231From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 13th. desiring a suspension of the Act for raising new levies has been duly received and laid before the board. They think they cannot with any propriety suspend an Act after the Terms are all past by which it should have been carryed into execution. It would only answer the end of a remission of Penalties which would be an Abuse of the suspending Power given them by the...
232From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Reed, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your Excellency’s favor of March 27. and am to return you our sincere thanks for your interposition in favor of the operations carrying on by General Clarke, operations which I hope will result equally to the benefit of yours as of our State, and which if successful will give us future quiet in our Western quarter. I beg you to be assured that Colo. Broadhead...
233From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur Campbell, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We are sorry it is not in our power to send you the Commissions desired for two Sets of Field Officers. The Act of Assembly allows this only where there are 1,000 Militia in a County and the last Return from yours makes them only 829. Should they be increased to the number required by Law we shall be glad on receiving a return thereof to issue the Commissions desired. Captain Kincaid receives...
234From Thomas Jefferson to William Christian, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 10th inst. has come duly to hand. At the time we desired to set on foot the negotiations for peace with the Cherokees we were uninformed of the measures General Greene had taken for that purpose. We think it better that the treaty should be prosecuted on his plan and under his Authority which will bind the United States generally and therefore chearfully withdraw the powers...
235From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Reed, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s letter proposing the actual extension of our mutual boundary. I presume therefore that the propositions contained in the Resolutions of our Assembly of [July 4, 1780] which I had the honour to communicate to your Excellency have been approved by your State and that the Boundaries are to be run on the principles therein proposed. No mode of...
236From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before the Receipt of your Favour of the 11th. Major General Baron Steuben had through Colo. Senf communicated to me one from you to him on the same Subject with his opinion in which we concurred, that before Men to be marched from Williamsburg could possibly get to Fredericksburg the enterprize if meditated by the Enemy would be over, and that it would be impolitic to let them see that...
237From Thomas Jefferson to Beverley Winslow, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Clothing to be furnished from the several Counties was by a general regulation to be delivered to the Officer stationed at the Rendezvous for receiving the recruits. You are hereby authorized to call a Court Martial for enquiring into any Conduct of Lieut. Nicholas Lewis which may render him obnoxious to the military rules. It would have been more agreable had you stated the Charge...
238From Thomas Jefferson to George Bird, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. instant has come to hand. Mr. Brown [John Browne] has orders on the Commissioners of the specific Tax for all the grain they shall receive. I should suppose that in strictness he could not be authorized to receive it but from them. However as it may be a mutual advantage to the People and Public to feed Beeves for the Army at the Planters farms it would seem best to...
239From Thomas Jefferson to James Callaway, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry that the Public situation has laid us under the cruel necessity of calling our Citizens from their homes at the interesting Season of planting their Crops. But an enemy strongly posted in our Country and another lately driven from us and ready and reinforced to return to the Charge unless strongly opposed have left us under the necessity indispensably of having militia...
240From Thomas Jefferson to David Jameson, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The day is so very bad that I hardly expect a council, and there being nothing that I know of very pressing, and Mrs. Jefferson in a situation in which I would not wish to leave her, I shall not attend to-day. Should there be a board this case requires immediate attention. The court of Albemarle on the resignation of John Coles County Lieutenant and Nicholas Lewis Colo. have passed by Reuben...
241From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We are very sorry that it is out of our power to furnish you with cartridge paper and lead. The former article has been entirely exhausted from our magazines by the Southern and eastern armies. Your express receives 500 flints, and should have had powder but that we think it better you should purchase the two or three barrels you propose and draw on the Executive for paiment which shall be...
242From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received the letter of the 7th inst. from Mr. Constable written by Command from you and am sorry to hear of your Indisposition which I hope this will find you relieved from. I expect 350 men from Culpeper have joined you before this Date. They are to continue till the 14th of June. The Militia from Frederic, Hampshire, Berkeley, Shenandoah, Orange and Louisa ought now to be coming...
243From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomas, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed you have a much larger supply of oil than will shortly be necessary for your works and the Continent being distressed at their tannery here for that article, be so good as to lend Majr. Claiborne so much as he may want and you can spare, which he will replace. I am Sir Your very humble servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ: “Captn. Thomas Warwick”; endorsed. This letter was...
244From Thomas Jefferson to John Boush and Nicholas Payne, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
William Parker Esqr. Treasurer of South Carolina may probably have occasion for one or more waggons to carry the Papers and Packages of his office to such Place as he may find most convenient. You will be pleased to furnish him accordingly with such waggons as he shall have occasion for, hiring them if practicable and if not then impressing them. You will settle with the Owners for their hire...
245From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Samuel Smith at Baltimore has at that place a quantity of flour belonging to this State. He offers 75 Barrels at Port Royal in the hands of Lindsay and Johnson in exchange for so much and to procure more there in further exchange; as it is more convenient to us at Port Royal than Baltimore you will be pleased to take Measures for having it received on Account of the State. I am &c., FC ( Vi ).
246From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Fauquier and Certain Other Counties, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to desire you to send of your Militia under proper officers with such good Arms as they have, and especially Rifles, to rendezvous at Williamsburg on the 1st. Day of May and to continue in Service two Months from the time of their getting to the Rendezvous. As Circumstances may render it necessary to change the Rendezvous, you will be pleased to order them by the way of where they will...
247From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Cox, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Application on behalf of the Militia from the Counties of Loudoun and Fauquier and laid it before the members of the Council present. We are sensible that the Circumstances of hardship therein described are just and have to lament that the Public situation should have called such hardships into Existence, but they must perceive that it will be vain for them to sow or plant...
248From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Donnally, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to find that the Indians have begun their Hostilities so early: however I hope General Clarke will soon give them employment nearer home and that you will be thus effectually relieved. I have directed Mr. Brown the Commissary to appoint a Deputy in your County for subsisting any Militia it shall be necessary to employ, which Deputy will have a Power of using the Tax Grain and...
249James Henderson’s Account as Express, with Jefferson’s Certification, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
at the Swet springs £24 Mr. Millers 127– 4 Berton Shavers 21 9 expences comg 336 Mr Tilfords 24 going back 214 Robt. Steel 9 Widow Estills 21 Total expences £550 Leas
250From Thomas Jefferson to John O’Bannon, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter on the Subject of the Commission came duly to Hand but not having a Council it is out of my Power to have any Thing done with it. I somewhat question too whether if a permanent Commission be expected they would not suppose it necessary to have a resignation from Major Buckner himself. If only a Commission during the Continuance of Your Men in the field be desired, such a...
251From Thomas Jefferson to John Skinker and William Garrard, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry to learn that the Enemy are committing such cruel depredations in your part of the Country: however it may tend to produce irremoveable hatred against so detestable a nation and thereby strengthen our Union. Yet in the mean time it brings afflicting distress on Individuals and by diverting so great a Proportion of our force from their principal object leaves...
252From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It is quite agreable to us to take at Port Royal the seventy five Barrels of flour you have purchased there in Exchange for so much we were to expect at Baltimore and any further Quantity you may procure at the former in lieu of the remaining Ballance at the latter place. Mr. John Brown Commissa[ry] for this State has orders to call for it and his Receipt will be good. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). At...
253From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As so much of the subject of Colo. Davies’s letter as relates to the conduct of the Continental Issuing Commissary General in this State lies within your powers of reformation altogether, I take the Liberty of handing on the letter to you. It is very interesting to us that the provisions issued for Continental use be issued to persons authorized to give proper vouchers for debiting the...
254From 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...
255From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on receipt of your Letter of the 9th . by Captn. Travis informing me of the loss of the Boat Patriot, We engaged Captain Travis to go over to Appamattox, where he procured another Boat (the Washington) said to be a better sailor than the Patriot; Being ready manned and equipped for sailing she receives orders today to fall down and take your Commands. I am &c, FC ( Vi ). Weedon’s...
256Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 13 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. Your letter of the 3d inst. came to hand yesterday. You will by this Time have received letters from me desiring you to do what you have done as to the Arms and in some measure as to the refugees. It would be more agreable to us that they should be sent to France than delivered up to us. I beg leave to add to the Names of those I before...
257From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council having determined that Colo. Elligood should be permitted to go into the enemy’s line[s] or to any other part of the Continent in possession of the enemy, I am to ask the favour of you to furnish him with a parole. Colo. Curle will take charge of the parole and find a means of conveying it after signed to you. I am with great respect Sir Your most obedt. servt., RC (Carpenters’...
258From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee, Sr., 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry to hear that the Counties on Potowmac are so much harrassed by the Enemy and am very apprehensive it will continue some Time untill our Allies can clear us of them which I hope and expect. The Act of Assembly referred to in your letter as authorizing the Executive to raise Militia Cavalry only gave that Authority where there was reason to apprehend a Mutiny against the...
259From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 3d inst. came to hand yesterday. You will by this Time have received letters from me desiring you to do what you have done as to the Arms and in some measure as to the refugees. It would be more agreable to us that they should be sent to France than delivered up to us. I beg leave to add to the Names of those I before mentioned one Cranmer who is said to be the most...
260Tax Commissioners of Lancaster County to the Auditors, with a Note by Jefferson, 7–12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lancaster, 7 Apr. 1781 . If the bearer, Mr. Job Carter, applies for an order on the treasurer for his expenses in carrying dispatches to the governor and treasurer, he is to be given the customary allowance. Reply follows: “In Council Apr. 12. 1781. If the Auditors shall be satisfied that the bearer came for the purpose of bringing the tobacco notes and not on private business, the board are...
261Advice of Council respecting Purchase of Gunpowder, with a Warrant for the Purchase, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive will advance £20,000 to Messrs. Lewis and Thornton on the 12th. of March, and will agree to the terms proposed in Mr. Lewis’s letter of Feb. 6. 1781 . reserving a liberty to pay for the powder in tobacco @ 20/ the hundred or it’s worth in paper money as valued by the grand jury next preceding paiment. Mar. 5. 1781. The Executive will take five tons or so much of it as shall be...
262From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Bolling and Others, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Reasons to believe that the enemy intend a movement across the Country towards Carolina have induced Majr. General Baron Steuben to desire anxiously to have made up of a sudden a body of 200 cavalry. It is probable they will not be wanting a fortnight, but in any event they shall be discharged at the end of one month from their rendezvousing at Petersburg. Supposing it would be in your power...
263From Thomas Jefferson to William Call, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You are not unacquainted with the Desire which Government has long had of erecting some defensive works at Hoods in your County which might protect so much of the river as lies above that place. The late Incursion of the Enemy up the river, their Acknowledgements of the Obstructions which that Post, well prepared, might have been to their Enterprize, their taking permanent post at Portsmouth,...
264From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
HAVING received an application from the Commanding Officer to strengthen our army below, and being very unwilling to harrass the Militia more than shall be absolutely unavoidable, we are in hopes an immediate and sufficient accession of force may be obtained by application to the several Counties for their delinquents in Militia duty whom the Law sentences to six months service. Every County,...
265From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of King William and Certain Other Counties, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As your Militia is now returned or on their return home we have thought it necessary to take off the Suspension of the Act of October 1781 for recruiting this States Quota of Troops to serve in the Continental Army and to desire you to proceed to the raising the New Levies required from your County by that Law, and sending them to the Rendezvous as directed in my Letter of January 19th. 1781....
266To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
267From Thomas Jefferson to James Hendricks, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honour of an Application from yourself and others of the Town of Alexandria for enabling you to mount some Cannon for the Defence of your Town. This Letter was not delivered ’till after one on the same Subject from Colo. Waggoner had been delivered and answered and the Sum of £5,000. ordered, which I afterwards found was considerably necessary. It was long ago determined to erect a...
268From Thomas Jefferson to La Luzerne, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of your Excellency’s favor of March 23d and shall with great pleasure communicate to our Citizens our prospect of Aid from his most Christian majesty to whom we are already so infinitely indebted. I assure you Sir that these Prospects are necessary to inspirit them under the present Aspect of their Affairs. We suppose one half of the enemys force in the United States to be to...
269From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
270To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 10–11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 10 Apr. 1781 . Many men already discharged from the army have arrears in pay due them. “It is hard upon these men to lose their pay, and it is exceedingly troublesome to this office, to the Auditors and to your Excellency, for the adjustment of each man’s claim to be thrown individually upon us. I would therefore submit it to your Excellency, whether it will not be...
271From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The second of the same tenor and date of the within not being paid, be pleased to issue to David Standeford for James F. Moore, a warrant for nine thousand pounds on Account. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; written on verso of “the within,” which was a sight draft on the Treasurer of Virginia, signed “Jas. Frs. Moore D. C. Genl....
272From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Frederick, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received a Letter from Colo. Taylor proposing the Discharge of the regiment of Guards and have directed such Part of it as is entitled to be Discharged, and the Residue to remain to guard the Convention Prisoners. I think it necessary to inform you that it is not intended that the Deficiency shall be supplied by militia. The several Duties now lying on the Militia for the Eastern,...
273To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed certificate is produced with a view of obtaining the same quantity of powder that was lent. It is now wanting for a privateer just going to sea. I beg your Excellency’s directions whether the money or the powder shall be paid. I have the honor to be, sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt., In Council Apr. 11. 1781. Mr. Elliott having received this powder, not under the orders of...
274From Thomas Jefferson to James Slaughter, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Orders from General Weedon for your crossing at Sandy Point were in Consequence of Instructions from this board. As you go to relieve Militia at General Muhlenburgs Camp you will of Course receive there the Arms now in their Hands. In the mean Time your March will be perfectly safe, as you will have General Muhlenburgs Camp between yourselves and the Enemy. The present place of his...
275From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Taylor, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My letter to Colo. Wood by Mr. Martin as well as the one by the Dragoon was written under the Idea of the Troops of Convention having left the State. As they are now ordered to remain our Instructions must be varied. The Men who enlisted to serve as Guards only during the Stay of the Troops in Albemarle, are undoubtedly entitled to a Discharge. Leaving therefore all the rest with the...
276From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Read, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time of writing your letter of the 7th you had not received my letter in Answer to your former . In Consideration of the Exertions of your County, I am further to notify to you in Addition to what I did in that, that we will not insist on the Number of 100 therein mentioned, so far as to carry any on duty again who are just returned or returning or are still on duty. Send all able to do...
277From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Scott having obtained Permission from the Commandant at Charles Town for the shipping of Tobaccos from this State to that Post for the Relief of the Continental Troops there of our Line, sent me a Copy of that Permission taken by his Brigade Major. This Paper not being sufficiently authentic to protect from capture Vessels which should go laden with Tobacco’s, I wrote to Major General...
278From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Travis, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favor of you to proceed to examine James and Appomatox Rivers for a swift sailing lookout boat and to treat for such one as you find sailed to that purpose. A vessel equipped for instant Service is what is wanting, and we should be glad to take the Men also into Service, as the Money the Terms of purchase be accordingly. Be pleased to report the Terms proposed before you...
279From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We shall with very great Chearfulness contribute as far as within our power to render the Circumstances of the War as little afflicting as possible, more especially by encouraging on just principles and giving Paroles where Exchanges are not subject to our will, but under the American Constitution our powers as to exchange extend but to few Subjects. With respect to Officers the right of Turn...
280Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 9 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. Since my letter of the 6th. I receive Information that two Parcels of Medicines marked CV (which we construed Commonwealth of Virginia) were consigned on private Account to Monsieur Coulaux la Vigne, and with other Parts of the Cargo of Le Comité were considered as ours; Be so good as to cause Delivery of them to be made to Monsr Coulaux la...