301To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you many Thanks for your Favor by Mr. Sanders . The kind Notice you were pleased to take of me was particularly obliging, as I have scarcely heard a Word of public Matters since I moved up. In the Retirement where I live, I have had many anxietys for our Commonwealth, principally occasioned by the Depreciation of our Money. To judge by this, which some Body has called the Pulse of the...
302From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency a Letter from Major Genl de Riedesel which only came to hand Two days ago. I would now inform Your Excellency, that agreeable to my Letter of the 18th of December I have obtained a Return of Moylan’s Regiment of Light Dragoons —and find as I apprehended, that there are Sixty three Non Commissioned Officers & privates in it, who belong to...
303To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 16 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 16 Feb. 1780 . Requesting approval of purchase, from Henry Brown, of “10 hhds of Rum at £25. ⅌ Gall. in exchange for Cordage at 40/. ⅌ lb.—the price … is extravagant, but … Troops cannot be marched on to the Southward without this Article‥‥” Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed....
304To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 16 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency a Letter from Major Genl. de Riedesel which only came to hand Two days ago. I would now inform Your Excellency, that agreeable to my Letter of the 18th of December I have obtained a Return of Moylan’s Regiment of Light Dragoons and find as I apprehended that there are Sixty three Non Commissioned Officers and Privates in it, who belong to...
305To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 17 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the honor of your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th . inst. recommending the necessity of an immediate remittance to Arthur Lee Esqr. who is, and has for a long time been considerably in advance for the state. The repeated references both of Letters and Accounts, from France which We have received from time to time from your Excellency in Council since our establishment have distressed us...
306To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 17 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 17 Feb. 1780 . The adjustment of the business with Col. Legras and Capt. Linctot not coming properly in their jurisdiction, as they have previously observed, the Board requests instructions concerning any alterations or additions therein, for their justification as well as their guidance. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 2 p. Printed in Official Letters Official Letters of...
307To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [18 February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of Assembly establishing this Board directs, that it shall be subject to the advice and controul of the Executive, in every instance; and shall be held when and where the Governor, with advice of Council shall appoint: Now, tho’ we clearly see the propriety of the Board’s being fixed under the immediate inspection of the Executive, and it is what the Commissioners wish for, We are,...
308To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a plan of forming the detachment of troops to be sent to South Carolina, with an estimate of camp apparatus needed. This plan proposes augmentation of garrison regiment to man the forts intended to be erected, and retention of part of artillery regiment for a laboratory, which must be established to equip artillery in the field. Two letters are enclosed to...
309To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Col. Wells has purchased pork costing over £340,000 for the use of the troops; he has been furnished about £118,000; for much of the difference he has been obliged to give his private notes, and he says he will have to sell some of the pork to support his credit. The pork must be had for the troops, but the treasury is so low it will not admit of a draft. Northern...
310To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the inclosed copies, containing my corrispondence with Mr. D’Acosta and Dr. Franklin, being the most satisfactory proof I can give of having done what I prudently and decently could do to find the means for proceeding on the important business so strongly recommended to me. My delay to write to Dr. Franklin, and the distance between the first and second letter have proceeded cheafly...
311To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 23 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We had the Honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th. Jany. The Necessity which constrained our Assembly to enact a Law, the extensive Operation of which has interfered with the Purchases made by your Agent, for the Subsistence of the Military of your State, we must deplore, and can assure you that an anxious Solicitude for the Welfare of the United States and an Opinion that...
312To Thomas Jefferson from Geismar, 26 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to send Your Excellency a parcel of letters for the Regiment of Hessen Hanau. Though I have not opened them, I beleave I may assure that they Contain nothing which concerns public Affaires, nor anny thing prejudicial to the Americans. I flatter myself that You will be kind enough to order them, opened or not, to be delivred Save [safe] to Brigadier General de Gall. There is...
313To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 26 Feb. 1780 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 25 Feb. “by which the several States are called upon to procure their respective Quotas of Supplies for the ensuing Campaign in the Articles and Quantities specified.” The states’ undertaking to furnish and deposit the supplies called for “will supersede the Necessity of purchasing...
314To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Montgomery County [ Va. ], Mch. 1780 . Has received circumstantial information that “a Number of Men dissafected to the present Government had combined to disturb the Peace of this unhappy Frontier as soon as the Season would Permit and the british Troops could gain any Footing in So. Carolina.” There are now fifteen British commissions in this county and that of Washington. Nor is this the...
315To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 1 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 1 Mch. 1780 . Introduces Mrs. Maxwell and asks TJ’s “Notice and Protection” in conveying her to her husband, Lt. Maxwell of the Convention troops. Compliments to TJ and Mrs. Jefferson. RC ( DLC ); 2 p. Enclosed in Maria Maxwell’s letter to TJ, 15 Mch. 1780, q.v.
316To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 2 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived in this metropolis 8 days since; have been at Dr. Franklin and Marquis Caraccioli frequently and have seen several others who are likely to influence those in power; but have not as yet been introduced to any of them myself. Marquis Caraccioli was for us already, and will do all his endeavours to put me in the way of being useful. Marquis de la Fayette, the bearer of this, truly...
317To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Mch. 1780 . Submits for approval a requisition from the Board of War for clothing for 60 volunteers of the S.G.R. for the expedition to Carolina; 132 non-commissioned officers and privates, viz.: 126 hats, 50 uniform coats, 50 vests, 219 shirts, 219 pairs of shoes, 264 overalls, 132 stocks, 132 knee garters. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p. It appears from TJ’s...
318To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 3 Mch. 1780 . Capt. Weasy of the vessel from Bermuda awaits a final determination of his case which was submitted to the executive some days ago. He seems to have been influenced by his compassion for the American prisoners of war to come under a flag of truce. It seems proper to allow him the privileges of trade hitherto permitted to the Bermudans by acts of Congress and...
319To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [4 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners of Trade are sorry to be understood by the Honorable Board as intending to free themselves from any part of their duty by submitting the Requisitions of the Board of War for their determination; We conceive it our Duty to do So, as the Act establishing this Board runs thus “The Duty of the said Board shall be to see to the procuring by importation or otherwise all Military...
320To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 4 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
From Rappannack, or york River, I wrote to Col. Maddison, that the season being so far advanced I had a mind not to wait untill I got to Italy to propose the exchange of goods on the terms expressed in my Instructions, and that least I should be taken, and of course be obliged to throw my papers over-board, I had interlined in some of my private old papers the cifer and the substance of the...
321From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive by last nights Post Your Excellencys favor of the 10th Ulto—I am not certain I ever heard that Colo. Clarke had meditated an expedition against Detroit but I have thought it probable enough that he might turn his views that way. The reduction of this Post would be a matter very interesting from it’s situat[i]on—and consequent importance to the tranquility of the...
322To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 5 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive by last nights Post Your Excellencys favor of the 10th Ultmo. I am not certain I ever heard that Colo. Clarke had meditated an expedition against Detroit but I have thought it probable enough that he might turn his views that way. The reduction of this Post would be a matter very interesting from it’s situation and consequent importance to the tranquility of the...
323To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 6 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 6 Mch. 1780 . Encloses a resolve of Congress of this day requesting the governors of Virginia and North and South Carolina “to use their utmost Exertions in filling up their Continental Battallions, and in the mean Time to raise a Body of Militia to supply the Places of the Battalions.” Reinforcements for the southern army are urgently needed. TJ’s dispatches of 9 Feb. have been...
324[To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 13 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 13 Mch. 1780 . Minute in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ): “Thomas Smith esq. having purchased three negroe men Slaves of the Escheated property in Hanover in compliance with our request Ordered that the Executive be informed thereof and that they be requested to instruct us into what department they choose to have them disposed of.” Minutes also show that the cost of these slaves...
325To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 14 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 14 Mch. 1780 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing resolve of Congress recommending that Wednesday, 26 Apr., be set apart as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure (missing): Resolve of Congress, 11 Mch., printed JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xvi ,...
326To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Maxwell, 15 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Hampton Road [ Va. ], 15 Mch. 1780 . Encloses a letter of introduction from Gen. Phillips, and requests that liberty be granted her husband, Lt. Maxwell of the Convention army, to come and meet her. RC ( DLC ); 1 p. See entry for Phillips’ letter, enclosed, 1 Mch. 1780 .
327To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16–17 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Minnis of General Mulenburgh’s family, who belongs to the 1st. Virginia Continental Regiment, being destitute of active employment, owing to the deficiency of the Virginia Line, has been called on to resume his command in his Regiment, and his company therein being extremely thin, he requests to be honored with the charge of a proportion of the recruits raised under the act concerning...
328To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, [17 March 1780]–18 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears from an Act of the last Session of Assembly that the Executive are empowered to make Sale of sundry State Vessells therein mentioned with this proviso that they shall have power also to retain for the State such of the said Vessels as can consistently with the Public Interest be employed in the Commercial concerns of this Commonwealth. The Commissioners of Trade beg leave to inform...
329To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Penet, 17 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Honor to acquaint you with my arrival here. As I am to set off to Paris and Versailles immediately to have a Conference with the Ministry respecting the Plans and Operations I am intrusted with by your State &c. you will in a little time hear the good success of my Engagements with your Commonwealth. I am with Gratitude & Respect Sir Your most obedient & very humble Servant, RC ( Vi...
330[To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 19 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 19 Mch. 1780 . Mazzei’s “Representation … of His Conduct, from the Time of His Appointment to Be Agent of the State in Europe untill his Return to Virginia,” written in 1784 and printed in Marraro, Mazzei , q.v., p. 86, states that in his 9th dispatch, of this date, he sent the Governor of Virginia a “narrative of Mr. Mazzei’s captivity.” No copy of the 9th dispatch has been located,...
331To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 20 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 20 Mch. 1780 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 18 Mch. “calling upon the several States to bring in the Continental Currency by monthly taxes, or otherwise as shall best suit their respective Circumstances, … and making provision for other Bills to be issued in Lieu thereof.” Requests that there be no delay in submitting this resolve to...
332To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 21 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Mch. 1780 . Agreement with Mr. Moody for himself and others for compensation for labor in the service of the state for five years. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “Mar 23. 1780. The Executive agree to the Articles of contract proposed by the Board of War with Mr. Moody restraining the determination of the term to five years or the end of the war if it shall sooner...
333To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 22 Mch. 1780 . There is little prospect of procuring supplies absolutely necessary for the army in the state. It is proposed to send a trustworthy person, John Moss, to Philadelphia with tobacco notes in the amount of 300 hhds. to purchase supplies there. Signed by Ambler and Rose. Countersigned: “Mar. 22. 1780. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ), 1 p.; Tr in Board of Trade...
334To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War wish to be informed by his Excellency whether the Henry Galley now at Hampton under repair and one side finished, shall be completed, and furnished for the protection of that post. As Vessells bound to Sea frequently make that their Harbour when wind bound and if not protected by a Galley or some other vessell of force they must, if chased up by the enemy, fall into their...
335To Thomas Jefferson from J. M. P. LeGras, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
L’équité avec Laquelle votre honnorable assemblée Rend Justice aux fideles Sujets des Etats m’enhardit a vous Réprésenter le tord que les papiers dont Mr. Simon Nathan Est Chargé, Vá nous faire Si votre Bonté n’en ordonne le payement; les Domicilliers de st Vincenne Et pays des Uinois ignorant l’ordonnance du Congrés ont Vendû Leurs Darées [denrées] a L’armée de Mr. le Colonel Clark et ont...
336To Thomas Jefferson from Duncan Rose, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 22 Mch. 1780 . During the severe winter weather when there was a pressing demand for spirits and when an invasion was hourly expected, Rose made a contract with De Francy for rum, salt, and rice, all of which were badly needed for the army, and a portion of the supplies thus procured have been used for the troops. The Board of Trade refuses to take notice of the transaction...
337To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 23–25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter Master General informs us, that for want of proper Offices and Store houses, The State not only incurs a considerable expence for rents but that the public property from the impossibility of procuring proper accommodations for Storage suffers very great detriment. We take liberty to recommend that your Excellency would direct such houses on the lot purchased by the Executive of Mr....
338From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, with Reply, [25 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of Assembly having directed a Sale of the Ships Tartar and Dragon, the Gallies Henry, Manly, Hero, Page, Lewis and Safeguard, except such of them as may consistently with the public Interest be employed in the commercial Concerns of this Commonwealth, it is recommended to the Board of Trade to declare which of the said Vessels they are of Opinion should be retained under that...
339To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 23d . was this day laid before the Board; there is a Vessel now at the Capitol Landing which we shall have detained till the 7th of next month, in order to take in those Articles directed to be removed to Richmond; unless it should be thought better to order her round to the College Landing to receive them: The other instructions contained in the Letter shall be...
340To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Before issuing orders for the privateersmen at King William Courthouse to be delivered to the flag from New York, the Board wish instructions concerning the British prisoners of war. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Reply follows: “In Council Mar. 25th. 1780. The Board are [of] opinion that all the prisoners of War belonging to this State (excepting only Governor...
341To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We return your Excellency the Letters from Governour Rutledge which you did us the honor to send for our Perusal. No exertion of ours has been wanting to accelerate the march of the Detachment of Troops intended for Charles Town. But we must take Liberty to assure your Excellency that unless the Board of Trade receive your peremptory Orders to comply with the Schedule of Necessaries furnished...
342To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Morristown, 26 Mch. 1780 . Calls attention to resolve of Congress of 25 Feb. 1780 assigning state quotas of supplies for the army and directing them to be deposited at places designated by the Commander in Chief. The quotas and places of deposit for Virginia are listed as follows: Places Bbls. Flour Gals. Rum Tons Hay Bu. Corn Alexandria 40,000 80 40,000 Fredericksburg 300 30,000 100 40,000...
343From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27–28 March 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Nothing under the title of news has occurred since I wrote last week by express except that the Enemy on the 1st. of March remained in the neighbourhood of Charlestown in the same posture as when the preceding account came away. From the best intelligence from that quarter there seems to be great encouragement to hope that Clinton’s operations will be again...
344To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27–28 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing under the title of news has occurred since I wrote last week by express except that the Enemy on the 1st. of March remained in the neighbourhood of Charlestown in the same posture as when the preceding account came away. From the best intelligence from that quarter there seems to be great encouragement to hope that Clinton’s operations will be again frustrated. Our great apprehensions...
345[To Thomas Jefferson from Duncan Rose, before 28 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, before 28 Mch. 1780 . Minute in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ), under 30 Mch. 1780: “A Letter laid before the Board from D. Rose Esqr. to His Excellency the Governor acquainting him that he had contracted with Saml. Beale Esqr. for twenty one pieces of Ozenbrigs at the rate of twenty pounds Tobacco ⅌ yd.” Not located.]
346To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 30 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 30 Mch. 1780 . Cannot “refrain from once more addressing Your Excellency, and repeating my invariable Esteem for you, your Lady, and amiable Family, also testifying the lively rememberance i , and all mine have of your many Civilities and particular politeness to us.” Announces “the happy recovery of Madame de Riedesel after having presented me a fourth Daughter, near three Weeks...
347To Thomas Jefferson from Paulus Æmilius Irving, [April? 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Major Irving’s Compliments to the Governor. He sends him a few Pease. He is very sorry his stock will not admit of a Larger proportion. Majr. Irving will esteem it a very particular favor if the Governor will be so good as to Purchase him a few Barrels of fine flour no Matter as to the Price. RC ( MHi ). Addressed: “Governor Jefferson.” Endorsed by TJ: “Irving.” On the date, see below. Maj....
348To Thomas Jefferson from John Hay, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 1 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 1 Apr. 1780 . In consequence of executive’s request in reply to Hay’s previous application to borrow 500 lbs. of powder from the state, John Fisher has been sent to Williamsburg for a final answer. The powder is wanted for an “armed vessel now lying at four Mile Creek” she will sail in about eight days. Powder will be replaced in a reasonable time. Signed by John Hay. Countersigned:...
349To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 4 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 4 Apr. 1780 . Encloses a resolve of Congress of 27 Mch., “by which you will be informed that the Recommendation of Congress of the 17th of August 1779 in their Opinion makes Provision for the Case of the Widow and Children of the late Lieut. Colo. John Sayer [Sayres, Seayer, Seayres].” Also a resolve of 30 Mch. requesting the State of Virginia to supply provisions for the...
350To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 4 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 4 Apr. 1780 . Abstract, with liberal quotations, of Edmund Burke’s speech in Parliament on Economical Reform, delivered 11 Feb. 1780. Sends text of Louis XVI’s message to the widow of Capt. Couedic, which Mazzei hopes will be translated for the “perusal of our people.” Enlarges on the good qualities of the French king. RC ( NN ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Mazzei; 4 p. At head of...