Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 9 March 1781

To the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie

In Council March 9th. 1781.

Sir

It being absolutely necessary to send an immediate Reinforcement of Militia to General Muhlenburg’s Camp, I am to desire you without Delay to send effective men from your County to him. I will assure you that they shall be detained but a few Days, which considering the Shortness of Time they were out on the last Call will not more than make their Times of Service equal to those of the other Counties on the South Side of James River, all of whom have men now in the field either with the Southern Army or at Suffolk. Be pleased to notify to me the Time of their march. I apprehend they will find Arms at General Muhlenburg’s Camp, but still would advise that they carry what good muskets they have. I am with great respect Sir, Your &c.,

T. J.

FC (Vi).

The number of militia to be sent by each county is not indicated in the FC. However the following appears in the proceedings of the Council for 9 Mch.: “The Board advise that there be ordered from the County of Chesterfield 164 men and from the County of Dinwiddie 187 men to reinforce General Muhlenberg” (Va. Council Jour. description begins Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia, ed. H. R. McIlwaine description ends , ii, 305; see also TJ to R. H. Lee and to Steuben, both under date of 10 Mch.).

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