1Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 26 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (Virginia State Library). Docketed, “The Delegates July 26th. 1781.” In 1929, when H. R. McIlwaine published this letter in his edition of the Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , Volume III, he stated on page 12 that the original manuscript was among the “Continental Congress Papers, Library of Congress.” The present editors have been unable to find the...
2Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 3 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of a clerk. In the last Letter I wrote to you I mentioned that a Fleet of the Enemy’s Transports with Troops on Board had fallen down from Portsmouth into Hampton Road. They have since moved round into York River and have landed both on the York and Gloucester Shores. The uncertainty we were in with respect to their Intentions had induced the Marquis to...
3Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 5 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (Virginia State Library). Endorsed, “To the Delegates in Congress Octr. 5. 1781.” Since I last wrote, I have received your Favours of Sepr. 11th & 18th. A variety of Causes conspired to prevent a regular Acknowledgment of them, but as we are now Stationary, & have reduced Matters into some order, I shall venture to promise you, that you shall weekly at least receive the Occurences of...
4Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 20 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Docketed: “To the Delegates Octr. 20. 1781 From Gov Nelson Congratulates Delegates on the Capture of York Town & Gloucester & the whole British army at these points yesterday (19th) the whole Garrison marched out and grounded their Arms.” It is with infinite Pleasure I congratulate you on the Reduction of York & Gloucester, & the Capture of the whole British Army...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 2 January 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Zane delivered your Letters to me in this Town, and as I had it not in my power to execute what you desir’d, I gave them to him and desir’d he would negotiate the Bill and transact the other business, which he promis’d to do. Our affairs have had a black appearance for the two last months, but they say the Devil is not so black as he is painted. We have at last turn’d the Tables upon...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was this morning informed that the Enemy had landed. A party of light Horse who was at Kemps landing about break of day on their way to the Great Bridge, which I fear they have taken possession of by this time, there being no Militia collected. I had ordered Capt. Bradley with two four Pounders to that post; but it will not be in his power to defend it with the few Men he had. The Enemy will...
7[To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 22 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Rich Neck, 22 Nov. 1780. In a letter to Gen. Robert Lawson, 24 Nov., TJ reports having received a letter of 22 Nov. from Gen. Nelson enclosing intelligence from Newport News Point that the British fleet lately at Portsmouth “appeared to be standing out for the Capes.” Neither Nelson’s letter nor its enclosure has been found.]
8To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just receiv’d the inclos’d Letter from Wmsburg which gives the best account of the Enemy’s force that I have yet obtain’d. Their intentions are higher up the River, either to Petersburg or Richmond, which they will make a bold push for, if not check’d on their landing. If they discover a determination in the Inhabitants to oppose them, they will [m]ove with caution, and perhaps return...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On my Way here this Evening I received Information that the Enemy had landed their whole Force at Westover, and were marching for Richmond. I have ordered the whole Strength of King Wm., King & Queen, and Gloucester, to rendezvous at Bacon’s Ordinary 6 Miles above New Kent Court House, whence I shall march them as will appear best for the Service. The whole Militia of New Kent are now turning...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am pained to the very Soul that we have not been able to prevent the Return of the Enemy, but even the Elements have conspired to favour them. On Saturday Night I intended a Blow at their Rear, when the Gates of Heaven were opened, and such a Flood of Rain poured down as rendered my Plan abortive by almost drowning the Troops, who were in Bush Tents, and by injuring their Arms and Ammunition...