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able to the spirit of an officer, or the reputation of those in whose service he is. Governor Henry wrote on the subject to Congress ; Colonel Bland did the same ; but we learn they have concluded the allowance to be unprecedented, and inadmissible in the case of an officer of his rank. The commissaries, on this, have called on Colonel Bland for reimbursement. A sale of his estate was about to take place, when we undertook to recommend to them to suspend their demand, till we could ask the favor of you to advo cate this matter so far with Congress, as you may think it right ; otherwise the ruin of a very worthy officer must inevitably follow. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, your Excellency s
most obedient servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER XV. TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Williamsburg, February 10, 1780. SIR,
It is possible you may have heard, that in the course of last summer an expedition was meditated, by our Colonel Clarke, against Detroit : that he had proceeded so far as to rendezvous a considerable body of Indians, I believe four or five thousand, at St. Vincennes ; but, being disappointed in the number of whites he expected, and not choosing to rely principally on the Indians, he was obliged to decline it. We have a tolerable prospect of rein forcing him this spring, to the number which he thinks sufficient for the enterprise. We have informed him of this, and left him to decide between this object, and that of giving vigorous chastise ment to those tribes of Indians, whose eternal hostilities have prov ed them incapable of living on friendly terms with us. It is our opinion, his inclination will lead him to determine on the former. The reason of my laying before your Excellency this matter, is, that it has been intimated to me that Colonel Broadhead is medi tating a similar expedition. I wished, therefore, to make you ac quainted with what we had in contemplation. The enterprising and energetic genius of Clarke is not altogether unknown to you. You also know (what I am a stranger to) the abilities of Broad- head, and the particular force with which you will be able to arm him for such an expedition. We wish the most hopeful means should be used for removing so uneasy a thorn from our side. As
