131To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment favord with your Excellencys Letter of this date . I had before transmitted you Copy of General Greens Letter to me with a state of our wants for compleating the Detachment destined for the Southard. I agree with your Excellency that the Militia of Rockbridge Augusta Rockingham and Shenandoah would be the most speedy reinforcement to General Green, but they must first be...
132To Thomas Jefferson from George Lee Turberville, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A Dragoon now waits an answer to my letter of the 13th . inst. A Flag is here at present detain’d by me till Baron Steuben’s order can return. Lieut. Hare who is the Officer is very anxious to see your determination in regard to the restitution of property . ’Tis for that purpose he is come up. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s Obedient Sert., RC ( Vi ); addressed: “Public. his...
133From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received information from Genl. Greene that Ld. Cornwallis, maddened by his losses at the Cowpens and George town has burnt his own waggons to enable himself to move with facility and has pressed forward as far as the Moravian towns, Genl. Greene being obliged to retire before him with an inferior force. We are endeavouring to gather a force around him from which I hope he will not...
134From Thomas Jefferson to James Henry, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Gallies of which you are so kind as to give me information have been the subject of great misconduct in the Officers. They were first abandoned by Officers and men, and all their Apparel and furniture left with themselves exposed to depredation. On information of this last summer, we ordered Commodore Baron to bring one of them over to the Western shore, to bring the other to the Bay side...
135To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Massingbird Hyrne, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New London, Va., 14 Feb. 1781. On departing from Greene’s headquarters, Hyrne was instructed to march the prisoners now under his command “into such part of Virginia as your Excellency should direct for their residence; but the alarming accounts of the Enemy’s approach induc’d me to push them on towards Stanton without halting, as I at first intended, for your instructions.” Is to march from...
136From Thomas Jefferson to Beesly Edgar Joel, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that any circumstances have arisen to occasion the laying aside the enterprise which you had undertaken, bold in itself and, if succesful, advantageous. As it was however, pretty certain that the enemy had received notice of it, there seemed little hope of it’s success for the present with however bold a hand it might have been conducted. Attempts of this kind have been generally...
137From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to have immediate measures taken for the following purposes. To send some of the worst Arms to Fredericksburg to be repaired at the Factory and by Mr. Hunter and to bring all the Camp kettles in readiness. To have five ton of powder brought from Baltimore at Continental expence to replace what we have lent them and to bring our Cartouch boxes. To have all the lead...
138[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 14 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 14 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following entry under this date: “Letter to the Governor, in consequence of an application made to me from Major Magill, respecting the Soldiers of the State Garrison Regiment that served in the Southern Army, informing him they have received no pay for the time they served there, and petition his Excellency to advance pay for them...
139To Thomas Jefferson from the General Assembly of North Carolina, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The General Assembly of North Carolina by joint Resolve of both Houses, have directed us to lay before your Excellency the Situation of the Affairs of this State, which since the Commencement of the War with Britain have not been at a more critical Period. Lord Cornwallis irritated with the Blow struck at one of his principal Partizans by General Morgan hath penetrated into the Heart of the...
140To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Petersburg, 14 Feb. 1781. By a letter from TJ of 6 Dec. 1780, Elliott was directed to furnish wagons for the purpose of moving Col. [John] Green’s troops to the south; he received from Capt. Thomas Claiborne a wagon and three horses valued at £12,350 Virginia currency, and gave Claiborne a certificate therefor. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed; endorsed (in part): “charged 15th. feby 81.” TJ’s...
141To Thomas Jefferson from George Rice, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 14 Feb. 1781. The distress of the quartermaster’s department at Albemarle Barracks, where Rice has acted as assistant since its establishment, has become so great for want of money “that I think it my duty as a publick officer to lay a plain and full state of the matter before your Excellency.” The lack of money has involved Rice in a load of debts that he has been unable to pay, and...
142From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Brodhead, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor by Colo. Gibson . I am sorry to learn there is any scarcity of provisions in your settlement. Nevertheless I must suppose it too numerous to be at any time under a difficulty to support so moderate a Garrison as yours, if the means of drawing provisions from the people are furnished you. I apprehend your wants proceed rather from deficiences of mony than of...
143To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will Excuse the Fredom I Venture at, In recommending any Publick Matter, and I hope you will; The Baron Dined with me Yesterday, and the Conversation Turnd, on the Defence of our River on which he Mentioned a Fort at Hoods , which would he was Confident prevent any Ships Coming by. This Morning Col: Self [Senf] Came here in Quest of the Baron who had gone on to the Courthouse, the...
144From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Still having at heart the success of the expedition at the head of which you are placed, we have obtained leave from Baron Steuben for Colo. J. Gibson to attend you as next in command, and of course to succeed to your offices in the events of your death or captivity which however disagreeable in contemplation yet as being possible it is our duty to provide against. I have further added my most...
145From 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.
146From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having obtained leave from Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben that you should concur in an expedition across the Ohio under the command of Genl. Clarke, I am to desire that you will in the first place take Baltimore in your way, at which place I have reason to beleive four tons of powder have been furnished us by the Continental Board of War which we mean for this expedition. The obtaining this powder...
147[From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 13 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 13 Feb. 1781. Minute in Va. Council Jour. , ii , 292: “Tuesday February 13th 1781 … Letters of this date from the Governor to General Greene, Colonel John Gibson, and Colonel Brodhead, on the Subject of the Western Expedition … being read, are approved, and ordered to be registered.” No such letter from TJ to Greene has been found and none of this date was acknowledged by Greene....
148To Thomas Jefferson from James Henry, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was lately on the E. Shore, and there I discovered that the 2 fine Gallies destin’d for that Station, were not only abandoned, but in a way very soon to be totally lost to the publick. They ly ashore, greatly injured by the Worms; the smaller Cannon, either stolen, or borrowed, and put on board Vessels which depart from thence and never return; the small Rigging and other apparel, from time...
149From Thomas Jefferson to Linctot, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received two Days ago your favor of Decemr. 5. 1780 from Fort Pitt. It was the more acceptable as I had not before heard of you after your departure for that place on your way from Wmsburgh and had really entertained fears that some accident had befallen you. The Letter you mention to have written informing me of your proceedings never came to hand and of course could not be answered. I...
150To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never seen the law that exempts people employed for the public from militia duty &c., therefore I take the liberty of inclosing a note from Wm. Stone and Thos. Stone, for your Excellency’s determination. They I beleive have contracted with Mr. Moody for making wheels and waggons, tho’ I have nothing from Mr. Moody at present to show for it; and wish to have something to show, to satisfy...
151To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 13 Feb. 1781. Encloses an attestation of three soldiers enlisted for the war who have applied to Muter for a certificate for their bounty money. Muter desires to know what the bounty for such enlistments is. Below the text are two undated notes in TJ’s hand: “The bounty for Continental enlistments for the war is 2000 dollars to be charged to the United States and the...
152From 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...
153To Thomas Jefferson from John Christian Senf, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
“At Coll. Cary’s” [ Ampthill, Chesterfield co. ], 13 Feb. 1781. Was at Manchester last night, but too late to cross the river; is now on his way to see Steuben at Chesterfield Courthouse; will return to Richmond for TJ’s orders tonight. “Mr. Ross intends to set off with me for the Fork of James River the Day after to morrow, if No Contra Orders.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; signed: “Senf”; addressed and...
154From 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...
155From 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...
156From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Taylor, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The claim of the souldiers to discharges is by no means well founded as many of their enlistments were during the continuance of the Convention troops in this State, and others during their continuance in Albermarle. No occasional exit from the County with an intention to return can be considered as having broken off their continuance in the County and determined the enlistments. As however I...
157From Thomas Jefferson to George Lee Turberville, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your information that I had ordered furloughs to the Guard which brought up prisoners was without foundation as I never have in a single instance given or ordered a furlough . I consider it as my duty to furnish the number of men required by the Commanding Officer, to provide them as far as our circumstances enable us, and to leave to him and those acting under him the direction of them: this...
158To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Speaker Harrison who arrived here the day before yesterday we were honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 26th. Ulto. We shall communicate your answer to the Baron d’Arendt, and if his claim against the State be supported by proper evidence shall take the best steps in our power to discharge it. A Vessel just arrived from Cadiz has brought Congress two letters from Mr. Carmichael ,...
159To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We are Just informd from Genl. Varnum a Member now in Congress from Rhode Island that he has received Certain Intelligence that the Culloden of 74 Guns is drove on Shore and all her Crew except 17 men Perishd. The London of 90 Guns is driven out to Sea dismasted and two other 64 Gun Men of War Were dismasted entirely and all their Guns thrown over board in the late storm. Since writing the...
160From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the several Certificates you were pleased to inclose to me. They are very clear that an enlistment to serve untill the prisoners should be removed from Albermarle can by no fair construction be deemed at an end by any occasional crossing of the line with an intention to return. A man is not said to be removed from his residence by taking a journey from it. You...
161From 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.
162To Thomas Jefferson from John Baylor, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hoping that you may have supplyed yourself with an American Atlas, in the space of six or eight Months, You will please to deliver to General Weedon’s Care, my Atlas. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Ob: & H: Sert, RC ( Vi ); addressed; endorsed (in part): “Requesting the return of his American Atlas.”
163From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to provide in the neighbourhood of New Castle flour and stalled beef for 50,000 rations to be applied to no use but on my special order that these are meant to be applied. The beef must be kept ready for Slaughter at the Shortest warning. FC ( Vi ). The proceedings of Council this day explain this order; the rations were to be gathered “in case of any french forces coming...
164From 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...
165To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Late dispatches from General Greene and various Letters from Officers in Carolinia entreats the aid of the Mountain Militia, and I have taken the liberty once more to order them out notwithstanding their circumstances ill suits such a tour now. Matters yet unsettled with the Cherokees, and the Northwards already begun to annoy us; but altho, we have these, and other difficulties to combat...
166To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Ewing, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the Honour to Receive your favor till Late the 6th instant; then without Loss of time; throu the favor of Col. Leftwitch; my self and son without charge; summond a full court as by Law Required; to meet the 9th. Tho None Met; but four; three Justices’s and the above field officer being one. The Reasons Not yet Known, except the active Colo. James Calaway then call’d upon with a guard...
167From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. John Gibson is appointed to go as next in Command under Genl. Clarke on the business communicated to you. As Colo. Gibson is now here he will return to Fort Pitt by the way of Baltimore to see the powder sent on, and prevent any danger of it’s stopping by the way. Be so good as to lodge at Goddard[’s] the Printer in Baltimore a line to Colo. Gibson informing him in what state the...
168To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place late in the evening of yesterday after a most disagreable journey, which has been considerably lengthend by the great difficulty I found in exchanging state money for Continental, and with all my trouble I fear I have not procured as much as will support me. I am just return’d from the board of war who have given me an order for four ton of powder . As you were not...
169From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed extract of a letter from Governor Nash which I received this day being a confirmation of the intelligence I transmitted in a former letter, I take the liberty of handing it forward to your Excellency. I am informed through a private channel on which I have considerable reliance, that the Enemy had landed five hundred Troops under the command of a Maj. Craig, who were joined by a...
170To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ] , 12 Feb. 1781. Mr. John Henderson, from Albemarle, is with Muter and offers to rent to the public a sawmill he has charge of that is erected on [John] Harvie’s land, or he “will furnish plank at the point of fork” at reasonable prices. Transportation from the mill to Point of Fork is five miles by land and thirty by water. Muter desires instructions. RC ( Vi ); 1 p.
171To Thomas Jefferson from Duncan Rose, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 12 Feb. 1781. Has obtained “a final settlement” with the auditors but is “in want of the amount of the Inclosed warrant out of the Ballance due me from the Publick, and understand that no money will be paid to private individuals on warrants drawn by the Auditors without being countersigned by Your Excellency‥‥ I hope this request will be granted by your Honorable Board when it is...
172To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just now honour’d with your favour of this date . This morning I despatch’d a Waggon with a parcel of Tent stuff and Cloth nearly enough for Colo. Bufords troops. I have an agent at South quay in search of blankets and some other woolens. I expect an answer to day. I shall exert my best endeavours to procure the articles Your Excellency mentions. As well the Credit as the interest of the...
173From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of yesterday’s date. Your representation of the importance of erecting a small Work at Hoods was considered by the Executive as an evidence of your friendly attention to the defence of the State and was by them as you desired laid before the Assembly. The Assembly, pressed in time, did not, as far as I am informed, take it under consideration. The invasion...
174To Thomas Jefferson from George Lee Turberville, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment informed that the guard sent to Richmond with the British Prisoners (consigned by Genl. Nelson’s order, to the care and direction of Baron Steüben) have been Furlough’d by your Excellencies order. It has reduced me to a situation not a little disagreeable, as I am now commanded by Genl. Nelson to return them to Williamsburg, and from the Delay of the guard I am unable to...
175From 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
176To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I am altogether unacquainted whether your Excellency does business on the Sabbath or not, I hope I shall be excused for addressing you this Morning, because it is respecting a matter in which I am particularly interested for the whole Department, and for the Southern army. Your Excellency and Council were pleased to inform me by letter of the 7th. that it would be chimerical for you to...
177From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall be much obliged to Colo. Muter to settle finally with Warneck to-day if possible the question he was so good as to undertake to put to him. RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ: “Colo. Muter”; endorsed. See TJ to Muter, 29 Jan. , and Muter’s two letters of the present date.
178To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Warneck should have called on me yesterday, but failed: I shall goe after him in a few minutes. I have just received a letter from Majr. North (one of the Barron’s aids) informing me that the Barron desires me to send 400℔ of pistol powder, 2000℔ of lead and 600 flints to Suffolk immedeatly to be delivered to Genl. Muhlenberg. I have sent to the Quarter Master for the State to make (if...
179To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in search of Warneck but can-not find him. He shall certainly wait on your Excellency and the Council to morrow forenoon, that his affair may be determined finally, if he is in this place. I have the honour of inclosing a note to the Commissary of Stores to provide some tacks for covering two waggons that want only covering with canvas to fitt them for taking in the ammunition, the...
180To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have the honor of receiving your favour of the 8th. instant, and am greatly relieved to see so fair a prospect of an abundant supply of necessary Stores in the Spring. I Shall be glad to know if you are Confined to any particular Warehouses and what Warehouses for the delivery of Mr. De francey’s Tobacco. When tis convenient to furnish me with the necessary Estimates shall be glad to receive...