1651David Ross’ Memorandum concerning Supplies, [February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Wanted in a few days a Complete Estimate of all the Cloathing and Military Stores which are to be imported for this State against next Fall. An Estimate of what articles must actually be had this Spring by importation or purchase in the Country. The Thetis will be wanted immediately. Must I purchase the articles wanted for her? Or is there funds already Provided for that Purpose. Can I depend...
1652Advice 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...
1653Petition from the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, 4 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Kaskaskias, 4 May 1781 . Humbly profess their loyalty and services to George Rogers Clark, against whom they have no complaint, though the paper money with which he paid them has been found valueless. But Col. John Montgomery, who succeeded him, was not satisfied with the 60,000 lbs. of flour furnished by the inhabitants for his 38 troops between the fall of 1779 and May 1780, ordered his men...
1654Petition of Brewer Godwin and Others, [before 15 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of the Isle of Wight humbly Sheweth, That while the Enemy were Quartered at Smithfield, and ravaging that part of said County, it was the misfortune of James Pedin, Jonathan Godwin, John Godwin, John Whitfield, Josep[h] Brantley and Chs. Buttler to fall into their...
1655Enclosure: State of the Case, with Jefferson’s Notes, 29 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
James Patton late of Augusta County and others obtained an Order of Council in the Year 174 for 100.000 Acres of Land to be Located on the Western Waters in Augusta County in one or more Surveys. Patton who was Agent for the Company, employed a certain John Buchannan one of the Partners to Survey the Lands, who never was either cheif or Assistant Surveyor in the said County, nor had he any...
1656Memorial of British Prisoners, 1 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Memorial of Lieut. Vernon, Quartr. Mr. Embree, Volunteer Willett of the British Legion, and Joshua Hamilton Store Keeper to the Provincial Forces. Sheweth that your Memoralists was taken Prisoners by the Providence and Ranger Sloops of War in January 1780 and brought into Charles Town, but Genl. Lincoln Understanding that an Expedition was coming against that place thought proper to send...
1657James Henderson’s Account as Express, with Jefferson’s Certification, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
at the Swet springs £24 Mr. Millers 127– 4 Berton Shavers 21 9 expences comg 336 Mr Tilfords 24 going back 214 Robt. Steel 9 Widow Estills 21 Total expences £550 Leas
1658From Daniel L. Hylton, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 30 Mch. 1781 . Mr. Eppes desires him to inform TJ that “a Gun Smith up the Country will undertake the Cleaning and repairing Arms. He will also get 3 or 4 Men to Assist him provided they are exempt from Military duty.” The arms must be sent up to him. TJ’s instructions follow: “Referred to Colo. Davies; Colo. Muter had the name of this man in a note from me. He lives in...
1659Certificate from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 5 Sep. 1780 . Certifies that Congress has received authenticated copies of state legislative acts complying with its 18 Mch. 1780 resolutions on public finance from Maryland (12 June), New Jersey (9 June), New York (15 June), Massachusetts (5 May), and New Hampshire (29 Apr.), as well as a conditional act from Pennsylvania (1 June). MS ( Vi ); 2 p.; in James Madison’s hand,...
1660Memorandum from James Madison, [ca. 6 March 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Plan proposed consists of 1st. permanent revenue. 2. abatements in favor of the States distressed by the war. 3. common mass of all reasonable expences incurred by the States without sanction of Congress. 4. territorial cessions. Manner in which the interests of the several States will be affected by these objects: N. Hamshire will approve the establishment of permanent revenue, as tending to...
1661Petition of Captured Officers of the Virginia Line in Favor of General McIntosh, 20 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The General and Field Officers whose Names are subscribed in behalf of ourselves and the other Officers of the Virginia Line, take the liberty (through your Excellency) to recommend Brigdr. Genl. McIntosh of the Continental army to the particular notice of our State, and we request that himself and his family may be entitled to Lands, and every other Emolument and advantage given for the...
1662II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles...
1663Edward Carrington and Richard Claiborne: Plan for the Quartermaster’s Department in Virginia, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the irregular manner in which the Quarter Masters Department for the State of Virginia has hitherto been conducted, has been attended with many delays and inconveniencies both to the people and to the public service; and it being expedient that a new disposition should be made to remove those difficulties agreable to the late System for the Quarter Masters department, established by...
1664From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
1665Petition of James McClurg to the Governor and Council of Virginia, 18 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
A Petition from the Director and Surgeons of the Virginia Hospitals to the Governor and Council The Petitioners beg leave to acquaint this honorable board, that the resolution of Assembly, which establish’d Hospitals for the relief of the sick and wounded in the service of this state, gave to the Director and Surgeons of those Hospitals a genteel and liberal allowance, for Devoting their time...
1666Petition of Certain Deserters, with Jefferson’s Observations, [before 7 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of Virginia, and the Honble. Members of the Council. The petition of sundry persons whose Names are hereto Subscribed, most humbly sheweth, That your said Petitioners being of the Goochland Militia lately March’d to Hillsborough in divisions, and with shame and Sorrow acknowledge the disgracefull rout your said Petitioners, with most of the...
1667General Greene’s Requisition for the Southern Army, [20 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Requisitions made to the State of Virginia by Genl. Greene for the Establishment and Supplying the Southern Army. 1. That the State immediately furnish its quota of Troops agreable to the new Establishment, and that the Men be supplied with cloathing Blankets, Arms, and every Accoutrement necessary for equipping them for a Winters Campaign, and that Lawsons Corps, and Stephens’s Brigade of...
1668From John Christian Senf, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By our present Situation Your Excellency will find it highly Necessary, that all kind of Intrenching Tools, as well for the defensive as offensive Operations, should be got immediatly ready. I take therefore the Liberty to propose what Kind and Quantity of Tools [there] may be Occasion for, 800 Spades 400 Common Axes 200 Broad and Grubbing Hoes 100 Pick Axes 300 Fashine Knifes and smal...
1669From Sampson Mathews, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 21 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am advanced this Far with the Militia From augusta (after having been at Fredricksburg four days) by order of Genl. Mulenburg. Colo. John Bowyer with about 220 Men From Rockbridge has Joined me this morning. There is wanting Smiths vices, Files and some fine Steel For the Repair of the arms of the militia. The Bearer Mr. Chas. Cocke will wait on your Excellency For an order For these...
1670From Granville Smith, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is from Mr. Thomas respecting his purchase of canoes, and finding the prices much higher than what your Excellency calculated on, you will please to direct me whether I shall instruct him to continue his purchases, or not: also under whose care and direction the four that have come to Westham are to be put. I am Your Excellency’s Obt. Hble. Servt., G. Smith Ast.Q.M.Gl. In Council...
1671Petition of Alexander Dick to the Governor and Council, 2 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 2 Nov. 1779 . The petitioner embarked on an armed brig in February 1777 as a part of the state regiment and was taken to England as a prisoner; having contracted a debt of 160 guineas while a prisoner and during escape, he requests that his pay as captain be made equal to hard money; he requests also a commission as major of marines. RC ( Vi ); 2 p. Dick’s petition was...
1672From Richard Claiborne, enclosing a List of Articles to be Furnished to Steuben and Lafayette, 18 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency a Memorandum of what Major General the Marquis de la Fayette and Major General the Baron de Steuben have required of me and the Stated periods for their delivery. As the resource from which I have derived my support ever since I have been in the department is the only one to which I can have recourse in this matter I beg leave to trouble your Excellency for the aid...
1673Advice of Council concerning Prisoners, 8 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to take proper and effectual measures for knowing from time to time the situation and treatment of our prisoners with the enemy and to extend to theirs with us a like treatment in every circumstance. And also to order to a proper station the prison ship fitted up on recommendation from Congress for the reception and confinement of such prisoners of war as shall be sent...
1674From James Innes, enclosing a Letter from William Davenport to Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fourteen flatt bottomed Boats a ship two brigs two sloop’s and one schooner heavily manned, have just arrived at Burwells Ferry. From every appearance I think they mean to land, as they have halted with a favorable Tide. I believe they wait for nothing but the arrival of two schooners which have their Cavalry on board. These vessells I am this moment informed have just turned Mullberry Island...
1675Additional Instructions by Congress to Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson, 16 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Additional instructions to B F, S D, and T J, commissioners from the united states of America to the king of France. Whilst you are negotiating the affairs you are charged with at the court of France you will have opportunities of conversing frequen[t]ly with the ministers and agents of other european princes and states residing there. You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and...
1676Commission as Lieutenant of Albemarle, 26 September 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The COMMITTEE of SAFETY for the Colony of VIRGINIA To Thomas Jefferson Esquire By Virtue of the Power and Authority invested in us, by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to...
1677From Edward Carrington, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a return from Colo. Gibson for a Number of Articles wanted for the Accommodation of the Militia under his Command. Those are Articles of equipment which these Troops should have been furnished with before they were put into the Feild, which plainly determines that the Continental Staff are not the proper Officers for furnishing them. If your Excellency can...
1678Memorandum on a Revenue Plan, [ca. 6 March] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers). Three pages of notes, undated and unsigned but in JM’s hand. Probably given to Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia about 6 March 1783. Many years later Jefferson’s secretary, Nicholas P. Trist, attached to the memorandum a page bearing the comment, “This is, I believe, in the handwriting of Mr. Madison, N.P.T .” Ca. 6 March 1783 . The contents of this memorandum,...
1679Memoranda of Needs Submitted by Steuben, [ca. 1 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( NHi ); in Steuben’s hand; at foot of text is the following: “Marquis 1200 Infant Reg: Gen. Weedon 800 Milice Coll Parcker 1400 —— Gen. Steuben 2500 —— Cavallerie 120 6020 .”
1680Steuben’s Plan for Preventing Desertion, [December] 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place or date ] In a long war the difficulty and expense of raising men increases, and “every possible means should be employed for the preservation of the Men after they are raised.” The incomplete state of the regiments obliges one regiment to be shifted into another, destroying the attachment between officers and men “which is necessary for their preservation.” The officers,...
1681Garret Van Meter and Others to the Auditors with Andrew Woodrow’s Bill and Jefferson’s Certification, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampshire County, 20 Apr. 1781 . Garret Van Meter, Abel Randall, James Murphy, and George Beall, Commissioners of the Tax, state that they “have employed the bearer hereof Mr. Andrew Wodrow, to go to Richmond to bring up money, to pay off the draughts for this County, likewise to carry some very important inteligence to his Excellency the Governour” and wish his expenses to be paid....
1682Memorial of the Officers of the Virginia Line in Captivity, 24 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
To His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esquire, Governor of Virginia. The Memorial of the Officers of the Virginia Line Prisoners of War here. Most respectfully represents, That your Memorialists have endured a long, many of them a very long and irksome confinement, subject not only to those disagreeable sensations inseperable from a State of Captivity, but finally find themselves unfortunately...
The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to...
1684III. Instructions to the Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace Gentlemen You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of...
1685From 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....
1686Supplies Required for Gates’ Army, August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
State of North Carolina August 1780. 500 Tents Compleat Intrenching Tools 2000 Barrels Flour *500 Spades 4000 do. Corn *200 Grubbing Hoes 250 do. Rice *100 Common Hoes 50 Hogsheads Rum *200
1687Marbois’ Queries concerning Virginia, [before 30 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
1. The Charters of your State. 2. The present Constitution. 3. An exact description of its limits and boundaries. 4. The Memoirs published in its name, in the time of its being a Colony and the pamphlets relating to its interior or exterior affairs present or ancient. 5. The History of the State. 6. A notice of the Counties Cities Townships Villages Rivers Rivulets and how far they are...
1688From Christopher Calvert, with a Note by Jefferson to the Attorney General, 25 February–21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
South Quay, 25 Feb. 1781 . “Agreeable to the within information,” Calvert has seized the trunk and has found no letters in it, but rather a quantity of “valuable dry Goods”; wishes to know what is to be done with them. By law the Naval Office is open from ten to three; this prevents Calvert from attending muster; and, on account of his feet, he believes himself entitled to exemption from...
1689From John Harvie, enclosing a Resolution to Inquire into the Conduct of the Executive, 27 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Being Anxious that the Inclosed Resolution of the House of Delegates should reach you as early as possible, I have prevail’d on Capt. Dalton to be the Bearer of it to your House. I should be unhappy to think that any Accident should prevent the State from Deriveing the Advantage of Council from her ablest Citizens, by the Cavil of party on the Illiberality of the Inviduous, wherefore, shall...
1690From Samuel Huntington, enclosing Papers Relating to Western Claims by the States, 10 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 6. Instant, adopting the report of a Committee, together with Copies of the several Papers referred to in the report. I am directed to transmit Copies of this report and the several Papers therein mentioned to the Legislatures of the several States, that they all may be informed of the Desires and Endeavours of Congress...
1691Recommendation of the Justices of the Peace for Bedford County, May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Watts one of the Justices of the Peace for this County having been charged as guilty of High Treason and by this Court Ordered for further Trial—It is the Opinion of this Court, that it be recommended to his Excellency the Governor to Issue a New Commission of the peace for this County and that the said Thomas Watts be left out of the same. A Copy Teste MS ( Vi ); in hand of Steptoe....