Board of War to Board of Trade, 22 March 1780
Board of War to Board of Trade
Williamsburg, 22 Mch. 1780. Enclosing a charge to be paid to Col. Harrison for clothing furnished for his regiment. “The articles … appear to have been well bought, and we hope you will not think the Colo’s. Zeal, which has led him to expend his own money, and risque his own interest, to promote the public weal, an improper one.” Also requesting the purchase of clothes for Capt. Ragsdale in accordance with his order on the clothier. Signed (twice) by Innes, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Mar. 25. 1780. Referred to the Board of trade to originate such resolution on as to them shall seem proper. Th: Jefferson.”
RC (CSmH), 2 p.; the requisition for Col. Ragsdale is written below the first signatures and again signed; TJ’s instruction is on verso. Addressed: “The Board of Trade”; docketed. Tr of portion concerning Harrison is in War Office Letter Book (Vi). Enclosed accounts not located.
Although the letter was written to the Board of Trade, TJ’s instruction and the Board of Trade minute (below) indicate that it was first sent to TJ and transmitted by him to the Board of Trade. The following minute is entered in the Board of Trade Journal (Vi) under 25 Mch. 1780: “The Law requiring all requisitions for purchases to originate with the Executive, or at least have the approbation of that Board; the Commissioners of Trade therefore cannot, consistently with their duty, determine on Colo. Harrisons and Capt. Ragsdale’s Cases, referred by His Excellency in Council to this Board.” There is no record of further action on these cases.