961To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 27 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer hereof is Col. Ternan of armand’s Legion. As an intimate friend of mine, I beg leave to introduce him to the honour of your acquaintance. His hobby-horse is like mine, natural history; But speaks also very well upon Every other subjects, so as to mistake them for so many hobby-horses. I Recommend him to the fate every man of merit meets with at monte-cielo . I have been obliged to...
962To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Mch. 1780 . Submits for approval a requisition from the Board of War for clothing for 60 volunteers of the S.G.R. for the expedition to Carolina; 132 non-commissioned officers and privates, viz.: 126 hats, 50 uniform coats, 50 vests, 219 shirts, 219 pairs of shoes, 264 overalls, 132 stocks, 132 knee garters. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p. It appears from TJ’s...
963To Thomas Jefferson from the Committee of Congress at Headquarters, 19 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We inclose you a copy of General Washingtons letter to us of this day (see page 214). We have in our former letters dwelt so forcibly on the several matters contained in the generals letter, that it is now become almost unnecessary for us to say any thing more on them . But when we consider the season for operation wears fast away; the small force we now have in the field, being still fed in a...
964From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 2 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was two days ago honoured with your Letter and that of General Washington on the same Subject. I immediately transmitted by Express the one accompanying it to the Commanding Officer of the Naval Force of his Most Christian Majesty in our Bay, and took measures for providing pilots. Baron Steuben will communicate to you the Arrangements he proposes, which I shall have the pleasure of...
965To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send by permission and with proper passports of General Washington Captain Gerlach, Deputy Quartermaster General of his Serene Highness the Duke of Brunswic troops, to Lieutenant Colonel de Mengen with Money, great and small Uniforms, and refreshments for the said Troops together with some baggage for the Officers: He has my orders to deliver himself the money into the hands of Lieutenant...
966From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As it will be necessary that every Proposition relating to the trading Department should in future be referred to you, I take the Liberty of inclosing the within extract to you. I am to desire with Respect to this as well as every other one to be sent you hereafter that you will not consider our Transmission of them as ever amounting to a Recommendation to enter into Treaty on them. If you...
967To Thomas Jefferson from Matthew Pope, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Without place, 2 Apr. 1781 . Is at a loss to know how to make out his account to present to the auditors “owing to the several different Orders he has had the Honour to receive from the Board.” As things now stand, he would be justified in charging 350 ℔s. of tobacco a day for his services, but that is “more than he expects or desires.” “He begs leave to repeat or rather explain his meaning in...
968From 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...
969From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board has considered your request that they should make an Enquiry into your Conduct as Commissioner of the War Office. No Complaint having been lodged with them on the Subject, No Prosecutor offering himself, no Witnesses pointed out, nor even Charges specifyed, they do not know that they can with either propriety or practicability enter on such an enquiry; the more especially as they...
970To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from Mr. Loring British Commissary of Prisoners to our Commissary of prisoners respecting the measures which have been taken in the Care of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton and the enemys intentions of retaliation in Consequence. By this your Excellency will be able to Judge how far it may be expedient to relax in the present...
971To Thomas Jefferson from James Barron, 20 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday Morning twelve large Ships Came within the Capes and Anchord, Sent up one Frigate this Morning under English Colours, Which proves them to be a British fleet. The Frigate lays Now in Hampton road with Arnolds Ships. The other Ships are still in the Bay at Anchor. I take them all to be Menawar And No transports Among them. I Have the Honour, to be Sir Yr. Excellencys Mo. Obed. Hble...
972To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Carrington, 30 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the Honor to attend at the Door of the Council Chamber yesterday with a view of Conferring with the Executive on the subject of purchasing the necessary Horses wanted from this State for the southern Army, but as I could not gain Admittance immediately, my business in other respects would not admit of my waiting. I now take the liberty of troubling your Excellency with my thoughts...
973To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Armstead waits on your Excellency for the purpose of Carrying into Effect an Exchange of some prisoners he will have the honor of naming. If your Excellency approves the measure I shall endeavour to Carry it into Execution. I have at this time a Flag sent to the British with proposals to Exchange the Volunteers taken at Charles City Court House, for an equal number of Marines taken at...
974To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 22 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I, being inform’d that the post is to set out in an hour, have just left the committee appointed to prepare a form of government to give you a summary of their proceeding. The inclosed printed plan was drawn by Colo. G. Mason and by him laid before the committee. They proceeded to examine it clause by clause, and have made such alterations as you will observe by examining the printed copy and...
975From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [ca. 1 April 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Horseley enlisted for 2 years in a company raised in this county for one of the Virga. battal’s of 1775. In the winter now past, and before his time was out, he was unfortunate enough to desert from the service. Having had lesure to repent he some time ago made application to me through a third person to advise him what to do. I let him know that (his life being forfeited) there was...
976To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We are Just informd from Genl. Varnum a Member now in Congress from Rhode Island that he has received Certain Intelligence that the Culloden of 74 Guns is drove on Shore and all her Crew except 17 men Perishd. The London of 90 Guns is driven out to Sea dismasted and two other 64 Gun Men of War Were dismasted entirely and all their Guns thrown over board in the late storm. Since writing the...
977To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 18 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a resolution of Congress stating that Col. [William] Davies cannot “exercise a civil Appointment while he retains his Rank in the Army.” Postscript: “I have been honoured with your several Despatches of the 26, 28, and 31. of March and 7th. Instant.” RC ( CtY ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington. Address leaf of RC is in Vi , franked by Huntington...
978To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 17 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Intelligence contained in the enclosed Copy of a Letter just received from General Washington is of such a Nature, I have thought proper to transmit the same to your Excellency by Express. Your several Dispatches of the 26. Ulto. 3d, 7. and 10. Instant have been duly received. I have the Honor to be &c &c, FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15). At foot of text: “N.B. Similar Letters, excepting the last...
979From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a duplicate of a Letter to Evan Baker to furnish supplies to your post, which perhaps you have an opportunity of forwarding, also Letters extending the powers of the commissioners of the provision law for the counties of Albemarle, Orange, Culpepper, Louisa, Fluvanna, Buckingham, and Amherst to wheat and flour of the present crop, and of those for the counties of Bedford,...
980From 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...
981From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, [June? 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The dignity and stability of government in all its branches, the morals of the people, and every blessing of society, depend so much upon an upright and skilful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that. The judges, therefore,...
982From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [18 April 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Mr. Strother Jones , son of Mr. Gabriel Jones of Augusta is now about to set out for the Continental army, where he wishes to be so placed as to gain military knolege. An offer of being Aid de camp to Brigadr. Genl. Stephens he thought himself in delicacy obliged to decline, on account of some misunderstanding which had subsisted between that gentleman and his father, tho otherwise...
983From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 9 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Governor Nash with the articles of Capitulation entered into between Generals Lincoln and Clinton, having just come to hand I beg leave to communicate them to the General assembly. I am with great esteem & respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC ). Endorsed by John Beckley: “Governors Letter June 9th: 1780. enclosing Govr: Nashs Letter of 30th....
984To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 30 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the Pleasure of receiving your Letter till I was setting out on my Journey to Mannsfield, which I did not finish in less than 4. Weeks. Had not this been the case, you should before this have received my Acknowledgement of the Receipt of [that] Letter, with many Thanks for the friendly Sentiments it contained; and of the [obli]gations I think myself under to the executive for the...
985From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having cause to entertain doubts from several Letters transmitted me, whether Mr. Jno. Dodge who was appointed to conduct a commerce with the Indians on behalf of this state has not been guilty of gross misapplication or mismanagement of what has been confided to him and the distance between him and us rendering it impracticable to call the examination before ourselves, you are hereby...
986From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before the General assembly the enclosed letter and memorial from the Consul of his most Christian majesty in this state. That gentleman’s letters of appointment came to hand soon after the date of my letter to you on the same subject . MS not located. Extract printed from Anderson Auction Co. sale catalogue, 10 Jan. 1908 (Henry Goldsmith Sale), lot 134, a one-page...
987To Thomas Jefferson from La Villebrune, 12 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai Recu La Lettre que Votre Excellence Ma fait L’honneur De M’Ecrire Le 8 De ce mois avec La Copie De Sa Lettre à M. Le Cher. De La Luzerne. Je ne peu asse vous Remercier de L’interet que Vous avés bien Voulu prendre pour faire Terminer L’objet en contestation avec M. Le Gros. J’ai fait Choix de M. Pringle comme arbitre Dans cette affaire, et J’ai Lieu de penser grace a vos bons offices...
988To Thomas Jefferson from Mann Page, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This Morning Lieutenant Henry Bell of the third Regiment of Dragoons came to my House with an armed Force, and under your Impress Warrant, granted to Genl. Greene, upon his crossing Dan River, demanded an Entrance into my Stables. I informed him that your Warrant was designed to extend only to those Counties which were then contiguous to the Enemy, and ought not now to be executed in these...
989From Thomas Jefferson to Sir John Peyton, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your letter of the 3d. instant desiring a suspension of the Draught law. I have at present no Council before whom I can lay it, but as the same Application had been made before by Colo. Page, and had been declined by the Council on the general principle that the suspending Power given them was intended to be exercised only where such a proportion of Militia had been...
990To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Smith, 30 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 30 July 1779 . Quotes extracts from memorials to Congress from the French minister, Gérard, dated 26 and 28 July, demanding protection for M. Holker, the French consul, whose efforts to obtain provisions for the King’s fleet have been publicly protested and interfered with by a committee of Philadelphia citizens. Smith then adds: “Thus, Sir, you see the good Effects of Committees...
991From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclosed to Genl. Phillips a passport for the British flag vessel the Genl. Riedesel and delivered it to Captn. Jones who called on me for that purpose by order of Major General Baron Steuben and was to have accompanied the vessel to and from her port of Destination. The movements of the enemy and uncertainty where Genl. Phillips was then to be found delayed his going till you had arrived. I...
992From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of the General assembly of Pennsylvania with President Reid’s letter came to hand by yesterday’s post. I now do myself the pleasure of transmitting them to the assembly, and of assuring you that I am with the greatest esteem Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed in TJ’s hand. Endorsed: “Governors Letter enclosing Pennsylvania Assembly’s...
993To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, Enclosing a Resolution of Congress, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed answering your favor of the 7th Instant until I could obtain the sense of Congress on the matter it contains. I conceive it hardly possible while the british Cruizers retain their present Station for you to elude their vigilance in either of the Ships offered to your choice. This concurring with the late advices from England, has induced Congress to pass the enclosed Resolution....
994To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I informed your Excellency in a previous Letter of the Marquis de la Fayettes order to me to assemble a defence in this Quarter for the protection of Potowmac. This Business will be attended with much difficulty as to Arms. I have this day received a Letter from the Board of War in Phila. advising that 1100 Stand had sett off before the date of that Letter 1st. Instant. I had heard of them 8...
995From Thomas Jefferson to Oliver Towles, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The same very disagreable Intelligence which you have been pleased to communicate to me of the operations of our savage Enemy on Patowmac has come to hand from several Parts of that River. Colo. Skinker particularly had written on the subject of Arms. The Order I inclosed him tardy as the supply may be is the utmost it is in our power to do. From his letter we are to judge about a third of his...
996To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
997To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 6 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered to your Excellency by Mr. Grieve , who goes to America with a View of establishing himself in the State of Virginia, where he has also some Business in which your Countenance and Protection may be of great Service to him. I beg leave to recommend him to you as a Gentleman, who has always been a Steady and serviceable Friend to our glorious Cause, and who will I doubt not...
998From Thomas Jefferson to Anthony Walton White, 24 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Information was sent to me by Colo. Buford of some malversations by Epaphroditus Rudder a Cornet in your Regiment as to a Horse of public Property which called for public notice. As he was said to be at that time at Manchester, I communicated it to Colo. Davies and desired him to institute proper Proceedings to bring him to Justice. Since this I learn that you are in this neighbourhood. I...
999From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Magill, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of Southern affairs having become very interesting to this State, I am to desire the favor of you to proceed without delay to the head Quarters of Genl. Greene, to remain there or at any other place, from which you shall think the best intelligence may be obtained. You will be pleased to communicate to me the interesting movements of both Armies, the calls which shall be made on...
1000From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It being absolutely necessary to send an immediate Reinforcement of Militia to General Muhlenburg’s Camp, I am to desire you without Delay to send effective men from your County to him. I will assure you that they shall be detained but a few Days, which considering the Shortness of Time they were out on the last Call will not more than make their Times of Service equal to those of the other...
1001To Thomas Jefferson from Duncan Rose, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Col. Banister’s, 16 Jan. 1781. Has obtained material for shirts requested by Steuben and is having them made up; will pay for them out of a balance due him from the auditors; payment may be delayed until convenient. Has been informed that “the Present Emission of our Currency has been destroy’d by the Enemy on their late excursion to Richmond”; should the report be false, requests that the...
1002From Thomas Jefferson to Certain County Magistrates, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Brown who is principally entrusted with the execution of the provision law was some time ago instructed to appoint a Deputy in each County, who among other articles of Duty should be directed to receive the Waggon to be furnished by his County under the Act of Assembly for supplying the Army with Clothes, Provisions, and Waggons. He informs the Board that many of those appointments...
1003To Thomas Jefferson from George Gibson, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. ultimo did not come to hand before the 3rd. Inst. From its being folded into a small size or from the carelessness of the Bearer, it was found thrust in a letter from Your Excellency to A Gentleman of Dinwiddie County. I now do myself the Honor to transmit you a Return of the 1st Virginia State Regiment together with the Arms accoutrements Field equipage, Waggons, &c....
1004From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Letter on the subject of the backwardness of the militia of Berkeley and Frederic to proceed Westwardly and had before received representations from the Counties. This circumstance was the more mortifying as we were informed from various quarters that should we persist in the order it would produce an open disobedience. Many Circumstances concurred to render it prudent to avoid...
1005To Thomas Jefferson from the Commissioners of the Specific Tax in Essex County, [after 16 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 6th of Septr. requisting a delivery of the Tobacco Notes in our Hands of the Specific Tax, came to hand the 16th. of October. The bearers Name not being specified, in the Letter, we were unable to tell by whom it was sent, or to whom the Notes were to be delivered; fortunate for us, that it did not in its slow conveyance, get into the hands of some of our public plunderers,...
1006From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Tazewell, 30 September 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The unhappy circumstances which have abstracted me from all business during the preceding summer will I hope apologize for my being so late in acknowleging the receipt of your letter of June 8. on the subject of the papers in the case of Kennon’s trustees. I have copies [of the] Bill, Mr. Kennon’s answer, Mr. Wayles and Hardyman’s joint answer, the separate answer of Acrill, the joint one of...
1007From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 12 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The bill for draughting the militia of the several counties is not yet passed: however, from what I have heard of it’s contents, it will not give the Executive a power to commute the demands for infantry into cavalry. Perhaps it would not be prudent to do so, because Genl. Washington (who knows best what he wants) has called for infantry, not cavalry, because it is very doubtful whether...
1008From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 10 Jan. 1781. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to George Washington of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 4 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr. Jefferson Jany 10. 1781 Read 18. Referred to board of war”; MS mutilated. Tr ( DLC ); in an unidentified hand, with signature and the following caption in TJ’s hand: “Letters from Th:...
1009To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, enclosing Jefferson’s Appointment as a Peace Commissioner, 13 November … (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a resolution of Congress, appointing you one of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negociating a peace. I rejoice in this fresh proof of their confidence in your Virtue and abilities. The sacrifices you have heretofore made to the interests of your Country, induce me to hope that you will suffer no personal consideration to prevent their being employed in its...
1010From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council Mr. Griffin’s letter recommending the annexation of the cavalry of this state proceeding to the South-ward to the regiment you are to command. But as our act of assembly has made them an independant corps we think we have no power to consolidate them with any other. Considering however the right of command which will result to yourself as a superior officer...