301To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 7 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last post I suggested to you that our European affairs would probably bear greater delay than you apprehended. What you call your temporary disability will be removed early enough, to allow you to reach France by January. From Colo. Laurens’s account I am induced to believe, that Great Britain will never admit an American plenipotentiary into the congress, before which a general...
302To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dick, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer of this, Capt. Minor, returns directly. Your Excellency will please issue a Warrant for One Hundred thousand pounds to come by him for the use of the Gun Factory; The sum sounds high, but it is not near equal to One thousand pounds in good Times, and will soon be out. Workmen’s Wages are from £15 to £35 ⅌ Day, and could not be had under a great deal more, if it was not for their...
303To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New Castle, 20 Apr. 1781 . Has received TJ’s orders “Directing A Court Martial, on the Delinquents, for My County. I understand by it, those that Have fail’d in any Tour of Duty, whatever, Say for 12 Months Back, Or thereabouts.” No returns were made by Syme’s officers while he was “at the Springs,” but has “now c[all]’d for them, as thinking it, both just and suitable from your Orders, and...
304To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Reed, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to inclose your Excellency the appointment of Commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania to compleat the Boundary line between Virginia and this State pursuant to the Agreement of the Commissioners at Baltimore the thirty first day of August 1779. I have to request your Excellency to communicate the same to the Legislature of the State of Virginia and to favour me with their...
305Virginia Delegates in Congress to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Theodorick Bland and signed by Bland and Joseph Jones. We are Just informd from Genl. Varnum a Member now in Congress from Rhode Island that he has received Certain Intelligence that the Culloden of 74 Guns is drove on Shore and all her Crew except 17 men Perishd. the London of 90 Guns is driven out to Sea dismasted and two other 64 Gun Men of War Were...
306[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 10 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 10 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Letters, to the Governor inclosing a list of Mr. Andersons men that lost their bedding, and an order to the Commissary of Stores to furnish what is wanted Viz. eight beds, eight Sheets and twenty Six Blankets as soon as the circumstances of the public Store will permit of it. The order is returned...
307To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dick, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just time to acquaint You That the Gentlemen of this Town and even the Ladys have very spiritedly attended at the Gunnery and assisted to make up already above 20000 Cartridges with Bullets, from which the Spotsa. [Spotsylvania] Militia and [those] of Caroline have been supplied, as also above 100 Good Guns from this Factory; As I propose to do all the good in my power in these...
308To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [23? January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
It is with much concern that we have learnt from your Excellency’s, and the Baron de Steuben’s letters to Congress, the misfortunes our Country has suffer’d from the Invasion under the command of the detestable Arnold, and that he has ventured with impunity even to our Capitol. We have some reason to Imagine that the same plan of operations which induced Clinton to send him there will occasion...
309To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I am altogether unacquainted whether your Excellency does business on the Sabbath or not, I hope I shall be excused for addressing you this Morning, because it is respecting a matter in which I am particularly interested for the whole Department, and for the Southern army. Your Excellency and Council were pleased to inform me by letter of the 7th. that it would be chimerical for you to...
310To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday afternoon I had the Honour to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 28 Ult. from Richmond, and a few Minutes after the inclosed from Colo: Preston. I send it to Your Excellency that the Executive may determine, as they think proper upon the Subject. I had no conception that the Setting Up Two hundred Yards of Picketing, could Cost 100,000£, as to the Log Huts within side, the...
311To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out tomorrow with the Detachment from hence for Dinwiddie Court Ho. from whence my movements will be wholly directed by those of the Enemy. The necessary instructions are given to General Muhlenbg who will keep the Command at Suffolk. Colo. Innes with the Troops under his Command is orderd to pass the River and take post at Cabbin point till further orders. Genl. Weedon is orderd to...
312To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 6 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Chevalier D’Anmour who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, having been lately appointed Consul of France for this State, as he before was for Maryland, comes now to pay his respects to you. I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with this gentleman since early in the year 1777 and I have found in him the same unshaken attachment to our cause in times of its great...
313To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before your Excellency a return made me this morning of our Provision Stores. As the Militia are now coming in fast, and a considerable body may be Expected here in a few days we shall be much distressed to feed them unless steps are taken previous to their Assembling. And tho’ they will not remain here long, yet some delays may happen in Acquiping that cant...
314To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 19 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress have received authentick Information that his most Christian Majesty is preparing to send a powerful Naval and land Force to some Part of the Continent of North America. This Force generously calculated, either to produce a Diversion in our Favour, or to forward the Operation of our Arms by being directed to the same Object, may either by our Exertions be made the happy Means of...
315To Thomas Jefferson from Jacques Le Maire, 12 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received one of the most violent stroke of Fortune, my affairs have again brought me over here a second time since my departure from Virginia. I flatter myself that after having remembered myself, and presented my respects to your Excellency; you will not think it presumption, should I trouble you with a request to favour the petition I send the honourable Council. The State of Virginia...
316To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your Excellency’s letter of March 31st. referred to the Board by Congress they beg leave to observe, that they think it will be proper for the flag vessel to proceed round from James River to Potomack, and land their Cloathing, refreshments Money &c., designed for the Prisoners at George Town in the State of Maryland; there to be received by two Officers of the Convention Troops...
317To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your favor of the 22d of February inclosing the Memorial of Mr. Stodder and Kerr with the protests and affidavits annexed, we communicated the matter to Congress, and have obtained an instruction to the Hon’ble Mr. Adams to represent the same to the States General of the United Provinces, and to claim such redress for the Memorialists as justice and the law of Nations...
318To Thomas Jefferson from John Walker, [ca. October 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
I am thus far on my way to attend the Business of my Indian department at Salisbury and have just recollected a duty I owe a very worthy Man; the case in short is this. Mr. John Gibson a very worthy and clever Man, the man thro’ whom Lord Dunmore hoped to have carryed on a Correspondance with the Indians in the middle district and who nobly disdaining any such dirty business immediately...
319To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the negligence of Col. Munford the issuing continental commissary general in this State, there is the most shameful waste of provision and scandalous abuses in that department that can well be conceived. He has not for many months paid the least attention to his deputies, and has even refused to appoint the necessary issuers to the troops below. The provisions delivered by Mr. Brown [John...
320To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Am the More flatterd By the Command Which His Excellency General Washington Has Been Pleased to Intrust to Me , As Independant of the General Good that May Be Hoped from this Expedition, It seems to Promise An Opportunity to Gratify the High Sense I Have of My Personal obligations to the State of Virginia. I Shall from time to time Inform Your Excellency of the Movements of the Continental...
321To Thomas Jefferson from Heinrich Gerlach, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been Waiting with grate anxiety to receive Your Excellency answer to my Letter of the 27th. March last, which Your Excellency was pleasd to inform me You had forwarded to Congress for their Determination. I beg leave to Inform Your Excellency I am verry desirous to get the Bussiness of the Flag of Truce Settled as soon as possible, and to propose if it can be done without any Trouble to...
322To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 Aug. 1780 . Encloses acts of Congress of 12 and 24 Aug. 1780 for the provision of the officers and soldiers of the Continental Army, with recommendations to the states, and for the extension of the half pay approved for officers to their widows and orphans. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360, PCC ); 1 p.; at head of text: “Circular.” Enclosures: Resolutions of Congress, 14 and 24 Aug....
323To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It will appear to you very strange that I should Communicate You Pollitical news from this place, where I expected to hear of none but of the Rural sort. Yet I have one which, though it may at first seem rather extraordinary, is not altogether quite improbable. Yesterday, after I had finished my letter to Mrs. Jefferson , I went to dine with Dr. Gilmer. In the evening Just as I left the town,...
324To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 2 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I would have waited on you to congratulate you on your Appointment yesterday had I not been under an Engagement to return Home with Mazzei. I attended at your Lodgings today as soon as our Board adjourned, but you were not at Home. I am unhappily obliged to be at Gloster Court tomorrow, and therefore think it proper, notwithstanding our Intimacy and Friendship, to inform you of this; lest till...
325To Thomas Jefferson from Richard MacCarty, 14 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Having the Honnor to be appointed by Colol. Clark, Captain of the Regular forces of the State of Virginia the 1st. of March 1779 after the Conquest of Post Vinçent, I in Consequence raised men and with my Officers had the fullest Company during a Year, and those mostly to serve for during the War, the Returns of which no Doubt have been laid before You. In June 1779 Colol. Clark gave me Bills...
326To Thomas Jefferson from John Robertson, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Chesterfield Court House, 13 Jan. 1781. Prevented by urgency of business from coming himself, has sent James Ball to obtain a warrant in the amount of £20,000 or £30,000 to be charged to Robertson for the use of Major Forsyth in provisioning the troops and the hospital. “The Hospital at present is in want of Wine, Tea, Sugar, Coffee, Rice and Molasses, besides the daily quantitys of fresh...
327To Thomas Jefferson from John Todd, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Accounts from all Quarters lead us to expect vigorous Measures from our Enemies the next Campain. I have just recieved Duplicates of Letters sent from our Officers of Ilinois to others at Louisville which inform that the Spanish and American Ilinois Settlements are preparing defensively for heavy Attacks. The Original Letters I hear are sent forward to your Excellency. On Conferring with Cols....
328From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to enclose on the 28th Ulto that the Action of the 15th had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident marks of distress, and that our Army in good spirits, were advancing upon them. From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter, and the enclosure from the Baron...
329[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 2 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 2 Oct. 1780. Minute in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under this date: “Letter written to his Excellency the Governour relative to Capt. Richd. Barron.” Not located.]
330To Thomas Jefferson from Marbois, 29 January 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Il y a quelques jours que M. Charles Thompson me parla d’un ecrït contenant des reponses à des questions que j’ay pris la liberté de vous adresser l’année derniere , et me dit que vous desiriés que je lui en donnasse communication: Je l’aurois fait avec beaucoup d’empressement, Monsieur; mais elles ne me sont point parvenues quoiqu’il y ait deja quelque tems que M. Thompson m’en a parlé et que...
331[To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 9 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 9 Apr. 1781 . War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following minute under this date: “Letter to his Excellency the Governor proposing Mr. Gilbert to superintend the public carpenters.” Not found. A virtually identical entry appears some pages later in the War Office Journal, under the same date but among the May entries; it may be a mere repetition by a careless clerk or it may...
332To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 16 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 June 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s “Despatches” of 9 June. They have been referred to Board of War and Committee on the Post Office. Encloses resolutions of Congress of 14 June authorizing Gen. Gates to call on Virginia and other southern states for militia and supplies and recommending those states to give every assistance in their power to carry into execution “such Measures as...
333Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Addressed to “His Excelly. Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Except for Meriwether Smith’s signature, the entire letter is in Theodorick Bland’s hand. In the editors’ opinion, this dispatch was from JM as well as his two colleagues, and the omission of his signature reflects merely his momentary absence at the time the letter was sealed. Having...
334To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, with a Memorial on the Status of French Subjects in Virginia, [7 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of informing your Excellency and the honourable the House of Assembly that having received lately a Commission that appoints me Consul of France for his most christian Majesty in the State of Virginia, I accept it with the highest degree of pleasure. His Majestys Choice flatters me infinitely as I am entirely conscious with what particular Distinction he considers this State,...
335To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 20 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received your favor by Colo. Boon. I am unhappy that it hath been out of my power to procure you those Curiosities you want except a large thigh Bone that dont please me being broke. I expect to get the whole this spring as a strong post is to be fixed at the mouth of Licking Creek within a small distance of the place. Parties Marching by, I shall have the largest and fairest got—a Thigh and...
336To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Towles, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lancaster, 9 Apr. 1781 . Attests the “unexceptionable character” of William Chowning, the person mentioned in the enclosed application for exemption from paying the specific tax. TJ’s decision is requested by the bearer, Job Carter. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed and endorsed. Enclosure ( Vi ): Certificate signed by Henry Towles and dated Lancaster, 8 Apr. 1781, stating that “William Chowning this...
337To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 19 August 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburgh, 19 Aug. 1778 . Critical discussion of TJ’s “Observations on the late Eclipse” as sent to Rev. James Madison (see Madison to TJ, 26 July 1778 ). “I have annexed the Method used by the famous Short for finding the Effect of Parallax in a Transit of Venus, only applying it here to the Moon.” RC ( DLC ); 5 p. containing 4 rough astronomical diagrams. Text faded beyond legibility at...
338To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received intelligence from Gen. Muhlenburg which I inclose you. Your letters of Yesterday are received and shall be answered the first leisure moment Yr Excellcys Dft ( NHi ) endorsed: “Copy to Govr Jefferson 23 Apl 1781 8 o Clk Pm.” Enclosure missing, but from two letters that Steuben wrote to James Innes on the same day it is clear what information Muhlenberg had transmitted....
339To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, enclosing a Resolution of Congress Adopting the Articles of Confederation, 2 … (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress herewith enclosed your Excellency will be informed, that the Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union between the thirteen United States are formally and finally ratified by all the States. We are happy to congratulate our Constituents on this important Event, desired by our Friends but dreaded by our Enemies. I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem &...
340To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I would suggest to you the Defenceless condition of Hunter’s Works at Fredericksburg full as great or greater an object than any were at Richmond. The people in that part of the Country as destitute of arms, as they are in this. The Distance to the Works from Potomack River about half as far as from Westover to Richmond. I would recommend it to your Excellency to order some fortification...
341To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry H. Mosby, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Powhatan, 19 Mch. 1781 . Has recruited “forty odd Men”; intended marching “on Sunday next, but hearing this day at our Court House, that the Enemy were approaching, thought it advisable to proseed as soon as possible.” The bearer has been sent to procure arms as they are not to be had in the county. [ In margin, in TJ’s hand :] “Referred to Colo. Davies as to arms. I am uninformed as to the...
342[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...
343To Thomas Jefferson from Mann Page, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Favour of the 28th. ulto. and should have conformed to your Opinion of not commencing any Law Process against Mr. Bell, if he had not, after being apprized of my Application to you for an Order to recover my Horse, rode him on his own private Business into Orange County. But he appeared to have been insolent as well as arbitrary in the Exercise of his Power. I therefore beg the...
344To Thomas Jefferson from John Christian Senf, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
“At Coll. Cary’s” [ Ampthill, Chesterfield co. ], 13 Feb. 1781. Was at Manchester last night, but too late to cross the river; is now on his way to see Steuben at Chesterfield Courthouse; will return to Richmond for TJ’s orders tonight. “Mr. Ross intends to set off with me for the Fork of James River the Day after to morrow, if No Contra Orders.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; signed: “Senf”; addressed and...
345To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 5 October 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days past, since the last post left us, Mr. Harvey presented me your favor of August the 30th, to which this is an answer; and which I shall direct to Williamsburg upon a supposition that the Assembly has called you there by the time the letter can reach that place. The hand bill you have seen was certainly written by Mauduit, and circulated under the auspices of administration. It was...
346To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment returned from reconnoitreing the lower Country; while in the Neighbourhood of the Half way House between york and Hampton received the inclosed Intelligence last night 11 OClock. From the Demonstrations of the Enemy Yesterday, and Saturday, I am prity certain they are our Allies. A large Ship hove in Sight on the 17th., soon after a Vessell from portsmouth went down, Shewed...
347To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Kinloch, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
I have to [entreat?] that your Excellency would be so kind as to forward the letters that accompany this; that addressed to [Gen.?] Huger to Charles Town You will be pleased to send southwardly, and I could wish that your Excellency would so far indulge me, as to enclose it with any occasional dispatches, either to Genl. Greene or to Governor Nash. I have already, If I am not mistaken,...
348From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th reached me this day. I have ever been of opinion, that the reduction of the post of Detroit would be the only certain mean of giving peace and security to the whole Western Frontier, and I have constantly kept my Eye upon that object; but such has been the reduced state of our Continental Force, and such the low ebb of our Funds, more especially of late,...
349To Thomas Jefferson from Matthew Pope, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 19 Jan. 1781. Encloses a list of medicines “necessary to be imported for the use of the State”; has confined them to “such only as are common and useful”; the cost of the medicines and instruments will be about £600 sterling. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed and endorsed. Enclosure not located.
350To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 18 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to Acquaint your Excellency with a Piece of intelligence, Which if true Can not fail of Being Agreable to you in the present Circumstances. A Gentleman of this town Received last night a letter informing him of our ship Washington at Boston and tels him also that that ship parted in a storm from a french Squadron and fleet of transports in the latt. 32. which were intended...