Too bad the Comte de Buffon never saw THIS!

I don't think my Euro friends realize how goddamned huge Moose are. They're prehistoric megafauna that survived. pic.twitter.com/ki6buJ88h4

— Will McLeod (@WillMcLeod99) September 26, 2015

Gov. Jefferson inquires about impounded wagons and horses

Gov. Jefferson to Gen. Edward Stevens, 15 September 1780: "Among the wagons impressed, for the use of your militia, were two of mine...A wagon-master, who says he was near it, informs me the brigade quarter-master cut out one of my best horses, and made his escape on him, and that he saw my wagoner loosening his own horse to come off, but the enemy's horse were then coming up, and he knows nothing further. He was a negro man, named Phill, lame in one arm and leg. If you will do me the favor to inquire what is become of him, what horses are saved, and to send them to me, I shall be much obliged to you. The horses were not public property, as they were only impressed and not sold. Perhaps your certificate of what is lost, may be necessary for me. The wagon-master told me, that the public money was in my wagon, a circumstance, which, perhaps, may aid your inquiries. After apologizing for the trouble, I beg leave to assure you, that I am, with great sincerity, /your friend and servant, Th: Jefferson

Jefferson wants to quit the Virginia governorship, 1780

Letters like this, to Gen. Edward Stevens on 12 September 1780, show the dismal condition of the Virginia militia during Jefferson's second term:

"Your letters of Aug 27 & 30th are now before me. The subsequent desertions of your militia have taken away the necessity of answering the question of how they shall be armed? On the contrary as there must now be a surplus of arms I am in hopes you will endeavor to reserve them as we have not here a sufficient number...."

The following day, Jefferson expressed his frustration with the job of Virginia governor to Richard Henry Lee:

"The application to the duties of the office I hold so excessive, and the execution of them after all so imperfect, that I have determined to retire from it at the close of the present campaign. I wish a successor to be thought of in time who, to sound Whiggism, can join perseverance in business and an extensive knoledge of the various subjects he must superintend."