To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 26 February 1777
From Patrick Henry
Wmsburgh feb 26th. 1777
Sir
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 Necessity calls for more money, you will please to write me.
If1 Goodrich and McCan (if the latter is not a prisoner of War) may both be indulged to the extent of one Mile round Charlottesville upon Bond and Security not to exceed those Limits. But this only in Case you shall be of Opinion no Inconvenience can arise from it. But if no Security can be given, or if given, you shall have any ground to fear unfriendly Behaviour from them, they must be confind under a [Serge]ants Guard.
Blank Commissions are sent herewith. With great Regard I am Sir Yr. mo. obt. hble Svt.,
P. Henry Jr.
RC (DLC). Addressed in a hand other than Henry’s: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire. Albermarle.” Endorsed: “Governor’s lre. Feb. 26. 77. about Goodrich & McCann.” Enclosure missing. On verso, in TJ’s hand, Account of the Guard for British Prisoners (q.v., under 5 Oct. 1777).
The inclosed resolution: The order of Council of 26 Feb. that all prisoners of war, except marines taken on merchant ships, be sent to Philadelphia under escort of the Continental recruits from the several counties. For this resolution and other directions covered in the letter, see , i, 355; for Goodrich, see John Goodrich to TJ, 20 Jan. 1777.
1. This word was probably intended to be deleted after the qualification enclosed in parentheses was added.