2351To 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...
2352To 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...
2353To Thomas Jefferson from Absolem Pollard, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hood’s, 2 Apr. 1781 . Wishes to know whether he and his men are to be relieved; their “Tower of duty” expires on 9 Apr.; “their is But very Little use for us at this place”; and the carpenters now at work on the fortifications here are in immediate want of the barracks. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; signed: “Absolem Pollard Lieut.”; addressed (in part): “⅌ Mr. Halton”; endorsed.
2354To Thomas Jefferson from Matthew Pope, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Without place, 2 Apr. 1781 . Is at a loss to know how to make out his account to present to the auditors “owing to the several different Orders he has had the Honour to receive from the Board.” As things now stand, he would be justified in charging 350 ℔s. of tobacco a day for his services, but that is “more than he expects or desires.” “He begs leave to repeat or rather explain his meaning in...
2355To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Armstead waits on your Excellency for the purpose of Carrying into Effect an Exchange of some prisoners he will have the honor of naming. If your Excellency approves the measure I shall endeavour to Carry it into Execution. I have at this time a Flag sent to the British with proposals to Exchange the Volunteers taken at Charles City Court House, for an equal number of Marines taken at...
2356To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Campbell, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am under the necessity from my own feelings to inform your Exelency of the destressed situation of the Soldiers in my Regiment for want of Cloathing. When I martched from the State of Virga. to join the Army I received a Pare of Overalls for Each Soldier, made of Ozenbrigs which did not last them more than two or three Weeks, and also a shirt for Each Soldier which are intirely worn out and...
2357From James Madison, enclosing a Communication to La Luzerne, 2–3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of the 23d. of March . The publication of which you wish to have a copy for your private use is not yet finished; as soon as it is I shall take care to provide one for you. I have repeatedly reminded Dr. Smith of his promise with respect to the map, but have never obtained any thing more than a repetition of the promise. He is at present an inhabitant of Maryland....
2358To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Spotswood, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I came home, I have contracted with a workman For 1200 Catridge Boxes and 1200 Bayonet Belts For the use of the two Legions now raising , each Box to carry 33 Rounds, and to be Fixed, (as well as the belts) in the same manner, as those of the brittish. The price agreed on, is 15s/ hard money or the exchange, For each box and belt. In 1776 the Same workman received From the state, 20s/...
2359To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The German Troops arrived here the 5th ultimo, and Col. Wood set out that evening from hence to Philadelphia and has not yet returned. On receiving your letter by the Dragoon , I sent an Officer to the County Lieutenant of Frederick in Maryland, to have a Guard, Waggons &c. ready to proceed with the Troops from Potowmack. He informed me they should be ready this day, and I marched the 31st...
2360To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been favord with Your Excellencys enclosing a State of the affair between Mr. Nathan and the Commonwealth of Virginia which we are endeavoring to put in train for a decision on the Principles you have been pleased to direct, the event of which Your Excellency shall be informd of as soon as tis decided. The Unfortunate consequences which have attended the Naval engagement of Chesapeake...
2361To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Wagener, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
When the Enemy’s Vessels were cruising up and down Potow-mac the defenceless situation of the Town of Alexandria induced me, at the particular request of the Inhabitants of the said Town and County to apply to the Governor of Maryland for the loan of some arms and ammunition. His Excellency was pleased to lend us two barrels of Gun powder and two nine pounders, which we have got from Anapolis...
2362To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honor’d with your Excellencys dispatches last Night and shall forward those intended for the Flag Ship this Morning. The only certain intelligence from Portsmouth came from Genl: Muhlenburg to my Hands last Evening. The General has had a confidential in Town for some time who sends him the enclosed, which account seems to corroborate that of Capt. Ross’s with respect to the...
2363To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Andrews, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 31st. Ult., addressed to Mr. Madison and myself, I received yesterday, and shall be prepared to enter on the Business you have been pleased to propose as soon as the necessary Preliminaries are settled. I think no Objection can be made to your Mode of locating the Boundary, as it is the only one which, without infinite Pains and Trouble, can be in any Degree accurate. Before...
2364To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Washington [ County, Va. ], 4 Apr, 1781 . A company to patrol Powell’s Valley was obtained only with difficulty because of the lack of money and the non-payment of the militia for former services. “The Captain solicits me to apply for one Months pay for the men.” If TJ will give an order for payment, “the bearer Capt. Kincaid will give the necessary obligations for its just application.” He...
2365To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The great demands which are made upon me for things to be furnished from this department, both for the Southern Army, and the Troops within this State, alarm me more and more, as I have Not the means to answer any purpose whatsoever. I am called upon by the Commissary General of Purchases, and the Commissary General of Military Stores for Wagons and horses daily, to transport their Stores, and...
2366[To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 4 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ War Office, Richmond, 4 Apr. 1781 . A minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “Letter to the Governor, inclosing one from Colonel Muter, respecting supernumeries of the State Garrison Regiment; also one from Mr. William Mann, Asst. Commissary of Military Stores, about Cannon, &c. at Newcastle; and submitting to his decision the arrangement of the state Corps,...
2367To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Without place, 4 Apr. 1781 . Requests payment to Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick of “fourteen thousand five hundred Dollars for 110 Gallons of Whiskey purchased for the use of the Southern Army.” FC ( MiU-C ); 2 p.; in the hand of Capt. William Pierce; endorsed by him: “An Order on the State of Virginia. April 4th 1781. entd.” A 19th-century Tr is in CSmH .
2368To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before this Comes to Hand Your Excellency Will Have Got an Accurate Account of the Action Between the two fleets, where it Appears that Notwistanding their Inferiority Our Allies obtained the Honor of the day. But the Object of the Expedition was Lost, and the Attak of Portsmouth Unfortunately Post poned. On the Point of Setting out for the Grand Army, I will at least do My Best for the Relief...
2369To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency that I hope by the latter end of this Week all the publick stores will be removed from this place, to A store of Col: Danderidges, distance by water from the Yard About 13 Miles, and since the late reinforcement of the Enemy have ordered the Ship Tempest and Brig Jefferson up James River, to Joyn those private arm’d Vessels that are taken into publick...
2370To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Read, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday by express, your Orders to March one hundred and fifty Six of the Militia from this County Properly officered and Armed to join General Greene. I find it impossible to procure Arms for even a Sergeants Guard, the whole of the Arms of any worth in this County have been given up and impressed to put into the hands of the Militia who joined General Greene the 20th. of...
2371To Thomas Jefferson from George Rice, enclosing a Petition from the Inhabitants in the Vicinity of the Albemarle … (Jefferson Papers)
I Again have the Honour of waiting upon your Excellency to Solicit an Advance of money to discharge the debts that are due from the Quarter Masters Department at the Albemarle Barracks. My Creditors Understanding that Another large Emission is directed to take place, now flatter themselves with the most sanguine hopes of receiving payment, and if they should be refused, I am really...
2372To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, [4 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment honor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of 3d. April. What has engaged me to mention the Relief of the Militia is a Letter from Genl. Muhlenberg of 30th March in wich is the following paragraph “Colo. Mathews informed me to day that on the 12 of next month his militia would have Served three months and expect to be discharged on that day and as Colo. Boyers Regiment is in the...
2373To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknowledge the honor of your Excellency’s favors of the 19th. and 21st. ulto. and again to thank you, for your uniform and speedy communication of every southern event which comes to your knowledge. I have the pleasure to find, from General Greenes official letter, that Lord Cornwallis is not likely to reap any great benefits from his late Victory. Indeed, were we certain that he...
2374To 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...
2375To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Walton White, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive a letter from your Excellency requesting me to have Epaphroditus Rudder brought to an enquirey, on information lodg’d against him by Colo. Buford, respecting some malversations as to a horse of Publick Property; and desiring me to countermand Orders to Persons engag’d in different Parts of this State, in impressing horses for the 1st. and third Regiments of...
2376To Thomas Jefferson from William Call, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Transmits a request from the militia of Prince George co. now in service to be relieved “by the 15th Inst. from the county with the other divisions, which will then be a tour of Six weeks, and they be enabled to plant their Corn.” About one third of the effective men in the county are now in service; if this proportion can be reduced to one fourth, Col. Starke will...
2377To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Gratefully acknowledges receipt of a warrant “for two Millions of Pounds”; gives assurance that “every method will be taken to dispose of the money with the greatest œconomy and Justice.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed and endorsed. Printed in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State Papers … Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond , ii , 14.
2378To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
2379To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I receivd last Evening your Excellencys two letters of the 24th and 30th of March. The first upon the subject of the Cavalry and the last upon the Militia orderd into service. I am sorry if any of the Officers sent out with the impress warrants have misbehavd. In some instances I beleive they have, but in most I perswade myself they have not. Those horses of very high value as covering horses...
2380To Thomas Jefferson from John Nelson, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Twelve Months having elapsed since any Money was drawn for the Payment of my Men, I have sent Lieutenant Armistead up with Pay Rolls from that time and flatter myself that if there is any in the Treasury he will be furnished with it for that Purpose; I have been informed that an Act passed in the last fall Session of Assembly allowing Officers to draw a Certain sum of Money, according to their...
2381To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 31st. ulto. and am much obliged to you, Sir, for the attention you have given to the Flag of Truce. I did not, as you observe, know of the German Troops of Convention being moved out of Virginia. As it is, I will hope the Flag may be permitted to go to the head of Elk from whence there may be a conveyance by land supposing, as you say, the Troops of...
2382To Thomas Jefferson from William Constable, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with yours in Council of the 30 Ultimo relative to the releif of the Militia, which I sincerely wish was arrived, as it will be impossible to detain these in the field above a few days longer with our outmost endeavours; they already begin to be much dissatisfied, and desertion prevails apace. A number of the Enemy’s transports sailed yesterday and the day before, ’tis said they...
2383To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Read, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this morning received a Letter from Colo. Skinker of King George County, informing me that their was two large Sloops and three Small Vessells of the Enemy, cum up to Mr. Hooes Ferry, landed on the Maryland Shore did Considerable Mistufe, they then Crosed the River and Landed at Mr. Hooes and has burnt down his Houses last evening, taken off Negroes Stock &c. I thought It my Indispenceable...
2384To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Read, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Court Martial of this County have directed me to lay before your Excellency, a Copy of their Proceedings respecting the March of their Militia, Ordered to the Southard to join General Greene, and to await your farther Orders respecting the same. And at the same time to Acquaint your Excellency that on the Approach of Lord Cornwallis to this State, the whole of the Militia of this County...
2385To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, [7] April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond [ 7 ] Apr. 1781 . Acknowledges a letter of this date “with Genl. Spotswood’s letter which is now return’d. In obedience to your reccomendation I have extended the Contract for Catridge Boxes and belts to 2000 More, judging the price reasonable, if the exchange can be adjusted by the price of Tobacco.” Has written “to the General” on the subject of the exchange “and allowed him to draw...
2386To Thomas Jefferson from Humphrey Brooke, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fauquier County, 8 Apr. 1781 . Acknowledges a packet by express, but it did not contain the letter TJ desired to be sent to the commissioner of the tax. The draft for the Continental army is over, and all the soldiers that could be collected are delivered to Maj. Willis; some who were sick will march as soon as they are able to do so. “The Extraordinary Court for inquiring into delinquents...
2387To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreable to what I said in letter 23, dated florence January 5th, I have again the mortification to say, that I am still deprived of the honour of Your commands. In letter 8. I had desired to have my letters inclosed to my good friend Mr. Mark Lynch Mt. [Merchant] in Nantes, or Dr. Franklin. In my preceding I desired that you would be pleased to inclose them to the said Mr. Lynch, Mr. John...
2388To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Prentis, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The great inconvenience that has arisen to my private avocations from a daily attendance at the Council Board, has impelled me to resign the appointment. I must therefore request the favor of your Excellency to transmit the inclosed Letter of resignation to the Speaker of the House of Delegates. Permit me to tender my respects to yourself and the Gentlemen of the Board and to assure you that I...
2389To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with a resolution of Council of 4th Inst. and your previous Letter directing the disposal of the Militia, and have lodged orders at Hanover Court for the Commanding Officers who are directed to cross James River at Sandy Point and join Genl. Muhlenburg. The Men from Frederick and Berkely have ordered to join me, as from frequent application have been obliged to discharge those Men...
2390To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Wooding, with a Memorandum by Jefferson, 8 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Halifax County, 8 Apr. 1781 . Immediately after his appointment as county lieutenant, Wooding inquired “into the Present State of the Militia when I found that the Greatest part of the Officers below a Captain, and even some of them, were not Commissioned.” The reason, he has been told, is that his predecessor had “no Blank Commissions to fill up for the many New Appointments which was...
2391Advice of Council respecting James Hayes’ Newspaper, [9 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Board being informed that Mr. Hayes, agent for Mr. Dunlap, is nearly ready to begin the publication of his weekly gazette, which by Contract with the executive was to consist always of a full sheet of the size and type of Dunlaps Philadelphia paper containing intelligence, useful essays and public notifications on the part of government, publishing a separate lief for private...
2392To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the extract from the Marquis’s letter respecting Wagons to transport ammunition, with an order affixed from your Excellency to take Measures to answer the demand. However easy it was for your Excellency to Issue such an order, the business is attended with so many difficulties that I am very fearful it will not be in my power to comply with it; I beg leave to recommend to your...
2393To 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...
2394To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 9 Apr. 1781 . The wooden work for wagons goes forward well at Dinwiddie Courthouse, but there is no blacksmith there to do the smith’s work. Mr. Hardaway, who lives three miles from that place, “will undertake that business at 4/ a day, payable at 20/ a hundred for tobacco according to the evaluation of the previous grand jury. He will engage for six months for himself...
2395[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...
2396To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed an act of Congress of the 8th. Instant recommending to the Executives of the States of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia respectively to take immediate measures for the removal of all public stores, and also all provisions and forage public and private which will not be necessary for the consumption of the Inhabitants on the Peninsula between the Chesapeak...
2397To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, Sr., 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the first Instant a Small Schoner Vessel tender to the Trimer privateer belonging to Goodrichs Company with 21 Men Commanded by one Dickson went up to Alexandria and in the Night Attempted to Cut out before the town a Vessel belonging to Baltimore. Fortunately they were discovered and the wind Changing prevented their Succeeding. They immediately made off down the river and were pursued by...
2398[To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 9 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Chantilly, 9 Apr. 1781 . American Art Association sale catalogue, 11–12 Nov. 1937 (Willets et al. sale), lot 273 (a 1-page A.L.S., with postscript on address leaf): “Mr. Whitlock found me with the Militia on the Shore of Potomac where we had a very warm engagement with a party of the enemy, about 90 men, who landed from two Brigs, a Schooner, and a smaller Vessel under a very heavy cannonade...
2399To 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...
2400To Thomas Jefferson from William Christian, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About the first of March Major Martin called on me, on his Way from General Green’s Camp to the Great Island, and delivered me a Commission signed by the General, a Copy of which I now enclose to your Excellency. Major Martin requested me to write to the Warriors upon the Subject, which I did, and we concluded that it would be well for Colonels Arthur Campbell, Col. Shelbey, Col. Severe, and...