1To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 25 July [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to lay before your Excellency, the great Necessity there is of appointing proper Officers, to have the immediate care of the Arms and Ammunition belonging to the State. Great inconveniencies, as well as heavy losses, have Arisen in consequence of the Want of such people. The Arms have been ruined in many places and the powder wasted; great quantitys of powder have been Obliged to be...
2To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, [8 August 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter I send to the County of Gloster, with the Arms and Ammunition, if it meets with your E[xcellency’s] approbation. The whole case Shipped on board the Dasher and she is ready to go down the river. I have the honor to be &c. Tr of letter and enclosure in War Office Letter Book ( Vi ); 1 p.
3To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 1 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 1 Sep. 1780. A new regulation respecting the pay of wagonmasters, foragemasters, &c., being absolutely necessary, a memorandum on that subject from Mr. Rose is enclosed for TJ’s consideration. RC ( Vi ). Endorsed in clerk’s hand: “Septr. 1st. 1780. From Colo. Muter to Governor Jefferson, informing that an arrangement in the QMr’s. department must be made.” Enclosure not found.
4To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 8 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, Mr. Ginters letter to Mr. Jamieson (with the papers it incloses) and a letter from Mr. Walter Peter to me. Permitt me to observe Sir, that the whole of Mr. Fornier’s pay added to the ration he drew, wou’d not have been sufficient to pay for his board at Mr. Ginters, unless he had thrown in along with his ration, his priveleges of drawing rum...
5To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 19 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, an order to the Commissary of stores to deliver Dr. Foushee Linnen and rags; and an order to Dr. Foushee to put up a small box of medicine for Hampton. I cannot recollect ever having received from Dr. McClurg such a list as he Speaks of, nor is there any Such letter or list to be found among my papers. The board of War the 21st of March last...
6To 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...
7[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, before 27 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, before 27 Nov. 1780. Extract of a letter from George Muter to William Davies, 27 Nov. 1781, in War Office Letter Book (Vi): “From my earnest wish to do all manner of Justice to the Continent as well as the State, and thereby comply with your requisitions, everything in my power shall be done in concert with and under the General’s [ i.e., Steuben ] direction, in the quickest and...
8To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with a Return of Ammunition on Hand, 29 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
My duty obliges me to inform your Excellency, that there are only twelve pigs of lead at Richmond and five at Westham, weighing about 150℔. each. I beg leave to add, that there is the most urgent necessity for a considerable quantity of lead’s being soon procured, otherwise the making of musket catridges must soon be at an end. There is only about 200℔. of ball and buck shott in the laboratory...
9To 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...
10[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, before 5 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, before 5 Dec. 1780. Extract of a letter from George Muter to [Arthur?] Campbell, 5 Dec. 1781, in War Office Letter Book (Vi): “I was favoured with yours of the 2d. of November [and] that I might be fully enabled to answer it, I laid it before [the] Governor. In Mr. Smith’s affair the Governor says The Board [can]not consent to advance Ensign Smith to a Captaincy on the...
11To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, [12 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
A state of the situation of the tanyard, is left with me. It appears that things are in bad order there, but I know not how it is to be remedied. Neither do I know that I have any authority to act in it at all, farther than (perhaps) to originate orders for any articles that may be wanted, and can be furnished on such orders. Permitt me to inform your Excellency, that several of the tradesmen...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 19 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Dec. 1780 . Capt. [Thomas] Quirk has applied to Muter to procure him a major’s commission in Col. Clarke’s [G. R. Clark’s] regiment, but Capt. [John] Williams also claims this majority, and Muter encloses two certificates from Clark which may enable TJ to decide on Quirk’s claim. Quirk must leave soon, and Clark’s being here will help settle the difficulty. Reply...
13To 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...
14To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 20 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 20 Dec. 1780 . A letter from Mr. Avery to TJ, concerning Golden Ward , was handed to Muter yesterday. Muter has no further evidence on Ward’s case than “the depositions enclosed from >Mr. Avery in his former letter.” Avery, Capt. Maxwell, and Muter are all of opinion that it will be best to discharge Ward and allow him to return to the Eastern Shore, “provided he...
15To 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....
16To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 28 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 28 Dec. 1780. Encloses a letter just received from Maj. [Charles] Magill covering a return of the state garrison regiment; Magill will also furnish a statement of the blankets and clothing needed by these men if they are to be continued in service. Lack of money and workmen is the principal reason why the hospital has not been finished and huts have not been built for...
17To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 7 January 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment honoured with your Excellency’s note. The moment it is in my power, I will send the gentlemen you wish for to you; but I am alone, and unable to act for want of the necessary assistants, except in a very limited degree. Capt. Spiller (you may recollect) was ordered below, to secure the arms in the Isle of Wight and Southampton. I have appointed Mr. Bourk to the particular care...
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, [7 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Syme is here, and his militia are mostly at Westham. From some difficultys that arise in consequence of the orders he has received, he is induced to send his son to wait on your Excellency for orders. I beg leave to refer to him for particulars. I have a letter from Mr. Rose : Majr. Peirce (he informs) with two pieces of artillery, and stores to a considerable amount are at Goochland...
19To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 14 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your Excellency’s letter and note . What is required in the letter, shall be instantly (as far as possible) sett about. “Twill be very proper to engage some barr iron of Mr. Ross; tho’ I don’t think it will be necessary to have any brought down immedeatly. There is a sufficient quantity of his pig iron to work up into cannon now at and near the foundery; but it is impossible...
20To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, enclosing an Exchange of Letters with William Spiller, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 19 Jan. 1781. Encloses: (1) letter written to William Spiller, commissary of military stores, 18 Jan.; (2) Spiller’s reply of 19 Jan. 1. Muter to Spiller [ Richmond ] 19 Jan. 1781. The Executive Council have received information that although Spiller received orders [2 January] to go to Petersburg “between 10 and 11 o Clock in the forenoon” to remove the stores there, and Col....
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 20 Jan. 1781. Encloses list of supplies for Capt. Read’s troop which cannot be furnished by the quartermaster. Read “thinks he can procure the necessarys more readily and on cheaper terms in Maryland … clear of the expence of transportation.” Suggests giving Read permission to purchase there and furnishing him with money. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 20. 1781. An estimate being...
24[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 22 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 22 Jan. 1781. A minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under date of 22 Jan. 1781 records two warrants to Capt. Edmund Read: (1) for £26,100, “on account for the pay due his Troop from the 1st. day of August 1780, to the 1st. day of January 1781 inclusive” (George Muter to the Auditors, 22 Jan. 1781, countersigned by TJ, in Contingent Fund Vouchers, Vi); (2) for £5,196, “on Account...
25[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 22 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 22 Jan. 1781. Minute in the Virginia War Office Journal (Vi), under date of 22 Jan. 1781: “Letter, to the Governor informing that Capt. John Allen of the State Artillery has lost his Commission, which he says was dated the 16th. day of April 1780. and, that he sollicits for a new one.” Letter not located.]
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 22 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 22 Jan. 1781. Mr. Milton Ford is now here and ready to hire carpenters “for the works at the Forks of James River,” and awaits instructions; his brother and father will assist him, if that is proper; Ford has previously been employed for the public, acting with “much industry and punctuality.” RC ( Vi ); 1 p.
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 24 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 24 Jan. 1781. Minute in the Va. War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing Mr. Mattw. Andersons proposals; and informing that he refuses the proposals made him, in consequence of the order of Council.” This letter and its enclosure have not been found, but see Muter to TJ, 20 Jan. 1781 .]
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 29 Jan. 1781 . Encloses a certificate concerning payment of which the quartermaster wishes instructions. [ Reply :] “Our Quartermaster is not to pay this difference. We have nothing to do with it. I think he had better take his remedy at law to obtain a just price. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed; endorsed: “Letter to the Govr. respecting the Q: Mr. applying to me about...
34[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 29 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 29 Jan. 1781 . Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter, to the Governor respecting the issuing spirits to the Officers and Soldiers in the State Service, and an order enclosed for a hogshead of rum to be delivered Francis Graves, to be issued to the Officers, Soldiers, tradesmen &c. if he approves of it.” Muter’s letter and its enclosure have not been...
35[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 29 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 29 Jan. 1781 . Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing Mr. Harmer’s proposals for hiring his Negroes; and informing that I think the hire Mr. Jameson asks for his negroes reasonable.” Muter’s letter and its enclosures have not been located. On 1 Feb. Muter wrote to George Harmer: “I am informed by a member of the Council that your...
36To 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...
37To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 30 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The money (30,000 dollars) due me agreeable to act of assembly for depreciation, is with-held in consequence of my having an open account on the Auditor’s books; kept open for upwards of three months at the requisition of the auditors, that I might pay some money due by the state to Mr. Jno. King of Petersburgh, and settle for the whole together. The ballance due from me, without paying Mr....
38To 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...
39[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.]
40To 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...
41To 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...
42[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...
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]...
45[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...
46[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.]
47[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....
48[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.]
49To 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...
50[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.]