1From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received authority from the Legislature , to provide cloathing and blankets for the troops by seizing the same which will be accompanied by endeavors to purchase. Agents are out procuring salted beef and others setting out to procure pork in as large quantities as they are to be had to be stored on the Roanoke and its navigable waters. Ten thousand barrels of flour will certainly be...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a confirmation of the arrival of a hostile fleet consisting of 19 ships, 2 brigs, and 10 sloops and schooners. The advance of the fleet were yesterday morning in Warrasqueak bay, and just getting into motion up the river with a favorable wind and tide. Their destination from the intelligence of deserters and some captured mariners whom they put on shore is some...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Loyall from the post at the North west Bridge representing to me that about 400 of the militia of Princess Anne and Norfolk are embodied, that they annoy the enemy considerably, restraining their foraging parties, and checking their motions (which latter circumstance is confirmed by letter from Genl. Lawson) but that they are dispirited for want of some communication with the main army on...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As you have been so kind as to remain here, among other purposes, for that of organizing our troops meant to be forwarded to the south, I beg leave to inclose to you a resolution of the Executive of this State, entered into previous to your arrival here appropriating such of the men as were before unappropriated to any particular corps, and directing in what manner they shou’d be officered. I...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a report from Mr. Ross of the Cloathing provided and his prospect of further provision. The procuring Hats or leather Caps still appears desperate, so that unless some substitute can be thought of I know not what will be done. There are no Hats I am told among the Cloathing come from the Northward. I wrote you that after having called certain numbers from Washington, Montgomery,...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence that Ld. Cornwallis continues his rapid approach and there is reason to beleive he was at Roanoke on the 14th. This information is not authentic, yet it comes in such manner as to command some attention. I have therefore thought it expedient to order every Man of the Counties of Powhatan, Cumberland, Amelia, Lunenburg and Brunswick who has a firelock or...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 4 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been just honored with your favor of Yesterday expressing your Opinion that it will be for the general good to dispense with the services of the Corps under Genl. Lawson; and take the Liberty of putting under cover to you my Letter to General Lawson desiring him to give them a discharge. The Diversion of their Services to an object different from that to which they had attached their...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The State commissary having come to me yesterday I sent him on to your Headquarters to provide subsistence for the troops and observe your orders in every thing. A waggon load of fixed ammunition and two feild peices have past this place for General Nelson. The residue (I beleive about two waggon loads) was ordered on to you yesterday. I am very happy to hear you have General Smallwood’s...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you below a List of the Counties which were called on to make a part of the 4000 men for this invasion, tho’ they were called into the field on the last invasion also. As your reduction of the 4000 to 2700 will enable you to discharge some of those Counties, I think it would be best that these below mentioned should be first discharged. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Southern express sets out to day. As you will probably have commands for him I will order him to call on you if you will be so good as to say at what hour. I should be exceedingly glad if by the return of the expresses (for the business which sets them in motion requires a return) I could through your means procure an accurate return of the Virginia troops in the South stating their times...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Brigadr. Genl. Lawson now waits on you for the purpose of informing you of the state of his corps. I would have done myself the pleasure of introducing him to you personally, but am engaged in the council chamber and shall be so till three o’clock. When yourself and Genl. Lawson shall have settled those essential wants without which his corps cannot proceed I shall be happy to do every thing...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letter contains the first notification the Executive have received of the existence of any such cases as that of Lieut. Warm[an] therin stated. Exclusive of the justice of his claim, the express reserva[tion] by the board of Officers of the rights of all those in his situation, seems to place him on the footing on which he would have been, had his Commission been actually made out...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
That the reformation of the troops of the Continent and State now on hand may be complete, I beg leave to inclose you a return of Col. Taylors regiment of guards. They are enlisted most of them to serve only during the continuance of the Saratoga troops in Albemarle. Their numbers being two hundred thirty eight, non-commission’d and private, I suppose they should be reduced to four companies...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Shirts had been ordered for Colo. Armand’s Corps on your former requisition. These I believe are ready. They are ordered to be delivered to Majr. Lomagn ’s order. We have not a single article of the others enumerated in his list of necessaries wanted. We could therefore only undertake to him to furnish money to the Continental Quarter Master or any other proper person to procure them if this...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 14 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 12th. and 13th. are now before me. They are in some measure answered by some marginal notes on the several articles in a paper delivered me by Majr. Walker . If there be any state arms, fit for use, and still undelivered they are so few, that we may consider them as nothing. I should therefore think it proper to discharge so many militia as cannot be furnished with arms. My...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the inclosed letter last night and took the liberty of informing Colo. Loyauté that I would let you know of the offer of his services and that he is here, as you could best judge in what line they might be useful. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir your most obedt. sert., RC ( NHi ); endorsed. Enclosure not found. On Loyaute (variously spelled), see R. H. Lee to TJ, 11...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a Copy of a requisition I have received this morning from Lt. Colo. Lee. With respect to cloathing for so many of his Legion as were raised in other States and consequently not credited to us in our Continental quota we do not conceive the call on us to be proper; as it is totally unprecedented for the troops of one State to be clothed by another, nor does our condition or...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed about a week ago that the troops nearest to the enemy’s lines were much in want of ammunition waggons I have had two made ready, which are now sent to your orders. I think it was Genl. Lawson particularly who applied for these waggons. I have the honour to be with much esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. humble servt., RC ( PHi ); addressed by TJ: “The honble. Majr....
20From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I make no doubt from what passed in council in your presence you were led to beleive as I was that I should be advised to impress immediately all armed vessels in James river to cooperate with the French force. The board however decide against an impress, so that I am only to endeavor to engage the willing. I mention this to you that nothing more may be expected than is likely to be obtained...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners in Albemarle were ordered to be removed immediately giving them time only to pack their baggage that it might follow them in waggons. Those taken at the Cowpens which were at New London on the 14th. inst. were likewise ordered Northwardly by the way of Staunton keeping above the Blue ridge while the Conventioners pass below it. These orders were issued at the same time with those...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night your favor of yesterday; and shall immediately dispatch an express to Genl. Weedon and recommend to him to attend to the measures necessary for the preservation of Mr. Hunter’s works. I have heard that he has with difficulty armed some four or five hundred men and means with them to join Genl. Nelson. I am really at a loss what to advise him. If he comes away with that...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Arnold having left in the hands of Mr. Buchanan of this place twenty Guineas for purposes not approved of by us I am to beg leave to trouble you with the ordering it to be returned by flag. I am with great respect Sir Your mo: ob: hble. Servant, RC ( NHi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; addressed to Steuben, but without indication of place; endorsed. FC ( Vi ). Nothing else is known...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have thought myself very unfortunate in missing of you for two days tho’ riding over the same ground on which you were. On my arrival here I was informed you were at Ampthill and was setting out there when a gentleman came who assured me you were at Ozborne’s, and having rode thirty miles thro’ the rain have not resolution enough to undertake to go to Ozborne’s, this evening. I received your...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Genl. Weedon which I suppose will inform you, as he did me, that he has between 6 and 700 men embodied, and expects 500 more in the course of this week from the Western side of the Blue ridge. By a letter of the 16th from Genl. Nelson he informs me he has ordered the Louisa militia (about 150) to turn off to Fredericksburg. They were not called on at all, so that...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday by Colo. Loyauté. General Weedon to whom the care of the works at Fredericksburg had been committed being now at Hanover Court-house I have referred Colo. Loyauté to him, and given them authority to make use of the brass canon Howitzers or Mortars at New Castle if they can use them, for they are unmounted. I heard in the same instant that 744 riflemen...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of this morning on the subject of finding where the arms have been sent and having them put into the hands of the militia I have this moment received. I think most of these arms have been sent off in different directions by the orders of Colo. Davies who I beleive therefore to be best acquainted with their situation. If I did not misunderstand him to-day he has accordingly directed...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to the letter of the 29th instant , with which you were pleased to honour me on the Subject of Artificers, we are enabled to do nothing further than to say that if you think proper to order the Continental D.Q.M. to engage the Artificers we will use our endeavours to furnish him with money debiting Congress therewith. You will be pleased to observe that the requisitions of Congress...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 3 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was equally surprized and mortified to learn by your letter of yesterday that mine of the day before had not been delivered. The resolution of assembly was put into my hands at two o’clock in the afternoon of Friday. At 7. o’clock I delivered letters to an express for yourself, Genl. Lawson , and Genl. Muhlenberg , with orders to be with you at farthest by an hour by sun on Saturday. I was...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 15 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night a letter from Genl. Green referring me for particulars to you. However he gives me enough to convince me that reinforcements of Militia must be sent him. I think the most speedy and effectual reinforcement would be the Militia of Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah now encamped below, provided they can be induced to go willingly. The length of their march...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 31 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received information that 27 sail of vessels, 18 of which were square rigged, were yesterday morning just below Willoughby’s point. No other circumstance being given to conjecture their force or destination, I am only able to dispatch Genl. Nelson into the lower country to take such measures as exigencies may require for the instant, until further information is received...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the proposition for exchanging two of the British souldiers for Mr. Hurst and Mr. Locke , on condition that we give Colo. Alligood for Colo. Warner [Warneck]. I am sorry the enemy should annex impossibilities to their proposition, as it seems to throw on us the refusal to exchange. Colo. Alligood has been proposed in exchange for Colo. Matthews , a full colonel...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 1 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received your letter, and have extended Mr. Elliot’s powers to the procuring subsistence for the marching troops. You will perceive by the inclosed resolution of assembly (which was put into my hands about two o’clock to-day) that they doubt whether the time, for which Genl. Lawson’s corps is enlisted, will not be so nearly expired before they reach the scene of action as, under...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad my proclamation has offended Arnold: it proves it to be right. The exchange of the prisoners must await a board of Council, which I doubt having immediately. I will have every thing done which can be done here for providing the deficient clothing. Doctor Pope set out about three days ago for Genl. Muhlenberg’s camp, with powers to employ assistants, so that I hope there will be no...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officers were desired to give notice to the militia when arms were delivered them that no man would ever be discharged till he had returned his arms or given justifiable reasons for not doing it, and this was given out in general orders by the commanding officers. Nothing was said at that time about other stores, but I shall when the order for their discharge is given out, desire that...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 23 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You were pleased to observe in a conversation with me some time ago that you would furnish us with a description of horses proper for the Cavalry and appoint some person to receive such as we should purchase under that description. As soon as it is convenient for you to do this we will resume the business of purchasing horses for the Continental Cavalry. The resolution of Congress for allowing...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Granville Smith a State Quarter-master now waits on you. As I am not thoroughly acquainted with the Continental regulations I shall just mention to you my ideas on this particular matter without laying any stress on them and leave to your determination the propriety of using Mr. Smith. I have ever understood that the rule of Congress was to admit no expences to be Continental which were...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Gaines a militia Officer in the County of Amherst being desirous to become qualified in fact for the command he holds in his county, has applied to us to be permitted to serve on such a footing as will place it in his power to acquire a knowledge of his duty, asking nothing but rations and forage; while others, offended at the preference given to Officers formerly of...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 11th. by Mr. Smith. I cannot say at what point of time the Expences attending an Invasion become Continental. I suppose Congress have some fixed rule on that Subject which, whatever it be, when applied to all the States, will be equal. From the time at which they called for specific Quotas of Provisions from the several States they seem to have considered their...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolutions of Congress of Janry. 8th. and Aprl. 9. 1777 under which Capt. Heth’s independant company at Fort Pitt were raised, will inform you of a condition to which they seem entitled of not being removed from that Station without their consent: the subsequent one of Octor. 3d. 1780 incorporates them in positive terms into the troops of the State. The former resolutions were...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of inclosing to you an order for the Shoes, Shirts and Cloth you desired. Mr. Armistead the Commissary of Stores to whom it is directed and who now waits on you, sais he has not that number of Shoes, but will call on the Continental Q.M. in hopes he may have some which are of course subject to your order. He has no white cloth but will if it be possible in our circumstances...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Majr. Dick calls on me for an order for the militia of this place to march. I beg you will be so good as to consider the militia of every place as under your command from the moment of their being embodied, and to direct their motions and stations as you please. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir your most obedt. servt., RC ( NHi ); addressed and endorsed.
43From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I will immediately dispatch the orders you desire to the militia of Chesterfeild and Dinwiddie. Your favor of this day being put into my hands after the adjournment of Council I cannot answer as to Mrs. Byrd’s property till tomorrow. I take the liberty of inclosing you some papers relative to the nine men sent to the barracks in Albemarle, on which you will please to give any orders you think...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A warrant was yesterday made out for Mr. Harrison for two hundred thousand Dollars and I shall take the first opportun[ity] of informing him that the money is in readiness. This is in consequence of your requisition communicated by Major Walker. Dr. Evans the Bearer of your Letter will receive from the Gentleman who has the care of our Medicine whatever articles can be furnished from that...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received from Mr. Armistead yesterday afternoon a Copy of the receipt for the 117 blankets. He excuses himself for the error in calling them 155 from having spoken by memory. I did not observe till I delivered it to you that the Certificate of the delivery of Mr. Ross’s blankets (105 I think they were) wanted a date. I know however that they were delivered about the same time with those from...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I think from every enquiry we shall find it impossible to get hats for the men at Chesterfeild. Could not a cap of cloth be made to answer? The grenadiers I beleive wear such. If you think it would do, could you help us to a model? I am with much respect Sir your most obedt. sert., RC ( NHi ); addressed by TJ, but without place; endorsed.
47Steuben’s Queries concerning Military Supplies, with Jefferson’s Answers, [before 14 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
All are delivered 1 To know if all the State Arms are already distributed. If not where are the remainder? Richmond and Westham. They shall be delivered to Capt. Pryor. 2 To fix on a place where all the Arms Ammunition and Camp Equipage may be collected and appoint some Officer to collect and distribute them. If the Governor thinks proper, Capt. Prior may be appointed to distribute them after...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is an extract of a letter from Genl. Greene to me. As the Gentlemen of the Army whom he wishes to take Command of the Militia who shall join him are now pretty generally collected with you for the purpose of arranging the line; on which Arrangement it is probable some will become supernumerary I submit to you whether it would not be agreeable to Genl. Greene if you could prevail...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 11 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your letters of yesterday and this day . The peices of artillery at Cumberland were ordered on the first news of this invasion to be carried up the river to Newcastle and on hearing of their arrival there I ordered them to the forks of James river 50 miles above this but very convenient to be brought down by water whenever wanting. Indeed I think in future to divide our...
50Draft of a Letter to Officers Retired from Service, enclosed to Baron Steuben, [ca. 1] January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The readiness with which the gentlemen who had formerly borne commissions in the regular line made a tender of their services on the late invasion of their Country, induce me to rely on their aid in repelling the present enemy headed by the blackest traitor who has ever disgraced the American history. With those gentlemen who have continued in service it is not within my powers to give you the...