21[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 6 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Mch. 1781 . Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “An order from the Governor to order the Delivery of 1000. wt. Cannon powder for York, and 6000 wt. of Cannon powder to be sent down the river to Mr. Tho. Smith.” Not located.]
22From 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...
23From 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.
24[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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27From 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...
28From 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....
29From 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...
30From 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...
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, 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...
33From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board has considered your request that they should make an Enquiry into your Conduct as Commissioner of the War Office. No Complaint having been lodged with them on the Subject, No Prosecutor offering himself, no Witnesses pointed out, nor even Charges specifyed, they do not know that they can with either propriety or practicability enter on such an enquiry; the more especially as they...
34[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...
35From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 3 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board will approve of a Contract for 3000 Cartridge boxes, to hold 23 rounds, with a bag, a large strong flap to cover the Bag and box, and a buff belt with a Buckle, to be Completed by the last of May @ 75 wt. tobacco each, or its value in money, according to the estimate of the Grand Jury next preceding payment; the 200 said to have been delivered are not to be counted as part, unless...
36From 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...
37To 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...
38From 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:...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the first of the present invasion, I desired Col. Syme to superintend the removal of the Stores from Cumberland Town to Newcastle; as soon as we found that the enemy had fixed themselves at Portsmouth, as there was but little land carriage saved by bringing them to Newcastle, we discontinued it. Col. Syme never made me a report of the Articles which he had removed actually. Perhaps it may...
42From 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...
43From 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...
44From 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...
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...
46From 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....
47From 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...
48To 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....
49From 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...
50William Cole to George Muter, with Jefferson’s Instructions to Muter, 15–19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
State Yard, 15 Mch. 1781 . Requests arms and ammunition “by return of State sloop”; the skipper will await reply. TJ’s instructions follow: “In Council, March 19, 1781. It is the opinion of the Board that the arms and ammunition desired by Mr. Coles for the safety of the Shipyard, should be sent. Th Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; addressed; endorsed: “Letter from Wm Coles at the State Shipyard,...
51From 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...
52To 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...
53To 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...
54From 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...
55[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...
56To 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...
57From 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...
58From 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
59[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 19 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 19 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter from the Governor respecting ammunition &c. required by Cap: Mitch [Mitchell]. Waited on the Governor in consequence of it. And sent off the following letters containing orders for the ammunition, &c. immediately. A letter to Cap. Browne, State Commissary of Military Stores. To Cap. Irish. To Mr. Moody, and...
60From 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...
61To 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...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From 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...
65To 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...
66To 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...
67To 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...
68To 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...
69From 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...
70James Cocke to George Muter, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My having an oppertunity Yesterday of perusing the Newspaper I observed in the Account of the rapid progress of the Enemy up the River, that in respect to their passing the post at Hoods is different from what it is their represented. On the Morning of the 3rd. Inst. I ordered an Officer and two Men to Brandon to give us Intelegence of the Enemy should they land at that Place, and if after...