1From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Powhatan and Certain Other Counties, 31 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It having become essentially necessary to raise immediately a large body of Cavalry and having no means of providing Accoutrements we are obliged to attempt the recovery of All the public Arms and Accoutrements for Cavalry dispersed in private hands through the state, which if they can be secured will arm and equip a very respectable force. I am therefore to press you instantly and diligently...
2From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of York and Certain Other Counties, 29 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Information having been given me that a considerable number of Men have deserted from the French Army and Navy in America which the Commanding Officers are very urgent to have apprehended, I must desire you to give orders at the several Ferries in your County, that all Foreigners offering to cross at them and having the Appearance of Soldiers or Seamen be examined with great Strictness and if...
3From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Washington and Certain Other Counties, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lord Cornwallis from Carolina and a Reinforcement of 2000 Men from New York having joined the hostile Army which was before here and crossed James River renders it necessary for us to bring a very great Force into the Field. As I have reason to believe you have not sent the whole Number ordered to the Southward by my Letter of You will now be pleased to send under proper Officers whatever...
4From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Powhatan, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Dinwiddie, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may at any Time be within twenty Miles of the Enemys Camp to be removed beyond that Distance excepting only such Horses as are unfit either for Cavalry or Artillery. Should the Owners not perform this Order within such short and reasonable Time as you shall prescribe, you will be pleased to order out proper Officers and men of your...
5From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Goochland and Henrico, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the Marquis Fayette give you Notice at any Time that there is Reason to apprehend the Enemy will cross James River, you will be pleased to order all Cattle and Horses which may be within twenty Miles wherever they shall at any Time be to be removed [&c. as in the Letter to Powhatan.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ). Brackets supplied; for remainder of text see preceding letter.
6From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Hanover and New Kent, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever the Honble. Major Genl. Marquis La Fayette shall think it necessary and shall so inform you, you will be pleased to have collected all the Boats and other smaller vessels, whether Public or Private, on Pamunkey either on or opposite to the Shore of your County and to have them carried to such Places as he shall direct. I am &c., FC ( Vi ).
7From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants and Others, [8 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Senf being sent by Majr. Genl. Marquis Fayette to have the bridges and boats and other vessels destroyed which might otherwise facilitate the passage of the enemy across the rivers Blackwater, Nottoway, Meherrin and Roanoke and to collect vessels for transportation of our own troops, all County Lieutenants and other militia officers and their militia are hereby required...
8From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Lunenburg and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army under Major Genl. Phillips having landed at Brandon, and meaning to press Southwardly; and Lord Cornwallis being now advancing Northwardly with a Design probably of uniting their force, it behoves us immediately to turn out from every County as many men as there are Arms to be found in the County, in order to oppose these forces in their separate State if possible, and if not,...
9From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Louisa and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army [&c. to the words ‘with these arms in their hands’] to Richmond or Prince Edward Courthouse as shall be most convenient [&c.]1 And whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for by my letter of the 5th inst who will be retained to perform a full Tour. Cavalry in a due proportion [&c. to the end.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “County...
10From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of King William and Hanover, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British [&c. to the words ‘with these Arms in their hands’]1 to Richmond where they will receive orders to join Major General Marquis Fayette. When you shall be possessed [&c.] Whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for by my Letter of yesterday who will be retained to perform a full tour. It is probable [&c. to the end.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text:...