1To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Clarke, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday favor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of 27th: Decr: in answer to one I had the honor to write you of 22d: Novr: relative to the Provisions due to the Convention Army; I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, Sir, that agreeable to your desire I have ascertain’d the quantity due, to the satisfaction of the Issuing Commissary, and he has certify’d it to Mr. Hawkins the...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 27 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having Several Matters to lay before your Excellency, I fully intended to Have Waited on You Yesterday; My indisposition prevents me, and I Know not Certainly when I can go Out. Reflecting on the Business of Moving the Stores and from a thorough Conviction of being Right, as to Not Water bearing them, I wrote the Inclos’d Letter to Mr. Claiborne; He being on a Jorney, I immediatly Communicated...
3From 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
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Nicholas, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency I doubt not is anxious to hear of the enemy’s situation; they are from every account at Westover with some Corps advanced on the road leading to this place who appear to be under arms as I am. I have about 300 men tolerably well appointed about 40 the best of which are advanced under the command of Cap. Selden within sight of their advanced posts. Genl. Nelson I suppose you...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you with a Letter from Genl. Gates , by the latter I presume you’ll be informed that on Monday last the General left this for the westward with about 120 Cavelry, composed of detachments from Whites, Washingtons Armongs [Armand’s] and Nelsons Corps. The Maryland Troops with a detachment of the Virginia regulars under Colo. Buford, the whole consisting of about 800 moved...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Linctot, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de prevenir votre Excelance a mon depart du fort pitt que je me rendoi aux illinois pour tacher d’y appaiser les troubles aucasioné par les nations, j’esperois en passant a la chutte rencontrer le Colonel Clark pour prendre enssemble des mesures Conforme aux instruction qu’il a de Votre excelance et faire pour le mieux, je Croÿois aussi par son moyen avoir quelques...
7To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 31 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 30 Instant, herewith enclosed, your Excellency will observe that Majr. Genl. Greene is appointed to take the Command in the southern Department; and you will also receive the necessary Information of the Powers and Instructions given to him by Congress, and that it is earnestly recommended to the Legislatures and Executives from the Delaware State to Georgia...
9From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The arms you mention being Continental, they are subject to the orders of Baron Steuben. I have therefore sent him a copy of your letter and begged him to send you by this conveyance such orders as he thinks proper. As he is anxious that the reinforcement should be respectable I make no doubt he will order the Arms. My letters mentioning that the detachments should go under proper officers...
10From 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...
11From Thomas Jefferson to the Person Employed to Collect Workmen, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The destruction of the public Storehouses, Magazines, Laboratory, Shops and other Works at this place and Westham by the Enemy having left our Arms, Powder and other Stores exposed in open Houses to plunder and our Artificers unfurnished with Houses to proceed in the repair of Arms and other necessary Works, obliges me, as the only resource for a hasty collection of Sawyers, Carpenters and...
12[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 3 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Feb. 1781. Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter to the Governor inclosing a Scheme presented to me by Dr. Pope (which I think reasonable) for paying the orderly’s at the Hospitals, for consideration.” Letter not located. The enclosure (Vi) is a 1-page memorandum, signed “M[atthew] P[ope]” and endorsed “Hospitals Dr. Pope,” proposing that “The Orderlys...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Southall, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An extreme throng of business prevented my answering your Letter yesterday. The order then given of which you sent me a copy, was not a general order but a special one in behalf of the bearers whoever they were. I think it was in the case of the waggoners employed by Majr. Pierce at Baltimore who had made them a special promise. It is certainly just that all should receive a reasonable price...
14John 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
15To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Louisville, 15 Jan. 1781. Having appointed an assistant to complete purchases to be made on the Monongahela, Slaughter proceeded to Louisville and, on arrival, began purchasing beef and salt, the supply of which is sufficient; has drawn bills in favor of James Sullivan and David Standford for the purchase and delivery of provisions “from Hunters that would not credit the state,” and hopes they...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The judge of the Admiralty of Pensylvania has given notice to our Delegates in Congress that there are three Negroes, Tom, Hester and Celia confined in jail in Philadelphia in consequence of a condemnation of a vessel in which they were taken. They say they are the property of a certain Money Godwin of Norfolk, that their Master went off with the British Fleet under Leslie, and gave them...
17To 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 1 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to observe to your Excellency that as the Quarter master general’s office is to be immedeatly removed to this place (Richmond) it becomes necessary to dispose of the houses in Wmsburgh, lately used for that office, to some other use. Mr. Kemp who is obliged to goe to Wmsburgh as soon as the arangement of the Quarter master generals department takes place, to finish the business...
19[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.]
20To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 2 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 30th ult. that Gen. Lawson’s Corps would march Yesterday. This would Certainly have been the Case had not a report arrived that the Legislature had determined on their being discharged immediately. I should not however have suspended the march from a mere report, but Genl. Lawson himself shewed me a Copy of the Resolution of the house of Delegates on the subject. I...
21[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Turner Southall, Robert Goode, John Banister, William Call, and William Greene Munford, 15 … (Jefferson Papers)
For the future protection of the Stores and Country on James River it has been thought necessary to erect a defensive work at Hood’s. Among other requisites forty labouring Slaves are wanting for two months. After trying the exertions of the ordinary Officers to procure them we have been able to procure 13 only, who are to be at the place on Monday next. I must therefore resort to the aid of...
23From 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...
24From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, enclosing Clark’s Commission, 22 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of inclosing you a Brigadier General’s commission. The laws having given us power to appoint a General officer only for special purposes, and not a perpetual one, has obliged us to express the particular occasion of this appointment . Besides this I thought it necessary to give you an exemplification of your former commission which was perpetual. I wish you in every...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, with a Memorandum by Jefferson, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As your excellency and the council probably have not access to Vattel, on whose doctrines this hasty answer is founded, I shall inclose the paragraph from his work, which treats of the right of soldiery to booty. They seem to amount to this: that booty does in strictness belong to the commonwealth; but that late usage has divided it among the captors, military stores excepted. Now I believe,...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday evening a Letter from General Nelson dated Rich neck november 22nd at half after five P.M. inclosing a note by which we learn that the vessels of the enemy were all under way except one which was getting under way, and the whole standing out for the Capes. This event tho’ relieving us in a certain degree by opening again the door of our commerce and also by putting it in...
27[To Thomas Jefferson from Edward? Archer, 3 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Swan’s Point, 3 Jan. 1781. The 1816 version of TJ’s Diary of Arnold’s Invasion (Document I in Notes and Documents Relating to the British Invasions in 1781, printed under 31 Dec. 1780) contains the following entry under 3 Jan.: “8. aclock P.M. Received letter from E. Archer Swan’s point that at 12. aclock that day they [the British fleet] were at anchor a little below Jamestown.” Archer’s...
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 22 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Several Cannon that were cast at the Foundery have not been bored. Cannon are wanted for the Jefferson of those that have been cast at the Foundery, as also to comply with the contracts formerly made with individuals. Capt. Maxwell also wants Cannon for the Thetis: none for her have yet been cast. The cannon cannot be bored ‘till a boring mill is built and fitted, and no cannon can be cast...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Andrews, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 10 Feb. 1781. “The City of Williamsburg having procured a Waggon, Team &c. as ordered by Act of Assembly ,” Andrews desires to know to whom they shall be delivered. RC ( Vi ); endorsed (in part): “From the Revd Robt. Andrews.” The act of assembly in question was an Act of the Oct. 1780 session for supplying the army with clothes, provisions, and wagons; see Hening, William W....
30From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 1 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
No movement of the enemy since my last has contributed in the least to declare their object. They have left the north side of James river, and taken possession of the Country on the south side as far up as Suffolk. Still we are told they keep a considerable part of their troops on board their Ships. They are making great collections of horses to mount their men on, and taking possession of all...
31From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
THE invasion of our country by the enemy at the Close of the last Session of Assembly, their pushing immediately to this place, the dispersion of the publick papers, which for the purpose of saving them necessarily took place, and the injury done at the printing office, have been so many causes operating unfortunately to the delay of transmitting you those acts of Assembly which required...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It now appears that the Indians that attacked Blackmores Fort, as mentioned in my last , were a small party of Shawanese headed by our noted enemy Logan. The last Travelers that came from Kentucky came thro Cumberland Gap safe, having on their way made no discoveries of Indians. Some attention of Government to former means proposed, I am convinced may bring about a Peace; or make the war with...
33To Thomas Jefferson from John Nicholas, [20 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to Colo. Innes’s order to Major Turberville previous to my coming here, I examined Lt. Hare’s Papers, in which I found the enclosed letter which gives me the greatest unhappiness to expose; but with the same hand ever devoted to the service of the Fair, I tenderly let fall the greater weight of my Country’s good; but must still undivested of partiality for so tender a Character, beg...
34From Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Certain information being received that a considerable Fleet of the Enemy has arrived within our Capes, and have begun their debarkation, I have thought proper with advice of the Council of State to require one fourth of the Militia of your County to repair immediately to Richmond armed and accoutred in the best manner possible. Let every Man bring his own Blanket. It is not necessary that any...
35To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Philadelphia ] , 12 Dec. 1780. Case of 1st Lt. Thomas Warner, formerly of the 7th Va. Continental Line, for whom no vacancy is now available in the Virginia Line, though it has been recommended and agreed that “in all Cases where the Places of Prisoners were filled by junior Officers they should retire on the Officers Exchange whose places they filled.” This information is...
36From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hearing of 744 Militia from Rockbridge and Augusta and Rockingham on the road through Albemarle, I have sent orders to meet and turn them down to Fredericksburg, where they will expect your orders: They are commanded by Colo. Sampson Mathews. You will please to observe that as all these were to be rifle Men they were to bring their own field Officers. Baron Steuben has sent Colo. Loyauté the...
37From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 31 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad that the Commissioners of the provision law in your neighborhood have agreed to lend their aid in furnishing you with provisions. They are certainly justifiable as that law has been reenacted by the assembly. As soon as a force began to collect at Fredericksburg I directed the Commissary Brown (who is authorized by the law to instruct the Commissioners in what is to be expected from...
38From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We this morning received certain Information of the Arrival of a considerable Fleet of the Enemy in our Bay and that they had begun their Debarkation. We have taken Measures for assembling a force to oppose them and are to beg the favor of you to come immediately on to aid in the command of them. Generals Muhlenburg, Nelson, and Stevens are also called on to lend their Assistance. I have the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Montgomery, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This is to Represent the distressed situation of Fort Jefferson and the impossibility of mentaining said Post without some Speedy relief. First the Inhabitants in General are leaving the Settlement for want of Subsistance, and continually Harrassed by an Unmerciful Enemy, the Loss of their Corn and Stock and we not being able to support those Adventurers by Reason of our Credit being so far...
40From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commonwealth of Virginia Dr. to A. Willy for Candells for the use of the Councill Chamber for Sealling Land pattens and Comisians &c. from Septem. the 1st 80 till December the 18. 80 £30–0–0 to Cash Paid for […] Coall 12–0–0 to do. January the 24 12–0–0 £54–0–0 These services were performed on requisition of the Executive N in Contingent Fund Vouchers ( Vi ); TJ’s confirmation of the...
41To 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...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the 30th. of last Month, Giving you some Account of our Movements. It gives me much pleasure that I have it now in my Power to inform you a Detachment of Horse (from Genl. Morgans Party) Consisting of Baylors Regiment of Dragoons and Two Hundred Militia Horse Commanded by Colo. Washington, has Totally defeated a party of Tories of about Two Hundred and Fifty commanded by a Colo....
43From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Several matters of Public Importance resting on the Hands of the Executive to be transacted to the Northward, we beg Leave to avail ourselves of your Journey thither to get them settled, being satisfied they may be much better done on your verbal representations than by anything which may go in writing from us. The Trade has been carried on to a very small extent between this State and the...
44[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....
45From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, with Account of Goods Furnished to the Indians by Major Linctot, 11 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue on the within certificate from Colo. Broadhead a warrant for the sum due on the within account in specie or it’s value in paper money at the current exchange, to be paid to Majr. Lintot or order and charged to the Continent. An Account of what goods Mr. Godfrey Linctot Major and Agent General of all the Indien Nations have Furnished to the Indiens for the Service of the...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Many of our Misfortunes, to the Southward, and elsewhere, have arrisen from the Bad Arrangements of the Q.M. Department, which I hope In future will be on a better footing. General Green has appointed Lieut. Colo. Carrington. Dy. Qr. [Deputy Quartermaster] for this Department, and directed him to make application to the Executive of this State for Money and other article[s] he may find...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Johann Ludwig de Unger, with a List of Books Returned, 13 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Comme nous avons reçu les Ordres de quitter cette Place, j’ai cru qu’il dût etre un de mes premiers Devoirs de Vous rendre mes Remerciements pour toutes les Marques de Bienveillance dont il Vous a plût me daigner, et de Vous demander tres humblement la Continuation de Vos bonnes Graces. Ayant aprit que Vous avez toujours honnoré Mons: le Docteur Gilmer avec une Amitié particuliere je ne crois...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 31 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency last, I have taken an entire new position with the Army. One part is with me on this river about 80 Miles from Charlotte, and the other is with Genl. Morgan on Broad river, on the West side of the Catawba about 60 Miles from Charlotte. The State of the provisions as well as many other reasons rendered this measure necessary. Lord Cornwallis continues in the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Till it is decided whether Cornwallis will cross the Roanoke or not we ought at all events to be prepared for the worst for which purpose we may have occasion for the troops under the command of Colo. Innes to cross the James River and I shall send orders for him to hold him self in readiness to move at a moments notice. But previous to such a movement (if it should take place) it will be...
50From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of James City and Certain Other Counties, [24 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to order to on receipt of this of the militia of your County to remain on duty only till releifs ordered from Counties less exposed shall arrive. I hope this call will be thought less heavy on your County as we would avoid calling on it to perform a full tour of duty, and only wish them to serve during those short intervals between the necessary discharge of the militia and arrival...