201To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several favors came to hand yesterday, but neither the tools nor the taylors are yet arrived. I never knew whose property the tools were, whether public or private, and the taylors, belonging to the State Garrison regiment, are countermanded by Major McGill, as Mr. Thornbury informs me. If it is disagreeable or inconvenient to their officers, I would not wish their men to come, tho’ I do...
202To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Berkeley County, 8 Feb. 1781. Letter introducing James McAlister, county commissioner and issuing commissary in “this Districkt,” who waits on TJ for “Directions in regard to His Future Conduct.” Gates recommends him as “a good and Faithfull Servant of The Public.” RC ( NHi ); addressed and endorsed.
203From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received intelligence which though from a private hand , I beleive is to be relied on, that a fleet of the enemy’s ships have entered Cape Fear river, that eight of them had got over the Bar and many others were laying off; that it was supposed to be a reinforcement to Ld. Cornwallis under the command of Genl. Prevost. This account which had come through another channel is...
204To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed, two important Acts of Congress of the 3d and 7th Instant, Recommending to the several States as indispensably necessary, that they vest a Power in Congress to levy for the Use of the United States, a Duty of five per cent, ad Valorem at the Time and Place of Importation, upon all Goods, Wares and Merchandize of foreign Growth and Manufacture which may be...
205To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by Major Giles from the Camp at Hickes Creek the 24th. January. I then informed you I was under marching Orders to take charge of all the Prisoners at Salisbury. I marched on the evening of the 25th. after which there came on Violent Rains which raised the Waters in Such a manner as it made my march Two days longer than it otherwise would have been. When I got within Twelve miles...
206To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The greater part of the Soldiers of the Regiment of Guards, claim discharges, saying they were enlisted only to serve at this place, and as they have been removed that their engagement is complied with. They have been very troublesome, but hope they will be more satisfied hereafter, especially if they can get cloathed. I think 400 yards of Cloth would (with some they have received) make each...
207From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Huntington of this date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); captioned: “Genl. Washington & the President of Congress.” Tr ( DLC ); a defective press copy.
208To Thomas Jefferson from the American Philosophical Society Held at Philadelphia For Promoting Useful Knowledge, 7 … (Jefferson Papers)
The American Philosophic society on the 5th of January last held their first annual election under the act of incorporation by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, and I have it in charge to inform your Excellency, that they have elected you a Councellor for two years. The powers of the Council are to “be described, fixed and determined by the statutes, laws, regulations and ordnances of the...
209To 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...
210To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency, a copy of the estimate of supplies to be furnished from this State for the equipment and support of the Southern Army the ensuing Campaign. I am sensible of the urgent necessity there is for the things being provided without loss of time, and beg leave to request the Executive to consider how far it will be in their power to assist me. The...
211From 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...
212From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Clarke, 7 February 17[81] (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Mr. Hawkins Commissary at the Barracks I find that the deficiences in the issues stated in your account are not agreed to by him. If you will be pleased to settle this matter with him, I shall be glad to receive such an account of these deficiences as is acknowledged on both sides. I take this occasion also to inform you that the account you were pleased to trans[mit] me...
213From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It was our intention that the tools should go with the workmen and hope they have accordingly gone. I have enquired of Mr. Armistead as to the giving a yard of linen for making shirts at Petersburg. He says it was never done by him; but that Colo. Elliot the Continental Q.M. had given the price of a yard of linen. Mr. Armistead’s allowance for the white linen shirts is 30 dollars. There is no...
214From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Dick, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was willing to hope from your letter to me that you would still consent to conduct the gun factory at Fredericksburg; in the hurry of business while you were here I omitted to ask you particularly, for which reason I think myself obliged to send you the inclosed resolution, and inform you that the Executive have reappointed you to that business and hope your continuance in it. Colo. Lewis’s...
215From 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...
216From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Hawkins, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding by your letter of the 30th. of December that the justice of Commissary Clarke’s account of the deficiences in the issues [of] provision to the Convention Troops is not acknowledged by you; be pleased to make me a return of those deficiences according to what you suppose to be right. I am Sr. &c &c &c &c, FC ( Vi ). See Jonathan Clarke to TJ, 6 Feb. , and TJ to Clarke, 7 Feb. 1781 .
217From Thomas Jefferson to James Hunter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Loss of many of our papers we find ourselves unable to say how stand our orders with you for camp-kettles. We shall be glad however, whatever they be, that you now furnish us with one thousand for the separate use of the State and to be called for by my order only. I am Sr. &c., P.S. We will send 2 waggons a week hence for camp-kettles and continue them going backward and forward on the...
218To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Martin, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will Excuse the shortness of this as I accedenttally met the Barer on the Road having no more paper Can only inform your Excellency that I have in my Care 15 Indian prisoners and 12 others that Come in of their own Choice Expecting to be maintaind by the publick. Should be glad you would Direct me what is to be Done with them and in what manner they are to be supported. Part of...
219From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Morris, 7 February 17[81] (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ I consider our last appointment of you as having put the business prescribed by the inclosed resolution into a course of execution, I think it necessary in point of formality to inclose it to you and to repeat my wishes for as expeditious a settlement of the accounts of the Commissioners of the Provision Law and Agents of the Specific tax as can be had. I am with much respect Sir Yrs &c...
220From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Specie Artificers of the best kind 5/. or 25℔. tobacco Common Do. 3/9 18¾ Boat wrights of the best kind 7/6 37½ Common Do. 5/. 25 Waggon Conductors 5/. 25 Waggoners 2/6
221To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a letter from the quarter master , in which he informs me “That the cartridge blocks at Moody’s shop as well as those that were in his possession, were all destroyed by the enemy; and that since then he has not been able to procure a single workman to make more: but that he will use every exertion in his power to push a bussiness so essential at this critical period. He cannot assign...
222To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of your Letter to me to assist Captain Joel with a Vessel for an enterprize against the Enemy’s Fleet, I gave him an order to the Commissioner of the Navy on the Subject; but he not being at the Yard, the Person who acts under him; has deliver’d the Dragon Ship of which I never was inform’d until last night. I immediately orderd her back to the Ship Yard, because in my opinion,...
223To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By Borrowing and purchasing I have procured a sufficient quantity of Canvass for the 100 tents You mentioned for Colo. Buford also some Cloth which shall be sent to Richmond immediately. I shall be glad to receive the several Estimates mentioned when I was at Richmond. I am sorry to inform you that the prospect of obtaining supplies becomes every day more discouraging. Every body I see from...
224From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Gaines a militia Officer in the County of Amherst being desirous to become qualified in fact for the command he holds in his county, has applied to us to be permitted to serve on such a footing as will place it in his power to acquire a knowledge of his duty, asking nothing but rations and forage; while others, offended at the preference given to Officers formerly of...
225From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letter contains the first notification the Executive have received of the existence of any such cases as that of Lieut. Warm[an] therin stated. Exclusive of the justice of his claim, the express reserva[tion] by the board of Officers of the rights of all those in his situation, seems to place him on the footing on which he would have been, had his Commission been actually made out...
226To Thomas Jefferson from the Subaltern Officers of the Guard Regiment at Albemarle Barracks, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Albemarle Barracks, 7 Feb. 1781 . “We the Subalterns of the Regiment of Guards beg leave to lay before your Excellency our grievencies Respecting our Rank. We have been in the Said Regiment for two years, and, some of us have been intitled to promotions for upwards of twelve months from many Resignations and other circumstances.” Knowing that Col. [Francis] Taylor has written to TJ on the...
227From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Courier d’Europe a vessel from Penet & Coy. [Company] having on board military stores for this state was chased into Boston by the enemy in the Summer of 1779. They were principally Artillery Stores, too bulky and heavy for us to think of bringing them on by land. By the loss of our papers we are unable to furnish an invoice of them but they are in the hands of a Mr. J. Bradford in Boston...
228From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Doctor Pope a Warrant for seven thousand pounds upon Account as Director of the public hospitals. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. See the Council’s resolution of 1 Feb. 1781 respecting the state medical department and personnel ( Va. Council Jour . Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii ,...
229To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Clarke, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writeing to your Excellency on the 8th: ultimo when I mention’d, that I had ascertain’d the quantity of Provisions due to the Convention Troops, to the satisfaction of the Issuing Commissary and that he had certify’d it to Mr. Hawkins the purchasing Commissary and that he was going the next day to Richmond for the money. I now pray leave to acquaint you Sir, that Mr. Hawkins...
230To Thomas Jefferson from William Harrison, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yohogania County, 6 Feb. 1781. Received TJ’s “ Instructions ” on 25 Jan., together with the cash sent by Col. Richard Campbell, for purchase of provisions and building boats; proceeded at once on the business but finds it out of his power to have provisions and boats ready before 1 June since both beef and most of the materials for boats, particularly iron, must be carried over the mountains....
231To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We yesterday received information that General Parsons with a party of our Troops had passed over to Morrisana, attacked the Enemies Post there, burnt about 40 barracks, a quantity of Forage and brought off 52 prisoners. The bridge of Boats which the Enemy had over Harlem River was also destroyed. A late New York paper mentions the sailing of three ships of the line of the French Squadron at...
232[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 6? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6? Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 6 Feb.: “Letter, from the Governor, enquiring what Camp Kettles were brought from Fredericksburg and how disposed off: whether the Waggons have returned that went for leather, and if Cartouch boxes were making.” Not located.]
233[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor in answer to one received from him this day, mentioning that no Camp Kettles were ready at Fredericksburg as I was told. I had no Letter by the Waggons. I have had no returns respecting Cartouch boxes, nor information respecting the Waggons sent for leather, but I will enquire and...
234[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor informing of Major Magill’s intention of setting off in a few days for the Southern Army.” Not found.]
235[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing a Copy of a list received from Mr. Vowles; of the State Artillery Officers, with Mr. Vowles’s Letter to me for his Excellencies perusal.” The enclosed list of officers has not been found, but Henry Vowles’ letter transmitting it to Muter, dated “Falmouth, Jany. 30th....
236[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor inclosing two accounts from Colo. Gibson’s regiment, and desiring instructions relative to them as they are entirely new to me in their nature.” Neither letter nor enclosure located.]
237Advice of Council respecting Consolidation of the State Regiments, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board proceeded to take into consideration the resolution of General Assembly of the 1st. of January 1781. which is in these words to wit “Whereas the regiments on State establishment are greatly reduced in their numbers of men insomuch that most of the Officers belonging to them are without employment: the General Assembly taking the same into their consideration and sensible of the merit...
238From Granville Smith, with Jefferson’s Instructions to George Muter, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is from Mr. Thomas respecting his purchase of canoes, and finding the prices much higher than what your Excellency calculated on, you will please to direct me whether I shall instruct him to continue his purchases, or not: also under whose care and direction the four that have come to Westham are to be put. I am Your Excellency’s Obt. Hble. Servt., G. Smith Ast.Q.M.Gl. In Council...
239Returns of the State Regiments, [6 February 1781 and after] (Jefferson Papers)
Colone Lt. Col. Majr. Captn. 1st. Lts. 2d. Lts. Ensns. Serjt. Majrs. Q. M. Serjts. Srejts. Dr. & Fifes Rank and File Total N. Commd. & Privates for the War. for shorter terms. for terms not specified. First State regiment Nov. 18. 80. 1. 1.
240[To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick St. Laurence, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781 . Having taken to the southward a quantity of iron and steel “purchased at Headquarters for the use of the public” at the cost of £31,141, and having, in the expectation of prompt payment of this sum by the state treasury, agreed to return with three wagonloads of dry goods for the troops, St. Laurence desires of TJ a special order to the treasury for payment of the...
241To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to your Excellency for your letter of the 10th. of January, giving me an account of the enemy’s incursion into your state. Baron De Steuben has informed me of their successive operations to five miles below Hoods. It is mortifying to see so inconsiderable a party committing such extensive depredations with impunity: but considering the situation of your state, it is to be...
242From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Lewis Duval came express from Monongalia on necessary business. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); endorsed (in part): “£657.” On the face of TJ’s note are the following calculations in another hand: “350 miles coming 700 Do. returning 700 1 Days Attendce 60 1460 @ 14/. 3 £4380 219 657” A separate note accompanies TJ’s note and reads as follows: “Ms. Auditors I am well...
243From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Colo. George Matthews, a Warrant for three thousand pounds upon account of expences on his way from the northward to this State on business of our prisoners in New York. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed.
244From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to issue to Colonel John Syme a Warrant for one thousand five hundred pounds on account for removing public Stores. By Advice of Council. RC ( Vi : Contingent Fund Vouchers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed.
245From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Dinwiddie and Essex, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received particular information that Richard Overby and Richard Wills two of Capt. Hardaway’s company of Militia of your county lately on duty below have deserted and carried off their arms; as they are triable by a Court-Martial of the Officers remaining in the field, I am to desire you to exert every effort to have them taken and when taken to send them under guard to Cabbin point or...
246From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am anxious to have secured for the detachment which is next to proceed Southwardly as many tents as will suffice for them, and to collect all the residue belonging to the State and send them down for the use of the Militia. Of 230 tents issued during the last invasion, I understand that 75 were sent on with Colo. Green’s detachment, I find that about 28 were returned to this place, the rest...
247From Thomas Jefferson to George Gibson, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive are Shortly to proceed to the reformation of the State Forces according to a resolution of Assembly . As your commission is the oldest it is probable the Council will be of opinion that you are entitled to a continuance in command, and I think they will consider it as fortunate that they will be at liberty to continue you; from what passed in conversation when I had the pleasure...
248To Thomas Jefferson from George Gibson, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. ultimo did not come to hand before the 3rd. Inst. From its being folded into a small size or from the carelessness of the Bearer, it was found thrust in a letter from Your Excellency to A Gentleman of Dinwiddie County. I now do myself the Honor to transmit you a Return of the 1st Virginia State Regiment together with the Arms accoutrements Field equipage, Waggons, &c....
249To Thomas Jefferson from William Lewis, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Osbornes, 5 Feb. 1781. Agreeable to TJ’s instructions Lewis has “made Every Captain Acquainted what they have to do.” There are now two vessels here that could take in military stores, and if required at Richmond they will be ordered up. Since contrary winds may keep Lewis and his force from getting to Hood’s as soon as expected, provisions will be needed. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed and...
250[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ In Council, 5 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 5 Feb.: “Sent in to Council Mr. Milton Fords proposals for Building at the Fork of James River”; and on the following day the Journal enters the Council’s answer of 5 Feb.: “Agreed to; Mr. Ford making due allowance for waggons, provisions or any other things furnished by the public, to be valued by the same...