1To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 4th Instant I had the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 19th. of June. Your Excellency will permit me to offer you my sincere congratulations upon your appointment to the Government of Virginia. I thank you much for the accounts Your Excellency has been pleased to transmit me of the successes of Cols. Clarke and Shelby. They are important and interesting and do great honor to the...
2To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 6 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your Letter of the 17 of July, upon the case of Lt. Governor Hamilton. This subject, on more mature consideration, appears to be involved in greater difficulty than I apprehended. When I first received the proceedings of the Council upon it, transmitted in Your Excellency’s Letter of the 19th of June, I had no doubt of the propriety of the treatment decreed against...
3To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 16 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
West Point, 16 Aug. 1779 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 23 July enclosing one for Mr. Battora, which will be forwarded by the next flag. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2 p. Endorsed. Printed: Washington, Writings , ed. Fitzpatrick, xvi , 114.
4To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency I make no doubt has been made fully acquainted with the Ordinance established by Congress by their Act of the 23d of March for regulating the Cloathing department, and recommending the Respective States to appoint State or Sub Cloathiers. I addressed the Other States on this subject on the 22d of May, but deemed the measure unnecessary with respect to Virginia, as a Gentleman...
5To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from Mr. Loring British Commissary of Prisoners to our Commissary of prisoners respecting the measures which have been taken in the Care of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton and the enemys intentions of retaliation in Consequence. By this your Excellency will be able to Judge how far it may be expedient to relax in the present...
6To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 5 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, respecting such of the officers and privates of Blands and Baylors Regiments of Dragoons and of Harrisons Artillery as belong to the state of Virginia. Their situation is really disagreable and discouraging; and it is perhaps the more so, from its being now almost if not entirely singular. It is said, that under the idea of...
7To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 23 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys favors of the 1st 2d and 8th of October, and the several inclosures. The measure of the council in remanding Governor Hamilton and his companions back to confinement, on their refusing to sign the parole tendered them, is perfectly agreeable to the practice of the enemy. The particular part objected to I have always understood enters into the paroles...
8To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose your Excellency a number of papers relative to a certain Richard Bird , and the money mentioned in Gen. Tylers letter. Col. Nevil takes charge of the prisoner. I give your Excellency this trouble as he appears to be the person some time ago advertised in a Virginia paper for the commission of some crime. I am &c. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); in James McHenry’s hand; endorsed....
9To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have received advice from New York that a very large embarkation had taken place (said to amount to 8000) and that the fleet containing them was at the Hook on the point of sailing. Their destination reported to be for Chesapæk bay, on a combined operation in the 1st place against the French Squadron there, and afterwards to attempt the rescue...
10To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 11h: inst. I then informed you it was reported that the fleet, which had been some time preparing at New York, had sailed the day before. I have since found the account was premature; or, that if any Vessels went out at that time, they were but few. I have now certain information that a fleet of about one hundred sail, under convoy of a 74,...
11To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 13th. Instant I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th Ulto. with a copy of the Resolution of the assembly to which it referrs. The proceeding is founded in a generous and just liberality with respect to the Officers and soldiers who had not been provided for by the Act alluded to and will I hope at least have a happy operation in alleviating their distresses...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Morristown, 22 Jan. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 16 Dec. 1779, which did not come to hand until 16 Jan. Will give proper consideration to applications from the enemy for flag-of-truce vessels to the Chesapeake. Has communicated Col. Bland’s case to Congress. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2p. In hand of James McHenry; endorsed. Printed: Washington, Writings , ed. Fitzpatrick, xvii ,...
13To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 16 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency a Letter from Major Genl. de Riedesel which only came to hand Two days ago. I would now inform Your Excellency, that agreeable to my Letter of the 18th of December I have obtained a Return of Moylan’s Regiment of Light Dragoons and find as I apprehended that there are Sixty three Non Commissioned Officers and Privates in it, who belong to...
14To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 5 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive by last nights Post Your Excellencys favor of the 10th Ultmo. I am not certain I ever heard that Colo. Clarke had meditated an expedition against Detroit but I have thought it probable enough that he might turn his views that way. The reduction of this Post would be a matter very interesting from it’s situation and consequent importance to the tranquility of the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Morristown, 26 Mch. 1780 . Calls attention to resolve of Congress of 25 Feb. 1780 assigning state quotas of supplies for the army and directing them to be deposited at places designated by the Commander in Chief. The quotas and places of deposit for Virginia are listed as follows: Places Bbls. Flour Gals. Rum Tons Hay Bu. Corn Alexandria 40,000 80 40,000 Fredericksburg 300 30,000 100 40,000...
16To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 15 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The probability of a continuance of the War to the Southward, which will of course draw the troops of the State of Virginia to that quarter, makes it essentially necessary that every measure should be taken to procure supplies of Cloathing for them, especially of Shoes, Stockings and linen. The distance and the difficulty of transportation would render a supply of those Articles, from hence,...
17To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 15 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency confidentially that a French Fleet may in the course of a few Weeks be expected upon this Coast, and as it is uncertain what part of the land they may first make, Gentlemen are to be stationed at different points to give them Signals and to make them some necessary communications immediately upon their arrival. Major Galvan who will have the honor...
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [29 June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with two of your Excellency’s favors both of the 11th inclosing an extract of a letter from Governor Rutlege. I cannot but feel most sensibly affected by several parts of your Excellency’s letter. The successive misfortunes to the Southward—the progress of the enemy—and the great deficiency in military stores give rise to the most serious reflections, while our situation in...
19To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor a few days ago, to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 2d Instant, and at the same time one from General Muhlenburg, inclosing the Return you had requested him to send me. I am exceedingly obliged to Your Excellency for your attention in this affair, and beg leave to refer You to the inclosed Copy of a Letter, addressed to Major General Gates if he should be at...
20To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Headquarters [ Preakness, N.J. ] 22 July 1780 . Has just received a letter from Gen. Muhlenberg of 11 July enclosing a list of officers in Col. Gist’s regiment, omitted in his former return, and has written to Gen. Gates to incorporate these officers with the others or “to divide the Drafts into another Regiment as may appear most eligible from a view of all circumstances.” Dft ( DLC :...
21To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 14 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s favor of the 22 of July and with it’s inclosure . With respect to appointing Officers for the Levies, Your Excellency I presume will have received before this, my Letters of the 18 and 22 Ulto, and by which You would find that I had arranged the matter, as far as the circumstances I was possessed of would admit, in consequence of your former...
22To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the honor till Three days ago to receive Your Excellency’s Letters of the 4th Ulto. and 2d Instant. With respect to your enquiry about sending Tobacco to New York and Long Island for the Prisoners, it is not in my power to give You a decisive answer, but I am much inclined to think that it would not be permitted by the Enemy. I have heard by report that the matter has been mentioned,...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 9h: ulto. inclosing a return of 40 prisoners of War delivered to the Continental Commissary at Winchester, for which the State will have the proper credit. Now I am upon the subject of prisoners, I would wish to be informed in what light I am to consider Governor Hamilton , as I do not observe him included in the list. That Gentleman...
24To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly obliged by your Excellency’s favor of the 3d. It has indeed relieved me from much anxiety as, from Genl. Gates’s letter of the 20h. Augt. from Hillsborough, there was the greatest reason to apprehend that the whole of the Maryland line and the troops which made a stand with them had been cut off. The stroke, as it is, is severe; but the total loss of the regular troops would...
25To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On Sunday Evening I had the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letters of the 23d and 26th of last Month. I am happy to find by the former and the Letter You were so obliging as to forward from Colo. Wood that the Convention troops are now comfortably supplied. I hope this will be the case and that the mode You have in contemplation to adopt will answer your expectations. Colo. Wood ’s conduct...
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Headquarters near Passaic, 18 Oct. 1780. “Circular.” “In obedience to the Orders of Congress, I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency the present state of the Troops of your line, by which you will perceive how few men you will have left after the first of January next. When I inform you also that the Troops of the other Lines will be in general as much reduced as Yours, you will be able...
27To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Major General Greene, who goes to take command of the southern Army, will have the honor of presenting this to your Excellency. I have advised him to take the several States in his way which are immediately concerned in furnishing Men and supplies for the department committed to his direction, that he may gain a more accurate knowledge of the forwardness they are in, a tolerable Idea of what...
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Headquarters, Passaic Falls, 8 Nov. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letters of 22 , 25 , and 26 Oct. Reports have been received that the enemy have already left Portsmouth, and the cause assigned is “the appearance of a French or Spanish Fleet upon the Coast of Carolina.” But if this account is premature, the Convention troops should certainly be moved. Gen. Phillips’ application for a flag-of-truce...
29To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of introducing to your Excellency the Marq[uis] de la Fayette, Majr. General in our army and an officer of Rank in those of France. This Gentlemans character, illustrious birth and fortune, cannot be unknown to you, though you may be unacquainted with his person. I should be wanting in that justice which is due to his great merit, to his early attachment to the American Cause,...
30To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 9 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Headquarters, New Windsor [ N.Y. ], 9 Dec. 1780 . Acknowledges letters of 3, 10, and 19 Nov.; is most grateful for intelligence contained in them and wishes to have more concerning the enemy’s movements in the South. Disposition of the American forces in the middle department, of the French fleet and army (still at Rhode Island), and of the enemy’s fleet and army in and around New York. “It is...
31To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Headquarters, New Windsor [ N.Y. ], 10 Dec. 1780 . The places of deposit for the specific supplies required of Virginia by Congress’ resolve of 4 Nov. are to be designated by Gen. Greene “or Officer commanding” in the southern department, who will be “much better enabled to judge of the proper places” than Washington. RC ( Vi ); 1 p.; in Tench Tilghman’s hand, signed by Washington; printed in...
32To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 27 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed are the dimensions of the most convenient Flat Boats, either for transportation upon Carriages, or for transporting Men. The plan was given to me by an Officer who has made experiments with those of different kinds. The transports, with the embarkation which I mentioned in mine of the 9th: fell down to the Hook on the 19th: instant, and as the Wind was fair, it is supposed they...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 28 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th: reached me this day. I have ever been of opinion, that the reduction of the Post of Detroit would be the only certain mean of giving peace and security to the whole Western Frontier, and I have constantly kept my Eye upon that object; but such has been the reduced state of our Continental Force, and such the low ebb of our Funds, more especially of late,...
34To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had last the honor of addressing Your Excellency, the Embarkation which had been some time preparing and which had undergone several changes has sailed from New York. The fleet, including the Convoys consisted of 32 Sail, and left the Hook the 22 Ulto. By the best information I have been able to obtain The Light Infantry and Grenadiers with some other Corps, which were at first under...
35To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to your Excellency for your letter of the 10th. of January, giving me an account of the enemy’s incursion into your state. Baron De Steuben has informed me of their successive operations to five miles below Hoods. It is mortifying to see so inconsiderable a party committing such extensive depredations with impunity: but considering the situation of your state, it is to be...
36To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to communicate, to your Excellency, a circumstance which I hope will be followed by the most Salutory consequences to the State of Virginia in particular, and which may ultimately have the happiest effect upon the interests of America in general. The Chevalier des Touche, commanding His most Christian Majestys Squadron in the harbour of Newport, finding himself enabled,...
37To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
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; 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. The transactions and movements you have made me acquainted with in the course of these...
38To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknowledge the honor of your Excellency’s favors of the 19th. and 21st. ulto. and again to thank you, for your uniform and speedy communication of every southern event which comes to your knowledge. I have the pleasure to find, from General Greenes official letter, that Lord Cornwallis is not likely to reap any great benefits from his late Victory. Indeed, were we certain that he...
39To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to enclose on the 28th Ulto. that the Action of the 15th. had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident marks of distress, and that our Army, in good spirits, were advancing upon them. From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter; and the enclosure from the Baron...
40To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 16 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 23d. ulto. I have since seen by the prints that the enemy had reached Petersburgh after being opposed in a spirited manner by the Militia under the command of the Baron Steuben. I hope the advance of the Marquis de la Fayette with the choice Body of Continental troops under his command will check the progress of General Phillips. A...
41To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favors of the 9th. and 28th. of May. The progress which the enemy are making in Virginia is very alarming not only to the State immediately invaded but to all the rest; as I strongly suspect, from the most recent European intelligence, that they are endeavouring to make as large seeming conquests as possible that they may urge the plea of uti...
42To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very agreeable Favor of the 28th ulto. which I have had the pleasure to receive, and which is filled with such sincere Marks of Cordiality and Affection, could not fail to be very acceptable to me. I thank you Sir for your Congratulations on the late Success in Virginia—a Success which must be productive of happy Relief to that State in particular; and I trust if properly improved, will...
43To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d. of Jany. from Philadelphia. I feel myself much flattered by your kind remembrance of me in the hour of your departure from this Continent and for the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain of my Services for this our common Country. To merit the approbation of good and virtuous Men is the height of my ambition; and will be a full...
44III. Washington’s Address to Congress Resigning his Commission, [23 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I have now the honor of offering my sincere Congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the Service of my Country. Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased...
45To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 3 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The last Post brought me the enclosed letter under cover from the Marquis de la Fayette. If you have any News that you are at liberty to impart, it would be charity to communicate a little of it, to a body. It is unnecessary, I hope, to repeat to you the assurances of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this retreat, or of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am Dear Sir Yr. Most...
46To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 15 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Baron de Steuben informs me that he is about to make a final Settlement with Congress; and to obtain from them that compensation which his Services shall appear to have merited; having entered into no stipulation at the time he engaged in the Service, either for Pay or emoluments; chusing rather to let his Services point to their own rewards (after they were performed) than to set a value...
47To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 15th. came to my hands the 22d. at the moment the Governor and some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the receipt of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs. de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 29 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not in my power to answer your favor of the 15th. by the last post for the reason then assigned. I wish I may be able to do it to your satisfaction now, as I again am obliged to pay attention to other Company (the Governor being gone). My opinion coincides perfectly with yours respecting the practicability of an easy and short communication between the waters of the Ohio and Potomack,...
49To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
If with frankness, and the fullest latitude of a friend, you will give me your opinion of the Institution of the Society of Cincinnati, it would confer an acceptable favor upon me. If to this opinion, you would be so obliging as to add the sentiments, or what you suppose to be the Sentiments of Congress respecting it, I would thank you. That you may have the best Materials on which to form a...
50To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 2 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not until I had arrived at Annapolis, on my way home, that I heard of Colo. Humphrys’s appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe. Permit me now Sir, to recommend him to your countenance and friendship, which I would not do, did I not think him deserving of both. In him you will find a good scholar, natural and acquired abilities, great...