1401To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 13 January [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received the inclosed from Col. Parker, and am very unhappy that till this moment I did not know of there being any Public stores at South Quay. I am now informd there is not only a Quantity of Powder, but a Number of Cannon at that place. I have given Col. Parker the Command of the Troops, in the front, with orders, if possible to remove the Powder and Cannon out of the Enemy’s...
1402To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 18 Dec. 1780. Encloses “some hints toward a Law to prevent illegal discharges and desertions from the Army.” Has written on the same subject to Congress and the Commander in Chief. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Steuben; addressed; endorsed, by TJ: “Baron Steuben illegal discharges.” Enclosure: Probably Steuben’s plan for preventing desertion, printed below at end of...
1403To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 17 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must request your Excellency to order 200,000 Dollars to be paid to Mr. Benj. Harrison Subject to my orders for which the United States is to be accountable. I am &c. FC ( NHi ). RC (not found) was enclosed in a letter from Steuben to Benjamin Harrison of the same date, FC of which is also in NHi .
1404To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 28 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters which Your Excellency was so Polite as to send, I have received, and shall have the Pleasure of waiting on Your Excellcy. to morrow in order to confer on matters of importance. I am with Respect & Esteem Sir Your Excellencies Most Obedient Hbl Servant RC ( IHi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Steuben; partially dated; addressed: “His Excellency Gover Jefferson Richmond”; endorsed in...
1405To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment informed of the return of the English Fleet into Lynhaven Bay in the night of the 24th. and that this morning Eighteen sail now arrived and Joined them. It is very probable the last are Transports with the Reinforcements expected from New York. When the Express came from Hampton one Ship was under way coming up to Hampton Road. The Wind has not been fair today for the Vessells...
1406To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, Enclosing Instructions for Drawing the Recruiting Bill, 9 December [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Frequent abuses that have happened in the Recruiting Service, and an absolute Necessity that those Men who are raised for the War in Future should be fit for the Service and the Continent and State no longer deceived, by having Old Men, Deserters, &c &c, Imposed upon them; I have made the Within Instructions and beg Your Excellency to lay them before the Legislature that when they Pass the...
1407To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 10 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I came here Yesterday in full Expectation of sending off Colo. Greens Detachment of 400 Men this Day and it is with great pain I have to inform Your Excellency that so far from being ready to March I am even fearfull they will not be able to March at all. Amongst the 400 Men selected for this Detachment about 60 only had Blankets. The Militia I discharged left about 20 and of 200 which I...
1408To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment the honor of your Excellencys Letter of this day. The thousand Stand of Arms I desired Colo. Davis to send to Colo. Gibson at Petersburg on being advised there were then 400 Militia there unarmed and more arriving and I must again request that no time may be lost in Sending as many there as can be collected. The Continental Arms were in the hands of Capt. Irish. I am...
1409To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The 19th. Inst. in the Afternoon the Enemy crossed Nansemond River at Sleepy hole ferry and Encamped on the opposite bank. Eight of their Vessels then lay at the mouth of the River and two of Goodrich’s Privateers near the ferry, the Boats had fell down to the Fleet. From all their movements it appears evident they mean to take post, at least for some time, in Portsmouth and its environs. The...
1410To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Towards forming a force for the defence of the Country upon the present invasion, I have made such dispositions for arranging the Militia as regularly throws them into actual service as they arrive within my power. As the Arms to be put into the hands of the Militia are the property of the State, and Subject to the direction of Officers not under my Command, I do not conceive those Troops...
1411To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you with a Letter from Genl. Gates , by the latter I presume you’ll be informed that on Monday last the General left this for the westward with about 120 Cavelry, composed of detachments from Whites, Washingtons Armongs [Armand’s] and Nelsons Corps. The Maryland Troops with a detachment of the Virginia regulars under Colo. Buford, the whole consisting of about 800 moved...
1412To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the 30th. of last Month, Giving you some Account of our Movements. It gives me much pleasure that I have it now in my Power to inform you a Detachment of Horse (from Genl. Morgans Party) Consisting of Baylors Regiment of Dragoons and Two Hundred Militia Horse Commanded by Colo. Washington, has Totally defeated a party of Tories of about Two Hundred and Fifty commanded by a Colo....
1413To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 27 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to orders I am Just arrived here with all the Men that was Collected about Peadee. I wrote you from Spinkes about 70 Miles from this giving you an Account of our unfortunate affair of the 16th. It is not in my power to give you a more Satisfactory Account of the Disaster now than I did then, and as you have had an Opportunity of seeing Majr. McGill presume he has given you every...
1414To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 18 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 10th Instant, I received. It relieved me from a State of Suspence, and uneasiness. The latter was occasioned from a fear you might have thought unfavourable of my not immediately obeying your order, tho’ the Inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl. Gates will Convince you that the principles I was actuated from was for the good of the Service, for when I first got here there was not a...
1415To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 14 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the 8th Inst. from this place by Lieut. Fraser of the Militia. This Covers a monthly Return of the Militia through the course of Yestreday. Genl. Green received several dispatches from Virginia and the Northward. These with the reports we have hear with respect to the Enemy in your Quarter, at first is rather alarming to young Soldiers, But I hope my Countrymen will not get into...
1416To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 27 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival here last Night I found your Letter of the 22 Instant giving me Information of the Arrival of a British Fleet in the Cheasepeak Bay, and desiring my Return immediately. General Gates seems to wish I would remain here a day or two to make some regulation among the Militia that has already got in by which time he expects to hear farther from you, and be certainly informed whether...
1417To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 19 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This hands you a return of the Militia to the 16th Inst. I had them made in such a manner as would discover to you the numbers that marched from the deferent Countys, and what has become of them to the date of the Returns; Militia or indeed any new Troops, let what pains or care will be taken the more especially on such a long March, and badly supplied with necessaries, will moulter away in a...
1418To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 20 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This is the first Opportunity that I have had since our unfortunate affair of the 16th Instant between Rugeleys Mill and Camdon to advise you of it. But as I am told Genl. Gates has got to Hillsborough presume he has done it before now. Our Army moved from Rugeleys on the Night of the 15th Inst. at about Ten OClock with an intention to take post on a Creek about 6 Miles from Camdon, where the...
1419To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 30 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since your last giving an Account of a British Fleet in the Cheasepeak Bay, reports here has been Various with respect to them. Genl. Gates and the Troops here are waiting with the greatest impatience to hear something certain about them, and expect hourly to receive information from you. Till then, he desires my stay at this Place, tho’ this I informed you of a day or two agoe. The General...
1420To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the 19th Inst. from Charlotte by Genl. Smallwood and Inclosed you returns of the Militia under my command. I then mentioned to you I expected the Army would soon move from thence. We arrived at this Post on the Evening of the 26th. Our Position is a secure one, And we shall be tolerable well supplyed with Provisions for some time from up and down the Pee Dee, That is if his...
1421To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 19th Inst. I received last Evening. It gave me much pleasure to understand the Enemy were about to leave Virginia, altho’ I have my doubts and Fears from present prospect[s] here that we shall not be able to support an Army this Winter (with Provisions) sufficient to oppose them to the South. It affords me much Satisfaction that I have it in my power to inform you, I am now moving...
1422To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 24 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On my getting to this place I fell in with the Bearer Majr. Lee on his way from Hillsborough to Richmond. He informs me the Troops at Hills Borough has been much distressed for Provisions and no prospect of its being much better for some time to come. He tells me no Cattle has yet gone to the Southern Army from the lower parts. From this Information I shall order all the Militia that would...
1423To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 30 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favours of the 19th. and 28th July and 4th August was all put into my hands the day before Yesterday. Where they have been all this Time I cant Account for. I also received the Lieutenant Governours Favour of the 16th Instant. The Ammunition Medicine Rum &c. arrived the same day and very timely. As there was neither Medicines nor Rum in the whole Army some of the first I have lent to the...
1424To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 24 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Greene I make no doubt, has by the same hand that this goes by, informed you of the Glorious stroke that Genl. Morgan has given Tarlton. It affords me so much satisfaction that I can’t forbear repeating to you (what I expect he has done) tho’ perhaps not so fully, I not haveing the same means in my power. Tarleton was Detached with about Eleven Hundred Men, about Three Hundred of that...
1425To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
With this the Letter I wrote you of the 8th. Inst. before I crossed the Dan River will be handed you. The Militia we Trust got to this place, their Arms and Accoutrements, I shall Store here as it is not possible to get them to take them any farther. They will be lodged in a Good Store House and under the imediate care of Capt. Brewer a Militia Officer of this County. I shall write to the...
1426To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by Major Giles from the Camp at Hickes Creek the 24th. January. I then informed you I was under marching Orders to take charge of all the Prisoners at Salisbury. I marched on the evening of the 25th. after which there came on Violent Rains which raised the Waters in Such a manner as it made my march Two days longer than it otherwise would have been. When I got within Twelve miles...
1427[To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick St. Laurence, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781 . Having taken to the southward a quantity of iron and steel “purchased at Headquarters for the use of the public” at the cost of £31,141, and having, in the expectation of prompt payment of this sum by the state treasury, agreed to return with three wagonloads of dry goods for the troops, St. Laurence desires of TJ a special order to the treasury for payment of the...
1428To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Stockton, 19 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon my arrival at this place I waited upon the New Jersey Convention, and proposed to them their agreeing to furnish 2000 Men for the increase of the flying Camp: they alledged the reasons against the measure which I expected, to wit, their having furnished their full proportion. However, upon my urging the importance of the measure, I was so happy as to be assured that they would, without...
1429To Thomas Jefferson from French Strother, 28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I got home from Richmond the Malitia ordered by Genl. Weedon was discharged and Claim it as a Tower Notwithstanding they Marched only three Miles out of the County and Shou’d it so be determined it will fall Next on that part of the Malitia which Went to Carolina. I did not Conceive from what past between us on the Subject that you woud have Called upon us so soon had not Weedon done...
1430To Thomas Jefferson from the Subaltern Officers of the Guard Regiment at Albemarle Barracks, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Albemarle Barracks, 7 Feb. 1781 . “We the Subalterns of the Regiment of Guards beg leave to lay before your Excellency our grievencies Respecting our Rank. We have been in the Said Regiment for two years, and, some of us have been intitled to promotions for upwards of twelve months from many Resignations and other circumstances.” Knowing that Col. [Francis] Taylor has written to TJ on the...
1431To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 27 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having Several Matters to lay before your Excellency, I fully intended to Have Waited on You Yesterday; My indisposition prevents me, and I Know not Certainly when I can go Out. Reflecting on the Business of Moving the Stores and from a thorough Conviction of being Right, as to Not Water bearing them, I wrote the Inclos’d Letter to Mr. Claiborne; He being on a Jorney, I immediatly Communicated...
1432To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New Castle, 26 Feb. 1781 . Is informed that there are 50 state muskets at John Newell’s in Hanover co. which might be repaired; shall Syme order them to be repaired? Further instructions from TJ clarifying the method of drafting men are needed. “A few People Among us (One of which is a Field Officer) that Declares He Will not Pay a Shilling, and intends to Plead the Laws not being in Time.”...
1433To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 11 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Rocky Mills, 11 Mch. 1781 . Has been informed that the Assembly contemplates prolonging the “time of Draft for those Countys whose Militia are in Service”; requests information thereon in order that he may give notice at his general musters “Tomorrow and Wednesday.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed, in part: “By N. Syme”; endorsed.
1434To 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...
1435To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 22 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Daniel Trueheart thinks the Court Martial of Our County Have Done Wrong, in placing Him on the present Tour of Duty. For Certain Reasons, it May be impolitick for me to intermeddle with His Case, therefore, Hope to be Excus’d by Your Excellency for Referring Him to Yourself, Being wth Great Esteem, Sir Your Mo: Obedt. Servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed and endorsed. Syme was county lieutenant of...
1436To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Our Waggons and Men being Chiefly Out With the Militia, I Have met with Great Difficulty in procuring them both with that Dispatch with Which I would be Glad to Execute any thing Committed to my Care by Your Excellency; However, the Business is now in Some forwardness. You Have Half a Dozen Waggons Loaded with Spirits, with Directions to Wait on You, as You Desir’d, and Riders Out to get more....
1437To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to Ask Your pardon for Omitting the Return I mention’d; I now inclose it. You Will Observe, it falls greatly short of two Battalions. Your Excellency does not Direct me, How I am to Act in that Case; I did take notice of it Yesterday; We think Here, the Court ought to Make the Arrangements, Accordingly, but I Wait Your Determination. Yesterday Noon I Received Yours, Ordering out my...
1438To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New Castle, 20 Feb. 1781. The £1,500 ordered by the Council to be paid to Syme “for Waggonage of Stores” is quite inadequate for his “Cash ingagements”; needs £1,000 more. “Col. [John] Nicholas Writes Me He Has Your Directions, for releiving my Militia , from the Lower Battallion, Now On Duty, without Asertaining the Numbers”; Syme desires more exact information. Congratulates TJ “on the...
1439To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New Castle, 1 Feb. 1781. Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 31 Jan. Has heard that “Mr. Watkins (who is Very Anxious to Remove evry thing from Cumberland) has loaded 3 Vessells, now on their way with Shells, Shott &c. Shall they be Landed Here or Return’d?” In obedience to Gen. Nelson’s orders, Syme has ordered out his lower battalion of militia, but doubts the propriety of the order, which...
1440To Thomas Jefferson from the Tax Commissioners of Culpeper County, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On Settlement yesterday with the Collectors of the Additional Tax, we find the greatest part has been received in Tobacco and Hemp, only about fifty Thousand pounds in money. The Hemp cannot be sold for the price directed by Law; you’ll please observe this County has to furnish 106. Men some of which are for the Warr. Mr. Strother informd us you woud order some of the first money for this use....
1441To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The horseman by whom I wrote to you last week on the subject of Mr. Clarke’s demand about provisions is not returned. I must further observe to you that our troops drew the same kind of meal that was issued to the Convention troops without complaining, and as it was received by their Quartermasters, will their soldiers, should any allowance be made for unsifted meal, receive the money? Or have...
1442To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I had received your letter of 11 April I had discharged part of the Regiment Guards at this place and delivered their Arms to the Quartermaster here. Most of the returned arms, and those now in possession of the men, want repair. The Militia of Albemarle drew some of the Arms sent to the Quartermaster at the Barracks, about four hundred was delivered Col. Muter last Octr. and some were...
1443To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The greater part of the Soldiers of the Regiment of Guards, claim discharges, saying they were enlisted only to serve at this place, and as they have been removed that their engagement is complied with. They have been very troublesome, but hope they will be more satisfied hereafter, especially if they can get cloathed. I think 400 yards of Cloth would (with some they have received) make each...
1444To 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...
1445To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 1 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the Sixteenth and Twenty sixth of May, and mentioned in both letters, that a board of Officers had sat and were of opinion that most of the soldiers of the Regiment of Guards were entitled to discharges. There are only one Corporal and four privates left, a Fifer having received his discharge on the opinion of a Court martial since, and a soldier for being in an ill state of...
1446To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The German Troops arrived here the 5th. instant, The Brunswick Regiments are for the present quartered in this town, but are rather too much crowded unless they should be removed soon. Their number (including officers) is 934. The Hesse Hanau Regiment, near 300. are sent to the Town of Bath, with part of the Guards. The purchasers of Provision and Forage inform me those articles have risen...
1447To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I informed you in my last , that the major part of the Soldiers belonging to the Regiment of Guards, claimed discharges on being removed from the Barracks in Albemarle, and when Col. Wood returned the 9th instant, he ordered that a Board of Officers should sit the next day to report those men who had always been mustered to serve only at the Barracks, and that I should discharge such. In...
1448To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 16 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A Board of Officers, who sat this day by order of Colo. Wood, to enquire into the claims of the Soldiers of the Regiment of Guards; from the certificates produced by the Soldiers, and the Muster-rolls, Reported That all the Soldiers belonging to said Regiment, except a few belonging to Capt. Purvis’s company, are entitled to discharges. You will discover by the inclosed return the small number...
1449To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 26 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the 16 Instant, that a Board of Officers, who were ordered by Colo. Wood to enquire into the titles of the Soldiers to discharges, had sat, and were of opinion that nearly all of the men were entitled to discharges from their removal from Albemarle Barracks. They have since been discharged, and a small Militia Guard is now on duty at the Barracks near this place. The small number...
1450To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lancaster County, 15 Apr. 1781 . Encloses “a list of the number of Men raised in this County for recruiting this States quota of Troops to serve in the Continental Army, likewise a particular number of each Division, and a return of the Militia but not so full as your last instructions required, as I have not recieved any returns from the Different Captains since.” The return of ammunition...