251To Thomas Jefferson from James Callaway, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Extreemly Sorry to inform you that in place of the three Hundred and eighty four Militia, Requested by your Excellency to be sent from this County to the Assistance of General Green, I have only been able to send out One Hundred and thirty some Odd men, Exclusive Officers, Notwithstanding the Utmost exertion has been Used. The Extreem Busy Season of the Year, among the Common People,...
252To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I find it will be some time yet before Colo. Davies will have the several Estimates ready and it will then take me a day to examine what articles can be furnished in the State, and where the rest can be best procured. From what I can discover a great proportion of the present supplies must come from the Northward. Our State money has no currency there. The present Invasion intimidates the...
253From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 5 October] 1780 (Madison Papers)
Draft (New-York Historical Society). Although this undated, unsigned, and mutilated manuscript was written by Theodorick Bland, Jr., and endorsed “Rough drt of letter, from Col. Theok Bland Jr to Govr. Jefferson,” its message is phrased as coming from all the Virginia delegates. Whether the letter bore JM’s signature, along with Bland’s and John Walker’s, cannot be known since the recipient’s...
254To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 22 May 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have paid due attention to your favor of April the 21st., and I believe there would have been no difficulty in obtaining what is desired for Baron de Geismar had not the enemy created the difficulties that do exist. They absolutely refuse to admit partial exchanges, and they have lately proposed such unfair terms for general exchange that nothing can be done in either of these ways. They...
255To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bellini, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Non o potuto resistere alla tentazione di scriverle, e toglierle in conseguenza un poco del tempo da Lei destinato agli affari in queste calamitose circostanze. Jo non so cosa i’ mi sia, nè che cosa sia per esser di me se io resto più qui; mi pare per altro ch’io sarò Suddito non più alle leggi di questo Stato, ma a quelle d’un Quadrumvirato. Questa idea solamente è piu che bastante a rendere...
256To Thomas Jefferson from Richard and William May, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Louisville, 13 Dec. 1780. Informing TJ that they have served as justices of the peace for Kentucky co. “almost ever since it was taken off Fincastle, but upon the late Division , [we] fall into that Part of the County which is now called Jefferson, where we have Land and intend to reside.” It was therefore by mistake that the delegates for Kentucky co. put the Mays in the commission of the...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Sampson Mathews, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received your favour of the 12th. Inst. and Shall Proced Early tomorrow morning to Fredricksburg with about 250 Militia from augusta which is all that is Come this Length. Those of the 2d. Battallion which are on the way as also the Militia from Rockbridge and Rocking [Rockingham] I Shall send by Express to order their March to Fredricksburg, which Place I hope to Reach by Monday Night. I...
258To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Porterfield, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charleston, S.C. 1 Feb. 1781. Reports the death on 10 Jan. of his brother Col. Charles Porterfield, who was on his way from Camden to Charleston. During his brother’s “almost five months extreme illness, The consequence of a wound he received on the 16th. of August near Camden, His necessary expences amounted to a considerable sum, for the purpose of defraying which, he borrowed of Lord...
259To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [18 February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of Assembly establishing this Board directs, that it shall be subject to the advice and controul of the Executive, in every instance; and shall be held when and where the Governor, with advice of Council shall appoint: Now, tho’ we clearly see the propriety of the Board’s being fixed under the immediate inspection of the Executive, and it is what the Commissioners wish for, We are,...
260From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, respecting such of the Officers and privates of Blands and Baylors Regiments of Dragoons and of Harrisons Artillery, as belong to the state of Virginia. Their situation is really disagreable and discouraging; and it is perhaps the more so, from its being now almost if not intirely singular. It is said, that under the idea...
261Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by JM and signed by JM, Theodorick Bland, and Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Letter from Delegates 1 May 1781, Not answerd.” We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr: which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it...
262[To Thomas Jefferson from James Barron, before 2 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond?, before 2 Oct. 1780. Minute in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under date of 2 Oct.: “Letter from Commodore Barron referred from his Excellency the Governour.” An entry of 3 Oct., following, states that a reply was written by James Maxwell to Commodore Barron “inclosing a Form of a List of Seamen employed in the Navy of Virginia.” Neither Barron’s letter nor Maxwell’s...
263To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 3 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I have [been] beating my brain about your old Opinion that our Land tenure should be merely Allodial, and a New Opinion frequently mentioned during the last convention, that the unappropriated Lands should all be sold for the benefit of the commonwealth; and it was thrown out, that Congress had some thoughts of taking up this business as a Continental Fund. As to this Last I hope No such Idea...
264To Thomas Jefferson from John Lyne, with Jefferson’s Memoranda for a Legal Opinion, 13 January 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed copy of Mr. Todds Will and money I receiv’d a few days ago from the Gentleman who has married the Widow. He requisted that I would inclose it to you for your Advice for all matters relative to the Widow and perticular to the question below. If the money inclosed is short of your demand for Advice I will pay you or Order the balance on demand. I shall be glad to be favoured with...
265To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the inclosed copies, containing my corrispondence with Mr. D’Acosta and Dr. Franklin, being the most satisfactory proof I can give of having done what I prudently and decently could do to find the means for proceeding on the important business so strongly recommended to me. My delay to write to Dr. Franklin, and the distance between the first and second letter have proceeded cheafly...
266To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Clay, enclosing His Account against the State, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Month of July last I had the honour of waiting on your Excellency with a Warrant of Congress on your State for 1,200,000 Dollars, transmitted me from the Pay Office in Philada. for the purpose of supporting the Southern Army, at which time you inform’d me your Treasury was so drain’d, ’twas not in your Power to take the Warrant up, but assur’d me you wou’d advise me when it was that I...
267To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 15 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Honour’d with your Letter of the 9th. Instant with the Several Inclosures, and shall think myself Happy if I am Able to Carry your Ideas into Execution. I have Issued Peremptory Orders for all the Officers without Distinction, to repair within five Days to the Barracks, and shall Certainly inforce them with Strictness; at the same time I must beg leave to Suggest it as my Opinion, that in...
268To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been under the Necessity of drawing on your State Payable to Col: Thomas Polk for the Purpose of purchasing Provisions for the Army in the District of Mecklenberg and Roan [Rowan] Counties, for One Hundred Thousand Pounds Lawful Money of your State in one Bill Dated the 14th Ultimo, and also on the 11th. of same Month I drew on you for 150,000 in two Bills, one for 54,712. Pounds the...
269Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written and signed by JM, “By order of the delegation.” Docketed, “Jas Madisons Letter Recd May 81.” The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose, by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of...
270To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 1 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing you the 28th Ulto. and then communicated the position the Troops had taken that are under my Command. What gave rise to the change, was Intelligence received of a Boat from Portsmouth, with a British Officer and 16 Men being on the overnight at Mr. Trebells. The Officer was very inquisitive, ask’d where the Marquis was, where the Baron, and where I was; what sort...
271To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Purdie, 27 July 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I got your Favour about 3 o’Clock yesterday Afternoon by your Servant. I have not above Half a Dozen Papers left, therefore it is out of my Power to furnish the Subscribers with last Week’s Gazette. Indeed there was no News of any Consequence in it. I have sent one for you, and another for Dr. Gilmer. Since our last, we have a Confirmation of Capt. Jones’s taking the Drake 20 Gun ship and...
272Memorial of British Prisoners, 1 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Memorial of Lieut. Vernon, Quartr. Mr. Embree, Volunteer Willett of the British Legion, and Joshua Hamilton Store Keeper to the Provincial Forces. Sheweth that your Memoralists was taken Prisoners by the Providence and Ranger Sloops of War in January 1780 and brought into Charles Town, but Genl. Lincoln Understanding that an Expedition was coming against that place thought proper to send...
273To Thomas Jefferson from Linctot, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
L’honneur de la Com[mission] dont votre bonté ma pourveu et mon Zele sincere p[our] les Etats unies, mont engagé a me transporter dans mon département le plutot quil a été possible, pour y maintenir, suivant vos intentions, les nations sauvages dans nos intéret. Jay réussie a conserver pour quelque Temp les nations de Ouabache et quelque autre dans notre partie, leurs faisant esperer sous peu...
274To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 26 February 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Frazer is appointed first Leiutenant instead of Mr. Mossom. The other Appointments of your County remain unaltered. The inclosed Resolution respecting the prisoners will explain the Ideas of the Council Board on that Subject. Thirty pounds cash accompany this. Such of the prisoners as you may judge most in want of Clothes, will be furnished in such manner as you think best. If absolute...
275To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 5 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 5 June 1780. Encloses a resolve of Congress and asks that orders for executing it be carried out. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); 1 p. Caption reads “To Governor Lee,” but at foot of text is the notation “The like verbatim to Gov Jefferson.” Enclosure ( Vi ); see below. The resolve enclosed was one adopted by Congress on the day this letter was written (see JCC Journals of the...
276To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Scott, December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am unhappy to inform Your Excellency of the Distressed Situation of our troop prisoners at this place, for want of Clothing and Necessaries. The Very long delay I have no doubt has been occasioned by Some unforeseen Circumstances, perhaps the probability of a General Exchange of prisoners. However I hope the latter is not the reason why the Supplies are not Sent on, for Wear we Exchangd...
277To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 15 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Arrival of our Express with your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th. this Moment received gives us an Opportunity of informing you that all the Transports with the Troops from Elk got safe into Harbour on Tuesday Evening. The next Morning at day Light two Ships apparently British of the rate of eighteen and twenty eight Guns came to an Anchor opposite to the Mouth of our River Severn, at 12...
278To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Donnally, 29 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s Instructions I have held a Court Martial to enquire into the Delinquencies which have happened by Persons of the Militia neglecting to perform their Tour of Duty, the Number of Delinquents here are few; and am at a loss how to have them Marched to the place directed to, in your Instructions, as no person here will undertake to perform the Duty upon the Terms...
279To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 5 Apr. 1780 . Encloses Maj. Quarles’ return of men raised in his last tour; Quarles “complains extremely” of inattention of county lieutenants to the execution of laws which fall within their departments. He has also applied for compensation for his services; six hundred dollars per month is recommended. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “April 5. 1780. I approve of the...
280To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d a Letter from Colo. Dabney Commandant of the Posts below, a Copy of which I have the pleasure to send you. Nothing could have happened more fortunately for us. The utmost expedition is necessary to enable us to cooperate with this Fleet. Should they be disappointed in their expectation, it will dis[coura]ge them from affording us future assistance. I propose to go...
281James Henderson’s Account as Express, with Jefferson’s Certification, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
at the Swet springs £24 Mr. Millers 127– 4 Berton Shavers 21 9 expences comg 336 Mr Tilfords 24 going back 214 Robt. Steel 9 Widow Estills 21 Total expences £550 Leas
282To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Return you require was sent from this post to the adjutant General, above nine Days since. But that I suppose having miscarried from the villainy of the Express riders (every one of whom, that I am acquainted with ought to suffer Death) I herewith transmit a second Account of the two Regiments stationed at and below this place. I can with truth assure your Excellency that I never within...
283To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 27 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 27 July 1779 . Detailed account of Wayne’s capture of Stony Point on the Hudson, 15 July. Postscript reads: “You will oblige me much, by suggesting to me such reflections, as occur to you on the subject of peace: not on the propriety of making it, if possible, but on terms, necessary for America to insist on.” RC ( DLC ); 1 p. Printed in part: Conway, Edmund Randolph , p. 39–40.
284To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to transmit to you, a resolution of congress of the 23d. instant also a resolution of the 11th. of april last, by which you will discover that they depend upon the arrears of specific supplies for the last campaign which have not yet been furnished by the different States to make good their engagements with the Court of France. As the honor and faith of the...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Jones, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Captn. George Blackwell is one of the draughts for Northumberland County, which he thinks a great hardship upon him, and as he is a stranger to your Excellency, has prevailed upon me to represent his case to you, hoping thro’ your means to be redressed. He was brought up to the Sea, and since the present disturbances has been Master of several Vessells, and has made several...
286To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the following Extract of a Letter I received from General Washington, and which I inclose for your information, I have reason to conclude that Your Excellency is doubtless apprised of a Flag of truce Vessel, laden with Stores and refreshments for the use of the Troops of Convention, being expected to arrive in James River. This Flag has now orders to proceed, and upon its arrival in James...
287To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, [16 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have Continued As ill as any Person could well be with a Cold, for upwards of 3 Weeks, it has reduced me so that I can with difficulty walke up and Down Stairs. I thank God it has Mended greatly for 3 days past, and I have gatherd a little strength. I have heard nothing of the Enemy Since their Stop at Sandy Point, untill this Morn. A Man Came to press a Waggon who Says they have landed at...
288To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Smith, 4 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am on the road to Philadelphia, and have just Time to acquaint you that I have received Letters from De francy dated at Bourdeaux informing me that he should find no Difficulty in complying with the Contract he had made with this State; and that I might expect him in the Spring of the Year. He earnest requests me to press the providing of the Tobacco for his Ships, as Nothing but Dispatch...
289To Thomas Jefferson from Esteban Rodríguez Miró, 4 May 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
New Orleans, 4 May 1782 . He commends the many services for the common cause made by Oliver Pollock, the agent of Congress, who is about to leave for the United States. Pollock facilitated the first successful actions by Spanish forces against the English establishments on the Mississippi, whereby the inhabitants of Natchez accepted the dominion of the Spanish king without the least...
290To Thomas Jefferson from D’Oyré, 10 June 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Je n’ay point oublié la promesse que je vous ai faite de vous Envoyer Le journal du Siege d’York; Le mémoire de M. Necker sur les finances de France; et le Sermon du docteur Cooper. M. Le Cher. de Chastelus, qui vous ecrit, vous rappellera probablement, Monsieur, votre Engagement de lui communiquer vos notes si intéressantes sur la Virginie: j’y suis intéressé, par la permission que vous...
291[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...
292To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Read, enclosing a Resolution of the Charlotte County Militia Officers, 28 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlotte Court House, 28 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a resolution of the militia officers of this county and is “directed to mention to you Sir, that Arms are dificult to be procured in the County, not having been Recovr’d since Sent out with the Militia under General Green.” Ammunition is also wanting. Asks where the men, if ordered out, are to march, and would be glad to have the six weeks term...
293From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Jas. Feby. 13. 1783.” The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings Speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself...
294To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Turpin, [before 7 August 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
Not having had the Pleasure of Seeing or even of hearing from you for a long time I am at length oblig’d to apply to you for Payment of the rent of my Tenemen[t] at Richmd. I have forborn to apply to the Assembly for Pay as I think I had no right having had your Promise for the Payment of the rent tho’ you have Promised to Pay me 8000 wt. of Tobo. I think 10000 is no extravagant demand as...
295To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 22 Mch. 1780 . There is little prospect of procuring supplies absolutely necessary for the army in the state. It is proposed to send a trustworthy person, John Moss, to Philadelphia with tobacco notes in the amount of 300 hhds. to purchase supplies there. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Countersigned: “Mar. 22. 1780. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ), 1 p.; Tr in Board of Trade...
296To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 6 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board have recieved a Letter from Col. Rawlins Commissary of Prisoners at Fort Frederick in Maryland informing of the Approach of the first Division of the Convention Troops towards that Post. We have given Directions to Major Foresythe to superintend the Supplies of all these Troops as well those at their former Station as those at Fort Frederic. We propose that one half of the Supplies...
297To Thomas Jefferson from Bernardo de Gálvez, 9 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
New Orleans, 9 July 1780 . Introducing Luis Toutan [Toutant] Beauregard, merchant of New Orleans, who comes to Virginia to obtain payment of sums due him for goods furnished to the troops quartered in the Illinois country. Gálvez desires to find occasions to be of service to TJ. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in Spanish; in a clerk’s hand, signed “Bdo. de Galvez.” Also a translation of the same, attested by...
298[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 17 September 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 17 Sep. 1780 . Minute in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy ( Vi ) under this date: “Letter written to the Governour informing him of the Boat Nicholson’s leaving the Yard under the Command of Lieut. Steele to take her station.” Not located.]
299To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 19 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 19 Oct. 1779 . Fifteen hundred additional hogsheads of tobacco have been purchased before a further rise in price, because it is feared that within a year goods may not be purchased for money. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Countersigned: “In Council Oct. 19. 1779. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p.
300To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry Mosby, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Acknowledge the Receipt of the Advice given by the Executive to me, to Call a Court Martial for the purpose of punishing the Delinquents Who has Refused or Neglected to March when Called Upon Under the Invasion Law, some few there May be in this County, and for the purpose aforesaid I had Appointed Fryday last to hold a Court, But the Whole of our Militia being Caled forth has Rendered it...