51To 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...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose your Excellency a Copy of the Arrangement proposed by Colonel Carrington and myself, and approved of by the Council, for the Quarter Master’s Department in the Continental Line of this state; also a Copy of the prices established in Specie equal to Tobacco at Twenty Shillings pr. hundred weight, or other money equivalent; and a return of the assistant Deputy Quarter Masters. Your...
53To 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...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Some of the assistant Deputy Quarter Master’s have made application to me to know whether they and the persons employed under them, are subject to the insuing draft of this State. I am likewise informed that my Name, with some of my Officers are inroled, and that it is the intention of the Court to comprehend us in the Draft. This is a step which I cannot think justifiable, as it should have...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 2 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 2 Feb. 1781. The manufactory of wagon harness has been established at Charlottesville so that the German workmen among the Convention troops could be employed; these men may be had on reasonable terms, and, if the Convention army is to be moved, as TJ “observed the other day,” Claiborne wishes to be empowered to “engage as many of them as my business may require, and their Commander...
56Richard Claiborne to Charles Petit, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will readily excuse me for not writing you before now, when I assure you, that nothing has kept me from it but a close confinement to public business; that I might be able to give you some certain information respecting the Quarter Master’s department in this state. I expect you have, by this time, received Letters from Colonel Carrington, advising you of my Appointment of Deputy...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Warrant for impressing a number of Boats to be sent to Hoods, for the purpose of transporting of men and horses across James River. I shall put this matter into execution immediately, and give such directions to the person who will be employed upon the occasion, as may best answer the end, and not distress the proprietors. I am truely sensible how liable the...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the time your Excellency and Council did me the honor to approve of my being appointed Deputy Quarter Master for the State of Virginia, I have acted as such under an appointment from the Quarter Master General, and approved of by the Deputy Quarter Master General for the Southern Department. I sensibly feel the difficulties which are thrown in my way by the late excursion of the Enemy to...
59To 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....
60To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Clarke, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday favor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of 27th: Decr: in answer to one I had the honor to write you of 22d: Novr: relative to the Provisions due to the Convention Army; I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, Sir, that agreeable to your desire I have ascertain’d the quantity due, to the satisfaction of the Issuing Commissary, and he has certify’d it to Mr. Hawkins the...
61To 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.;...
62To 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...
63To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have examined your proposed Instructions . I dont Recollect of anything more that is Necessary Except the Mode of paying the Expences of the Garison of Du Troit, in Case of Success, as supporting our Credit among strangers may be attended with great and good Consequences and my former Experience Induce me to wish it to be the Case whare I have the Honour to Command. I would also observe to...
64To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before my arrival at this Post I met with Mr. Randolph from Pittsburg. Col. W. Harrison is Exerting himself to Compleat the Purchases ordered, Great Incouragement given by Most Persons of Note N of the Allegany Pensylvanians, as well as Virginians. Col. Crawford now with me says their is no danger of their not turning out or a failiour of provition, but no possibility of its being Ready by the...
65To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There is some probability of my demands on the Tresury being answered so as to Inable me to set out tomorrow if the necessary papers from your Excellency do not detain me which I Should be glad to know as Days are pretious. I am with Esteem your very Hbl Servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed and endorsed.
66To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 21 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse the liberty I take in writing to you on a Subject that you might think would not Concern me so much as it Really does. As great part of my forces will be from Kentucky the appointment of the County Lieutenants is an object worthy my attention. I this day Learnt that Col. Christy hath Resignd the Lieutenancy of Jefferson County. I would beg leave to Recommend to you Col. Jno. Floyd an...
67John 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
68James Cocke to George Muter, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My having an oppertunity Yesterday of perusing the Newspaper I observed in the Account of the rapid progress of the Enemy up the River, that in respect to their passing the post at Hoods is different from what it is their represented. On the Morning of the 3rd. Inst. I ordered an Officer and two Men to Brandon to give us Intelegence of the Enemy should they land at that Place, and if after...
69To Thomas Jefferson from the Commissioners of the Specific Tax in Essex County, [after 16 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 6th of Septr. requisting a delivery of the Tobacco Notes in our Hands of the Specific Tax, came to hand the 16th. of October. The bearers Name not being specified, in the Letter, we were unable to tell by whom it was sent, or to whom the Notes were to be delivered; fortunate for us, that it did not in its slow conveyance, get into the hands of some of our public plunderers,...
70To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Philadelphia ] , 12 Dec. 1780. Case of 1st Lt. Thomas Warner, formerly of the 7th Va. Continental Line, for whom no vacancy is now available in the Virginia Line, though it has been recommended and agreed that “in all Cases where the Places of Prisoners were filled by junior Officers they should retire on the Officers Exchange whose places they filled.” This information is...
71To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 6 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board have recieved a Letter from Col. Rawlins Commissary of Prisoners at Fort Frederick in Maryland informing of the Approach of the first Division of the Convention Troops towards that Post. We have given Directions to Major Foresythe to superintend the Supplies of all these Troops as well those at their former Station as those at Fort Frederic. We propose that one half of the Supplies...
72To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 11 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Philadelphia ], 11 Dec. 1780 . Enclosing a resolution of Congress of 6 Dec. respecting the Convention troops; the Board will be pleased to have TJ take order thereon. RC ( PHi ); 2 p.; signed “by ord. Ben Stoddert Secy.”; addressed: “(Public) His Excellency Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia (War Office)”; endorsed: “Contl. Board War Lr. Recd Feby 81.” For the resolution...
73To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Crockett, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
When ordered as a guard for the Convention troops to this place haveing on hand eight Hundred weight of powder and nine Hundred fathom of rope for which we had no use, I stored it in the Magazine at Alb: Barracks, for which the Quarter master of the Regiment of Guards passed his receipt. The other stores that was laid in for the use of the western Battalion are now here. I am sorry to trouble...
74To Thomas Jefferson from Custine and Laval, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Comte de Custine et le Marquis de Laval réiterent à son excellence monsieur le gouverneur tous leurs remerciemens sur sa bonté de leur avoir envoÿer des lettres pour petersbourg et york. Ils le prient de vouloir bien etre persuadé de toute leur reconnoissance, et d’agreer lassurance de leurs respects. RC ( DLC ). On these two French officers, see La Luzerne to TJ, 18 Dec. 1780 . A letter...
75To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As considerable numbers of militia are daily arriving at this place, very many of whom are not armed, and as I know of no public stores from whence they can be supplied, I beg to know your Excellency’s sentiments with respect to the propriety of discharging such as cannot be equipped, or whether it would be your wish that they should be detained here, till a sufficient number of arms can be...
76To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 3 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I transmit copies of the resolution of Congress and the opinion of the board of war of this state with your Excellency’s order respecting Captain Peyton the sub or state clothier. I think there has not yet been much reason to apprehend so great an over proportion of cloathing would be in his hands, as to induce the Continental Cloathier General to direct a distribution of it to other...
77To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken my quarters in the Senate house, and find in one of the rooms below, a great variety of public papers scattered about and open to every body. This I am told is the case with the papers of the General court at the lower end of the town. As I am not acquainted who are the proper officers, and as I suppose these papers must be of some value, I have taken the liberty to inform your...
78To 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.
79To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The militia from the counties your Excellency mentions have all arrived. Those from Amherst, who came in the last, marched today. All the military stores, I have directed to be issued since my arrival at this place, have been issued by Captain Spiller and Captain Irish. A number were previously delivered by a Waggon master Patten at Manikin town and Judes ferry. He lives at Petersburg. I shall...
80To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Of the hundred pair of shoes expected from Petersburg, there came only 53, and those so bad that a day’s wear will destroy them. If my wish could be had, they should be returned. For my part I will never direct the distribution of any of them to the men, unless it be to taylors and shoemakers, whose sedentary occupations will not admit of much walking. There are a number of men belonging to...
81To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Jan. 1781. There are about 100 Chesterfield militia now at Manchester, consisting of old men and boys. No purpose can be served by continuing them. Since some militia are to be dismissed, “at least such whose turn has been already taken, previous to the present invasion,” and Col. Haskins says he has “sent all the able men to the army without regard to classes,” orders are...
82To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank your Excellency for your information of yesterday . It is improbable Cunningham would be willing to work, and the shortest method in such times of emergency, is to impress the shop and tools for a while. I am surprized your Excellency could conceive I should know where the military stores of this state were dispersed having had no kind of connexion with them, either in point of...
83To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 25 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I found upon my return hither that all the troops, that marched from hence upon the arrival of the enemy, had by order of Baron Steuben come back to this station, from their utter inability to keep the field, from the want of almost every species of cloathing. Many men have not a remnant of cloathing larger than a good napkin to cover their nakedness, and a number of these are dependent upon...
84To 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...
85To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 11 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your Excellency’s favor of yesterday , I would observe that it is necessary the good arms and prepared ammunition should continue here to be issued to the militia, as they arrive. If there should be danger, which I do not conceive there is at present, the arms &c. may be removed in boats, of which I have a number collected. There is a considerable quantity of loose ammunition...
86To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed a considerable number of public papers, brimstone and other articles are lying round the works at Westham, many of them very little damaged. I cannot well spare any body from this side to collect them, but think it my duty to give your Excellency the information. The number of Hanover militia on the other side the river, is so considerable as to take the whole of the good arms. I...
87To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dick, enclosing Statement of His Services in the Arms Manufactory at Fredericksburg, 23 … (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Excellencys favour of the 15th. and shall punctually observe your Directions in case of Appearance of any Danger of the Enemy. It seems to be the Wish of every body, they wou’d at this Time attempt to come this Way, and I verily believe they wou’d never get back again. I never intended to resign the Business of the Factory, as I had such a considerable Share in it’s formation...
88To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dick, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just time to acquaint You That the Gentlemen of this Town and even the Ladys have very spiritedly attended at the Gunnery and assisted to make up already above 20000 Cartridges with Bullets, from which the Spotsa. [Spotsylvania] Militia and [those] of Caroline have been supplied, as also above 100 Good Guns from this Factory; As I propose to do all the good in my power in these...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Dudley Digges, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have, this Moment received Your Letter requiring my Attendance at Richmond. It gives me pain that some days must elapse before I shall be able to attend where my duty and Inclination would certainly induce me to go. I am thus far on my Way to Williamsburgh to collect the scattered remains of my property, which was hastily distributed in such places as were deemed the most secure. When this...
90To Thomas Jefferson from John Pierce Duvall and James Neal, 26 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In Consequence of a Commision to us Directed for a Justing and setling the Claimes to unpatened lands in the district of Monongalia, Youghagania and Ohio, the tenth day this Instant was appointed for proseeding to business, with a full Expectation that Col. Francis Peyton and Capt. George Meriweather would attend, but they have not yet arived, whereby the Business is detered and a great...
91[To Thomas Jefferson from William Eaton, 5 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Place not known, 5 Oct. 1780. In a letter to Gen. Gates, 15 Oct. 1780, TJ says: “As to provisions, our Agent Eaton … informs me in a letter of the 5th. inst. he shall immediately get Supplies of Beef into Motion and shall send some corn by a circuitous Navigation.” Not found.]
92To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, [after 19 December 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Place and date not indicated, but written after 19 Dec. 1780. ] On 19 Dec. Elliott had in his possession 64 common tents; Col. [John] Green may have taken some of these for his detachment, but Elliott is “almost Shore” that Green marched before the 19th. “If so these 64 ware Sent By Direction of Colo. Carrington to Chesterfield C. House to Care of Colo. Davis [William Davies].” RC ( DLC ); 1...
93To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, 18 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Petersburg, 18 Jan. 1781. Last August Elliott purchased, at Gen. Muhlenberg’s request, a quantity of saddles and bridles from Josiah Moffitt which cost £22,945, paying £2,000 from money on hand. The Council has refused payment of the balance for want of a printed certificate. Although instructed not to issue certificates after a date which was prior to the purchase, encloses one, which, if...
94To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, [ca. 31 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place or date, ca. 31 Jan. 1781. ] Can no longer carry on the business under his direction and “must discharge all those imployed” unless he is granted a warrant for £41,525; is “Exceedingly unhappy for the Distress of his Creditors.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; signed: “George Elliott D Q M G”; addressed: “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson in Council”; endorsed: “Geo. Elliottes Letter. Jany 81.”...
95To 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,...
96To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The provision for the army on there March from this place Down the Country is Chiefly My Business, Being directed by the Barron and requested By Mr. Brown to undertake the Business. The troops Are Marching, and Some distance from here. My Athority, Which I receivd from you Before for the other invation Having Expird, and provissions for the men being very Scarce and None at all provided for...
97To Thomas Jefferson from George Elliott, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Petersburg, 14 Feb. 1781. By a letter from TJ of 6 Dec. 1780, Elliott was directed to furnish wagons for the purpose of moving Col. [John] Green’s troops to the south; he received from Capt. Thomas Claiborne a wagon and three horses valued at £12,350 Virginia currency, and gave Claiborne a certificate therefor. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed; endorsed (in part): “charged 15th. feby 81.” TJ’s...
98To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Elliott, 7 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am at this place with Two Hundred and Twenty five Men from Brunswick County and only fifteen Guns with out any other accutryments should Be glad you would please to inform me in what manner We are to Be accuterd as I do not think it prudent to March any lower with out arms shall remain here till Your Exelencys Orders and assistances Comes. As my men were Very Anxious that I should Command...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Eveleigh, 25 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am one of those, who fall under the description of an act of the General Assembly of May last, respecting the Citizens of South Carolina and Georgia, being expell’d from the former State by the Enemy. A few Negros, 14 in number, were remov’d from thence into this Commonwealth, on my account, about 4 months ago; they reach’d it sooner than I did, and by a very different route. They had...
100To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Ewing, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the Honour to Receive your favor till Late the 6th instant; then without Loss of time; throu the favor of Col. Leftwitch; my self and son without charge; summond a full court as by Law Required; to meet the 9th. Tho None Met; but four; three Justices’s and the above field officer being one. The Reasons Not yet Known, except the active Colo. James Calaway then call’d upon with a guard...