1[To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 23 June 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 23 June 1783 . There is recorded in SJL , under date of 16 Apr. 1784, the receipt of a letter from “J. Adams. Paris. June 23. by Mazzei.” Mazzei landed at Hampton, Virginia, in Nov. 1783, but he did not forward Adams’ letter for some months; see Mazzei to TJ, 4 Apr. 1784 , and Mazzei, Memoirs , p. 274. Adams’ letter to TJ has not been found.]
2Draft of Resolutions on Lord Drummond’s Peace Proposals, [22? August 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the articles inclosed by Ld. Drummond to Ld. Howe whereby it is proposed ‘that it shall be ascertained by calculation what supply towards the general exigency of the state each separate colony shall furnish, to be encreased or lessened in proportion to the growth or decline of such colony, and to be vested in the king by a perpetual grant, in consideration whereof Great Britain...
3To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 26 May 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
I had this Morning, the Pleasure of your Favour of the Sixteenth inst, by the Post; and rejoice to learn that your Battallions, were so far fill’d, as to render a Draught from the Militia, unnecessary. It is a dangerous Measure, and only to be adopted in great extremities, even by popular Governments. Perhaps, in Such Governments Draughts will never be made, but in Cases, when the People...
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 29 June 17[80] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Mazzei, called on me, last evening, to let me know that he was this morning at three to Sett off, on his Journey, for Italy. He desired me to write you, that he has communicated to me the Nature of his Errand: but that his Papers being lost, he waits for a Commission and Instructions from you. That being limited to five Per Cent, and more than that being given by the Powers of Europe, and...
5To Thomas Jefferson from John Allen, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Senf not returning, agreeable to his promise to me which was the 21st Ulto., I am much at a Loss how to proceed. I understand that there’s a quantity of Bricks belonging to Colo. Benjamin Harrison of Brandon which Colo. Senf engaged, also a quantity of Timber of Major James Cocke of this County. You will pleas to furnish me with your orders for the Bricks Lime and Timber. Brick Layers,...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Jacquelin Ambler, 16 March 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
When you left the letters with me you seemed desirous that more attention should be paid to safety than dispatch in the conveyance of the two larger ones : I was not so particular therefore in forwarding the smaller letters , but reserved those for the President of Congress and Monsr. Marbois to be sent by some hand that would not fail to deliver them safely. Several Weeks elapsing and none...
7To Thomas Jefferson from the American Philosophical Society Held at Philadelphia For Promoting Useful Knowledge, 7 … (Jefferson Papers)
The American Philosophic society on the 5th of January last held their first annual election under the act of incorporation by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, and I have it in charge to inform your Excellency, that they have elected you a Councellor for two years. The powers of the Council are to “be described, fixed and determined by the statutes, laws, regulations and ordnances of the...
8Agreement with James Anderson for Nailers, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Nine lads thats Nailors, which the State may have for one Year at ⅔ Specie Pr. Day, they lads must be fed Clothed Washing and lodgeing fiting for Apprentises. Eight of those lads shall make Twenty five Thousand Nails pr. Week. In Council Feb. 9. 1781. The board agree to engage the above persons for one year on the terms above proposed on the condition that when not necessary to be...
9Proceedings of Commissioners to Settle the Pennsylvania-Virginia Boundary, 27–31 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Baltimore, 27–31 Aug. 1779 . After presenting their respective powers, the commissioners for Virginia (Rev. James Madison and Rev. Robert Andrews; the third commissioner, Thomas Lewis, was absent) exchanged on the following days with the commissioners for Pennsylvania (George Bryan, Rev. John Ewing, and David Rittenhouse) a series of letters proposing and rejecting various lines as the...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Andrews, 10 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 10 Feb. 1781. “The City of Williamsburg having procured a Waggon, Team &c. as ordered by Act of Assembly ,” Andrews desires to know to whom they shall be delivered. RC ( Vi ); endorsed (in part): “From the Revd Robt. Andrews.” The act of assembly in question was an Act of the Oct. 1780 session for supplying the army with clothes, provisions, and wagons; see Hening, William W....
11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Andrews, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 31st. Ult., addressed to Mr. Madison and myself, I received yesterday, and shall be prepared to enter on the Business you have been pleased to propose as soon as the necessary Preliminaries are settled. I think no Objection can be made to your Mode of locating the Boundary, as it is the only one which, without infinite Pains and Trouble, can be in any Degree accurate. Before...
12To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It will appear to you very strange that I should Communicate You Pollitical news from this place, where I expected to hear of none but of the Rural sort. Yet I have one which, though it may at first seem rather extraordinary, is not altogether quite improbable. Yesterday, after I had finished my letter to Mrs. Jefferson , I went to dine with Dr. Gilmer. In the evening Just as I left the town,...
13To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, with a Memorial on the Status of French Subjects in Virginia, [7 November 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of informing your Excellency and the honourable the House of Assembly that having received lately a Commission that appoints me Consul of France for his most christian Majesty in the State of Virginia, I accept it with the highest degree of pleasure. His Majestys Choice flatters me infinitely as I am entirely conscious with what particular Distinction he considers this State,...
14To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 18 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to Acquaint your Excellency with a Piece of intelligence, Which if true Can not fail of Being Agreable to you in the present Circumstances. A Gentleman of this town Received last night a letter informing him of our ship Washington at Boston and tels him also that that ship parted in a storm from a french Squadron and fleet of transports in the latt. 32. which were intended...
15To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 27 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer hereof is Col. Ternan of armand’s Legion. As an intimate friend of mine, I beg leave to introduce him to the honour of your acquaintance. His hobby-horse is like mine, natural history; But speaks also very well upon Every other subjects, so as to mistake them for so many hobby-horses. I Recommend him to the fate every man of merit meets with at monte-cielo . I have been obliged to...
16To Thomas Jefferson from James Arbuckle, 22 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Looking upon it a duty I owe to the Publick, have taken the liberty to inform your Excellency the condition that the Galleys now lie in, in our County, which were deserted by the Officers and men last summer. A Gentleman in this County who was a Continental Officer assigned about two years ago, came home, and finish’d a vessel last fall, took the rigging of one of the Galleys as much as woud...
17[To Thomas Jefferson from Edward? Archer, 3 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Swan’s Point, 3 Jan. 1781. The 1816 version of TJ’s Diary of Arnold’s Invasion (Document I in Notes and Documents Relating to the British Invasions in 1781, printed under 31 Dec. 1780) contains the following entry under 3 Jan.: “8. aclock P.M. Received letter from E. Archer Swan’s point that at 12. aclock that day they [the British fleet] were at anchor a little below Jamestown.” Archer’s...
18William Armistead to Samuel Smith, 3 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 Aug. 1780 . Having already been serviceable to Virginia in obtaining supplies for the army and navy, Smith is requested to state the availability of certain articles in or near Baltimore and the terms on which they can be bartered for tobacco delivered either at Baltimore or the James River, to the end that these items can be procured on the most advantageous terms; with subjoined...
19To Thomas Jefferson from William Armistead, 20 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 May 1780. Submitting his resignation as “Commissioner of Loans for the States” (i.e., commissioner of the Continental loan office for Virginia), and recommending his assistant, John Hopkins, for that post. RC ( Vi ); 2 p. Addressed: “His Excellency the Governour of Virginia ⅌ Mr. Hopkins”; endorsed in a clerk’s hand. Transmitted to Harrison in a letter of 3 June 1780, q.v. The...
20William Armistead to William Davies, 3 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 Jan. 1781. Has been directed by the governor to order the tailor and shoemaker at Warwick to go to Chesterfield Courthouse immediately; but fears that without an officer to attend them they will desert; suggests that they be sent for, with a wagon or two to remove the leather and cloth on hand. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed: “Colo. William Davies Chesterfield Court House”; endorsed;...
21To Thomas Jefferson from William Armistead, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Present State of the Shoemaking business under Mr. Mathew Anderson. No materials on hand to carry on the business; nor to be procured without the ready money. 13 Soldiers employed and Standing idle. 3 hands employed for the day Mr. Andersons Wages going on; together with house rent &c., the Shoes made, from the high Price of leather &c. and the hands being obliged to be idle from the Want of...
22Robert Scot’s Invoice for Executing an Indian Medal, with Jefferson’s Memoranda, [13–21 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr to Rot. Scot Dr. 1780 Oct 13 To Engraving and making a Medalion mould in Brass and casting paterns £3150. 0.0 To Pewter for paterns 15. 0.0 To Cash payed on Acct Express as pr. receipt 41.14.0 £3206.14.0 37 Silver dollars estimated @ 140 for 1. To 37 Silver Dollars 1554. £4760.14.0 In Council Oct. 21. 1781 The within service was performed on...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Avery, 16 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have always considered it my duty, while holding an Office civil or military, to render the strictest Obedience in my power to the Laws of my Country and to the orders received from my Superior Officers; and whenever those Laws and Orders are such as my Conscience will not suffer me to execute punctually and religiously, I have thought it incumbent on me as a Man of honour and integrity to...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Ballendine, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As the late unfortunate sufferings by the Enemy, is rather discouraging for an individual to risk any thing more at present on the Canal &ca. and as you seem inclinable to repair the losses of the country at that place, I would propose letting you have my Grist Mills, and all other conveniencys belonging to me during the present War, on reasonable Terms Annually. The Furnace in Buckingham has...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Lindsay Opie and James Ball, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About ten or twelve daies ago I lost two very valuable Fellows, and Mr. James Ball lost three, which we conjectured were gone on board some of the Enemys Vessells, as for some time past, they have been, and still are hovering about the Shores of Potomack, from the mouth of the River, as high as Alexandria; our conjectures Proved true, for from the information of a young Gentleman, a near...
26To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, [15? February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Without place or date [ 15? Feb. 1781 ] . Encloses receipt for £5,250 “advanced for the Equipment of the Volunteer Horse in Lawsons Corps under an Express promise that I would be reimbursed the Succeeding Week.” Necessities are now so urgent that he hopes for early payment of this and also $2,700 “advanced the other day for Catrige Boxes.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; undated; addressed and endorsed....
27To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am happy in having anticipated your order respecting the Arms , having before directed the Captains to collect every effective Fire lock in the County to a proper Place on the Road leading to Taylor’s Ferry, but I fear when the best endeavours are used few will be the Number, as this collection has repeatedly been made to arm the continental Soldiers sent from hence, and I cannot help...
28To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, [before 24 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Without place or date [ before 24 Feb. 1781 ]. Cannot send more than 100 men into the field with arms; but if arms could be had, “I suppose half our Militia would cheerfully turn out.” At Petersburg are 400 good Continental arms. Desires instructions. Tr ( NHi ). At head of text: “Copy of a Letter to the Governor from Colo. Banister.” This is the copy enclosed in TJ’s letter to Steuben of 24 Feb .
29To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Dinwiddie co., 9 Mch. 1781 . He has, in accordance with orders, arrested Overby and Wells, and bailed them in good security to appear for trial when called on. Their arms have been deposited in a magazine previously established. He expects to complete a third of the militia (233 in number), by subscription. Desires instructions as to the trial of the two men arrested. MS not found; text of...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Col: J. Banister to the Governor: by Danl: Dodson, who goes to Richmond to get his pay for valuable services rendered the State; hopes he may not be disappointed, as the money is not now one fifth the value it was at that time. He is, with great difficulty collecting the Militia, who having so lately been in service, and did not expect to be called on again. Will use every effort to conciliate...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Marbois, 29 January 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Il y a quelques jours que M. Charles Thompson me parla d’un ecrït contenant des reponses à des questions que j’ay pris la liberté de vous adresser l’année derniere , et me dit que vous desiriés que je lui en donnasse communication: Je l’aurois fait avec beaucoup d’empressement, Monsieur; mais elles ne me sont point parvenues quoiqu’il y ait deja quelque tems que M. Thompson m’en a parlé et que...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Marbois, 22 April 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu les lettres que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 20. decembre et le 24. mars dernier. J’ai mis sur le navire marchand le Philadelphie les paquets pour l’Europe joints à la premiere et je crois que ce vaisseau a heureusement decapé malgré la vigilance des corsaires anglois. Je ne puis vous exprimer à quel point je suis reconnoissant de la peine que vous avés prise pour...
33Marbois’ Queries concerning Virginia, [before 30 November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
1. The Charters of your State. 2. The present Constitution. 3. An exact description of its limits and boundaries. 4. The Memoirs published in its name, in the time of its being a Colony and the pamphlets relating to its interior or exterior affairs present or ancient. 5. The History of the State. 6. A notice of the Counties Cities Townships Villages Rivers Rivulets and how far they are...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received your Excellencys Orders of the 22d. Inst: Mr. Strother who was the Bearer of those Orders says that your Excellency would not have Orderd any men from this County at this time had not you been informed that a part of our Militia was in motion which was the case but was in some Confusion, not through disobedience but on Account of both the Draft for the Militia and the...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
“Culpepper,” 2 Apr. 1781 . Has this day received Governor’s order to march his militia; “we are now paraded and shall march.” Some of the “Divisions” think themselves entitled to a discharge because some of the militia belonging to them who marched to the South engaged while there to serve in Col. [William] Washington’s regiment for the war, “which is all the Law required of them tho they have...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the many Applications I make free to Address your Excellency once more in behalf of the Detatchment of Militia from this County now on a Tour of duty who are very uneasie as well on account of a Shocking Fever now Rageing in this County as the Planting their Crops. Twenty persons have Died in about ten days within five miles of my house, but Very fortunate they are mostly such as are no...
37To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must again beg leave to Address your Excellency in behalf of a number of poor men who march’d in the Detatchment of Militia from this County the other day, if Possible to have them releived by or before the last of this month, that they may return to their homes in order to get their Corn Planted, who with their famalys must Suffer greatly if not Perish unless they can return time Enough to...
38[To Thomas Jefferson from James Barron, before 2 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond?, before 2 Oct. 1780. Minute in Journal of the Commissioner of the Navy (Vi), under date of 2 Oct.: “Letter from Commodore Barron referred from his Excellency the Governour.” An entry of 3 Oct., following, states that a reply was written by James Maxwell to Commodore Barron “inclosing a Form of a List of Seamen employed in the Navy of Virginia.” Neither Barron’s letter nor Maxwell’s...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Barron, 20 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday Morning twelve large Ships Came within the Capes and Anchord, Sent up one Frigate this Morning under English Colours, Which proves them to be a British fleet. The Frigate lays Now in Hampton road with Arnolds Ships. The other Ships are still in the Bay at Anchor. I take them all to be Menawar And No transports Among them. I Have the Honour, to be Sir Yr. Excellencys Mo. Obed. Hble...
40James Barron to the Commanding Officer at Williamsburg, [18 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Vesells which ware bound up Jas. River are now at Anchore off the mouth of Peggen [Pagan] creek, Consisting of five Ships two Brigs two Schooners and three Sloopes with thirty flatt Bottomed boats a Stearn the fowey 24 Gun Ship in Burwills Bay and a Brig at Anchore. What their intentions are I know not, but it may be proble they intend up in the night to Supprise Williamsburg. Was their...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Barron, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This morning Came to our Bay 15 or Sixteen Sail more vessells which make thirty some odd which I suppose to be all British. They all lay at ancor Near the Cape they might have got up this morning but Lay fast. There is one Ship Coming up with a Whit flag at her Fore Top mast head but What She is I know not but Suppose her to be British. We have no accounts what they are but Conjecter them to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Baylor, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hoping that you may have supplyed yourself with an American Atlas, in the space of six or eight Months, You will please to deliver to General Weedon’s Care, my Atlas. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Ob: & H: Sert, RC ( Vi ); addressed; endorsed (in part): “Requesting the return of his American Atlas.”
43To Thomas Jefferson from John Beckley, enclosing a Resolution of the House of Delegates, 12 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am directed by the House of Delegates to convey to you information respecting a Resolution of their House, of this Date, for an Enquirey into the Conduct of the Executive for the last twelve Months; I therefore, Sir, do myself the honour to inclose a Copy of that Resolution: And remain with great regard, Sir, Your obedient humble Servant, In the House of Delegates, the 12th. of June 1781....
44From John Harvie, enclosing a Resolution to Inquire into the Conduct of the Executive, 27 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Being Anxious that the Inclosed Resolution of the House of Delegates should reach you as early as possible, I have prevail’d on Capt. Dalton to be the Bearer of it to your House. I should be unhappy to think that any Accident should prevent the State from Deriveing the Advantage of Council from her ablest Citizens, by the Cavil of party on the Illiberality of the Inviduous, wherefore, shall...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bellini, 29 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Non o potuto resistere alla tentazione di scriverle, e toglierle in conseguenza un poco del tempo da Lei destinato agli affari in queste calamitose circostanze. Jo non so cosa i’ mi sia, nè che cosa sia per esser di me se io resto più qui; mi pare per altro ch’io sarò Suddito non più alle leggi di questo Stato, ma a quelle d’un Quadrumvirato. Questa idea solamente è piu che bastante a rendere...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bellini, 8 April 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Rispondendo all’umanissma. Sua de 25. Marzo scorso, nella quale Ella mi domanda una lista classata di Traduzioni degli autori più Celebri Greci e Latini, Le dirò che io, particolarmente in questo genere, sono il più ignorante tra gl’ignoranti, forse perchè in Italia simili autori si leggono ne’ loro originali solamente, se Latini; e si comparano gli originali con le Traduzioni Latine, se...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bellini, 13 February 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Il Sige. Gen’le Conte di Rochambeaux va a spasso per il Paese, ed è probabile ch’egli venga a Monticello, almeno Egli ne à l’intenzione; il Sige. Coleau , un uffiziale di rango nell’ Armata lo accompagna, ed io non voglio perder l’occasione di rinnuovarle i miei più rispettosi Sentimenti, e ringraziarla dell’ affettuosa Lettera ch’ Ella si compiacque di scrivermi da Richmond in Data de’ 23...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Bell, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at Last made a Return of What I Procured under the Provision Law. I Recd your Instructions for procuring Grass beef and Salt two Late. At that time the ware all Sold other wise put up to feed and Could not be taken under that Denomination. If there is not more Severe Laws made against Ingrossers this part of the Country will not be able to Suply with any Beef. There has been many Droves...
49To Thomas Jefferson from George Bird, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Middlesex, 12 Apr. 1781 . Was appointed with Col. George Daniel a commissioner of the specific tax for Middlesex, “and Agreeable to Law we appointed commissioners to receive the said Taxes and gave public notice thereof, as also of the places appointed for the People to cary their grain.” Daniel and Bird also appointed, among others, Mr. William Chowning a deputy “for the purpose of seizing...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Blackburn, 4 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Prince William County, 4 May 1780 . Acknowledges a (now missing) letter from TJ by Henry Lee notifying Blackburn of his appointment to the executive council. Feels a due sense of the honor intended for him by the Assembly but must decline because of “a Deafness with which I have been long afflicted, and which I fear is too considerable to allow a proper Attention to the Duties of the Office.”...