1Enclosure: Papers on Spain Received from Edmond Charles Genet, II, 21 July 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
II Proofs of the Machievelism of the Cabinet of Versailles. Extract of a letter of M. de Vergennes to the Chargé des affaires of France with the US. Versailles. July 21. 1783. ‘The future existence of the Congress presents important questions to discuss, and I foresee that it will be some time before they will be decided. I think as you do, that the preservation of the Congress would suit us;...
2To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 21 January 17[80] (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Jan. 1780 [ misdated 1779 ]. A recent regulation enables captains of artillery in the Continental army to keep horses, which makes boots necessary equipment. A request for boots from the public shops at the reduced price seems reasonable, but, being unusual, the approval of the executive is desired. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 24th. 1780. The...
3From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Continental Board of War, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 15 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually identical in substance with the letters to Samuel Huntington and to Thomas Sims Lee of the same date, qq.v. FC ( Vi ); 2 p.; at head of text: “Governor Lee and President of the Board of War.”
4To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Instructions desired as to whether a soldier’s oath on his own behalf concerning his allowance of clothing shall be legal testimony for his compensation. The legislature at its last session elected a commissary of prisoners, who has declined serving, though the law constituting the Board of War vests that power in the Board. The Board proposes electing a proper...
5Board of War to Board of Trade, 5 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 5 Nov. 1779 . Recommends the immediate purchase of a list of articles needed for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia troops in the northern army. Signed by Innes, Griffin, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “Approved. Th: Jefferson.” RC ( CSmH ); 1 p. Above the list of articles needed is a list of articles supplied to the northern army, dated 25 Oct. 1779, signed by Samuel...
6Board of War to Board of Trade, 21 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Mch. 1780 . Recommendation of the purchase of a suit of colors from Jesse Taylor. Signed by Barron and Lyne. Counter-signed: “Approved. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ), 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii , 109.
7Board of War to Board of Trade, with Reply, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 20 Nov. 1779 . Approval, with the concurrence of the executive, of the purchase of cloth, to be paid for in part by cannon at the foundry. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 23. 1779. This purchase is approved: paiment to be made in Cannon as above proposed, so far as they will go towards full paiment; the balance to be paid in money as soon as...
8[To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 4 August 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg, 4 Aug. 1779 . Minute in Board of War Journal (Vi) under this date: “This Board do recommend to his excellency the Governour and the honorable the Council, Mr. Theophilus Field as a proper person to be appointed a Lieutenant in the Navy of this Commonwealth.” Not located.]
9To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As the removal of the public Boards and Public Shops to Richmond may be Attended with very great inconvenience for the want of houses, The Board recommends to his Excellency the Governor to direct that all the escheated houses in Richmond be purchased for public use. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ).
10To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 14 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard Barron, commanding officer of the state navy. If necessary, Capt. Barron will convey the ship to a place of safety on the western shore. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 15th. Approved...
11To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 11 Nov. 1779 . A statement of the duties of the state clothier. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 15th. 1779. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 2 p.
12To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 11 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Philadelphia ], 11 Dec. 1780 . Enclosing a resolution of Congress of 6 Dec. respecting the Convention troops; the Board will be pleased to have TJ take order thereon. RC ( PHi ); 2 p.; signed “by ord. Ben Stoddert Secy.”; addressed: “(Public) His Excellency Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia (War Office)”; endorsed: “Contl. Board War Lr. Recd Feby 81.” For the resolution...
13To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a roster of Col. Marshall’s officers, together with a recommendation of some cadets and others for commissions to complete officers for the corps of artillery, and requests that commissions be issued according to the dates specified. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “Feb. 17th. 1780. The Board Advise that commissions be issued accordingly. Th:...
14To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
15From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Approved as to the gallies; and as to the ship Gloster it is recommended to the board of war to have a proper enquiry and report made whether it may not be more advantageous to convert her into a galley than to sell her, and on such report to reconsider the matter. Tr in Board of War Journal ( Vi ); printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H....
16To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Upon consideration of the resolution of the House of Delegates of 1 Nov., it is recommended that two prison ships be prepared for the reception of prisoners of war and be moored in James River. One ship is now ready. Signed by Innes, Nelson, and Griffin. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). 2 p. For the resolution concerning prison ships, see JHD Journal of the...
17From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that a Soldiers oath is not sufficient testimony to entitle him to clothing or a compensation for it: It is their opinion also that the Board of War may proceed to appoint a commissary of prisoners. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ). See Board of War to TJ, 13 Nov. 1779 (second letter from the Board under that date).
18From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the North Carolina Board of War, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Jan. 1781. This letter is virtually the same as that to Abner Nash of the same date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “Governor Nash & in part to the Prest of the Board of War N Caro.”
19To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 11 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779. Approved, except so far as relates to the establishment of pursers, which measure is still to be considered of. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in War Office Letter Book ( MiU-C ); 3 p.
20To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . There are three captains, two lieutenants and four cornets in Maj. Nelson’s corps. Two gentlemen are appointed to recruit the quotas of a lieutenant. If they have not done so, they do not belong to the corps of horse, and the officers who have raised their quotas and are now on duty should be the officers of the three troops of horse and should rise according to...
21To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 17 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 17 Dec. 1779 . Workmen are needed for the next year at the shipyard. The commissioner should attend the sales of British property and purchase Negroes for that purpose instead of hiring them, because the hire is so exorbitant. A pair of sawyers would not cost less than £600 per annum. Signed by Nelson, Barron, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Decr. 18th. 1779. Approved. Th....
22To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a letter from Lt. Col. Porterfield stating objections to the new quartermaster’s arrangement; these objections seem proper and will be given consideration if the executive approves. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Feb. 16. 1780. The board approve of giving Colo. Porterfield 200. Dolls. ⅌ month in Addition to the 600 Doll. ⅌ month...
23Contract between Thomas A. Talbot and the Board of War, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Talbot agrees “to perform the Turners work for the public Laboratory” and to have his work valued by two “indiferently” chosen men, who will also value everything the public furnishes him and deduct it from his allowance. Signed by Talbot. Countersigned by TJ: “In Council Apr. 7. 1781. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” MS ( Vi : Executive Department, Governor’s...
24Board of War to ——, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Sell or immediately exchange the six horses reported totally unfit for service by Captain Charles Fearer and replace them with suitable mounts. Signed by James Innes and George Lyne. Countersigned by TJ. RC (Mrs. Earl McMillen, Atlanta, Georgia, 1963); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand except for signatures.
25To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 4 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Some men having arrived in Town who were enlisted under the Act for raising soldiers sailors and marines, The Board of War recommend to the Executive to Order the sailors on board of some of the armed vessells of this state, and the soldiers and marines to join the state Garrison Regiment which is very weak. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ).
26From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 19 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On a conjectural view of the money likely to come in to the Treasury between this and the 15th. of June, and on estimates of the several demands on the public for money with in the same period we find it will be necessary to restrain the amount of Warrants to be issued hereafter to about two thirds of what would have been a full supply. We Allot therefore as follows. To the Commissaries...
27From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of May 1779. under which Mr. Blunt has been last Drafted refers to one of October 1778 as to the method of determining who were Subjects of that Draught. This act says the justices and the Field Officers shall lay Off the militia into Districts, each of which districts shall furnish a man. The justices and field Officers then are made Judges who shall be deemed to be of the Militia and...
28To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Philadelphia ] , 12 Dec. 1780. Case of 1st Lt. Thomas Warner, formerly of the 7th Va. Continental Line, for whom no vacancy is now available in the Virginia Line, though it has been recommended and agreed that “in all Cases where the Places of Prisoners were filled by junior Officers they should retire on the Officers Exchange whose places they filled.” This information is...
29From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board approves of the whole of the foregoing measures except as follows. They think the particular works of defence [to] be constructed at York had better be referred to the Engineers of this State and of our Allies on view of the ground; and under the controul of Col. Marshall and the commanding Officer of the French. They are of opinion that the application to the State of North Carolina...
30To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a plan of forming the detachment of troops to be sent to South Carolina, with an estimate of camp apparatus needed. This plan proposes augmentation of garrison regiment to man the forts intended to be erected, and retention of part of artillery regiment for a laboratory, which must be established to equip artillery in the field. Two letters are enclosed to...
31To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 21 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Mch. 1780 . Agreement with Mr. Moody for himself and others for compensation for labor in the service of the state for five years. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “Mar 23. 1780. The Executive agree to the Articles of contract proposed by the Board of War with Mr. Moody restraining the determination of the term to five years or the end of the war if it shall sooner...
32From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The board advise the approbation of the proposition from the board of War for building a small magazine at Staunton; but that it be paid for in money, and not by a sale of any of the rifles, these being already ordered to be delivered to the two Western Battalions now raising. They approve also of what is proposed as to the cattle. They advise that no particular supply of Clothing be sent for...
33To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 5 Apr. 1780 . Encloses Maj. Quarles’ return of men raised in his last tour; Quarles “complains extremely” of inattention of county lieutenants to the execution of laws which fall within their departments. He has also applied for compensation for his services; six hundred dollars per month is recommended. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “April 5. 1780. I approve of the...
34To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to transmit to you, a resolution of congress of the 23d. instant also a resolution of the 11th. of april last, by which you will discover that they depend upon the arrears of specific supplies for the last campaign which have not yet been furnished by the different States to make good their engagements with the Court of France. As the honor and faith of the...
35To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 6 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board have recieved a Letter from Col. Rawlins Commissary of Prisoners at Fort Frederick in Maryland informing of the Approach of the first Division of the Convention Troops towards that Post. We have given Directions to Major Foresythe to superintend the Supplies of all these Troops as well those at their former Station as those at Fort Frederic. We propose that one half of the Supplies...
36To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your Excellency’s letter of March 31st. referred to the Board by Congress they beg leave to observe, that they think it will be proper for the flag vessel to proceed round from James River to Potomack, and land their Cloathing, refreshments Money &c., designed for the Prisoners at George Town in the State of Maryland; there to be received by two Officers of the Convention Troops...
37From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 15 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board advise that one prison ship agreeable to the resolution of Assembly be employed; that she be moored in James river above the windings thereof which form the Peninsula’s in Henrico and Chesterfield Counties: that picquetts be erected on the South Side of the same river on such Spot as the Board of War or an Officer to be sent by them to examine grounds for that purpose shall direct;...
38To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply by John Page, 30 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 30 July 1779 . Because of the multiplicity of business, one clerk cannot attend to all the duties the office requires, including keeping a journal. Appointment of a second clerk desired. Signed by James Innes, Clerk. Countersigned by Lt. Gov. John Page: “In Council July 30th. 1779. The Council approves of the reasons above given by the board of War for the appointment of a second...
39To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 8 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Lieut. Colo. Muter of the Artillery Colo. State Garrison Regiment. Major Matthews Lt. Colo. Artillery Captain Edmunds Major Artillery The Board having not in possession a Regular and proper Roster of the State Artillery, cannot certify precisely how far the chain of preferment occasioned by Colonel Muters removal may extend. We have specified the field promotions, and will notify those of a...
40To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War wish to be informed by his Excellency whether the Henry Galley now at Hampton under repair and one side finished, shall be completed, and furnished for the protection of that post. As Vessells bound to Sea frequently make that their Harbour when wind bound and if not protected by a Galley or some other vessell of force they must, if chased up by the enemy, fall into their...
41From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board are of opinion that Capt. de Klauman cannot regularly be promoted to the Majority in the State Garrison Regiment; but considering him as a very good Officer and as having resigned his command in the Artillery Regiment on being nominated to a majority in one of the Eastern Battalions then intended to be raised, a nomination which could not then be considered as exposed to...
42Board of War to County Lieutenants and Recruiting Agents, 4 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclemency of the season having prevented the officer appointed to review and receive the new recruits raised under the act of Assembly concerning officers, soldiers, sailors, and marines, to perform the duties there prescribed on the days advertised in the gazette of December the 11th . The Board of War have changed the days of general rendezvous in the following manner, viz . At...
43From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Peyton Clothier General is directed to repair to the Grand Army there to receive and issue to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line all Cloathing and Stores for them that shall be put into his hands either by the Continental Cloathier General or the Continental State Agents. If the salary annexed to his Office by the Assembly is insufficient, to them the application must be made....
44To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia and the charge for freight immense. The extensive orders given to Col. Smith of Baltimore to purchase flour should, therefore, be immediately countermanded and a price limit set of £30 Maryland money per hundred....
45To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Before issuing orders for the privateersmen at King William Courthouse to be delivered to the flag from New York, the Board wish instructions concerning the British prisoners of war. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Reply follows: “In Council Mar. 25th. 1780. The Board are [of] opinion that all the prisoners of War belonging to this State (excepting only Governor...
46From Thomas Jefferson to the North Carolina Board of War, 23 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that it is utterly out of our Power to furnish a single stand of Arms for the Use of your Troops. After making reasonable Deductions we have right to expect, that 5000 or 5,500 Regulars and Militia will march from this State to yours in the Course of this and the ensuing Month; for these we have but 3000 Stand of Arms. I have apprised Congress and General Washington of this and...
47[To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 25 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 25 May 1781 . Extract of a letter from Col. William Fleming to Benjamin Harrison, Staunton, 7 June 1781 ( Official Letters , iii , 1): “I … take the liberty through you Sir of communicating a letter from the board of war of the 25th of May with a resolve of Congress of the 23d directing the removal of the Convention prisoners out of this State and requesting the necessary...
48To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . In Feb. 1779 Mark Talbot agreed with Capt. Maxwell and Col. Travis, commissioners of the navy, to build a vessel of war for the state. Talbot, supposing he had a bad bargain, did not comply with the terms of the contract. When called on in June for delivery, he stated that the enemy had destroyed the vessel, though it appears that timbers for the hull had not been...
49From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 12 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor is advised to appoint Frederickg., Petersbg., New London, Staunton, and Winchester places of rendezvous for New levies raised under the act of Assembly concerning Officers Soldiers Sailors and marines, and to direct an Officer to meet the recruiting Officers of the several counties at these places at certain times, to wit, Petersburg on the first Day of every other month,...
50Board of War to Charles Porterfield, 29 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 29 Mch. 1780 . Appointment to command the detachment of Virginia troops, consisting of “volunteers of the State Garrison Regiment, The greater part of Marshalls Corps of Artillery and two Troops of Nelsons horse,” to be under Porterfield’s “absolute controul and Command” and to be prepared “to march on the Shortest notice” to Charleston, S.C.; also instructions for procedure....