Thomas Jefferson Papers
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To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Carrington, 1 February 1781

From Edward Carrington

Petersburg Feb. 1st. 1781.

Sir

I flattered myself that by the information I had given your Excellency of the Diversions making of the Provisions destined for Magazines for the Southern Army, I had effectually put a stop to so ruinous Measures, especially as I had been honored with a Letter from you, that they should be discontinued. However I find now so little regard paid to your Excellencys Orders, that even a parcel of hogs driven by Mr. Mason southwardly by the Advice of Genl. Smallwood and myself, have been ordered back by Mr. Brown for the purpose of supplying the Militia and I understand those are called back in Consequence of their having consumed most of the Hogs collected and which had not been yet driven outwards. I beleive it will not be necessary to say more to you on the Subject than amounts to information of the Facts. You certainly are apprised of the fatal Consequences that must arise from those Magazines being neglected, on which Genl. Greene is now calculating for the Existence of his Army the next Campaign. Your Excellency will excuse my sollicitations on this Subject as the General has confided to me his own Apprehensions on it. And I am just now honoured with a Message from him, praying that I shall give every Attention to having them formed as early as possible.

I have the honor to be with much respect & Esteem Your Mo. Obt.

Ed. Carrington

RC (Vi); addressed and endorsed.

On 31 Jan. Carrington wrote to Steuben substantially as in the letter to TJ above, to which he added: “For Gods sake why does not Major Forsythe come in and regulate his Department? I some time ago wrote to the Governor on the subject, who promised that he would stop the misapplications. However, I find it still going on and I am very clear we shall have no Magazines laid in unless something is done to regulate Mr. Brown in his Office” (NHi). Carrington’s earlier letter to TJ on the subject of misapplication of supplies is no doubt that of 13 Jan., to which TJ appended an order.

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