1780 Letters

Liberty Pole -

Agreeable to your request, and my promise, I sit down to give you my ideas of the defects of our present system, and the changes necessary to save us from ruin.

unknown -

Since my arrival this time, I have driven about Paris more than I did before. The rural scenes around this town are charming. The public walks, gardens, &c., are extremely beautiful.

unknown -

YESTERDAY we went to see the garden of the King, Jardin du Roi, and his cabinet of natural history, cabinet d histoire naturelle. The cabinet of natural history is a great collection of metals, minerals, shells, insects, birds, beasts, fishes and pre

Morristown, NJ - 0 January 1780

I have repeatedly mentioned to your Excellency, for some months past, that the supplies of money furnished the department were very unequal to the current expenses.

Mount Pleasant, SC - 4 January 1780

I have had a Captain, one Sergeant, and 8 picked men out in the upper part of my regiment for some time, in order to prevent those fellows from plundering the good people

Charleston, SC - 8 January 1780

I hear, but have no official notice of it, that the Virginia line are ordered from the main army, to reenforce this department. If this should prove true, it will be fortunate indeed for this country

, MA - 12 January 1780

Abigail Adams letter to son John Quincy Adams... I should not have urged you to accompany your father and brother when you appeared so averse to the voyage.

Philadelphia, PA - 16 January 1780

I almost envy you the happiness you have enjoyed. From the first moment of my acquaintance with Mrs. Prevost and her sister, I conceived an admiration for them both

Bilboa, ESP - 16 January 1780

WE arrived here last night, all alive, but all very near sick with violent colds taken on the road for want of comfortable accommodations.

Charleston, SC - 23 January 1780

I had, a few days since, the honor of your favor of the 12th ultimo, by Colonel Laurens, announcing that the Virginia line were ordered to this department, than which nothing could be more acceptable, saving that of their not being needed.

Versailles, FRA - 2 February 1780

General Lafayette letter to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier VERGENNES...I must begin by observing that this commission is not only a military and political, but also a social affair...

Morristown, NJ - 7 February 1780

The inclosed copy of a representation from Colonel Barry, an Assistant Deputy-Quartermaster-General in this State, will show your Excellency that a new difficulty has arisen to delay transportation.

Williamsburg, VA - 10 February 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... It is possible you may have heard, that in the course of last summer an expedition was meditated, by our Colonel Clarke, against Detroit...

Fort Pitt, PA - 11 February 1780

neither have I seen the Deputy Quartermaster-General since last March. I have not a tent for my men, and, by the inclosed return, you will see that the provisions are scanty ; but I hope to be better supplied in the spring.

Charleston, SC - 12 February 1780

I have received information that, on the 3d instant, the enemy landed about eight thousand troops, commanded by Sir Henry Clinton.

Charleston, SC - 12 February 1780

I desire that you will immediately embody one-third of your regiment and procure as many volunteers as you can from it

Philadelphia, PA - 14 February 1780

I have resigned my office, and am now preparing to leave Philadelphia to go to Princeton, agreeable to the plan in my letter by Colonel Wadsworth.

Charleston, SC - 14 February 1780

The day before yesterday, we had certain intelligence of the arrival of forty-five sail at North Edisto. A debarkation immediately commenced on Shnmons's Island; and an advanced corps, it is said, of five hundred, proceeded the following day

Fairfield, CT - 15 February 1780

I go to-morrow to Middletown, from whence I shall hasten my departure as much as possible.

Middletown, CT - 16 February 1780

He is a better antidote for the spleen than a ton of drugs.

Paris, FRA - 16 February 1780

The English bounce a great deal about obtaining seven thousand troops from the petty German princes and ten thousand from Ireland to send to America, but this is only a repetition of their annual gasconade.

Highlands, NY - 17 February 1780

In the following I shall give your Excellency a state of facts relative to the late capture of Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson and part of his detachment, on the lines of this post, on the 3d instant.

Paris, FRA - 23 February 1780

THE children made me a visit to-day, and went with me to dine with my old friends, the two Abbes, whom you have often heard me mention, Chalut and Arnoux

Philadelphia, PA - 29 February 1780

By a strange kind of contracted system, which pervades all the civil establishments of Congress, I was reduced to the necessity of resigning my office at least six weeks sooner than I expected.

Charleston, SC - 2 March 1780

I desire that you will immediately cause the contents of this letter and the enclosed Proclamation to be circulated, and generally made known throughout the district of your regiment

Charleston, SC - 4 March 1780

Sir Harry seems to be collecting his force on James's Island, and is there throwing up some works ; one among the ruins of Fort Johnson, another a little to the westward of it.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 March 1780

From the injury I have received in my leg, and the great stiffness in my ankle, my surgeons are of opinion it will not be prudent for me to take a command in the army for some time to come.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 March 1780

I do not mean, Sir, to convey the most distant idea, that I solicit a restoration to the rank and place I held in the army

Morristown, NJ - 6 March 1780

Inclosed I send your Excellency a copy of my last letter to Congress, to which they have given no answer, and which necessarily involves very important consequences.

Philadelphia, PA - 7 March 1780

I believe it will be necessary for General Greene to address Congress very pointedly on the subject of the wagoners, as I find a disposition in many to have them drawn from the army.

Charleston, SC - 14 March 1780

The enemy's present disposition of his force, and all his late operations, indicate a design to attack Charleston by a siege in form. To complete the in vestiture, he must introduce his ships of war into the harbour.

Amboy, NJ - 17 March 1780

The enemy are still in the dark about their fleet and army gone that way, as we gather from the Commissioners. They pretend to have little European news, though a vessel arrived two or three days since from England

Fort Pitt, PA - 18 March 1780

The savages have already begun their hostilities. Last Sunday, they killed five men at a sugar camp upon Raccoon Creek, in Youghiogany county, and took prisoners three girls and three lads.

Philadelphia, PA - 20 March 1780

Congress have thought it expedient to convert the 200,000,000 of dollars now in circulation into a real debt of 5,000,000, by establishing the exchange at 40 for 1

, MA - 20 March 1780

Abigail Adams letter to son John Quincy Adams... The only sure and permanent foundation of virtue is religion. Let this important truth be engraven upon your heart.

Charleston, SC - 24 March 1780

Since my last, the enemy have, very unexpectedly, brought over the ships mentioned in the inclosed paper. It has been thought there was not water enough for a sixty-four gun ship.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 March 1780

Many people are apprehensive for the fall of Charleston ; and I think it in jeopardy, as well as the troops under Lincoln's command. I am more anxious for the fate of the troops than the city.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 April 1780

There would be no difficulty, either in the one case or the other, could the treasury furnish the proper supplies of cash. But in its present exhausted state, with the enormous demands upon the department, the agents have neither credit nor influence

Philadelphia, PA - 5 April 1780

I have entreated General Greene to remain a day or two longer in town, that I may be able to advise with him on the measures necessary to be pursued to prevent the ill consequences of his being driven to the necessity of a resignation

Charleston, SC - 9 April 1780

The enemy crossed the Ashley, in force, near the ferry, on the 29th ultimo, and the next day moved down, and encamped about three thousand .yards from our lines.

Fort Moultrie, SC - 10 April 1780

When I went to town yesterday, I found our works as strong as the high ideas which had been raised of them by report had made me figure them to myself.

Rariton, NJ - 14 April 1780

Peace is distant. There is no prospect of it in the present year. Nor do I think that Britain will come to terms while she fancies herself superior on the ocean.

, SC - 14 April 1780

I desire you will use your utmost endeavors to meet me there with as many volunteers as you can collect

Poughkeepsie, NY - 24 April 1780

I received the act of Congress respecting the troops proposed to be raised for the defence of our frontiers. Some considerable time will necessarily elapse before they can be embodied

Georgetown, SC - 24 April 1780

I think it proper to acquaint you, and I desire that you will immediately make it known, throughout your regiment, that I expect to be met by the full number which I have called for, from it, at Wright's Bluff

Boston, MA - 27 April 1780

General Lafayette letter to General Washington...I have affairs of the utmost importance which I should at first communicate to you alone.

Princeton, NJ - 27 April 1780

I shall write to Mr. Stockton, who is still in Philadelphia, and acquaint him with my intentions of going away.

Roxbury, MA - 30 April 1780

Several officers have already come from West Point on the recruiting service, and others are on the road. I wish they may be successful, but am at a loss, from the tenor of your Excellency's letter, to determine what bounty the recruits, raised by th

Camp At Manigolls - 7 May 1780

If you find that the enemy are obstinately bent on trying the fate of a storm, I shall take it as a favour if you will let me be of the party.

Fort Pitt, PA - 13 May 1780

Several persons have lately been killed and wounded in Westmoreland county, which will probably prevent my receiving any aid from the militia of that county.

Princeton, NJ - 16 May 1780

I assure you, my future prosperity and happiness in life depends, in a greater measure than you may imagine, on my living and studying with you

Princeton, NJ - 23 May 1780

My patience is almost exhausted. I have been waiting for you this month past. Here I am, a pensioner upon the bounty of my good friend General Morris, and am likely to continue so

Morristown, NJ - 23 May 1780

I have had a long conversation with General Schuyler this morning, and have seen the powers and appointments upon the present business intrusted to the direction of the Committee, as well as their powers to act under.

Pomfret, CT - 29 May 1780

After I was prevented from coming on to the army, by a stroke of the paralytic kind, which deprived me, in a great measure, of the use of my right leg and arm, I retired to my plantation, and have been gradually growing better ever since.

Fort Pitt, PA - 30 May 1780

Since my last, ten persons have been killed and wounded, taken by the Indians in Westmoreland county. Parties of regulars and militia have endeavoured to overtake them, but without success.

Waxhaws, SC - 30 May 1780

After the summons, in which terms similar to those accepted by Charlestown were offered, and positively rejected, the action commenced in a wood

Roxbury, MA - 31 May 1780

I have been endeavouring to obtain intelligence of the situation of the enemy at Halifax, &c. I learn that their naval force, not long since, consisted of one ship of seventy-four guns, one of twenty, one sloop of war, and two or three privateers.

Aranjuez, ESP - 0 June 1780

Our plans of life have, within these few years past, been strangely changed. Our country, I hope, will be the better for the alterations. How far we, individually, may be benefited, is more questionable.

Camden, SC - 2 June 1780

I can only add the highest encomiums on the conduct of Lieut.-Colonel Tarleton.

Camden, SC - 2 June 1780

I have sent emissaries to our friends in North Carolina, to state my situation to them, and to submit to them whether it would not be prudent for them to remain quiet

Philadelphia, PA - 5 June 1780

I do not know by what means the expected assistance from France has been procured; but it will certainly give a complexion to the alliance in future, according to the reception it meets with here.

unknown - 8 June 1780

I have seen the enemy. Those in view I calculate at about three thousand. There may be, and probably are, enough others out of sight.

Camden, SC - 10 June 1780

I find the Commander-in-Chief adopted the idea of granting indiscriminate protections, by which means some of the most violent rebels and persecutors of the whole province are declared faithful subjects

Richmond, VA - 11 June 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... Major Galvan, as recommended by your Excellency, was despatched to his station without delay, and has been furnished with every thing he desired, as far as we were able.

Camden, SC - 11 June 1780

I yesterday met, by accident, with a Proclamation issued June 1st, by Sir H. Clinton and the other Commissioners.

Kingston, NY - 13 June 1780

I am apprehensive that the other three regiments (they having, previous to the receipt of your Excellency's order, marched to the respective stations mentioned in my brother's letter) will not be able to reach West Point on as early a day as might ha

Passy, FRA - 13 June 1780

Several of them appear to have been opened, the paper round the seals being smoked and burnt, as with the flame of a candle used to soften the wax, and the impression defaced. The curiosity of people in this time of war is unbounded.

Camden, SC - 16 June 1780

Mills has been premature in his rising ; but as he lives in a remote comer of the country, quite out of our way

Paris, FRA - 17 June 1780

I YESTERDAY received a letter of the 26th of April from brother Cranch, for which I thank him and will answer as soon as possible. He tells me you have drawn a little bill upon me.

Philadelphia, PA - 20 June 1780

I have received your favor of the 16th instant, directing the march of the city light-horse, for which the necessary orders will be given, and they will proceed with all possible despatch.

Trenton, NJ - 22 June 1780

My anxiety for the supplies of the army has brought me to this place, in order that I might satisfy myself as to the quantity on hand, and the means of forwarding them.

Bryants Tavern, PA - 23 June 1780

I now acquaint you that they proceeded, with vigor, until they had gained Connecticut Farms ; they then were checked by Colonel Dayton's regiment.

Springfield, PA - 24 June 1780

the whole force of the enemy, which has been in Jersey, went from Elizabethtown Point between twelve and one o'clock this morning.

Baskenridge, NJ - 27 June 1780

After a very disagreeable ride indeed, I came here the day before yesterday in the afternoon; and yesterday morning, just as I was going to mount my horse, I was seized with a violent fever

Charlestown, SC - 29 June 1780

Nothing can in my opinion be so prejudicial to the affairs of Great Britain as a want of discrimination.

Charlestown, SC - 29 June 1780

The affair of Tryon County has given me great concern. Although I had my apprehensions that the flame would break out somewhere, the folly and imprudence of our friends are unpardonable.

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I have received from the Committee of Congress, at headquarters, three letters calling for aids of men and provisions.

Camp Catawba, SC - 4 July 1780

My anxiety for you and my dear children, far exceeds anything that I am able to express ; not knowing your distress but I trust in God that His guardian care has been over you for your protection ; I have earnestly requested the favor of heaven on yo

Weathersfield, VT - 7 July 1780

My last informed you of the loss of the Hawk, being chased on shore the back side of Long Island. It was a few days after she went out on her last cruise, and before she had any success.

unknown - 11 July 1780

Mr. Searle is the bearer of this, via France, and Mr. Laurens will either go for Holland in the same ship, the Jay, or will sail in a few days by another opportunity for Holland.

Newport, RI - 12 July 1780

I arrived here the last night, and this morning had the honor of congratulating Monsieur le Compte De Rochambeau, and Monsieur le Chevalier De Ternay, on their safe arrival in this harbour.

Exeter, NH - 13 July 1780

Very much fatigued, I arrived in New Hampshire in seven days from the time I left you, and am very happy to acquaint you that the people of New Hampshire behave with the greatest spirit.

Charlestown, SC - 14 July 1780

I received despatches from Pensacola, which I transmit to your Excellency. I was extremely sorry to learn that the state of the place, and that of their enemies in the neighbourhood of it

Phillipsburgh, PA - 14 July 1780

I request you will send me as soon as possible what troops you can spare.

, MA - 16 July 1780

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I know America capable of any thing she undertakes with spirit and vigor.

Weathersfield, VT - 16 July 1780

It is a good old maxim--be religious, but not superstitious. So respecting health, be exactly attentive, but not whimsical.

Newport, RI - 16 July 1780

The French troops are landed, and encamped in a fine situation, to the south-east of the town, and extend nearly across the Island.

Rariton, NJ - 18 July 1780

I am charmed with my present situation in every respect. It could not be more agreeable to my wishes. I shall have reason to thank you, as long as I live, for my change.

Philadelphia, PA - 18 July 1780

A report from the Board of War, in consequence of a letter of General Gates's to Congress, referred to the Board, respecting the promotion of Colonel Daniel Morgan to the office of Brigadier-General, now lies upon the table

Bedford, CT - 18 July 1780

The Enemy are very busy collecting forage wood &c from L.I. A fleet of 40 Sail are constantly passing & repassing the Sound transporting those supplies

Fort Pitt, PA - 21 July 1780

A few days ago I received intelligence, that a party, consisting of thirty odd Wyandot Indians, had crossed the Ohio River, five miles below Fort Mcintosh, and had hid thirteen small bark canoes upon our shore.

Newport, RI - 21 July 1780

This afternoon, fifteen or sixteen British ships of war have made their appearance off this harbour, to the eastward of Block Island. More than half of them, I think, are ships of the line.

New Bridge - 21 July 1780

Being convinced that our field-pieces were too light to make the wished impression on the block-house by Bull's Ferry, from an experience of more than an hour (at no greater distance than from fifty to seventy yards)...

Newport, RI - 22 July 1780

The enemy are doing what they ought to do. Graves, immediately after having joined Arbuthnot, comes to cruise before us with nine or ten ships of the line, five frigates, and four other small vessels.

Totowa, NJ - 22 July 1780

On reconnoitring the refugee post, near Bull's Ferry, we found it to consist of a block-house, surrounded by an abatis and stockade to the perpendicular rocks next to the North River, with a kind of ditch, or parapet, serving as a covered way.

Veals Ford, CT - 22 July 1780

I have just recd the Enclosed from the C's which I have the honour to enclose to your Excellency, & forward by express to Gen.l Howe.

Newport, RI - 25 July 1780

Their intention, undoubtedly, is to block up the squadron under the command of Monsieur De Ternay, intercept the expected second division of our allies, cut off all supplies by water

Newport, RI - 25 July 1780

This afternoon the intelligence, contained in the inclosed, came to hand; upon which General Rochambeau immediately made a requisition for two thousand militia.

Newport, RI - 26 July 1780

By a variety of intelligence, from various quarters (all which agree) the enemy intend to make an attempt on the fleet and army of our great and good ally at this place.

Philadelphia, PA - 30 July 1780

Congress have put under your orders the frigates, in directing them to come into the Delaware.

Newport, RI - 31 July 1780

The Count wishes to detain the three months men a few days, to secure the pass at Howland's Ferry.

Verplancks Point, NY - 3 August 1780

To explain the reasons for the movement will give the army a high opinion of the confidence you have in their spirit and enterprise, and perfectly reconcile them to all the past fatigues, and to those which may follow

Richmond, VA - 4 August 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to Edward Stevens... Your several favors of July the 16th, 21st, and 22nd, are now before me. Our smiths are engaged in making five hundred axes and some tomahawks for General Gates.

Verplancks Point, NY - 5 August 1780

I am sensible my conduct has been viewed by many in a very improper light; and I am persuaded many think the business can be done with more method, and at a less expense, than it has been.

Robinsons House, NY - 6 August 1780

On my arrival at this post, I found every thing thrown into great confusion, by the troops removing from hence, and the militia coming in.

Charlestown, SC - 6 August 1780

My letter of the 14th by the Halifax, will have convinced you of the impossibility of weakening the force in this province, and everything which has happened since that time tends more strongly to confirm it

Philadelphia, PA - 7 August 1780

I have my hopes we shall yet be able to do somefhing important upon the arrival of the French reenforcement, as I presume their fleet will then command the water, without which, I confess, I have no sanguine expectations.

Robinsons House, NY - 8 August 1780

I wish your Excellency would be kind enough to order Mr. Erskine to send me a map of the country from this place to New York, particularly on the east side of the river, which would be very useful to me.

unknown - 8 August 1780

It would be very difficult for me to fix a point for my junction with the squadron, which was to follow me when I left the ports of France. I am absolutely ignorant of its force, and the part of America where it ought to make the land.

unknown - 10 August 1780

I have received the letter, which your Excellency has done me the honor to write, the 6th of this month, on the subject of the American frigates which may join the squadron of the King of France.

Charlestown, SC - 10 August 1780

I yesterday received an express from Camden, informing me that Gates, with Caswall and Rutherford, was advancing and making every appearance of attacking Lord Rawdon

Boston, MA - 11 August 1780

I propose to meet General Phillips at Elizabethtown, on the 12th of next month. If your Excellency's permission is necessary, for him to meet me at that place, I wish it might be sent to him.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 August 1780

You will doubtless, ere this reaches you, have been informed that Congress have been pleased to appoint me Quartermaster-General.

Richmond, VA - 15 August 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I spoke fully with you on the difficulty of procuring wagons here, when I had the pleasure of seeing you, and for that reason pressed the sending back as many as possible.

Camp - 18 August 1780

General Lafayette letter to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier ROCHAMBEAU...I observed a few sentences in it which, without being individually applied to me, prove to me that my last epistle displeased you.

Camden, SC - 18 August 1780

I have the pleasure to inform you, that on the morning of the 16th, I attacked and totally defeated General Gates's army

Rariton, NJ - 21 August 1780

I have no doubt at present that the second division of the French fleet has arrived, with a re-enforcement of 4000 troops.

Camden, SC - 23 August 1780

I have not yet heard any accounts from North Carolina ; but I hope that our friends will immediately take arms, as I have directed them to do.

Philadelphia, PA - 26 August 1780

Your remembrance of the pleasurable days of our youth, and the scenes in which we mutually bore our parts, together with the attractions which this country still has for you, afford me the most pleasing hope that neither time nor absence will weaken

Morristown, NJ - 27 August 1780

I have always been fond of solitude, and, as it were, of stealing along through life. I am now sufficiently fond of domestic life. I have every reason to be so.

Philadelphia, PA - 27 August 1780

I cannot forbear representing, that the state of South Carolina and Georgia is such as demonstrates the absolute necessity of expelling the enemy from those countries, as speedily as possible

Camden, SC - 29 August 1780

We receive the strongest professions of friendship from North Carolina. Our friends however, do not seem inclined to rise until they see our army in motion.

Hillsborough - 30 August 1780

By the firmness and bravery of the Continental troops, the victory is for from bloodless on the part of the foe they having upwards of five hundred men, with officers in proportion, killed and wounded.

Morristown, NJ - 31 August 1780

Business fairly bears me down. The truth is, that I am tired of writing, tired of reading, tired of bustling in a crowd, and, by fits, heartily tired of myself.

Hillsborough - 3 September 1780

If I can yet render good service to the United States, it will be necessary it should be seen that I have the support of Congress and your Excellency ; otherwise some men may think they please my superiors by blaming me

Fort Pitt, PA - 5 September 1780

Yesterday, the Indians killed two men, of the frontier inhabitants, on Robeson's Run, in this county (Yougluogania), and fired at two soldiers who were taking some stores in a canoe from hence to Fort Henry.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 September 1780

I have received jour favor of The 10th ultimo, upon the subject of a report respecting a certain gentleman, and thank you for the freedom and candid manner of your communications.

Richmond, VA - 8 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... As I know the anxieties you must have felt, since the late misfortune to the South, ... I take the liberty of enclosing you a statement of this unlucky affair...

Steenropia - 10 September 1780

Anthony Wayne letter to George Washington... I find the numbers rather in favor of the Enemy...

Dobbs Ferry, NY - 11 September 1780

I came here this morning, in order to establish signals, to be observed in case the enemy came up the river ; to give some directions respecting the guard-boats ; and to have a beacon fixed upon the mountain

Richmond, VA - 12 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Stevens... The subsequent desertions of your militia have taken away the necessity of answering the question, how they shall be armed.

Robinsons House, NY - 12 September 1780

The order, contained in the postscript of your Excellency's letter of the 7th, to send the eight bargemen of Colonel Putnam's regiment to join their regiment, I conceive to be on a supposition of their being idle at West Point.

Fort Pitt, PA - 14 September 1780

The French inhabitants at Detroit are much in our interest, and wish most heartily to see an American force approaching. I really believe that twelve hundred well-appointed men would carry that place without great difficulty

Robinsons House, NY - 14 September 1780

I am, therefore, of opinion, that the Pennsylvania line, which I suppose to amount to twenty-five hundred or three thousand men, should hold themselves in readiness to march

Richmond, VA - 15 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Stevens... I beg leave to trouble you with a private letter, on a little matter of my own, having no acquaintance at camp, with whom I can take that, liberty.

Amsterdam, NED - 15 September 1780

I have sent you some things by Captain Davis, but he has no arms and I fear they will be lost by capture. I sent things by the Alliance.

Robinsons House, NY - 16 September 1780

My answers to the questions proposed by your Excellency to the Council of War I will do myself the honor to deliver in person.

Fort Pitt, PA - 17 September 1780

I have this moment received intelligence, that the enemy from Detroit intend paying a visit to this frontier.

St Ildefonso, ESP - 17 September 1780

Knowledge is essential to the duration of liberty, and Pennsylvania is wise in making them both the objects of public care.

Richmond, VA - 23 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I have empowered Colonel Carrington to have twelve boats, scows, or batteaux, built at Taylor's Ferry, and to draw on me for the cost.

Richmond, VA - 23 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washinton... I yesterday forwarded to you a letter from Colonel Wood, informing you of his situation.

unknown - 25 September 1780

The prisoners, pained with regret, are become sore; their minds are soured, and their friends and connections think them neglected by the public. This may prevent the recruiting our battalions, and cause a disrelish for the service.

Richmond, VA - 26 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... The enclosed copy of a letter from Lord Cornwallis to Colonel Balfour, was sent me by Governor Rutledge...

, VA - 2 October 1780

Congress having taken some steps towards completing the Federal Union, which I anxiously wish to accomplish, induced me to be here early in the session

Passy, FRA - 2 October 1780

the storm of bills which I found coming upon us both, has terrified and vexed me to such a degree that I have been deprived of sleep, and so much indisposed by continual anxiety, as to be rendered almost incapable of writing.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 October 1780

The reports of the approach or arrival of a French fleet continue to be circulated, and to prove groundless.

Richmond, VA - 4 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I retain in mind, and recur, almost daily, to your requisitions of August; we have, as yet, no prospect of more than one hundred tents.

Philadelphia, PA - 4 October 1780

description

unknown - 5 October 1780

A new disposition of the army going to be made, and an officer appointed to the command of West Point and the district on the east side of the North River, I take the liberty just to intimate my inclinations for the appointment.

West Point, NY - 7 October 1780

The laying in a proper stock of fire-wood is a very heavy, but a very essential business, and the militia, which have been employed in cutting it, I am told, have done little more than supply the post at Fishkill

Philadelphia, PA - 10 October 1780

All we know of the several fleets in the American seas, is that Rodney with a few ships is at New York, the remainder having joined Graves and Arbuthnot, whom we know nothing about.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 October 1780

Before this reaches jour hands, you will have received the new arrangement of the army. Submitted, as it is, to your opinion, it is only to be considered as an essay, open to such alterations as you may suggest.

Richmond, VA - 15 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I am rendered not a little anxious by the paragraph of yours of the 7th instant...

, MA - 15 October 1780

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... You tell me to send you prices current. I will aim at it.

West Point, NY - 16 October 1780

Your Excellency's letter of the 14th, appointing me to the command of the Southern army, was delivered me last evening.

Fort Pitt, PA - 17 October 1780

The Delaware Chiefs, with upwards of thirty warriors, are come to aid me upon an expedition ; but, as I have neither bread nor meat to give them, they will soon discover that it is not in my power to act offensively.

Albany, NY - 18 October 1780

Upon my arrival, I found the main body of the enemy, which appeared in the northward, had returned by the way of Lake George ; and that part of the country seemed again to be in a state of tranquillity.

West Point, NY - 19 October 1780

I had given over the thoughts of going home, even if I obtained your permission, before I received your pleasure upon the subject. My affairs require it ; but I am fully convinced that the time it will take, and the state of the Southern department

Richmond, VA - 22 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I have this morning received certain information of the arrival of a hostile fleet in our bay, of about sixty sail.

Morristown, NJ - 23 October 1780

Some evil genius certainly interrupts our correspondence. I write letters without number, and yet you seldom hear from me, and when you do, the letter is as old as if it had come from the other side of the Atlantic.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 October 1780

It is with the greatest satisfaction I acquaint you that the plan of arrangement for the army, which your Excellency sent to Congress, has been agreed upon yesterday, without any alteration.

New York, NY - 23 October 1780

I must always consider an extract from a letter as a partial, and not always a candid description of a correspondence

Richmond, VA - 25 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... By this express I hand on, from General Gates to Congress, intelligence of the capture of Augusta, in Georgia...

Richmond, VA - 26 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington...The Executive of this State think it expedient, under our present circumstances, that the prisoners of war under the Convention of Saratoga, be removed from their present situation.

Madrid, ESP - 27 October 1780

It is true that I might write to Congress very often, indeed by every vessel, and there are many of them ; but how are my letters to get to the seaside ? By the post ? They would be all inspected, and many suppressed.

Richmond, VA - 28 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I shall attend to the caveat against Mr. Ochiltree's bill.

Camp Between Broad River And The Catawba, SC - 29 October 1780

Lord Cornwallis having been so reduced by a severe fever as to be still unable to write, he has desired that I should have the honour of addressing your Excellency in regard to our present situation.

Poughkeepsie, NY - 30 October 1780

On my arrival at Schenectady, I was advised that the different parties of the enemy at Schoharie and Ballstown, had left those places ; the former moving towards the Mohawk River, and the latter shaping their course towards Sacondaga.

Madrid, ESP - 30 October 1780

Bills to the amount of 100,000 dollars have arrived. A loan cannot be effected here. What the court will do is as yet uncertain, and will long continue so.

Philadelphia, PA - 31 October 1780

On my arrival at this place, I laid your Excellency's letter before Congress, and addressed them on the business of the Southern department.

Camp Between Broad River And The Catawba, SC - 31 October 1780

I stated the events which had frustrated our hopes of penetrating into the heart of North Carolina, and arming the loyalists in our cause

Madrid, ESP - 0 November 1780

I have a favour to ask of you ; it is that you would make a visit to my father, and send me a minute account of his health, and that of the family. Make a half dozen copies of your letter, and send them

Richmond, VA - 3 November 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... Since I had the honor of writing to your Excellency, on the 25th ultimo, the enemy have withdrawn their forces from the north side of James river...

Philadelphia, PA - 3 November 1780

The arms we are likely to get from the Board of War and this State fall far short of my expectations. The whole will not exceed fifteen hundred.

Wynnesborough, SC - 8 November 1780

I am not sanguine as to your operations in that country. The enemy is, I believe, in no great force, and Marion is cautious and vigilant.

Charleston, SC - 9 November 1780

On the night of the 1st instant, the enemy broke ground, and have been working slowly ever since. I scarcely know how to denominate what they have executed hitherto.

Wynnesborough, SC - 9 November 1780

Major Wemyss attacked Sumpter at Fish Dam at one o'clock this morning, contrary to his plan, which was to wait till daylight.

Whitehall, ENG - 9 November 1780

which I immediately laid before the King, who read with the highest satisfaction the account of the very glorious and complete victory obtained by your Lordship over the Rebels near Camden

Richmond, VA - 10 November 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I enclose your Excellency a copy of an intercepted letter from Major General Leslie to Lord Cornwallis.

Wynnesborough, SC - 10 November 1780

I must now observe that the cruelty exercised on the prisoners taken under Major Ferguson is shocking to humanity ; and the hanging poor old Colonel Mills, who was always a fair and open enemy to your cause, was an act of most savage barbarity.

New York, NY - 10 November 1780

you will observe that he recommends a diversion in the Chesapeak as essential to favour his operations.

Wynnesborough, SC - 11 November 1780

The serjeant-major of the 63rd, who was left with a flag of truce, is returned, and assures me that when day broke there was not a rebel to be seen

Philadelphia, PA - 12 November 1780

The army is arranged, I hope, agreeably to your Excellency's wish. The officers have half-pay for life

Wynnesborough, SC - 12 November 1780

The state of affairs at Ninety-Six absolutely requires immediate offensive measures in that quarter, or everything will be lost and not easily recovered.

Wynnesborough, SC - 12 November 1780

Had I attempted to penetrate into the further parts of North Carolina, my small army would have been exposed to the utmost hazard

, NY - 13 November 1780

How far the sending of the Pennsylvanians towards Aquakanac, and going ourselves to the Hackensac position, may awaken the enemy, I cannot pretend to say.

Wynnesborough, SC - 13 November 1780

I have taken every possible measure for the security of Ninety-Six

Philadelphia, PA - 14 November 1780

The inroads of the enemy on the frontier of New York have been distressing and wasteful almost beyond their own example. They have totally laid in ashes a fine settlement called Schoharie

Newport, RI - 14 November 1780

If your Excellency does not find a moment to come and see this part of your army, I am afraid that the whole of it will desert, so great is their desire to see their General.

Richmond, VA - 19 November 1780

Your weight and influence, both with Congress and this State, in support of the southern operations, will be exceedingly important and necessary to my success.

Madrid, ESP - 19 November 1780

I have lately received a letter from Francis Child, a lad whom I had taken by the hand after his father's death, and put apprentice to Mr. Dunlap, your printer.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 November 1780

The past week has brought forth very little of consequence, except the disagreeable and, I fear, certain information of the arrival of the Cape fleet.

unknown - 22 November 1780

Some time last fall, when I spoke to your excellency about going to the southward, I explained to you candidly my feelings with respect to military reputation, and how much it was my object to act a conspicuous part in some enterprise

Fort Pitt, PA - 24 November 1780

As no reenforcement can be had from your Excellency, the intended expedition against Detroit must be laid aside until a favorable turn of affairs takes place, unless you would recommend a junction of Colonel Clark's troops with mine.

Fairfield, CT - 24 November 1780

I take this earliest opportunity to inform your Excellency that I have returned from Long Island with the Troops ordered for my command.

Wynnesborough, SC - 25 November 1780

Gates is certainly come up towards Charlottetown with all the Continentals he could muster - they say from 700 to 1000 infantry

Fairfield, CT - 25 November 1780

The Enemies loss was 7 killed & wounded, the most most of the latter mortally. The surprise was so compleat that before they could rally they were all Prisoners.

Richmond, VA - 26 November 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I am to apprize your Excellency, that the officers of every rank, both British and German ... have purchased within this State some of the finest horses in it.

Paramus, NJ - 28 November 1780

Unless, however, you were to cast your eye on a man who, I think, would suit better than any other in the world. Hamilton is, I confess, the officer whom I should like to see in that station.

West Point, NY - 30 November 1780

The impaired state of my health and the situation of my family, together with the unsettled state of my accounts with New Hampshire, render my presence there, the ensuing winter, very necessary.

Philadelphia, PA - 0 December 1780

Our intelligence from Europe confirms the accession of Portugal to the neutral league, so far at least as to exclude the English from the privileges which their vessels of war have hitherto enjoyed in her ports.

Wynnesborough, SC - 1 December 1780

I think it proper to represent to you that the officers and men taken at Sing's Mountain were treated with an inhumanity scarcely credible.

Wynnesborough, SC - 3 December 1780

The militia of Ninety-Six, on which alone we could place the smallest dependence, are so totally disheartened by the defeat of Ferguson that of the whole district we could with difficulty assemble 100

Wynnesborough, SC - 3 December 1780

Your account of Rugeley vexed me, although it did not surprise me.

, SC - 4 December 1780

I received from your Excellency the copies of two letters which were sent to you from General Washington, of the 6th and 16th October, complaining of the cruelty and injustice

Philadelphia, PA - 5 December 1780

The general tenor of them is that we are not to rely on much aid in the article of cash from Spain, her finances and credit being scarcely adequate to her own necessities, and that the British emissaries are indefatigable in misrepresenting our affai

Philadelphia, PA - 5 December 1780

I flattered myself that the clothing, destined for the army under the command of your Excellency, had at length arrived in the river, in the vessel of Paul Jones, or in one of those coming under his convoy

Camp Charlotte, SC - 7 December 1780

Immediately I called a Council, respecting the practicability of holding a Council of Inquiry upon General Gates's conduct, during his command in this department.

Fort Pitt, PA - 7 December 1780

I have, for a long time past, had two parties in the country, commanded by Field-Officers, to impress cattle, and yet the troops are frequently without meat for several days together.

Philadelphia, PA - 9 December 1780

Government, instead of possessing the confidence and the dignity necessary to enforce its counsels, is surrounded bv clamorous creditors and insidious speculators

Richmond, VA - 15 December 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition contemplated by this State, against the British post at Detroit...

Amsterdam, NED - 18 December 1780

I HAVE this morning sent Mr. Thaxter with my two sons to Leyden, there to take up their residence for some time, and there to pursue their studies of Latin and Greek under the excellent masters, and there to attend lectures of the celebrated professo

Wynnesborough, SC - 18 December 1780

Our friends hereabouts are so timid and so stupid that I can get no intelligence.

Wynnesborough, SC - 22 December 1780

I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that Major-General Leslie arrived at Charlestown on the 14th.

Boston, MA - 25 December 1780

No measure has been left untried to save the question for filling up our battalions for the war

Wynnesborough, SC - 27 December 1780

I can with truth assure yon, Sir, that no man abhors acts of cruelty more than myself, or would more reluctantly adopt measures of severity.

Cheraw, SC - 28 December 1780

I was apprehensive, on my first arrival, that the country around Charlotte was too much exhausted to afford subsistence for the army at that place for any considerable time.

Pedee River, SC - 28 December 1780

I fear that the effects of the enemy's possessing the two southernmost States much longer, will be altogether ruinous to many individuals (some of whom are already reduced to the greatest misery and distress), and injurious to the common cause.

Wynnesborough, SC - 29 December 1780

The slow progress of Leslie is vexatious, but it cannot be helped.

Wynnesborough, SC - 29 December 1780

I directed Lieut-Colonel Brown to encourage the Indians to attack the settlements of Watoga Holstein, Caentuck, and Notachuckie

Wynnesborough, SC - 30 December 1780

From everything I hear of Greene's force, I do not think it possible for him to strike any blow that would materially affect my movements