721From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition contemplated by this State against the british post at Detroit and of receiving your answer of october 10th. Since the date of my Letter the face of things has so far changed as to leave it no longer optional in us to attempt or to decline the expedition, but compels us to decide in the affirmative and to begin our...
722To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th instant. having found it impracticable to move suddenly the whole Convention troops, british and germans, and it being represented that there coud not immediately be covering provided for them all at fort Frederic we concluded to march of the British first from whom, was the principal danger of desertion and to permit the germans...
723From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th instant. Having found it impracticable to move suddenly the whole Convention Troops, british and germans, and it being represented that there coud not immediately be covering provided for them all at fort Frederic we concluded to march off the British first from whom was the principal danger of desertion and to permit the germans...
724To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I inclose your Excellency a copy of an intercepted Letter from major General Leslie to Lord Cornwallis. it was taken on a person endeavouring to pass thro the country from Portsmouth towards Carolina. when he was apprehended and a proposal made to search him he readily consented to be searched but at the same time was observed to put his hand into his pocket and carry something towards his...
725From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 10 Nov. 1780. Encloses copy of intercepted letter from Gen. Leslie to Lord Cornwallis; describes circumstances of its capture in same terms as in letter to Gates of this date, q.v. An added paragraph reports the capture of deserters from the Convention army in same terms as in letter to Huntington of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, with...
726To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 3 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the 25th ult. the enemy have withdrawn their force from the north side of James river, and have taken post at Portsmouth, which we learn they are fortifying; their highest post is Suffolk where there is a very narrow and defensible pass between Nansemond river and the dismal swamp, which covers the country below from being entered by us....
727From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 Nov. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, with corrections, complimentary close, signature, postscript, and address in TJ’s hand; endorsed: “No. 19. Richmond 3d: Novr. 1780 from Governor Jefferson Ansd. 9th. Decr.” PrC ( DLC : TJ Papers), lacking postscript.
728To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Executive of this State think it expedient and necessary that under our present circumstances the prisoners of war under the Convention of Saratoga be removed from their present situation. Many circumstances have led to this necessity. It will be utterly impracticable as long as they remain with us to prevent the hostile army now in this State from being reinforced by numerous desertions...
729From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. Tr in DLC : TJ Papers. For variations in the text from the letter to Lee, see note there.
730To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you Letters from Genl Hamilton for New York. On some representations received by Colo. Towles that an indulgence to Govenor Hamilton and his Companions to go to New York on parole would produce the happiest effect on the situation of our Officers in Long Island We have given him, Majr Hay & some of the same Party at Winchester leave to go there on Parole: The...