1Agreement with James Anderson for Nailers, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Nine lads thats Nailors, which the State may have for one Year at ⅔ Specie Pr. Day, they lads must be fed Clothed Washing and lodgeing fiting for Apprentises. Eight of those lads shall make Twenty five Thousand Nails pr. Week. In Council Feb. 9. 1781. The board agree to engage the above persons for one year on the terms above proposed on the condition that when not necessary to be...
2Robert 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...
3From 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...
4From Edward Carrington, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a return from Colo. Gibson for a Number of Articles wanted for the Accommodation of the Militia under his Command. Those are Articles of equipment which these Troops should have been furnished with before they were put into the Feild, which plainly determines that the Continental Staff are not the proper Officers for furnishing them. If your Excellency can...
5John 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
6Henry 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...
7From 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
8From 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...
9From 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...
10From 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...
11From 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...
12From 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...
13[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...
14From 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...
15From 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...
16From 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...
17From 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...
18From 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...
19From 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...
20From 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...
21From 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...
22From 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...
23From 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...
24From 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...
25From 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...
26[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....
27From 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...
28From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Continental Board of War, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the letters to Samuel Huntington and to Thomas Sims Lee of the same date, qq.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War.”
29From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Loyall from the post at the North west Bridge representing to me that about 400 of the militia of Princess Anne and Norfolk are embodied, that they annoy the enemy considerably, restraining their foraging parties, and checking their motions (which latter circumstance is confirmed by letter from Genl. Lawson) but that they are dispirited for want of some communication with the main army on...
30From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I called on Mr. Anderson the Writer of the letter to Capt. Trot which you were pleased to inclose to me and desired he would explain the foundation on which he had written that letter. His explanation I now inclose you, from which you will be able to collect only thus much, that his application on behalf of Mr. Trot was utterly rejected and nothing said which could authorize him to suppose we...
31From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 17 Feb. 1781. . This letter is identical in substance with that sent by TJ to Huntington this day , q.v., except that the last sentence in the first paragraph and the last two sentences in the paragraph before the complimentary close in the letter to Huntington are not in the letter to Washington. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); 4 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and with postscript in...
32From 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...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As you have been so kind as to remain here, among other purposes, for that of organizing our troops meant to be forwarded to the south, I beg leave to inclose to you a resolution of the Executive of this State, entered into previous to your arrival here appropriating such of the men as were before unappropriated to any particular corps, and directing in what manner they shou’d be officered. I...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the pleasure of transmitting you information on the several heads of your requisitions . I am sorry that full compliance with them has appeared impracticable. Every moment however brings us new proofs that we must be aided by our Northern brethren. Perhaps they are aiding us, and we may be uninformed of it. I think near half the enemy’s force are now in Virginia and the states...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We were not able to proceed to the consideration of the prices proposed to be given in your department till we could get a late arrangement of our own which interfered with some articles of you[rs]. This we got to day, and have come to the determination inclosed. Your first article we omitted because we give but two thirds of the allowance there proposed; the 2d because we have no such...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a report from Mr. Ross of the Cloathing provided and his prospect of further provision. The procuring Hats or leather Caps still appears desperate, so that unless some substitute can be thought of I know not what will be done. There are no Hats I am told among the Cloathing come from the Northward. I wrote you that after having called certain numbers from Washington, Montgomery,...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers will sufficiently explain themselves to you. They were put into my hands by Colo. Matthews together with a requisition from Congress to furnish 14492 hard dollars to pay the debts of our prisoners in New York. Were we permitted to send produce, we could do it for less than half of what the hard dollars will cost us, and I think such articles might be selected from the...
38From 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...
39From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy having returned from this place and fallen down James River, and the German Prisoners being represented by you to be in a distressed situation for want of covering and food, you will be pleased to march them back again to the barracks in Albemarle. I am Sir Your very humbl. Servt., FC ( Vi ).
40From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose there is no hope of our getting hats for the soldiers. We will aid you anywise in our power towards getting caps made. Mr. Armistead receives 1800£ to be transmitted you for your tailors and sempstresses. He has received an order to deliver you all the leather he has (enough for about 300 or 350 pair three qr. soals) and receives one now to make up the deficiency of 1500 pair as soon...
41From 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...
42From 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.
43Statement of Arms and Men in Service, [29 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
1. How many arms have we in the state fit for service, bayonets &c. Muskets in good repair Muskets out of repair Beyonets fitted Cartouch boxes In the magazines 68. 2273
44From 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...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 13 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing your Excellency a copy of a letter I received from Colo. Wood. As the determination whether he shall be allowed travelling expenses rests with Congress alone, we could only communicate his application to that honourable Body. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect &c &c., Tr ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); entirely in the hand of George Taylor (clerk in the...
46[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 16? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 16? Nov. 1780. JHD, Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 19 (16 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing a return of the present state of the navy, and stating additional matter for the consideration of the General Assembly; and the same were read. Ordered , That the Governor’s letter do lie on the table. Ordered , That the return of the state of the...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence that Ld. Cornwallis continues his rapid approach and there is reason to beleive he was at Roanoke on the 14th. This information is not authentic, yet it comes in such manner as to command some attention. I have therefore thought it expedient to order every Man of the Counties of Powhatan, Cumberland, Amelia, Lunenburg and Brunswick who has a firelock or...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wray, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
To want of intelligence may be ascribed a great part, if not the whole of the Enemy’s late successful incursions to this place. Tho they appeared in the Bay on the Saturday, no notification of it addressed to the Executive came to hand till 10 o’Clock A.M. on tuesday: There did indeed on Sunday Morning come to my hands a letter which you were so kind to write to Genl. Nelson informing him that...
49From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters will sufficiently explain to you their object: I shall be much obliged to you to endeavour to negociate the purchase of bills therein proposed with all the expedition you can. It is natural to expect that the demand for such a sum will raise the exchange to a certain degree. We have no right to expect to force the ordinary course of things and must therefore submit to it....
50From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where the very rapid march of Ld. Cornwallis may terminate, I think it necessary to desire that every man of your Militia who has a firelock or for whom one can be procured by impressing or otherwise be immediately embodied under proper Officers. I do not herein give orders for their march because you are so convenient that you can without it’s causing but little delay give me...