[87] [General de Riedesel, who commanded the Hessian troops, was among the prisoners removed to Albemarle, in 1779, after the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga. Mr. Jefferson did everything in his power to render the situation of these prisoners comfortable, and the educated and refined officers were often his guests. Among the number was General de Riedesel, who seems to have entertained a grateful sense of the kindness extended to him. The example of Mr. Jefferson was followed by most of the wealthy gentlemen of the surrounding country; the officers, both English and German, have borne testimony to the polite and hospitable attentions which they received in Virginia.]--ED. [88] [The following memorandum is inserted in the MS. at the close of this letter. FEMALE CONTRIBUTIONS, IN AID OF THE WAR, PROBABLY IN 1780. Mrs. Sarah Cary, of Scotchtown, a watch-chain, cost £7 sterling. Mrs. ---- Ambler, five gold rings. Mrs. Rebecca Ambler, three gold rings. Mrs. ---- Nicholas, a diamond drop. Mrs. Griffin, of Dover, ten half joes. Mrs. Gilmer, five guineas. Mrs. Anne Ramsay (for Fairfax), one half joe, three guineas, three pistereens, one bit. Do. for do. paper money, bundle No. 1, twenty thousand dollars, No. 2, twenty-seven thousand dollars, No. 3, fifteen thousand dollars, No. 4, thirteen thousand five hundred and eighteen dollars and one-third. Mrs. Lewis (for Albermarle), £1559 8s. paper money. Mrs. Weldon, £39 18s. new, instead of £1600, old paper money. Mrs. Blackburn (for Prince William), seven thousand five hundred and six dollars, paper money. Mrs. Randolph, the younger, of Chatsworth, eight hundred dollars. Mrs. Fitzhugh and others, £558. [89] [This letter has no direction, but was probably addressed to General Gates, then commanding the Southern army. It was written by Mr. Jefferson in his character of Governor of Virginia, to which office he was elected on the 1st of June, 1779.--ED.] [90] [The circumstances of the defeat of General Gates's army, near Camden, in August, 1780, being of historical notoriety, this statement is omitted.] [91] [Battle of Camden, August 16th, 1780.] [92] TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL NISBET BALFOUR, COMMANDER AT NINETY-SIX.