Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from John Dixon, 1 May 1781

From John Dixon

Gloucester May the 1st. 1781

Sir

I received your favor of the 12th. Ulto. requesting Cavalry to be raized to join Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben, and was anxious to have comply’d therewith, but the Executive appearing to discourage my plan of raising and equiping a Troop of Horse, it has effectually prevented the Gentlemen from being equip’d in any manner to answer the purpose for which they were call’d. A few indeed have acted from necessity as light Horsemen, and have been for some weeks on duty endeavouring to put a stop to the daily ravages committed by the Enemy since the Arms have been taken from our Militia. I am with great respect your Excellency’s Most Obt. Servt.,

J. Dixon

RC (Vi); addressed; endorsed in part: “May 5th 1781.”

Your favor of the 12th. ulto.: That is, TJ’s letter of that date to Robert Bolling and others.

Index Entries