From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley, 21 June 1780
To the County Lieutenant of Berkeley
Richmond June 21, 1780
Sir
It having been reported impracticable for want of provisions to carry into execution the expedition proposed against the Indians the executive have appointed adopted the defensive plan of which you will find explained in the within advice of council. As you will readily collect from it the part which is to be carried into execution by your county, I have only to desire that you will immediately take measures for executing your part, as circumstances may render it proper for the men from different counties to move together. I would recommend to you a correspondence with the lieutenants of the other companies connected in measures with yours. Powder and some lead shall be sent by Colonel Crockett, and more of the latter articles by an escort immediately from the Lead mines to Kentucky, to be delivered by the commanding officers of the several posts in the following proportions (ton) 600 powder. 1200 lead (ton). 400 powder. 800 lead.
| Powder | Lead | |
| Licking | 800 | 1600 |
| Kelly’s | 100 | 200 |
| Little Kenhaway | 200 | 400 |
It is taken for granted that the Militia will carry their own arms in their hands. I am Sir your humble servt,
Th: Jefferson
MS not found; text from faded typescript in NcD: Carolina Danske Dandridge Papers; at head of text: “Letters Sent [by] Me by Henry Swearingen. No.16. To the Lieutenant of Berkeley County”; at foot of text: “No 17 To the Same in Council June 26th 1780. That the militia called to the several stations on the western frontiers may be formed into Companies commanded by officers of proper ran[k] the Governor is advised to recommend to the County Lieutenants and for their respective counties the following officers. Botetourt Captain. Rockbridge 1st Lieutenant. Green Briar. 1 Ensign. Berkeley 1 Captain.” For the enclosed advice of council concerning the western expedition, see Vol. 3: 420–2.
Josiah Swearingen (or Van Swearingen) was county lieutenant for Berkeley at this time.