51To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Clarke, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday favor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of 27th: Decr: in answer to one I had the honor to write you of 22d: Novr: relative to the Provisions due to the Convention Army; I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, Sir, that agreeable to your desire I have ascertain’d the quantity due, to the satisfaction of the Issuing Commissary, and he has certify’d it to Mr. Hawkins the...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Travis, 17 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The distressd situation of Officers and seamen obliges me as one of their Comanders to call on your Excellency for Redress. I can asure you Sir it is with greatest unesiness I undertake the disagreeable task of writeing to you on [a] Subject so distressing to every friend to his Country, and particularly to your Excellency under whome we fight and whome we look up to for Justice. This is the...
53To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 27 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having Several Matters to lay before your Excellency, I fully intended to Have Waited on You Yesterday; My indisposition prevents me, and I Know not Certainly when I can go Out. Reflecting on the Business of Moving the Stores and from a thorough Conviction of being Right, as to Not Water bearing them, I wrote the Inclos’d Letter to Mr. Claiborne; He being on a Jorney, I immediatly Communicated...
54To Thomas Jefferson from John Nicholas, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency I doubt not is anxious to hear of the enemy’s situation; they are from every account at Westover with some Corps advanced on the road leading to this place who appear to be under arms as I am. I have about 300 men tolerably well appointed about 40 the best of which are advanced under the command of Cap. Selden within sight of their advanced posts. Genl. Nelson I suppose you...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 26 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to forward a dispatch recommended by the president of Congress, to be sent to you by a particular conveyance. Lieut. Stokely is charged with it, and directed to deliver it into your own hands. Lord Cornwallis was at Birds yesterday, from which place he retired with his main body, into Williamsburg. We have been pressing his rear, with our light parties, supported by the army,...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you with a Letter from Genl. Gates , by the latter I presume you’ll be informed that on Monday last the General left this for the westward with about 120 Cavelry, composed of detachments from Whites, Washingtons Armongs [Armand’s] and Nelsons Corps. The Maryland Troops with a detachment of the Virginia regulars under Colo. Buford, the whole consisting of about 800 moved...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Linctot, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de prevenir votre Excelance a mon depart du fort pitt que je me rendoi aux illinois pour tacher d’y appaiser les troubles aucasioné par les nations, j’esperois en passant a la chutte rencontrer le Colonel Clark pour prendre enssemble des mesures Conforme aux instruction qu’il a de Votre excelance et faire pour le mieux, je Croÿois aussi par son moyen avoir quelques...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Johann Friedrich Specht, 23 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Irvin’s House [i.e., Colle, Albemarle co., Va.], 23 Aug. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 12 Apr., received 14 May. TJ’s previous kindness in forwarding letters to Generals Phillips and Riedesel emboldens him to ask once more that the enclosed letters be sent. Names of addressees and nature of enclosures not identified. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed “JF Specht Brig: Gener.”...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Blunt, 18 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Southampton County ] 18 May 1781 . Returned “some time since” a state of the militia in Southampton co.; fears it has miscarried and encloses another return, dated 26 Mch. 1781, at which time there were 56 commissioned officers, 723 privates over 18 years of age and 71 under 18 in the militia of that county. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; endorsed. Enclosure ( Vi ).
60From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should have done myself the honor to have acknowledged your Excellency’s Letters of the 8th, 12th,17th, 26th of February and 8th Inst., at the time they were severally received; had I not been absent from this place on a Journey to the French Army at New Port, from whence I have but just now returned. The transactions and movements you have made me acquainted with in the course of these...
61To Thomas Jefferson from John Todd, 2 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On Consulting with Col. Clark we found it impracticable to maintain so many petty posts in the Ilinois with so few men and concluded it better to draw them all to one post. The Land at the Junction of the Ohio and Missisippi was judged best Situated for the Purpose as it would command the Trade of an extensive Country on both sides of each River and might Serve as a Check to any Incroachments...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Crockett, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By Orders received from Col. Clark, we have Just return’d from Frederick Town to this Place in hopes to get the Regiment equip’d for the westren expedition. I must beg leave once more to mention to your Excellency the great distress the Regiment is in for want of cloathing, the Soldiers being almost naked for want of Linen, and intirely with out Shoes. Col. Clark informs me he expects a...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Carter’s Grove, James City County, 30 Mch. 1781 . Encloses names of six militia ordered by court martial to serve as regular soldiers for six months and adds: “I expected there would have been more.” Three have already gone off, and if there is no objection, “as there are some circumstances that make in Favor of the other three,” they will be delivered at the prison, “that by being near their...
64To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the inclosed copy of the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed to examine into the conduct of Captain James Francis Moore purchasing Commissary for this department by which you will observe that I have not proved the charge against that Gentleman I have nothing to say in justification of my conduct more than that I had put too much confidence in the information whom I before thought...
65Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, [5 November] 1780 (Madison Papers)
Extract (Virginia State Library). This six-line plea, probably in the hand of Jefferson’s clerk, is entitled, “Extract of a Lre from the Virga Delegates in Congress to his Excellency the Governour dated at Phila: Nov. 5. 1780.” The letter from which this excerpt was taken is lost, but it was probably from the pen of Theodorick Bland. His financial distress appeared to exceed that of his fellow...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Brodhead, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of enclosing you copies of sundry letters relative to the designs of the Enemy, in and about Detroit. A great number of men must be discharged in the course of a few weeks, which will leave us weak on this frontier, and as no reinforcement of regulars can reasonably be expected for this district and the calling out some of the Militia from the States of Virginia and...
67To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have just now time to advise you that my agent in Philadelphia on the 9th. instant forwarded 275 Stand of arms and 1 ton of Gunpowder, to Fredericksburg, on the 11th. he forwarded a ton of Gunpowder on the 18th. he forwarded 600 Stand of arms and by this date he expected to forward the remainder of the 2000 Stand. This Supply of Arms, the Arms over and above what the Baron has taken for his...
68George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 11, 1779 . Warns of a probable British undertaking involving the Convention troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jefferson was governor of Virginia.
69To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Excellencys directions about returning the horses and boats which have been impressed for the expedition against Portsmouth. It gives me concern to say that the thing is very impracticable. In the first place there is nothing obligatory upon the impressors to return the horses or Boats and money will not induce them to undertake the business. In the next place, the...
70To Thomas Jefferson from William Call, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys Proposition of the 12th Inst. to me in behalf of this county I received yesterday where I had assembled the greater part of the People together to make out the relief going down to Genl. Muhlenbergs head Quarters, which gave me at once an oppertunity of making it known. The one fourth of those who are able to do Militia Service are now going down, and one third being already...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 31 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 30 Instant, herewith enclosed, your Excellency will observe that Majr. Genl. Greene is appointed to take the Command in the southern Department; and you will also receive the necessary Information of the Powers and Instructions given to him by Congress, and that it is earnestly recommended to the Legislatures and Executives from the Delaware State to Georgia...
72[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 3 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Feb. 1781. Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter to the Governor inclosing a Scheme presented to me by Dr. Pope (which I think reasonable) for paying the orderly’s at the Hospitals, for consideration.” Letter not located. The enclosure (Vi) is a 1-page memorandum, signed “M[atthew] P[ope]” and endorsed “Hospitals Dr. Pope,” proposing that “The Orderlys...
73To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Louisville, 15 Jan. 1781. Having appointed an assistant to complete purchases to be made on the Monongahela, Slaughter proceeded to Louisville and, on arrival, began purchasing beef and salt, the supply of which is sufficient; has drawn bills in favor of James Sullivan and David Standford for the purchase and delivery of provisions “from Hunters that would not credit the state,” and hopes they...
74To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 10 Oct. 1780. Enclosing a resolve of Congress of 7 Oct. “appointing Commissioners to endorse the new Bills of Credit to be issued by Virginia, and Letters to the Gentlemen informing them of their Appointment.” A postscript acknowledges TJ’s letters of 27 Sep. and 3 Oct. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington; endorsed. Enclosures: 2 copies ( Vi ) attested by...
75To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 6 May 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Short being just sitting out for Monticello I am happy to take the opportunity to assure you how sincerely I thank you for the late instance of your kindness and attention to me, which I particularly value as a testimony of your regard for me, and at the same time to assure you that nothing but a series of disappointments in the vessels I had appointed to sail in deprivd me of the...
76To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 1 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to observe to your Excellency that as the Quarter master general’s office is to be immedeatly removed to this place (Richmond) it becomes necessary to dispose of the houses in Wmsburgh, lately used for that office, to some other use. Mr. Kemp who is obliged to goe to Wmsburgh as soon as the arangement of the Quarter master generals department takes place, to finish the business...
77To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly obliged by your Excellency’s favor of the 3d. It has indeed relieved me from much anxiety as, from Genl. Gates’s letter of the 20h. Augt. from Hillsborough, there was the greatest reason to apprehend that the whole of the Maryland line and the troops which made a stand with them had been cut off. The stroke, as it is, is severe; but the total loss of the regular troops would...
78[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 11 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 11 Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under this date: “Letter written to his Excellency the Governor, informing him of the Return of the Boat Nicholson to the Yard.” Not located.]
79To Thomas Jefferson from John Tyler, 16 May 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I receiv’d your Letter by Doctor Walker, and have agreeable to your desire laid it before the House of Delegates, but the Constitution in the Opinion of the Members will not warrant the acceptance of your resignation. I am sorry most sincerely for my Country that she is depriv’d of your services, and I am sorry for myself in particular, that I cou’d not have the pleasure of yielding to you the...
80To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 2 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 30th ult. that Gen. Lawson’s Corps would march Yesterday. This would Certainly have been the Case had not a report arrived that the Legislature had determined on their being discharged immediately. I should not however have suspended the march from a mere report, but Genl. Lawson himself shewed me a Copy of the Resolution of the house of Delegates on the subject. I...
81To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Hamilton has informed us that a Flag with Cloathing and Money for the late Convention Troops stationed in Virginia and Maryland has arrived at Hampton and requested Permission to land them at George Town in Maryland, which we have granted so far as concerns the Troops in Maryland under certain restrictions and referred him to your Excellency as to the Necessaries for the Troops in...
82To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioner of the provision law, I think he is called, being so exceedingly ill as to be past the possibility of recovery, I have taken this opportunity of giving your Excellency notice of it, as the arrival of the new levies will occasion a considerable consuption of provision; and we have no great quantity of meat on hand. Mr. Ball is the gentleman who is expected to expire in a few...
83From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Thos. Jefferson Esq.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas. Feby. 11. 1783.” The words italicized in the third paragraph are those written by JM in the cipher described in Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. Also in LC : Madison Papers is JM’s draft of the letter. Your favor of the 31 of Jany. was safely brought by Mr. Thomson. That of the 7. inst:...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your Excellency’s Letter of this Date. Colonel Innes informs me of some Vessels Being on their way up. Till we know their force, which side they Mean to Act, we can Determine nothing, and till then I approve the Different Rendezvous you have Named. I am only afraid if their Movements are Rapid, they will get here Before the militia. I shall Communicate to your Excellency...
85To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 9 Oct. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolutions relative to Continental finance (see note below); asks promptness in payment and regrets that the state quotas are so large. RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; signed: “Samll: Huntington President”; endorsed by a clerk. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14). Enclosure: copy of a series of resolves of Congress signed by Charles Thomson ( Vi ):...
86To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 21 Mch. 1781 . Encloses proclamation of 20 Mch. recommending that Thursday, 3 May 1781, be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); at head of text: “Circular.” The enclosed proclamation, attested by Charles Thomson, was printed in Va. Gaz. Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, 1751–1780, and Richmond, 1780–1781). Abbreviations for publishers of...
87To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 1 July 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have Been Honoured with your favor of the 14th and while I am to thank you for the pains You took of Acquainting me with particulars Relative to Col. Ross, I feel a sincere pleasure in this opportunity to Continue our Correspondance. The Honor of Hearing from you Shall Ever Be wellcome, and I Beg leave from time to time to present You with the Camp Gazette, and with the assurance of My...
88To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Morristown, 22 Jan. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 16 Dec. 1779, which did not come to hand until 16 Jan. Will give proper consideration to applications from the enemy for flag-of-truce vessels to the Chesapeake. Has communicated Col. Bland’s case to Congress. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2p. In hand of James McHenry; endorsed. Printed: Washington, Writings , ed. Fitzpatrick, xvii ,...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before this Comes to Hand Your Excellency Will Have Got an Accurate Account of the Action Between the two fleets, where it Appears that Notwistanding their Inferiority Our Allies obtained the Honor of the day. But the Object of the Expedition was Lost, and the Attak of Portsmouth Unfortunately Post poned. On the Point of Setting out for the Grand Army, I will at least do My Best for the Relief...
90To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, 18 [October] 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
This Morning the Inclosed Interesting Intelligence was received by Congress from General Gates. As I am sure you will receive pleasure in reviewing even the Minutia of this great and Glorious Victory I shall make no Apology for sending you a Copy of the several Letters in the Rough dress you see them haveing made it off in a Hurry at the Clerks Table. Gates’s Rapid Successes to the Northward...
91Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (New York State Library, Albany). Except for JM’s signature, this letter is entirely in the hand of Theodorick Bland. It is with much concern that we have learnt from Your Excellencys and the Baron de Steubens letters to Congress, the Misfortunes our Country has sufferd from the Invasion under the command of the detestable Arnold, and that he has ventured with impunity even to our Capitol....
92To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 19 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed, the Copy of a Resolve of the 17th Instant, recommending to the several Legislatures to enact Laws making further Provision (as specified in the Resolve) to guard against the Abuses and deceitful Practices of the British, by making Use of Papers and Clearances they may take in American Vessels. The Measures recommended in this and the former Resolve of the...
93To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 27 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Our convention having, the 12th. instant, adjourned to the first monday in October, I did not receive yours of the 1st. July ‘til I had been a fortnight at home. I am much concerned at the situation of our affairs in Canada, but am not without hope they may yet be retrieved. A thorough knowledge of the sources of human evils, is, generally speaking, a good step towards pointing out effectual...
94[To Thomas Jefferson from Edward? Archer, 3 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Swan’s Point, 3 Jan. 1781. The 1816 version of TJ’s Diary of Arnold’s Invasion (Document I in Notes and Documents Relating to the British Invasions in 1781, printed under 31 Dec. 1780) contains the following entry under 3 Jan.: “8. aclock P.M. Received letter from E. Archer Swan’s point that at 12. aclock that day they [the British fleet] were at anchor a little below Jamestown.” Archer’s...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Andrews, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 10 Feb. 1781. “The City of Williamsburg having procured a Waggon, Team &c. as ordered by Act of Assembly ,” Andrews desires to know to whom they shall be delivered. RC ( Vi ); endorsed (in part): “From the Revd Robt. Andrews.” The act of assembly in question was an Act of the Oct. 1780 session for supplying the army with clothes, provisions, and wagons; see Hening, William W....
96To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 26 [August] 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you some time agon and Inclosed some Papers to you from Majr. Hay addressed to General Phillips. Mr. Hay was two days past at my House. I did not see him but he desired Mrs. Cary to Inform me he had received no Answer from Phillips and that the whole party were much distressed. A Few days after I wrote you I received from Williamsburg a letter from Phillips for Hay which Col. Bland had...
97To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 31 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
No new Occurrence at Cambridge can justify an Intrusion on the well-employ’d Moments of a Delegate. I must, however, urge you, to assign a Reason for the Supineness of Virginia, amidst the Robberies, and other Violations of private Property, said to have been committed by Lord Dunmore. He plunders Custom-Houses, and reviews his Body-Guard at Gosport, unarrested. What is the Conclusion from...
98To Thomas Jefferson from William Harrison, 2 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to Inform your excellencie that the Provision required for the Western expedition is nearly Compleat and will be at Fort Pitt with Boats sufficient to Transport it by the fifteenth Inst. I find the expence Considerabley augmented from My first expectation. Owing to the Depreciation of the Currency, the Money Sent Me from the Treasurey with 100000 pounds furnished me by...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 December 1779–9 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We Know at last, that D’Esteing’s melancholy affair happened in Georgia; that our few regulars there behaved very well; and we hear that it was the militia who did not Keep their ground; and that the pretended treachery did consist in the villany of one of our officers from New-England, who deserted and informed the enemy of Desteing’s plan for the attack. We are convinced that D’Esteing’s...
100To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14. inst: written in the Susquehanna with the several letters inclosed were safely delivered to me. I did not fail to present as you desired your particular compliments to Miss K. Your inference on that subject was not groundless. Before you left us I had sufficiently ascertained her sentiments. Since your departure the affair has been pursued. Most preliminary arrangements,...