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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO COLONEL RICHARD MEADE - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 3 (Notes on Virginia I, Correspondence 1780-1782) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 3.

Part of: The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO COLONEL RICHARD MEADE

v. s. a.

In Council. January 4, 1781.

Sir,

—The present invasion having rendered it necessary to call into the field a large Body of Militia the providing them with subsistence, and the means of transportation becomes an arduous task in the unorganized state of our military system. To erect this we are obliged to vest the Heads of the Commissary’s and Quarter Master’s Departments with such Powers as if abused will be most afflicting to the People. Major General Baron Steuben taught by experience on similar occasions has pressed on us the necessity of calling to the Superintendance of these Officers some Gentleman of distinguished Character and abilities, who, while he prescribes to them such Rules as will effectually produce the object of their appointment, will yet stand between them and the people as a Guard from Oppression. Such a Gentleman he would propose to consider as of his family; under the exegency we have taken the Liberty of casting our eyes on yourself as most likely to fulfill our wishes and therefore solicit your undertaking this charge; in doing this we rely on the impulse of purer motives than those which would spring from any pecuniary reward it is our power to offer. At the same time we cannot with justice permit that any expenses incurred in such a station should be borne by yourself. I shall hope to receive your answer by the return of the Bearer.