JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed (''Th:Jefferson'') as Governor of Virginia [to Francis Taylor], Richmond, Virginia, 13 May 1780.

JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") as Governor of Virginia [to Francis Taylor], Richmond, Virginia, 13 May 1780.

One page, 300 x 187mm, laid in to a larger sheet (some wear along creases).

Jefferson writes to Colonel Francis Taylor, commandant of the Albemarle Barracks, arranging the exchange of captured British and American officers. He writes in part, "Permission having been granted by Sir Henry Clinton to two American officers to come out on parole on condition that the same indulgence should be granted to Lord Torphichen and Lieut. Hadden of the Convention prisoners." He continues, "Mr Hockesley and Mr Collier of the Convention being also exchanged will be pleased to furnish them with passports to New York." The British forces that surrendered at Saratoga (known as the "Convention Army") were first held in barracks near Cambridge, Massachusetts before being marched south in 1778 to the Albemarle Barracks in Virginia. When British Forces invaded Virginia in 1781, the prisoners were transferred to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A LADY AND A GENTLEMAN