1From 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...
2Pass 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....
3Form 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.
4Notes 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,...
5From 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...
6From 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...
7From 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...
8From 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...
9From 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...
10Appointment 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...
11From 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...
12From 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...
13Henry 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...
14[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...
15From 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...
16From 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...
17From 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...
18Robert 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...
19From 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...
20From 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...
21From 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...
22From 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...
23Commission 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...
24[From Thomas Jefferson to George Skillern, 18 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 18 Oct. 1780. A letter from George Skillern to the Governor of Virginia (Benjamin Harrison), dated Botetourt, 29 Apr. 1783 (Vi), states: “I would beg Leave to inform your excellency that in the year Eighty I Received an order of council, dated Octr. 18th. together with a very pressing letter from his Excellency Thos. Jefferson (who was then governor) which I inclose you, requisting...
25From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 18 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 11th. and 14th. inst. are now before me. I inclose you four blank powers to be directed to any person or persons you shall think proper for Green briar or any other county. I am informed beef may be had in Frederic and Hampshire. I am only to desire that when you fill up any of these powers you immediately communicate to me the name of the county and persons inserted...
26[Orders to James Markham, 20 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 20 Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi) under this date: “Orders given to Capt. Markham to proceed to Hampton and wait on the Commodore for Directions, countersigned by His Excellency The Governor.” Not located.]
27From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley, 21 October 1780 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
As various circumstances have delayed the march of Colo. Crocketts battalion so much longer than had been hoped, we think it proper to countermand the march of the militia from your County westward at this late Season of the year. it is probable that the ensuing Season must be opened by considerable aids of men to the westward.— I am with great respect Sir. Your most obedt Servant RC (Profiles...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters which accompany this will inform you of the Arrival of a large fleet of the Enemy within our Capes, and that they have begun their Debarkation. We are taking Measures to collect a Body to oppose them; for which purpose it seems necessary to retain such Regulars Volunteers and Militia as have not yet gone on to you. We have left the Counties of Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Halifax, and...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letters which came to hand this morning will inform your Excellency that a Fleet of the Enemy has arrived in our Bay; and that a Debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that as their first Scene of Action. We are endeavouring to collect a Body to oppose them as numerous as the Arms we have will admit. We are obliged of Consequence to...
30From 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...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Stevens, 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 Debarcation. We have taken measures for Assembling a Force to oppose them, and must take the liberty of desiring you to return imediately and assist in the Command of them. I am with great respect Sir Your Most Obt Servt., Tr ( DLC ); endorsed: “Copy of a...
32From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this morning received certain information of the Arrival of a hostile fleet of about Sixty Sail in our bay. The debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that, as the first scene of their action. We are endeavouring to collect as large a body to oppose them as we can arm: this will be lamentably inadequate if the Enemy be in any force; it is...
33From 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...
34Steps to Be Taken to Repel General Leslie’s Army, [22? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Call on Lawson’s troops of horse. Call 10,000 troops. viz. Chestfd. C.H. 1000. Lawson. 500. ⅓ militia Prss. Ann 594. Norf. 800. Nansemd. 644. Eliz. City 182. Warwick 100. York 244. James City 222. Gloster 805. Middlesex 210. K & Queen. K. William. N. Kent. Chas. city. Surry. Southampton. Sussex. Dinwiddie. Pr. Geo. Chestfd. Henrico. Hanover The counties nearer or as near to Portsmouth than...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 23 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that you were not about to leave this place, and that the preparations for your corps were still going on, I have referred till some other very necessary orders were issued the communicating to you the desire of the Executive to divert the engagements of the volunteers raising under your auspices to the new object presented by the invasion of our own country. The troops of cavalry we...
36[From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 23? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 23? Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi) under date of 23 Oct.: “Waited on the Governor and Council in Consequence of a Letter received from his Excellency, and then proceeded to the Shipyard in order to have the state Vessels lying there brought up the River should Occasion require it.” TJ’s letter not located, but see an entry in his memorandum on...
37From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 23 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Certain information being received of the arrival of an enemy’s fleet in the bay, it is thought expedient to decline for a time at least the sending Colo. Crocketts battalion to the Westward, as it is possible their services may be wanting elsewhere. Be pleas’d therefore to forward the inclosed to Mr. Madison requiring him to bring the beaves he had collected for that battalion to the...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of handing on the dispatches from General Gates accompanying this. Since my last informing you of the appearance of an enemy’s fleet they have landed 800 men in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth and some more on the bay side of Princess Anne County. On the 23d. in the morning they landed 1000 infantry and 100 cavalry at New Port’s news who immediately took possession of...
39From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you Letters from Genl. Hamilton for New York. On some representations received by Colo. Towles that an indulgence to Governor Hamilton and his Companions to go to New York on parole would produce the happiest effect on the situation of our Officers in Long Island we have given him, Majr. Hay and some of the same party at Winchester leave to go there on...
40From Thomas Jefferson to William Frazer, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You are at liberty to make use of the cannon and other public Stores for defence of the branches of York River. Any powder which may be necessary and can be procured from private hands, shall be paid for by the publick on your certificates. Commissaries, Commissioners of the provision Law and others having public provisions in their hands shall be justified in delivering a sufficient quantity...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr Jefferson Octr 26. 1780 Read Novr 2 Referred to the board of War to take order.” For variations from the text of the letter to Lee, see note there.
42From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive of this State, think it expedient and necessary that under our present circumstances the prisoners of war under the Convention of Saratoga, be removed from their present situation. Many circumstances have led to this necessity. It will be utterly impracticable as long as they remain with us to prevent the hostile army now in this State from being reinforced by numerous desertions...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Josiah Parker, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The invasion of our country, lately taken place has rendered it necessary to call into the field a large body of militia to oppose them. The Executive are very anxious as far as it can be done, to substitute in place of the militia officers, others who to equal zeal join experience in military duties. Should your present situation admit you to take over them the same command you held in the...
44From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. Tr in DLC : TJ Papers. For variations in the text from the letter to Lee, see note there.
45From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy invading us appearing now to be in force the Executive have determined that the Convention Troops be removed without delay. You will therefore take immediate measures for their removal to fort Frederick as directed by the Board of War. Previous to the publication of this measure another is expedient: The Regiment of Guards you know is enlisted to serve only till the departure of...
46Warrant for Impressing Supplies for the Convention Army on Its March to Maryland, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the present invasion of this state by a powerful enemy has rendered it necessary for the safety thereof that the prisoners of war under the convention of Saratoga, be instantly removed, for which purpose great numbers of waggons and quantities of provisions and forage will be wanting. These are therefore to authorize and empower you to impress so many waggons, teams and drivers and so...
47From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to solicit the sending on to us immediately a good supply of Cartridge Paper and Cartouch Boxes. Nearly the whole of the former Article which we had bought at Alexandria, Baltimore &c. and what the Board of War sent from Philadelphia has been made up and forwarded to the Southern Army; there remains now but a few Ream to make up. I fear we have lost 2000 cartouch...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 28 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letters of the 14th, 20th, and 21st are come to hand, and your dispatches to Congress have been regularly forwarded. I shall attend to the caveat against Mr. Ochiltree’s bill. Your Letter to Colo. Senf remains still in my hand as it did not come till the enemy had taken possession of the ground on which I know him to have been, and I have since no certain information where a Letter might...
49From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 28 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you my last intelligence from the north side of the river: also an advice of Council for regimenting the militia. Some difficulty will arise under the 3d head between the militia and the regular Captains and subalterns. I must leave it to yourself to get over it by permitting those of the militia officers who shall be willing to return home, or by double officering, that is putting a...
50From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 28 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
My letter by Cap. Read which could not be come to hand when yours of the 26th came away will have answered beforehand the several matters stated in that except as to the division of the Convention troops into three parts. This I apprehend is contrary to the Convention, and I should expect would render their government and safe custody more difficult. My last intelligence is that the troops who...