Courtesy of Library of Congress, Jefferson, Thomas, "Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, June 19, 1779, George Rogers Clark and Illinois Expedition; Capture of British Trading Post at Vincennes," 19 June 1779
Description
Thomas Jefferson, who was Virginia’s governor at the time, wrote this letter to George Washington in June of 1779. General Washington was Commander in Chief of the United State Army and received reports of military activity from around the entire country. Jefferson’s letter gave Washington an update on the activity of George Rogers Clark.
Full Transcript of Letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington
Transcribed Excerpt from Letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington
Source-Dependent Questions
- Summarize what Jefferson is telling General Washington about the progress of the Revolution in the West in a sentence or two.
- Compare Jefferson's letter with George Rogers Clark's letter to Patrick Henry. On what point do these sources agree? Do these sources differ on any points? What could account for differences?
- Jefferson writes, "I fear it will be impossible for Colo. Clarke to be so strengthened as to enable him to do what he desires... [we] fear St Vincenne is in danger from a large body of Indians collected to attack it..." Why would American Indians attack this fort?
Citation Information
Jefferson, Thomas, "Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, June 19, 1779, George Rogers Clark and Illinois Expedition; Capture of British Trading Post at Vincennes," 19 June 1779. Courtesy of Library of Congress