1From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter will be pleased to enquire into the particular arms and accoutrements delivered by deserters into hands responsible to the state, and to settle a price on them at about 80 for one of what they used to cost in the state. I will send the individuals to Colo. Muter. RC ( PHi ); unsigned; addressed by TJ: “Colo. Muter”; endorsed: “Govr. respecting those people who have recd. Arms from...
2From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have spoken with the board of war on the subject of the battery at Hood’s , and they concur with me in wishing to avail themselves of your services there, and will give orders accordingly. This together with similar batteries on the other rivers will probably take some time, tho’ considering their great importance to the security and quiet of the country above them, we are assured you will...
3From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 27 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to give orders to Mr. Moody to employ immediately such artificers as he has skilled in making Cartouchboxes, in that way, and to direct the QrMaster to procure leather. As far as the public has or is entitled to leather let that be used and the deficiency be supplied by purchase. If a sufficient stock can be procured for covering in the best manner let them be so covered:...
4From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Mrs. Burnley may be permitted to repair to and remain within the county of Hanover, subject to the future direction of the Executive and Colo. Muter is desired to take measures accordingly and for the dispatch of the flag. They wish Mrs. Burnley to be reminded that she must be conscious of the many circumstances which render her disposition towards this country...
5From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Assembly having directed that the ship Dragon shall be repaired and manned for service, it becomes necessary to decline the sale of her, which they had formerly directed. You will therefore be pleased to take measures for stopping the sale. Your mo: obt. servt., Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). The dragon was to be recommissioned by the terms of the Act for putting the eastern...
6From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council have thought it best that the several prisoners of war in this state, except Governour Hamilton and Major Hay, be given up to congress, according to their resolutions of January 13. 1780. You will therefore be pleased to give the necessary orders for this purpose. I am sensible a difficulty must occur as to the manner of guarding them on their march. Perhaps you’ll be able to...
7From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 28 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council July 28 1780 The board are of opinion that the hospital at Wmsbg. be discontinued. Mr. Ferguson may have the use of the house and garden for the care of them till further orders. Hospitals are to be kept up at York, Hampton and Portsmouth on the smallest Scale practicable. The Surgeon of the Artillery regiment may attend York and Hampton and that of the State garrison regiment...
8From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Lieutenant Bryant shoud be allowed ten dollars a day for performing the duty of a Provost Marshall. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). The following words appear at the head of text: “The following returned to Colo. Muter commissioner of the War office, in answer to his Letter of August 28. 1780” (not found).
9From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 8 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A ton of lead should be sent to Fredericksburg in waggons returning empty to Mr. Washington who has the care of the powder. An order may be drawn on him also for 30 bushels of salt. RC ( Vi ); written below a letter of Charles Dick to George Muter, 5 Sep. 1780; see below. Addressed (twice) to Muter and docketed. The letter from Dick to Muter (printed in full in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State...
10From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The following articles being called for from us by Genl. Gates you will be pleased to give orders to the proper persons to have them in readiness as soon as possible. I am Sir with great respect Your most obedt. servt., P.S. I have been informed there are at Petersburg belonging to the Continent a number of spades. Be so good as to enquire into it that they may be ordered on in part of the...
11From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is the opinion of the board that Mr. Anderson continue to discharge the Duties of Keeper of the public arms till further order shall be taken therein for which the board will allow him proper compensation. Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ). At head of text: “In answer to Colo Muters Lr. of Nov. 2d. 1780”; Muter’s letter has not been found.
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 16 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the workmen at the manufactory of small arms at Fredericksburgh is now here, who says, he has been employed by the other workmen at that place to enquire if they were to receive any additional pay, which they have been informed, was ordered by a resolution of Assembly during the last session. Mr. Dick (he says) has refused to give the workmen any additional pay, because he has received...
13From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 22 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter will be pleased to have an account made out of all the powder &c. lent or delivered for Continental use since the establishment of the Board of War that we may require a return of it. Also to call on Mr. Maupin for a state of all the powder which has been lent to individuals and never repaid. RC ( Vi ); endorsed: “Govr. requiring X of all the Powder lent or delivered since the...
14From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 23 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board agrees to give Capt. Groer a Guinea ⅌ Month for each person they shall put under him to be taught the duties and operations of a Laboratory, but if the number shall exceed four, no more than four Guineas a Month. Tr ( Vi ); quoted in Muter’s letter to Groar of this date entered in War Office Letter Book. Capt. Groar (whose name is variously spelled) has not been further identified,...
15From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Thomas is informed by letter from me this day that he may be supplied with money the next week to put the affairs of the Tanyard into a proper state. Colo. Muter will be pleased to prepare proper requisitions on Mr. Armistead for nail rods and tin. The resolution of assembly of June 1 . 80 seems to give an authority to the Executive which extends to the removal of a manager and making...
16To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A requisition is made for a hhd. of spirits to be Sent to Chesterfield Ct. house, to be issued at the reduced prices, to the officers there. I have inclosed an order on the Commissary of Stores for a hhd., tho’ I am doubtfull it will not meet with your Excellency’s approbation, as I understand the pay in the new money was to take place the first of August last, and also I have heard, the...
17To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Anderson informs me that the time for which he engaged Nine lads to make nails for their victuals and clothes, for the use of the State, ends with the present Year. As it will be of advantage to the State to engage those nailers for some time longer, on account of the heavy demand there is at present and likely to continue for nails: I beg leave to recommend to your Excellency, that Mr....
18From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter?, [4 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to send some trusty person to gather waggons at Hanover town and remove the powder there across the river and so up into the country thirty or forty miles to some church or other place it may be stored. MS not located. Extract printed from American Art Association sale catalogue, 6–7 Dec. 1921 (Edward Tuckerman Sale), lot 380, a 1-page A.L.S. without designation of addressee. The...
19From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Genl. Nelson received this evening he informs me has by no means a sufficient stock of ammunition, having received none since this invasion, and he desires an immediate supply. I thought you had sent him a waggon load. Be pleased to take measures for his supply, and in the mean time to let me know what he may expect that I may write him accordingly. He also desires two...
20From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter is desired to make enquiry where any equipments for Cavalry are, and originate an order for furnishing Mr. Eppes, Dr. Griffin, Dr. Foushee, Mr. Hylton, Mr. Selden and others who are willing to enter into the service, with such as may be necessary and I will countersign it. RC ( Vi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed.
21From Edward Carrington, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a return from Colo. Gibson for a Number of Articles wanted for the Accommodation of the Militia under his Command. Those are Articles of equipment which these Troops should have been furnished with before they were put into the Feild, which plainly determines that the Continental Staff are not the proper Officers for furnishing them. If your Excellency can...
22To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to inform your Excellency that Mr. Mattw. Anderson ’s time he engaged for is out, and the shop under his direction at a stand. I beleive he is willing to engage for sometime longer (if the shop can be properly supported) and I expect him here this forenoon. Capt. Nathl. Irish (Continental commissary of military stores) sollicits your Excellency, for a supply of cloathing from the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have conferred with Capt. Irish. He thinks it not incompatible, for him to act as State Commissary of Military stores, at the same time that he is Continental Commissary, and is willing immedeatly to undertake that office. He requires a good assistant at an adequate sallary, and a right to appoint occasional assistants when necessity requires. On these conditions he will undertake for three...
24To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 20 Jan. 1781. Encloses list of supplies for Capt. Read’s troop which cannot be furnished by the quartermaster. Read “thinks he can procure the necessarys more readily and on cheaper terms in Maryland … clear of the expence of transportation.” Suggests giving Read permission to purchase there and furnishing him with money. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 20. 1781. An estimate being...
25From Sampson Mathews, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 21 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am advanced this Far with the Militia From augusta (after having been at Fredricksburg four days) by order of Genl. Mulenburg. Colo. John Bowyer with about 220 Men From Rockbridge has Joined me this morning. There is wanting Smiths vices, Files and some fine Steel For the Repair of the arms of the militia. The Bearer Mr. Chas. Cocke will wait on your Excellency For an order For these...
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 22 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Several Cannon that were cast at the Foundery have not been bored. Cannon are wanted for the Jefferson of those that have been cast at the Foundery, as also to comply with the contracts formerly made with individuals. Capt. Maxwell also wants Cannon for the Thetis: none for her have yet been cast. The cannon cannot be bored ‘till a boring mill is built and fitted, and no cannon can be cast...
27To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Southall requires that his house (wanted for Mr. Anderson’s shop) shall be returned to him in the same order it was in when the state has done with it; and also, that the price for the tobo. shall be the current price at the warehouses at this place at the time of paiment, and not the price settled by the grand jury. Those articles agreed to, he is willing the house shall be immediatly...
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 24 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The building the boring mill and the moulding house for the use of the foundery, being a separate matter entirely from the other works to be erected near the foundery, I am of opinion it will be unnecessary to wait for the arrival of Colo. Senf before they are contracted for, more particularly as from circumstances, the same situation and walls must be again made use of, and those houses will...
29To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 25 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 25 Jan. 1781. Some “eight months men” who work in the laboratory consider themselves cleared from service and are with difficulty persuaded to work; Muter desires to know how they shall be dealt with. Mr. Ford wishes to know whether the persons who are to work at the fork of the James are to be furnished with provisions by the state, or whether money is to be advanced “to enable...
30To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 26 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the armoury at the foundery will probably be built on a different plan, from what was originally intended, when I contracted with Colo. Richd James, and, as he wishes to be clear of that contract, I have this day agreed with him that it shall be void. Colo. James is willing still to work for the public, and will furnish plank and scantling deliverable at the fork or the foundery as may be...
31From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The habitual drunkenness of Colo. Warneck renders him in the opinion of the board unfit to be longer trusted with the execution of the duties of an engineer. Should he chuse (on your intimating this to him) to resign, the board are disposed to give him what assistance they may justifiably: otherwise it becomes necessary that you take proper measures for trying him by a proper court in order to...
32To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 29 Jan. 1781 . Encloses a certificate concerning payment of which the quartermaster wishes instructions. [ Reply :] “Our Quartermaster is not to pay this difference. We have nothing to do with it. I think he had better take his remedy at law to obtain a just price. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed; endorsed: “Letter to the Govr. respecting the Q: Mr. applying to me about...
33From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 31 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Being certified by Major Genl. Baron Steuban that the Continental rules are, that spirit shall not be issued, but to Troops on long marches, on duty in wet weather, or on fatigue duty, and that he has accordingly regulated the present issues to the Militia and troops in Service; It is the opinion of the Board, that Troops in the seperate service of the State, should be placed on the same...
34From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 31 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
If Mr. Peters means to perform military and other duties required by the laws, as would have been, had he given no parole, he is at liberty to remain: if he does not mean this, he must deliver himself up to the enemy. RC ( Vi ); written on verso of Walter Peters to George Muter, 30 Jan. 1781 (see below); endorsed: “Walter Peters respecting his being a prisoner on parole & Govrs. answer Jany....
35To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been yet able to learn where or in whose possession any of the tents are except those (by the quarter masters return 49 in all) that have been delivered for the use of the State Garrison regiment: and Majr. Magill informs me that he is obliged to let his men use them at present for want of blanketts, there hardly being a blankett in the possession of one of his soldiers. I have the...
36To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that Capt. Irish received orders yesterday from Barron Steuben to be ready in three days to proceed to North Carolina, where he is to remain. This will immedeatly leave the state without a commissary of military stores, which (if not quickly remedied) will be productive of confusion and inconvenience. I have the honour of enclosing a warrant in favour of...
37From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter? Enclosing Terms for Rebuilding the Boring Mill, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board approve of letting the building on the within terms, only postponing the advance of the money mentioned till the raising of the house. They recommend the providing the works for boring a single cannon at a time only, which will probably render all geer unnecessary except a water wheel. The size of the house should be reduced so as only to comprehend the works and leave necessary room...
38[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 4? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 4? Feb. 1781. Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under date of 5 Feb.: “Letter from the Governor received yesterday requiring Mr. Moody to be directed to make seventy five tent poles, and ten Wheelbarrows immediately: four of Mr. Moodys men to go to Hoods: four more to be employed in making carriages: Application to be made to the Officers of the State Artillery to come in to be...
39From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 4 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Davies has written to me for some tent-poles , but has not mentioned the number. I suppose however that 75 will do [for] him: be pleased to have them made immediately. Are the 48 tents brought in which were in the hands of the state garrison regiment. I observe 14 also were delivered to Wm. Jones for Majr. McGill’s corps, the same regiment I suppose. All these should be delivered to Mr....
40[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ In Council, 5 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 5 Feb.: “Sent in to Council Mr. Milton Fords proposals for Building at the Fork of James River”; and on the following day the Journal enters the Council’s answer of 5 Feb.: “Agreed to; Mr. Ford making due allowance for waggons, provisions or any other things furnished by the public, to be valued by the same...
41[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 6? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6? Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 6 Feb.: “Letter, from the Governor, enquiring what Camp Kettles were brought from Fredericksburg and how disposed off: whether the Waggons have returned that went for leather, and if Cartouch boxes were making.” Not located.]
42From Granville Smith, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is from Mr. Thomas respecting his purchase of canoes, and finding the prices much higher than what your Excellency calculated on, you will please to direct me whether I shall instruct him to continue his purchases, or not: also under whose care and direction the four that have come to Westham are to be put. I am Your Excellency’s Obt. Hble. Servt., G. Smith Ast.Q.M.Gl. In Council...
43From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Specie Artificers of the best kind 5/. or 25℔. tobacco Common Do. 3/9 18¾ Boat wrights of the best kind 7/6 37½ Common Do. 5/. 25 Waggon Conductors 5/. 25 Waggoners 2/6
44[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 10 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 10 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entries under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing a list of some men that Mr. Ford has engaged that are now down with the Militia, whom he wishes to have Authority to send for.” Answer to the above: “In Council February 10th. 1781. The Executive never had an Idea of withdrawing workmen from the Militia in...
45From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall be much obliged to Colo. Muter to settle finally with Warneck to-day if possible the question he was so good as to undertake to put to him. RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ: “Colo. Muter”; endorsed. See TJ to Muter, 29 Jan. , and Muter’s two letters of the present date.
46From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, [11 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter master reported to me yesterday that he had two covered waggons ready. He was ordered to send them to Cabbin Point. If they are gone they had better be recalled to take in the ammunition to be sent. I think it would be best to take Majr. Pryor’s receipt for what is so delivered. If he declines giving one, the receipt of the field Q. M. at camp (George Elliot or his deputy) should...
47To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never seen the law that exempts people employed for the public from militia duty &c., therefore I take the liberty of inclosing a note from Wm. Stone and Thos. Stone, for your Excellency’s determination. They I beleive have contracted with Mr. Moody for making wheels and waggons, tho’ I have nothing from Mr. Moody at present to show for it; and wish to have something to show, to satisfy...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 13 Feb. 1781. Encloses an attestation of three soldiers enlisted for the war who have applied to Muter for a certificate for their bounty money. Muter desires to know what the bounty for such enlistments is. Below the text are two undated notes in TJ’s hand: “The bounty for Continental enlistments for the war is 2000 dollars to be charged to the United States and the...
49From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to have immediate measures taken for the following purposes. To send some of the worst Arms to Fredericksburg to be repaired at the Factory and by Mr. Hunter and to bring all the Camp kettles in readiness. To have five ton of powder brought from Baltimore at Continental expence to replace what we have lent them and to bring our Cartouch boxes. To have all the lead...
50[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...