1From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 19 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Our delegates by the last post informed us that we might now obtain blank letters of marque for want of which our people have long and exceedingly suffered. I have taken the liberty therefore of desiring them to apply for fifty, and transmit them by a safe conveyance. The inclosed order being in it’s nature important and generally interesting, I thought it my duty to lay it before Congress as...
2From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 25 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The various calamities which during the present year have befallen our crops of wheat, have reduced them so very low as to leave us little more than seed for the ensuing year, were it to be solely applied to that purpose. This country is therefore unable to furnish the necessary supplies of flour for the Convention troops, without lessening by so much as should be purchased, the sowing for...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, to John Adams, and to John Jay, 5 October 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. James Monroe who served some time as an officer in the American army and as such distinguished himself in the affair of Princetown as well as on other occasions, having resumed his studies, comes to Europe to complete them. Being a citizen of this state, of abilities, merit and fortune, and my particular friend, I take the liberty of making him known to you, that should...
4From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 3 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Having arrived here a few days ago in order to proceed to Europe, I had hoped to have been able to accompany the Generals Rochambaud and Chastellux, the latter of whom is so kind as to undertake the delivery of this. But their vessel sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days and may perhaps have the pleasure of being with you as soon as this will. Had I joined you...
5From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which I did myself the honor of writing you by the Chevalr. de Chastellux I informed you of my being at this place with an intention of joining you in Paris. But the uncommon vigilance of the enemy’s cruisers immediately after the departure of the French fleet deterred every vessel from attempting to go out. The arrival of the preliminaries soon after shewed the impropriety of my...