The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 1 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
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The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 1 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
SIR,--I have received from the Committee of Congress, at head-quarters,
three letters calling for aids of men and provisions. I beg leave
to refer you to my letter to them, of this date, on those subjects.
I thought it necessary, however, to suggest to you the preparing an
arrangement of officers for the men; for, though they are to supply our
battalions, yet, as our whole line officers, almost, are in captivity,
I suppose some temporary provision must be made. We cheerfully transfer
to you every power which the Executive might exercise on this occasion.
As it is possible you may cast your eye on the unemployed officers now
within the State, I write to General Muhlenburg, to send you a return
of them. I think the men will be rendezvoused within the present month.
The bill, indeed, for raising them is not actually passed, but it is in
its last stage, and no opposition to any essential parts of it. I will
take care to notify you of its passage.
I have, with great pain, perceived your situation; and, the more
so, as, being situated between two fires, a division of sentiment
has arisen, both in Congress and here, as to which the resources of
this country should be sent. The removal of General Clinton to the
northward, must, of course, have great influence on the determination
of this question; and I have no doubt but considerable aids may be
drawn hence, for your army, unless a larger one should be embodied
in the South, than the force of the enemy there seems to call for. I
have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect and esteem, your
Excellency's
Most obedient humble servant.[88]
TO GENERAL EDWARD STEVENS.
RICHMOND, August 4, 1780.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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