1To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 27 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot help expressing to Your Excellency the anxiety I am under occasioned by the delay of Genls. Muhlenberg and Lawson, nor, when I consider the unhappy Consequences that this Delay may Occasion, can I avoid justifying myself from having any part in it. Instead of forwarding Genl. Green the reinforcements he Expected, we are Keeping a Number of Corps dispersed about the State, where no...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 1 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency was acquainted with My Intention of sending on Genl. Lawson’s Corps, and I can now inform you that I expect they will march from hence to morrow, tho’ not in such Numbers as I Expected, only 340 Rank and file appearing under Arms at the review Yesterday, including Infantry and Cavalry. The next Object is sending on as speedily as possible 400 Continental Troops and as many...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 2 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 30th ult. that Gen. Lawson’s Corps would march Yesterday. This would Certainly have been the Case had not a report arrived that the Legislature had determined on their being discharged immediately. I should not however have suspended the march from a mere report, but Genl. Lawson himself shewed me a Copy of the Resolution of the house of Delegates on the subject. I...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment favord with your Excellencys Letter of this morning inclosing a Copy of the requisition made by Lt. Colo. Lee for the Corps under his command. I am perfectly of Opinion with your Excellency that the call on this State for the several Articles he demands is improper on any other principle than that of the general good. In the new Establishment of the Army this Corps is...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, Enclosing Instructions for Drawing the Recruiting Bill, 9 December [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Frequent abuses that have happened in the Recruiting Service, and an absolute Necessity that those Men who are raised for the War in Future should be fit for the Service and the Continent and State no longer deceived, by having Old Men, Deserters, &c &c, Imposed upon them; I have made the Within Instructions and beg Your Excellency to lay them before the Legislature that when they Pass the...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 10 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I came here Yesterday in full Expectation of sending off Colo. Greens Detachment of 400 Men this Day and it is with great pain I have to inform Your Excellency that so far from being ready to March I am even fearfull they will not be able to March at all. Amongst the 400 Men selected for this Detachment about 60 only had Blankets. The Militia I discharged left about 20 and of 200 which I...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write some time ago to Your Excellency, enclosing a Memorial of Colo. Senf, relative to the necessary fortifications on York and James River. I have kept this Officer in this state for the sole purpose of surveying all the defensible places, and he has lately by my Order taken an Exact draught of the situation of Hood. I could wish the Assembly might come to some...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 December [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 15 Dec. [ 1780 ] . Col. Green’s detachment marched from Petersburg on the 13th. Steuben on his return from Petersburg reviewed the troops at Chesterfield Courthouse, where there were 316 rank and file present and fit for duty, and about 200 sick; 20 of those fit for duty have been ordered to supply the places of deserters from Green ’s detachment; and 25 others have been assigned...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 December [1780] (Jefferson Papers)
General Green among other requisitions having mentioned the equipment of the Troops raised by the State, I have no doubt but the Legislature will be glad to know what is generally understood by the equipment of a soldier, and therefore take the Liberty of laying before your Excellency the inclosed Estimate with some remarks thereon. I need not mention to your Excellency the necessity of...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty of laying before your Excellency, a few thoughts on the subject of raising and equiping the Troops required of this State: I should have done this before, but have been detained at Petersburg much longer than I expected, by the many Difficulties I met with in sending off a Detachment of 400 Men to re-inforce General Greene. I was in hopes of receiving Returns from the...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 16 Dec. 1780. Lt. Col. [Richard] Campbell of the 9th Va. regiment, which is now at Fort Pitt, has orders to join his regiment but is unable to do so for want of $4,000 to pay the expenses of the journey. Steuben requests that a warrant for that sum be granted to Campbell so that the public service will not suffer by his longer detention in Richmond. FC ( NHi ); 1 p.
12To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 18 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 18 Dec. 1780. Encloses “some hints toward a Law to prevent illegal discharges and desertions from the Army.” Has written on the same subject to Congress and the Commander in Chief. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Steuben; addressed; endorsed, by TJ: “Baron Steuben illegal discharges.” Enclosure: Probably Steuben’s plan for preventing desertion, printed below at end of...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am about writing to Majr. General Greene, and as it’s of the utmost importance, he should be as exactly, as possible acquainted on what supplies he may depend, I would be glad your Excellency would let me know in writing, how far the Legislature have complied, with the requisitions, made them by General Greene. Among the articles of that requisition, the arms are the most essential. I dont...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 28 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that the Bill which passed the House of Delegates for compleating their Regiments on the new Establishment has limitted the number to 3000—by far too small a number for the end proposed—but even supposing it sufficient to compleat their Regiments in the first instance, yet from the natural casualties attending every body of Men the numbers will be constantly diminishing from the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Many of our Misfortunes, to the Southward, and elsewhere, have arrisen from the Bad Arrangements of the Q.M. Department, which I hope In future will be on a better footing. General Green has appointed Lieut. Colo. Carrington. Dy. Qr. [Deputy Quartermaster] for this Department, and directed him to make application to the Executive of this State for Money and other article[s] he may find...
16Steuben’s Plan for Preventing Desertion, [December] 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place or date ] In a long war the difficulty and expense of raising men increases, and “every possible means should be employed for the preservation of the Men after they are raised.” The incomplete state of the regiments obliges one regiment to be shifted into another, destroying the attachment between officers and men “which is necessary for their preservation.” The officers,...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys Observation with respect to the artificers is just. A proportion of the Regiment furnished by Pennsylvania should certainly be destined for the Southward. I shall write the Board of War immediately on the Subject and have no doubt they will be sent on. The situation of our affairs are such that Necessity obliged Gen. Greene to require many things from the southern States which...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 2 January 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
In case of the calling out a Body of Militia it will be highly necessary to adopt some measures to prevent the numerous abuses and terrible distruction of the Country which generally prevails. For want of having the Quarter Masters and Commissary Generals Departments under the direction of persons of Credit and influence the Inhabitants are wantonly distressed and thrice the quantity of...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 6 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to acquaint your Excellency that the Enemy left Richmond this Afternoon about one o’Clock and proceeded towards their Vessells in consequence of which I immediately ordered a Battalion of Continental Troops and a Battalion of Militia to March to this place, and came myself as well to oppose any attempts to Land here as to be so far on the way to Petersburg where it is...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 7 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment the honor of your Excellencys Letter of this day. The thousand Stand of Arms I desired Colo. Davis to send to Colo. Gibson at Petersburg on being advised there were then 400 Militia there unarmed and more arriving and I must again request that no time may be lost in Sending as many there as can be collected. The Continental Arms were in the hands of Capt. Irish. I am...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I would suggest to you the Defenceless condition of Hunter’s Works at Fredericksburg full as great or greater an object than any were at Richmond. The people in that part of the Country as destitute of arms, as they are in this. The Distance to the Works from Potomack River about half as far as from Westover to Richmond. I would recommend it to your Excellency to order some fortification...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, [11 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your Excellencys Letter of the 9th. Upon the principles of a united opposition against the invaders of the United States, it certainly must be agreed, that when one of those States are actually invaded by the Common Enemy, the expences incurred by such invasion, must be common also. This Naturally throws the provision for such Troops as shall be employed on such particular...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 12 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Towards forming a force for the defence of the Country upon the present invasion, I have made such dispositions for arranging the Militia as regularly throws them into actual service as they arrive within my power. As the Arms to be put into the hands of the Militia are the property of the State, and Subject to the direction of Officers not under my Command, I do not conceive those Troops...
24Steuben’s Queries concerning Military Supplies, with Jefferson’s Answers, [before 14 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
All are delivered 1 To know if all the State Arms are already distributed. If not where are the remainder? Richmond and Westham. They shall be delivered to Capt. Pryor. 2 To fix on a place where all the Arms Ammunition and Camp Equipage may be collected and appoint some Officer to collect and distribute them. If the Governor thinks proper, Capt. Prior may be appointed to distribute them after...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 16 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From every intelligence it appears evident that the Enemy mean to take post in the lower Counties. The last I heard of them was that they were marching their whole force towards smithfield. In consequence of this I have ordered Genls. Muhlenburg and Weedon to march with what Militia they may have together to Williamsburg from whence I shall be able to order them as circumstances may require....
26To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 17 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered your Excellency by an Officer of Colo. Armand ’s Corps who will also present a List of some few articles necessary to render that Corps fit for Service. The absolute necessity of employing this Corps induces me to request your Excellency’s assistance in procuring these Articles for the expence of which I will answer for the Continent. The advantages of a Superiority in...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 17 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I must request your Excellency to order 200,000 Dollars to be paid to Mr. Benj. Harrison Subject to my orders for which the United States is to be accountable. I am &c. FC ( NHi ). RC (not found) was enclosed in a letter from Steuben to Benjamin Harrison of the same date, FC of which is also in NHi .
28To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The 19th. Inst. in the Afternoon the Enemy crossed Nansemond River at Sleepy hole ferry and Encamped on the opposite bank. Eight of their Vessels then lay at the mouth of the River and two of Goodrich’s Privateers near the ferry, the Boats had fell down to the Fleet. From all their movements it appears evident they mean to take post, at least for some time, in Portsmouth and its environs. The...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 30 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose your excellency an abstract of the state of the forces of this State drawn from the Returns. By this you will observe that supposing no deficiency arises in the 3000 men voted and that the number now in the field does not diminish 1844 men will still be wanting of the Quota determined by Congress. With respect I am Your Excellency’s Most obed. Servt, MS not located. Text from A. H....
30To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, [11 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately after my arrival in this State Colo. Senf represented to me the necessity of establishing a Battery at Hoods and some other trifling works in the vicinity of James River. His opinion appearing to me to be well grounded, I did not hesitate a moment to submit it to your Excellency. I am informed you laid it before the Assembly but that it was not taken into consideration. The last...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Muhlenberg has just forwarded me the inclosed Letters. What can have given rise to a correspondence of this nature I cannot say. It was contrary to my wish or desire. I shall be glad to know your Excellencys pleasure respecting the Exchange proposed by Genl. Arnold, both the Prisoners belonging to the State. I inclose a Receipt for the Twenty Guineas sent in agreable to your desire. I...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment favord with your Excellencys Letter of this date . I had before transmitted you Copy of General Greens Letter to me with a state of our wants for compleating the Detachment destined for the Southard. I agree with your Excellency that the Militia of Rockbridge Augusta Rockingham and Shenandoah would be the most speedy reinforcement to General Green, but they must first be...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 17 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Chesterfield Court House, 17 Feb. [ 1781 ]. Capt. Morris, “a prisoner of War belonging to the State of Georgia,” has applied to Steuben for money to enable him to proceed to Philadelphia. Steuben cannot furnish money but hopes TJ can, since Morris “has furnished the Continent with large sums, and wishes to settle his accounts with the board of war, in Congress.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in an aide’s...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 18 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favord with your Excellencys Letter of yesterday and submit whether it would not be prudent to order the prisoners removed from the Barracks at Albermarle. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obed Servt, RC ( Vi ); in an aide’s hand; addressed and endorsed. Your excellencys letters of yesterday : Evidently the third letter from TJ to Steuben printed above under 17 Feb. In view of...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency Copy of a Letter I have just received from General Greene . The absolute necessity of supporting him and consequently of calling out the Militia makes me extremely apprehensive that it will prevent the drafting the Recruits. The time fixed for this is the 10 of March. Before this time there may be a necessity of ordering out a part of every County....
36To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 21 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
As the Detachment of Continental Troops will march from Chesterfield on the 25th Inst. I wish to Join to them the Militia of this County and Dinwiddie. For this purpose they must be assembled at Dinwiddie Court house, and there wait my Orders. If you have no Objection to this Plan, an Express must immediately be dispatch[ed] to inform them, as part of the Chesterfd. Militia are on their march...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Till it is decided whether Cornwallis will cross the Roanoke or not we ought at all events to be prepared for the worst for which purpose we may have occasion for the troops under the command of Colo. Innes to cross the James River and I shall send orders for him to hold him self in readiness to move at a moments notice. But previous to such a movement (if it should take place) it will be...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out tomorrow with the Detachment from hence for Dinwiddie Court Ho. from whence my movements will be wholly directed by those of the Enemy. The necessary instructions are given to General Muhlenbg who will keep the Command at Suffolk. Colo. Innes with the Troops under his Command is orderd to pass the River and take post at Cabbin point till further orders. Genl. Weedon is orderd to...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 25 February [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[Colo. Meade has return’d from examining into the Affair of the Flag. He has brought the inclosed papers which I send for your inspection. I do not find sufficient Reasons to Detain Mr. Hare any longer and have therefore sent orders to have him discharged.] I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that the Detachment has marched from this consisting of 400 Rank and file. They are well...
40Memoranda of Needs Submitted by Steuben, [ca. 1 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( NHi ); in Steuben’s hand; at foot of text is the following: “Marquis 1200 Infant Reg: Gen. Weedon 800 Milice Coll Parcker 1400 —— Gen. Steuben 2500 —— Cavallerie 120 6020 .”
41To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 5 March [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The danger which th[r]eatend the State has occasioned the calling together the Legislature, and as I have no doubt but that the principal object of their attention will be the security of the State I take the liberty of submiting to your Excellency, some observations, which I think worthy their attention. However happy a turn Affair[s] may take it is not to any Efforts of ours, but to the...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here yesterday Evening and am sorry to inform your Excellency that there has been no appearance of the French Fleet since they went out—on the contrary the Bay is full of British Cruizers and three Vessells lay in Lynhaven bay. The Dispatches your Excellency and myself sent had not left York Yesterday. I must request your Excellency to provide four Surgeons and 4 Mates with proper...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the first moment I was informed of Lt. Hares arrival with a Flag I declined all transaction with it and referd it wholly to the Civil Authority, for as the purposes for which he came out were by no means of a Military nature it seemed to me subject only to their decision. The Officers of Militia who have acted in this affair have doubtless considered it in this point of View. They acted...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received a Letter from General Muhlenberg dated the 7th. Inst. informing me that the Reinforcement which was to have Joined him the 5th. inst. had not then arrived and consequently he was prevented from detaching the 800 Men destined to Join General Gregory and to secure the passage of the great Bridge. At the same instant arrived Twelve Men being all of the 104 who were orderd from New...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A number of boats are absolutely wanting. There are only seven in Colledge Creek and those without oars. The Quarter Master informs me Your Excellency will not give him Militia for the purpose of impressing boats , when they can not be procured by any other means. The want of them is alone sufficient to put an end to the Expedition. Tr ( NHi ); endorsed. TJ nevertheless issued warrants for...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment informed of the return of the English Fleet into Lynhaven Bay in the night of the 24th. and that this morning Eighteen sail now arrived and Joined them. It is very probable the last are Transports with the Reinforcements expected from New York. When the Express came from Hampton one Ship was under way coming up to Hampton Road. The Wind has not been fair today for the Vessells...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 1 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Colo. Banister informing that the Times of the Rifle men, and other Troops under Genl. Muhlenberg will expire in ten days. Your Excellency will judge whether it is not necessary to order a relief as soon as may be, that is, if the present force is intended to be kept up. If not I wait Your orders to dismiss them. I am with the greatest Respect and...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, [4 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment honor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of 3d. April. What has engaged me to mention the Relief of the Militia is a Letter from Genl. Muhlenberg of 30th March in wich is the following paragraph “Colo. Mathews informed me to day that on the 12 of next month his militia would have Served three months and expect to be discharged on that day and as Colo. Boyers Regiment is in the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already appointed Mr. Robinson Deputy Commissary Issues and hope that Department will soon be properly Arranged. Orders are already given to Captain Prior for the Removal of the stores from Prince George Ct. Ho. to this place. I have no doubt it will be done immediately. General Muhlenberg in a Letter dated 14th. informs me that the Enemy have nearly compleated 25 Boats to contain each...
50Steuben to William Phillips, [15 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive from his Excellency the Governor of this state an extract from your letter to him on the subject of a flag, which he had requested you would permit to pass to Charles Town with tobacco for the benefit of the prisoners at that place belonging to this state. I am the more willing to undertake the regulation of this matter with you from the full confidence I repose in...