1From George Washington to the County Lieutenants, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
I intend myself the honour of waitg upon your County, in order to exercise the Militia thereof ; and shoud be glad if you woud appoint your Officer’s to meet me at the Court Ho., or some other convenient place with a Firelock, Ammunition, &ca on the of September next, and the Militia properly accoutre’d, the day following. I am Sir Yr most Obt Servt LB (original), DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Certain County Lieutenants, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favor of you to give notice to the Officers recommended by you for the Western Battalions that as soon as one half the quota of one of them is raised and delivered by you he shall be entitled to the Commission for which he was recommended. As soon as that quota is complete and half the next raised another shall be entitled to his commission: and so on where there are more. You...
3Board of War to County Lieutenants and Recruiting Agents, 4 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclemency of the season having prevented the officer appointed to review and receive the new recruits raised under the act of Assembly concerning officers, soldiers, sailors, and marines, to perform the duties there prescribed on the days advertised in the gazette of December the 11th . The Board of War have changed the days of general rendezvous in the following manner, viz . At...
4From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, [before 1 August 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that there are dispersed through the several counties of the Commonwealth a considerable number of draughts or substitutes heretofore raised [blank for the name] is instructed to attend to receive them at your court house and will give you notice of the day on which he will attend. Our Eastern garrisons being extremely weak, we are under an absolute necessity of [rein]forcing...
5From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Frederick and Certain Other Counties, 4 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The late misfortune to the southward renders it necessary that we send a reinforcement of militia from this State to assist in stopping the progress of the enemy should they be able to do no more. I have in the first place required the counties which lately sent militia to the southward, to furnish now so many as failed to march then of the quota called on, but to make up a substantial aid...
6From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Pittsylvania and Certain Other Counties, 4 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The late misfortune to the southward renders it necessary that we send on a reinforcement of militia from this state to assist in stopping the progress of the enemy shoud they be able to do no more. Other counties are therefore applied to for quotas of militia proportioned to those which were required by the General assembly from the counties first called on, of which yours was one. Justice to...
7From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Botetourt and Montgomery, 1 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The propositions of the Executive for raising in the counties of Botetourt, Washington and Montgomery, a corps of volunteers to proceed to the southern army having on account of some circumstances contained in them failed to induce the engagement of such a corps, they have put them into a form in which they hope they will be more successful. The necessity of vigorous exertions to repel the...
8From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hampshire and Berkeley, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army forming by our enemies in the south and an extensive combination of savages in the west will probably render the ensuing campaign exceedingly active, and particularly call forth the exertions of this state. It is our duty to look forward in time and to make a proper division of our force between these two objects. There seems but one method of preventing the savages from...
9From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Fayette, Lincoln, and Jefferson, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army &c. [as in letter to county Lieutenants Hampshire and Berkeley to ‘before hand with them’ then omit and add as follows] The counties of Fayette, Lincoln and Jefferson of course must concur in the western defence. From these three I am to desire five hundred militia under proper officers to be furnished, each county sending a quota of the five hundred proportionate to the number...
10From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Monongalia and Ohio, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army &c. [as in letter to county lieutenants Hampshire and Berkeley to ‘proper officers’ and leave out from thence and insert] to be rendezvouzed at Pittsburg precisely by the first of march to proceed by the way of the falls of Ohio for an expedition under Colo. Clarke into the country beyond that river and to continue in service during the expedition; as to which Colo. Clarke is...
11From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Charlotte and Certain Other Counties, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Arrival of a hostile force within our State being confirmed, and their movements indicating an intention to come immediately into the heart of the Country, renders it necessary, to call for one fourth of your Militia under proper Captains and Subaltern officers to rendezvous at Petersburg. That there may not be a moments delay, let them come in detached parcels as they can be collected,...
12From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Shenandoah and Certain Other Counties, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy having again thought proper to invade our Country and being now on their Way up James River I have thought proper with Advice of the Council of State to require of your Militia under proper Officers to repair immediately to Richmond armed with good Rifles and Accoutrements suitable as far they have them; such of them as have not Rifles will be armed here with Musquets and joined to...
13From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Henrico and Certain Other Counties, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy having last Night past far up James River and seeming to point immediately to this Place or Petersburg, I must desire you without a moments Delay to send every man of your County able to bear Arms to rendezvous at Westham. Let them come in small Detachments as they can be collected and not wait to be formed into Companies. I am Sir your mo obt. hble. Servt., FC ( Vi ). At head of...
14From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
THE invasion of our country by the enemy at the Close of the last Session of Assembly, their pushing immediately to this place, the dispersion of the publick papers, which for the purpose of saving them necessarily took place, and the injury done at the printing office, have been so many causes operating unfortunately to the delay of transmitting you those acts of Assembly which required...
15From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Dinwiddie and Essex, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received particular information that Richard Overby and Richard Wills two of Capt. Hardaway’s company of Militia of your county lately on duty below have deserted and carried off their arms; as they are triable by a Court-Martial of the Officers remaining in the field, I am to desire you to exert every effort to have them taken and when taken to send them under guard to Cabbin point or...
16From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Washington and Certain Other Counties, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received intelligence from Genl. Greene that Lord Cornwallis, maddened by his losses at the Cowpens and George town, has burnt his own Waggons to enable himself to move with facility, and is pressing forward towards the Virginia line, Genl. Green being obliged to retire before him with an inferior force. The necessity of saving Genl. Green’s Army and in doing that the probability...
17From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley and Frederick, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have with exceeding distress of mind received information that the service to which the Militia of the Counties of Frederick and Berkely have been called Westwardly is so disagreeable as to render it probable that that call will be very imperfectly obeyed. A knowledge that an extensive combination of Indians had been formed to come on our frontier early in the spring induced us to prevent...
18From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased immediately on receipt of this, to order one fourth of your Militia to be assembled and marched without delay to Wmsburg under proper field officers, Captains, and subalterns. Send as many riflemen among them with their rifles as can be had, and of the rest let every man bring a good musket and accoutrements who has one. Let them proceed first to Fredericksburg where we...
19From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where the very rapid march of Ld. Cornwallis may terminate, I think it necessary to desire that every man of your Militia who has a firelock or for whom one can be procured by impressing or otherwise be immediately embodied under proper Officers. I do not herein give orders for their march because you are so convenient that you can without it’s causing but little delay give me...
20From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Lunenberg, Amelia, Powhatan, Cumberland, and Brunswick, 18 February … (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where the very rapid march of Ld. Cornwallis may terminate I think it necessary to desire that you immediately assemble the whole of your Militia who have arms, or for whom they can be procured by impressing or otherwise and march them with proper officers without delay to join Genl. Greene who by the last intelligence had crossed the Dan at Boyd’s ferry and was retreating before...
21From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of James City and Certain Other Counties, [24 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to order to on receipt of this of the militia of your County to remain on duty only till releifs ordered from Counties less exposed shall arrive. I hope this call will be thought less heavy on your County as we would avoid calling on it to perform a full tour of duty, and only wish them to serve during those short intervals between the necessary discharge of the militia and arrival...
22From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Prince George and Other Counties, 1 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It being necessary that a reinforcement be sent immediately to General Muhlenburg you will be pleased to order of your Militia to be at his head quarters on the 5th or at furthest the 6th. instant. They will there receive arms. This number must be sent fully. I am Sir, &c., &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “Letter to the County Lieutenants of Prince George, Sussex, Southampton, Isle of Wight,...
23From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It being absolutely necessary to send an immediate Reinforcement of Militia to General Muhlenburg’s Camp, I am to desire you without Delay to send effective men from your County to him. I will assure you that they shall be detained but a few Days, which considering the Shortness of Time they were out on the last Call will not more than make their Times of Service equal to those of the other...
24From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hanover and Certain Other Counties, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to send effective men of your militia immediately to Williamsburg under proper officers. I would advise that they carry what good firelocks they have. Deficiencies I expect may be supplied. I must beseech you to lose no Time in executing this order as the aid of these men is immediately wanting. Should the Call of such a Proportion of your militia render the prosecution of...
25From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Accomac and Northampton Counties, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On further Consideration of the paragraph in my Letter of January 19th requiring the public Arms in the Hands of the People to be sought for and collected together we are of Opinion it will be better to dispense with it in the two Counties on the Eastern Shore. You will therefore be pleased to consider it as dispensed with. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ). This suspension of part of the orders of 19 Jan....
26From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Buckingham and Amherst, 22 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board approve of your having complied with the Call for militia on the Invasion of our Country, tho’ that Call did not proceed immediately from the Executive. Necessity obliged us on the first of Arnold’s (&c. as in the Letter to the County Lieutenant of Culpeper). FC ( Vi ). The remainder of the letter to the two counties was the same as that indicated in the note to the letter to the...
27From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I INCLOSE you by express, three acts of the last session of Assembly for ascertaining the number of militia in the state; exempting artificers employed at iron works from militia duty, and remedying the inconveniencies arising from the interruption of the draught and the procuring clothes, provisions, and waggons for the army. WE expect to send a vessel shortly with a flag, from this place to...
28From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley, Frederick, and Hampshire Counties, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It being our Duty to see that such Proportion of Militia be called from your County either to the Westward or Eastward as is called from the other Counties, and being uninformed how many of them marched to the Westward, I am now to desire you will send men (deducting therefrom the number actually marched to the Westward) together with proper officers to perform a Tour of Duty in relief of...
29From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Orange and Certain Other Counties, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to send of your militia under proper Officers to perform a Tour of Duty &c. (as in the preceding Letter to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley &c.). FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “To the County Lieutenants of Orange, Stafford, Louisa, King George & Essex.” Blank in FC ; the following numbers appear at the foot of the text to be inserted at this point: “Orange 140, Stafford...
30From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Montgomery and Certain Other Counties, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Militia from this State with General Greene being entitled very shortly to a Discharge and it being absolutely necessary to support him to prevent the Danger of Lord Cornwallis’s turning on him again until the New Levies can be got into the field, you will be pleased to send immediately of the Militia of your County under proper Officers to join General Greene, arming as many as possible...
31From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
THE act of October 1780, For recruiting this state’s quota of troops to serve in the continental army , allowed persons to exempt themselves from certain military duties, by enlisting a soldier after the first day of the ensuing month of April , to serve during the war, and delivering him to a person authorized by the Governour to receive him. Sensible that the burthens of your office are...
32From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
HAVING received an application from the Commanding Officer to strengthen our army below, and being very unwilling to harrass the Militia more than shall be absolutely unavoidable, we are in hopes an immediate and sufficient accession of force may be obtained by application to the several Counties for their delinquents in Militia duty whom the Law sentences to six months service. Every County,...
33From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of King William and Certain Other Counties, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As your Militia is now returned or on their return home we have thought it necessary to take off the Suspension of the Act of October 1781 for recruiting this States Quota of Troops to serve in the Continental Army and to desire you to proceed to the raising the New Levies required from your County by that Law, and sending them to the Rendezvous as directed in my Letter of January 19th. 1781....
34From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Fauquier and Certain Other Counties, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to desire you to send of your Militia under proper officers with such good Arms as they have, and especially Rifles, to rendezvous at Williamsburg on the 1st. Day of May and to continue in Service two Months from the time of their getting to the Rendezvous. As Circumstances may render it necessary to change the Rendezvous, you will be pleased to order them by the way of where they will...
35From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Henrico and Certain Other Counties, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received Intelligence that the Enemy are in Motion up James River and that their vessels were in sight of Burwells ferry yesterday afternoon and their destination as yet being unknown we think it necessary to require you to assemble every man of your County able to bear Arms immediately to repair with proper officers and the best Arms he has to and that they do not wait to come...
36From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Elizabeth City and Certain Other Counties, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You are desired immediately to embody so many of your Militia as you can arm from your County and have them marched under proper officers to join Colo. Innes at such place as he shall direct. I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “County Lieutenants of Elizabeth City, Warwick, York, James City, King & Queen and of Williamsburg.”
37From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Henrico and Certain Other Counties, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive, having determined that future Tours of Militia Duty should be of two months length after joining the Army, had called in a proper Complement to serve from the 1st. Day of May to the last Day of June; proposing by that Time to relieve the whole by calling in others: The military officers have however represented that it will be more eligible to change one half monthly, than the...
38From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Charles City and Certain Other Counties, 7 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to desire you to send immediately of your Militia to join the Army under the Marquis Fayette and to continue in Service two Months from the Time of their joining him. Lest the full quota [&c. as in the Letter of May 5th.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “County Lieutenants of Charles City, King & Queen, Essex, Hanover, King William.” The number of militia to be called from each...
39From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants and Others, [8 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Senf being sent by Majr. Genl. Marquis Fayette to have the bridges and boats and other vessels destroyed which might otherwise facilitate the passage of the enemy across the rivers Blackwater, Nottoway, Meherrin and Roanoke and to collect vessels for transportation of our own troops, all County Lieutenants and other militia officers and their militia are hereby required...
40From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Lunenburg and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army under Major Genl. Phillips having landed at Brandon, and meaning to press Southwardly; and Lord Cornwallis being now advancing Northwardly with a Design probably of uniting their force, it behoves us immediately to turn out from every County as many men as there are Arms to be found in the County, in order to oppose these forces in their separate State if possible, and if not,...
41From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Louisa and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army [&c. to the words ‘with these arms in their hands’] to Richmond or Prince Edward Courthouse as shall be most convenient [&c.]1 And whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for by my letter of the 5th inst who will be retained to perform a full Tour. Cavalry in a due proportion [&c. to the end.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “County...
42From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of King William and Hanover, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British [&c. to the words ‘with these Arms in their hands’]1 to Richmond where they will receive orders to join Major General Marquis Fayette. When you shall be possessed [&c.] Whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for by my Letter of yesterday who will be retained to perform a full tour. It is probable [&c. to the end.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text:...
43From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Henry and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army [&c. to the words ‘keep clear of Danger from the former.’] Should the Militia before ordered to join General Greene be not actually marched we should approve of these Arms being put into their hands, and that they proceed to one of the Rendezvouses beforementioned instead of taking a direct Route to General Greene as formerly ordered. The person who receives [&c. to the end.] I...
44From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There are a very considerable number (about 164) of your Militia who have been on Duty near two Months; Be pleased to fix on so many of the rest of your County whether now in the field or at Home, whose regular Tour it is, to go and relieve the 164 first mentioned. We shall call on other Counties immediately to relieve the whole of yours as soon as they can get in. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). The...
45From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Powhatan, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Dinwiddie, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may at any Time be within twenty Miles of the Enemys Camp to be removed beyond that Distance excepting only such Horses as are unfit either for Cavalry or Artillery. Should the Owners not perform this Order within such short and reasonable Time as you shall prescribe, you will be pleased to order out proper Officers and men of your...
46From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Goochland and Henrico, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the Marquis Fayette give you Notice at any Time that there is Reason to apprehend the Enemy will cross James River, you will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may be within twenty Miles wherever they shall at any Time be to be removed [&c. as in the Letter to Powhatan.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Brackets supplied; for remainder of text see preceding letter.
47From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hanover and New Kent, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever the Honble. Major Genl. Marquis La Fayette shall think it necessary and shall so inform you, you will be pleased to have collected all the Boats and other smaller vessels, whether Public or Private, on Pamunkey either on or opposite to the Shore of your County and to have them carried to such Places as he shall direct. I am &c., FC ( Vi ).
48From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Washington and Certain Other Counties, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lord Cornwallis from Carolina and a Reinforcement of 2000 Men from New York having joined the hostile Army which was before here and crossed James River renders it necessary for us to bring a very great Force into the Field. As I have reason to believe you have not sent the whole Number ordered to the Southward by my Letter of You will now be pleased to send under proper Officers whatever...
49From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of York and Certain Other Counties, 29 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Information having been given me that a considerable number of Men have deserted from the French Army and Navy in America which the Commanding Officers are very urgent to have apprehended, I must desire you to give orders at the several Ferries in your County, that all Foreigners offering to cross at them and having the Appearance of Soldiers or Seamen be examined with great Strictness and if...
50From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Powhatan and Certain Other Counties, 31 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having become essentially necessary to raise immediately a large body of Cavalry and having no means of providing Accoutrements we are obliged to attempt the recovery of All the public Arms and Accoutrements for Cavalry dispersed in private hands through the state, which if they can be secured will arm and equip a very respectable force. I am therefore to press you instantly and diligently...