From Thomas Jefferson to the Commissioners of the Provision Law for Bedford and Certain Other Counties, 29 August 1780
To the Commissioners of the Provision Law for Bedford and Certain Other Counties
In Council August 29. 1780
Gentlemen
As we have received information that the post at the Barracks in Albemarle is greatly distressed for provisions we hereby extend your powers as commissioners of the provision Law to live cattle, and wheat or flour of the present crop, and desire that you will by virtue of your commission furnish as speedily as possible such numbers of beeves and quantities of wheat or flour of the present year as Colo. Wood shall apply to you for. I inclose you for information as to the manner in which you are to proceed with respect to the beeves an extract from the act of assembly passed for that purpose. I repeat my entreaties that you be very exact in taking vouchers.
I have the honor to be with great respect gentlemen Your most obedient servant,
Th: Jefferson
FC (Vi, photostat from Brit. Mus.: Add. MSS 38,650); at head of text: “The Commissioners of the Provision Law of Bedford, Cumberland, Goochland, Shenandoah, Rockingham, and Augusta.” The copy actually sent to the Goochland Commissioners survives (Vi); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ: “The Commissioners of the Provision law Goochland”; endorsed: “Augt. 29. 1780. His Excy Govr. Jefferson To Coms. Prov Law.” Enclosure: extract of Act enlarging the powers of the Governor and Council (see TJ to Commissioners to Be Appointed by General Muhlenberg, this date). A duplicate of the present letter was enclosed in TJ’s letter to James Wood of this date.