1Election Tally for the Virginia Committee of Safety, [17 August 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( Vi : Third Virginia Convention, Loose Papers); probably in an unidentified hand in part, with the last eight names and numerical totals added by TJ, the dots and check marks being in TJ’s or another hand; undated, but assigned on basis of minutes of the Third Virginia Convention (see below); left margin partly torn away; with inverted and unrelated notation in the hand of John Tazewell,...
2From Thomas Jefferson to William Bradford, 26 April 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
I am constrained by the subscribers to your paper in this neighborhood to trouble you with information of the uncertainty with which they seem likely to come. The first mail came about ten days ago open and loose, and containing not more than one paper for any subscriber, and none for several. The papers which came were of three several dates. The last mail, which would have been the second,...
3Memorandum on Paper Money, [October 1777–January 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
year. sum in circulatn. rate sum raised 1778. 3,125,000 £ 10/ 500,000 1779. 2,625,000 20/ 1,000,000 1780. 1,625,000 15/ 750,000 1781. 875,000 10/ 500,000
4Will of Ann Eppes Harris, [1777] (Jefferson Papers)
I Anne Harris of the parish of Southam and county of make the following testamentary disposition of my estate. First I give to my son Joseph and his heirs four hundred acres of the tract of land whereon I live, meaning that the parcel I some time ago conveied to him by deed shall be reckoned part of the said four hundred acres, and that the residue necessary to make up his complement be laid...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 13 November 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Carrington, who is a defendant in the suit, brought by your Relation Jefferson vs. Reade’s administrators , obtained an order at the last court, that he, as being nonresident, should give security for costs at the next Term. Will you be so good, as to inform him of this, if he is within the circle of your correspondence? Be pleased to add, that dismission is the penalty on non compliance...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 19 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The happiness I have had in becoming acquainted with you, and the many kindnesses I received of you during your short residence at Montichelli, induces me to present you these lines, and my most perfect congratulations on your new Charge as Governor of Virginia, as much Pleasure as it is possible for this event to give you. Such on your account I feel on the occasion, having only to struggle...
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 26 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 26 Sep. 1779 . Encloses act of Congress of this date requesting the states to provide the allied forces in America with the men and provisions needed to drive the common enemy from the country and noting that the preamble will sufficiently explain the reason for this requisition. RC ( M-Ar : Revolutionary War Letters); 1 p.; in Henry Brockholst Livingston’s hand, signed by Jay;...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 28 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Give me leave to congratulate my Country on the choice of your Excellency to preside over its welfare. I always saw with very great pleasure that one of whose integrity, talents, and prudence, I had so high an opinion, stood among the foremost in support of our cause. Your Excellency will see by the Papers I have had the honor of transmitting to Governor Henry what I have advanced, and how I...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 13 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I am persuaded that when I state to you my situation, you will see the justice and necessity of contriving some immediate means of re-imbursing me the Advances I have made for the State. In consequence of these, the funds in my hands which were to support my Ambassy, are almost entirely exhausted, and Dr. Franklin refuses to supply me out of the funds in his disposal. The consequence of this...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Hopkins, 28 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The astonishing Depreciation of the Continental Currency having already produced such great Embarresments in our Public measures as are truly Alarming and occasion’d a meeting of the States of New Hampshire, Massts. Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York in Convention at this place by their Commissioners and Agents, I am directed by them to transmit to you and to each State as far as...
11Board of Trade to Oliver Pollock, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Board of Trade, 6 Nov. 1779 . The governor has this day directed them to acknowledge the receipt of Pollock’s letter to his predecessor, and they are empowered to authorize him, in case the request to the governor of New Orleans for a loan fails, to draw on Penet, D’Acosta Frères for all of the money he advanced on behalf of the states, except the 2,602 pesos and 4 reales drawn by Captain...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Bernardo de Gálvez, 29 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency the last Month expressing hopes that by the return of Colo. Rogers we should receive information on the Subject of a Loan of Money formerly sollicited through the intervention of your Excellency by my Predecessor Governor Henry . Colo. Rogers however was unhappily surprised and killed on his return by the Indians together with about 20 others of...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 1 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Secretary’s Office, 1 Feb. 1780 . Encloses the journals of Congress to complete the state’s set to 1 Jan. 1780, hereafter to be printed in monthly pamphlets regularly sent, and requests a reply to his letter of 20 Nov. 1779, the request therein not being made “by idle curiosity but a desire of promoting public Utility and the cause of America.” RC ( MdAA : Red Books); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand,...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing you a Letter from our worthy friend Mr. Fabroni. A powerful fleet of 18 Sail of the Line and 4000 troops has just left Brest for the W. Indies to restore the superiority of this Country in that quarter. The Enemy’s fleet has been successful on the coast of Spain in taking some Spanish men of war and a number of transports laden with naval stores, but as there is a...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 11th. Instant authorizing the Executive Power of Virginia to examine the Accounts charged against Colo. Bland while in Command at Charlotte-Ville by the Deputy Commissary General of Purchases and Issues and make such allowances in his favour as they deem Just and proper &c from the peculiar Situation of his Command. I...
16From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 20 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This express brings some packets of letters for Generals Specht, Hamilton and Gall, which came by the Patsy, flag of truce just arrived from New York with money and stores for the Convention troops. You will please to send on the express to the two first named gentlemen. The flag is to go as far up James river as she can. When her arrival there shall be notified to you, you will be pleased to...
17From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 23 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It having been concluded that the Council shall discontinue business at this place from the 7th. of the ensuing month, and commence at Richmond on the 24th. I am desired to mention it to you as our desire that your board should make a correspondent adjournment. I must ask the favor of you to order a vessel or vessels to be in readiness on the evening of the 7th. at the landing most convenient...
18Board of War to ——, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Sell or immediately exchange the six horses reported totally unfit for service by Captain Charles Fearer and replace them with suitable mounts. Signed by James Innes and George Lyne. Countersigned by TJ. RC (Mrs. Earl McMillen, Atlanta, Georgia, 1963); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand except for signatures.
19From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley and Certain Other Counties, 19 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heard with much concern of the many Murders committed by the Indians in the Counties of Washington Montgomery, Green Briar and Kentucky, and in the neighborhood of Pittsburg. Hostilities so extensive prove a formidable Combination of that kind of enemy. Propositions have been made for Particular Stations of men as a present Safe guard to the Frontiers, but I own that they do not appear...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomas, 10 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Please to furnish Capt. Markham for the use of the brig Jefferson with twenty three fathom of seven inch rope, six coil of spunyarn, 150 ℔. seine twine, six coil of 2½ inch rope, three coil of 2.I. do. and one coil of 3½ I. do. six hanks of Marline six do. of Housline two coil of Hamberline. RC ( PWacD : Feinstone Collection, on deposit PPAmP ); at foot of text: “Capt Thomas”; with notations...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 12 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Nov. 27. 1779 from Nantes came safely to hand on the 6th. of April last. The Fier Rodrique being not yet sailed, enabled me to answer it. Three copies of your duplicates and instructions were sent by different conveyances since you left us; so that we have great hopes they have come safe to hand: the present however being a very safe conveyance, another set will accompany this...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 13 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of sending you by Major John G. Frazer, the great Seal for the State, which I before informd you I had engraved at Paris. This is the first direct opportunity I have had since it was finished. I have the honor to be &ca FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360, PCC ); in Lee’s hand, unsigned; at head of text: “His Excelly. the Govr. of Virginia.” Great seal : see note to Lee to TJ, 4 Sep. 1779 .
23From Thomas Jefferson to Arnold Henry Dohrman, 24 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The many Kindnesses which you have shown to our captive countrymen, whom the fortune of war has carried within the reach of your inquiries, do great honour to your humanity, and must forever interest us in your welfare. I beg leave on behalf of my countrymen to assure you, that these attentions are felt with sensibility, and that any occasion which shall offer of rendering you service will be...
24To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of Admiralty, 19 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed that arms and other warlike stores are preparing to be sent via the Head of Elk and Cheseapeake Bay into the State of North Carolina for its immediate defence, the board beg leave to solicit your Excellencys complyance with the enclosed requisition. The Vessels expences while upon this Service, is to be defrayed by the United states. For the Accomplishment of this Service,...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 28 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Having just received from Carolina an authentic state of things as they exist there at present, I have thought it worthy of being communicated to Congress by putting into motion our line of express riders . The sum of it is that Clinton has sailed with about 5000 men from Charlestown; but whither, is not known: that that place is garrisoned by 800 men: that they have 2500 men at Cambden; their...
26From Thomas Jefferson to George Gibson, 7 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By a Letter from the Board of war on the subject of the first and second state regiments, they inform me that Congress will agree to take them on their expence if the officers shall be apportioned to the men, but decline the receiving them surcharged with Officers. The state of affairs to the south ward is such as requires great exertions from this country and renders it necessary that we...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Bernardo de Gálvez, [18 July 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Tube el honor de recibir la muy apreciable de V. S. su fecha en Williamsbourg 8 de Noviembre de 1779. Me ha servido de una particular satisfaccion saber por ella habia V. S. sucedido en ese Gobierno por designacion de su antecesor Mr. Henry. No me lisonjean menos las fundadas esperanzas que concibe V. S. de ver quanto antes dichosamente terminadas las actuales desavenencias con la Inglaterra...
28William Armistead to Samuel Smith, 3 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 Aug. 1780 . Having already been serviceable to Virginia in obtaining supplies for the army and navy, Smith is requested to state the availability of certain articles in or near Baltimore and the terms on which they can be bartered for tobacco delivered either at Baltimore or the James River, to the end that these items can be procured on the most advantageous terms; with subjoined...
29List of Virginia Recruiting Officers, with Jefferson’s Note, [after 28 August 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ After 28 Aug. 1780 ]. Lists one captain, six lieutenants, and one major who had been entrusted by Paymaster William Russell with £6,369.17.6 between 16 Mch. and 28 Aug. 1780 “for the purpose of Recruiting Soldiers for Col. Gibsons Regiment” and who had not yet accounted for the money. Note at foot of text by TJ: “The above is proper for the Auditors alone. Th: Jefferson.” MS ( Vi : Executive...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 Aug. 1780 . Encloses acts of Congress of 12 and 24 Aug. 1780 for the provision of the officers and soldiers of the Continental Army, with recommendations to the states, and for the extension of the half pay approved for officers to their widows and orphans. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360, PCC ); 1 p.; at head of text: “Circular.” Enclosures: Resolutions of Congress, 14 and 24 Aug....
31Appointment of a Commissioner of the Provision Law, [9] September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
You are hereby appointed a Commissioner under the act For procuring a supply of provisions and other necessaries for the use of the army , but restrained specially to the procuring the articles enumerated in the said act, and live cattle, horses, waggons and their geer, for the subsistence and transporting the baggage of the militia marching from your county to Carolina. You are in the first...
32Certificate from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 5 Sep. 1780 . Certifies that Congress has received authenticated copies of state legislative acts complying with its 18 Mch. 1780 resolutions on public finance from Maryland (12 June), New Jersey (9 June), New York (15 June), Massachusetts (5 May), and New Hampshire (29 Apr.), as well as a conditional act from Pennsylvania (1 June). MS ( Vi ); 2 p.; in James Madison’s hand,...
33From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Pot-clay, a Cherokee chief having lately died, his friend delivered to Majr. Martin a silver badge which he said had been given by the Governor of Virginia and therefore desired should be returned to him. It’s size, figure, and inscription is as below. To give you a better idea of it I inclose a reversed impression of it on paper. To shew you how little I think you have a right to refuse...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Timothy Pickering, 21 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your favour by Colo. Mead we offered the office of Deputy quarter master General for the Continent in this state to a Mr. George Divers, a person qualified in every point for exercising it as we wou’d wish it to be. A peculiarity in the present situation of his private affairs has however prevented his acceptance of it. I have this day written to major Foresythe to know if he...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 23 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The last intelligence from the enemy having indicated that they were on the point of departure , and it being probable that not only the force from hence but a new embarkation is destined Southwardly Genl. Greene has recommended strongly the hastening on succours to the South. For this purpose Baron Steuben is left here. He entertains hopes of receiving more immediate support from your corps...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Theodorick Bland, 17 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Yr. Excellency will I hope excuse the liberty I take to Introduce to you the Marquis de La Valle and the Count de Guistine two Noblemen of distinction the latter a Brigadier in the Army of France and the former a Colonel—of the House of Montmorenci—they have been introduced to me by the Minister of France and the Marquis de la Fayette. I doubt not but that the Civilities they will meet with...
37From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made the necessary enquiry as to the place where any armed vessels, which the minister of France shoud think proper to have wintered in our bay, might cover its trade, be safest, and have the most secure retreat. Hampton road and york town are the only ports from which a view of the entrance into the bay is commanded. No vessel can pass up it without being seen from either of these...
38George Muter to the Auditors, 3 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, 3 Jan. 1780 [ 1781 ]. Issue a warrant for £450 to John Liggon for two months house rent for Nathaniel Nattall and ten men for the state from 4 Nov. to 4 Jan. Signed by Muter. Countersigned by TJ. RC ( Vi : Executive Department, Auditors’ Office, Vouchers); 1 p.; at foot of text: “The Auditors”; endorsed: “Jno. Liggon £450 30 Jan: 1781 Army” and “Exd.”
39From Thomas Jefferson to John Woodson, 4 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy having last night passed far up James River and seeming to point immediately to this place or [Peters]burg I must desire you without a moments delay to send every Man of your County able to bear Arms to rendezvous at Westham. Let them come in small detachments as they can be collected and not wait to be formed into companies. I am Sir Yr mo hb Servt. RC (Edna Byers, Decatur, Georgia,...
40To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 11 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday at this place. Two Hundred of Spotsylvania Militia will be here by the Afternoon, they are well arm’d and equipt, I had also embodied about 150 of the Stafford Militia besides a Body of Volunteers which are now on their march, those are also very well found. I had call’d on the Counties of Loudoun Fauquier Prince William, Fairfax Orange,...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 13 January [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received the inclosed from Col. Parker, and am very unhappy that till this moment I did not know of there being any Public stores at South Quay. I am now informd there is not only a Quantity of Powder, but a Number of Cannon at that place. I have given Col. Parker the Command of the Troops, in the front, with orders, if possible to remove the Powder and Cannon out of the Enemy’s...
42To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 23 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners Appointed in the different Counties by the provision Act conceive by a Clause in the latter part of the law that their powers are at an End. I have however prevailed on them to Act till further Instructions from your Excellency can be obtained, and would thank you to forward them to me as early as possible. It may be Necessary for this department to Appoint Commissioners to...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
With this the Letter I wrote you of the 8th. Inst. before I crossed the Dan River will be handed you. The Militia we Trust got to this place, their Arms and Accoutrements, I shall Store here as it is not possible to get them to take them any farther. They will be lodged in a Good Store House and under the imediate care of Capt. Brewer a Militia Officer of this County. I shall write to the...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 14 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favoured with your’s of the 10th. Inst. by Mr. Prentis. I have never been informed that any Horses were left by the Enemy, except those at Westover, which were taken by Captain Selden’s and Captain Hockaday’s Men. Those in the Possession of Captain Hockaday’s Men I ordered to be carried to Richmond for the Proprietors to claim. Farther Enquiry shall be made, and if there be any such as...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Commissary Benjamin Harrison, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to inform your Excellency that I am a person imployed by Majr. Wm. Harrison who hath receiv’d your Instructions of the 20th Decr. for the purchase of Beef Flour and Building Boats &ca. The Scarcity of Beef on the Western side of the Allegania Mountain has Obliged me into this and the Neighbouring Counties to procure that article and find by the Strictest examination that not one...
46To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new to communicate but what is contained in the inclosed paper except that a considerable Reinforcement from the Continental Army under the Command of the Marqs. la Fayette is on its march to join the Southern Army. This Force added to that now under Genl. Greene will we expect enable him to oppose Ld. Cornwallis or subdue the Traiter Arnold, to whichever object circumstances...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 28 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters which Your Excellency was so Polite as to send, I have received, and shall have the Pleasure of waiting on Your Excellcy. to morrow in order to confer on matters of importance. I am with Respect & Esteem Sir Your Excellencies Most Obedient Hbl Servant RC ( IHi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Steuben; partially dated; addressed: “His Excellency Gover Jefferson Richmond”; endorsed in...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 4 March [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Un Considerable nombre des hommes delivres des Comtees comme recrues, et entierement unfit for any service , ont été deja dechargé par Collonel Davis, qui cependant a gardes Leurs noms et les comtees qui les ont délivré. Ceux que le Capt. Gambel aurat L’honneur de presenter a Votre Exellence seront une preuve convaincanté de la déception dont des Malintentionné abusent le publique. Capt:...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The detachment under My orders is to embark this Morning, and if the Bay is Clear of Privateers will proceed as far as Annapolis where I expect to Hear from our Allies. My former letters Having exposed our Wants to Your Excellency, I Shall Content Myself with adding that a Number of large vessels, and a quantity of provisions will be very necessary for transporting and Subsisting the troops in...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 22 March [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Pour donner a Votre Exellence le detail le plus exact de La situation de nos Affaires, je Vous envoie le Collo. Senf qui en est parfaitement instruit. J’amais Scene n’a changé si subittement que la Notre Avant hier. A six heure du soir nous etions parfaitement persuadé de L’Arrivé de la flotte de nos Allies et a huit heures nous fument Instruit que cetais L’Ennemi. Cette circonstence m’obligea...