calvert from attending muster; and, on account of his feet, he believes himself entitled to exemption from...
54To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 28 Feb. 1781 . Five covers were ordered to be got ready for use on wagons removing the powder to Point of Fork. Mr. Rose says no canvas is to be had except some that was lodged with him for the use of the fleet, which he will not give up without express orders from TJ. Answer follows: “This canvas must not be diverted to any other use, Mr. Armistead should look out for...
55To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners that came from below lately are still in charge of the Commanding officer (Mr. Mann) at this place, and he is uncertain whether they are to be considered as Continental or State prisoners while they continue here. I can give him no information, as not a single line accompanyed them to me. The furnishing the prisoners with provisions, is the reason why Mr. Mann applies for this...
56To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 1 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 1 Mch. 1781 . Requests information concerning the proper officer to discharge the eight-months’ men whose term of service is expired and the manner in which they are to be paid. Has written Mr. Blakey to report to the Council on the business for which he was employed; fears “he has done but little, and cannot be depended on.” Encloses a letter from Smith respecting the quarter...
57[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 5 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor, respecting the 200 Cartouch boxes he required me to collect, informing that the State’s Cartouch boxes at Petersburg had been sent to Chesterfield Courthouse by order of Baron Steuben, before Capn. Browne’s messenger got there, and asking if an Order shall be issued for 50 boxes from Col....
58[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 6 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Mch. 1781 . Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor inclosing a Morning Return of the State Garrison Regiment, Stationed at Richmond, and inquiring if the orders for powder from below shall be obeyed in their fullest extent, or first submitted to his Excellency.” Another minute of the same date: “The Governor’s answer respecting the...
59To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Senf says that a very considerable number of entrenching tools will probably be wanted below, and informs me that there are a considerable number at Fredericksburgh, which he wishes to have sent down forthwith to York. I have no knowledge of any tools belonging to the state being at Fredericksburgh, but as I cou’d wish to have Colo. Senf’s desire complyed with, I have taken the liberty...
60To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, a note to Mr. Ross to furnish sundry articles to Mr. Mayes who is employed in the Countrys service by Capt. Brown, if you approve it. Mr. Ross’s furnishing the articles at Petersburgh, which I understand he can do, will save the expence of transportation from hence. There is also inclosed a certificate from Capt. Browne respecting Mr. Mayes’s...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Humphrey Brooke, 16 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fauquier, 16 Mch. 1781 . The bearer, Joseph Duncan, enlisted with George Slaughter to go to Kentucky as an armorer; was granted leave of absence to see his family; has been informed that “all under his Circumstances are ordered to Richmond”; is willing to “comply with his engagement” if he is not obliged to return to Kentucky. Duncan is a neighbor of Brooke, who can vouch that he is excellent...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry H. Mosby, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Powhatan, 19 Mch. 1781 . Has recruited “forty odd Men”; intended marching “on Sunday next, but hearing this day at our Court House, that the Enemy were approaching, thought it advisable to proseed as soon as possible.” The bearer has been sent to procure arms as they are not to be had in the county. [ In margin, in TJ’s hand :] “Referred to Colo. Davies as to arms. I am uninformed as to the...
63[From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, with Reply, 26 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 26 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter from the Governor respecting the discharge of soldiers for six months, who have no Certificate, nor Witnesses to prove the expiration of their terms of service; and requesting some general plan to be proposed for the regulation of such cases. Answer returned. That in such cases, their oath should be...
64From John Christian Senf, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By our present Situation Your Excellency will find it highly Necessary, that all kind of Intrenching Tools, as well for the defensive as offensive Operations, should be got immediatly ready. I take therefore the Liberty to propose what Kind and Quantity of Tools [there] may be Occasion for, 800 Spades 400 Common Axes 200 Broad and Grubbing Hoes 100 Pick Axes 300 Fashine Knifes and smal...
65To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I find the number of waggons in the QMG’s department so utterly inadequate to the wants of the State, that the most common purposes of that department cannot be executed, nor any assistance afforded to the others. At present, indeed, Mr. Brown the commissary general has the greater part of them employed by him. Nothing can be done, therefore, in the collection of military stores without an...
66To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 30–31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The General expressed to me yesterday in such strong terms the great importance of the post at Chesterfield, and urged so strenuously his idea of the necessity of my continuing my superintendance at that place till the march of the new raised troops shall be over, that it was in vain I represented my opinion of the impracticability of discharging my duty towards it, or the fatigue and trouble...
67From Daniel L. Hylton, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 30 Mch. 1781 . Mr. Eppes desires him to inform TJ that “a Gun Smith up the Country will undertake the Cleaning and repairing Arms. He will also get 3 or 4 Men to Assist him provided they are exempt from Military duty.” The arms must be sent up to him. TJ’s instructions follow: “Referred to Colo. Davies; Colo. Muter had the name of this man in a note from me. He lives in...
68To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March–2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Young, the Quartermaster general of the state, who has just arrived, informs me that he saw at Edentown about 30 exceeding fine cannon of 18s and 24s. He asked the Naval officer, whose they were, who informed him they were the property of the State of Virginia, thrown out of a French vessel, who carried the remainder of them to South quay. As I have no return of any thing of the kind,...
69To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The equipment of the cavalry is a matter of real consequence to our military operations. The enclosed account appears to have arisen from an application to Mr. Simpson by the officers of the cavalry for a number of articles the troops were in want of. He has applied to Col. Finnie for payment, who tells him he can only give him a certificate for what is due him. Mr. Simpson is very willing to...
70To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Wooding, with a Memorandum by Jefferson, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Halifax County, 8 Apr. 1781 . Immediately after his appointment as county lieutenant, Wooding inquired “into the Present State of the Militia when I found that the Greatest part of the Officers below a Captain, and even some of them, were not Commissioned.” The reason, he has been told, is that his predecessor had “no Blank Commissions to fill up for the many New Appointments which was...
72To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 10–11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 10 Apr. 1781 . Many men already discharged from the army have arrears in pay due them. “It is hard upon these men to lose their pay, and it is exceedingly troublesome to this office, to the Auditors and to your Excellency, for the adjustment of each man’s claim to be thrown individually upon us. I would therefore submit it to your Excellency, whether it will not be...
73To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed certificate is produced with a view of obtaining the same quantity of powder that was lent. It is now wanting for a privateer just going to sea. I beg your Excellency’s directions whether the money or the powder shall be paid. I have the honor to be, sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt., In Council Apr. 11. 1781. Mr. Elliott having received this powder, not under the orders of...
74To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
75From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
76James Henderson’s Account as Express, with Jefferson’s Certification, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
at the Swet springs £24 Mr. Millers 127– 4 Berton Shavers 21 9 expences comg 336 Mr Tilfords 24 going back 214 Robt. Steel 9 Widow Estills 21 Total expences £550 Leas
77Garret Van Meter and Others to the Auditors with Andrew Woodrow’s Bill and Jefferson’s Certification, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampshire County, 20 Apr. 1781 . Garret Van Meter, Abel Randall, James Murphy, and George Beall, Commissioners of the Tax, state that they “have employed the bearer hereof Mr. Andrew Wodrow, to go to Richmond to bring up money, to pay off the draughts for this County, likewise to carry some very important inteligence to his Excellency the Governour” and wish his expenses to be paid....
78To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I need not represent to your Excellency the insecurity of this place. We never can proceed with any degree of certainty in any of our public works while the enemy command the rivers. The state of our arms requires security to the workmen from alarms, and I am confident we shall never be able to get them repaired, unless some buildings are prepared for them in a safe place above the falls. I...
79To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Browne’s account it is impossible, I should think, that Col. Innes should be in want of provision. If he has crossed at Ruffin’s, as Mr. Browne says he has, it would be proper to send to New Castle what stores you may under the present circumstances think necessary to order to him. At present we are in great distress for want of waggons. Every one of the public offices almost, as the...
80To Thomas Jefferson from James Downie and William Thompson, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 4 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As prisoners of War on parole at this place we beg leave to address the Executive, hoping no offence will be given. We were Commanders of Privateers and taken some time past in Hampton Road, since which part of the time we have been in close Confinement. The request we have to make is that our paroles may be extended and permitted to go to New York where our families and Connections are,...
81To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the Assistants of the Quartermaster general is going over to the Eastern Shore. It appears to me an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of disposing and securing the public stores of every kind that are there. A great deal has been lost, a great deal more is in danger, and I submit it to the decision of your Excellency whether it will not be proper to sell what cannot be...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Mann Page, enclosing Court Proceedings against a Slave, together with Jefferson’s Reprieve, 13 … (Jefferson Papers)
As one of Colo. Tayloe’s Executor’s I take the Liberty to solicit you on Behalf of Billy, a Negro Man belonging to that Estate, who is now under Sentence of Death, by the Judgement of the Court of Prince William County. The Crime for which he is condemned, and the Proceedings of the Court will be made known to you by the enclosed Papers. Not entertaining a Doubt myself of the Illegality of the...
83To Thomas Jefferson from John Lyne, with Jefferson’s Memoranda for a Legal Opinion, 13 January 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed copy of Mr. Todds Will and money I receiv’d a few days ago from the Gentleman who has married the Widow. He requisted that I would inclose it to you for your Advice for all matters relative to the Widow and perticular to the question below. If the money inclosed is short of your demand for Advice I will pay you or Order the balance on demand. I shall be glad to be favoured with...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Watkins, with Jefferson’s Opinion concerning a Will, 9 May 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Trustees mentioned in my Fathers Will, are at a loss to know, whether they have a right to divide his real Estate among his Children as they think fit, or not; I do, at their request, beg you that you would give us your Opinion on that head; and if you should think that they cannot, we would willingly know whether a division could be procured by a Suit in Chancery agreeable to the two...
85To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, with Jefferson’s Opinion on Mary Wayland, [16 August 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
Your most Curious Council is required on the following Cases. Case the 1st. Adam Wayland of Culpeper County in the Virga. State, after 1st. Lawful Marriage had 6 Children by his wife and She pregnant with the 7th.—Made a Will by which will he bequeath’d his wife one full Third part of his Estate, his wife in time of her pregnancy was Taken with the Small pox and Died—after remaining a widower...
86II. Additional Queries, with Jefferson’s Answers, [ca. January–February 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Additional questions of M. de Meusnier, and answers 1. What has led Congress to determine that the concurrence of seven votes is requisite in questions which by the Confederation are submitted to the decision of a Majority of the U.S. in Congress Assembled? The IXth. article of Confederation, §. 6. evidently establishes three orders of questions in Congress. 1. The greater ones, which relate...
87To Thomas Jefferson from John Sullivan, with Account of Expenses for Obtaining Moose Skeleton, 26 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
This Letter comes by my good friend Captain Samuel Pierce on board of whose vessel I send a Large Box containing the Articles mentioned in the Inclosed Account, which will show you the amount of Expences. A copy of my directions to him which I also inclose will show the means used by me to forward those expensive Curiosities to you. Capt. Pierce from motives of friendship for me has engaged to...
88From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, with Enclosure, 2 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of June 20. Your’s received since that date are May 15. and June 6. In mine I acknoleged the receipt of the Paccan nuts which came sealed up. I have reason to believe those in the box are arrived at Lorient. By the Mary Capt. Howland lately sailed from Havre to N. York I shipped three boxes of books one marked I.M. for yourself, one marked B.F. for Doctr. Franklin, and one marked...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Jan Ingenhousz, with Note by Jefferson, 23 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I took the liberty to recommend to your protection a lettre to our common Friend Benjamin Franklin, which was of great importance for me. As scarce one letter of three which Dr. Franklin or other of my american Friends have dispatched to me have come to hands, and as the same fatality befell those letters I wrote to him and to others, I should be extremily happy to be informed as soon as...
90To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Jenifer Stone, with Jefferson’s Note, 23 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia ], 23 Dec. 1790. He presents his friend Mr. Hobson from New York, who will request a passport from this place to England for Gilbert Morewood, who intends to sail in a British vessel and seeks protection in case of war between England and Spain. Hobson says that Morewood is a United States citizen. Although he forgets the particulars, he has understood the same from information...
91To Thomas Jefferson from John Nancarrow, with Drawing by Jefferson, [1792–1793] (Jefferson Papers)
On the second plate following page 233, Fig. 3. Dessein d’une machine pour elever l’Eau par le moyent du Vent. This machine is simple, easily constructed and capable of raising water to any height provided the pumps are made in the Jack-head form. J. N. thinks he has seen one of these Engines with wooden sails instead of Cloth. N.B. This book may be kept 3 weeks unless J. N. be called on to go...
92Agenda for Commissioners of the Federal District, [ca. 5 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Estimates &ca. are sent to shew the views &ca. of Majr. LEnfant. MS ( DLC : Washington Papers); in the hands of both TJ and Washington, as indicated in notes below; undated, but certainly written after 1 Mch. and on or before 6 Mch. 1792. It is very probable that TJ wrote the first part of the agenda and sent it or left it with Washington on 5 Mch. 1792 (see Washington to TJ, 4 Mch. 1792 ) and...
93Alexander Hamilton’s Notes on Jefferson’s Letter to George Hammond, with Jefferson’s Response, [20–27 May 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his respectful Compliments to The Secretary of State. He has perused with as much care and attention as time has permitted the draft of a letter in answer to that of Mr. Hammond of March 5th. Much strong ground has been taken, and strongly maintained, particularly in relation to— And many of the suggestions of the British Minister concerning particular acts and...
94To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, with Jefferson’s Comment, 19 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to The Secretary of State requests him to name some hour tomorrow forenoon when it will be convenient for him to receive at his house the Secry. of the Treasury and Attorney General on the subject of the sinking fund . [ Note by TJ at foot of text: ] This was to dispose of 50,000 Doll. in the purchase of paper. It was agreed to repeat the...
95To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, With Jefferson’s Comment, 19 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have run over the four numbers of Genl. Green’s letters to Congress—herewith returned—and find nothing contained in them, unmarked by you, which ought, in my opinion, to be with held from the Public. Even those of the 3d. of Novr. 1780, tho’ quite unnecessary, might pass with an explanatory note on the then value of our paper currency. It probably is best to [leave] out the scored part of...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, with Jefferson’s Note, 28 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President requests the Secretary of State to call upon him this morning as he goes to the War Office so as to give him about 10 or 15 minutes conversation. [ Note by TJ: ] This was to consult about the premature nomination of Judge Patterson. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 28 Feb. 1793. On 16 Jan. 1793 Thomas...
97From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, with Randolph’s Reply, 12 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to tell me what answer to give to the interrogatory in the last sentence of this letter? [ Reply by Randolph: ] I do not see any absolute, or indeed probably necessity for the ancient treaties. But I am not certain, that it may not be satisfactory to have those, made with the state governments; since some of the commissioners are new in this kind of business; and might...
98Enclosure: Stephen Hallet’s Description of His New Plan for the Capitol, [ca. 15 March 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Succinct description of a new Plan of a Capitol by Mr. Hallet. The principal front is in a direct line of 320. feet in length, having in the middle a circular projection of 105. feet diameter, very nearly of the proportions of the Pantheon, and crowned in the same taste, the same Cornish, surmounted by a balustrade, crowns the whole edifice which is proposed to be covered in terrasses. The...
99To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President approves of the enclosed draft of a letter to Mr. Morris—and wishes to know if there is any opportunity of sending it directly, as he thinks it would be best for him to send the one for Made. la fayette, to Mr. Morris at the same time, knowing that she is in France. [ Note by TJ: ] This was the letter of Mar. 15. 93. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The...
100To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 20 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns the enclosed draft of a letter to Mr. Pinckney, the contents of which meet his approbation. The President will thank Mr. Jefferson to send him a map of the Federal City, if he has any by him. [ Note by TJ: ] The above was the letter of Mar. 16. 93. to Mr. Pinckney. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear, except for note by TJ at foot of first page below dateline; second...