1VIII. American Commissioners to William Carmichael, 12 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Barclay will deliver you this letter in his way to Morocco. We have appointed him to this negotiation in hopes of obtaining the friendship of that State to our country, and of opening by that means the commerce of the Mediterranean, an object of sufficient importance to induce him to accept of the trust. We recommend him and Colo. Franks who goes with him to your attention and assistance,...
2I. Commission, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
To all to whom these Presents shall come or, may be made known. Whereas the United States of America in Congress Assembled, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of their trusty and well-beloved the Honble. John Adams late one of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace, and heretofore a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts...
3III. Supplementary Instructions to John Lamb, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
We have received information that two American vessels, the Dauphin from Philadelphia and the Maria from Boston with their crews and cargoes have lately been taken by the Algerines off the coast of Portugal and that the crews are reduced to slavery. Our full powers to that State being for the general purpose only of concluding a treaty of Amity and Commerce, the redemption of our citizens made...
4VII. Letter of Credit, 6 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled on the 14th. day of Febry. last resolved, that the Ministers of the United States who are directed to form Treaties with the Emperor of Morocco and the Regencies of Algiers Tunis and Tripoli be empowered to apply any Money in Europe belonging to the United States to that use: As you are appointed to proceed to Morocco as Agent for forming such...
5Draft of Resolutions on Lord Drummond’s Peace Proposals, [22? August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the articles inclosed by Ld. Drummond to Ld. Howe whereby it is proposed ‘that it shall be ascertained by calculation what supply towards the general exigency of the state each separate colony shall furnish, to be encreased or lessened in proportion to the growth or decline of such colony, and to be vested in the king by a perpetual grant, in consideration whereof Great Britain...
6II. Instructions, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress having been pleased to invest us with full powers for entering into treaty of Amity and Alliance with the Emperor of Morocco, and it being impracticable for us to attend his court in person and equally impracticable on account of our seperate stations to receive a Minister from him, we have concluded to effect our object by the intervention of a confidential person. We concur in...
7VI. Heads of Inquiry, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
1. Commerce. What are the articles of their export and import? What articles of American produce might find a market in Algiers and at what prices? Whether rice, flour, tobacco, furs, ready built ships, fish, oil, tar, turpintine, ship timber &c. and whether any of these articles would hereafter be acceptable as presents? What duties are levied by them on exports and imports? Do all nations...
8American Philosophical Society Memorial to U.S. Congress, [7–10 January 1800] (Jefferson Papers)
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. The Memorial of the American Philosophical Society, Respectfully Sheweth, That this Society, instituted for the promotion of useful knowledge, understanding that the Legislature of the Union have under their consideration a bill for taking a new census of the inhabitants of the United States, consider it as offering...
9Agreement with James Anderson for Nailers, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Nine lads thats Nailors, which the State may have for one Year at ⅔ Specie Pr. Day, they lads must be fed Clothed Washing and lodgeing fiting for Apprentises. Eight of those lads shall make Twenty five Thousand Nails pr. Week. In Council Feb. 9. 1781. The board agree to engage the above persons for one year on the terms above proposed on the condition that when not necessary to be...
10Robert Scot’s Invoice for Executing an Indian Medal, with Jefferson’s Memoranda, [13–21 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr to Rot. Scot Dr. 1780 Oct 13 To Engraving and making a Medalion mould in Brass and casting paterns £3150. 0.0 To Pewter for paterns 15. 0.0 To Cash payed on Acct Express as pr. receipt 41.14.0 £3206.14.0 37 Silver dollars estimated @ 140 for 1. To 37 Silver Dollars 1554. £4760.14.0 In Council Oct. 21. 1781 The within service was performed on...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Jean-Armand Tronchin, with Enclosures, 1 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I wrote two letters to America to enquire after the fate of Mr. Gallatin. One was to Mr. Savary , from whom I have as yet received no answer. The second was to Mr. Jay Secretary for foreign affairs to the United States. He put the paragraph of my letter into the public papers, desiring those who knew any thing of Mr. Gallatin to communicate what they knew. He soon...
12American Philosophical Society’s Circular on the Hessian Fly, 17 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Committee appointed by the American Philosophical Society for the purpose of collecting and communicating to the Society materials for forming the Natural History of the insect called the Hessian-fly , as also information of the best means of preventing or destroying the Insect, and whatever else relative to the same may be interesting to Agriculture: Resolved that, for...
13Enclosure: Power of Attorney, 2 January 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson named in a certain letter of Attorney from William Short of the state of Virginia Minister Resident of the US. at the Hague, to me bearing date the 2d. day of April 1793. and now lodged in the bank of the US. by virtue of the power and authority therein given me, do make substitute and appoint John Ross Esquire as well my own as the true...
14Enclosure I: Contract with Samuel Blodget, Jr., 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration to be made by the President That the sales of lots of public property in the town of Washington shall never be extended so far but that there shall remain and be reserved so many of the said lots unsold as shall at the rate of 100. Doll. per lot be sufficient to secure the proportion of this loan not yet reimbursed, of which lots two fifths shall be South of an East and West line...
15To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 12 Nov. 1779. In compliance with the requisition of 30 Oct. for the purchase of clothing for the Cherokee Indians, all the articles mentioned in Maj. Martin’s list that were to be had were secured, but for want of money the goods are being held until payment for them can be made. Before the treasury is replenished the goods may be sold. Every effort has been made to secure the...
16To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 25 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 25 Jan. 1780 . Requests advice of Council concerning purchase of spirits and other commodities from De Francy for the use of the several garrisons. Reply follows: “In Council January 25th 1780. The Board disapproves altogether of the proposed purchase of Rice and Salt; and refer to the Board of Trade to determine whether the sum to which the State of the Public Treasury will...
17To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 23 Dec. 1779 . The commanders of two vessels from Bermuda with salt to exchange for corn submit a proposal, enclosed. The terms agreed upon last July were bushel for bushel, but the price of corn has fallen and the price of salt doubled. It would be good policy to allow two bushels of corn for one of salt to induce others to bring salt. The captains are granted permission to...
18From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, with Reply, [25 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of Assembly having directed a Sale of the Ships Tartar and Dragon, the Gallies Henry, Manly, Hero, Page, Lewis and Safeguard, except such of them as may consistently with the public Interest be employed in the commercial Concerns of this Commonwealth, it is recommended to the Board of Trade to declare which of the said Vessels they are of Opinion should be retained under that...
19To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 14 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 14 July 1779 . Upon consideration of the want of necessary supplies, it is proposed to offer Hunter & Co. “77 ½ for 1. for such Goods as will suit the State payable in Tobacco at the Market Price.” Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. Countersigned: “In council July 16. 1779. Disapproved of, the price being thought too exorbitant. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. See Board of...
20To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, [17 March 1780]–18 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears from an Act of the last Session of Assembly that the Executive are empowered to make Sale of sundry State Vessells therein mentioned with this proviso that they shall have power also to retain for the State such of the said Vessels as can consistently with the Public Interest be employed in the Commercial concerns of this Commonwealth. The Commissioners of Trade beg leave to inform...
21To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 3 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Nov. 1779 . Submits requisitions from Board of War for shoes and for clothing for Col. Buford’s battalion at Petersburg; also a memorandum of George Purdie offering sundry articles. Mr. Greenhow has 10 dozen men’s large shoes which he offers at £12 per pair and 9 dozen small men’s shoes at £10. Prices for all the articles are exceedingly high, but the need for them is...
22To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We tho’t it prudent, before Mr. Smith’s departure, that he should inform the Board what he expected would be allowed him for his Expences on his intended trip to Europe, that no difficulties might arise with respect to this matter on his return. He has consulted Mr. Beall on the occasion, who it seems lately made the same tour himself, and procured his Opinion, which is herewith submitted to...
23To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, [5 April 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The following Slaves have been purchased for the use of the State agreeable to the Instructions given this Board by His Excellency in Council Gabriel cost £6305. Ned, cost 4210 Soloman 3675 Sam 4700 Kitt (a Boy 3640. Charles 3115 Tom 3755 Sawney 3190 David 3820 James
24To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 23d . was this day laid before the Board; there is a Vessel now at the Capitol Landing which we shall have detained till the 7th of next month, in order to take in those Articles directed to be removed to Richmond; unless it should be thought better to order her round to the College Landing to receive them: The other instructions contained in the Letter shall be...
25To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 13 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 13 July 1779 . The proposals of Hunter & Co. concerning the cargo of the ship Dolphin seem exorbitant. From information respecting tobacco now owned by the state, it is impracticable to comply with the proposal. This commodity is rising daily and will probably soon reach £20 per hundred. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. Countersigned with the following instruction: “In...
26To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 8–9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 8–9 Oct. 1779 . Transmitting a requisition from the Board of War for the purchase of leather breeches for Maj. Nelson’s corps of cavalry. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Below, in TJ’s hand: “In council Oct. 9. 1779. There being a sufficiency of deerskins in Richmond for the purpose of this requisition from the board of war it is disapproved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.;...
27To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 21 January 17[80] (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Jan. 1780 [ misdated 1779 ]. A recent regulation enables captains of artillery in the Continental army to keep horses, which makes boots necessary equipment. A request for boots from the public shops at the reduced price seems reasonable, but, being unusual, the approval of the executive is desired. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 24th. 1780. The...
28To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia and the charge for freight immense. The extensive orders given to Col. Smith of Baltimore to purchase flour should, therefore, be immediately countermanded and a price limit set of £30 Maryland money per hundred....
29To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard Barron, commanding officer of the state navy. If necessary, Capt. Barron will convey the ship to a place of safety on the western shore. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 15th. Approved...
30To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Before issuing orders for the privateersmen at King William Courthouse to be delivered to the flag from New York, the Board wish instructions concerning the British prisoners of war. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Reply follows: “In Council Mar. 25th. 1780. The Board are [of] opinion that all the prisoners of War belonging to this State (excepting only Governor...
31To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . In Feb. 1779 Mark Talbot agreed with Capt. Maxwell and Col. Travis, commissioners of the navy, to build a vessel of war for the state. Talbot, supposing he had a bad bargain, did not comply with the terms of the contract. When called on in June for delivery, he stated that the enemy had destroyed the vessel, though it appears that timbers for the hull had not been...
32To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a roster of Col. Marshall’s officers, together with a recommendation of some cadets and others for commissions to complete officers for the corps of artillery, and requests that commissions be issued according to the dates specified. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “Feb. 17th. 1780. The Board Advise that commissions be issued accordingly. Th:...
33To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
34To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11–15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War recommend that a fast sailing Boat be kept as a look out at Smiths Island to give the alarm in Maggoty Bay on the approach of an Enemy; from thence an Express to be sent across the Country to Northampton Court House; the Boat then to proceed to York with the alarm. The Battery at Cheriton to be repaired, and the Guns there remounted immediately for the defence of that Inlet;...
35Inventory of Supplies for the Virginia Line, with Jefferson’s Instructions, [7 April 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Inventory of necessaries to compleat the Officers and soldiers of fifteen Regiments on continental establishment with Clothing for 435 Officers, 6810 non Commissioned Officers and privates. Yds Seven Quarter Cloth fit for Regimentals 2610 Linen Allowing 6 shirts each 9035 Stockings one half Silk 6 pair each 2610 pair Stuff fit for summer Vests and Breeches 7430 Best shoes 870 Pr. but twice...
36To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 23–25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter Master General informs us, that for want of proper Offices and Store houses, The State not only incurs a considerable expence for rents but that the public property from the impossibility of procuring proper accommodations for Storage suffers very great detriment. We take liberty to recommend that your Excellency would direct such houses on the lot purchased by the Executive of Mr....
37To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Nov. 1779 . Alexander Stewart of Rockbridge co. has offered to supply the state with gunpowder. He should be engaged to supply as much as he is willing to contract for and should be paid as much as others receive for all he delivers to the magazine at Staunton. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council December 1st. 1779. Approved on condition that Mr....
38To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779. Approved, except so far as relates to the establishment of pursers, which measure is still to be considered of. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 3 p.
39To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16–17 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Minnis of General Mulenburgh’s family, who belongs to the 1st. Virginia Continental Regiment, being destitute of active employment, owing to the deficiency of the Virginia Line, has been called on to resume his command in his Regiment, and his company therein being extremely thin, he requests to be honored with the charge of a proportion of the recruits raised under the act concerning...
40To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a letter from Lt. Col. Porterfield stating objections to the new quartermaster’s arrangement; these objections seem proper and will be given consideration if the executive approves. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Feb. 16. 1780. The board approve of giving Colo. Porterfield 200. Dolls. ⅌ month in Addition to the 600 Doll. ⅌ month...
41Notice of Sale of Bernard Moore’s Property, 10 January 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
To be sold to the highest Bidders, on Thursday the 31st of this Instant (January) at the House of Colonel Bernard Moore , in King William, Eighteen Hundred Acres of land for the Life of Colonel Moore , lying on
42Advertisement of Sale of Other Property and Effects of Bernard Moore, 21 February 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
To be sold to the highest Bidders, on the second Wednesday in March, being the Day before Caroline Court, at Colonel Bernard Moore’s Plantation in Caroline, The Stocks of cattle, hogs, corn , and fodder.
43Further Advertisement of Sale of Bernard Moore’s Property, 28 February 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
To be sold to the highest Bidders, on the third Thursday in March, at King William Courthouse, being Court Day , Eleven Hundred and twenty five Acres of exceeding fine well timbered land lying on Pamunkey , below Ruffin’s
44From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, with Account of Goods Furnished to the Indians by Major Linctot, 11 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue on the within certificate from Colo. Broadhead a warrant for the sum due on the within account in specie or it’s value in paper money at the current exchange, to be paid to Majr. Lintot or order and charged to the Continent. An Account of what goods Mr. Godfrey Linctot Major and Agent General of all the Indien Nations have Furnished to the Indiens for the Service of the...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Humphrey Brooke, 16 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fauquier, 16 Mch. 1781 . The bearer, Joseph Duncan, enlisted with George Slaughter to go to Kentucky as an armorer; was granted leave of absence to see his family; has been informed that “all under his Circumstances are ordered to Richmond”; is willing to “comply with his engagement” if he is not obliged to return to Kentucky. Duncan is a neighbor of Brooke, who can vouch that he is excellent...
46From Christopher Calvert, with a Note by Jefferson to the Attorney General, 25 February–21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
South Quay, 25 Feb. 1781 . “Agreeable to the within information,” Calvert has seized the trunk and has found no letters in it, but rather a quantity of “valuable dry Goods”; wishes to know what is to be done with them. By law the Naval Office is open from ten to three; this prevents Calvert from attending muster; and, on account of his feet, he believes himself entitled to exemption from...
47From 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...
48Articles of Agreement with William Champe Carter, 20 April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of agreement concluded between Wm. Champe Carter on the one part and Thomas Jefferson as Attorney for William Short on the other. The said Wm. Champe covenants to convey to the said Wm. Short a fee simple estate in a certain tract of land known by the name of the Indian camp quarter, part of a tract of land devised to him by his father, and lying between the lands of James Monroe and...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Whiting, enclosing List of Materials for Temporary Buildings at Richmond, 26 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of the directors of the public Buildings in Richmond, I am to desire that you will provide for them locks of different kinds fit for house doors, hinges for do., window glass, putty, lathing nails and shells. For the quantities I must refer you to the Directors themselves. I am Sir Your humble Servant, RC ( CSmH ). In a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ. Addressed: “Thomas Whiting...
50William Cherry’s Account of Expenses, with Jefferson’s Certification, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
1781 Richmond Dr. Capt. Cherry To Richd. Hogg April 3rd. To Supper 50 Dollars. lodgn. 10. 60 4 To Breakfast 50 Dinner &c 90 140 To Beer 30 30 5 To lodg. 10. horse 50 dram 10 70 To Breakfast 50 dinner &c 90 140 440 Dolls