ILLINOIS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS



THOMAS JEFFERSON TO COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON, July 3, 1780.
                   [Draper MSS., SQQ38.-L. S.]
                                     RICHMOND July 3P 1780
SIR
  The measures you have taken for the preservation of the Lead
mines by calling in the militia of Montgomery Washington and
Botetourt are as wise as could have been advised, and as effectual
as in the present State of things can be administered. The dis-
tress of the Western Frontier is much too general to confine
Crocketts battalion to a single part. It is indispensably necessary
that he proceed to aid in taking posts to cover the Western Coun-
try  occasionally to join Coll Clarke. as little are we able to
send any assistance from below the blue ridge as from that Coun-
try 5000 Militia are marched and to be marched to Carolina.
It is in our power therefore only to approve of your calling on the
militia of the Counties before mentioned; and in order to enforce
your calls I write to the Lieutenants of Washington  Botetourt.
Colo William Campbell is lately gone up to undertake an expedi-
tion of another kind. As it now appears more necessary to turn
his arms against our internal enemies, I write to him to do so,
former experience having proved him very equal to such a duty.
In this as in other cases generally active offensive enterprises are
to be preferred. It will probably be better to seek the insurgents
 suppress them in their own settlements than to await their
coming, as time and Space to move in will perhaps increase their
numbers. however at this distance we cannot pretend to give
precise orders, but leave the direction of proper measures to the
discretion of those who will be in command. Should exigencies
require it you will extend your call of Militia to such other
Counties as may be necessary.
                     I am Sir Your very humble servt
                                            TH: JEFFERSON
[Endorsed:J  Governours letter July 3d 1780 came to hand the
18th July



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