101To Thomas Jefferson from John Hancock, 25 October 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
I Had the honour to Receive your obliging favor by Mr. Harvey, with Forty seven Dollars, being an additional Donation of the County of Albemarle for relieving the poor of Boston which shall be faithfully applied to their Benefit. My constant application to Publick Business both in and out of Congress, has so impair’d my Health, that some Relaxation has become absolutely necessary, and to...
102To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, [25 October 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you about ten days ago that General Gates had obtain’d a Signal Victory over General Burgoyne on the 7th. Inst. and now have the pleasure of informing you that a few days after this defeat Burgoyne with his whole Army Surrend’d themselves prisoners of War to the American General. It is said the prisoners Stores &c. taken are as followeth Viz 1 Lt. General, 2 Major Generals, 7 Brigadier...
103To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, 29 December 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of November the 26th. was handed to me by the post before the last. The great Objects of the Assemblys Deliberations are of the most Interesting Nature and I have no Doubt they will bring them to Maturity with their Usual Wisdom. If the late Generous Spirit of Virginia in their Act for Cloathing and Measures for preventing of Forestalling does not Inspire the other States with a...
104To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 21 February 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
You are desired to receive into your Custody John Goodrich the Elder, who is ordered to be removed from Bedford County, the place of his present Confinement; and will be delivered by the order of the County Lieut: of Bedford. He is to be Safely kept and prosecuted agreeable to directions of Assembly by the Attorney General . I am Sir, Yr. hble Servt., RC ( DLC ); in an unidentified hand and...
105To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 22 February 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
The council board has been so much crouded with business of late, that I could not procure an order for the removal of Goodrich to Albemarle, ‘till this morning. I should not have delayed to comply with the resolution of Assembly so long, had it not been necessary to examine him in the county, in which it is supposed he committed the crime. The order for his removal went by express to day to...
106To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 2 May 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
We are this moment made acquainted by the War Office that an Express was immediately to depart for Virginia, and I take the opportunity of enclosing by him the last papers, which contain all our news, except it be a report that seems not illy founded, that Genl. Amhers[t] and Adml. Keppel are arrived at Philadelphia as commissioners from the King and Parliament of G. B. to carry into execution...
107To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 3 May 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Having detained the Express that he might carry you the news that we heard was on its way from France, I am furnished with an opportunity of congratulating you on the important event of a Treaty of Commerce, and one of Alliance and Amity, having been signed at Paris on the 6th of February last, between France and these United States. Having been as particular as we could on this subject in the...
108To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 11 May 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
We have once more ventured into the field of composition as the inclosed Address will shew you. And I have the pleasure to acquaint you that Congress have unanimously ratified the Treaties with France, and directed the ratifications to be presented for exchange in due season. The inclosed pamphlet I t[ake to] be a production of Dr. Franklin. It is well written, and was published first in...
109To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 16 June 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 5th which I received yesterday. It is the only satisfactory account I have received of the proceedings of our Assembly. The enemy have made many insidious attempts upon us lately, not in the military way, they seem tired of that, but in the way of negotiation. Their first, was by industriously circulating the bills of pacification as they call them, before...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 23 June 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Gazette will shew you the progress, and perhaps the end for some time, of our negotiation with the British Commissioners. They, with their whole Army have abandoned Philadelphia, and our Troops are in possession of that City. The enemy are pushing thro Jersey for South Amboy, and in their front is Gen. Maxwell with a brigade of Continentals and the Jersey Militia. They have...
111To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 20 July 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
The condition of our affairs is much changed since last I had the pleasure of writing to you, as by the favor of his Most Christian Majesty we now are become Masters of the Sea, on our own Coast at least. Ten days ago arrived in the Delaware a french Squadron commanded by Count D’Esteing consisting of 12 sail of the Line and 4 frigates, having of Seamen and land Troops 11,000 Men on board....
112To Thomas Jefferson from Rev. James Madison, 26 July 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very glad to see your Observations , tho they differ considerably from those we made here. The same Misfortune of a cloudy Morning prevented us from seeing the Beginning, but we had a very good View of the End which Mr. Page made at 11h 3′ 25″ and myself at 11h 3′ 27″ tho’ I think the Altitude of the Sun was such as must render the Observations uncertain to a few Seconds. The End of...
113To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Carter, 27 July 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor inclosing £36 11 0 is now before me, which Sum I consider as a full discharge of your Bond payable to me, conditioned to pay £27 10 0 which Bond is herein inclosed, striped of its Seal &c. You are pleased to Say that the practical part of musick afforded you much Entertainment and that you wanted an Organ. I have two daughters, who practice upon keyed Instruments; their music Master...
114To 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...
115To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 10 August 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I agree entirely with you concerning the importance of the confederation, and have never failed to press it. Ten States have ratified—Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland have not, and one of them, Maryland, has adjourned until November, so that the new Congress under the Confederation cannot meet this year at the time proposed by the Confederacy. The inclosed paper contains all the news we have,...
116To 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...
117To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, 15 September 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have done myself the pleasure of Answering your letter of July the 19th. several weeks ago, if I had not wished to have made a through enquiry after the workmen you want to Employ previous to my writeing to you on that Subject. Ben Randolph professes an Inclination to Accomodate you with an House joiner and tells me that he has been Constant in his researches after one since I...
118To 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...
119To Thomas Jefferson from Cyrus Griffin, 6 October 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be good enough, my dear Sir, to excuse this Letter. There are but few Men indeed with whom I could wish to be thus candid. It appears to me that Congress will shortly be dissolved. If the large Emissions of Money, and visionary Expeditions do not bring forth our destruction, I greatly fear that Party will complete the matter. Congress exhibit not more than two or three Members...
120To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 13 November 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Carrington, who is a defendant in the suit, brought by your Relation Jefferson vs. Reade’s administrators , obtained an order at the last court, that he, as being nonresident, should give security for costs at the next Term. Will you be so good, as to inform him of this, if he is within the circle of your correspondence? Be pleased to add, that dismission is the penalty on non compliance...
121To Thomas Jefferson from John Hook, 5 January 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorrey to be under the Needcessity of troubleing you with a Matter that is of little consequence to you or any one at Present but my self, but as I have been imposed on and have no Prospect of redress but from you I hope you will consider my circumstance as a sufficient appoligy. In October last your overseear Zach Morris was offering for sale three Hhds of Your Tobo on James River at the...
122To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Rutledge, 12 February 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
As there is a probability that the Gentlemen who bear this letter will arrive in Virginia when you have condescended to come down from above and interest yourselves in Human Affairs; I could not but take the Liberty of introducing them and the Business with which they are commissioned to your Attention. They go to represent to your Commonwealth, the Situation of this State and of Georgia,...
123To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Stanhope Smith, [March? 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a transient view of a general scheme of education for this state, which I am informed was so far approved by the last Assembly as to be submitted to the consideration of the people and referred to a future session. The nature of the design must recommend it to every lover of learning and of his country; the idea was greatly imagined; and the whole plan bears an impression of the...
124To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 15 March 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been unmindful of the small commission you gave me to procure the song and receipt for you. I once had these, but they are mislaid so that I could not find them when I returned home, from Williamsburg, or they should have been sent from thence. I have here applied to Mr. Peters for the one, and to Mrs. Shippen for the other and I have hopes of getting them both. I send you herewith...
125To Thomas Jefferson from George Mason, 3 April 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Indiana Company, I hear, are preparing to defend their Claim, under the Indian Purchase; which is to come before the Assembly, on the third Monday in May next; and will of Course, I suppose, desire to be heard at the Bar of the House: if it will be agreeable to You to answer the Arguments of their Counsel, I will undertake to open the Matter, on Behalf of the Commonwealth. The Treaty with...
126To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 11 April 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Major General Phillips sends his Compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson, requests the favour of their company at dinner on Thursday next at Two o’clock to meet General and Madame de Reidesel . Major General Phillips hopes Miss Jefferson will be permitted to be of the party to meet the young Ladies from Collè . RC ( DLC ). Maj. Gen. William Phillips was the ranking officer of the Convention...
127To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 12 April 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Majr. Genl. Phillips sends his compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He would with much pleasure wait on Mr. Jefferson next Wednesday, but is engaged for that day at dinner with his family at General Reidesel’s. RC ( DLC ).
128To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 19 April 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg your pardon for having writen to you prematurely. I confess I had never seen the printed bill, and having waited for it a long time, I began to be afraid that negligent printer would not publish it before the next session of Assembly. I am much indebted to you for the obliging pains you have taken to inform me of its nature and design. I was mistaken with regard to the appointment of...
129To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 3 May 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Always attentive to your commands, I have obtained here, and now inclose you the song and the receipt you desired. I once had both of them at home, but they are mislaid among a mass of papers, so that I could find neither previous to my leaving Chantilly, or your request would then have been complied with. I hope you have received the pamphlet I sent you some weeks ago entitled “Observations...
130To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 10 May 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish it were in my power to write you satisfactorily on the state of our public affairs. My residence here is of too short a date to enable to form a proper judgment of them. There are matters of great concern now before congress, of which I am not at liberty to speak freely, tho’ I am of opinion we may have peace on honorable and advantageous terms, in the course of the ensuing winter. We...
131To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 11 May 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The difficulty of conveying letters across the Countrey and some hopes of seing you in the City the first of April, are but poor, and yet they are the only Palliatives I can offer, for having so long delayed Acknowledging the receipt of your favor of Decemr. 18th. I immediately wrote to our friend W. to be informed if any thing had happen’d, or passed between you and him, which made it...
132To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 22 May 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I promised myself the satisfaction of receiving letters from some of my friends by the express who brought the distressing account of the enemy’s success at Portsmouth, but I have not received a letter from Virginia since my arrival here, except from Mrs. Fleming. I am apprehensive the enemy will commit great ravages before an effectual check can be given to their progress, as the dispersed...
133To 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...
134To 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...
135To Thomas Jefferson from Theodorick Bland, 14 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been inform’d that since your Excellencys Appointment to the Government of this Commonwealth your residence will be chiefly, if not entirely at the seat of Government, You will pardon me if (tempted by the perpetual view of your delightfull Seat from my lowly and I may say Dirty Cottage) I should venture to ask a preference should you be disposed to permit any other than your own family...
136To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 16 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Copies of two Acts of Congress of the 14th Inst. are herewith enclosed. One recommending to the States to exempt Drivers of Waggons from Militia duties while in Service. The other for ascertaining their wages. I have the honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt. Servant. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14) of a circular to several governors from the President of Congress. A copy,...
137To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 18 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I must lament the having lost, by your Succeeding Mr: Henry in the Government of Virginia, a very agreeable neighbour of whose Society I had promised myself a great share, and proposed with my friend Reidesel to have profited of your and Mrs: Jefferson’s acquaintance during our residence in this Country. As it is I do assure you I wish you personally every possible good. I request to put the...
138To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 19 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The happiness I have had in becoming acquainted with you, and the many kindnesses I received of you during your short residence at Montichelli, induces me to present you these lines, and my most perfect congratulations on your new Charge as Governor of Virginia, as much Pleasure as it is possible for this event to give you. Such on your account I feel on the occasion, having only to struggle...
139To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 22 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your obliging letter, without a signature, came safe to hand. As letters frequently miscarry between this and Virginia it was a good caution, which I shall take the liberty to follow. That peace and the independance of the thirteen states are within our power is a point not well established; but thus much I think myself at liberty to say, that Congress, long before my arrival here, were called...
140To Thomas Jefferson from Conrad Alexandre Gérard, 2[2] June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre dont V. E. m’a honoré au nom de l’assemblée generale de Virginie ainsi que l’expedition autentique de l’acte que cette assemblée a passé pour ratifier les traités conclus entre le Roi mon maitre et les 13. Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale. Je M’estime heureux d’avoir à transmettre à S. Mté. un temoignage aussi autentique de la facon de penser et des procedés d’un...
141To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 24 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 24 June 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolve of Congress, 22 June 1779, to prevent plundering of the inhabitants of places in the enemy’s possession. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure ( Vi ), signed by Charles Thomson and endorsed by TJ; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 ,...
142To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Smith, 24 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Letter to Genl. Nelson is from Mr. de Francy and contains a Copy of a Memorial transmitted to the Genl. Assembly last Winter, upon the Subject of a Dispute which Mr. de Francy had with the Governor and Council concerning the Quality of some Tobo. tendered to him in payment for Goods purchased on account of the state by their order. I have told him that I am confident your...
143To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Smith, 25 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to recommend to your particular Notice and Civilities Monsr: de Francy , who is the Agent of Monsr: de Beaumarchais , and honoured with his particular Esteem and Friendship. I shall be extremely deceived if you will not find him a Man of strict Honour and liberal Sentiments; disposed to render every Service to the State consistent with the Interest of his Patron and Employer; who, to...
144To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 26 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 26 June 1779 . Approval requested for the purchase of cloth for the army and navy. Signed by Thomas Whiting and Jacquelin Ambler. Countersigned: “In council July 2. 1779. Approved Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. Endorsed: “Representations to the Executive with Answers 26. June 1779.” On 18 June 1779 the Assembly by joint ballot elected Jacquelin Ambler, Duncan Rose, and...
145To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 29 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 29 June 1779 . There are no more than 1,450 hhds. of tobacco on hand belonging to the public and unengaged by contract. Instructions requested for procuring such quantities as may be necessary before an anticipated rise in price occurs. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. Attached: TJ to Board of Trade, 1 July 1779 ; Board of Trade to TJ, 2 July 1779 .
146To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 29 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 June 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing an extract of a letter from Gen. Washington of 11 June and a resolve of Congress of 28 June, resulting from the general’s letter, calling on the states speedily to fill up their battalions. Washington’s letter is to be kept as secret as possible. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosures missing. Washington’s letter...
147To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 30 June–1 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 30 June and 1 July 1779 . Instructions desired concerning purchase of sundry articles from Thomas Pierce, John Carter, and Richard Burnly. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and Rose. RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. Both notes appear on the same page. Below them, in TJ’s hand, is this instruction: “In council. July 1st. 1779. The board refers the determination on the above propositions totally and...
148To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 2 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 2 July 1779 . Making up the quantity of tobacco to 3,000 hhds. is probably all the state can afford at this time, although this quantity may not be sufficient. Signed by Whiting and Ambler. Counter-signed: “In council 2. July 1779. Approved Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ). Appears on the same page as TJ’s letter to Board of Trade, 1 July 1779.
149Enclosure: Major General William Phillips to Thomas Jefferson, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received from Colonel Bland a Copy of the Letter you were pleased to write him in answer to my request for Lieutenant Governour Hamilton a british prisoner of war being allowed to make me a visit at this place. I have also read in a public print the resolution of a Council held at Williamsburg on the 16th of June 1779 with your orders in Consequence; this publick paper seems of such...
150To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 5 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from Colonel Bland a Copy of the Letter you were pleased to write him in answer to my request for Lieutenant Governour Hamilton a british prisoner of war being allowed to make me a visit at this place. I have also read in a public print the resolution of a Council held at Williamsburg on the 16th of June 1779 with your orders in Consequence; this publick paper seems of such...