This appointment accordingly took place on the 12th
of June, 1781.
This was the state of things, when, his office having actually expired,
and no successor yet in place, Colonel Tarleton, with his regiment, of
horse, was detached by Lord Cornwallis to surprise Mr. Jefferson
(whom they thought still in office) and the legislature now sitting in
Charlottesville. The Speakers of the two Houses, and some other members
of the legislature, were lodging with Mr. Jefferson at Monticello.
Tarleton, early in the morning, (June 23, I believe,) when within ten
miles of that place, detached a company of horse to secure him and
his guests, and proceeded himself rapidly with his main body to
Charlottesville, where he hoped to find the legislature unapprized of
his movement. Notice of it, however, had been brought both to Monticello
and Charlottesville about sunrise. The Speakers, with their colleagues,
returned to Charlottesville, and, with the other members of the
legislature, had barely time to get out of his way. Mr. Jefferson sent
off his family, to secure them from danger, and was himself still at
Monticello, making arrangements for his own departure, when Lieutenant
Hudson arrived there at half speed, and informed him the enemy were then
ascending the hill of Monticello. He departed immediately, and knowing
that he would be pursued if he took the high road, he plunged into the
woods of the adjoining mountain, where, being at once safe, he proceeded
to overtake his family.
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