1From 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...
2James Cocke to George Muter, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My having an oppertunity Yesterday of perusing the Newspaper I observed in the Account of the rapid progress of the Enemy up the River, that in respect to their passing the post at Hoods is different from what it is their represented. On the Morning of the 3rd. Inst. I ordered an Officer and two Men to Brandon to give us Intelegence of the Enemy should they land at that Place, and if after...
3William Cole to George Muter, with Jefferson’s Instructions to Muter, 15–19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
State Yard, 15 Mch. 1781 . Requests arms and ammunition “by return of State sloop”; the skipper will await reply. TJ’s instructions follow: “In Council, March 19, 1781. It is the opinion of the Board that the arms and ammunition desired by Mr. Coles for the safety of the Shipyard, should be sent. Th Jefferson.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; addressed; endorsed: “Letter from Wm Coles at the State Shipyard,...
4[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...
5From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The following articles being called for from us by Genl. Gates you will be pleased to give orders to the proper persons to have them in readiness as soon as possible. I am Sir with great respect Your most obedt. servt., P.S. I have been informed there are at Petersburg belonging to the Continent a number of spades. Be so good as to enquire into it that they may be ordered on in part of the...
6From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 4 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Davies has written to me for some tent-poles , but has not mentioned the number. I suppose however that 75 will do [for] him: be pleased to have them made immediately. Are the 48 tents brought in which were in the hands of the state garrison regiment. I observe 14 also were delivered to Wm. Jones for Majr. McGill’s corps, the same regiment I suppose. All these should be delivered to Mr....
7From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is the opinion of the board that Mr. Anderson continue to discharge the Duties of Keeper of the public arms till further order shall be taken therein for which the board will allow him proper compensation. Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ). At head of text: “In answer to Colo Muters Lr. of Nov. 2d. 1780”; Muter’s letter has not been found.
8From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 28 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In Council July 28 1780 The board are of opinion that the hospital at Wmsbg. be discontinued. Mr. Ferguson may have the use of the house and garden for the care of them till further orders. Hospitals are to be kept up at York, Hampton and Portsmouth on the smallest Scale practicable. The Surgeon of the Artillery regiment may attend York and Hampton and that of the State garrison regiment...
9From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The habitual drunkenness of Colo. Warneck renders him in the opinion of the board unfit to be longer trusted with the execution of the duties of an engineer. Should he chuse (on your intimating this to him) to resign, the board are disposed to give him what assistance they may justifiably: otherwise it becomes necessary that you take proper measures for trying him by a proper court in order to...
10[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 2 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter from the Governor desiring a return of the State Artillery Regiment, as well as of the 1st. and 2d. State Regiment, and State Garrison Regiment.” Not located.]
11From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Lieutenant Bryant shoud be allowed ten dollars a day for performing the duty of a Provost Marshall. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). The following words appear at the head of text: “The following returned to Colo. Muter commissioner of the War office, in answer to his Letter of August 28. 1780” (not found).
12From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 2 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board has considered your request that they should make an Enquiry into your Conduct as Commissioner of the War Office. No Complaint having been lodged with them on the Subject, No Prosecutor offering himself, no Witnesses pointed out, nor even Charges specifyed, they do not know that they can with either propriety or practicability enter on such an enquiry; the more especially as they...
13[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 27 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 27 Feb. 1781 . War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Note from the Council of Col. Syme’s undertaking to have 50 muskets repaired which are in Hanover County; and the said note was delivered to the Commissary of military Stores.” Not located.]
14[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ In Council, 5 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 5 Feb.: “Sent in to Council Mr. Milton Fords proposals for Building at the Fork of James River”; and on the following day the Journal enters the Council’s answer of 5 Feb.: “Agreed to; Mr. Ford making due allowance for waggons, provisions or any other things furnished by the public, to be valued by the same...
15From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 3 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board will approve of a Contract for 3000 Cartridge boxes, to hold 23 rounds, with a bag, a large strong flap to cover the Bag and box, and a buff belt with a Buckle, to be Completed by the last of May @ 75 wt. tobacco each, or its value in money, according to the estimate of the Grand Jury next preceding payment; the 200 said to have been delivered are not to be counted as part, unless...
16From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Assembly having directed that the ship Dragon shall be repaired and manned for service, it becomes necessary to decline the sale of her, which they had formerly directed. You will therefore be pleased to take measures for stopping the sale. Your mo: obt. servt., Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). The dragon was to be recommissioned by the terms of the Act for putting the eastern...
17From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 27 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to give orders to Mr. Moody to employ immediately such artificers as he has skilled in making Cartouchboxes, in that way, and to direct the QrMaster to procure leather. As far as the public has or is entitled to leather let that be used and the deficiency be supplied by purchase. If a sufficient stock can be procured for covering in the best manner let them be so covered:...
18[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 6? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6? Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 6 Feb.: “Letter, from the Governor, enquiring what Camp Kettles were brought from Fredericksburg and how disposed off: whether the Waggons have returned that went for leather, and if Cartouch boxes were making.” Not located.]
19From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, [28 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever Capt. [Windsor] Brown wants a horse to ride on duty, Colo. Muter will be pleased to give him an order on the Quarter master for a public horse. RC ( Vi ); endorsed: “Note from the Govr. to furnish Cap. Browne with a horse 28 Feb.” A minute in the War Office Journal ( Vi ) recording receipt of this letter on 28 Feb. 1781 confirms the recipient and date here assigned.
20From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the first of the present invasion, I desired Col. Syme to superintend the removal of the Stores from Cumberland Town to Newcastle; as soon as we found that the enemy had fixed themselves at Portsmouth, as there was but little land carriage saved by bringing them to Newcastle, we discontinued it. Col. Syme never made me a report of the Articles which he had removed actually. Perhaps it may...
21From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Genl. Nelson received this evening he informs me has by no means a sufficient stock of ammunition, having received none since this invasion, and he desires an immediate supply. I thought you had sent him a waggon load. Be pleased to take measures for his supply, and in the mean time to let me know what he may expect that I may write him accordingly. He also desires two...
22From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Col. Senf alone can say the extent of the works at the Fork and Westham. If it be possible to provide a better Hospital for the smallpox, it will be approved. I think the state Officers should be immediately informed of their discontinuance and orders issue to those who remain, to receive the Command. Tr in War Office Journal ( Vi ).
23From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 31 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
If Mr. Peters means to perform military and other duties required by the laws, as would have been, had he given no parole, he is at liberty to remain: if he does not mean this, he must deliver himself up to the enemy. RC ( Vi ); written on verso of Walter Peters to George Muter, 30 Jan. 1781 (see below); endorsed: “Walter Peters respecting his being a prisoner on parole & Govrs. answer Jany....
24From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 23 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board agrees to give Capt. Groer a Guinea ⅌ Month for each person they shall put under him to be taught the duties and operations of a Laboratory, but if the number shall exceed four, no more than four Guineas a Month. Tr ( Vi ); quoted in Muter’s letter to Groar of this date entered in War Office Letter Book. Capt. Groar (whose name is variously spelled) has not been further identified,...
25From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter? Enclosing Terms for Rebuilding the Boring Mill, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board approve of letting the building on the within terms, only postponing the advance of the money mentioned till the raising of the house. They recommend the providing the works for boring a single cannon at a time only, which will probably render all geer unnecessary except a water wheel. The size of the house should be reduced so as only to comprehend the works and leave necessary room...
26From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Thomas is informed by letter from me this day that he may be supplied with money the next week to put the affairs of the Tanyard into a proper state. Colo. Muter will be pleased to prepare proper requisitions on Mr. Armistead for nail rods and tin. The resolution of assembly of June 1 . 80 seems to give an authority to the Executive which extends to the removal of a manager and making...
27From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, [11 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter master reported to me yesterday that he had two covered waggons ready. He was ordered to send them to Cabbin Point. If they are gone they had better be recalled to take in the ammunition to be sent. I think it would be best to take Majr. Pryor’s receipt for what is so delivered. If he declines giving one, the receipt of the field Q. M. at camp (George Elliot or his deputy) should...
28[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 4? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 4? Feb. 1781. Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under date of 5 Feb.: “Letter from the Governor received yesterday requiring Mr. Moody to be directed to make seventy five tent poles, and ten Wheelbarrows immediately: four of Mr. Moodys men to go to Hoods: four more to be employed in making carriages: Application to be made to the Officers of the State Artillery to come in to be...
29From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have spoken with the board of war on the subject of the battery at Hood’s , and they concur with me in wishing to avail themselves of your services there, and will give orders accordingly. This together with similar batteries on the other rivers will probably take some time, tho’ considering their great importance to the security and quiet of the country above them, we are assured you will...
30From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall be much obliged to Colo. Muter to settle finally with Warneck to-day if possible the question he was so good as to undertake to put to him. RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ: “Colo. Muter”; endorsed. See TJ to Muter, 29 Jan. , and Muter’s two letters of the present date.
31From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Specie Artificers of the best kind 5/. or 25℔. tobacco Common Do. 3/9 18¾ Boat wrights of the best kind 7/6 37½ Common Do. 5/. 25 Waggon Conductors 5/. 25 Waggoners 2/6
32From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to you the inclosed advice of Council that proper measures may be taken for notifying it for ascertaining what officers remain on duty and calling them to take command at the several posts where men are stationed. I should be glad also that there should be an inspection return made to me of the state of the men. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Enclosure (missing):...
33[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 19 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 19 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter from the Governor respecting ammunition &c. required by Cap: Mitch [Mitchell]. Waited on the Governor in consequence of it. And sent off the following letters containing orders for the ammunition, &c. immediately. A letter to Cap. Browne, State Commissary of Military Stores. To Cap. Irish. To Mr. Moody, and...
34From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter will be pleased to enquire into the particular arms and accoutrements delivered by deserters into hands responsible to the state, and to settle a price on them at about 80 for one of what they used to cost in the state. I will send the individuals to Colo. Muter. RC ( PHi ); unsigned; addressed by TJ: “Colo. Muter”; endorsed: “Govr. respecting those people who have recd. Arms from...
35From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter?, [4 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to send some trusty person to gather waggons at Hanover town and remove the powder there across the river and so up into the country thirty or forty miles to some church or other place it may be stored. MS not located. Extract printed from American Art Association sale catalogue, 6–7 Dec. 1921 (Edward Tuckerman Sale), lot 380, a 1-page A.L.S. without designation of addressee. The...
36From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council have thought it best that the several prisoners of war in this state, except Governour Hamilton and Major Hay, be given up to congress, according to their resolutions of January 13. 1780. You will therefore be pleased to give the necessary orders for this purpose. I am sensible a difficulty must occur as to the manner of guarding them on their march. Perhaps you’ll be able to...
37V. Secretary of State to the President of the Kentucky Convention (George Muter), 28 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of October 4. 1790. to the President of the United States, and to enclose you in return, an authenticated copy of the act of Congress declaring the consent of Congress that a new State be formed within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Virginia and admitted into this union by the name of the State of Kentucky, and also of their...
38From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 17 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Mrs. Burnley may be permitted to repair to and remain within the county of Hanover, subject to the future direction of the Executive and Colo. Muter is desired to take measures accordingly and for the dispatch of the flag. They wish Mrs. Burnley to be reminded that she must be conscious of the many circumstances which render her disposition towards this country...
39From 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...
40To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 25 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 25 Jan. 1781. Some “eight months men” who work in the laboratory consider themselves cleared from service and are with difficulty persuaded to work; Muter desires to know how they shall be dealt with. Mr. Ford wishes to know whether the persons who are to work at the fork of the James are to be furnished with provisions by the state, or whether money is to be advanced “to enable...
41To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Anderson informs me that the time for which he engaged Nine lads to make nails for their victuals and clothes, for the use of the State, ends with the present Year. As it will be of advantage to the State to engage those nailers for some time longer, on account of the heavy demand there is at present and likely to continue for nails: I beg leave to recommend to your Excellency, that Mr....
42To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 24 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The building the boring mill and the moulding house for the use of the foundery, being a separate matter entirely from the other works to be erected near the foundery, I am of opinion it will be unnecessary to wait for the arrival of Colo. Senf before they are contracted for, more particularly as from circumstances, the same situation and walls must be again made use of, and those houses will...
43From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 6 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board acknowlege that the manner in which Colo. Muter has stated his acceptance of the appointment as a Commissioner of the War office, is just. They think that if any doubt arises on the act or resolution of assembly, the application to explain it should be, as the law directs, to the Attorney general, or to the General court; and that if by the act or resolution Colo. Muter is excluded,...
44From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 8 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A ton of lead should be sent to Fredericksburg in waggons returning empty to Mr. Washington who has the care of the powder. An order may be drawn on him also for 30 bushels of salt. RC ( Vi ); written below a letter of Charles Dick to George Muter, 5 Sep. 1780; see below. Addressed (twice) to Muter and docketed. The letter from Dick to Muter (printed in full in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State...
45To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
46To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been yet able to learn where or in whose possession any of the tents are except those (by the quarter masters return 49 in all) that have been delivered for the use of the State Garrison regiment: and Majr. Magill informs me that he is obliged to let his men use them at present for want of blanketts, there hardly being a blankett in the possession of one of his soldiers. I have the...
47To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, a note to Mr. Ross to furnish sundry articles to Mr. Mayes who is employed in the Countrys service by Capt. Brown, if you approve it. Mr. Ross’s furnishing the articles at Petersburgh, which I understand he can do, will save the expence of transportation from hence. There is also inclosed a certificate from Capt. Browne respecting Mr. Mayes’s...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never seen the law that exempts people employed for the public from militia duty &c., therefore I take the liberty of inclosing a note from Wm. Stone and Thos. Stone, for your Excellency’s determination. They I beleive have contracted with Mr. Moody for making wheels and waggons, tho’ I have nothing from Mr. Moody at present to show for it; and wish to have something to show, to satisfy...
49From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to have immediate measures taken for the following purposes. To send some of the worst Arms to Fredericksburg to be repaired at the Factory and by Mr. Hunter and to bring all the Camp kettles in readiness. To have five ton of powder brought from Baltimore at Continental expence to replace what we have lent them and to bring our Cartouch boxes. To have all the lead...
50To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 19–20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Feb. 1781 . “Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown] attends to know the detirmination of your Excellency and the Hon. Council respecting his acting as Commissary of military stores.” All that remains to do is to fix his “allowance,” and since he is soon to be reduced to half pay as an officer, that allowance should be “the more liberal.” In Council Feb. 20. 1781. The board...