1From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mitchell or William Lewis, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of the Marquis De La Fayette at York. Whether a Naval Force is come yet or not, I have not heard. I hope this will find you at Hoods with your little Fleet. Should it not I must request you to fall down there immediately with all the vessels. A vessel with some provisions for the Army and other articles goes from hence this evening. Be pleased...
2From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that the several persons whose Services we desire to avail ourselves of on this occasion, wish an authentic assurance of what before I had communicated to you verbally. You are therefore authorized to inform them that their vessels and their Loading shall be ensured by the State, that a reasonable hire shall be paid for their vessels and men, and the usual share of prize and...
3From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 31 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The recess of Congress permits me now to resume the subject of my letter of Aug. 12. and to acknowlege the receipt of your favors of Sept. 14. Nov. 25. and Jan. 1. with respect to British debts and property. It was thought possible then that they might come forward and discuss the interests and questions existing between the two nations; and as we knew they would assail us on the subject of...
4From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 5 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with some degree of shame that I accept the kind offer in your letter of the 1st. inst. However one may sometimes do for the public what they would not do for themselves. I therefore send you our whole collection of loose laws, to be filled up as you propose. I would beg that the copying of your index or any other writing in the business may be sent to be done at my office so as to take...
5From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 4 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having been found necessary to engage voluntarily or to impress all the armed vessels of private property which can be had immediately, together with their crews, arms &c., and the crews of other vessels as far as necessary to man these, you will be pleased to take such of them as are lying at Ozbornes; and fall down immediately to Hood’s, taking with you such other of the said vessels as...
6From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 18 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written to Capt. Mitchell about having the Vessels and property valued. I hope you will be able to find judicious persons convenient, to do it. Being unacquainted in the neighborhood of Hoods, I am unable to point them out. I have also inclosed him an order for a hogshead of Spirits out of a vessel which left this place yesterday. I took for granted Mr. Brown had provided in the most...
7From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 11 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot certainly say that any Vessels which may have gone down will not get out, but I hope they will not. The Dispatches which I sent to the French Commodore were by Capt. Maxwell. The Commodore having gone to cruize out of the Capes, the British had ventured out of Elizabeth river and were near taking Capt. Maxwell, which prevented my letter being conveyed to the Commodore at that time. I...
8George Twyman to Nicholas Lewis and Isaac Davis, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 20–28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Sixth of October last I Delivered to Mr. Joseph Hawkins Comasery at the Barracks 139 ℔ of mutten at 4. Dollars pr. pound, which I agree’d with him for a few Days before, for which I took a receit of Mr. John Tomas his assistant, Mr. Hawkins being some-where about The Store. I wated with patience as no money was to be had, and between the 5th. and 10th. March notis was given For Every body...
9From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Arrival of a British fleet and reinforcement having occasioned a discontinuance of those purposes for which the armed vessels were impressed, I have asked the favor of Capt. Mitchell to proceed to their discharge, excepting only the vessels having military stores on board and provisions. You will be so good as to see that the Ammunition &c. and other things of public property which have...
10Commission to William Lewis, [4 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Know you that from the special trust and confidence which is reposed in your fidelity, courage, activity and good conduct, our Governour with the advice of the Council of state doth hereby constitute and appoint you the said William Lewis a captain of an armed vessel in the service of this Commonwealth so long as you shall remain within the bays, rivers or other waters of this Commonwealth. In...