301From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 December 1779 (Washington 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 refers. The proceeding is founded in a generous & just liberality with respect to the Officers & 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 which were...
302To 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...
303To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d the copy of a letter from Thomas Scott to the President of Pennsylvania of the 29th of Novemr. last with a copy of the proceedings of the President and Council of Pennsylvania of the 15th of Decemr., as also an act of Congress of the 27th Instant consequent thereon recommending to the contending Parties not to grant any part of the disputed lands...
304Steuben’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,...
305To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Kinloch, [1780?] (Jefferson Papers)
I have to [entreat?] that your Excellency would be so kind as to forward the letters that accompany this; that addressed to [Gen.?] Huger to Charles Town You will be pleased to send southwardly, and I could wish that your Excellency would so far indulge me, as to enclose it with any occasional dispatches, either to Genl. Greene or to Governor Nash. I have already, If I am not mistaken,...
306To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that the Virginia Line are ordered from the Main Army to reinforce the one here. Unless they have more than a common stock of shoes and socks, they will soon be barefooted, which will at this inclement season, prevent their continuing the march. I have, therefore, to request that these articles may be provided for the troops and supplied them, if necessary, on the march. And as...
307To Thomas Jefferson from James Mercer, 8 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The severity of the weather obligeing Colo. Mason to continue with me for three days, he among other things communicated to me the powers the General assembly had vested your Excellency with respecting the settlement of this State’s accounts with the united States, and your Inclination that I shou’d undertake this business. Considering the Recess I have had from the fatigues of public Service...
308[To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Reed, 8 January 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 8 Jan. 1780 . From “Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania,” Penna. Colonial Records, xxi , 224: “A letter was sent to his Excellency Thomas Jefferson, esquire, Governor of the State of Virginia, enclosing the Proclamation of the Council of the twenty-eighth day of December last, with an attested copy of the resolution of Congress of the twenty-seventh of...
309To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 18 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d two Acts of Congress of the 13. and 14. Instant. The former containing the regulations adopted relating to prisoners of War whether taken by Continental Troops or captured by the arms of any particular State either by sea or Land. Many difficulties have frequently occurred for want of such a general regulation too numerous to be recited. It is...
310To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 20 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 20 Jan. 1780. Because of the dissolution of the fourth troop of Nelson’s corps of cavalry, a dispute concerning the lieutenancy of the third troop has arisen between Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Read. It is recommended that the decision be referred to a board of officers “as the most proper Tribunal to determine all military disputes.” Signed by Innes and Barron. Tr in Board of War...
311To 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...
312From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your Excellency’s favor of the 16th of Decr last. The inclosures for New-York have been duly transmitted. with respect to the prevention of flags to Chesepeak under the present appearance of things in that quarter, I shall should any fresh application come from the enemy give it proper consideration. The case of Col. Bland wch your Exy was pleased to communicate is very...
313To 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 ,...
314To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By a vessel decoyed in here yesterday bound from New York to Savannah we learn that she sailed from the Hook the latter end of December in company with a fleet of about 90 sail, bound to Georgia, with Troops on board, the number uncertain or who commands, of which 6 were line of Battle ships besides one 54 one 40 and one frigate, and that she parted with them off Cape Hatteras in a storm. It...
315To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, with Reply, 25 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 25 Jan. 1780 . Requests advice of Council concerning purchase of spirits and other commodities from De Francy for the use of the several garrisons. Reply follows: “In Council January 25th 1780. The Board disapproves altogether of the proposed purchase of Rice and Salt; and refer to the Board of Trade to determine whether the sum to which the State of the Public Treasury will...
316To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 26 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 26 Jan. 1780 . Recommending purchase of the whole or part of a tract of escheated land near the public foundry at Westham, as it would “probably furnish Wood, Grain and other necessaries for the use of that Work,” these items now being purchased at very extravagant rates. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors...
317To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address your Excellency on the 24th. our frigates have returned from a short cruize. By what they discovered, and the information of the Prisoners taken on board two sloops, part of the fleet with about 45 Dragoons on board, (their horses were shipped in the same Vessels, but were all lost on the passage but two) which were brought in by them, the enemy are now...
318To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 1 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Secretary’s Office, 1 Feb. 1780 . Encloses the journals of Congress to complete the state’s set to 1 Jan. 1780, hereafter to be printed in monthly pamphlets regularly sent, and requests a reply to his letter of 20 Nov. 1779, the request therein not being made “by idle curiosity but a desire of promoting public Utility and the cause of America.” RC ( MdAA : Red Books); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand,...
319To Thomas Jefferson from Fielding Lewis, 2 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have advanced upwards of Two Thousand pounds for the use of the Gun factory under the care of Mr. Dick and myself, and Money daily wanted which I shall continue to furnish untill a supply can be obtained from the Treasury; Majr. Alexander Dick informs me that he shall shortly return to this place and has promissed to bring up any Money you will please to send me, about Ten Thousand pounds...
320To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 3 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I find it altogether Out of My Power to engage Any of the Tradesmen Among the German Troops to go to Richmond; by Some Means or Other they have found Out Our Distress for Tradesmen to do Our Public Work, and their Officers have Contrived to get so Considerably in their Debt for Work, Besides their Pay and Cloathing, that they are Afraid to go without their Consent, least they shou’d be...
321To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 4 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 4 Feb. 1780 . The agent has secured all of the deficient supplies for the new levies of Col. Buford’s battalion as recommended, with the exception of 152 shirts. Proper linen not to be had and shirts exceedingly high-priced; therefore, decision to purchase them is left to executive. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 2 p. Printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the...
322To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [4 February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The exhausted State of the Treasury rendering it impracticable to make the Purchases of Slaves, Tobacco and Land which have from time to time been recommended to this Board, We wish, as the only Means left us to comply with those recommendations, to have a Letter from his Excellency in Council to the Escheators of those Counties where the Purchases can be made, authorizing them to admit of our...
323To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 5 Feb. 1780 . Requests advice for the disposition of six Negroes purchased for the state. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii , 96. TJ’s reply has not been located, but the following minute appears in the Board’s Journal under the same date: “The Executive...
324To 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 ).
325To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, [5? February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
A plan for new modelling the Quarter Masters department in this State. The Quarter Master General, taken from the Line, to draw three rations four forages and receive six hundred dollars ⅌ month in Addition to his pay in the Line, be allowed the use of three public horses. Two assistant Quarter Master Generals to draw each one ration two forages and receive four hundred Dollars ⅌ month...
326To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Chantilly, 7 Feb. 1780 . Acknowledges letter and enclosures of 2 Jan. Intends to go into next Assembly and will early procure lodgings in Richmond. Hopes the southern news is true. A letter from Arthur Lee of 28 Sep. brings news of naval fighting in European waters. Arthur Lee may not be able to leave Europe because he stands pledged for 300,000 livres which he has no means of paying. RC ( DLC...
327To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing you a Letter from our worthy friend Mr. Fabroni. A powerful fleet of 18 Sail of the Line and 4000 troops has just left Brest for the W. Indies to restore the superiority of this Country in that quarter. The Enemy’s fleet has been successful on the coast of Spain in taking some Spanish men of war and a number of transports laden with naval stores, but as there is a...
328To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 8–12 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Nantes, 8–12 Feb. 1780 . Is still at Nantes but has been obliged to beg personal financial assistance from Tuscany. Action of the Spanish and British fleets off Cadiz; capture of numerous Spanish merchantmen by Admiral Rodney. French success under M. LaMotte Picquet at Martinique. Encloses extracts from French Gazette to show “the monstrous contrast” between the published accounts in Spain and...
329To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 10 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 9th. Instant ascertaining the number of men exclusive of Commissioned Officers for the Continental Army the next Campaign to be 35. 211. which Congress deem necessary for the service of the present Year the Quota of each State being specified in the Act. You will observe that all the Men belonging to each State...
330To Thomas Jefferson from Riedesel, 10 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
For your very polite recollection and kind Compliments as well, as those from Your Lady, to whom please to present my best respects, myself and Madame de Riedesel return you our most perfect thanks, requesting you will be persuaded that nothing can ever efface from our Memory the Esteem we have for so respectable a Family from whom we received so many instances of Friendship. Madme: de...
331To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 11th. Instant authorizing the Executive Power of Virginia to examine the Accounts charged against Colo. Bland while in Command at Charlotte-Ville by the Deputy Commissary General of Purchases and Issues and make such allowances in his favour as they deem Just and proper &c from the peculiar Situation of his Command. I...
332To 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:...
333To 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...
334To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you many Thanks for your Favor by Mr. Sanders . The kind Notice you were pleased to take of me was particularly obliging, as I have scarcely heard a Word of public Matters since I moved up. In the Retirement where I live, I have had many anxietys for our Commonwealth, principally occasioned by the Depreciation of our Money. To judge by this, which some Body has called the Pulse of the...
335From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1780 (Washington 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 & privates in it, who belong to...
336To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 16 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 16 Feb. 1780 . Requesting approval of purchase, from Henry Brown, of “10 hhds of Rum at £25. ⅌ Gall. in exchange for Cordage at 40/. ⅌ lb.—the price … is extravagant, but … Troops cannot be marched on to the Southward without this Article‥‥” Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed....
337To 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...
338To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 17 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the honor of your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th . inst. recommending the necessity of an immediate remittance to Arthur Lee Esqr. who is, and has for a long time been considerably in advance for the state. The repeated references both of Letters and Accounts, from France which We have received from time to time from your Excellency in Council since our establishment have distressed us...
339To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 17 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 17 Feb. 1780 . The adjustment of the business with Col. Legras and Capt. Linctot not coming properly in their jurisdiction, as they have previously observed, the Board requests instructions concerning any alterations or additions therein, for their justification as well as their guidance. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 2 p. Printed in Official Letters Official Letters of...
340To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, [18 February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of Assembly establishing this Board directs, that it shall be subject to the advice and controul of the Executive, in every instance; and shall be held when and where the Governor, with advice of Council shall appoint: Now, tho’ we clearly see the propriety of the Board’s being fixed under the immediate inspection of the Executive, and it is what the Commissioners wish for, We are,...
341To 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...
342To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Col. Wells has purchased pork costing over £340,000 for the use of the troops; he has been furnished about £118,000; for much of the difference he has been obliged to give his private notes, and he says he will have to sell some of the pork to support his credit. The pork must be had for the troops, but the treasury is so low it will not admit of a draft. Northern...
343To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the inclosed copies, containing my corrispondence with Mr. D’Acosta and Dr. Franklin, being the most satisfactory proof I can give of having done what I prudently and decently could do to find the means for proceeding on the important business so strongly recommended to me. My delay to write to Dr. Franklin, and the distance between the first and second letter have proceeded cheafly...
344To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 23 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We had the Honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th. Jany. The Necessity which constrained our Assembly to enact a Law, the extensive Operation of which has interfered with the Purchases made by your Agent, for the Subsistence of the Military of your State, we must deplore, and can assure you that an anxious Solicitude for the Welfare of the United States and an Opinion that...
345To Thomas Jefferson from Geismar, 26 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to send Your Excellency a parcel of letters for the Regiment of Hessen Hanau. Though I have not opened them, I beleave I may assure that they Contain nothing which concerns public Affaires, nor anny thing prejudicial to the Americans. I flatter myself that You will be kind enough to order them, opened or not, to be delivred Save [safe] to Brigadier General de Gall. There is...
346To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 26 Feb. 1780 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 25 Feb. “by which the several States are called upon to procure their respective Quotas of Supplies for the ensuing Campaign in the Articles and Quantities specified.” The states’ undertaking to furnish and deposit the supplies called for “will supersede the Necessity of purchasing...
347To Thomas Jefferson from William Preston, March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Montgomery County [ Va. ], Mch. 1780 . Has received circumstantial information that “a Number of Men dissafected to the present Government had combined to disturb the Peace of this unhappy Frontier as soon as the Season would Permit and the british Troops could gain any Footing in So. Carolina.” There are now fifteen British commissions in this county and that of Washington. Nor is this the...
348To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 1 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 1 Mch. 1780 . Introduces Mrs. Maxwell and asks TJ’s “Notice and Protection” in conveying her to her husband, Lt. Maxwell of the Convention troops. Compliments to TJ and Mrs. Jefferson. RC ( DLC ); 2 p. Enclosed in Maria Maxwell’s letter to TJ, 15 Mch. 1780, q.v.
349To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 2 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived in this metropolis 8 days since; have been at Dr. Franklin and Marquis Caraccioli frequently and have seen several others who are likely to influence those in power; but have not as yet been introduced to any of them myself. Marquis Caraccioli was for us already, and will do all his endeavours to put me in the way of being useful. Marquis de la Fayette, the bearer of this, truly...
350To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Mch. 1780 . Submits for approval a requisition from the Board of War for clothing for 60 volunteers of the S.G.R. for the expedition to Carolina; 132 non-commissioned officers and privates, viz.: 126 hats, 50 uniform coats, 50 vests, 219 shirts, 219 pairs of shoes, 264 overalls, 132 stocks, 132 knee garters. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p. It appears from TJ’s...