31To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Jan. 1780. Because of the dissolution of the fourth troop of Nelson’s corps of cavalry, a dispute concerning the lieutenancy of the third troop has arisen between Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Read. It is recommended that the decision be referred to a board of officers “as the most proper Tribunal to determine all military disputes.” Signed by Innes and Barron. Tr in Board of War...
32To 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....
33To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. It is expedient to establish a small magazine in or near Staunton; Col. Sampson Matthews is to be furnished with money and implements to complete it as soon as possible. Rifles in his care should be repaired and he should have power to sell some arms to defray the expense of repairing the rest, if that seems more expedient than drawing money. He should also be...
34To 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...
35[To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, before 28 August 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, before 28 Aug. 1779 . A letter from Lt. Gov. Page to the Continental Board of War, 28 Aug. 1779 ( DLC : PCC , No. 147, ii ; printed in Official Letters , ii , 37, q.v.) answers a letter from the Board to TJ “on the Subject of the Muskets lately imported into this State for the use of United States.” The Board’s letter has not been found. For action by Congress on Page’s letter,...
36To 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...
37To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 9 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War have considered the case of Mr. Blunt of Sussex as Stated in a Letter to Colo. Starke, by Captain Edmundson, and have thereupon come to the following resolution. That Mr. Blunt has been forced to Stand the Draft unjustly and illegally, and therefore the Draft so far as it respects him, is not valid: Mr. Blunt having complied fully with the intent and meaning of the Law passed...
38To 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;...
39To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 8 Nov. 1779 . John Peyton, clothier general to the state troops, should proceed to camp to receive from the Continental clothier general the proportion of clothing allowed by Congress and to issue it according to directions. His duty should be extended, with an increase in salary, to include the issuing of all supplies sent in by the Boards of War and Trade, because Mr. Moss, the...
40To 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...
41To 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....
42To 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....
43To 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...
44To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, [5? February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
A plan for new modelling the Quarter Masters department in this State. The Quarter Master General, taken from the Line, to draw three rations four forages and receive six hundred dollars ⅌ month in Addition to his pay in the Line, be allowed the use of three public horses. Two assistant Quarter Master Generals to draw each one ration two forages and receive four hundred Dollars ⅌ month...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 2 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency having inadvertently mistated to the Assembly, the nature of the Requisition, made by the Board of War, and approved by the Executive; for the appointment of a second Clerk to our Office; We take liberty by the inclosure accompanying this, to inform you more fully of the meaning of our Request. We had not in Idea, the space of two months, or any time, shorter than the duration...
48To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We inclose to you for your approbation some arrangements which we think necessary to be adopted in the military and Naval departments. In the issuing the several portions of rum sugar Tea, and Coffee we have been regulated totally by the rank and rations of the several Officers, allowing to every rations as by Law directed one jill of Spirits, the other articles we have endeavoured to...
49To 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...
50To 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...
51To 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...
52To 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...
53From the Continental Board of War, enclosing a Letter to James Wood, 24–26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the Resolution of Congress relative to the removal of the Convention Troops they have been pleased to refer the Matter to this Board to take Order and we have given the enclosed Instructions to Col. Wood who has the Superintendance of those Troops and he is gone forward to put those Orders in Execution which are expressive of the sense of Congress on the Subject. The Instructions will...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 3 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Annapolis, 3 Aug. 1780 . Is informed that Stephen Mister, under indictment for high treason in Maryland, has escaped to Virginia, where he is confined to stand trial for treason against Virginia. Should the prisoner be acquitted in Virginia, it is requested that he be delivered for trial in Maryland. A transcript of the record is enclosed under seal. FC ( MdAA ); 2 p. Enclosure not found, but...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 26 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ], 26 Jan. 1781. Eight British vessels have been driven ashore, four of which it is supposed will not be gotten off again. The greatest advantage cannot be taken of their distress because the vessels are on a coast chiefly in British power. MS not located. Text abstracted from an entry in Anderson Galleries, sale catalogue, 19–20 Jan. 1926 (James H. Manning Sale), lot 407; a...
56[To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 22 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Rich Neck, 22 Nov. 1780. In a letter to Gen. Robert Lawson, 24 Nov., TJ reports having received a letter of 22 Nov. from Gen. Nelson enclosing intelligence from Newport News Point that the British fleet lately at Portsmouth “appeared to be standing out for the Capes.” Neither Nelson’s letter nor its enclosure has been found.]
57To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Smith, 22 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 22 Oct. 1779 . The scheme for a commercial negotiation in Europe has been abandoned after all necessary preparations were made. This decision causes almost ruinous personal consequences to the writer. Begs that an allowance be made as a restitution for disappointment and time. Signed: Thomas Smith. Minute in TJ’s hand at foot of text: “In Council Oct. 25. 1779. Referred to the...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 10 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Annapolis, 10 June 1780 . Notifying TJ that a line of expresses has been established by the State of Maryland “on the Main Road, leading from Young’s Ferry on Patowmack River to Philadelphia,” in accordance with Congress’ resolution of 5 June. FC ( MdAA ); 1 p. See Huntington to TJ, 5 June ; TJ to Gov. Lee, 14 June ; Lee to TJ, 17 June 1780 .
59To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Hamilton has informed us that a Flag with Cloathing and Money for the late Convention Troops stationed in Virginia and Maryland has arrived at Hampton and requested Permission to land them at George Town in Maryland, which we have granted so far as concerns the Troops in Maryland under certain restrictions and referred him to your Excellency as to the Necessaries for the Troops in...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Turpin, with Reply, 22–23 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have directed Horatio to wait on you with this in order to beg you will inform me by him when you think a jury will be on my land in Richmd., when you think there is a Probality of my being Paid for it, and whether in Tobo. or money. I should not have given you this trouble now but that I have some expectation of making a considerable Purchase and “twil be highly necessary to know what...
61To 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...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 10 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just returnd from Malern [Malvern] Hills from whence we could discover the Enemys Boats lying off City point. From the smoak on that side of the River I conclude they have encamp’d at some small distance from the River. A party of their Horse were last night at Petersburg. None have landed on this side, some sailors excepted, who landed in the lower part of Charles City and took off a...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 28 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The alarming State of the Trade of Virginia and Maryland in the Chesapeake and above all, the extreme Difficulty and Hazard of supplying the Northern Army with Provisions from Virginia and the Southern Parts of this State, occasioned by the continued and encreasing Depredations of the Enemy have rendered the immediate Expulsion of them from the Bay, an Object of Magnitude to this Board. The...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 15 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Arrival of our Express with your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th. this Moment received gives us an Opportunity of informing you that all the Transports with the Troops from Elk got safe into Harbour on Tuesday Evening. The next Morning at day Light two Ships apparently British of the rate of eighteen and twenty eight Guns came to an Anchor opposite to the Mouth of our River Severn, at 12...
65To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d a Letter from Colo. Dabney Commandant of the Posts below, a Copy of which I have the pleasure to send you. Nothing could have happened more fortunately for us. The utmost expedition is necessary to enable us to cooperate with this Fleet. Should they be disappointed in their expectation, it will dis[coura]ge them from affording us future assistance. I propose to go...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Jones, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Captn. George Blackwell is one of the draughts for Northumberland County, which he thinks a great hardship upon him, and as he is a stranger to your Excellency, has prevailed upon me to represent his case to you, hoping thro’ your means to be redressed. He was brought up to the Sea, and since the present disturbances has been Master of several Vessells, and has made several...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Read, enclosing a Resolution of the Charlotte County Militia Officers, 28 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlotte Court House, 28 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a resolution of the militia officers of this county and is “directed to mention to you Sir, that Arms are dificult to be procured in the County, not having been Recovr’d since Sent out with the Militia under General Green.” Ammunition is also wanting. Asks where the men, if ordered out, are to march, and would be glad to have the six weeks term...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Turpin, [before 7 August 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
Not having had the Pleasure of Seeing or even of hearing from you for a long time I am at length oblig’d to apply to you for Payment of the rent of my Tenemen[t] at Richmd. I have forborn to apply to the Assembly for Pay as I think I had no right having had your Promise for the Payment of the rent tho’ you have Promised to Pay me 8000 wt. of Tobo. I think 10000 is no extravagant demand as...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In my Letter of Yesterday I informed your Excellency that the Enemy’s Fleet had fallen down to Hardy’s Ferry. This afternoon I have Intelligence that it was on its Way again, and standing for Newport-news. Yesterday about twelve o’Clock, the Enemy were seen from this Shore to land a Number of Men on a Point below the Mouth of Pagan Creek, and soon afterwards a heavy firing commenced, the Issue...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas McKean, 20 August 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My Predecessor sent you the Copy of a vote of Congress of the 14th. of June last, appointing you a Minister for negociating a peace: As no answer has been yet received, a doubt has taken place, whether the information had reached you, and therefore I now inclose you a Duplicate. Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you on this evidence of the full confidence and esteem of your Country, and to hope...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 27 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have just received the Resolution of Congress of the 20th. Instant recommending it to the Executives of the States of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, to agree upon, and Settle an Arrangement for supplying the Southern Army with Provisions, from the States most contiguous, and for replacing the same with Provisions from those that are more remote, and to establish such Mode...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 17 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Before we were honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th. Inst., we had, in Pursuance of the Resolution of Congress 5th. established a Line of expresses extending from Young’s Ferry on Patowmack to Philadelphia, and wrote immediately by Post, advising you of it, and that the Rider at Young’s Ferry would be in constant Readiness to receive your Excellency’s Commands. To keep up the Line...
73To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On my Way here this Evening I received Information that the Enemy had landed their whole Force at Westover, and were marching for Richmond. I have ordered the whole Strength of King Wm., King & Queen, and Gloucester, to rendezvous at Bacon’s Ordinary 6 Miles above New Kent Court House, whence I shall march them as will appear best for the Service. The whole Militia of New Kent are now turning...
74To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favoured with your’s of the 10th. Inst. by Mr. Prentis. I have never been informed that any Horses were left by the Enemy, except those at Westover, which were taken by Captain Selden’s and Captain Hockaday’s Men. Those in the Possession of Captain Hockaday’s Men I ordered to be carried to Richmond for the Proprietors to claim. Farther Enquiry shall be made, and if there be any such as...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Commodore Tilly having determined to sail with the first fair Wind, the Enemy will be left at Liberty to make use of all the Advantages which their Command of the Water gives them over us. They will probably be inclined, for some Losses they have sustained since the Arrival of the French Squadron, to wreak their Vengeance on the Parts of the State most exposed. Hampton and the adjacent Country...
76To 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...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Gaskins, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Northumberland, 13 Apr. 1781 . Encloses an account of the draft in Northumberland county. Only three men enlisted for the war: Thomas Giles, Michael Taylor, and Thomas Harding; sends certificates for these men and wishes them returned by the bearer, together with bounty money for them and for 40 men drafted. “We have great Destruction in and about our place By the Barberous and Cruel Pirating...
78To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Hamilton, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencies Orders I have Allow’d the Following Prisoners of War, the Liberty of the Town, Vizt. George Richardson, John Askin, Richard Aris, John Gibson, Robert Tackberry, Edward Conner, Jonathan Shaw, John Uree, and Richard Brady. Mr. Rose informs me that they were deliver’d to him as prisoners of War and from examineing them I belive them to be such. Inclos’d your...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Blackburn, 4 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Prince William County, 4 May 1780 . Acknowledges a (now missing) letter from TJ by Henry Lee notifying Blackburn of his appointment to the executive council. Feels a due sense of the honor intended for him by the Assembly but must decline because of “a Deafness with which I have been long afflicted, and which I fear is too considerable to allow a proper Attention to the Duties of the Office.”...
80To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 17 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We beg Leave to refer your Excellency to our Letter of Yesterday , giving a short Account of the Transports and Troops from the Head of Elk, being safe in this Harbour. We shall adopt such Measures to guard and subsist the Convention Troops and British Prisoners captured in the Action of the Cowpens, on their March through this State, as may be necessary and consonant to a Resolution of...