51From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 16 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall be exceedingly glad to hear the British division is gone, as their presence gives uneasiness. I hope the waggons will come in as you expect. Your orders for receiving the forage of the Officers and repaying them specifically are approved as being perfectly just. We wish in every possible circumstance to lighten the inconveniences which will attend their removal, a measure which we...
52From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 25 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Dragoon did not get here till last night. I this day submitted the matter as to the horses of the exchanged officers to the House of Delegates informing them that I had no doubt but Genl. Washington would take the proper measures as to those purchased since the Convention, but as an express was this day setting out with dispatches to him, I would mention the matter to him specially unless...
53To George Washington from Colonel James Wood, 7 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Removal of the British Troops from the State of Virginia to Maryland, has Occasioned my being here, in Order to make Some Provision for the Troops who are On their March. their Destination is not yet Determined, but hope it will be today as the Matter is Depending before the Assembly: there is as Yet no Provision made for them, an empty Treasury and the Execution entirely without Powers,...
54From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 7th instant from Annapolis and write an answer, tho I hardly know by what route to send it to you. The post at the barracks shall be duly attended to. I had a Letter from Colo. Taylor the other day when all was well and he mentions no apprehension of want. With respect to that part of the troops which are gone to Maryland we thought it right to lend all possible...
55To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 20 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Frederick Town [ Frederick, Md. ], 20 Dec. 1780 . Capt. [Edmund] Read of the light dragoons representing his troop to be unfit for duty for want of clothing and accouterments has been permitted to go to Richmond in order, if possible, to get them equipped. Lt. [George] Brent’s resignation has been accepted, and his vacant commission must now be filled up. “I am under the Disagreeable Necessity...
56To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 31 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I returned to this Post Two Days Ago from Maryland, where I left the British Troops tollerably well Accomodated. I make no Doubt you have Received before this a Requisition from the State of Maryland, for a Supply of Beef and Pork for the Troops, as the Scarcity of those Articles are so great as to Render it impossible to procure more than three weeks allowance from this time. On this Subject...
57From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy having returned from this place and fallen down James River, and the German Prisoners being represented by you to be in a distressed situation for want of covering and food, you will be pleased to march them back again to the barracks in Albemarle. I am Sir Your very humbl. Servt., FC ( Vi ).
58To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot to Ask your Opinion whether the Soldiers of the Regiment of Guards might with Propriety be enlisted into the Continental Service. If so, and Money cou’d be Advanced I make no Doubt but a Considerable part of them wou’d enlist. I am Sir Yr. Excellency’s Very Obt. Servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed. Place of writing assigned on basis of internal evidence.
59From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have no board: the three Members present concur with me in opinion that it would be well to enlist as many of the Regiment of Guards as will engage for the War. The bounty is 2000 dollars. I cannot say whether the Money can shortly be furnished. FC ( Vi ).
60From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters will sufficiently explain to you their object: I shall be much obliged to you to endeavour to negociate the purchase of bills therein proposed with all the expedition you can. It is natural to expect that the demand for such a sum will raise the exchange to a certain degree. We have no right to expect to force the ordinary course of things and must therefore submit to it....
61To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the Return of the German Troops to the Barracks a Great Proportion of the Regiment of Guards Conceive their times of Service from the Tenor of their enlistments are expired. I have never been Able to learn what the Instructions to the Recruiting Officers were, but from their Certificates Granted to the men they have Certainly Acted very improperly. I have Directed Copies of these...
62From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the several Certificates you were pleased to inclose to me. They are very clear that an enlistment to serve untill the prisoners should be removed from Albermarle can by no fair construction be deemed at an end by any occasional crossing of the line with an intention to return. A man is not said to be removed from his residence by taking a journey from it. You...
63From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received information from Genl. Greene that Ld. Cornwallis, maddened by his losses at the Cowpens and George town has burnt his own waggons to enable himself to move with facility and has pressed forward as far as the Moravian towns, Genl. Greene being obliged to retire before him with an inferior force. We are endeavouring to gather a force around him from which I hope he will not...
64From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Ld. Cornwallis’s approaches are so rapid that we know not where they will terminate. He was at Boyd’s ferry on the 14th. inst. Without arms as our Countrymen are there is no safety for the Convention troops but in their removal; you will therefore be pleased to remove them in the instant of receiving this, only allowing them time to pack their baggage that it may follow them in Waggons. As the...
65To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, Enclosing a Petition from Certain Men in Colonel Armand’s Corps, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this Instant Received Your letter of the 18th. Instant, and have given Orders for the immediate March of the Convention Troops, without their Baggage, as we have but a very few Waggons at the Post. The Troops have been Without Meal for Six Days Past, and but a very small Quantity of Beef On hand, so that I foresee the Greatest Difficulty, Indeed an Impossibility of Procuring Provisions by...
66From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We consent to the dividing the Germans between Winchester, Martinsburg and the Berkely springs till further orders as proposed by you. I must get the favor of you to know from Colo. Mingen what sum of money by the fortnight they will have occasion for, and it shall be sent either to the Barracks in Albermarle to any Agent whom they shall leave there to settle their affairs or to their new...
67To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the Honor of Writing you the 20th. Instant I have been informed that there is a Number of Prisoners of War at Winchester, that Provisions are Scarce and hard to be Procured in that Neighbourhood, and that the whole Houses are taken up. If this shou’d be the Case, it will be Necessary for me to Send a part of the Germans to Stovers Town or Shepherds Town, Neither of which will be...
68To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 27 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colonel Mengen had left this Place before I received your Letter of the 21st., when I see him, which will be in two or three Days, I will Communicate the Contents of your Letter as far as it respects him. If they shou’d Apprehend a Removal from the State, Our Currency will not Purchase their Bills. I am now endeavouring to take the Debts of the British Officers, On the State, as far as Mr:...
69To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Divided the German Troops between this Place and the Warm Springs in Berkeley, and am Just now Seting Off to Frederick Town, from whence I shall Proceed to Congress, if I do not receive their Instructions where to fix them. A Number of the Regiment of Guards who were enlisted During the Stay of the Convention Troops at the Barracks in Albemarle, insist On their Discharges. I shall be...
70From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a Copy [of a resolve] of Congress directing that the Convention prisoners shall be moved Northwardly by the way of Knowlands ferry. Their ultimate destination is Lancaster in Pensylvania. From Knowlands Ferry they are to be guarded and subsisted by the State of Maryland. I accordingly have apprized that State of their approach. You will be pleased to move them on immediately. I...
71From the Continental Board of War, enclosing a Letter to James Wood, 24–26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the Resolution of Congress relative to the removal of the Convention Troops they have been pleased to refer the Matter to this Board to take Order and we have given the enclosed Instructions to Col. Wood who has the Superintendance of those Troops and he is gone forward to put those Orders in Execution which are expressive of the sense of Congress on the Subject. The Instructions will...
72From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to transmit to you the inclosed information of George Twyman of Albemarle against Mr. Haw[kins] as a matter proper for you to subject to due enquiry. I am with much esteem Sir Your most obedt. servt, RC (Lloyd W. Smith, Madison, N.J., 1946); without indication of name of addressee, but it can be confidently ascribed to Wood both on the ground of provenance (the letter was sold...
73To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Make No Doubt but you have heard the Determination of Congress with respect to the Convention Troops, and their Instructions to Me; the Board of War Assured Me that you wou’d be furnished with both by the first Post. Your Excellency will recollect that I wrote you in Feby. that I had Assumed the Debts of the British Officers, for Bills for the Use of the State, I agreed with their Creditors...
74To George Washington from James Wood, 2 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I think it my Duty to inform your Excellency, that I was Continued On the Command of Superintending the Convention Troops in the State of Pennsylvania, ‘till the 1st of November last, when the Board of War were Pleased to Permit me to Return to Virginia, in Order to my Being Present at the settlement of the Public Accounts, for Provisions furnished the Convention Prisoners while in Virginia;...
75From George Washington to James Wood, 2 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your favor of the 2nd feby—With respect to the proposition of the Prisoners—tho’ in some instances it might be attended with advantage yet if once the precedent is established the applications of that nature will it is to be feared become general & that the far greatest part of them would have no other intention but to return to the Enemy especially the British; besides,...
76From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 6 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Having unluckily got the blade broke of the sword you were so kind as to lend me I brought it with me to this place and have got a new blade made to the same handle and scabbard. Being just on my departure for Europe I leave it with Mr. Madison one of our delegates who will deliver it to your order. Accept of my sincere thanks for the friendly loan of it and assurances of the esteem & respect...
77To George Washington from James Wood, 5 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
At the Arrangement of the Virginia Line made at Cumberland Old Court House in the year 1782, a Number of Officers of Different ranks were Declared Superseded, which Bars such Officers from Obtaining Certain Portions of Lands under the Act of Assembly of this State, Provided the Proceedings of the Board of Arrangement were Approved by the Commander in Chief. Applications are Daily Making by...
78From George Washington to James Wood, 12 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 5th, I have to inform you that I can find nothing in my letter or orderly books confirmatory or disapproving the arrangments which have been made of the Virginia line of the army in the year 1782—the presumption therefore is, if they ever came to hand, that they either obtained a silent acquiescence, or that I did not care to intermeddle in them at all, as part...
79To George Washington from James Wood, 20 October 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Wood, 20 Oct. 1787. On 29 Oct. GW wrote Wood about “your letter of the 20th Instt.”
80From George Washington to James Wood, 29 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to accept my thanks for the friendly information contained in your letter of the 20th Instt but from an entire unacquaintedness with business of the land office, since the Alterations which have taken place consequent of the Revolution, I really know not how to avail myself of it. The case you allude to is—on the 2d of April 1752—I surveyed for one Thomas Mullen (under authority of...
81To George Washington from James Wood, 8 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have been Honor’d with your Letter of the 22d Ultimo. I find in the Registers Office the Original Plat of 400 acres Surveyed for Thomas Mullins in the year 1752. This Plat was filed in the Proprietors Office, in a Bundle Marked “Forfeited, the Rules of the Office not Complied with;” but from a Strict Examination of the late Proprietors Office it does not appear that a Caveat was Entered. I...
82From George Washington to James Wood, 8 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you was pleased to favor me, dated July the 8. came duly to hand; but business with Congress and the Senate (in their executive capacity) multiplying as the adjournment approached —and with the Creek-Indians; placed it out of my power to acknowledge the receipt of it until this time. I perceive by your letter that Thomas Mullen or his representatives, is allowed, by an...
83From George Washington to James Wood, 18 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favor of the 6th, and thank you gratefully for your kind recollection of my interest in the survey made for Mullen on Timber ridge in Hampshire county. The enclosed (left open for your perusal) is a request that Colonel Heth, as Collector, would furnish you with the means for securing the land when the term, limited by law shall occlude Mullen, or any person...
84To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 8 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of enclosing you the Copy of a Letter Just Received by express, from the Mayor of the Borough of Norfolk, with the Proceedings of the Court of Aldermen On the Subject of it. To Afford a Temporary Relief to the Distressed emigrants, the Executive have Directed two thousand Dollars to be immediately Advanced, which is to be Applied Agreeably to the direction of the...
85From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 17 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 8th. instant and have laid the same before the President of the US. The case of the refugees from St. Domingo is really deplorable, and calls with a loud voice for charitable succours: but it is a case wherein the general government has not been authorised to furnish them. It is therefore hoped that the particular states will come in with liberality to the...
86To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 10 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of enclosing the Copy of a letter from John Hamilton, esqr. British Consul at Norfolk. The communications contained in Mr. Hamilton’s letter have been transmitted by direction of the Executive, to the Commandants of the Militia of the Borough of Norfolk, and the Counties of Nansemond and Norfolk. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of respect and esteem, &c. FC ( Vi :...
87To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 29 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter just received from Colonel Newton Commandant of the Norfolk Militia, the Executive are notified of the Arrival in Hampton Road, of a British ship of 74 Guns, with her Prize the Sans Culotte. The enclosed is a Copy of Colonel Newton’s letter and an Application from the British-Consul, that the ship be permitted to Water and take in Provisions. The Board have declined giving any...
88From George Washington to James Wood, 12 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
By a recurrence to the Acts of the last Session of Congress, you will find one for disposing of the ungranted lands No. Wt of the Ohio; and for appointing a Surveyor General for the purposes therein mentioned. And you may have heard, that Mr DeWitt, who was Geographer to the Army at the close of the War, after the decease of Mr Erskine, and at present the Surveyor General of the State of New...
89To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 14 January 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you an Authenticated Copy of a Resolution which passed the General Assembly at their late Session, respecting the boundary line between this Commonwealth and the State of Maryland; together with a Copy of the Resolution of the Legislature of Maryland On the same Subject. I pray you Sir, to have the goodness to Acknowledge the receipt of this dispatch as soon as...
90From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 28 January 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknolege the receipt of your favor of the 14th. inst. covering a resolution of the General assembly authorising myself and others to correspond with the commissioners of Maryland on the subject of the boundaries dividing the two states. The long and periodical absences from this state which I shall be obliged to incur, together with the habitual state of my health...
91To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 3 March 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I Contemplate with great pleasure the Change which is to take place in the penal Laws of the Commonwealth; and feel Much Anxiety that No time Shou’d be lost in bringing it into Complete Operation. The Law having Confided to the Executive, the purchase of a Sufficient Quantity of Land, and the direction of erecting the Necessary buildings for the Confinement and Accomodation of the Convicts; we...
92From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 31 March 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. inst. did not get to Philadelphia till I had left it, and therefore came to hand here only this day week. I have bestowed on it’s subject the earliest attention I could. When on a former occasion the Executive were pleased to apply to me (being then in France) for a plan of a Capitol, they at the same time desired one of a prison. An architect of Lyons had in 1761...
93To John Adams from James Wood, 1 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
If we are late in declaring our confidence in a Government, established by the deliberate will of the people, and directed continually by their influence, in every department of which they act by their constitutional Representatives; it is because we thought it unnecessary. To doubt the confidence of the American people in their Government, might happen to foreigners, who, in their search...
94From John Adams to James Wood, 10 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for this Address presented to me by Mr. Clopton your Representative in Congress. A free and equal Constitution of Government has rarely existed among Men. As almost all Mankind from the earliest accounts which remain, have deviated from the track, it is not surprizing that Foreigners in this age have not succeeded in the pursuit, especially as we knew they have all set out started...
95From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 24 January 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to an instruction from the Senate of the US. I am to perform the melancholy office of informing you that the honourable Henry Tazewell late a Senator of the US. from Virginia departed this life on this day. this is not a place in which I am permitted to indulge those reflections which the loss of so able and virtuous a publick servant naturally suggests. it rests with you, Sir, to...
96To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 4 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of your Letter of the 24th. Ultimo with the inclosure, [no]tifying [the] death [of] Mr. Tazewell. I delayed answering your letter until this time, in expectation that a temporary Appointment wou’d be made by the Executive—I am now inclined to think that none will take place, before a permanent One is made by the Legislature; the Board were equally divided as to two...
97From James Madison to James Wood, 12 April 1799 (Madison Papers)
Capt: Henry Bell of this neighbourhood wishing his pretensions to be taken into view by the Executive in filling the office of Superintendant of the State Arsenals I take the liberty of stating that he enjoys the reputation of having served meritoriously in the war of our Revolution, that he is esteemed a man of strict integrity & honor, and that he may be confided in for a faithful discharge...
98From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 28 November 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Three Chickasaw Indians have called on me, without any guide with them, any interpreter, or any document authorising their entrance or passage through the state except a pass from an officer at Staunton . had the County Lieutenant or any other field officer of militia been within reach I should have applied to them to take charge of them & have them conducted to Richmond, from whence I...
99James Wood to Thomas Jefferson, 5 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received accounts from various hands, that you are in a more than common degree affected by the general calamities of our county. This is by no means a matter of surprise to me, as it in some measure corresponds with what passes in my own bosom Nevertheless, I cannot but regret that a man of your superior understanding should not rather enjoy his own good fortune, than vainly disquiet...