51To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have been favoured with yours of the 8th Instant. We have the Honour to enclose a Copy of the Paragraph in our Letter of the 18th Ulto to Otis & Henley relative to the Cloathing for Colo. Sheldon’s Regt. The Measures we have been enabled to take for the Equipment of the Cavalry have been very much confined by the situation of the Public Finances which are in so miserable a Condition that we...
52To George Washington from the Board of War, 10 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been duly honored with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 26 Ulto. The Court Martial which is the Subject of it, was ordered by Virtue of the Authority given them in the Inclosed Resolution of Congress, which they would have Transmitted, had they not taken it for granted, that you were regularly furnished with all the Resolutions of Congress relating to the Army. The Board have...
53To George Washington from the Board of War, 4 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
We beg to apologize for omitting the Acknowledgment of your Excellency’s Favour of the 8th of Feby relative to the Ordnance & Stores to be lodged at Fort Pitt. Immediately on reciept of that Letter Orders were given for the provision of the Articles which are now ready to proceed when the roads will admitt. If any offensive Operations are intended in that Quarter we wish to be favoured with...
54To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 3 Mch. 1780 . Capt. Weasy of the vessel from Bermuda awaits a final determination of his case which was submitted to the executive some days ago. He seems to have been influenced by his compassion for the American prisoners of war to come under a flag of truce. It seems proper to allow him the privileges of trade hitherto permitted to the Bermudans by acts of Congress and...
55To George Washington from the Board of War, 28 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d I have given Orders to the Comissy Genl of Military Stores in Consequence. As many Colours as possible shall be provided but until we recieve the Articles from France, of which we have lately had agreeable Accounts, we cannot have the Standards prepared agreeably to the Plan proposed vizt to have two for every regt—one the Standard...
56To George Washington from the Board of War, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to forward returns of Maj. Lee’s Corps, Von Heers Corps, Schots Corps—& of five Companies of the German Regiment, which are all the returns they have, of those requested in your Excellencys favors of the 15th & 18th instant. Col. Armand is now in the City, & is directed to have a return of his Corps prepared; which will be forwarded as soon as finished—but...
57To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a plan of forming the detachment of troops to be sent to South Carolina, with an estimate of camp apparatus needed. This plan proposes augmentation of garrison regiment to man the forts intended to be erected, and retention of part of artillery regiment for a laboratory, which must be established to equip artillery in the field. Two letters are enclosed to...
58To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Col. Wells has purchased pork costing over £340,000 for the use of the troops; he has been furnished about £118,000; for much of the difference he has been obliged to give his private notes, and he says he will have to sell some of the pork to support his credit. The pork must be had for the troops, but the treasury is so low it will not admit of a draft. Northern...
59To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a roster of Col. Marshall’s officers, together with a recommendation of some cadets and others for commissions to complete officers for the corps of artillery, and requests that commissions be issued according to the dates specified. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “Feb. 17th. 1780. The Board Advise that commissions be issued accordingly. Th:...
60To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a letter from Lt. Col. Porterfield stating objections to the new quartermaster’s arrangement; these objections seem proper and will be given consideration if the executive approves. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Feb. 16. 1780. The board approve of giving Colo. Porterfield 200. Dolls. ⅌ month in Addition to the 600 Doll. ⅌ month...
61To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As the removal of the public Boards and Public Shops to Richmond may be Attended with very great inconvenience for the want of houses, The Board recommends to his Excellency the Governor to direct that all the escheated houses in Richmond be purchased for public use. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ).
62To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, [5? February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
A plan for new modelling the Quarter Masters department in this State. The Quarter Master General, taken from the Line, to draw three rations four forages and receive six hundred dollars ⅌ month in Addition to his pay in the Line, be allowed the use of three public horses. Two assistant Quarter Master Generals to draw each one ration two forages and receive four hundred Dollars ⅌ month...
63Board of War to County Lieutenants and Recruiting Agents, 4 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclemency of the season having prevented the officer appointed to review and receive the new recruits raised under the act of Assembly concerning officers, soldiers, sailors, and marines, to perform the duties there prescribed on the days advertised in the gazette of December the 11th . The Board of War have changed the days of general rendezvous in the following manner, viz . At...
64To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 21 January 17[80] (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Jan. 1780 [ misdated 1779 ]. A recent regulation enables captains of artillery in the Continental army to keep horses, which makes boots necessary equipment. A request for boots from the public shops at the reduced price seems reasonable, but, being unusual, the approval of the executive is desired. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 24th. 1780. The...
65To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Jan. 1780. Because of the dissolution of the fourth troop of Nelson’s corps of cavalry, a dispute concerning the lieutenancy of the third troop has arisen between Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Read. It is recommended that the decision be referred to a board of officers “as the most proper Tribunal to determine all military disputes.” Signed by Innes and Barron. Tr in Board of War...
66To George Washington from the Board of War, 14 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been honoured by your Letters of the 11th. We are much obliged by your ready Compliance with our Request contained in our Letter of the 3d & we hope substantial Benefits will acrue from the Measure. Col. Mitchell was pointedly directed to proceed to Camp this Day. We believe he has complied with the Orders ⟨w⟩e gave; if not Nothing shall be wanting on our Part to accelerate his...
67To George Washington from the Board of War, 5 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have the Honour to enclose an Extract of a Letter from Mr Henry of Lancaster on the Subject of Hides whereby we find little good Effect has been produced from the Order you were pleased to give at our Instance for 2,000 to be sent to Philadelphia. The general Account of the Hides in Mr Hatfield’s Care deserves serious Attention & Enquiry as, if it be true, great Mismanagement must appear on...
68To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
We were duly honoured with your Excellency’s Letter on the Subject of Mr Loring’s request for a Quarter Master & a Serjeant or two to proceed to Philadelphia with Cloathing for the Prisoners at this Place. In Consequence we wrote to Congress the Letter a Copy whereof is enclosed. We are directed to take Order in the Bussiness & are of Opinion that the Cloathing should come on attended in such...
69To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Board have a Plan of Intelligence accompanied with some other Matters of which we will hereafter inform your Excellency & which being communicated to a Comittee of Congress has been approved by that Comittee. To carry this plan into Execution we have employed Major Howell late of the 2d Jersey Regt commanded by Col. Shreve. Major Howell desires that, to facilitate the Measures we have...
70To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that the most expeditious measures be immediately adopted, to remove to places of Safety both up James and York river all military Stores of any kind and Sort. That the Garrison Regiment hold itself in readiness to march to York at a momen[ts] warning, Nelsons Corps immediately to proceed to the same place. One third of the Militia of York, Warwick, James City, New Kent and...
71To George Washington from the Board of War, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have received from Colo. Sheldon a letter and return of cloathing for his regt—of the latter a copy is inclosed. The Commissions he requests we shall send him, except his own & capt. Hoogland’s, which will be suspended until their dates are settled by your Excellency. The cloathing demanded being for a complete regiment, upon the expectation of recruiting to the full complement, we declined...
72To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
To the previous general question from the Executive relative to Cap. de Klauman Whether established usage authorizes the transferring a Senior Captain from one Regiment to the Majority of another in preference to a junior Captain of that other. The Board Answer, in continental Service, the Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry are distinct and separate Corps and promotions take place accordingly...
73To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon the application of the Honble the Board of Admiralty we have given them an order to receive of Colo. Stevens the two tons of powder & such of the naval stores and other materials collected at New London for fixing the fireships, as should be wanted for the frigates Trumbull and Bourbon. That board also requested an order for two tons more of powder on the magazine at Springfield; but this...
74To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 17 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 17 Dec. 1779 . Workmen are needed for the next year at the shipyard. The commissioner should attend the sales of British property and purchase Negroes for that purpose instead of hiring them, because the hire is so exorbitant. A pair of sawyers would not cost less than £600 per annum. Signed by Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 18th. 1779. Approved. Th....
75To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . When Col. Travis entered into a contract with Edward H. Moseley to build a ship of war for the state, Moseley refused, after the contract was written, to accede to the terms unless it was stipulated that if the vessel were destroyed by the enemy it would be the state’s loss. Col. Travis agreed, but through haste the stipulation was not entered into the written...
76To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . In Feb. 1779 Mark Talbot agreed with Capt. Maxwell and Col. Travis, commissioners of the navy, to build a vessel of war for the state. Talbot, supposing he had a bad bargain, did not comply with the terms of the contract. When called on in June for delivery, he stated that the enemy had destroyed the vessel, though it appears that timbers for the hull had not been...
77To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . There are three captains, two lieutenants and four cornets in Maj. Nelson’s corps. Two gentlemen are appointed to recruit the quotas of a lieutenant. If they have not done so, they do not belong to the corps of horse, and the officers who have raised their quotas and are now on duty should be the officers of the three troops of horse and should rise according to...
78To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard Barron, commanding officer of the state navy. If necessary, Capt. Barron will convey the ship to a place of safety on the western shore. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 15th. Approved...
79To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 14 Dec. 1779 . After appointment to a majority, De Klauman refused to do duty as a captain and asked Col. Marshall to consider him no longer an officer in his regiment. The vacancy has been filled up. De Klauman, being at this time out of the line of preferment, should share the fate of the regiment to which he was appointed major. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Tr...
80To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11–15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War recommend that a fast sailing Boat be kept as a look out at Smiths Island to give the alarm in Maggoty Bay on the approach of an Enemy; from thence an Express to be sent across the Country to Northampton Court House; the Boat then to proceed to York with the alarm. The Battery at Cheriton to be repaired, and the Guns there remounted immediately for the defence of that Inlet;...
81To George Washington from the Board of War, 10 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Committee of Congress appointed for the purpose having met the board this morning, after a full consideration of the subject, the following route was agreed on for the march of the Virginia troops to South Carolina; viz. Those troops to embark at Trenton with their baggage & proceed to Christeen, & cross to the Head of Elk; there to embark again & proceed down the bay to Williamsburg,...
82To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
We beg leave to inclose to you copies of two letters to Congress from Baron Steuben & Mr Galvan, the originals of which have been referred to this board. Baron Steuben & Baron de Kalb have written to us on the subject of those letters; and we have seen your Excellency’s certificate relative to Mr Galvan. From the whole, as well as from our own observation in repeated conversations, we are...
83To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 1 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We enclose Mr. Dickson’s application to us, to annex a Salary to his Office. Conceiving it out of our Province to say what shall be his allowance, we take liberty to refer the Settlement of that matter, to your Honorable Board. We shall only beg leave to add that the Office of Cloathier is a very laborious and important One, the duties of which we can venture to assure your Excellency, Mr....
84To George Washington from the Board of War, 30 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
By a letter just received from Capt. Starr it appears that many tanners in Connecticut are possessed of public leather, having received hides of the commissaries or officers of the troops which have been stationed in or marched thro’ that state; and that now they offer him in exchange shoes so bad that he is obliged to refuse to take them. They say they will give him better shoes if he will...
85To 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...
86Board of War to Board of Trade, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 20 Nov. 1779 . Approval, with the concurrence of the executive, of the purchase of cloth, to be paid for in part by cannon at the foundry. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 23. 1779. This purchase is approved: paiment to be made in Cannon as above proposed, so far as they will go towards full paiment; the balance to be paid in money as soon as...
87To 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....
88To George Washington from the Board of War, 19 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have the Honour to enclose Copies of the Letters passed between Council & the Board relative to the Pennsilvania Cloathing. By these Enclosures your Excellency will perceive the State of that Bussiness. We beg your Excellency will be pleased to inform the Board of the Number of Troops detached for the Southward under the late resolution of Congress that we may order the Means of...
89To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War have had under Consideration the present State of the Westham Foundery, and several papers to them referred relative to a Contract entered into between Mr. Henry the late Governour in Behalf of this State and Mr. David Ross to take of the said Ross two hundred and fifty tons of iron for the use of the public foundery. Previous to their forming any opinion thereupon, they held...
90To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board, from a variety of circumstances, think it probable that the British army may intend some Offensive operations against this State the ensuing Winter. Not only the exposed position of this Country, and its particular situation so favorable to the plans of predatory warfare, lead them to this opinion, but they are Strengthened in it, by the unsuccessful Attempt on the Savannah, and the...
91To George Washington from the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have the Honour to enclose you Copies of the Proceedings relative to the going in of Generals Philips & Reidesel in which we have endeavored to put the Matter upon as proper a Footing as possible. We suppose the D. Commissary of Prisrs at Elisabeth Town to be furnished with Orders on the former Occasion & therefore we did not give any Directions as from ourselves. We should not have...
92To George Washington from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the Board of War, 13 Nov. 1779 . GW wrote the Board of War on 19 Nov. : “I have duly received your several favors of the 25th of Octbr and the 2d 8th 10th and 13th of this month.”
93To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. It is expedient to establish a small magazine in or near Staunton; Col. Sampson Matthews is to be furnished with money and implements to complete it as soon as possible. Rifles in his care should be repaired and he should have power to sell some arms to defray the expense of repairing the rest, if that seems more expedient than drawing money. He should also be...
94To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Instructions desired as to whether a soldier’s oath on his own behalf concerning his allowance of clothing shall be legal testimony for his compensation. The legislature at its last session elected a commissary of prisoners, who has declined serving, though the law constituting the Board of War vests that power in the Board. The Board proposes electing a proper...
95To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Upon consideration of the resolution of the House of Delegates of 1 Nov., it is recommended that two prison ships be prepared for the reception of prisoners of war and be moored in James River. One ship is now ready. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Griffin. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). 2 p. For the resolution concerning prison ships, see JHD Journal of the...
96To George Washington from the Board of War, 12 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th inst. We have recieved from Genl Knox an Explanation of his Intentions relative to the Clothing for the Artillery. We have never entertained a Doubt of General Knox’s Uprightness of Intention in any Transaction; but as Appearances were we could not avoid mentioning the Matter & we presume it to have been an Oversight for by the...
97To 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.
98To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 11 Nov. 1779 . A statement of the duties of the state clothier. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 15th. 1779. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 2 p.
99To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We inclose to you for your approbation some arrangements which we think necessary to be adopted in the military and Naval departments. In the issuing the several portions of rum sugar Tea, and Coffee we have been regulated totally by the rank and rations of the several Officers, allowing to every rations as by Law directed one jill of Spirits, the other articles we have endeavoured to...
100To George Washington from the Board of War, 10 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of the Requisitions made by General Knox of Military Stores we had ordered all those under our Direction to be put in Motion towards Philadelphia where many have arrived & more are accumulated than can be guarded or conveniently kept from Injury. We have obtained Loans of Powder & Shells from Virginia & Maryland some whereof have arrived but the most considerable Part we believe...