11From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out tomorrow with the Detachment from hence for Dinwiddie Court Ho. from whence my movements will be wholly directed by those of the Enemy. The necessary instructions are given to General Muhlenbg who will keep the Command at Suffolk. Colo. Innes with the Troops under his Command is orderd to pass the River and take post at Cabbin point till further orders. Genl. Weedon is orderd to...
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the Honor of Writing you the 20th. Instant I have been informed that there is a Number of Prisoners of War at Winchester, that Provisions are Scarce and hard to be Procured in that Neighbourhood, and that the whole Houses are taken up. If this shou’d be the Case, it will be Necessary for me to Send a part of the Germans to Stovers Town or Shepherds Town, Neither of which will be...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Chesterfield, 23 Feb. 1781. Because of his “present constant hurry,” Davies has been unable to find “the plan for the cloathier’s department”; will forward it as soon as he can find it. The deerskins can be dressed at Chesterfield if the men who understand doing it are permitted to stay. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed and endorsed.
15To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Gaskins, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You’l Receive this by Mr. John Gordon who promises to take down with him the proceedings of our Court martial in September Last in regard to the Rioters then in our County. It appears we have been much blaimed by some for our proceedings, but I hope upon the matter being fully inq[uired into] they’l find we have done well. The reason we took the rioters in for 18 months was to incourage them...
16To Thomas Jefferson from John Mazaret, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Prince Edward Court House, 23 Feb. 1781. Distress of troops serving under Mazaret; three officers and twenty men have not received a farthing of money or an article of clothing since last March “—they are all as naked as when they were born.” Sends Capt. Lt. Rice to TJ “in hopes of some relief.” After a six-week retreat Mazaret arrived at Prince Edward on the 20th with “5 pieces of Artillery,...
17To 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to remind your excellency of the situation of John Dean, a supposed fugitive from the lead mines, in defiance of the condition of his pardon. It is probable, that the actual abandonment of the place of labour will not be fixed upon him: ‘tho’ nothing can be more satisfactory, than that he had made preparations for flight. I say this upon the information of Colo. Lynch. Now I refer...
19To 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...
20From Thomas Jefferson to John Browne, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New London, Staunton, Winchester, and Fredericksburg being appointed as places of rendezvous for the new Levies, if you have not Deputies already at those Posts, or in the Counties, you will be pleased to appoint them with instructions to furnish the Recruits with Provisions during their stay at the Rendezvous, and on their march from it. The Bearers hereof are going to Winchester to receive...
21From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had written the inclosed before Capt. Richeson arrived. I transmit it open through you for your perusal. I am very sorry that the men first called into the field have not been releived: but it has proceeded from the want of such a return as is mentioned in my letter and for which I applied some time ago to Baron Steuben, who has had hopes of furnishing it. You will readily be sensible that...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We sent expresses on the 17th instant to call down a fourth part of the militia of the Counties of Loudon, Fauquier, Prince William and Fairfax (about 1090) with orders to march immediately to Wmsburg. Genl. Weedon followed these orders to hasten their execution. These Counties are indeed distant, but they had been some time held in readiness; so that I hope they will afford an early and very...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[Whether restitution of the identical property taken from Mrs. Byrd might be permitted seems to be a question unnecessary now to be determined by the board as Mr. Hare the Conductor of the flag does not pretend to have brought the identical property, but goods in compensation of it; and to what amount we are uninformed. This kind of compensation we think can by no means be permitted. Let the...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Garret Van Meter, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys letters of the 24th. December and 19th. January, both of which came to my hand the 13th. Instant. As Colo. Enoch Innis, who has your Excellency’s Commission as County Lieutenant, has never qualified himself to act under his Commission, the command has consequently devolved on me; I have also received the Act of Assembly for recruiting this...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Frederick Victor, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid the inclosed depositions before the Council. However just and proper your anxiety may be to wipe away the aspersions thrown on you, yet it seems a matter on which the Executive cannot take up on these papers; nor could with propriety take up at all where no complaint has been lodged. Perhaps the proceedings of Courts of enquiry may come properly before them: but there does not...
26From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The object of the inclosed Memorial of Messrs. Stodder, Kerr and North being attainable by Congress only and proper to be the subject of a representation from them I take the Liberty of transmitting it to you that Justice may be done to the parties interested. I have the honor to be with great respect Gentlemen Your mo. ob. Hble Servant, P.S. We are and have long been without Letters of Marque....
27To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Mr. Elliott at Petersburg, I am informed that there is in the possession of Mr. McNeal, Assistant to Mr. Ross at that place, a considerable quantity of Duck proper for Tents. The difficulty of procuring this article, for want of Money, obliges me to beg of your Excellency that a part of it may be delivered to Mr. Elliott, as he can have it made up immediately. There are Twenty...
28From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The want of a board of Council prevented our taking up the final arrangement of the Clothier’s duties till yesterday, the paper I sent you having contained only what was proposed to be agreed on. Unfortunately no copy of it was retained, so that I am obliged to ask the favor of you to return it if you still have it. We have here a large number of undressed deer-skins, and no person who can...
29From Thomas Jefferson to George Elliott, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The establishment of a Line of riders between Genl. Gregory’s Camp and Suffolk is very necessary. I would advise you to purchase horses for that purpose at any rate almost, rather than to impress. But if you cannot purchase they should be impressed. I think it would be better, whether you purchase or impress, that it be done in the neighbourhood of the enemy as much as possible, because horses...
30To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The present distressed Situation of the militia, under my Command induces me, to address your Excellency on their behalf. The most of them are totally destitute of the necessary cloathing to protect them from the Inclemency of the weather. They are lousy dirty and ragged, and from those Circumstances becoming every day more sickly. In addition to this such a spirit of disquietude prevails...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Am the More flatterd By the Command Which His Excellency General Washington Has Been Pleased to Intrust to Me , As Independant of the General Good that May Be Hoped from this Expedition, It seems to Promise An Opportunity to Gratify the High Sense I Have of My Personal obligations to the State of Virginia. I Shall from time to time Inform Your Excellency of the Movements of the Continental...
32From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to you the inclosed advice of Council that proper measures may be taken for notifying it for ascertaining what officers remain on duty and calling them to take command at the several posts where men are stationed. I should be glad also that there should be an inspection return made to me of the state of the men. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Enclosure (missing):...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 18th. the night before last and deferred answering it till I could confer with Baron Steuben which I had an opportunity of doing yesterday evening. He shewed me a letter from Monsr. Tilly from which and the information of his aid who went down, we suppose the French squadron sailed on a cruise yesterday morning. They will however be within our call, and therefore...
34Sans to Thomas Nelson, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I’ve the pleasure of informing you of the arrival of the eight prizes taken by the french Commodore Mr. Le Gardeur de tilly. They are all under the direction of Mr. Cottes which been appoint’d Commander of the prize Brig Cornwallis. Also the french Squadron [lyes] now at anckor at Linheaven Bay Between Horse Shoe and the Cap Henry. It Seems that they will enter Soon this River; the officer...
35From Thomas Jefferson to John Christian Senf, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of inclosing you the advice of Council for your appointment as finally settled. The Law which authorizes them to appoint an Engineer, restrains the rank to that of a Lieut. Colonel, and restrains also the circumstance of actual command. The resolution of Council is silent as to your continuance in Office after the War, because they are apprised of nothing which might...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received from Mr. Armistead yesterday afternoon a Copy of the receipt for the 117 blankets. He excuses himself for the error in calling them 155 from having spoken by memory. I did not observe till I delivered it to you that the Certificate of the delivery of Mr. Ross’s blankets (105 I think they were) wanted a date. I know however that they were delivered about the same time with those from...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
As the Detachment of Continental Troops will march from Chesterfield on the 25th Inst. I wish to Join to them the Militia of this County and Dinwiddie. For this purpose they must be assembled at Dinwiddie Court house, and there wait my Orders. If you have no Objection to this Plan, an Express must immediately be dispatch[ed] to inform them, as part of the Chesterfd. Militia are on their march...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I will immediately dispatch the orders you desire to the militia of Chesterfeild and Dinwiddie. Your favor of this day being put into my hands after the adjournment of Council I cannot answer as to Mrs. Byrd’s property till tomorrow. I take the liberty of inclosing you some papers relative to the nine men sent to the barracks in Albemarle, on which you will please to give any orders you think...
39To Thomas Jefferson from George Waller, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This evening, I recievd yours of The 15th. Instant, wherein you Call for The Assistance of our Militia, to the Aid of Gen. Greene, against Lord Cornwallis. I have the satisfaction to Inform You, that our Militia, has before this time Joind General Greene [at] headquarters. The approach of the enemy Towards this state Appeared to Alarming To await your commands, which I am In hopes will be...
40To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to communicate, to your Excellency, a circumstance which I hope will be followed by the most Salutory consequences to the State of Virginia in particular, and which may ultimately have the happiest effect upon the interests of America in general. The Chevalier des Touche, commanding His most Christian Majestys Squadron in the harbour of Newport, finding himself enabled,...
41From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We consent to the dividing the Germans between Winchester, Martinsburg and the Berkely springs till further orders as proposed by you. I must get the favor of you to know from Colo. Mingen what sum of money by the fortnight they will have occasion for, and it shall be sent either to the Barracks in Albermarle to any Agent whom they shall leave there to settle their affairs or to their new...
42From Thomas Jefferson to William Yates, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It is become necessary that we ascertain the number of arms which we sent into Continental service with our regiments. As the only authentic information must come from you, I must beg the favor of you to make a return to me of the number of Arms sent on in the hands of regiments while you were Muster Master. I must pray also that this be without delay. I am &c. FC ( Vi ).
43To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 19–20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Feb. 1781 . “Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown] attends to know the detirmination of your Excellency and the Hon. Council respecting his acting as Commissary of military stores.” All that remains to do is to fix his “allowance,” and since he is soon to be reduced to half pay as an officer, that allowance should be “the more liberal.” In Council Feb. 20. 1781. The board...
44From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Mr. George Harmer a Warrant for ten thousand pounds on Account of his Subsistence agreeably to Act of Assembly in his case made. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. See Harmer to TJ, 25 Jan. 1781 .
45To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am happy in having anticipated your order respecting the Arms , having before directed the Captains to collect every effective Fire lock in the County to a proper Place on the Road leading to Taylor’s Ferry, but I fear when the best endeavours are used few will be the Number, as this collection has repeatedly been made to arm the continental Soldiers sent from hence, and I cannot help...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Vivian Brooking, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Amelia, 20 Feb. 1781 . Received TJ’s letter of 18 Feb. this evening and will endeavor to execute the orders therein, but there will be difficulty because “the Militia has been embodied on this Alarm, and disbanded last Night, as we had not received any Orders from you or Requisition from the Commanding Officers of the Neighbouring Counties.” Brooking also received a letter this day from an...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Clarke, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlottesville, 20 Feb. 1781 . Since last writing to TJ, Clarke has received a letter from Brig. Gen. [James] Hamilton “acquainting me that it was not agreeable to Maj. Gen. Phillips that the Convention Troops should receive money for the Provisions due to them, and therefore he wishes that the Germans should receive the Provisions here and the British at Frederick Town.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.;...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment Call’d on by the Barron Steuben to furnish four Expresses to ride Between General Gregories Posts and Suffolk. I am at a Very Great Loss to Know what mode to take for Horses for the Different Express Riders. As its for the field Business I expect Majr. Claiborne Wont Interfeiar in it. The practice of Impressing horses is Attended with Double the expense that Buying would be,...
49[To Thomas Jefferson from Commissary Benjamin Harrison, 20 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ South Branch of Potomac, 20 Feb. 1781 . Summary in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State Papers … Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond , i , 529: Is employed by Maj. William Harrison, under instructions from the executive, in purchasing provisions and building boats. The scarcity of beef on the western side of the “Allegania Mountain” has obliged him to come to this country to procure the...
50To Thomas Jefferson from James Hunter, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In reply to your excellency’s inquiry how far the orders that have been given for camp kettles, to be made at my works, are complied with, and in what manner those made have been disposed of, I beg leave to inform you, that the order given last summer for 1000, to be furnished for the particular use of the state, is now fully compleated and the greater part of them, including in the number the...
51To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 20 Feb. 1781 . Encloses a resolve of Congress of this day “relative to compleating the quota of troops for the southern army and furnishing them with the necessary supplies.” TJ’s letters of 8 and 12 Feb. have been received. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington; addressed and endorsed. Enclosure ( Vi ): Two resolutions of Congress, 20 Feb. 1781, attested by...
52To 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...
53To Thomas Jefferson from John Nicholas, [ca. 20 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Since I wrote last I have discovered many other Letters from Mrs. Byrd which exasperates me in such a manner that I have determined to keep the one I mentioned to you secure with the rest for my own justification and untill I hear from you shall act agreeable to the dictates of my own reason. As Majr: Tuberville was so imprudent as to suffer Hare to go to Westover and as I have made...
54From 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,...
55To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New Castle, 20 Feb. 1781. The £1,500 ordered by the Council to be paid to Syme “for Waggonage of Stores” is quite inadequate for his “Cash ingagements”; needs £1,000 more. “Col. [John] Nicholas Writes Me He Has Your Directions, for releiving my Militia , from the Lower Battallion, Now On Duty, without Asertaining the Numbers”; Syme desires more exact information. Congratulates TJ “on the...
56To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [20] February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since our last in which we informd Your Excellency of the Arrival of Col: Harrison in this City, his Applications to Congress have been referd to a Special Committee, and the necessary Steps are takeing to Answer the wishes and wants of the Southern States, and of our State in particular as far is practicable in the present Situation of affairs. We doubt not but that Gentleman will give you...
57To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, Enclosing a Petition from Certain Men in Colonel Armand’s Corps, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this Instant Received Your letter of the 18th. Instant, and have given Orders for the immediate March of the Convention Troops, without their Baggage, as we have but a very few Waggons at the Post. The Troops have been Without Meal for Six Days Past, and but a very small Quantity of Beef On hand, so that I foresee the Greatest Difficulty, Indeed an Impossibility of Procuring Provisions by...
58From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Letter on the subject of the backwardness of the militia of Berkeley and Frederic to proceed Westwardly and had before received representations from the Counties. This circumstance was the more mortifying as we were informed from various quarters that should we persist in the order it would produce an open disobedience. Many Circumstances concurred to render it prudent to avoid...
59From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Chesterfield, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I have hopes that 280 men of your County may arm themselves, and I do not think it proper that a greater number should be sent from thence, you will be pleased to order that number of the most effective men to proceed to Watkin’s Mills at which place they shall receive further orders, as soon as further intelligence shall enable me to point them properly. I am Sr. &c &c. FC ( Vi ).
60From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, Enclosing Warrant to Impress Horses, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you in haste yesterday by the return of your express in answer to your letter of the 15th. Majr McGill not being able to set out till this morning, furnishes me with an opportunity of inclosing you regular blank powers of impress to be directed to such persons as you shall think proper for impressing horses for your dragoons. When we ordered out the militia from the several counties,...