251To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Instructions desired as to whether a soldier’s oath on his own behalf concerning his allowance of clothing shall be legal testimony for his compensation. The legislature at its last session elected a commissary of prisoners, who has declined serving, though the law constituting the Board of War vests that power in the Board. The Board proposes electing a proper...
252To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Upon consideration of the resolution of the House of Delegates of 1 Nov., it is recommended that two prison ships be prepared for the reception of prisoners of war and be moored in James River. One ship is now ready. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Griffin. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). 2 p. For the resolution concerning prison ships, see JHD Journal of the...
253To Thomas Jefferson from the Executive Council, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Sickness necessary Business and other Causes often preventing the Attendance of the members of this Board so as that no Council can be held, while many persons are waiting from great distances and at much expense on Business with the Executive; which inconvenience might in a great degree be obviated by a Standing Advice of the Board to the Governor to act during the intervals of their sitting...
254To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of returning to your Excellency the papers referred to me, respecting the Portuguese snow captured by Captain Cunningham while Commander of the privateer Phœnix. The resolutions, entered into by Congress upon this Subject on the 21st. day of July 1779, call for public punishment, as well as private reparation; the former of which can be sought for upon no other principle...
255To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War have had under Consideration the present State of the Westham Foundery, and several papers to them referred relative to a Contract entered into between Mr. Henry the late Governour in Behalf of this State and Mr. David Ross to take of the said Ross two hundred and fifty tons of iron for the use of the public foundery. Previous to their forming any opinion thereupon, they held...
256To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board, from a variety of circumstances, think it probable that the British army may intend some Offensive operations against this State the ensuing Winter. Not only the exposed position of this Country, and its particular situation so favorable to the plans of predatory warfare, lead them to this opinion, but they are Strengthened in it, by the unsuccessful Attempt on the Savannah, and the...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 18 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 18 Nov. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolves of Congress of 12 and 16 Nov. reorganizing the eleven companies of artificers raised by the quartermaster general, and other resolves of 16 Nov. requesting the state executives to issue writs, when applied for, compelling witnesses to appear and testify in courts-martial. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 2 p. Enclosures:...
258To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Nov. 1779 . Alexander Stewart of Rockbridge co. has offered to supply the state with gunpowder. He should be engaged to supply as much as he is willing to contract for and should be paid as much as others receive for all he delivers to the magazine at Staunton. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council December 1st. 1779. Approved on condition that Mr....
259To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting you a duplicate of an Act of Congress passed the 16th of March 1779, the Utility of which is apparent: And as it may be proper and necessary that you should be informed of the several acts and proceedings of Congress I have herewith sent you a copy of their Journal from the 1st of January last and shall continue to send you from time to time their weekly...
260To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 22 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 22 Nov. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolves of Congress of 19 Nov. recommending the enacting of laws for “a general limitation of prices …, to commence in their operation from the first day of february next.” FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure: Resolves of Congress of 19 Nov. recommending limitation of prices and wages; copy ( Vi ), signed by Charles...
261From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys favors of the 1st 2d and 8th of October and the several inclosures. The measure of the Council in remanding Governor Hamilton and his companions back to confinement, on their refusing to sign the parole tendered them, is perfectly agreeable to the practice of the enemy. The particular part objected to I have always understood enters into the paroles...
262To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 23 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys favors of the 1st 2d and 8th of October, and the several inclosures. The measure of the council in remanding Governor Hamilton and his companions back to confinement, on their refusing to sign the parole tendered them, is perfectly agreeable to the practice of the enemy. The particular part objected to I have always understood enters into the paroles...
263To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
264To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Reed, 25 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Assembly of this State having ratified the agreement made between the Commissioners of the States of Virginia and Pennsylvania touching their disputed boundaries: I have now the honour and satisfaction to inclose the ratification, which I must request you to lay before the Honorable the Legislature of the State over which you preside. Notwithstanding some difficulties and objections were...
265To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 27 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 27 Nov. 1779 . Transmitting proposals of Raleigh Colston for supplying the state with salt. The present and prospective stock of tobacco does not permit payment for any considerable quantity of salt in tobacco. It is hoped there is sufficient salt for the winter, and if the state’s trading vessels escape the enemy they will bring a sufficient supply for the next summer....
266To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, [27 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
It is 8. days since I arrived at this place from Rochelle, near which City I was set a-shore in an Island by a Portugueese vessel from Cork in Irland. The various circumstances, which have contributed to my liberty, and several other anecdotes since I left the Capes of Virginia; deserve I think that I should trouble you with an account of them; but an illness of 2. months and half, and the...
267To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 1 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 1 Dec. 1779 . Requesting approval of the purchase of shoes and sugar. The articles are immediately wanted, but the prices are high. Signed by Whiting, and Rose. Countersigned: “In Council Decemr. 4th. 1779. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.
268To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 1 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We enclose Mr. Dickson’s application to us, to annex a Salary to his Office. Conceiving it out of our Province to say what shall be his allowance, we take liberty to refer the Settlement of that matter, to your Honorable Board. We shall only beg leave to add that the Office of Cloathier is a very laborious and important One, the duties of which we can venture to assure your Excellency, Mr....
269To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 1 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Falmouth [ Stafford co., Va. ] 1 Dec. 1779 . Quotes a letter just received from a member of Congress in Philadelphia stating that “a capital embarkation” from New York is afoot and will undoubtedly proceed to the south, perhaps to Virginia. This is precisely what Lee has long apprehended. RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; printed in R. H. Lee, Letters , ii , 167–8.
270To Thomas Jefferson from Pontdevaux, 2 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ay l’honneur de vous remercier de l’invitation que vous avês la bonté de me faire. J’auray celuy de m’y rendre, ainsi que Mr. le chlr. de tarragon , qui vous est très respectueusement obligé: quant a Mr. le Mqs. de vaudreuil, je ne puis avoir sa résponse ce Soir. Je luy feray part demain des offres de votre éxcèllence. Nous nous ferons un devoir de témoigner dans touttes les occasions notre...
271[To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 3? December 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 3? Dec. 1779 . Minute in Board of Trade Journal (Vi) under 3 Dec. 1779: “Ordered that Mr. Armisteads offer of Sundry Goods be submitted to the Executive. ‘Fifty for one upon the West India Invoice payable in Tobo. is exceedingly high, higher than we have ever yet given. The Articles are such as are in great Demand. We wish advice from His Excellency in Council’” Not located.]
272To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 4 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I should conceive it an instance of ingratitude, to leave Virginia without repeating to you my heartiest thanks for every mark of Friendship which you have so kindly testified to me from the first moments of our acquaintance; and for the Assistance and hospitality which you have shewn the Troops under my Command since you have assumed the Government of Virginia: I beg you will be assured that...
273[To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 5 December 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Nantes, 5 Dec. 1779 . Mazzei’s “Representation” of his conduct as agent for Virginia in Europe states that in a letter of this date, his second dispatch to TJ, “he foretold, that we ought not to expect any good from the Irish commotions, and signified his reasons for such a conjecture, which he confirmed in letter 11, dated Paris, April 10th 1780,” q.v., below (Marraro, Mazzei , p. 88)....
274To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 7 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 7 Dec. 1779 . Transmitting offer of soap and candles, the purchase of which has been recommended by the Board of War. Signed by Whiting and Rose. Countersigned: “In Council Dec. 10. 1779. The purchase is approved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p.
275To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 10 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
By the act of Congress of this day herewith enclosed your Excellency will be inform’d, That Congress approve of the Measures taken by the Executive of the State of Virginia in providing Guards to the Convention Troops at Charlotte Ville, that those Guards all be considered in Continental Service and receive Continental pay and rations while doing duty at the Convention Barracks. That the party...
276George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 11, 1779 . Warns of a probable British undertaking involving the Convention troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jefferson was governor of Virginia.
277From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Yr Excellency that I have received advice from New York that a very la[r]ge embarkation had taken place (said to amount to 8000) and that the fleet containing them was at the Hook on the point of sailing—their destination reported to be for Chesapæk bay, on a combined operation in the 1st place against the French Squadron there, and afterwards to attempt the rescue...
278To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11–15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War recommend that a fast sailing Boat be kept as a look out at Smiths Island to give the alarm in Maggoty Bay on the approach of an Enemy; from thence an Express to be sent across the Country to Northampton Court House; the Boat then to proceed to York with the alarm. The Battery at Cheriton to be repaired, and the Guns there remounted immediately for the defence of that Inlet;...
279To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose your Excellency a number of papers relative to a certain Richard Bird , and the money mentioned in Gen. Tylers letter. Col. Nevil takes charge of the prisoner. I give your Excellency this trouble as he appears to be the person some time ago advertised in a Virginia paper for the commission of some crime. I am &c. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); in James McHenry’s hand; endorsed....
280To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have received advice from New York that a very large embarkation had taken place (said to amount to 8000) and that the fleet containing them was at the Hook on the point of sailing. Their destination reported to be for Chesapæk bay, on a combined operation in the 1st place against the French Squadron there, and afterwards to attempt the rescue...
281To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 12 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
A very good piece of intelligence, which I received yesterday, has been followed by very mortifaying news arrived in Town today. Yesterday I was informed, that 9. days since it was resolved in the King’s council to lend Congress, in arms and such other things as they want, to the amount of 16. millions of livres. I must give you a clear notion of my authority to enable you to weigh with your...
282To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard Barron, commanding officer of the state navy. If necessary, Capt. Barron will convey the ship to a place of safety on the western shore. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 15th. Approved...
283To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 14 Dec. 1779 . After appointment to a majority, De Klauman refused to do duty as a captain and asked Col. Marshall to consider him no longer an officer in his regiment. The vacancy has been filled up. De Klauman, being at this time out of the line of preferment, should share the fate of the regiment to which he was appointed major. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Tr...
284To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d two acts of Congress of the 11th instant and one other of this Day by which you will be inform’d that Congress have determin’d to call upon the several States to furnish their quotas of such Supplies as may from time to time be wanted for carrying on the war taking due care to suit the conveniencies of the several States, and the articles by them...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 15 Dec. 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of this date recommending an embargo on exports. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 2 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xv , 1383. TJ had anticipated the recommendation of Congress in his Proclamation...
286To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . When Col. Travis entered into a contract with Edward H. Moseley to build a ship of war for the state, Moseley refused, after the contract was written, to accede to the terms unless it was stipulated that if the vessel were destroyed by the enemy it would be the state’s loss. Col. Travis agreed, but through haste the stipulation was not entered into the written...
287To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . In Feb. 1779 Mark Talbot agreed with Capt. Maxwell and Col. Travis, commissioners of the navy, to build a vessel of war for the state. Talbot, supposing he had a bad bargain, did not comply with the terms of the contract. When called on in June for delivery, he stated that the enemy had destroyed the vessel, though it appears that timbers for the hull had not been...
288To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . There are three captains, two lieutenants and four cornets in Maj. Nelson’s corps. Two gentlemen are appointed to recruit the quotas of a lieutenant. If they have not done so, they do not belong to the corps of horse, and the officers who have raised their quotas and are now on duty should be the officers of the three troops of horse and should rise according to...
289To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 16 Dec. 1779 . A flag-of-truce vessel brings this letter, together with food and stores for the Convention troops. To save expense it is desirable that the flag vessel “be permitted to go up the James River as far as possible to discharge her cargo.” Capt. Farquhar of the 20th Regt., who comes with the flag, brings a supply of money and will need an escort from the vessel to...
290To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 17 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 17 Dec. 1779 . Workmen are needed for the next year at the shipyard. The commissioner should attend the sales of British property and purchase Negroes for that purpose instead of hiring them, because the hire is so exorbitant. A pair of sawyers would not cost less than £600 per annum. Signed by Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 18th. 1779. Approved. Th....
291To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 December 1779–9 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We Know at last, that D’Esteing’s melancholy affair happened in Georgia; that our few regulars there behaved very well; and we hear that it was the militia who did not Keep their ground; and that the pretended treachery did consist in the villany of one of our officers from New-England, who deserted and informed the enemy of Desteing’s plan for the attack. We are convinced that D’Esteing’s...
292To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 18 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 18 Dec. 1779 . The public shipyard at Cumberland should be discontinued because of the enormous cost of maintenance. The trading department has only six vessels, and there is little prospect of increasing the number. These can be kept in repair at less expense than the present cost of the public yard. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters...
293To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 18 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delay’d Answering your letter respecting the Goods Sent to Majr. Hay, in hopes of Giveing you Some Certain Account of the Theft, but as yet have not been able to Fix it with precision; I am however on a Good Sent [Scent], and hope Shortly to Give you an Account of the offender. The badness of the Weather and a Cold which by Venturing out on a Damp day a Cought prevented my being in Town...
294To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
To the previous general question from the Executive relative to Cap. de Klauman Whether established usage authorizes the transferring a Senior Captain from one Regiment to the Majority of another in preference to a junior Captain of that other. The Board Answer, in continental Service, the Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry are distinct and separate Corps and promotions take place accordingly...
295To Thomas Jefferson from Giovanni Fabbroni, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Ho avuto già L’onore di congratularmi coll’ Eccellenza Vostra, per La giustizia resa al vostro carattere, e ai vostri talenti dai vostri compatriotti elevandovi al grado di Loro Governatore. Io ne ebbi La nuova dal Sige. Digs, e per mezzo di esso vi spedii La mia Lettera. Il Sige. Lee mi favorisce adesso d’offrirmi una nuova occasione di scrivervi, ed io non trascuro di profittarne. La mia...
296To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 20 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is a Copy of Intelligence, this Moment received by this Board, from his Excellency the Chevalier De la Luzerne. We have taken the speediest Method of conveying it to your Excellency, under an Impression of the Propriety of giving you the earliest Intimation of the Design of the Enemy. We have the Honor to be &ca. FC ( MdAA ). Enclosure missing; see, however, La Luzerne to Gov....
297To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 23 Dec. 1779 . The commanders of two vessels from Bermuda with salt to exchange for corn submit a proposal, enclosed. The terms agreed upon last July were bushel for bushel, but the price of corn has fallen and the price of salt doubled. It would be good policy to allow two bushels of corn for one of salt to induce others to bring salt. The captains are granted permission to...
298To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that the most expeditious measures be immediately adopted, to remove to places of Safety both up James and York river all military Stores of any kind and Sort. That the Garrison Regiment hold itself in readiness to march to York at a momen[ts] warning, Nelsons Corps immediately to proceed to the same place. One third of the Militia of York, Warwick, James City, New Kent and...
299From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 11th inst. I then informed you it was reported that the fleet, which had been some time preparing at New York had sailed the day before. I have since found the account was premature; or, that if any Vessels went out at that time, they were but few. I have now certain information that a fleet of about one hundred sail, under convoy of a 74—a...
300To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 11h: inst. I then informed you it was reported that the fleet, which had been some time preparing at New York, had sailed the day before. I have since found the account was premature; or, that if any Vessels went out at that time, they were but few. I have now certain information that a fleet of about one hundred sail, under convoy of a 74,...