From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Travis, 10 April 1781
To Edward Travis
In Council April 10th. 1781
Sir
I am to ask the favor of you to proceed to examine James and Appomatox Rivers for a swift sailing lookout boat and to treat for such one as you find sailed to that purpose. A vessel equipped for instant Service is what is wanting, and we should be glad to take the Men also into Service, as the Money the Terms of purchase be accordingly.1 Be pleased to report the Terms proposed before you conclude them. I am &c,
T. J.
FC (Vi); at head of text: “Captain Edward Travis.”
1. The copyist here garbled the sense of TJ’s instructions. Perhaps the last clause of this sentence should be omitted entirely.