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

TO MAJOR-GENERAL BARON STEUBEN - 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.

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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 MAJOR-GENERAL BARON STEUBEN

v. s. a.

Richmond. January 4—1781.

Sir,

— * * * I immediately on receiving the communication from you by Major Walker1 that you would wish such a person as you therein described to be with you. I laid it before the Council. We concluded to propose to Major Walker (late of our delegates) to accept of this office having once been a member of the Council he is not unacquainted with our arrangements. I sent to him by Express and shall hope an answer very shortly. I sincerely wish he may consent to undertake it, as I am satisfied he can save you much Trouble. Should he decline it I apprehend it not easy to find another who will be of real use to you. None of the militia with Genl. Weedon (except from the Counties of Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah) were of the Counties intended to be kept in the Field. I thought it necessary to mention this circumstance to you as you might perhaps think proper to discharge them before they join Genl. Nelson.

[1 ]On Jan. 18, 1781, Jefferson wrote to John Walker: “Baron Steuben who commands the military force in this state on the present invasion, being much unacquainted with its laws, customs, resources and organization while he has hourly cause to apply to them has desired we will prevail on some gentleman acquainted with these to be of his family to point his applications to the proper persons & places and to enable him to avail himself of our strength and resources. Searching about for such a person we cast our eye on you and hope you will undertake the office. Whatever expences may be incurred by you on this occasion must be public & a proper compensation moreover be paid for time and trouble. These matters may be settled either before or after the service performed, as you chuse. Your answer by the bearer and immediate attendance if possible will oblige.”