1To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 10 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just returnd from Malern [Malvern] Hills from whence we could discover the Enemys Boats lying off City point. From the smoak on that side of the River I conclude they have encamp’d at some small distance from the River. A party of their Horse were last night at Petersburg. None have landed on this side, some sailors excepted, who landed in the lower part of Charles City and took off a...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 2 January 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Zane delivered your Letters to me in this Town, and as I had it not in my power to execute what you desir’d, I gave them to him and desir’d he would negotiate the Bill and transact the other business, which he promis’d to do. Our affairs have had a black appearance for the two last months, but they say the Devil is not so black as he is painted. We have at last turn’d the Tables upon...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In my Letter of Yesterday I informed your Excellency that the Enemy’s Fleet had fallen down to Hardy’s Ferry. This afternoon I have Intelligence that it was on its Way again, and standing for Newport-news. Yesterday about twelve o’Clock, the Enemy were seen from this Shore to land a Number of Men on a Point below the Mouth of Pagan Creek, and soon afterwards a heavy firing commenced, the Issue...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On my Way here this Evening I received Information that the Enemy had landed their whole Force at Westover, and were marching for Richmond. I have ordered the whole Strength of King Wm., King & Queen, and Gloucester, to rendezvous at Bacon’s Ordinary 6 Miles above New Kent Court House, whence I shall march them as will appear best for the Service. The whole Militia of New Kent are now turning...
5Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 26 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (Virginia State Library). Docketed, “The Delegates July 26th. 1781.” In 1929, when H. R. McIlwaine published this letter in his edition of the Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , Volume III, he stated on page 12 that the original manuscript was among the “Continental Congress Papers, Library of Congress.” The present editors have been unable to find the...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favoured with your’s of the 10th. Inst. by Mr. Prentis. I have never been informed that any Horses were left by the Enemy, except those at Westover, which were taken by Captain Selden’s and Captain Hockaday’s Men. Those in the Possession of Captain Hockaday’s Men I ordered to be carried to Richmond for the Proprietors to claim. Farther Enquiry shall be made, and if there be any such as...
7Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 5 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (Virginia State Library). Endorsed, “To the Delegates in Congress Octr. 5. 1781.” Since I last wrote, I have received your Favours of Sepr. 11th & 18th. A variety of Causes conspired to prevent a regular Acknowledgment of them, but as we are now Stationary, & have reduced Matters into some order, I shall venture to promise you, that you shall weekly at least receive the Occurences of...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Commodore Tilly having determined to sail with the first fair Wind, the Enemy will be left at Liberty to make use of all the Advantages which their Command of the Water gives them over us. They will probably be inclined, for some Losses they have sustained since the Arrival of the French Squadron, to wreak their Vengeance on the Parts of the State most exposed. Hampton and the adjacent Country...
9Thomas Nelson to Virginia Delegates, 20 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Docketed: “To the Delegates Octr. 20. 1781 From Gov Nelson Congratulates Delegates on the Capture of York Town & Gloucester & the whole British army at these points yesterday (19th) the whole Garrison marched out and grounded their Arms.” It is with infinite Pleasure I congratulate you on the Reduction of York & Gloucester, & the Capture of the whole British Army...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 26 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ], 26 Jan. 1781. Eight British vessels have been driven ashore, four of which it is supposed will not be gotten off again. The greatest advantage cannot be taken of their distress because the vessels are on a coast chiefly in British power. MS not located. Text abstracted from an entry in Anderson Galleries, sale catalogue, 19–20 Jan. 1926 (James H. Manning Sale), lot 407; a...