To Thomas Jefferson from Reuben Lindsay, 25 April 1781
From Reuben Lindsay
Albemarle 25th. April 1781
Sir
Your favor of the 16th. Instant came to hand covering the Inclosed Commission and one for Major Charles L. Lewis, the receipt of which I most thankfully Acknowledge—but being consious of my inability to execute an Office of that importance at Present, must beg leave to return the Commission. That fill’d up for Major Lewis I have delivered him, which he told me he would Qualify too the first Opportunity.
I am persuaded the Executive was not fully inform’d respecting the recommendation of Officers at our Last Court—particularly respecting myself—for I believe the Court would have recommended me to the Commission of County Lieutenant, had I not told them I would not serve, and beg’d they would think of some one else, and did myself propose Capt. John Marks, who was recommended by a great Majority of the Members then Present.
I shall continue to act under my former Commission until Other Officers are Appointed and do Qualify, which I wish should happen as soon as possible.
I am Sir, with much respect Your Very Hble Servt.,
Rn. Lindsay
RC (Vi); addressed and endorsed. Enclosure missing.
Your favor of the 16th. instant: This letter, which has not been found, enclosed the commissions ordered by the Council on 16 Apr. 1781 in pursuance of TJ’s letter to David Jameson of that date, q.v. On 25 Apr. 1781 Lindsay also wrote William Davies about public arms, some of which he had sent to Point of Fork to be repaired, and concluded: “The resignation of Colo. Coles a few days ago, who held the Commission of County Lieut. and the imperfect returns made by the different Capts. of their Companys, makes it impossible for me at this time to send you a proper State of the Militia of the County, but be assured I will do so as soon as its in my power” (Vi).