1From James Innes, enclosing a Letter from William Davenport to Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fourteen flatt bottomed Boats a ship two brigs two sloop’s and one schooner heavily manned, have just arrived at Burwells Ferry. From every appearance I think they mean to land, as they have halted with a favorable Tide. I believe they wait for nothing but the arrival of two schooners which have their Cavalry on board. These vessells I am this moment informed have just turned Mullberry Island...
2To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you the latest Intelligence of the movements of the Enemy. I shall immediately march the troops up the New Kent Road, and take such a position as to enable me, to operate vigorously without exposing my Rear and Flanks. I have the honor to be respectfully Yr Excellency’s most obt Sevt., N.B. Since writing the above, I have received Information that 16 flatt Bottomed Boats are above...
3To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The movements of the Enemy on the Western side of chickahominy River of which I apprized you yesterday by Express has renderd it expedient for me to take my present position which I think a very defencible one, from which too I can file off towards Richmond without exposing my flanks or Rear to annoyance. They possessed themselves of the Ship Yard about 4 o’Clocke yesterday, and I am...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Return you require was sent from this post to the adjutant General, above nine Days since. But that I suppose having miscarried from the villainy of the Express riders (every one of whom, that I am acquainted with ought to suffer Death) I herewith transmit a second Account of the two Regiments stationed at and below this place. I can with truth assure your Excellency that I never within...
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing to you this afternoon at four o’Clocke I have received the inclosed Intelligence which I take the earliest opportunity of communicating to your Excellency. Possibly we may at this post feel the Influence of the Enemy in their passage yet I am Confident their main operations are intended higher up Jas. River. I have the honor to be very respectfully yr Excellency’s obt Sevt, RC (...
6To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 10 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I this morning arrived in Town from Williamsburgh charged with some dispatches for your Excellency, which I herewith transmit you. On my arrival, I was astonished to be informed, that a Report had been industriously handed to you, of intentions in me, to impeach your Excellency before the general assembly, of illegal conduct relative to the palace furniture . I would fain flatter myself, that...
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About 3 oClock Yesterday the Enemy landed at Burwell’s Ferry 500 Infantry 50 Horse and 4 Peices Artillery, which with a seeming Intention of landing in force at Jamestown or on some part of the River above us, obliged us to evacuate the Town, and move up to Allens Ordinary six Miles above, about 12 o’Clock in the Night. Major Armistead with 150 Men and Capt. Kelly with 50 Riflemen were ordered...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I received the enclosed I am just informed by an officer at Burwells ferry, that there are opposite that place 9. flatt bottomed Boats fully manned. Two armed ships a Brig and a schooner—more in sight. I am preparing to take the most expedient measures my poor Judgment dictates for the honor and Service of the State. I will not fail to acquaint of every material contingency. I am with...
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, [21? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Ere this reaches you, you will doutless have heard of the arrival of an inimical fleet in our Bay. Being vested with no public authority, I do not presume to address you officially. Yet as a friend, an appellation I shall allways wish to merit, I will venture to offer you my Sentiments on the present Critical Conjuncture. From a close attention to the Dispositions of the people in the Lower...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This Day at two o’clocke, the Enemy attempted and made good their Landing at Burwells Ferry. At the same time several armed vessells and 16. flatt bottomed Boats proceeded up to James Town where I have been informed they have since Landed. As soon as I found the Designs of the Enemy to circumvent me, I moved the troops to this place which is the nearest position to the Town that can be taken...
11To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the action of the 8th Inst: between a party of the Elizabeth City Militia and a Detachment of the british army under the command of Colo. Dundass, Colo. Curle was made a prisoner. He was taken gallantly leading on a handful of resolute troops to oppose six times their number, notwithstanding such Disparity the Enemy were obliged to abandon the cattle and horses they had collected, and...
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The present distressed Situation of the militia, under my Command induces me, to address your Excellency on their behalf. The most of them are totally destitute of the necessary cloathing to protect them from the Inclemency of the weather. They are lousy dirty and ragged, and from those Circumstances becoming every day more sickly. In addition to this such a spirit of disquietude prevails...
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received Intelligence last Evening that the Enemy were moving up Chickahominy River Road with an Intention to attempt a Stroke at the Party under my Command, and had actually advanced so far up as to be able to compel me to give them Action on the most disadvantageous Terms, should I endeavour to retreat by the Way of New Kent Court house. In this Situation, encumbered as my Line was by...
14To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Moment received by Express from Captain Kelly, stationed a little above Newport News, an Account that eleven Vessels, chiefly Square rigged, have turned Newport News Point on their Way up the River. His Letter bears Date at 10 this Morning, so that, the Wind being fresh at South East, they could with Ease reach Burwell’s Ferry this Evening. I am making the best Disposition to...
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 6 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to your orders I had discharged the militia from Albemarle and fluvanna which were stationed at this post, and had circulated your letters for calling in the militia of the adjacent Counties to take their places before the Barons orders to cross James River arrived. Upon receiving the Baron’s letter, I wrote to Colo. Dabney near Hampton to suppress the orders I had given him to...
16To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 3 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have obtained the favor of Major Turberville to wait upon your Excellency to request your opinion and advice on the Subject of the Detention of Lieut. Hare for having violated the flag of Truce he bore and of the seizure of the flag vessel for having on Board articles of merchandize intended for the purpose of carrying on illicit and clandestine commerce with the Citizens of this State....
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment arrived at this place— and shall loose no time . I beg to recieve your orders as I am Ignorant of the Situation of Richmond. I would write more explicitly but for prudential Reasons of which your Excellency will easily Concieve. I am most respectfully Yr Excellency’s most obt. Sert., P.S. I hope to hear from you by the Dawn of Day. RC ( Vi ); addressed: “On Servive His...
18James Innes to Mann Page, 27 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have meditated very deliberately on the Subject of our last nights Conversation, and the more I think, the more I wish that an accommodation produced by the force of rational Conviction, might banish the official Dispute , at present subsisting, between the Governor, and the Board of War. The refference of this matter for Settlement to the General assembly might perhaps produce Consequences,...
19From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Continental Forces from Virginia being at present in a situation, that requires the exertion of some officer in that state to collect together the reinlisted Soldiers of the old Regiments—as well as the recruits & Draughts intended to compleat those & the six additional Battalions—you are while in Virginia, in aid to any superior officer who may be there with Instructions to pay particular...
20To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, 12 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter, of May the 29th, which I have but this moment recd, has been the Cause not only of Surprize, but I must own, of much anxiety to me—I am surprized, that, you have not yet rec’d either of the Letters, which I have written to you on the Subject of my intended Stay in virginia—for an answer to which, I have been waiting with the utmost Impatience —and I feel myself most...