48401From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the preceding letter to Samuel Huntington, q.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War”; the letter sent to Lee is printed in Md. Archives , xlvii , 17–19. A copy was enclosed in TJ’s letter to Benjamin Harrison, 29 Jan. 1781 , q.v.
48402From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I suppose by this time you may have more Men than Arms, and there are no more Arms fit for use remaining in the public Stock, œconomy will require that the surplus Militia be discharged. This measure is the more necessary, as the law for raising new levies remains unexecuted while the Militia are from their Counties. I shall therefore take the liberty of pointing out to you, as I have done...
48403From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never heard a tittle of the Enemy since your information that they were at Sandy Point the day after they left Westover; nor is any thing known at this place as to their subsequent Movements. As this want of intelligence might eventually be fatal, I have ordered an Express to be stationed at Bottom’s Bridge, another at New Kent Court House, a third at Bird’s tavern, a fourth at...
48404To 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,...
48405From Thomas Jefferson to the Person Employed to Collect Workmen, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The destruction of the public Storehouses, Magazines, Laboratory, Shops and other Works at this place and Westham by the Enemy having left our Arms, Powder and other Stores exposed in open Houses to plunder and our Artificers unfurnished with Houses to proceed in the repair of Arms and other necessary Works, obliges me, as the only resource for a hasty collection of Sawyers, Carpenters and...
48406From Thomas Jefferson to Timothy Pickering, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you in a former letter that on the recommendation of Gen. Greene we had proposed to Maj. Forsythe the accepting the appointment of Deputy Quartermaster here which you had been pleased to refer to us. This appointment was kept open I think a Month, during which time (and indeed at any time since) we never received any answer from Maj. Forsythe, or intimation through any other channel...
48407From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Continental Board of War, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the letters to Samuel Huntington and to Thomas Sims Lee of the same date, qq.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War.”
48408From Thomas Jefferson to John Christian Senf, [15 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
As it is necessary for us instantly to build pro[per] Shops and Magazines at Westham, and first of all things a plan is to be laid, I will beg the favor of you to come to this place and lend us your Assistance in forming the plans. Magazines, Laboratories, and artificers Shops both for the State and Continent, on a tolerably large Plan are to be so brought together as that they may be covered...
48409To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Louisville, 15 Jan. 1781. Having appointed an assistant to complete purchases to be made on the Monongahela, Slaughter proceeded to Louisville and, on arrival, began purchasing beef and salt, the supply of which is sufficient; has drawn bills in favor of James Sullivan and David Standford for the purchase and delivery of provisions “from Hunters that would not credit the state,” and hopes they...
48410To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Louisville, 15 Jan. 1781. Has been obliged to purchase a quantity of shoe leather, whiskey, tobacco, flour, and a boat; drew a bill in favor of Simon Triplett for £11,874 which he hopes will be paid, “Particularly as these articles were furnished me at the same price he was selling them at for ready money.” Also drew bill on the 13th instant in favor of Sandford Edwards for £21,320 for beef....
48411From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I called on Mr. Anderson the Writer of the letter to Capt. Trot which you were pleased to inclose to me and desired he would explain the foundation on which he had written that letter. His explanation I now inclose you, from which you will be able to collect only thus much, that his application on behalf of Mr. Trot was utterly rejected and nothing said which could authorize him to suppose we...
48412To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the receipt of yours of 11th Inst: I have taken every measure in my power to fulfil your request; the County Lieutenants of Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster, Westmoreland, King George, Stafford, P. William, Fairfax, Loudon, Fauquier, Orange, Culpepper and Spotsylvania are apprized of the danger and requested to have every Man they can Arm and equip arranged and ready to march at a...
48413From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wray, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
To want of intelligence may be ascribed a great part, if not the whole of the Enemy’s late successful incursions to this place. Tho they appeared in the Bay on the Saturday, no notification of it addressed to the Executive came to hand till 10 o’Clock A.M. on tuesday: There did indeed on Sunday Morning come to my hands a letter which you were so kind to write to Genl. Nelson informing him that...
48414[From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, ca. 15 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, ca. 15 Jan. 1781 . Letter not found, but the following clearly elliptical version of it appears in a Virginia Militia Order Book for Dec. Jan. 1781 (ViU-McG): “The Genl. takes this Oppertunity to Inform the Troops before they Separate that he has been honour’d with a letter from his excellency the Governour of which the following is an extract—I beg leave in the behalf of my...
48415To Benjamin Franklin from Balthazar-Georges Sage, [before 27 January 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me proposois d’aller faire hommage de Cet exemplaire de l’art d’essayer L’or et Largent que je viens de publier, mais mon tems est si occupé par mon Cours public, et par La guerre Litteraire que j’ai a soutenir Contre des personnes qui ont pour troupes auxiliaires, Lintrigue et passablement de mauvaise foi, qu’il ne me reste pas un Moment de libre. J’ai...
48416From John Adams to the Massachusetts Board of War, 16 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
There are three Gentlemen, in the Mercantile Way, Mr. Sigourney, Mr. Ingraham and Mr. Bromfield, who are now in this City, and propose to reside here and establish a mercantile House. These Gentlemen are very well known in the Massachusetts, and therefore it is unnecessary for me to Say any Thing concerning their Characters. They have travelled a good deal in Europe, and I believe have been...
48417From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 16 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, January 16, 1781. On January 25, 1781, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Yesterday I received your favor of the 16th. Instant.” Letter not found. ]
48418To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Musée de Blérancourt About a Week ago Captain Read brought us, what made us all very happy, a Letter from you, of the 4th. October; we had been so long without hearing from you, that we esteemed it quite as a New years Gift. It was delivered us the day after your birth day, When, by your account to Doctor Bond, some time ago, you must have got back to the Age of Sixty three— We have...
48419To Benjamin Franklin from G. Aubin de St. Lambert, 16 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Sans doute quiconque a une ame sensible aura régretté plus D’une fois L’ancien etat sauvage De L’humanité, et beni Ces Douces Vertus bienfaisantes, Dedaignées en grande partie et bannies aujourdhuy chèz Les hommes réunis en societé. Accoutumée a Voir La Verité par elle même sans deguisement je me crois autorisée a m’élever à Celui qui est Le Legislateur...
48420To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I was most sensibly affected this morning to see one of my Bills on Mr de Chaumont return protested, I was obliged immediately to reimburse 4100 Livres and I find I am to expect at least 30,000 l.t. more tomorrow: I was therefore under the necessity of raising Cash, & accordingly have negociated Bills on you...
48421General Orders, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant James Giles of the 2d regiment of Artillery is appointed Adjutant to the same from the 1st Instant vice Lieutenant Ashton transferred to the 4th. A Report from the Board of War was read; whereupon Ordered, That the Board of War draw no Warrants on the Paymaster except for the Invalid regiment and the regiment of Artificers in the department of the Commissary General of Military...
48422From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment favored with Your Letter of the 12th Instant by Express. The Measures You have taken, in consequence of the late alarming Affair, appear to have been very proper, and calculated to promote essentially the public service. I approve entirely of Your Dismissing all the Militia who have been called out on the occasion, as soon as the circumstances will justify the Measure, of...
48423To George Washington from Colonel Dubuysson, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I just learned by a letter from France, that in consideration of a Certificate and a letter to General Lincoln which your Excellency honored me with in April last, a Copy of which I forwarded to France, I have been rewarded with a Commission of Colonel in the Service of the French West Indies, being intirely indebted to you for this Favor, I beg you will except my warmest Thanks, I have...
48424From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favor of last Evening. I cannot by the Intelligence I have had from Jersey, beleive the Enemy are preparing to make a Movement in that Quarter—however I could wish to have the truth ascertained. Col. Hay informs me there are at least two Hundred Barrels of Flour, at the Landings near Poughkeepsie —The present favorable weather urges strongly the necessity of having it...
48425To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 14th inst., to which I shall pay due attention. With respect to that part of your Excellencys letter, which refers to Fish Kill; I scarsely know how to express myself. I am ever exceedingly cautious, not to invade the jurisdiction of others, neither do I choose to have my own infringed. I did not seek the Command at Fish Kill; but as Your Excellency was...
48426To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have by every Means in my power endeavoured to find how far the fears entertained of the disaffection of the Massachuset troops to the purposed Service was well or ill founded, and not content with my own personal efforts, I have desired officers of address and abilities to exert themselves also. It appears to be the opinion of Putnam, Vose, Sprout, Brooks, Porter, Trescot and many others...
48427To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit your Excellency the enclosed Copy of a Circular Letter to the several States from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire inclusive, which will give you the needful Information of the present Measures Congress have adopted to procure the Pay of the Army &c. Hope that your Excellency’s Letter to the Eastern States, on the same Subject (Copy of which I have been honored with)...
48428From George Washington to John Sullivan, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored last Evening with Your favor of the 10th with a Postscript of the 11th Instant. Major Gen. St Clair will inform you of the reasons why I thought it imprudent to address my Dispatches in answer to your Letter[s] of the 7th and 9 immediately to You, he will also advise you of the Measures I had taken. It gives me great satisfaction to learn a final & cordial accomodation was like...
48429To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my letter of the 13th instant was enclosed a Resolution of Congress respecting the garrison at Wyoming. Colo. Denison belonging to that place returning from hence will deliver this—he is a gentlemen of established good character and fully acquainted with the circumstances of that part of the Country. I therefore thought it proper, as he is pass⟨i⟩ng near your Head quarters—to desire him to...
48430From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The receipt of your favor of the 11th Instant afforded great satisfaction, by informing me that the unhappy affair, which had given you so much trouble and anxiety, was likely, speedily to be settled. You will be informed by Major Genl St Clair, why I did not think it expedient (as matters were circumstanced) to give an answer to your last by the usual Route. I thank you for the hint given in...
48431From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I was very glad at not being disappointed in my expectations of a favor from you by yesterday’s post. Several reports in quick succession of the arrival & progress of the predatory band under Arnold had rendered us exceedingly anxious to hear the truth & particulars of the matter. Some letters by the post tell us that the Governor with Baron Steuben was wholly...
48432From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have desired Colo. Muter to have delivered to Majr. Claiborne such of the Articles applied for in your Letter of the 10th. inst. as we have. We have no tents of any kind. Axes, Spades, Shov[els] and Padlocks can probably be furnished. We have sent to Fredericksburg for Camp-kettles, which shall be forwarded as soon as they come. I think a few days will probably determine the Enemy’s ultimate...
48433To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, [16 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I have Continued As ill as any Person could well be with a Cold, for upwards of 3 Weeks, it has reduced me so that I can with difficulty walke up and Down Stairs. I thank God it has Mended greatly for 3 days past, and I have gatherd a little strength. I have heard nothing of the Enemy Since their Stop at Sandy Point, untill this Morn. A Man Came to press a Waggon who Says they have landed at...
48434To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Jan. 1781. There are about 100 Chesterfield militia now at Manchester, consisting of old men and boys. No purpose can be served by continuing them. Since some militia are to be dismissed, “at least such whose turn has been already taken, previous to the present invasion,” and Col. Haskins says he has “sent all the able men to the army without regard to classes,” orders are...
48435From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 14th. and 31st. of December remain unanswered. I have been less attentive to the communication of our progress in preparing for the Southern war as Baron Steuben who knows all our movements, gives you no doubt full information from time to time. The present invasion of this State you have before been apprized of by the Baron. The very extraordinary and successful attempt of...
48436From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a plan for building portable Boats recommended from General Washington and shall be glad that you will take measures for having about twenty of them made without delay. I suppose it will be necessary for you to send out in quest of Workmen. Any such which can be engaged shall receive a hire according to the former hard money prices having reasonable attention to the late advances...
48437From Thomas Jefferson to Abner Nash, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 3d inst, and am to thank you for your permission and countenance to our Pork purchases. The late invasion of this State by the Enemy should not have been so long uncommunicated to you by me, but that the very extraordinary movement they made was such in its nature as to allow little time to those concerned in Goverment to think of any thing but...
48438From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Nelson, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer hereof Capt. Joel proposes to engage two others to undertake with himself an enterprize on the Enemy’s fleet wherever it shall be collected in Harbour. As he requires only an old Vessell of the most worthless kind, and proper preparations for her, I think the object will justify the risk. So many Orders and Measures may be necessary in the detail of executing this Business that I...
48439To 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...
48440From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the North Carolina Board of War, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually the same as that to Abner Nash of the same date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “Governor Nash & in part to the Prest of the Board of War N Caro.”
48441To Thomas Jefferson from Duncan Rose, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Col. Banister’s, 16 Jan. 1781. Has obtained material for shirts requested by Steuben and is having them made up; will pay for them out of a balance due him from the auditors; payment may be delayed until convenient. Has been informed that “the Present Emission of our Currency has been destroy’d by the Enemy on their late excursion to Richmond”; should the report be false, requests that the...
48442To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From every intelligence it appears evident that the Enemy mean to take post in the lower Counties. The last I heard of them was that they were marching their whole force towards smithfield. In consequence of this I have ordered Genls. Muhlenburg and Weedon to march with what Militia they may have together to Williamsburg from whence I shall be able to order them as circumstances may require....
48443To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Thornton, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hanover Town, 16 Jan. 1781. Has received orders from Gen. Nelson to “March back to Caroline” and keep troops embodied for further orders; thinks they will be sent to Potomac; is sending Capt. Coleman with a request for 250 stand of arms, without which the troops can be of no service. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed and endorsed.
48444From Thomas Jefferson to George Weedon, [ca. 16 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive will undertake to impress any boats which may be necessary in the opinion of the military officers. We are endeavoring here to build some light boats for transporting troops across the river. But they are not to be waited for or depended on. I am with esteem Your most obedt. servt., RC ( PPAP ); addressed and endorsed. This undated letter was probably written about this time...
48445To John Adams from William Lee, 17 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your favor of the 1st. instant by Mr. Searle, who arriv’d here two daies ago and intends to pursue his Journey tomorrow. You will receive by this post from our friend here a full account of the Amn. News such as we have it here by the two vessels arriv’d at L’Orient from Phila., and at Bourdx. from Maryland, tho’ you must have more authentic intelligence in your...
48446To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 17 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The Bearer Mr. John Lewis is master of a sloop which almost from the Commencement of the war has been in the public service. At the close of the present season his vessel with all the other craft in the like employment were discharged; but without being paid for a long time even from eight months to two years past as he informs me. Since their discharge they have drawn no provisions; and being...
48447From Benjamin Franklin to Ferdinand Grand, 17 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. Franklin delivered the Proposition in Writing to Mr. Vergennes, who read it and said, Je tacherai d’arranger tout cela pour vous . Mr. F. mentioned it afterwards to Mr. de Chaumont, who said it was not necessary, for that M. Cotin had now the means of making the Affair easy. Mr. F. is ready always to give the Promisses in gross, and desires to do that till the...
48448To Benjamin Franklin from Duchemin, 17 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Suis penetrez Monsieur de reconnaissanse pour les offres obligante que vous Daignez me faire et La Confianse dont vous mhonoré jen Sens Tous le prix mais jugez de ma position. Jé ici une femme et une fille quy croyoit mavoir perdu et quy mayant retrouvé depuis un nombre Dannées craignant que je ne Leur Echape Encore, je ne puis me refuser a leur...
48449General Orders, 17 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On this date, Q.M. Gen. Timothy Pickering wrote GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton from Newburgh, N.Y.: “The Bearer Mr John Lewis is master of a sloop which almost from the Commencement of the war has been in the public service. At the close of the present season his vessel with all the other craft in the like employment were discharged; but without being paid...
48450To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 17 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of Yesterday, I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellency, that by an Express just received from Col. Hay, I understand, that he has directed one hundred Barrels of Flower to be sent up for the Use of Fort Schuyler which togather with ninety Barrels, collected with difficulty on the Mowhawk River, will supply the Garrison untill the first of May. The Governor informs me that...