George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1781
To Thomas Jefferson
Head Quarters New Windsor March 21st 1781
Dear Sir
I should have done myself the honor to have acknowledged your Excellency’s Letters of the 8th 12th 17th 26th of February and 8th Inst., at the time they were severally received;1 had I not been absent from this place on a Journey to the French Army at New Port, from whence I have but just now returned.2
The transactions and movements you have made me acquainted with in the course of these Letters, were not only important to the Southern States, but even to the whole confederation. And the scen⟨e⟩ becomes every day more interesting—before this time I cannot but hope our freinds have arrived safely in your Bay, I am sure they will meet with every aid & assistance from your State; And I already anticipate the happiest consequences from this co-operation.3
I shall remain in the most anxious expectation, until I hear farther respecting the operations in your quarter.4 I have the honor to be With very great esteem & regard Your Most Obed. Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, Vi; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS, which is addressed to Jefferson at Richmond. The docket of the LS reads: “recd Apl 81” and “cop[ie]d.”
1. Jefferson’s letters to GW from February and on 8 March reported on Continental and British military operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
2. See GW to Alexander Hamilton, 7 March, source note, and to Rochambeau, 16 March, n.1.
3. GW refers to the French fleet that sailed to the Chesapeake Bay (see Destouches to GW, 8 March, source note).
4. GW did not yet know about the Battle of Cape Henry on 16 March (see Destouches to GW, 19 March, source note).