George Muter to William Davies, 2 January 1781
George Muter to William Davies
War office Richmond Jany 2d 1781.
Sir
The enemy’s approach rendering the removal of the arms and stores belonging to the state at Petersburgh, immedeatly necessary; Capt. Spiller (State Commissary of Military stores) goes directly from hence towards Petersburgh for that purpose, and will call on you. I must request the favour of you to render Capt. Spiller what assistance you can in the execution of the duty he goes on. The powder at the powder mills and at Manchester is also an object of Capt. Spiller’s present attention, in which it is probable he will also stand in need of your assistance. I am with respect Sir Your most humble servant,
George Muter. C
Th: Jefferson
RC (Vi); countersigned by TJ.
A letter from Edward Carrington to Davies (Vi), dated “Petersburgh Jan. 3d. 1. o.Clock in the Morning,” reported that “Mr. Patten W.C. comes with the last of the Arms and fixed Ammunition, to wit 11 Waggons with 1270 Stands of Arms with Accoutrements compleat, and 27 Boxes of Cartridges. There are still at this place a Very large quantity of powder and Lead, and other Valuable Military Stores, besides large quantities of provisions and Spirits, which it will be impossible to get Waggons to get off.” In another letter to Davies, dated 4 Jan. (Vi), Carrington requests the return of cartridges for the militia and 40 or 50 swords “which went from here yesterday.” See also George Muter to TJ, 19 Jan. 1781.