Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 28 February 1781

To Steuben

In Council February 28th 1781

Sir

I have the pleasure of forwarding you by express the inclosed Dispatches. I send off immediately proper orders for providing the Pilots to be furnished the Commanding officer of the French Squadron who is to forward them up the Bay. General Washington says he writes to you on the Subject of Militia, Magazines &c. I shall be glad to receive any advices on those Heads which may require my assistance. I have the Honor &c,

T. J.

FC (Vi). The enclosures probably included copies of Washington’s and Lafayette’s letters to TJ of 21 Feb. 1781.

Steuben apparently received TJ’s letter and its enclosures the same day, for on 1 Mch. 1781 he wrote Innes stating that Captain Fairlie would communicate to him the information received “this moment” in letters from Washington and ordering him to collect the men under his command, march at once to the best place of embarcation near Hog Island, and, after crossing the James, proceed at once to Suffolk where he would place himself under Muhlenberg (NHi).

Index Entries