Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Crockett, 14 March 1781

From Joseph Crockett

Shephards Town 14th March 1781

Sir

By Orders received from Col. Clark, we have Just return’d from Frederick Town to this Place in hopes to get the Regiment equip’d for the westren expedition. I must beg leave once more to mention to your Excellency the great distress the Regiment is in for want of cloathing, the Soldiers being almost naked for want of Linen, and intirely with out Shoes. Col. Clark informs me he expects a Considerable quantity of linen at Winchester, of which we shall have a part. As for Shoes, I know not where to apply.

This will be handed your Excellency by Capt. Cherry, Paymaster to the westren Battalion, who will wait on the Treasurer, for a Sum of money due the Officers, agreeable to a late act of Assembly, and also will with Cheerfulness obay any Command your Excellency may please to lay on him, in order to serve the Regiment in forwarding Cloathing Money &c.

I Have the Honour to be your Exclly[s]. most Obdt. & very Hble Servt.,

Joseph Crockett

Referred to Colo. Davies. Linen was sent on.

Th: Jefferson

RC (Vi); TJ’s reference to Davies, in his hand, is written below Crockett’s letter. Addressed, in part: “Favd by Capt. Cherry.”; endorsed: “Col. Crocket’s L. Governor. Mar. 14 ref. Col. Davies 28 March 1781.”

On 29 Mch. Davies issued a “Warrant to Capt. William Cherry, for one hundred and seventy five thousand, six hundred and eighty pounds, on account, to pay Col. Crocket’s regiment, destined for the western expedition” (War Office Journal, Vi).

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