1To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My application to the Honbl. Majr. Genl. the Baron Steuben (the nature of which Your Excellency is acquainted with) not having produced me any command, and the enemy having gone down the river again, I intend going up the country for some time, or ’till I am honoured with a command. I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that I intend to go from hence to the Point of Fork, and thence to Colo....
2To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 22 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A resolution of the Honbl. the General Assemby (I am informed) has passed, requiring that I shall be dismissed from my appointment as Commissioner of the war office. I am of opinion, that after having notice of such a resolution’s having passed, it becomes improper for me to act any longer as Commissioner: I therefore must beg leave to resign my appointment to that office; and request, that...
3To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 20 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One Willis Hargrave a prisoner is at present in this town on parole from the prison ship, and I have the honour of enclosing a small memorandum to your Excellency respecting him. Mr. Rollings (of this town) informs me that Hargrave was taken off from his house in Nansemond County during Sir George Collier’s invasion, and that he learnt from some prisoners that had belonged to a vessel of...
4[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 17 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 17 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor, inclosing my memorandum to O. Clarke, a Bricklayer, with his answer; and informing that I can go no farther with him till I know the extent of the works intended. Clarke is to call again on Monday or Tuesday next. Informing that another man has broke out with the smallpox, which renders it...
5To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 13 Mch. 1781 . “Mr. Mauzey (a chair maker in town)” will make carriage wheels, provided the men whose names are on a list, enclosed, can be taken from the militia to assist him. Mr. Scherer, who is “ordered on the militia himself,” is in the same position. RC ( Vi ). Enclosure missing.
6To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, a note to Mr. Ross to furnish sundry articles to Mr. Mayes who is employed in the Countrys service by Capt. Brown, if you approve it. Mr. Ross’s furnishing the articles at Petersburgh, which I understand he can do, will save the expence of transportation from hence. There is also inclosed a certificate from Capt. Browne respecting Mr. Mayes’s...
7[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 13 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 13 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governour, requesting he will furnish me with a memorandum of the Artillery, &c. at Newcastle, as Col. Syme has acted under no orders from me, or made me any Return.” Not found.]
8To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, enclosing an Exchange of Letters with John Walker, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency the Copy of a letter I wrote to Mr. Walker, together with his answer to me, on the subject of Baron Steuben’s accusing me of neglect in my duty. Permit me to express my wish to your Excellency, that this matter may be fully and speedily inquired into; and to observe, that a long attendance on the Baron’s leisure, will certainly be exceedingly...
9[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 9 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 9 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governour respecting Sumersall (who is engaged to work 6 Months with Mr. Jas. Anderson) paying ferriages crossing the River to Manchester, to his Family.” Not located.]
10To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 8 Mch. 1781 . Has a letter from Col. Dabney informing him that Dabney’s commission is dated 11 June 1777. The man who contracted smallpox is dead, and Mr. Rose thinks the negro who cared for him must be furnished with clothing “that his own may be destroyed”; encloses order for clothing for TJ’s approval. Capt. Irish “proposes throwing a shell about 4 or 5 o’clock this afternoon...
11To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Senf says that a very considerable number of entrenching tools will probably be wanted below, and informs me that there are a considerable number at Fredericksburgh, which he wishes to have sent down forthwith to York. I have no knowledge of any tools belonging to the state being at Fredericksburgh, but as I cou’d wish to have Colo. Senf’s desire complyed with, I have taken the liberty...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the manner in which the Auditors construe the act of Assembly for allowing certain sums of money to the officers as part of their depreciation (which I am far from insisting is a wrong one) they have refused to grant me a warrant for the sum I think I have a right to under that act. They think it extends only to such officers as are actually at this time drawing pay as...
13[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 6 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Mch. 1781 . Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor inclosing a Morning Return of the State Garrison Regiment, Stationed at Richmond, and inquiring if the orders for powder from below shall be obeyed in their fullest extent, or first submitted to his Excellency.” Another minute of the same date: “The Governor’s answer respecting the...
14[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 5 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor, respecting the 200 Cartouch boxes he required me to collect, informing that the State’s Cartouch boxes at Petersburg had been sent to Chesterfield Courthouse by order of Baron Steuben, before Capn. Browne’s messenger got there, and asking if an Order shall be issued for 50 boxes from Col....
15To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The allowance of £80–6 for a Coat, waistcoat, hat, a pair of Breeches, 2 shirts, 2 pair stockings and 2 pr. shoes, and £3. for a blanket to the soldiers to whom such articles are due, having become, by the Depreciation, infinitely below their value; I beg leave to solicit your Excellency in behalf of the poor men, that application be made to the Assembly, to increase that allowance to...
16[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 3 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Mch. 1781 . Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter to the Governor respecting Mr. Simpson’s proposals for making Cartouch boxes, and inclosing the proposals.” Muter’s letter and the enclosed proposals have not been located, but see TJ’s reply, following.]
17[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 3 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor informing that Mr. Simpson refuses the terms offered by the Executive; but that he will make the boxes, provided he can be paid 15/. each, at the exchange usually paid for hard money.” Muter’s letter has not been located. The final entry for 3 Mch. in the Journal records “A letter rec’d from...
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 2 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Majr. General Baron de Steuben has this day publickly accused me of having neglected my duty, so as materially to injure the United States, and declared that he had the proofs in his possession. Tho’ I am conscious of having in every instance done my duty to the utmost of my power; yet as my character may be injured by such a public accusation’s being thrown out against me, I must request that...
19To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 1 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 1 Mch. 1781 . Requests information concerning the proper officer to discharge the eight-months’ men whose term of service is expired and the manner in which they are to be paid. Has written Mr. Blakey to report to the Council on the business for which he was employed; fears “he has done but little, and cannot be depended on.” Encloses a letter from Smith respecting the quarter...
20[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 1 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 1 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter to the Governor inclosing a list of the Officers of the second State Regiment.” Muter’s letter and the enclosed list of officers have not been located.]
21To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 28 Feb. 1781 . Five covers were ordered to be got ready for use on wagons removing the powder to Point of Fork. Mr. Rose says no canvas is to be had except some that was lodged with him for the use of the fleet, which he will not give up without express orders from TJ. Answer follows: “This canvas must not be diverted to any other use, Mr. Armistead should look out for...
22To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners that came from below lately are still in charge of the Commanding officer (Mr. Mann) at this place, and he is uncertain whether they are to be considered as Continental or State prisoners while they continue here. I can give him no information, as not a single line accompanyed them to me. The furnishing the prisoners with provisions, is the reason why Mr. Mann applies for this...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 26 Feb. 1781 . “In the regulation for issuing liquor, the waggoners are not mentioned; and I am informed liquor is issued to them in wet weather and on other occasions at the discretion of the quarter master general.” The sutler has refused to issue them liquor, and they have refused to act, “from which great inconvenience at present arises.” Encloses an order to be...
24[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 26 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 26 Feb. 1781 . War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Letter to the Governor, informing him of Col. Gibson’s men being to the southward, except about 10 or 12 that were left sick, and are at Chesterfield Courthouse; and that the first Captain of that Regiment is to the southward, Capt. Browne is the second, and Capt. Hamilton, the third is at...
25To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 19–20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Feb. 1781 . “Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown] attends to know the detirmination of your Excellency and the Hon. Council respecting his acting as Commissary of military stores.” All that remains to do is to fix his “allowance,” and since he is soon to be reduced to half pay as an officer, that allowance should be “the more liberal.” In Council Feb. 20. 1781. The board...
27To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 15 Feb. 1781. Encloses a letter just received from Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown]. Since Capt. Irish will probably remain in the state, is it TJ’s wish that Irish continue to act as commissary of military stores for the state? Muter does not doubt Irish’s ability and application, yet is “apt to think a seperate Commissary for the state may be proper.” Desires TJ’s...
28[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. The War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Letter to the Governor mentioning that it is Doctor Leiper’s opinion that the sick be immediately removed from the house they are now in, and that the Quarter Master can procure one for that purpose, until the hospital is finished; and mentioning the necessity of retaining Doctor Leiper at this...
29[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 14 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 14 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Letter to the Governor, in consequence of an application made to me from Major Magill, respecting the Soldiers of the State Garrison Regiment that served in the Southern Army, informing him they have received no pay for the time they served there, and petition his Excellency to advance pay for them...
30To 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...
31To 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...
32To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 12 Feb. 1781. Mr. John Henderson, from Albemarle, is with Muter and offers to rent to the public a sawmill he has charge of that is erected on [John] Harvie’s land, or he “will furnish plank at the point of fork” at reasonable prices. Transportation from the mill to Point of Fork is five miles by land and thirty by water. Muter desires instructions. RC ( Vi ); 1 p.
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Warneck should have called on me yesterday, but failed: I shall goe after him in a few minutes. I have just received a letter from Majr. North (one of the Barron’s aids) informing me that the Barron desires me to send 400℔ of pistol powder, 2000℔ of lead and 600 flints to Suffolk immedeatly to be delivered to Genl. Muhlenberg. I have sent to the Quarter Master for the State to make (if...
34To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in search of Warneck but can-not find him. He shall certainly wait on your Excellency and the Council to morrow forenoon, that his affair may be determined finally, if he is in this place. I have the honour of inclosing a note to the Commissary of Stores to provide some tacks for covering two waggons that want only covering with canvas to fitt them for taking in the ammunition, the...
35[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 10 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 10 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Letters, to the Governor inclosing a list of Mr. Andersons men that lost their bedding, and an order to the Commissary of Stores to furnish what is wanted Viz. eight beds, eight Sheets and twenty Six Blankets as soon as the circumstances of the public Store will permit of it. The order is returned...
36[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...
37[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 9 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 9 Feb. 1781. A minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “Letter, to the Governor informing him of Sheet Tin, to be sold at Vendue to day, which is wanted for the State, but that Mr. Armistead says he is unable to purchase, for want of Money.” Not located.]
38To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a letter from the quarter master , in which he informs me “That the cartridge blocks at Moody’s shop as well as those that were in his possession, were all destroyed by the enemy; and that since then he has not been able to procure a single workman to make more: but that he will use every exertion in his power to push a bussiness so essential at this critical period. He cannot assign...
39[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor in answer to one received from him this day, mentioning that no Camp Kettles were ready at Fredericksburg as I was told. I had no Letter by the Waggons. I have had no returns respecting Cartouch boxes, nor information respecting the Waggons sent for leather, but I will enquire and...
40[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor informing of Major Magill’s intention of setting off in a few days for the Southern Army.” Not found.]
41[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing a Copy of a list received from Mr. Vowles; of the State Artillery Officers, with Mr. Vowles’s Letter to me for his Excellencies perusal.” The enclosed list of officers has not been found, but Henry Vowles’ letter transmitting it to Muter, dated “Falmouth, Jany. 30th....
42[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing two accounts from Colo. Gibson’s regiment, and desiring instructions relative to them as they are entirely new to me in their nature.” Neither letter nor enclosure located.]
43[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5 Feb. 1781. Va. War Office Journal (Vi) under this date records a “Letter, to the Governor respecting giving orders to Capt. Groar to remain sometime longer in this State.” Letter not located, but see TJ to Muter, 23 Nov. 1780 and 4? Feb. 1781.]
44To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, 5 Feb. 1781. Lt. Col. Edmonds [Elias Edmunds] of the state artillery regiment is in Richmond for two days and desires to know if TJ has any orders respecting the regiment. Edmunds cannot make a return of the regiment, but his adjutant can, and Muter has written the adjutant for that purpose. One company of the regiment is serving with the southern army under Capt. [Christopher]...
45To 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...
46[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...
47To 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...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 31 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The waggons are ready to start that are to carry out the necessarys for the forces in the Western department, and instructions with respect to the delivery of the goods they carry are wanted. I am incapable of even originating instructions, as I know no more of the matter, than that the goods are to be carried to Fort Pitt, but I am entirely ignorant of any thing farther. I am informed that...
49[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 31 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 31 Jan. 1781. Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter to the Governor inclosing one, from Mr. Peter to me (just received) for his consideration, and one inclosed in that from Mr. Mead to Mr. Peter.” Muter’s letter has not been located. For enclosures, see TJ’s reply, following, and notes there.]
50To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 30 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Permitt me to mention to your Excellency that a very large quantity of nails will be wanted for the public buildings. Nail rod was received yesterday, which came from Fredericksburgh, but nail makers are wanting. Mr. Anderson would not agree to the terms that were offered him. The tradesmen that are willing to undertake public work, or to work for the public, require some thing to be done to...