1From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Eppes, Doct. Griffin, Doct. Foushee, Mr. Hylton, Mr. Selden and others wish to serve in the Cavalry during the Invasion. We give orders to furnish them with such accoutrements as we have, and will be oblig[ed] to you to form them and others into a proper troop or troops, settling the commands as shall be most agreeable to themselves. I am With great respect, Sir, your most obed. Servt., FC...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the preceding letter to Samuel Huntington, q.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War”; the letter sent to Lee is printed in Md. Archives , xlvii , 17–19. A copy was enclosed in TJ’s letter to Benjamin Harrison, 29 Jan. 1781 , q.v.
3From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The judge of the Admiralty of Pensylvania has given notice to our Delegates in Congress that there are three Negroes, Tom, Hester and Celia confined in jail in Philadelphia in consequence of a condemnation of a vessel in which they were taken. They say they are the property of a certain Money Godwin of Norfolk, that their Master went off with the British Fleet under Leslie, and gave them...
4To 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...
5[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 3 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Nov. 1780. A letter from the Maryland Council to Col. Moses Rawlings dated 10 Nov. states: “we have received one from Governor Jefferson, of the 3d informing us that he had given Directions for the March of the Convention Troops, in two Divisions, the first to consist of the British, amounting to about 804 Rank and File, the second consists wholly of Germans, in Number, the...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by your Excellency’s favour of Janury. 5th. Joseph Shoemaker is a citizen of this State and has been an active mischeivous traitor. The dangers of escape on the road from Baltimore to this place, and from this place, where since our removal from Wmsburg no public jail has been yet erected, are so great as to induce me to suggest to your Excellency the trial and punishment of...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Burke, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. covering a draught of Mr. Clay’s for 106,775 D. came safely to hand last night. I am sorry that Mr. Clay adopts this method of negotiating money claims on our treasury which is not and I fear will not again be in a condition to answer his draughts with any kind of punctuality which might justify his drawing and negotiating in the mercantile way. In my letter to you of...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Information having been given the Board that sundry Horses of British property, having been left by the Enemy, were taken by our Militia or un-armed Citizens, and a question made whether they belong to the Commonwealth or the Captor, we are of opinion that they should be yeilded to the Captor. It is thought however where any possible doubt can arise who was the Captor, that the Horse should be...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 18th. the night before last and deferred answering it till I could confer with Baron Steuben which I had an opportunity of doing yesterday evening. He shewed me a letter from Monsr. Tilly from which and the information of his aid who went down, we suppose the French squadron sailed on a cruise yesterday morning. They will however be within our call, and therefore...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very anxious to prepare for cooperating with our Allies, and for providing for their support. For the former purpose measures are taking as agreed on this moment in a conference with Baron Steuben. For the latter we suppose York town the most effectual to prepare as an Assylum for their Vessels. Colo. Senf comes down with instructions to point out what may be done there in a short time;...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We sent expresses on the 17th instant to call down a fourth part of the militia of the Counties of Loudon, Fauquier, Prince William and Fairfax (about 1090) with orders to march immediately to Wmsburg. Genl. Weedon followed these orders to hasten their execution. These Counties are indeed distant, but they had been some time held in readiness; so that I hope they will afford an early and very...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I suppose by this time you may have more Men than Arms, and there are no more Arms fit for use remaining in the public Stock, œconomy will require that the surplus Militia be discharged. This measure is the more necessary, as the law for raising new levies remains unexecuted while the Militia are from their Counties. I shall therefore take the liberty of pointing out to you, as I have done...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Read, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had received two days ago information from Genl. Greene of the advance of Ld. Cornwallis and immediately ordered about 1200 men from Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt, Bedford, Henry and Pittsylvania. Besides this I trusted that the Militia of other Counties immediately in their way would turn out with Spirit. If this be done I hope a very good account will be rendered of Ld. Cornwallis....
14From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 2 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In the course of examination of a British deserter this morning some information was given interesting to the state over which your Excellency presides and which therefore I think it my duty to communicate. He calls himself Peter Christian; says he is a native of New York, was taken in Fort Montgomery; that after being kept two years in prison he was induced to enlist into the British service...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Burke, 2 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to be obliged to inform you that it is out of our power to have paiment made of Mr. Clay’s draught for 225,000 dollars. Our treasury is at present absolutely exhausted, and no prospect of it’s being replenished till the assembly shall have met and have had time to provide supplies. I hope this will reach you in time to prevent the additional disappointment which might arise from...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your suspension of Capt. Joel’s enterprise against the Enemy’s fleet seems to have been well grounded. It was become so universally known, as to leave little doubt of the Enemy’s being apprised of it and of course prepared against it. Capt. Maxwell had some time before informed me that the Dragon had been devoted to this purpose. He at the same time assured me he had found it impossible to...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer hereof Capt. Joel proposes to engage two others to undertake with himself an enterprize on the Enemy’s fleet wherever it shall be collected in Harbour. As he requires only an old Vessell of the most worthless kind, and proper preparations for her, I think the object will justify the risk. So many Orders and Measures may be necessary in the detail of executing this Business that I...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson 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...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 19 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 19 Nov. 1780. The first paragraph of this letter is identical with the first paragraph in TJ’s letter to Gates of this date, except that after “coming up James river” TJ here adds: “or I suppose any other of the waters of the Chesapeake.” The second paragraph of the letter to Lee is identical with the second paragraph of TJ’s letter to Huntington of this date, except that it lacks...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I will send to Mr. Brown the Commissary the Paragraph from your Letter relative to Provisions with orders for him to take measures for Relief. At the same time I wish the Principal expenditures could be in Indian meal that the Flour might be kept as much as possible for the Summer’s use. Majr. Hollier has no authority to make exchange [of] Prisoners with the enemy. The inclosed Proclamation...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy left a number of Horses at Westover which they had taken during their late incursion. Colo. Nicholas very properly ordered a party to take charge of them and bring them to the Quarter Master where they might be kept for the Owners to come and claim them; but I am well informed that in the [mean] time several Men of Capt. Hockaday’s Command of Charles City have plundered and carried...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never heard a tittle of the Enemy since your information that they were at Sandy Point the day after they left Westover; nor is any thing known at this place as to their subsequent Movements. As this want of intelligence might eventually be fatal, I have ordered an Express to be stationed at Bottom’s Bridge, another at New Kent Court House, a third at Bird’s tavern, a fourth at...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It happened unfortunately that from the Tenor of Mr. Wrays Lett[er] which gave us the first Intelligence of the Appearance of an Enemy we had reason to expect more precise Information within a few Hours. None such having come within fifty Hours, the first Intelligence had become totally disbelieved. At 10 o’Clock this morning I first received Confirmation of it. Orders go out by the members of...
24From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 12 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter of this date to Samuel Huntington , q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “recd 28u. Ansd. 21st March.” PrC of Tr ( DLC ). Printed from Tr in HAW Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson , Washington, 1853–1854
25To 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...
26From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arms you mention being Continental, they are subject to the orders of Baron Steuben. I have therefore sent him a copy of your letter and begged him to send you by this conveyance such orders as he thinks proper. As he is anxious that the reinforcement should be respectable I make no doubt he will order the Arms. My letters mentioning that the detachments should go under proper officers...
27From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commonwealth of Virginia Dr. to A. Willy for Candells for the use of the Councill Chamber for Sealling Land pattens and Comisians &c. from Septem. the 1st 80 till December the 18. 80 £30–0–0 to Cash Paid for […] Coall 12–0–0 to do. January the 24 12–0–0 £54–0–0 These services were performed on requisition of the Executive N in Contingent Fund Vouchers ( Vi ); TJ’s confirmation of the...
28From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Continental Board of War, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the letters to Samuel Huntington and to Thomas Sims Lee of the same date, qq.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War.”
29From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 17 Feb. 1781. . This letter is identical in substance with that sent by TJ to Huntington this day , q.v., except that the last sentence in the first paragraph and the last two sentences in the paragraph before the complimentary close in the letter to Huntington are not in the letter to Washington. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 4 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and with postscript in...
30From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy having returned from this place and fallen down James River, and the German Prisoners being represented by you to be in a distressed situation for want of covering and food, you will be pleased to march them back again to the barracks in Albemarle. I am Sir Your very humbl. Servt., FC ( Vi ).
31From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Clarke, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I expect to see Majr. Forsythe here within a few Days I must beg leave to postpone a definitive answer to your Letter ‘till I am informed whether he has any and what objections to your demand, after which I will do myself the pleasure of writing you on the Subject. FC ( Vi ). your letter : Dated 6 Feb. 1781, q.v.
32[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 16? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 16? Nov. 1780. JHD, Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 19 (16 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a return of the present state of the navy, and stating additional matter for the consideration of the General Assembly; and the same were read. Ordered , That the Governor’s letter do lie on the table. Ordered , That the return of the state of the...
33From 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.
34[From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 14 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ 14 Dec. 1780. Epistolary Record: “Th: J. to Gl. Gates. merely friendly & private.” Not located. Probably this letter expressed TJ’s cordial feelings toward Gates at the time of the latter’s quitting his command in the South.]
35From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Colonel John Syme a Warrant for one thousand five hundred pounds on account for removing public Stores. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed.
36From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 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 : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr Jefferson Octr 26. 1780 Read Novr 2 Referred to the board of War to take order.” For variations from the text of the letter to Lee, see note there.
37From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Lewis Duval came express from Monongalia on necessary business. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); endorsed (in part): “£657.” On the face of TJ’s note are the following calculations in another hand: “350 miles coming 700 Do. returning 700 1 Days Attendce 60 1460 @ 14/. 3 £4380 219 657” A separate note accompanies TJ’s note and reads as follows: “Ms. Auditors I am well...
38From Thomas Jefferson to William Armistead, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I desired you some time ago to provide cloathing for five hundred and odd Men according to a List from Baron Steuben which I put into your hands: be pleased now to deliver the Materials to the Person attending from Colo. Davies to receive them out of the Stock you purchased or what came from Winchester or from any other Stock you have. I am Sir your humble Servant, FC ( Vi ).
39From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Crockett, 25 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by Colo. George Rogers Clarke, whose orders you will be pleased to receive in future as it is become necessary that your regiment should proceed to act under him to the westward. He will settle with you the time of your marching for Pittsburg and deliver to you the necessary money for subsisting your men to that place. I am sir, Your very hble servant, FC ( Vi ).
40From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Doctor Pope a Warrant for seven thousand pounds upon Account as Director of the public hospitals. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. See the Council’s resolution of 1 Feb. 1781 respecting the state medical department and personnel ( Va. Council Jour . Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii ,...
41[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 28? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 28? Nov. 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 31 (28 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing extracts of letters from Major Kirkpatrick and General Nelson, respecting certain persons who had aided and countenanced the enemy, which were...
42[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 26? December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 26? Dec. 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 70 (26 Dec.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one to the Executive, respecting the seizure of salt, which were read and ordered to lie on the table.” Neither TJ’s letter nor its enclosure...
43From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Mr. John Walker a Warrant for three thousand pounds upon Account. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, with Walker’s name filled in and signed by TJ; endorsed.
44From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the time for receiving the specific tax is approaching, you will be pleased to instruct your deputies in the several Counties to receive all the articles except the tobacco and to apply them to the general purposes of the Commissary’s and Quarter Master’s departments. I inclose you orders on the Commissioners and Commissaries of the specific tax of the several counties to authorize your...
45From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Huntington of this date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); captioned: “Genl. Washington & the President of Congress.” Tr ( DLC ); a defective press copy.
46[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.]
47[From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 27 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 27 Dec. 1780. Extract from Stan V. Henkels’ sale catalogue, 20 May 1913 (William C. Gibson sale), lot 12 (an A.L.S., 1 p.): “Congress have determined that their troops shall be paid off from the 1st day of August in their new money of Mar. 18, consequently if for want of that you pay off in depreciated money, they have a right to receive forty times as much, that is forty times...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 20 Jan. 1781. Encloses list of supplies for Capt. Read’s troop which cannot be furnished by the quartermaster. Read “thinks he can procure the necessarys more readily and on cheaper terms in Maryland … clear of the expence of transportation.” Suggests giving Read permission to purchase there and furnishing him with money. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 20. 1781. An estimate being...
49From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, [8 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The flagg is to go as soon as we receive some Bills of Exchange to be sent by her, which we daily expect. I think it would be not amiss for her to be taking in her loading, which is to be Flour, Spirit, some Tobacco and the Officers Baggage. Tr in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy ( Vi ).
50From 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,...