1Steuben’s Plan for Preventing Desertion, [December] 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place or date ] In a long war the difficulty and expense of raising men increases, and “every possible means should be employed for the preservation of the Men after they are raised.” The incomplete state of the regiments obliges one regiment to be shifted into another, destroying the attachment between officers and men “which is necessary for their preservation.” The officers,...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Kinloch, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
I have to [entreat?] that your Excellency would be so kind as to forward the letters that accompany this; that addressed to [Gen.?] Huger to Charles Town You will be pleased to send southwardly, and I could wish that your Excellency would so far indulge me, as to enclose it with any occasional dispatches, either to Genl. Greene or to Governor Nash. I have already, If I am not mistaken,...
3From 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...
4Pass for Charles? Torriano, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Torriano has permission to visit Colo. Wilson Miles Cary at his residence either in Fluvanna or Hanover, he there considering himself as under all the obligations of his parole other than that which is meant to be hereby dispensed with as is necessary to give him the benefit of this permission. Dft ( DLC ). There were two Torrianos who were British officers serving in America: Charles, It....
5Form of Pass for British Deserters, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof a deserter from the British army has permission to cross James river at Goochland Courthouse and to remain on the South side of the river above Chesterfeild county, conducting himself with fidelity to this commonwealth. Dft ( Vi ); endorsed: “Pass to the Deserters.” At foot of text, in a hand other than TJ’s: “15 Copies.” There is no good clue as to the date of this paper.
6Notes concerning the Right of Removal from Office, [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
N ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand. Undated, but before Gen. Lee’s dismissal by Congress 10 Jan. 1781 ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xvi , 33) and after the Boards of War and Trade were abolished in June 1780. TJ became familiar with the “rapacity, inattention and means of evasion” practised by forage masters, purveyors,...
7George Muter to James Kemp, 1 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You will please to take measures, for immediately establishing an Express at Hampton, one at Williamsburg, and keeping an Express house at York. An Express will be sent from hence to remain at N: Kent Ct. house. Circumstances render it most essentially necessary, that this measure shou’d be at present taken, that the quickest intelligence may be conveyed from Hampton to this place, shou’d...
8[To Thomas Jefferson from James Barron, before 2 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond?, before 2 Oct. 1780. Minute in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under date of 2 Oct.: “Letter from Commodore Barron referred from his Excellency the Governour.” An entry of 3 Oct., following, states that a reply was written by James Maxwell to Commodore Barron “inclosing a Form of a List of Seamen employed in the Navy of Virginia.” Neither Barron’s letter nor Maxwell’s...
9From 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...
10[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 2 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 2 Oct. 1780. Minute in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under this date: “Letter written to his Excellency the Governour relative to Capt. Richd. Barron.” Not located.]
11To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 2 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 2 Oct. 1780. Acknowledges a letter and congratulates TJ “on Mrs: Jeffersons Health and recovery.” Encloses further letters from Brig. Gen. Specht. Postscript (in French): Capt. Geismar had left New York before TJ’s letter containing kind remembrances of Geismar arrived; has had a letter from Geismar written from London, and has forwarded TJ’s message to him. RC ( DLC ); 3 p.; in a...
12To Thomas Jefferson from John Fitzgerald, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday afternoon received your Excellency’s Letter and immediately waited upon Mr. Adam and delivered him the Letters inclosed . We have this Morning laid off the Goods consisting of 45 ps. [pieces] Oznabriggs 5 ps. Drillings 2 ps. coarse white Linen (there being no white Sheeting but what we judged too fine, as it would come at about £30 ⅌ yard) 2 ps. blue and 2 ps. red Duffells, 6 ps....
13To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to Your Excellency Three Letters from Generals Sumner and Davidson, Commanding the No. Carolina Militia to the Westward. Contrary to my Express Orders Colo. Polk Commissary at Charlotte, collected 1500 or 2000 Bushels of Grain to his Mill there—a Bait I knew the Enemy would catch at, and repeatedly cautioned him against it, directing him never to have more than two...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 Oct. 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 29 Sep. requesting the states “to supply their Delegates with Money for their Support by other Means than drawing on the Treasury of the United States.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15). Enclosure ( Vi ): copy signed by Charles Thomson of...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By the enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 2. Instant your Excellency will be informed, that they approve of the Measures you have taken for remounting the Cavalry with the southern Army and request a Continuance of your Exertions for that Purpose on the same Principles as formerly. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Regard your Excellency’s most obedient Servant, P.S. Your Letter...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the within copies of letters transmitted me by Genl. Gates, according to his desire expressed in the one addressed to me. I shall endeavor as far as shall be in my power to have his several desires complied with. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); endorsed by Charles Thomson: “Letter from...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 4 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Provision Law pointed out no places for storing the provisions to be collected under it. It remained therefore for the Executive to do this. They accordingly, when they first appointed Commissioners, and sent them their Instructions pointed out the places at which they were to store their provisions. Halifax, Charlotte, Prince-Edward, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg Brunswick, Sussex and...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 4 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of Sept. 23d. answered your favours received before that date, and the present serves to acknowledge the receipt of those of Sept. 24th and 27th. I retain in mind and recur almost daily to your Requisitions of August; We have as yet no prospect of more than one hundred Tents. Flour is ordered to be manufactured as soon as the Season will render it safe, out of which I trust we can...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Theodorick Bland, [ca. 5 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Some overtures having been made to Congress, through Mr. Jay our Commissioner at the Court of Madrid, for Building Frigates in America for and on account of his Catholic Majesty and the Proposals having been referred to the Admiralty to Confer with the Navy Boards of the Eastern and Middle district and obtain from them estimates of what would be the Cost of a frigate of forty Guns, and there...
20[To Thomas Jefferson from William Eaton, 5 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Place not known, 5 Oct. 1780. In a letter to Gen. Gates, 15 Oct. 1780, TJ says: “As to provisions, our Agent Eaton … informs me in a letter of the 5th. inst. he shall immediately get Supplies of Beef into Motion and shall send some corn by a circuitous Navigation.” Not found.]
21To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 5 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my last Letter to your Excellency I have received the inclosed from Genl. Sumner , whose Camp is at Macgoens Creek one Mile from the ford of the Yadkin. I send my Letter to the President of Congress under a flying Seal that you may peruse it. I beg that with all the Letters and papers, I now send your Excellency may be as soon as possible dispatched to Congress. I am Sir your...
22From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 5 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a Letter from General Gates on the 14th. Sept. communicating Intelligence which he had received of a design meditated by the Enemy to make a lodgement at Portsmouth in this State. Tho’ I thought it very improbable under the then existing Circumstances it was yet my duty to communicate it to Congress and apprise them of our general Situation. In my Letter was this paragraph. ‘another...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 6 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Forty of your 18 Months Men from Bottetourt County Arrived in this Camp Yesterday, they are intirely unequiped, and unprovided, with every thing that is necessary for the Service they are intended to perform, and for the Term they are engaged to serve. I must beg Sir this may be Seriously consider’d by the Executive, whom I must request, will not send any Men into the Field, or even to this...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 6 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 21. Ulto . containing a new Arrangement of the Army . Special Reasons have delayed the sending of it until this Time. By this Arrangement the Number of Battallions is greatly reduced, and of Consequence many of the Officers now retained in the Service must retire for the present; but after just and equitable Compensation...
25To Thomas Jefferson from George Mason, 6 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered You by my Son William, who commands the Militia Company ordered from this County to Carolina: The Men are mostly Volunteers; who turned out from the Battalion at large, without any Regard to the Divisions to which they belonged; there are among them Several Soldiers, and three or four Serjeants who had served out their Time in the Virginia Line on Continental...
26Petition of Certain Deserters, with Jefferson’s Observations, [before 7 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of Virginia, and the Honble. Members of the Council. The petition of sundry persons whose Names are hereto Subscribed, most humbly sheweth, That your said Petitioners being of the Goochland Militia lately March’d to Hillsborough in divisions, and with shame and Sorrow acknowledge the disgracefull rout your said Petitioners, with most of the...
27Appointment of a Commissioner of the Provision Law, 8 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You are hereby appointed a Commissioner under the act for procuring a supply of provisions and other necessaries for the use of the army, but restrained specially to the procuring the articles enumerated in the said act, and live cattle for the subsistance of the continental regiment of guards marching to the barracks in Albemarle and again to march from there shou’d they be found unnecessary...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Majr. Genl. Gates I do myself the honour of transmitting you the inclosed papers sent by him to me, and copies also of his letters to me. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt. & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); endorsed by Thomson: “Letter from Gov Jefferson Oct 8. 1780 Read 13.” Enclosures: Gates to Huntington, 5...
29From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, [8 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Martin receives body shirts and hunting shirts for the regiment of guards, clothing for the officers, and some for yourself. Your portion being not equal to what you expected it becomes my duty to explain it. On the discontinuance of the board of War the Executive finding that the method which had been followed of issuing individual orders for clothing had produced great inequality they...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 9 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As we are much Distress’d for Carriages to Transport Provisions and Stores for this Army; I must beg Leave to request, Your Excellency, will prevail upon the Executive of Virginia to Order a Brigade of Ten Waggons from each of the Neighbouring Counties of this State from Mecklinbourg < Hallifax, Pittsylvania, & Henry > North Westward to Transport Stores, and provisions < from Taylors Ferry to...
31Henry Hamilton’s Parole, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I Henry Hamilton Lieutenant Governour and Superintendent of Detroit do hereby acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the Commonwealth of Virginia and having permission from his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Governor of the said Commonwealth to go to New York do pledge my faith and most sacredly promise upon my Parole of Honor that I will not do, say, write or cause to be done, said or written...
32[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 10 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 10 Oct. 1780. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 957–8 (21 Oct.): “A letter, of 10, from Governor Jefferson was read; Whereupon, Resolved , That the reasons assigned by his excellency Governor Jefferson for inviting Oconostota and a few other principal warriors of the Cherokee nation to visit Congress and...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 10 Oct. 1780. Enclosing a resolve of Congress of 7 Oct. “appointing Commissioners to endorse the new Bills of Credit to be issued by Virginia, and Letters to the Gentlemen informing them of their Appointment.” A postscript acknowledges TJ’s letters of 27 Sep. and 3 Oct. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington; endorsed. Enclosures: 2 copies ( Vi ) attested by...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Walter McClurg, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received an Apointment from the Board of Warr First of last March, to A Marine Hospital at Hampton and also have gave my Advice and Assistance to the Small Garrison here in Absence of their Surgeon, I have wrote Col. Muter Inclosing an Invoice for Medicines and Other Necessaries some Months past have received no Answre. As Several patients under my care are now Suffering for want of...
35To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On Sunday Evening I had the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letters of the 23d and 26th of last Month. I am happy to find by the former and the Letter You were so obliging as to forward from Colo. Wood that the Convention troops are now comfortably supplied. I hope this will be the case and that the mode You have in contemplation to adopt will answer your expectations. Colo. Wood ’s conduct...
36[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 11 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 11 Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under this date: “Letter written to the Governor inclosing Mr. Moss’s proposals for chartering his Vessel.” Not located.]
37[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 11 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 11 Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under this date: “Letter written to his Excellency the Governor, informing him of the Return of the Boat Nicholson to the Yard.” Not located.]
38From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Brodhead, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received some time ago a Letter from the board of war desiring that provisions might be furnished for the subsistence of the garrison at Fort Pitt, I immediately informed them that our Treasury was utterly without money and could not be replenished till the meeting of assembly, that the line which had been agreed to by the assembly as a boundary between us and Pennsylvania had thrown into...
39From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We have this moment learnt that there is in possession of Colo. Gibson at Fort Pitt or his Pay-master a quantity of Clothing fit for Soldiers: As Majr. Slaughter’s Corps we know is in want, and yours may possibly be, I have given Majr. Moore an Order to receive it, and deliver it to your order. I am with great respect Sir Your most obedt. humble servt, RC ( WHi ); in a clerk’s hand, with...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This Instant I received The Great and Glorious News, contained in the inclosed Letter from Brig: Gen: Davidson to Gen: Sumner, who directly dispatched it me by Express. We are now more than even with the Enemy. The moment the Shoes &c. for the Troops here, arrives from Taylors Ferry, I shall proceed with the Whole to the Yadkin. General Smallwood, and Col. Morgan, are on their way to that...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Smith, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I send you Copies of the Papers I mention’d to you. You know the Importance of them and therefore will retain them for your own satisfaction and perusual. Pray be so good as to remind the clerk of the Council to send me a Copy of your Letter to the President of Congress with the Account you stated. Your Sentiments with the Respect to the Boundary of Virga. in case of Negociation...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Towles, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed your Excellency with a Letter from me addressed to Commissary Loring, left unsealed for your perusal, after which you will either retain or transmit it as you think best. The day before I left New York Mr. Loring requested, that if the legislative authority of the State should consent to Governor Hamilton and fellow prisoners going to that City, The following things should...
43From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Baker was to give notice to Colo. Crockett when he should have ready subsistence and pack horses for him. Colo. Matthew’s Suggestions as to the Militia shall be submitted to the Council, and the result communicated to Colo Crockett. I am sorry to hear that your Supplies of Provision are still precarious. Mr Divers has made a Proposition to victual the troops on contract, which we think to...
44Robert Scot’s Invoice for Executing an Indian Medal, with Jefferson’s Memoranda, [13–21 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr to Rot. Scot Dr. 1780 Oct 13 To Engraving and making a Medalion mould in Brass and casting paterns £3150. 0.0 To Pewter for paterns 15. 0.0 To Cash payed on Acct Express as pr. receipt 41.14.0 £3206.14.0 37 Silver dollars estimated @ 140 for 1. To 37 Silver Dollars 1554. £4760.14.0 In Council Oct. 21. 1781 The within service was performed on...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 14 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read and attentively considered Your Excellencys Letters of the 23d Ult:, and 4th. Instant and Lest Congress, or the Board of War, should conceive Greater Supplies for the Southern Army, can be furnished by your State than it is in their Power, or Abillity, to give, I have sent The President by this conveyance, Exact Copies of Your Excellencys Two letters to me, that no Plea of not...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 14 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Majr. General Gates I transmit you the inclosed papers which he put under cover to me. He complains of the arrival of our troops without clothes, tents, or arms at Hilsborough: and desires they may not be sent on at all unless completely equipped with every necessary. This would indeed put an end to the marching a single man there. They go clothed as militia. Few of them carry...
47From 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...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am rendered not a little anxious by the Paragraph of yours of the 7th. Inst: wherein you say ‘it is near a Month since I received any Letter from your Excellency; indeed the receipt of most that I have wrote to you remain unacknowledged.’ You ought within that time to have received my Letter of September 3d. written immediately on my return to this place after a fortnights Absence; That of...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of congratulating your Excellency on the small dawn of good fortune which at length appears in the South, as you will find by the dispatches I have the honor of inclosing to you, and which I this moment receive from Genl. Gates. There seems to be a confusion between the numbers 810. and 1400. However the smaller one is not to be despised. The line of expresses having...
50Commission to Richard? Lamb, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas by an act passed at the General Assembly holden in the month of may in the present year, and intituled an act for giving further powers to the Governour and Council and for other purposes authority was given for obtaining by impress among other things so many horses, waggons and necessaries as might be wanting to supply the militia or other troops ordered into actual service from this...