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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to James Wood

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06673 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 July 1780 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 30.2 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the complex arrangements between Virginia and the national government to provision the Continental Army, written several months before the British invasion of Virginia. Asserts that "it has been always necessary for the state & Continent to lend interchangeably such articles as the one has & the other wants & to repay them in kind." Advises Wood, if the thinks it appropriate, to order leather for Colonel Joseph Crockett (who was raising a detachment of frontier troops). Gives permission for any officer in ill health, mentioning a Mr. Mooney, to go to the springs. The states, particularly in the South, were then experiencing shortages of cash, supplies, and munitions. The war was going badly there as well, with the British sweeping through the Carolinas towards Virginia. Colonel Wood was stationed in Charlottesville, where he guarded the Convention troops surrendered at Saratoga.

Richmond July 25.1780.
Sir
The multiplicity of business which happened to be on us when your express came has occasioned his being delayed two days. I inclose you letters to the Commissioners of the circumjacent counties extending their powers to live cattle. - it has been always necessary for the state & Continent to lend interchangeably such articles as the one has & the other wants & to repay them in kind; & has been so practised. it has had the approbation of those in power on both sides. you may readily conceive that in this friendly intercourse it must have happened much more frequently that the state could lend to the continent than the reverse. if you think proper to order as much leather to Colo Crockett as will make his pouches & hoppuses, his order on our Quartermaster here for specific repayment shall be complied with. Mr Mooney or any other officer really in ill health should have permission to go to the springs. your permission to the Surgeon to go to Lt. Mc.Mill is approved of.
I am Sir
Your most obedt. servt.
Th: Jefferson
[docket]
Gov. Jefferson
25.th July 1780.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Wood, James, 1741-1813

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