1To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, [before 24 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Without place or date [ before 24 Feb. 1781 ]. Cannot send more than 100 men into the field with arms; but if arms could be had, “I suppose half our Militia would cheerfully turn out.” At Petersburg are 400 good Continental arms. Desires instructions. Tr ( NHi ). At head of text: “Copy of a Letter to the Governor from Colo. Banister.” This is the copy enclosed in TJ’s letter to Steuben of 24 Feb .
2To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Carrington, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Major Claiborne has inclosed me a Copy of your Excellencies Letter on the Subject of the Estimate I left with him to be complied with in Virginia. I find the Executive have estimated the Amount of the Sum which will be requisite to comply with my Claims, and that the Greatness of it fixes the Impossibility even of an Attempt. It is true, in forming the Estimates , I did not consult the...
3To Thomas Jefferson from David Geddes, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Frederick Town [ Md. ], 24 Feb. 1781 . Has this moment received TJ’s letter of 3 Feb. “and have to inform you that Paper Money at any rate will not answer here at present.” The Assembly having called in all Continental money, little of any kind is to be had, and people will accept nothing but specie or bills. If an opportunity later occurs of “facilitating the business in the manner you...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Hamilton, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of receiving Your Excellencies Letter of the 3d Instant, with an extract from Major Genl. Phillips’s Letter, which by adhering to, in Your ordering any Sum from one to five thousand Pounds in Specie to be paid Mr. Geddes here for the use of the Troops of Convention, I shall immediately Write to New York, that Your Prisoners may receive an equivalent Sum there, payable to those...
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Return you require was sent from this post to the adjutant General, above nine Days since. But that I suppose having miscarried from the villainy of the Express riders (every one of whom, that I am acquainted with ought to suffer Death) I herewith transmit a second Account of the two Regiments stationed at and below this place. I can with truth assure your Excellency that I never within...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Littleberry Mosby, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to the Instructions given by you I sent all the Men that cou’d be furnished with Armes, which Amounted to one Hundred and Six Rank and file, under the Command of Captains Hughes and Williamson. Majr. Thomas Harris being Sick stay’d at Home; tho I think the Captains will prove Sufficient for the Command they will have as they are two Gentlemen I have a great Opinion off. Our Militia...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out tomorrow with the Detachment from hence for Dinwiddie Court Ho. from whence my movements will be wholly directed by those of the Enemy. The necessary instructions are given to General Muhlenbg who will keep the Command at Suffolk. Colo. Innes with the Troops under his Command is orderd to pass the River and take post at Cabbin point till further orders. Genl. Weedon is orderd to...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the Honor of Writing you the 20th. Instant I have been informed that there is a Number of Prisoners of War at Winchester, that Provisions are Scarce and hard to be Procured in that Neighbourhood, and that the whole Houses are taken up. If this shou’d be the Case, it will be Necessary for me to Send a part of the Germans to Stovers Town or Shepherds Town, Neither of which will be...
9To 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.
10To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Gaskins, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You’l Receive this by Mr. John Gordon who promises to take down with him the proceedings of our Court martial in September Last in regard to the Rioters then in our County. It appears we have been much blaimed by some for our proceedings, but I hope upon the matter being fully inq[uired into] they’l find we have done well. The reason we took the rioters in for 18 months was to incourage them...
11To Thomas Jefferson from John Mazaret, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Prince Edward Court House, 23 Feb. 1781. Distress of troops serving under Mazaret; three officers and twenty men have not received a farthing of money or an article of clothing since last March “—they are all as naked as when they were born.” Sends Capt. Lt. Rice to TJ “in hopes of some relief.” After a six-week retreat Mazaret arrived at Prince Edward on the 20th with “5 pieces of Artillery,...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to remind your excellency of the situation of John Dean, a supposed fugitive from the lead mines, in defiance of the condition of his pardon. It is probable, that the actual abandonment of the place of labour will not be fixed upon him: ‘tho’ nothing can be more satisfactory, than that he had made preparations for flight. I say this upon the information of Colo. Lynch. Now I refer...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Till it is decided whether Cornwallis will cross the Roanoke or not we ought at all events to be prepared for the worst for which purpose we may have occasion for the troops under the command of Colo. Innes to cross the James River and I shall send orders for him to hold him self in readiness to move at a moments notice. But previous to such a movement (if it should take place) it will be...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Garret Van Meter, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys letters of the 24th. December and 19th. January, both of which came to my hand the 13th. Instant. As Colo. Enoch Innis, who has your Excellency’s Commission as County Lieutenant, has never qualified himself to act under his Commission, the command has consequently devolved on me; I have also received the Act of Assembly for recruiting this...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Mr. Elliott at Petersburg, I am informed that there is in the possession of Mr. McNeal, Assistant to Mr. Ross at that place, a considerable quantity of Duck proper for Tents. The difficulty of procuring this article, for want of Money, obliges me to beg of your Excellency that a part of it may be delivered to Mr. Elliott, as he can have it made up immediately. There are Twenty...
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The present distressed Situation of the militia, under my Command induces me, to address your Excellency on their behalf. The most of them are totally destitute of the necessary cloathing to protect them from the Inclemency of the weather. They are lousy dirty and ragged, and from those Circumstances becoming every day more sickly. In addition to this such a spirit of disquietude prevails...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Am the More flatterd By the Command Which His Excellency General Washington Has Been Pleased to Intrust to Me , As Independant of the General Good that May Be Hoped from this Expedition, It seems to Promise An Opportunity to Gratify the High Sense I Have of My Personal obligations to the State of Virginia. I Shall from time to time Inform Your Excellency of the Movements of the Continental...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
As the Detachment of Continental Troops will march from Chesterfield on the 25th Inst. I wish to Join to them the Militia of this County and Dinwiddie. For this purpose they must be assembled at Dinwiddie Court house, and there wait my Orders. If you have no Objection to this Plan, an Express must immediately be dispatch[ed] to inform them, as part of the Chesterfd. Militia are on their march...
20To Thomas Jefferson from George Waller, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This evening, I recievd yours of The 15th. Instant, wherein you Call for The Assistance of our Militia, to the Aid of Gen. Greene, against Lord Cornwallis. I have the satisfaction to Inform You, that our Militia, has before this time Joind General Greene [at] headquarters. The approach of the enemy Towards this state Appeared to Alarming To await your commands, which I am In hopes will be...
21To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to communicate, to your Excellency, a circumstance which I hope will be followed by the most Salutory consequences to the State of Virginia in particular, and which may ultimately have the happiest effect upon the interests of America in general. The Chevalier des Touche, commanding His most Christian Majestys Squadron in the harbour of Newport, finding himself enabled,...
22To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 19–20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 19 Feb. 1781 . “Capt. Browne [Windsor Brown] attends to know the detirmination of your Excellency and the Hon. Council respecting his acting as Commissary of military stores.” All that remains to do is to fix his “allowance,” and since he is soon to be reduced to half pay as an officer, that allowance should be “the more liberal.” In Council Feb. 20. 1781. The board...
23To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am happy in having anticipated your order respecting the Arms , having before directed the Captains to collect every effective Fire lock in the County to a proper Place on the Road leading to Taylor’s Ferry, but I fear when the best endeavours are used few will be the Number, as this collection has repeatedly been made to arm the continental Soldiers sent from hence, and I cannot help...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Vivian Brooking, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Amelia, 20 Feb. 1781 . Received TJ’s letter of 18 Feb. this evening and will endeavor to execute the orders therein, but there will be difficulty because “the Militia has been embodied on this Alarm, and disbanded last Night, as we had not received any Orders from you or Requisition from the Commanding Officers of the Neighbouring Counties.” Brooking also received a letter this day from an...
25To 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.;...
26To 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,...
27[To Thomas Jefferson from Commissary Benjamin Harrison, 20 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ South Branch of Potomac, 20 Feb. 1781 . Summary in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State Papers … Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond , i , 529: Is employed by Maj. William Harrison, under instructions from the executive, in purchasing provisions and building boats. The scarcity of beef on the western side of the “Allegania Mountain” has obliged him to come to this country to procure the...
28To Thomas Jefferson from James Hunter, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In reply to your excellency’s inquiry how far the orders that have been given for camp kettles, to be made at my works, are complied with, and in what manner those made have been disposed of, I beg leave to inform you, that the order given last summer for 1000, to be furnished for the particular use of the state, is now fully compleated and the greater part of them, including in the number the...
29To 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...
30To 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...
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To 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....
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To 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....
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Lawson, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday was inform’d on my way home, that General Green had retreated to Dan River, being inferior to Cornwallis in his number of Men, who was pushing after him with great avidity, and that Gl. Green had call’d upon the most convenient Counties to turn out the Militia to his Aid. Among one of the Counties that are call’d upon is this. The Militia have met to day at the Court House (where I...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Southall, enclosing Order, [16? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Without place or date [ 16? Feb. 1781 ]. Has settled with several persons whose wagons were employed in Continental service “at the Price then allowed by the Continent which did not exceed twenty pounds, and on the Presumption of the Enclosed Order from you I did in some measure promise them the same pay as was allowed by this state.” Having given certificates to these people for the...