1From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received authority from the Legislature , to provide cloathing and blankets for the troops by seizing the same which will be accompanied by endeavors to purchase. Agents are out procuring salted beef and others setting out to procure pork in as large quantities as they are to be had to be stored on the Roanoke and its navigable waters. Ten thousand barrels of flour will certainly be...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed came to hand this moment. As I make no doubt it communicates what was mentioned in a letter from the Marquis to me received at the same time, I shall not trouble you with it. Scows which the Marquis desires for the transportation of cannon cannot venture into the wide waters over which they will be to be transported, as I apprehend. Flats (which abound in York river) are the best...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An Officer from Cumberland having called on me this morning to direct what should be done with his unarmed Men, I took the Liberty by him of stating to you the order in which I thought the Militia should be discharged. I did this hastily while he was waiting and must now on more mature Reflection beg leave to correct in some Degree what I then wrote and to take up the whole subject. Fauquier,...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Lawson writes me word that he can march 1000 men to-day or to-morrow to reinforce Genl. Greene if he can be aided with arms. I inclosed you yesterday a letter from Colo. Banister informing me there were 400 good Continental arms at Petersburg, of which he seemed to wish about 150. The state stock being already exhausted, I could only inform Genl. Lawson that I would take the liberty of...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a confirmation of the arrival of a hostile fleet consisting of 19 ships, 2 brigs, and 10 sloops and schooners. The advance of the fleet were yesterday morning in Warrasqueak bay, and just getting into motion up the river with a favorable wind and tide. Their destination from the intelligence of deserters and some captured mariners whom they put on shore is some...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Loyall from the post at the North west Bridge representing to me that about 400 of the militia of Princess Anne and Norfolk are embodied, that they annoy the enemy considerably, restraining their foraging parties, and checking their motions (which latter circumstance is confirmed by letter from Genl. Lawson) but that they are dispirited for want of some communication with the main army on...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As you have been so kind as to remain here, among other purposes, for that of organizing our troops meant to be forwarded to the south, I beg leave to inclose to you a resolution of the Executive of this State, entered into previous to your arrival here appropriating such of the men as were before unappropriated to any particular corps, and directing in what manner they shou’d be officered. I...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a report from Mr. Ross of the Cloathing provided and his prospect of further provision. The procuring Hats or leather Caps still appears desperate, so that unless some substitute can be thought of I know not what will be done. There are no Hats I am told among the Cloathing come from the Northward. I wrote you that after having called certain numbers from Washington, Montgomery,...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence that Ld. Cornwallis continues his rapid approach and there is reason to beleive he was at Roanoke on the 14th. This information is not authentic, yet it comes in such manner as to command some attention. I have therefore thought it expedient to order every Man of the Counties of Powhatan, Cumberland, Amelia, Lunenburg and Brunswick who has a firelock or...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 4 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been just honored with your favor of Yesterday expressing your Opinion that it will be for the general good to dispense with the services of the Corps under Genl. Lawson; and take the Liberty of putting under cover to you my Letter to General Lawson desiring him to give them a discharge. The Diversion of their Services to an object different from that to which they had attached their...
11From 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...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The State commissary having come to me yesterday I sent him on to your Headquarters to provide subsistence for the troops and observe your orders in every thing. A waggon load of fixed ammunition and two feild peices have past this place for General Nelson. The residue (I beleive about two waggon loads) was ordered on to you yesterday. I am very happy to hear you have General Smallwood’s...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you below a List of the Counties which were called on to make a part of the 4000 men for this invasion, tho’ they were called into the field on the last invasion also. As your reduction of the 4000 to 2700 will enable you to discharge some of those Counties, I think it would be best that these below mentioned should be first discharged. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Southern express sets out to day. As you will probably have commands for him I will order him to call on you if you will be so good as to say at what hour. I should be exceedingly glad if by the return of the expresses (for the business which sets them in motion requires a return) I could through your means procure an accurate return of the Virginia troops in the South stating their times...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Brigadr. Genl. Lawson now waits on you for the purpose of informing you of the state of his corps. I would have done myself the pleasure of introducing him to you personally, but am engaged in the council chamber and shall be so till three o’clock. When yourself and Genl. Lawson shall have settled those essential wants without which his corps cannot proceed I shall be happy to do every thing...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letter contains the first notification the Executive have received of the existence of any such cases as that of Lieut. Warm[an] therin stated. Exclusive of the justice of his claim, the express reserva[tion] by the board of Officers of the rights of all those in his situation, seems to place him on the footing on which he would have been, had his Commission been actually made out...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
That the reformation of the troops of the Continent and State now on hand may be complete, I beg leave to inclose you a return of Col. Taylors regiment of guards. They are enlisted most of them to serve only during the continuance of the Saratoga troops in Albemarle. Their numbers being two hundred thirty eight, non-commission’d and private, I suppose they should be reduced to four companies...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Shirts had been ordered for Colo. Armand’s Corps on your former requisition. These I believe are ready. They are ordered to be delivered to Majr. Lomagn ’s order. We have not a single article of the others enumerated in his list of necessaries wanted. We could therefore only undertake to him to furnish money to the Continental Quarter Master or any other proper person to procure them if this...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 14 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 12th. and 13th. are now before me. They are in some measure answered by some marginal notes on the several articles in a paper delivered me by Majr. Walker . If there be any state arms, fit for use, and still undelivered they are so few, that we may consider them as nothing. I should therefore think it proper to discharge so many militia as cannot be furnished with arms. My...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the inclosed letter last night and took the liberty of informing Colo. Loyauté that I would let you know of the offer of his services and that he is here, as you could best judge in what line they might be useful. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir your most obedt. sert., RC ( NHi ); endorsed. Enclosure not found. On Loyaute (variously spelled), see R. H. Lee to TJ, 11...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a Copy of a requisition I have received this morning from Lt. Colo. Lee. With respect to cloathing for so many of his Legion as were raised in other States and consequently not credited to us in our Continental quota we do not conceive the call on us to be proper; as it is totally unprecedented for the troops of one State to be clothed by another, nor does our condition or...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed about a week ago that the troops nearest to the enemy’s lines were much in want of ammunition waggons I have had two made ready, which are now sent to your orders. I think it was Genl. Lawson particularly who applied for these waggons. I have the honour to be with much esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. humble servt., RC ( PHi ); addressed by TJ: “The honble. Majr....
24From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I make no doubt from what passed in council in your presence you were led to beleive as I was that I should be advised to impress immediately all armed vessels in James river to cooperate with the French force. The board however decide against an impress, so that I am only to endeavor to engage the willing. I mention this to you that nothing more may be expected than is likely to be obtained...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Scott having obtained Permission from the Commandant at Charles Town for the shipping of Tobaccos from this State to that Post for the Relief of the Continental Troops there of our Line, sent me a Copy of that Permission taken by his Brigade Major. This Paper not being sufficiently authentic to protect from capture Vessels which should go laden with Tobacco’s, I wrote to Major General...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners in Albemarle were ordered to be removed immediately giving them time only to pack their baggage that it might follow them in waggons. Those taken at the Cowpens which were at New London on the 14th. inst. were likewise ordered Northwardly by the way of Staunton keeping above the Blue ridge while the Conventioners pass below it. These orders were issued at the same time with those...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night your favor of yesterday; and shall immediately dispatch an express to Genl. Weedon and recommend to him to attend to the measures necessary for the preservation of Mr. Hunter’s works. I have heard that he has with difficulty armed some four or five hundred men and means with them to join Genl. Nelson. I am really at a loss what to advise him. If he comes away with that...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my other letter of this date, yours of to day is come to hand. I take the liberty of inclosing to you an extract from a letter I wrote Genl. Weedon on the subject of Colo. Curie which I suppose had not been communicated to Genl. Phillips at the date of his letter. Colo. Holmes at Winchester is the Continental Commissary of Prisoners in this State, who I dare say can make a return...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Arnold having left in the hands of Mr. Buchanan of this place twenty Guineas for purposes not approved of by us I am to beg leave to trouble you with the ordering it to be returned by flag. I am with great respect Sir Your mo: ob: hble. Servant, RC ( NHi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; addressed to Steuben, but without indication of place; endorsed. FC ( Vi ). Nothing else is known...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of forwarding you by express the inclosed Dispatches. I send off immediately proper orders for providing the Pilots to be furnished the Commanding officer of the French Squadron who is to forward them up the Bay. General Washington says he writes to you on the Subject of Militia, Magazines &c. I shall be glad to receive any advices on those Heads which may require my...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have thought myself very unfortunate in missing of you for two days tho’ riding over the same ground on which you were. On my arrival here I was informed you were at Ampthill and was setting out there when a gentleman came who assured me you were at Ozborne’s, and having rode thirty miles thro’ the rain have not resolution enough to undertake to go to Ozborne’s, this evening. I received your...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 8th. instant and am sorry to find that this distressing flag is not yet off our Hands. I sincerely wish that by the perplexities she has introduced, she may not be more effectually working for our Enemies than if she had pursued their original Purpose. This can only be avoided by candid explanation and dispassionate Judgment. The line of Conduct which the...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Genl. Weedon which I suppose will inform you, as he did me, that he has between 6 and 700 men embodied, and expects 500 more in the course of this week from the Western side of the Blue ridge. By a letter of the 16th from Genl. Nelson he informs me he has ordered the Louisa militia (about 150) to turn off to Fredericksburg. They were not called on at all, so that...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday by Colo. Loyauté. General Weedon to whom the care of the works at Fredericksburg had been committed being now at Hanover Court-house I have referred Colo. Loyauté to him, and given them authority to make use of the brass canon Howitzers or Mortars at New Castle if they can use them, for they are unmounted. I heard in the same instant that 744 riflemen...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters No. 1. are this moment come to hand. The public stores at this place are almost wholly removed and by this evening will be as high as the Manakin town ferry. The heavy cannon are still here. I understand the Henrico militia will be in to day. I believe I mentioned in my letter of this morning that those of Powhatan would be at Manchester to day, with a part of Capt....
36From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of this morning on the subject of finding where the arms have been sent and having them put into the hands of the militia I have this moment received. I think most of these arms have been sent off in different directions by the orders of Colo. Davies who I beleive therefore to be best acquainted with their situation. If I did not misunderstand him to-day he has accordingly directed...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2[6] April [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
One half the Cumberland militia and of those of Amelia were ordered down. Some of the former are come in. I have ordered them to go to you, but what should be done with such of them as have no arms I think doubtful. We have found by experience that the men of those counties where the enemy are, cannot be kept in the field. They desert and carry off their arms. It also seems reasonable that...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you herewith a state of the militia required to come into the feild in which is not comprehended any at present there, except those of Culpeper who having passed Hanover Court house about the 10th. are supposed to have joined Genl. Muhlenberg some time ago. We are endeavoring to get our militia to the fixed term of two months in the field with a right to retain them one week longer...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to the letter of the 29th instant , with which you were pleased to honour me on the Subject of Artificers, we are enabled to do nothing further than to say that if you think proper to order the Continental D.Q.M. to engage the Artificers we will use our endeavours to furnish him with money debiting Congress therewith. You will be pleased to observe that the requisitions of Congress...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 3 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was equally surprized and mortified to learn by your letter of yesterday that mine of the day before had not been delivered. The resolution of assembly was put into my hands at two o’clock in the afternoon of Friday. At 7. o’clock I delivered letters to an express for yourself, Genl. Lawson , and Genl. Muhlenberg , with orders to be with you at farthest by an hour by sun on Saturday. I was...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
When we desired the resigned and supernumerary officers to come into command, we took the liberty, after establishing the rules by which they should be given, to ask the favor of you to arrange the Commands accordingly. As the gentlemen are likely to be exposed in action with the enemy, and if taken would have no commissions to produce, circumstances which give them uneasiness, I will ask the...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 15 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night a letter from Genl. Green referring me for particulars to you. However he gives me enough to convince me that reinforcements of Militia must be sent him. I think the most speedy and effectual reinforcement would be the Militia of Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah now encamped below, provided they can be induced to go willingly. The length of their march...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you two letters from Colo. Innes just received. We are in very great anxiety for him. His force we are told is very considerably reduced by desertion, and he has no Cavalry. I make no doubt you see how far it is necessary to send him reinforcements and will order them accordingly. I have no return of the numbers of Militia here. Indeed it is changing every hour by the arrival of...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 31 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received information that 27 sail of vessels, 18 of which were square rigged, were yesterday morning just below Willoughby’s point. No other circumstance being given to conjecture their force or destination, I am only able to dispatch Genl. Nelson into the lower country to take such measures as exigencies may require for the instant, until further information is received...
45[From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, ca. 15 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, ca. 15 Jan. 1781 . Letter not found, but the following clearly elliptical version of it appears in a Virginia Militia Order Book for Dec. Jan. 1781 (ViU-McG): “The Genl. takes this Oppertunity to Inform the Troops before they Separate that he has been honour’d with a letter from his excellency the Governour of which the following is an extract—I beg leave in the behalf of my...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the proposition for exchanging two of the British souldiers for Mr. Hurst and Mr. Locke , on condition that we give Colo. Alligood for Colo. Warner [Warneck]. I am sorry the enemy should annex impossibilities to their proposition, as it seems to throw on us the refusal to exchange. Colo. Alligood has been proposed in exchange for Colo. Matthews , a full colonel...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 1 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received your letter, and have extended Mr. Elliot’s powers to the procuring subsistence for the marching troops. You will perceive by the inclosed resolution of assembly (which was put into my hands about two o’clock to-day) that they doubt whether the time, for which Genl. Lawson’s corps is enlisted, will not be so nearly expired before they reach the scene of action as, under...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad my proclamation has offended Arnold: it proves it to be right. The exchange of the prisoners must await a board of Council, which I doubt having immediately. I will have every thing done which can be done here for providing the deficient clothing. Doctor Pope set out about three days ago for Genl. Muhlenberg’s camp, with powers to employ assistants, so that I hope there will be no...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you extracts from two Letters received from General Weedon. I fear his arrival will be so late as to disturb your plans. I have urged him to expedition and been obliged further to let him know it is not in your power to furnish him arms or Cartouch boxes. You desired us to collect our powder. I trust that if you wish it at any particular place, you will notify it with an appointment...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officers were desired to give notice to the militia when arms were delivered them that no man would ever be discharged till he had returned his arms or given justifiable reasons for not doing it, and this was given out in general orders by the commanding officers. Nothing was said at that time about other stores, but I shall when the order for their discharge is given out, desire that...