11To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, 8 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A most horrid Conspiracy amongst the Tories in this Country being providentialy discovered about ten Days ago obliged me Not only to raise the militia of the County but to ca[ll] for so large a Number from the Counties of Washington and Botetourt that there are upwards of four hundred men now on Duty exclusive of a Party which I hear Col. Lynch marched from Bedford towards the Mines yesterday....
12To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Carter Just now delivered me your Excellency’s Letter with the other Papers for this County committed to his Care. I shall do all in my Power to comply with the Instructions I have received, as well as the Acts of Assembly; but I am doubtful it will be sometime before I can attempt it. Lord Cornwallis with his Army having proceeded so far into the State of North Carolina that the Militia...
13From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, William Christian, and Joseph Martin, 24 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In Execution of the within resolution of Assembly you are hereby authorized whenever a proper Occasion shall present itself to meet with Commissioners from the State of North Carolina to treat with the Cherokee Indians on the Subject of Peace. I have taken the liberty of recommending to his Excellency the Governor of North Carolina to make an Appointment of such Commissioners on his part and...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday I received your Excellency’s Letter with other Papers by Wheeling the Messenger. I was then on my Way from Montgomery Court House where I had called a meeting of the Officers and Magistrates in order to lay off the County into Districts agreeable to the act of Assembly for raising Troops for the Continental Army; And as I had but Just parted with several of the Officers and Justices...
15To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed I have sent your Excellency a return of the militia of this county, according to the lists delivered by the captains a few days past. I expect the number will encrease fast, as many people have removed and are removing from the troubles of the Southern states, to take shelter here for a time, until the storm blows over. This induces me to hope that your Excellency will order this...
16From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13th. is come duly to Hand. We consent to the dividing your Militia into two battalions and will send you Commissions for a second Set of field Officers whenever you will forward to me the Courts Recommendations. Having been obliged by a movement of the Enemy up James River to pack up all our papers for removal, I am unable to send you the blank Commissions desired. They...