From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 29 January 1781
To George Muter
In Council Jan. 29. 1781.
Sir
The habitual drunkenness of Colo. Warneck renders him in the opinion of the board unfit to be longer trusted with the execution of the duties of an engineer. Should he chuse (on your intimating this to him) to resign, the board are disposed to give him what assistance they may justifiably: otherwise it becomes necessary that you take proper measures for trying him by a proper court in order to reduce him. I am Sir your very humble servt.
Th: Jefferson
RC (Vi); addressed and endorsed.
Colo. Warneck: Frederick Warneck (or Warnick) had been appointed “Engineer for the Service of this Commonwealth” on 18 Oct. 1777 ( , ii, 12). About this time he fell into the hands of the enemy and gave a parole, the validity of which TJ questioned; see TJ to Steuben, 17 Feb., and proceedings of Council, 20 Feb. ( , ii, 297).