1To 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...
2[To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 22 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Rich Neck, 22 Nov. 1780. In a letter to Gen. Robert Lawson, 24 Nov., TJ reports having received a letter of 22 Nov. from Gen. Nelson enclosing intelligence from Newport News Point that the British fleet lately at Portsmouth “appeared to be standing out for the Capes.” Neither Nelson’s letter nor its enclosure has been found.]
3To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just receiv’d the inclos’d Letter from Wmsburg which gives the best account of the Enemy’s force that I have yet obtain’d. Their intentions are higher up the River, either to Petersburg or Richmond, which they will make a bold push for, if not check’d on their landing. If they discover a determination in the Inhabitants to oppose them, they will [m]ove with caution, and perhaps return...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On my Way here this Evening I received Information that the Enemy had landed their whole Force at Westover, and were marching for Richmond. I have ordered the whole Strength of King Wm., King & Queen, and Gloucester, to rendezvous at Bacon’s Ordinary 6 Miles above New Kent Court House, whence I shall march them as will appear best for the Service. The whole Militia of New Kent are now turning...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am pained to the very Soul that we have not been able to prevent the Return of the Enemy, but even the Elements have conspired to favour them. On Saturday Night I intended a Blow at their Rear, when the Gates of Heaven were opened, and such a Flood of Rain poured down as rendered my Plan abortive by almost drowning the Troops, who were in Bush Tents, and by injuring their Arms and Ammunition...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This Day the Enemy’s Ships passed Burwell’s Ferry and have fallen so far down the River that I think they intend nothing further on the North Side of James River at present. They yesterday landed some Troops at Cobham, in Surrey, and it is said that Arnold himself was with them. If this be so, it is probable they intend marching by the Route of Smithfield and Suffolk to Portsmouth. I write to...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, informing you that the Enemy’s Fleet had passed Burwell’s Ferry, it has only fallen down the River as low as Hardy’s Ferry. They land on the South Side wherever they have a Prospect of getting any valuable Plunder. I am concerned to hear of the bad Conduct of the Men commanded by Capt. Hockaday, and shall, as soon as they join me again, make the strictest Enquiry into it. I am,...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In my Letter of Yesterday I informed your Excellency that the Enemy’s Fleet had fallen down to Hardy’s Ferry. This afternoon I have Intelligence that it was on its Way again, and standing for Newport-news. Yesterday about twelve o’Clock, the Enemy were seen from this Shore to land a Number of Men on a Point below the Mouth of Pagan Creek, and soon afterwards a heavy firing commenced, the Issue...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 22 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just favoured with yours of the 20th. Instant inclosing your Proclamation respecting those who have been paroled, which shall be strictly adhered to. We have hitherto made use of Meal for the Soldiers, and shall continue this Practice as long as we can be regularly supplied with it; but it would be proper to have some Flour on hand for fear of a Disappointment in the other Article. I...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 26 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ], 26 Jan. 1781. Eight British vessels have been driven ashore, four of which it is supposed will not be gotten off again. The greatest advantage cannot be taken of their distress because the vessels are on a coast chiefly in British power. MS not located. Text abstracted from an entry in Anderson Galleries, sale catalogue, 19–20 Jan. 1926 (James H. Manning Sale), lot 407; a...