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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES (RICHARD HENRY LEE) - The Works, vol. 3 (Notes on Virginia I, Correspondence 1780-1782)

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

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES (RICHARD HENRY LEE) - 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:

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TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES (RICHARD HENRY LEE)

v. s. a.

Sir,

—The Marquis Fayette desired me among the articles most essential for an Enterprise at the head of which he is, to procure 150 Draught Horses for Artillery & 50 saddle Horses for Officers to act on. I gave power and instruction to have them procured by Purchase if possible & if not by Impress.—One of the Quarter masters employed in this Business informs me that he has purchased some and impressed others on valuations by men on oath and deemed honest which are rated as high as £30,000 and most of them very much above what is reasonable. These circumstances are very embarrassing. To retain the Horses at such enormous prices threatens ruin on one Hand, the other to discharge them endangers an Enterprise which if successful would relieve us from an Enemy whose residence is attended with continued Expence, Fatigue and Danger. Under this perplexity I am happy to have it in my power to ask the advice of General Assembly. The Quarter master was under orders from his Commanding Officer to set out this morning with what Horses he had but I have detained him until the sense of the General Assembly may be had on the subject.