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,...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
When I did my self the pleasure of writing to you I fully expected the Powder would have been sent off the next day to fort Pitt , but the Q. Master assures me that with his utmost efforts he was not able to procure waggons till this day, and now only to go as far as Carlisle, for which place they set out this Evening. He thinks there will be no difficulty in getting it on immediately from...
62From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Martin, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In our present circumstances peace with the Cherokees is desirable to us on our own accounts as it always was on theirs; you will therefore take such measures to effect this as you think best. Should you find it most likely to preserve peace, we should approve of your removing such of the Nation as you can draw off to the Island or any where else within their own unceded territory: Those who...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Commodore Tilly having determined to sail with the first fair Wind, the Enemy will be left at Liberty to make use of all the Advantages which their Command of the Water gives them over us. They will probably be inclined, for some Losses they have sustained since the Arrival of the French Squadron, to wreak their Vengeance on the Parts of the State most exposed. Hampton and the adjacent Country...
64To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have just now the offer of about 400 pr. Soldiers Stockings. Altho I understand that Overalls are at present substituted in place of Stockings for the troops at Chesterfield Courthouse, I take the liberty of mentioning them to You as tis probable the Southern Army now returned to Virginia may have occaision for some supplies more especially as they will for some time be exposed to severe...
65From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners in Albemarle were ordered to be removed immediately giving them time only to pack their baggage that it might follow them in waggons. Those taken at the Cowpens which were at New London on the 14th. inst. were likewise ordered Northwardly by the way of Staunton keeping above the Blue ridge while the Conventioners pass below it. These orders were issued at the same time with those...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is an extract of a letter from Genl. Greene to me. As the Gentlemen of the Army whom he wishes to take Command of the Militia who shall join him are now pretty generally collected with you for the purpose of arranging the line; on which Arrangement it is probable some will become supernumerary I submit to you whether it would not be agreeable to Genl. Greene if you could prevail...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency Copy of a Letter I have just received from General Greene . The absolute necessity of supporting him and consequently of calling out the Militia makes me extremely apprehensive that it will prevent the drafting the Recruits. The time fixed for this is the 10 of March. Before this time there may be a necessity of ordering out a part of every County....
68To Thomas Jefferson from John Teackle, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Accomac County, 19 Feb. 1781 . Has addressed three letters to TJ, the last in October, acquainting him with “the deplorable situation” of the two galleys “on this Shore,” but has had no answer. “By your Advice to me, in Council last June, you did not authorise me to intermeddle with ’em, Only to furnish with Provision, and Superintend such Repairs as should be directed.” The vessels are...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Secretary’s Office [ Philadelphia ], 19 Feb. 1781 . Encloses twenty-four blank commissions, with blank bonds and instructions, for private armed vessels. “You will please to give orders that the bonds when Executed be returned into this Office.” Others may be obtained upon application. RC ( Vi ); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Thomson; addressed and endorsed; printed in CVSP Calendar of...
70From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Augusta, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before the receipt of this letter I expect you will have furnished Mr. Hyrne Depty. Comsy. Genl. of Prisoners with a guard for the safe custody of the prisoners taken at the Battle of the Cowpens. You will be pleased to continue that guard on duty with the prisoners untill releived by one from Shenandoah as ordered. I [am] with much respect, &c. FC ( Vi ).
71From 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...
72From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Lunenberg, Amelia, Powhatan, Cumberland, and Brunswick, 18 February … (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where the very rapid march of Ld. Cornwallis may terminate I think it necessary to desire that you immediately assemble the whole of your Militia who have arms, or for whom they can be procured by impressing or otherwise and march them with proper officers without delay to join Genl. Greene who by the last intelligence had crossed the Dan at Boyd’s ferry and was retreating before...
73From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Shenandoah, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners taken at the Battle of the Cowpens being to pass under the conduct of Mr. Hyrne or Mr. Boush Commissaries of Prisoners, they will be attended by the guard at present with them as far as Shenandoah Court House. There you will be pleased to have assembled such guard and at such time as either of these Gentlemen shall fix on, which guard must see them safely over the Potowmack. I am...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The very interesting situation of Southern affairs with respect to our state at this crisis, and the multiplicity of your business which alone must forbid me to hope a very frequent communication from you, have induced me to send on the bearer Majr. McGill to give us from time to time notice of the movements of the two armies and other important occurrences that we may be able to adapt to them...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your favor of the 15th. from Boyd’s ferry. I had heard yesterday of the approach of the Ld. Cornwallis, gave orders in consequence for embodying so many of the militia between this place and that as could be armed and of this gave you information in a letter of yesterday’s date. I hoped at the same time that the militia would not await my orders, and by the letters...
76From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Massingbird Hyrne, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 14th. inst. from New London, and expect this will find you at Staunton. I formerly advertised Congress of the necessity of sending these prisoners on Northwardly, and have again yesterday given them notice that the rapid approach of Ld. Cornwallis who was at Boyd’s ferry on the 14th., rendered it necessary to send on both these and the Convention...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Magill, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of Southern affairs having become very interesting to this State, I am to desire the favor of you to proceed without delay to the head Quarters of Genl. Greene, to remain there or at any other place, from which you shall think the best intelligence may be obtained. You will be pleased to communicate to me the interesting movements of both Armies, the calls which shall be made on...
78To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, [18 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
A Flag vessel from the enemy, in which was Lieut. Hare formerly detained at Hampton, has been stopped at Sandy point. The inclosed papers will inform you of the business and the extraordinary Conduct he has observed. His abuse of Characters in this State has been general and his Expressions concerning your Excellency have been such, as from any other mouth but that of an enemy and at the same...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favord with your Excellencys Letter of yesterday and submit whether it would not be prudent to order the prisoners removed from the Barracks at Albermarle. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obed Servt, RC ( Vi ); in an aide’s hand; addressed and endorsed. Your excellencys letters of yesterday : Evidently the third letter from TJ to Steuben printed above under 17 Feb. In view of...
80From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Ld. Cornwallis’s approaches are so rapid that we know not where they will terminate. He was at Boyd’s ferry on the 14th. inst. Without arms as our Countrymen are there is no safety for the Convention troops but in their removal; you will therefore be pleased to remove them in the instant of receiving this, only allowing them time to pack their baggage that it may follow them in Waggons. As the...
81From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter was put into my hands on the evening of the day before yesterday by a young Gentleman whom I informed that it could not be answered till the meeting of Council the next day, and desired he would attend with the receipt which he said he had, for it was not inclosed in the letter as you mentioned. He did not call again. I laid your letter before the council: As far as our money will...
82From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur Campbell, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your several favours by Mr. Lathim and am much pleased at the happy issue of the expedition against the Cherokees. I wish it to be used for the purpose of bringing about peace, which under our present circumstances is as necessary for us as it can possibly be to them. If you can effect this a right should be reserved of building a fort at the confluence of Holston and...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 17 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have submitted your Letter of yesterday to the consideration of the Gentlemen of the Council, who are present. It is thought that as the Letter of the Draft Law has left it to the Militia Officers to determine who are the proper Subjects of the Law, so the exemptions specifyed by the Law itself imply that no others shall be allowed. Whether the Staff Officers of the Continent or State are...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received Your Excellency’s Warrant of Yesterday for impressing the Boats on James and Appomattox Rivers, to be sent to Sandy Point. I should chearfully proceed in the business this Morning but Your Excellency well knows the difficulty of executing such a matter without a considerable party of Armed Men. Experience has taught me that it is impracticable, unless the things are taken and...
85To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lieutenant Lambert is the Commanding Officer of a party of Men to impress the Boats on James River. It is necessary that his Men should be armed. I have referred him to your Excellency for orders in this matter, as my Commission does not authorize me to direct in any such thing. I have the instructions agreeable to your Excellencys Warrant ready. I have the honor to be Yr. Excellency’s Obt....
86From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased immediately on receipt of this, to order one fourth of your Militia to be assembled and marched without delay to Wmsburg under proper field officers, Captains, and subalterns. Send as many riflemen among them with their rifles as can be had, and of the rest let every man bring a good musket and accoutrements who has one. Let them proceed first to Fredericksburg where we...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of affairs here and in Caroline is such as must shortly turn up important events one way or the other. By letter from Genl. Greene dated Guilford C. house Feb. 10. Ld. Cornwallis rendered furious by the affair at the Cowpens and surprise of George town had burnt his own waggons to enable himself to move with facility, had pressed on to the vicinities of the Moravian towns and was...
88From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the moment of receiving your letter of the 10th. I issued orders to the Counties of Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt and Bedford for seven hundred and odd riflemen and to those of Henry and Pittsylvania for four hundred and odd of their Militia. Yet my trust is that neither these nor the adjacent counties have awaited orders, but that they have turned out and will have joined you in...
89From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a Letter from General Greene dated Guilford C. House Feby. 10. we are informed that Ld. Cornwallis had burnt his own waggons in order to enable himself to move with greater facility and had pressed immediately on. The prisoners taken at the Cowpens were happily saved by the accidental rise of a Water course which gave so much time as to withdraw them from the reach of the enemy. Ld....
90To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to Yours of Yesterdays date I am to inform your Excellency that General Nelson haveing sent me word of the Arival of A French Fleet the Jefferson and Tempest are immediately geting ready under the Command of Captains Markham and Travers and are now endeavouring to get Voluntairs at Williamsburg for this service. I have also ofered Mr. Joel the command of the Louis Gally (for the...
91From Thomas Jefferson to the Officers of the GreenbrierCounty Militia, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am fully sensible of the pressure of the several calls which are made on your County for Militia and for regulars at the same time, and should not have been induced to urge the first of these at the time we did, but to counteract and prevent movements meditated against you by the savage enemy in the West. I beg you to believe also that these calls are not made on your county alone. At...
92From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Read, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had received two days ago information from Genl. Greene of the advance of Ld. Cornwallis and immediately ordered about 1200 men from Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt, Bedford, Henry and Pittsylvania. Besides this I trusted that the Militia of other Counties immediately in their way would turn out with Spirit. If this be done I hope a very good account will be rendered of Ld. Cornwallis....
93From 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...
94To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Southall, [17? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Without place or date [ 17? Feb. 1781 ]. Alludes to his (Southall’s) letter of the day before describing the difficulty of settling the accounts of people who had transported stores to the southern army. “The Bearer hereof is a person Who has been much distressed by having his Waggons taken from him for which Services he has only received the 20£ allowed by Congress,” and he therefore begs TJ...
95From 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...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the Council the proposition for exchanging two of the British souldiers for Mr. Hurst and Mr. Locke , on condition that we give Colo. Alligood for Colo. Warner [Warneck]. I am sorry the enemy should annex impossibilities to their proposition, as it seems to throw on us the refusal to exchange. Colo. Alligood has been proposed in exchange for Colo. Matthews , a full colonel...
97From 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...
98To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 17 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Chesterfield Court House, 17 Feb. [ 1781 ]. Capt. Morris, “a prisoner of War belonging to the State of Georgia,” has applied to Steuben for money to enable him to proceed to Philadelphia. Steuben cannot furnish money but hopes TJ can, since Morris “has furnished the Continent with large sums, and wishes to settle his accounts with the board of war, in Congress.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in an aide’s...
99From 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...
100From Thomas Jefferson to John Allen, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having been concluded to build a defensive work at Hoods under the direction of Colo. Senf, I am to desire the favor of you to see to the execution of it according to his instructions. Thirteen Labourers will be with you on Monday next. Besides these I have written to Colo. Southall of this County, Colo. Banister of Dinwiddie, Colo. Call of Prince George and Colo. Munford of Charls. City to...