251From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Thomas is informed by letter from me this day that he may be supplied with money the next week to put the affairs of the Tanyard into a proper state. Colo. Muter will be pleased to prepare proper requisitions on Mr. Armistead for nail rods and tin. The resolution of assembly of June 1 . 80 seems to give an authority to the Executive which extends to the removal of a manager and making...
252To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The complexion of the intelligence received of late from Spain, with the manner of thinking which begins to prevail in Congress with regard to the claims to the navigation of the Mississippi , makes it our duty to apply to our constituents for their precise full and ultimate sense on this point. If Spain should make a relinquishment of the navigation of that river on the part of the United...
253From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 13 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition contemplated by this State against the british post at Detroit and of receiving your answer of october 10th. Since the date of my Letter the face of things has so far changed as to leave it no longer optional in us to attempt or to decline the expedition, but compels us to decide in the affirmative and to begin our...
254[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.]
255To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 14 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 26th I have had the honor to recieve but not till within a few days. Lieut. Read who commands Major Nelsons corps of horse in the Majors absence; and who will have the honor to deliver this has orders to proceed to Virginia with his command: it being the opinion of Col. Washington that they are altogether unfit for further service until they are cloathed. General...
256To Thomas Jefferson from Richard MacCarty, 14 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Having the Honnor to be appointed by Colol. Clark, Captain of the Regular forces of the State of Virginia the 1st. of March 1779 after the Conquest of Post Vinçent, I in Consequence raised men and with my Officers had the fullest Company during a Year, and those mostly to serve for during the War, the Returns of which no Doubt have been laid before You. In June 1779 Colol. Clark gave me Bills...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Bennett Goode, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The three months the last Guard had to serve at the Magazine at Taylors Ferry is Expired. With difficulty we have furnished a temporary guard to serve untill Your Excellency Order in what manner a standing guard be furnished. The difficulty of furnishing a guard arises from abuses committed on the soldiars by Continental Officers when at that Station; Col. Edward Carrington caned a sarjent and...
258To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Newburgh [ N.Y. ] , 15 Dec. 1780. Acknowledges a letter in which TJ stated his intention of appointing Maj. [Robert] Forsyth deputy quartermaster for Virginia. Forsyth had already requested this appointment and he is very acceptable to Pickering. RC ( PHi ); 2 p.; signed: “Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.”; addressed and endorsed. FC , in Pickering’s hand ( DNA : RG 93). TJ’s letter acknowledged by...
259To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write some time ago to Your Excellency, enclosing a Memorial of Colo. Senf, relative to the necessary fortifications on York and James River. I have kept this Officer in this state for the sole purpose of surveying all the defensible places, and he has lately by my Order taken an Exact draught of the situation of Hood. I could wish the Assembly might come to some...
260To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 December [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 15 Dec. [ 1780 ] . Col. Green’s detachment marched from Petersburg on the 13th. Steuben on his return from Petersburg reviewed the troops at Chesterfield Courthouse, where there were 316 rank and file present and fit for duty, and about 200 sick; 20 of those fit for duty have been ordered to supply the places of deserters from Green ’s detachment; and 25 others have been assigned...
261From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 7th instant from Annapolis and write an answer, tho I hardly know by what route to send it to you. The post at the barracks shall be duly attended to. I had a Letter from Colo. Taylor the other day when all was well and he mentions no apprehension of want. With respect to that part of the troops which are gone to Maryland we thought it right to lend all possible...
262To Thomas Jefferson from Amable and Alexander Lory, 16 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Answering to your’s Excellency’s letter , concerning our advertisement of the Enciclopedie inserted in the Virginia papers We take leave to give you the following informations on the Said Work: the complet Set Consist in 28 Volumes, Whose Eight are plates, all unbounded, Second Edition, printed at Lucques in Italia by Octavian Diodati, all the Work Collected and put in Order, by Mr. Diderot...
263[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 16 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 16 Dec. 1780. A minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi) under this date reads: “Letter written to the Governor inclosing one from the Shipyard.” Neither letter nor enclosure located.]
264To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 December [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
General Green among other requisitions having mentioned the equipment of the Troops raised by the State, I have no doubt but the Legislature will be glad to know what is generally understood by the equipment of a soldier, and therefore take the Liberty of laying before your Excellency the inclosed Estimate with some remarks thereon. I need not mention to your Excellency the necessity of...
265To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty of laying before your Excellency, a few thoughts on the subject of raising and equiping the Troops required of this State: I should have done this before, but have been detained at Petersburg much longer than I expected, by the many Difficulties I met with in sending off a Detachment of 400 Men to re-inforce General Greene. I was in hopes of receiving Returns from the...
266To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Dec. 1780. Lt. Col. [Richard] Campbell of the 9th Va. regiment, which is now at Fort Pitt, has orders to join his regiment but is unable to do so for want of $4,000 to pay the expenses of the journey. Steuben requests that a warrant for that sum be granted to Campbell so that the public service will not suffer by his longer detention in Richmond. FC ( NHi ); 1 p.
267[To Thomas Jefferson from Theodorick Bland, 17 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 17 Dec. 1780. Burnett, Letters of Members , v, No. 537, note 5, quotes from a letter of this date written by Theodorick Bland to TJ introducing “the Marquis de La Valle and the Count de Guistine,” who had been introduced to Bland by La Luzerne and Lafayette. Burnett’s source was a “Copy, from the original, in possession of the Carnegie Institution [of Washington],” but neither...
268[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 18? December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 18? 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. 55 (18 Dec.): “The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from Major General Baron Steuben, containing requisitions for the army, which were read, and ordered to be referred to the...
269To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Johnston, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
York, 18 Dec. 1780. Acted as brigade quartermaster to the troops which marched south under Col. Porterfield last May, “and some time after was ordered to Virginia to receive and forward on the necessary Cloathing for the Regiment of State Artillery, in which I have the honour to hold a Captain’s Commission.” Is deeply concerned that he will not be able to serve much longer “except I can be...
270To Thomas Jefferson from La Luzerne, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Cette lettre vous sera remise par M. le Marquis de Laval Montmorency, Colonel du Régiment du Bourbonnois, actuellemen à Newport. Il a voulu profiter de l’inaction de l’armée pendant l’hyver pour voir plusieurs Etats du Continent. Il se propose de passer quelques jours à Richmont et quoique les circonstances ne lui permettent pas de rendre son sejour aussi long qu’il l’auroit desiré, il a...
271To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 18 Dec. 1780. Encloses “some hints toward a Law to prevent illegal discharges and desertions from the Army.” Has written on the same subject to Congress and the Commander in Chief. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Steuben; addressed; endorsed, by TJ: “Baron Steuben illegal discharges.” Enclosure: Probably Steuben’s plan for preventing desertion, printed below at end of...
272To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, [after 19 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Place and date not indicated, but written after 19 Dec. 1780. ] On 19 Dec. Elliott had in his possession 64 common tents; Col. [John] Green may have taken some of these for his detachment, but Elliott is “almost Shore” that Green marched before the 19th. “If so these 64 ware Sent By Direction of Colo. Carrington to Chesterfield C. House to Care of Colo. Davis [William Davies].” RC ( DLC ); 1...
273To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 19 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Dec. 1780 . Capt. [Thomas] Quirk has applied to Muter to procure him a major’s commission in Col. Clarke’s [G. R. Clark’s] regiment, but Capt. [John] Williams also claims this majority, and Muter encloses two certificates from Clark which may enable TJ to decide on Quirk’s claim. Quirk must leave soon, and Clark’s being here will help settle the difficulty. Reply...
274To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 19 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This hands you a return of the Militia to the 16th Inst. I had them made in such a manner as would discover to you the numbers that marched from the deferent Countys, and what has become of them to the date of the Returns; Militia or indeed any new Troops, let what pains or care will be taken the more especially on such a long March, and badly supplied with necessaries, will moulter away in a...
275To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A requisition is made for a hhd. of spirits to be Sent to Chesterfield Ct. house, to be issued at the reduced prices, to the officers there. I have inclosed an order on the Commissary of Stores for a hhd., tho’ I am doubtfull it will not meet with your Excellency’s approbation, as I understand the pay in the new money was to take place the first of August last, and also I have heard, the...
276To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 20 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 20 Dec. 1780 . A letter from Mr. Avery to TJ, concerning Golden Ward , was handed to Muter yesterday. Muter has no further evidence on Ward’s case than “the depositions enclosed from >Mr. Avery in his former letter.” Avery, Capt. Maxwell, and Muter are all of opinion that it will be best to discharge Ward and allow him to return to the Eastern Shore, “provided he...
277To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 20 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Frederick Town [ Frederick, Md. ], 20 Dec. 1780 . Capt. [Edmund] Read of the light dragoons representing his troop to be unfit for duty for want of clothing and accouterments has been permitted to go to Richmond in order, if possible, to get them equipped. Lt. [George] Brent’s resignation has been accepted, and his vacant commission must now be filled up. “I am under the Disagreeable Necessity...
278To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am about writing to Majr. General Greene, and as it’s of the utmost importance, he should be as exactly, as possible acquainted on what supplies he may depend, I would be glad your Excellency would let me know in writing, how far the Legislature have complied, with the requisitions, made them by General Greene. Among the articles of that requisition, the arms are the most essential. I dont...
279From 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...
280From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Wall, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I laid before the Council the Revd. Mr. Fanning’s Letter to Mr. Tazewell together with the Letters and other Papers found on Mr. Wickham . The general Expectations of remaining in this Country with which the Enemy (and probably) this young Gentleman came into it, the political Character of the Gentleman under whose Auspices he came, his not leaving the Enemy till they were obliged to retire,...
281To Thomas Jefferson from James Arbuckle, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Looking upon it a duty I owe to the Publick, have taken the liberty to inform your Excellency the condition that the Galleys now lie in, in our County, which were deserted by the Officers and men last summer. A Gentleman in this County who was a Continental Officer assigned about two years ago, came home, and finish’d a vessel last fall, took the rigging of one of the Galleys as much as woud...
282To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 22 Dec. 1780. Encloses “the Copy of an Act of Congress of this Day, together with the Extract of a Letter from the Commander in Chief of the 15th Instant to which the Act refers”; it would be superfluous to enlarge on the necessity of compliance with the requisition called for in the enclosures. Enclosure 1, “In Congress Decr. 22d. 1780,” orders that the extract from Washington’s...
283John Clark’s Invoice for Services, with Jefferson’s Approval, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commonwealth To John Clark Dr 1780 April To a large table for the Council Chamber 2–15–0 old To alterations in the State house 0- 2–6 prices To Altering the table in the Council Chamber 0- 4–0 May 6 To Mending a press with books Pr. Mr. Beckley 0– 5–0 To Mending a table for the Clerks Pr. Do. 0–10–0 To 2 Days work at the Pallice Council Chamber &c 10–0 To 100 Brads for Do. 1–0 £4– 7–6
284To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Anderson informs me that the time for which he engaged Nine lads to make nails for their victuals and clothes, for the use of the State, ends with the present Year. As it will be of advantage to the State to engage those nailers for some time longer, on account of the heavy demand there is at present and likely to continue for nails: I beg leave to recommend to your Excellency, that Mr....
285To 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...
286From Thomas Jefferson to Rowland Madison, 23 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It being found necessary to undertake an expedition into the country beyond the Ohio, you are desired to apply for and receive from Mr. Calloway at New London, under the order inclosed one thousd. pounds of good musket or rifle powder and to conduct the same to Montgomery court house. You are also to apply for and receive 1500℔. of lead from the manager of the lead mines, under an order...
287To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, with a Memorandum on Improving Tobacco and Flour Inspection, 23 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As you seem to join me in opinion that an Inspection in the Upper Country would be of publick Utility and rouse a number of able bodied people inhabiting good lands to industry, I have in a hurry communicated to you a few hints on the Subject. The wretched State of our Flower trade is such that no doubt can remain of the necessity of improving it by every possible means. I have also given you...
288From 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...
289From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hampshire and Berkeley, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army forming by our enemies in the south and an extensive combination of savages in the west will probably render the ensuing campaign exceedingly active, and particularly call forth the exertions of this state. It is our duty to look forward in time and to make a proper division of our force between these two objects. There seems but one method of preventing the savages from...
290From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Greenbrier, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army [as in the preceding letter to “by the way of’] Montgomery court house where they will receive under their escort 1000℔. of powder and 1500℔. Lead and a large number of pack horses to be carried to the falls of Ohio. From their arrival at Montgomery court house subsistance and the means of transportation of baggage will be found by Mr. Rowland Maddison who is appointed to act...
291From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Frederick, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army &c. [same as the letter to County Lieutenants of Hampshire and Berkeley. To the end add] Colo. Matthews will send you from Staunton one thousand pounds of powder and Colo. Hunter will forward to you from fredericksburg four hundred camp kettles and from this place will be sent some medicine, tents and other things for the use of the expedition to be transported by your Quarter...
292From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Fayette, Lincoln, and Jefferson, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army &c. [as in letter to county Lieutenants Hampshire and Berkeley to ‘before hand with them’ then omit and add as follows] The counties of Fayette, Lincoln and Jefferson of course must concur in the western defence. From these three I am to desire five hundred militia under proper officers to be furnished, each county sending a quota of the five hundred proportionate to the number...
293From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Monongalia and Ohio, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army &c. [as in letter to county lieutenants Hampshire and Berkeley to ‘proper officers’ and leave out from thence and insert] to be rendezvouzed at Pittsburg precisely by the first of march to proceed by the way of the falls of Ohio for an expedition under Colo. Clarke into the country beyond that river and to continue in service during the expedition; as to which Colo. Clarke is...
294From Thomas Jefferson to the Quartermasters of Frederick, Hampshire, and Berkeley Counties, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A detachment of the militia of the county of Frederick being ordered to fort Pitt on their way down the Ohio, you are desired to act as Commissary and quarter master for them till their arrival at fort pitt. The time of their rendezvousing within the county will be made known to you by the commanding officer. You will therefore provide in time subsistance for them during their march and...
295From 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...
296From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 25 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A powerful army forming by our enemies in the south renders it necessary for us to reserve as much of our militia as possible free to act in that quarter. At the same time we have reason to believe that a very extensive combination of British and Indian savages is preparing to invest our western frontier. To prevent the cruel murders and devastations which attend the latter species of war and...
297From 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 ).
298From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 25 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from our Delegates in Congress I beg leave at their request to transmit to the General assembly and have the honor to be with the most perfect respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed by TJ to Harrison as Speaker. Endorsed: “Governors Letter inclosing Delegates Letter respecting the free Navigation of the River Mississippi. December 25th:...
299From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 25 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Instructions given by me to Capt. Lockhart for conducting on the Prisoners taken at King’s Mountain, and his report, of which a Copy is also inclosed, will inform Your Excellency in what manner these Prisoners are disposed of. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humbl Servt, RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand,...
300From Thomas Jefferson to Sampson Mathews, 25 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We purchased from Capt. B. Harrison of Rockingham county one thousd. weight of powder which was to be delivered at Staunton to Colo. W. Bowyer who was to examine it. As it is more expedient for the public service that this be forwarded to the county Lieutenant of Frederic, I must beg the favor of you to have measures taken for the examining it at Capt. Harrisons and forwarding it to the county...