51From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 18 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 11th. and 14th. inst. are now before me. I inclose you four blank powers to be directed to any person or persons you shall think proper for Green briar or any other county. I am informed beef may be had in Frederic and Hampshire. I am only to desire that when you fill up any of these powers you immediately communicate to me the name of the county and persons inserted...
52[To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 19 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 19 Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi) under this date: “Letter written to the Governor inclosing one from Capt. Markham.” Letter and enclosure not located, but see entry for Orders to Markham, 20 Oct. 1780 , below. James Markham was captain of the state brig Jefferson (minute in same, 11 Nov. 1780).]
53To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 19 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, an order to the Commissary of stores to deliver Dr. Foushee Linnen and rags; and an order to Dr. Foushee to put up a small box of medicine for Hampton. I cannot recollect ever having received from Dr. McClurg such a list as he Speaks of, nor is there any Such letter or list to be found among my papers. The board of War the 21st of March last...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured with your letter relative to a deputy quarter master for the State of Virginia, and from the information it contained expected Colo. Finnies arrival in Philadelphia before I left it; but I have not seen or heard from him, And as I was so soon going to the Army I suspended my answer till I should have an opportunity of enquiring of the Gentlemen from your State if they could...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 20 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 18th. which was sent from hence By Express, on the Evening of that Day, and would proceed to Taylor’s Ferry, as Mr. Cooper the Stationed Express at Harrisbourg, was, at the Same Time on his Way to this place; the Latter arrived here Yesterday about One oClock A.M. and brought me Your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th. Inst. This Letter, came in Time, which was not the...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 20 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 20 Oct. 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a proclamation recommending that Thursday, 7 Dec. next, be observed as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); 1 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 950–1, under date of 18 Oct. This...
57[Orders to James Markham, 20 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 20 Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi) under this date: “Orders given to Capt. Markham to proceed to Hampton and wait on the Commodore for Directions, countersigned by His Excellency The Governor.” Not located.]
58To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, [20 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
In letter 20, dated Paris, June 22d., I said that I should set out for Genoa and Florence, and do all my endeavors to pave the way for executing such orders as I might receive. So I have done, and with as much success in both places, as I could almost wish, considering that I have nothing to show to corroborate what I say in regard to my Commissions. I have greatly lessen’d here and there the...
59To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 20 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inscription on my Friend Potclays Badge would be a most delightful Morsel for a Member of the Antiquarian Society, or a Member of the Society [of] Inscriptions and Belles Lettres; and had it not been too soon submitted to the Examination of the Connoiseurs of our Society might have been thereafter deposited in our Museum, and numbered amongst the most Precious of our Curiosities. For I...
60From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley, 21 October 1780 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
As various circumstances have delayed the march of Colo. Crocketts battalion so much longer than had been hoped, we think it proper to countermand the march of the militia from your County westward at this late Season of the year. it is probable that the ensuing Season must be opened by considerable aids of men to the westward.— I am with great respect Sir. Your most obedt Servant RC (Profiles...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Hillsborough, 21 Oct. 1780. The bearer, Mr. Thompson, has a bill from Col. Polk on TJ for £100,000 in lieu of the bill Mr. Ochiltree had with him when he stayed in Charlotte with the enemy. Ochiltree’s bill will be canceled. Thompson is anxious for payment. Dft ( NHi ); 1 p. Tr ( DLC ) of Dft .
62To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys several Letters of the 8. and 10. Instant with those covering the Dispatches from General Gates have been duly received. The Expedient you have adopted to invite some of the Chief Indian Warriors to visit Congress and Genl. Washington appears to me good Policy. Your Despatches on that Subject which are just received, will be laid before Congress this Day, and their Sentiments...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was this morning informed that the Enemy had landed. A party of light Horse who was at Kemps landing about break of day on their way to the Great Bridge, which I fear they have taken possession of by this time, there being no Militia collected. I had ordered Capt. Bradley with two four Pounders to that post; but it will not be in his power to defend it with the few Men he had. The Enemy will...
64To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, [21? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Ere this reaches you, you will doutless have heard of the arrival of an inimical fleet in our Bay. Being vested with no public authority, I do not presume to address you officially. Yet as a friend, an appellation I shall allways wish to merit, I will venture to offer you my Sentiments on the present Critical Conjuncture. From a close attention to the Dispositions of the people in the Lower...
65From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters which accompany this will inform you of the Arrival of a large fleet of the Enemy within our Capes, and that they have begun their Debarkation. We are taking Measures to collect a Body to oppose them; for which purpose it seems necessary to retain such Regulars Volunteers and Militia as have not yet gone on to you. We have left the Counties of Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Halifax, and...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letters which came to hand this morning will inform your Excellency that a Fleet of the Enemy has arrived in our Bay; and that a Debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that as their first Scene of Action. We are endeavouring to collect a Body to oppose them as numerous as the Arms we have will admit. We are obliged of Consequence to...
67From Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Certain information being received that a considerable Fleet of the Enemy has arrived within our Capes, and have begun their debarkation, I have thought proper with advice of the Council of State to require one fourth of the Militia of your County to repair immediately to Richmond armed and accoutred in the best manner possible. Let every Man bring his own Blanket. It is not necessary that any...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Stevens, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We this Morning received certain Information of the Arrival of a Considerable Fleet of the Enemy in our Bay, and that they had begun their Debarcation. We have taken measures for Assembling a Force to oppose them, and must take the liberty of desiring you to return imediately and assist in the Command of them. I am with great respect Sir Your Most Obt Servt., Tr ( DLC ); endorsed: “Copy of a...
69From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this morning received certain information of the Arrival of a hostile fleet of about Sixty Sail in our bay. The debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that, as the first scene of their action. We are endeavouring to collect as large a body to oppose them as we can arm: this will be lamentably inadequate if the Enemy be in any force; it is...
70To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Major General Greene, who goes to take command of the southern Army, will have the honor of presenting this to your Excellency. I have advised him to take the several States in his way which are immediately concerned in furnishing Men and supplies for the department committed to his direction, that he may gain a more accurate knowledge of the forwardness they are in, a tolerable Idea of what...
71From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We this morning received certain Information of the Arrival of a considerable Fleet of the Enemy in our Bay and that they had begun their Debarkation. We have taken Measures for assembling a force to oppose them and are to beg the favor of you to come immediately on to aid in the command of them. Generals Muhlenburg, Nelson, and Stevens are also called on to lend their Assistance. I have the...
72Steps to Be Taken to Repel General Leslie’s Army, [22? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Call on Lawson’s troops of horse. Call 10,000 troops. viz. Chestfd. C.H. 1000. Lawson. 500. ⅓ militia Prss. Ann 594. Norf. 800. Nansemd. 644. Eliz. City 182. Warwick 100. York 244. James City 222. Gloster 805. Middlesex 210. K & Queen. K. William. N. Kent. Chas. city. Surry. Southampton. Sussex. Dinwiddie. Pr. Geo. Chestfd. Henrico. Hanover The counties nearer or as near to Portsmouth than...
73From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 23 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that you were not about to leave this place, and that the preparations for your corps were still going on, I have referred till some other very necessary orders were issued the communicating to you the desire of the Executive to divert the engagements of the volunteers raising under your auspices to the new object presented by the invasion of our own country. The troops of cavalry we...
74[From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 23? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 23? Oct. 1780. Minute in the Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi) under date of 23 Oct.: “Waited on the Governor and Council in Consequence of a Letter received from his Excellency, and then proceeded to the Shipyard in order to have the state Vessels lying there brought up the River should Occasion require it.” TJ’s letter not located, but see an entry in his memorandum on...
75From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 23 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Certain information being received of the arrival of an enemy’s fleet in the bay, it is thought expedient to decline for a time at least the sending Colo. Crocketts battalion to the Westward, as it is possible their services may be wanting elsewhere. Be pleas’d therefore to forward the inclosed to Mr. Madison requiring him to bring the beaves he had collected for that battalion to the...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 24 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On my getting to this place I fell in with the Bearer Majr. Lee on his way from Hillsborough to Richmond. He informs me the Troops at Hills Borough has been much distressed for Provisions and no prospect of its being much better for some time to come. He tells me no Cattle has yet gone to the Southern Army from the lower parts. From this Information I shall order all the Militia that would...
77To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It will appear to you very strange that I should Communicate You Pollitical news from this place, where I expected to hear of none but of the Rural sort. Yet I have one which, though it may at first seem rather extraordinary, is not altogether quite improbable. Yesterday, after I had finished my letter to Mrs. Jefferson , I went to dine with Dr. Gilmer. In the evening Just as I left the town,...
78From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of handing on the dispatches from General Gates accompanying this. Since my last informing you of the appearance of an enemy’s fleet they have landed 800 men in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth and some more on the bay side of Princess Anne County. On the 23d. in the morning they landed 1000 infantry and 100 cavalry at New Port’s news who immediately took possession of...
79From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you Letters from Genl. Hamilton for New York. On some representations received by Colo. Towles that an indulgence to Governor Hamilton and his Companions to go to New York on parole would produce the happiest effect on the situation of our Officers in Long Island we have given him, Majr. Hay and some of the same party at Winchester leave to go there on...
80From Thomas Jefferson to William Frazer, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You are at liberty to make use of the cannon and other public Stores for defence of the branches of York River. Any powder which may be necessary and can be procured from private hands, shall be paid for by the publick on your certificates. Commissaries, Commissioners of the provision Law and others having public provisions in their hands shall be justified in delivering a sufficient quantity...
81From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr Jefferson Octr 26. 1780 Read Novr 2 Referred to the board of War to take order.” For variations from the text of the letter to Lee, see note there.
82To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 26 Oct. 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 21 Oct. “which makes some Alteration in the late Arrangement of the Army … requested by the Resolution of the 8. Instant‥‥ The whole of the Troops are to be enlisted during the War, and join their respective Corps by the first Day of January next.” This resolution “was adopted in Consequence...
83To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 26 October 178[0] (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed the Copy of an Act of Congress of the 24. Instant, directing that the Commissary General make accurate Returns to Congress of the Supplies furnished by each State since the last Day of December last, and that the State Agents transmit to the Commander in Chief and Commissary General respectively monthly Returns of all the Provisions which shall be...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive of this State, think it expedient and necessary that under our present circumstances the prisoners of war under the Convention of Saratoga, be removed from their present situation. Many circumstances have led to this necessity. It will be utterly impracticable as long as they remain with us to prevent the hostile army now in this State from being reinforced by numerous desertions...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Josiah Parker, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The invasion of our country, lately taken place has rendered it necessary to call into the field a large body of militia to oppose them. The Executive are very anxious as far as it can be done, to substitute in place of the militia officers, others who to equal zeal join experience in military duties. Should your present situation admit you to take over them the same command you held in the...
86From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed. Tr in DLC : TJ Papers. For variations in the text from the letter to Lee, see note there.
87From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy invading us appearing now to be in force the Executive have determined that the Convention Troops be removed without delay. You will therefore take immediate measures for their removal to fort Frederick as directed by the Board of War. Previous to the publication of this measure another is expedient: The Regiment of Guards you know is enlisted to serve only till the departure of...
88Warrant for Impressing Supplies for the Convention Army on Its March to Maryland, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the present invasion of this state by a powerful enemy has rendered it necessary for the safety thereof that the prisoners of war under the convention of Saratoga, be instantly removed, for which purpose great numbers of waggons and quantities of provisions and forage will be wanting. These are therefore to authorize and empower you to impress so many waggons, teams and drivers and so...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 27 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival here last Night I found your Letter of the 22 Instant giving me Information of the Arrival of a British Fleet in the Cheasepeak Bay, and desiring my Return immediately. General Gates seems to wish I would remain here a day or two to make some regulation among the Militia that has already got in by which time he expects to hear farther from you, and be certainly informed whether...
90From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to solicit the sending on to us immediately a good supply of Cartridge Paper and Cartouch Boxes. Nearly the whole of the former Article which we had bought at Alexandria, Baltimore &c. and what the Board of War sent from Philadelphia has been made up and forwarded to the Southern Army; there remains now but a few Ream to make up. I fear we have lost 2000 cartouch...
91From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 28 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letters of the 14th, 20th, and 21st are come to hand, and your dispatches to Congress have been regularly forwarded. I shall attend to the caveat against Mr. Ochiltree’s bill. Your Letter to Colo. Senf remains still in my hand as it did not come till the enemy had taken possession of the ground on which I know him to have been, and I have since no certain information where a Letter might...
92From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 28 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you my last intelligence from the north side of the river: also an advice of Council for regimenting the militia. Some difficulty will arise under the 3d head between the militia and the regular Captains and subalterns. I must leave it to yourself to get over it by permitting those of the militia officers who shall be willing to return home, or by double officering, that is putting a...
93From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 28 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
My letter by Cap. Read which could not be come to hand when yours of the 26th came away will have answered beforehand the several matters stated in that except as to the division of the Convention troops into three parts. This I apprehend is contrary to the Convention, and I should expect would render their government and safe custody more difficult. My last intelligence is that the troops who...
94To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 30 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We received your Favor of the 26th. Instant and can assure your Excellency our Inclination to relieve your State from its present embarrassing Difficulties and to prevent the Attention of the Militia being diverted from a vigorous Opposition to the invading Enemy will prompt us to render, most chearfully, every necessary Aid in accommodating the Convention Troops, when removed to Fort...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Morgan, [30 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy are retreating toward Charles Town, they are at present in the Neighbourhood of the Congarees, and General Smallwood and myself at some distance in their rear, but our forces too small to attempt any thing offensive; the Enemy’s intentions seem to be destroy the provision in the Country, which I am afraid will render the operations of an extensive Army extremely difficult, if not...
96Warrant to Thomas Russell to Impress Boats, 30 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas the present invasion of this state by a Powerful enemy renders it necessary to collect Boats and other vessels sufficient for occasional transportation of troops across the rivers and water courses. These are therefore to authorize and empower you to impress so many boats and other vessels with crews and appendages as by any commanding officer acting with a distinct corps shall be...
97To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 30 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since your last giving an Account of a British Fleet in the Cheasepeak Bay, reports here has been Various with respect to them. Genl. Gates and the Troops here are waiting with the greatest impatience to hear something certain about them, and expect hourly to receive information from you. Till then, he desires my stay at this Place, tho’ this I informed you of a day or two agoe. The General...
98Advice of Council Embodying the Militia of Three Western Counties, 30 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The board having reason to believe that a number of spirited citizens in the Counties of Botetourt, Montgomery and Washington are willing to proceed on Service to the Southward, and being of Opinion that large succours thrown in to General Gates may enable him to recover possession of the Country lately assumed by the enemy and put a speedy termination to the evils of conquest under which our...
99To Thomas Jefferson from William Campbell, 31 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I came to this place last night to receive General Gates’ directions how to dispose of the prisoners taken at King’s Mountain, in the State of South Carolina, upon the seventh instant. He has ordered them to be taken over to Montgomery county, where they are to be secured under proper guards. General Gates transmits to your Excellency a state of the proceedings of our little party to the...
100To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 31 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 30 Instant, herewith enclosed, your Excellency will observe that Majr. Genl. Greene is appointed to take the Command in the southern Department; and you will also receive the necessary Information of the Powers and Instructions given to him by Congress, and that it is earnestly recommended to the Legislatures and Executives from the Delaware State to Georgia...