Google
This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on Hbrary shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at|http : //books . google . com/|
i
u
I
V
K ') -^ ^ r. .
. »
ct. /3-
m^f^^^m^m^m^m^^t^^
Sdz^lZ s. V
^
• * . ,•
CALENDAR
OF
VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS
AISTD OTHER MANUSCRIPTS,
I 6 5 2 — I 7 8 I ,
Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond.
ARRANGED AND EDITED
B Y
WM. P. PALMER, M., D.,
Under Authority of the Legislature of Virginia.
VOLUME I.
RICHMOND :
R. P. WALKER, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC PRINTING,
1875.
CALENDAR
OF
VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS
AND OTHER MANUSCRIPTS,
I 6 5 2— I 7 8 I ,
Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond.
• \
ARRANGED AND EDITED
BY -
WM. P. PALMER, M. D.,
Under Authority of the Legislature of Virginia.
VOLUME 1.
RTCHMOND :
R. F. WALKER, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC PRINTING
1875.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year One Thousand Eight
Hundred and Seventy-Six, by the
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress^ at Washington.
W. E. WADS, FBHITEB.
PREFACE.
The iDtroduction immediatelj preceding the pages of this Calendar, has been
prepared somewhat at length with reference to the general character of the
work. For this reason, much of it has been devoted to the consideration of
subjects thought to be of pecoliar historical interest in such a connection. Some
of these have doubtless been referred to elsewhere, but many of them have not
attracted sufficient notice from writers of Virginia history. One of the chief
objects of the writer in preparing this Introduction, has been to enforce, if possi-
ble, the importance of preserving, even at this late day, what remains, oat of
which may yet be written tJie history of Virginia. The temptation was great
to dwell at length upon this subject, and in so doing, to venture upon a few hints
as to the plan upon which such a history should be constructed, but the limits of
the pages before us had already been too much extended, to allow of farther
indulgence in this respect.
The latter part of this Introd action comprises a partial resume of the contents of
many of the documents recorded in this Calendar. To have given a review of all
they contain, would not only have been unnecessary, but would have consumed an
unwarrantable amount of space. It has therefore been thought sufficient to
notice such as shall serve to illustrate the historical valae of the work, and to
famish a guide for a closer analysis of its contents in the future. This plan will
be observed in the preparation of each volume, not only for the reason just given,
but to avoid the necessity for an appendix of explanatory notes. It will be
observed that the contents of the latter part of this volume, from about the year
1780, are not included in the resume. The Introduction having already occupied
a considerable space, and another epoch being about to begin, in which a new set
of events and-new actors appear, it was concluded they should be noticed in their
appropriate relations to the events of the year 17^1, of which the second volume
must be chiefly composed.
The critical reader, it is hoped, will make due allowance, as well for defects of
style in one unpractised in the arts of literary composition, as for the occurrence
of typographical errors incident to all such productions, notwithstanding the
vigilance employed in endeavoring to avoid them.
W. P. P.
INTRODUCTION.
It is not only the part of wisdom, but a sacred daty, that a people shonld give
careful attention to the preservation of their records. The value of original
documents is chiefly to be estimated by the facts they disclose, because it is
from these alone that authentic history can be written. To the antiquarian
they may afford the profonndest enjoyment in the gratification of a taste,
more captivating perhaps than useful; but the annalist, whose functions are
purely practical, cannot possibly perform his duties without their assistance.
The uncertainties of tradition are substituted for the truth of history, in
proportion to the absence of such sources of information. Hence the need
of well attested records during successive epochs of the world's history has
been seriously felt. It has bequeathed to each succeeding age a legacy of
useless regrets, and transmitted from one generation to another, grounds of
doubt upon almost every branch of human knowledge. The annals of historical
literature, and the arena of polemical discussion, abound with illustrations of
this fact, and the avidity with which investigators now seize upon every frag-
ment of recorded lore, whether engraven upon prehistoric stone, or, written
upon a more modern material, gives confirmation to what has just been said. It
is, therefore, unnecessary to dweU upon a truth so patent, but which, on this
account, has been none the less prolific of contention in the world of letters.
However it may appear that the evil has found palliation in having developed
some of the highest powers of the human mind ; and in having contributed a
vast and valuable historical litemture in the efforts made to reconcile conflicting
statements, or solve questions of serious import, it is equally true, that in the
meantime strongholds of error have been erected, and retreats provided for
those, who, in every age, are found anxious to escape the verdicts of impartial
truth.
In these latter da^'s however, and by the well directed efforts of those who
believe that all obscuration of truth is productive of evil, movements have been
set on foot looking to reforms, by which the sources of modem history at leas*
iv INTRODUCTION.
may be in a measure purified and their porservation, in the future, rendered
more certain. The results of investigations made by modern writera of history,
have had much to do in originating and giving direction to these efforts.
• Disclosures brought to light, by the discovery of manuscripts heretofore
entombed under the neglected rubbish of ages, show the works of their pre-
decessors to be singularly defective m many respects. The attention of those,
whose opinions on such subjects are worthy of respect, and whose examples may
be safely followed, has been particularly engaged of late in this direction. In
Great Britain, for instance, where it might have been supposed more than
ordinary care would have been devoted to the preservation of her documentary
records, one is surprised to learn, that until a very recent date, public indiiference
had left her vast accumulations of historic lore, exposed to the ravages of time
and natural decay.
A salutary change, however, has taken place, and the measures adopted to
remedy the evil are now deemed of sufficient importance to form part of the
national administration of that great empire. The new " Public Eecord Office,"
in process of erection in London, under the urgency of losses recently discovered,
will at least afford a safe place of deposit for the national archives and other
valuable documents to be foixnd in the United Kingdom. So vast will be the
requirements of this institution, in the orderly arrangement and convenient use
of those muniments of historic truth, that although many years have passed
since the present building was begun, a *writer who describes it at length, finds
it necessary to declare that " another generation will, in all probability, pass
away before the whole is finished."
The completed part has already become the receptacle of vast collections of
the piiblic records, which, according to the same writer, stored up in iron gratings
on shelves of slate, classified and arranged ; and " preserved from innumerable
perils of fire, water, and official neglect," are never disturbed, except " when
removed from their shelves to gratify the curiosity of the antiquarian or assist
the researches of the historian."
The British authorities were so impressed with the importance of making this
undertaking of purely practical value to the nation ; that they disregarded the
demands of modern taste ; and in the construction of this massive stone and iron
repository, the beauties of architectural design have not been allowed to engage
«
the attention of the builder ; but one thought, that of security, having absorbed
" all other considerations "
After congratulating the country, that "the national records had found, like
u£neas, a safe resting-place," " the writer referred to above, exultingly continues
to dwell upon the importance of the work, in the following resume of the treaa-
Londoa Quarterly, April 1871.
INTRODUCTION. v
iires committed to its keeping: "The pablic acts of this nation, from the
doomsday of William the Conqueror to the coronation of Queen Victoria, are
here chronicled and recorded in all their immense variety, from day to day and
from hoar to hour. Ilere is to be traced the open and the secret history of the
nation ; its transactions at home and abroad ; its most subtle and mysterious
negotiations; the employment of its treasures ; the number and dispositions of
its forces; the musters of its population; the distribution of its land, its forests,
and itB manors; the rise and progress of its nobility and great families; its
proceedings in Parliament; its charters; its patents; its civil and criminal
judicature. Whatever, in short, this kingdom has for eighc centuries done, or
proposed to do by the complicated functions of its government and administra-
tion ; restless as the sea, and multitudinous as the sands upon its shore, is here
committed to safe, silent and impartial witnesses." The government was not
content, even with this important provision for the preservation of its national
records. They were to be made available, as well as secure. For this purpose,
since the year 1855, a regularly employed stafiE of eight editors, with thirty-seven
occasional assistants, has been constantly engaged in arranging and indexing for
the printer, the " British Calendars of State Papers ;" of which, there have been
already published forty-five large volumes, arranged in series. The value set
upon these publications will be duly appreciated, and the reader wilLbe surprised
to learn, according to the authority quoted above, that "the history of England
lias remained, until lately^ a barren field, scarcely better explored than it was in
the days of Carte or Hume," and that " henceforth the historian, here or abroad,
who undertakes to treat of any questions connected with the period traversed
by these Calendars, must turn to them as his surest guides and most unerring
authorities."
These facts are not without interest to Virginia. The Colonial Series of these
vast collections had been submitted, for some yeara past, to the editorial care of
Mr. W. Noel Sainsbury ; one largo volume of which is already to be found in
the Virginia State Library, and under the wise policy adopted by those in charge,
numerous transcripts from the same series, made by the same gentleman, have
from time to time been added to its shelves.
Turning from England to France, where it is said, a richer mine of historic
lore is to bo found, than exists, perhaps, in any other country of Europe, we find
another example not only worthy of imitation, but the results of which may be
found intimately associated with the early history of our State. For years past,
a master mind had been devoting its energies to rescuing the records of that
remarkable people from oblivion, and reducing them to something of system and
order.
As the learned (rhronicler of French Archeology ; in the capacity of Minister
of Public Instruction ; as the founder of the Historical Society of France, and
vi INTEODUCTION,
by a life-IoDg devotion to purguits of kindred nature, the illustrious Guizot
succeeded in accumulating and causing to printed, under the sanction of the
Government, sources of French history from the earlist times, that otherwise
might have disappeared during the paroxisms of political chaos to which his
countrymen seem periodically liable. As a counsequence of these protracted
labors, it was only at the close of his long and eventful life, during which he
had been often encumbered with the cares of office and had witnessed the rise
and fall of dynasties, that the illustrious octogenarian was enabled to bequeath
to posterity the crowning act of his remarkable career. The last and best history
of France, must therefore remain a fit memorial of one who devoted a long life
to the glory of a people, who never ceased to recognize his merits under every
change of time and fortune.
Coming nearer home, it is gratifying to find that the sacred duty of preserving
their history has not been altogether disregarded by some of the great American
communities. As far back as the year 1814, the Ilistorical Society of New
York sent up to the Legislature of that State, through their distinguished Vice-
President Dewitt Clinton, Esq., a memorial drawn by his own hand, in behalf of
the perishing records of that Commonweath. This document presented in strong
terms the urgency and importance of the measures suggested. It appealed to the
patriotism of a people, whose State pride should prompt them at once to rescue
their history from threatened oblivion. The eloquent author called upon the
State to assist the Society he represented "in drawing from their dark abodes
documents that would illumen the obscure, explain the doubtful and emblam
the memories of the good and great." This effort was not in vain — funds
sufiicient to carry out the purposes suggested, were at once appropriated;
competent persons were employed to translate the earliest records of the Colony
while under the Dutch, and agents were sents abroad to collect in England,
Holland and France, original documents and copies of evervthing relating to the
history of the Empire State of America.
At a subsequent period, and after the materials had been collected, a proper
person was appointed "to compile the Documentary History of New York,"
which work is now to be foimd in an imposing array of folio volumes upc>n the
shelves of our State Library.
Other American Commonwealths, in the meantime, have not been idle. The
Historisal Society of Massachusetts have rescued from loss most of the records
of that ancient Colony and influential State. They have been collected, printed
and bound in series, each one of which consists of numerous volumes. The
Historical Society and other agencies of that State, were stimulated to this action
by occurences, the like of which will bo seen to have taken place in Virginia at
different ^ochs of her history. The burning of the State-house at Boston, the
destruction of part of old Cambridge College, and of certain private residences.
INTRODUCTION. vii
had involved the loss of many valuable docnmente. Convinced by such disasters
that no depository at that time was free from danger, it was wisely determined
to mnltiply copies of their records through the printing pi*es8.
As late even as the year 1851, the Executive of Pennsylvania by special mes-
sage to the Legislature of that State, set forth the great importance of preserv-
ing the perishing records of a Commonwealth, whose history is so intimately
connected with that of her sister communities. The case was put in terms so
strong that a committee was at once appointed to consider the subject. Their
report was satisfactory. Authority to collect, arrange and publish was at once
given, and now tlio documentary history of Pennsylvania appears upon the
shelves of our Library in more than a dozen large volumes, beginning at the
year 1664, and coming down to the latest dates. Coming farther South we find
other States engaged in the same direction. Maryland has accomplised much,
and the States of Georgia and Louisiana have not been idle. The records of the
latter have been preserved in part, dating back to time when the royal standard
of Spain was first set up in the Floridas, then stretching to the waters of the
Mississippi, and even to " the Illinois," down to the date of Bienvelle's settle-
ment of New Orleans under the French rule, and on to the period of the Amer-
ican Kevolution. In this connection her history bears important relations to that
of the western limits of the Colony of Virginia.
Some of tlie younger Commonwealths have vied with the oldest in these efforts
to preserve their early records; and it is a mortifying confession that Wisconsin
and Michigan have, perhaps, at this day more of their histoiy, than has Virginia
of her own, if measured by the comparative ages of these States. The latter
has been singulai-ly neglectful of her duty in this respect. Had the inspiration
wliich moved Dewitt Clinton in 1814, been caught by some one of the many
gifted Vii^nians of that day, it may be imagined what an amount of documen-
tary material would now be the heritage of the State.
It has, therefore, been deemed appropriate to dwell somewhat at length upon
the course pursued by other communities in this direction, with the hope that the
languor heretofore displayed by Virginia, may, by force of their example, give
place to greater activity in the future.
CHAEACTEB OF THIS WOBK, AC.
The work, of which this is the fii*st volume, is of a kindred nature with that now
in prosecution by the British Government, and was undertaken under authority
of the Legislature of Virginia. The documents from which it is compiled are
to be found in the Capitol at Richmond. They are land patents. State papers,
foreign and colonial oflicial communications, incomplete proceedings of Councils,
Courts and Vestries ; the public and priiate correspondence of promiiient indi-
vidnalsy and a considerable quantity of miscellaneous manuscripts of more than
viii INTRODUCTION.
ordinary interest, because of their relations to the domestic affairs, the habits
manners and customs of the people at different periods of the Colonial and State
histories. When the present arrangement was undertaken they were found in
great confusion. From a variety of causes in the lapse of time, and as a conse-
quence of the political troubles that liad recently interrupted the peaceful routine
of official duty in the Capitol, the chronological order in which they had long
been kept was almost totally destroyed. On this account the labor of reducing
the heterogeneous mass to something of system was greatly increased. It became
necessary to handle and scrutinize each paper, to verify its date and place it
accordingly. This done, and when the process of recording was began, each
document was to bo carefully read through, to judge of its merits.
In accordance with the policy at first suggested, it was supposed a mere abstract,
would be sufficient to preserve tlie substance of these papers. But upon further
consideration, a larger liberty was allowed. Under the former plan a catalogue
would have been arranged instead of a calendar. It will be seen a considerable
number have been copied at length, because an attempt at abridgment would
have detracted from their intrinsic worth. The latter plan cannot fail to recom-
mend itself as time progresses, and as the older and most authentic records
become more and more scarce.
VALUE OF MANUSCRirrS.
The real value of manuscripts is not always at once appreciated. The facts
they record are, of couree, of prime importance, but there are other features
which equally recommend them to our notice. A paper cannot be without
interest, for instance should it but preserve the peculiarities of style, the quaint
phraseology and antique orthography in use when it was written. In the earliest
papers before us these are prominent characteristics. They appear as much in
the private correspondence as in official documents, in which latter, hcwever, as
may be expected, a more stately and often-times pompous diction prevails. To
the modern reader these excentricities may appear violations of literary taste.
But it should bo remembered, that the best educated of our fore-fathers were
compelled to employ the only vocabulary known to them. They had inherited
the style transmitted from a more primitive age in letters, than that even in which
they lived, and which did not. begin its approach to the smoother diction of the
present day, until about the beginning ot the second century after the founding
of the Colony. The manner in which they wrote, or otherwise gave expression
to their thoughts should, therefore, be received with due allowance, not forgetting
that to the literary critics of their own time, these quaint productions were as
well entitled to consideration, as are those of modem days to that of their
cotemporaries. ^
Another merit of these documents consists in their perpetuating certain phrases
INTEODUCTION. ix
and expressions, the only vehicles of a class of ideas purely technical in
their significance. The literatnre of the learned prufe^^sion8 abounds in these.
Indeed, without them the phraseology of the law would lose most of its strength,
and the language of codes fail to express its meaning. In many of the oldest
may be recognized also, much of the ruggcdness of the ancient Saxon tongue as
it appeared, before the norman dialect had added its softer elements, whereby
what may be termed the stone-age of our language began to pass away. The
papers of this discription are common until about the time of Spotswood, when
their style begins sensibly to change. A little later a taste for the ornate becomes
more apparent ; quaintness and simplicity give way to decoration, and as we
pass on to times nearer our own day, the measured sentences and rounded periods
of the more modern diction come into frequent use.
Still another value attaches to these fading manuscripts which may not at fii*st
view be recognized. In the letters and other communications interchanged by
people of every class of society, one is impressed with the courteous regard for
the amenities of social life exhibited in them, although often couched in awkward
and common-place language.
This is especially observed in the epistolary intercourse of those in the higher
walks of life. Ilere gentlemen vie with each other in the exchange of polite
condescensions, and seem actually to be practicing the deferential pantomime of
court etiquette, through the medium of an ordinary correspondence. The tone
of official communications is, of course, still more exacting and punctillious ; it
being deemed necessary to express the behes^ts of power in a phraseology of more
than common dignity.
In many of tliese dcouinents are also to be discovered traces of the bruad dis-
tinctions in social life, which even to a late period continued to exercise an im-
portant influence upon the inhabitants, both of the Colony and of the State ; an
influence which has perhaps impressed its effects more upon Virginians, than upon
the people of any of the older commTuiwealths. Whether this has been to their
advantage or not has frequently engaged the attention of political philosophers,
whose varying and ingenious speculations have not as yet afforded a satisfactory
conclusion. In the cases referred to, individuals were generally associated with
the occupations by which they gained a livelihood, and their social status described
accordingly ; the gentleman being distinguished from the peasant ; the trades-
man or factor from the mechanic; the servant from the slave. It is here, also,
we think, may be detected at least one source of those habits ef decorum, sub-
ordination and respect for authoity which in earlier times prevailed among the
people of Virginia, especially throughout her rural districts. There W'ere
doubtless other causes contributing to the same result, but in the state of society
indicated above, the force of example was chiefly potential in forming the manners
and establishing the customs of the people. The humblest individual unconsciously
2
X INTEODUCTION
\
imitated the liabits and adopted the opinions of his social superioi's. In this
way, the latter became to him accepted standards in all the relations iu
which fitness and character were to be considered, witli regard to the affairs of
public or private life. Thus influenced by a moral power ho could not resist,
even if he desired it, his social dependen(!e upon those above him, was tacitly
and cheerfully admitted. At the same time, however, that this was true, another
result followed the existence of these opposite extremes of society. They were
found to react benificiently, the one upon the other. Thus the peasant, whether
attending upon the requirements of his County tribunal, or answering the call of
his wealthier neighbor, became as reconciled to the social superiorty of tlie one,
as he was prompt in obeying the mandates of the other; while the aristocrat
from his higher position, felt constrained to recognize the claims of tliuse who
looked to him for guidance, by acknowlediijing in his private as well as public
capacity, the weight of responsibility under which he lay.
PLAN OF THE WOHK.
«
The plan ad(^pted in compiling this calendar was considered the simpllest, and
therefore the most appropriate. It was found impossible to group the documents
by subjects, these being so various, and often of such apparent unimportance,
that an awkward incongruity must have been the consequence. For obvious
reasons, an alphabetical arrangement would have been even more objectionable.
Chronology alone, therefore, affords the most feasible and the safest method of
arrangement. It establishes events in their proper relations to each other, and
preserves the correllative importance of 'the smallest items of information;
thereby affording for the annalist the surest guide, when he comes to perform
his work.
It has been thought expedient to place all papers not having special dates, or
whose connection with other documents cc^uld not with accuracy be established
at the close of the century in which they were found, rather tlian exclude them
altogether. Indeed, it has been the object of the compiler not to omit recording
the smallest scrap of paper upon which anything of historical interest could be
found. The propriety of pursuing this course is well expressed by a recent
writer, who insists: "that the loss of a single manuscript is often a sort of
literary homicide; it is the utter and irremediable destruction of an author."
To rescue from oblivion the smallest truth, may supply a missing link in the
chain of events; and may in time prove to be the fragment, whi^h alone can
restore the lost decoration, or repair the mutilated outlines of the temple. Mr.
Herring, in his valuable compilation of the Statutes of Virginia, recognizes the
wisdom of this policy, in having caused to be printed and preserved therein, tlie
smallest items of legislative enactments; many of which are expressed in a
single line, and upon subjects apparently of little value.
INTRODUCTION. xi
Under the authority to prepare tlie calendar, the compiler was limited to the
loose and inisecured raanuEcripts found in the Capitol building; consequently ho
has endeavored to embody in it nothing that may hc^ve appeared elsewhere, either
in print or in the bound volumes of manuscript records in the same repository.
One or two duplicate laws publislied in Herring, have been inserted, because of
their relations to cotemporaneous matter. A few originial letters of George
Rogers Clarke, extracted from tlie manuscript records of the Illinois Department,
and certain others that have appeared in print elsewhere, have been incorporated,
because of their intrinsic worth, and for the reason that with the possi-
ble destruction of the manuscript volumes in which they are now bound, their
loss would be irreparable.
WANT OF HISTORICAI^ MATERIAL.
It is a matter of serious regret that the documentary history to be
found in' Virginia, is so meagre in amount compared with what she should
possess. The circumstances of her origin and subsequent career entitle her to
uncommon resources in this respect. Iler colonial existence, it will be remem-
bered began amid events of the profoundest interest. It was just after Elizabeth's
long and remarkable reign, when the spirit of adventure and the struggle for
commercial and maritime supremacy excited by the enterprise of her favorites,
had been transmitted to the minds of some of the influential and ambitious
subjects of her immediate successors. Under the lead of these, the English peo-
ple began in earnest to turn their eyes toward new fields of adventure soon
after the settlement on tlie banks of the Powhatan had been shown to be prac-
ticable. All classes of the community seemed moved at once with the desire to
improve this opportunity for private advantage and the public good. The
3'oung men, cavaliers and commonci-s, having listened to the accounts of those
who had successfully accomplished the voyage across the sea, were stirred with
anxiety to penetrate the wilderness beyond the Atlantic, and see for themselves
the wonders of the Western world. Some, indeed, inspired with a romantic idea
of the dangers to be encountered, left their homes in pursuit of fame, but the
greater part, cheered with tlie hope of gain, looked alone to improving their
private fortunes.
As a consequence of all this, commercial enterprises sprang into existence,
la due time under the auspices of the Loudon and Plymouth companies, and
other kindred adventures, the tide of emigration from the old country steadily
increased. The personal influence of prominent individuals gave countenance
to these movements ; chief among whom were Sir Thos. Smyth and the Earl of
Southampton. "While the affairs of the Virginia company, were under the direc-
tion of the latter, its patrons so fully succeeded in engaging the public attention,
that emigration to the Colony at one time amounted to a furor.
xii INTRODUCTION.
As might be expected, the infant community felt the reviving influence of this
spirit of enterprise. It grew apace ; and before many years passed, its affairs
had attracted the special attention of the home government. Its increasing
prosperity was becoming a new source of revenue to the crown, at the same time,
that Another field was afforded for the dispensing of the n^yal patronage. Soon
we find the young State able to measure strengtli successfully against the savage
world outside ; and while thus steadily enlarging its perilous frontier, it was also
assuming at home the more evident importance of an established political
autonomy. The increasing population of the Colony, allied to every part of the
mother country, by the ties of kindred and association, had, by the remoteness of
distance, lost nothing of their pride of descent. When they left the shores of
England, they brought to their new homes in the wilderness, loyalty to the
government they had left behind them, and a devoted attachment to the tradi-
tions of their fathers. The habits, manners and customs, of the people from
whom they sprung, thus formed the basis of their ordinary social life ; while for
their literature and the established forms of their religious observances, they
remained for a long period, as wholly dependent upon the parent State, as they
were for the taffias and sugars, imported from Surinam, or for the pieces of
linen brought to them in her ships from the town of Belfast.
To control the afi'airs of this rising community, it became necessary to appoint
Governors, or Lieutenants of the Crown. These, upon their arrival at "Jaines
Cittie," at once established at that place their diminutive, but aristocratic and
polished courts, and conjointly with the chosen representatives of the people,
directed the internal policy of the Colony, subject to the approval of their
masters at home. Although these dignitaries were generally denominated, and
are now frequently referred to as Govenioi-s, many of them were merely Lieu-
tenant-Governors or Vice-Gerents ; the real Governor, who had received his
commission at the royal hands, in some instances, never personally appearing in
his remote province. Thus, the Earl of Orkney enjoyed the honor and perqui-
sites of Governor of Virginia for forty years, during which time he was content
to resign to his Lieutenants, part of his annual pay and all the responsibilities
incident to the position. When, however, the incumbent was the actual Gtov-
emor, he was, by royal commission, also Lieutenant of the Crown ; hence, he is
frequently described as Lieutenant a^id Governor.
With the fortunes of the mother country, those of the Colony were of necessity
intimately blended. The legislation on both sides was complex, and often times
conflicting. On the one hand, it was to be adapted to the condition of a new
and growing people in a wilderness far removed from the immediate sources of
power, and who, for this reason, were to be supposed the best judges of their
own wants. On the other hand, it had to be accommodated to the demands of
an established oligarchy, whose administration of affairs very naturally assumed
INTRODUCTION. xiii
the air of a patron, and whose habits of arbitratory exaction, required a policy
looking exclnsivly to the advantage of the home goveniment. The relative
interests of both thus 4)ecame frequent causes of controversy. Indeed, they '
occasionally assumed an importance commensurate with tlie integrity of
powerful political parties, and at times seemed to threaten the equilibriiftn of
the government itself. In this way, conflicting views of the functions of govern-
ments, involving discussions upon the rights of the people and the royal preroga-
tive, became tlie themes of contending statesmen in the cabinet and in the
forum. The affairs of Great Britain, and those of the chief of her American
dependencies, in due time assumed an importance scarcely to have been antici-
pated, when Smith and his followers first set foot upon the shores of the ancient
Paspaheghs, or even, when the fleets of Cromwell came over to drive Berkeley's
government fron^their seats at Jamestown.
At the end of a century and a half, the feeble Colony of 1608, had become a
thriving and prosperous State. A continent was yielding to her conquests. The
standard of Virginia had already been borne to the waters of the Ohio and
Mississippi, the seat of future empire. Sister communities had come into exist-
ence, some through the same throes and trials with herself, while others had
been carved out of her own territory. With these, interesting relations were
established under tlie inspiration of a mutual depe^ndence, and the instinct of a
common destiny. Consequently, when at last the great struggle for political
enfranchisement came, Virginia, by virtue of her pre-eminent moral and physi-
cal position, was found standing foremost in founding the great American
empire.
It is not intended, however, to trace here the career of this great Common-
weath. Enough has been said, to show that under all the circumstances referred
to; when we consider the facts of her settlement, her steady advance and
developement, down to the date. of her establishment as an independent power;
when the over shadowing influence she has ever exerted over the affairs of this
country are recognized, one looks with more than ordinary interest to the study
of her records during that long and eventful period. Unfortunately when these
are sought for, few of the earliest, and therefore the most valuable, are to be
found within her limits ; and w^e are constrained to repeat the lament of the
learned Herring, when he says : " that although we have existed but little more
than two hundred years, our public offices are destitute of ofiicial documents."
However true tliis may be in regard to the earlier records, the author, atthe
time this regret was expressed, would have derived some consolation from know-
ing, that a considerable amount of manuscripts still remain, of the period
of 1776, and onward through the time of the revolution down to the final
restoration of peace. The value of these will appear in the future, when
it shall be learned from their consideration, how the internal administra-
r
i
XIV INTRODUCTIOK.
tion- of affairs in Virginia, during that terrible straggle, conduced to the
final triumph of the American cause, and throngh what trials her people
passed, as year by year, the exactions of the government drove them almost to
despair, and when, on this account, the hand of revolt was at times actually
raised against the State authorities. It will also be seen, tliat the history of that
period has never been fully written, and although the names and deeds of many
worthies, now unknown to fame, shall bo tronght to light when this shall have
been done, it is proper to add tliat much will also be discovered, calculated to
disturb the complacency of those who have 'been taught to believe in the
unanimity with which tlie masses are said to have resisted the British power.
These remarks apply to the papers of 1781 and onwards, few of which appear in
this volume.
LOSSES.
In view of the great losses sustained by the State, it may be worth our while
to look into some of the causes c»f this disappearance of her records. Among
these, may be enumerated the primitive way in which they were once kept-
except when rendered less destructable by being put upon parchment and bound
in vellum. To this may be added the losses which must have occurred on the
several occasions when Jamestown became the scene of violence and conflagra-
tion; the accidents to which the Colonial archives were exposed when the
ancient Capital on the James, was deserted for the more attractive and rising city
of the Middle-plantations, and finally, when in 1779 the latter ceased to be the
seat of government; and when upon the apprehended advance of the British
forces during tlie revolution, they were again disturbed and removed to Rich-
mond for safety. It is probable many valuable manuscripts were lost at the
destruction of the buildings at William and Mary College by fire, which had
been left in them when the Royal Governors ceased to hold sessions of the
Council within her walls, and when other government functionaries no longer
performed their duties under her roof.
At a later date, many suffered the consequences of Arnold's invasion of 1781.
For, upon this occasion, although warned of the enemy's approach, a panic seized
upon the powers at Richmond. The contents of the public offices were hastily
tumbled into waggons and hurried off to the hills of Cumberland and Bedford,
and to the most unfrequented parts of the upper James river country. Many
were afterwards collected together which, in the confusion, had been left at
private residences along the route from the Capital to Charlottesville, where the
flying government had for a time found a resting place. More than this; when
the wave of invasion had recoiled, and after comparative quiet had been restored,
we find many of the public archives on the Quarter-master's trains as they were
INTRODUCTION. xv
returning by tedious and toilsome journe^-s tlirongh tlie gaps of tlie Blue Ridge,
from their late retreat over the mountains to Stauntoi:.
Add to these prolific causes of destruction, the free access to all coinere onco
allowed, under the liberal policy of the State, to such documents as yet remained
iu the rooms of the Capitol; the invasion of that building by inquisitive,
followers of the Federal forces, upon the occupation of Richmond in 1865, the
destruction of the State Courthouse by fire at the same date, and we are not at a
lt«s for reasons why Virginia has been deprived of so much of her documentary
history.
It cannot be inappropriate, in tJiis connection, to put upon record also, some of
the data, upon which an estimate may be made of her calamities in this whole-
sale career of destruction. Many years have not passed since documents of
more than ordinary value were to be seen in the Capitol, but w^hich have since
disappeared. Among these were land patents on parchment, (particularly one to
Lord Fairfax,) bearing royal sign manual ; instructions from the Privy Coun-
cils to Colonial Governors and from the Jjords Commissioners of Plantations,
bearing impressions of their appropriate seals, and autographs of the Secretaries
Sunderland, Walsingham, Godolphin, Bolingbroke, Addison and others.
Among the most valuable of these missing manuscripts, was an original draft
of a solemn protest against the lately- revealed machinations of the Papists and
Jacobins, by which the pereon and throne of William III, seemed to be endan-
gered. This was signed by most of the House of Burgesses and by leading
gentry, and pledging themselves, their fortunes and sacred honors to the support
of the House of Orange, against the enemies of England and the protestant
faith. It was doubtless, one of those " Associations," moved in the House of
Commons by Sir Rowland Gwyn in 1696, so many of which at once sprang into
existence over the Kingdom, and to which Lord Macauly refers briefly, in a foot
note to his history, as having been also found iu the Colony of Virginia. The
list of losses is further increased by the disappearance of manuscript narratives of
conflicts with the savages in the dark and turbulent days of the frontiers, written
by some of the actors in those perilous adventnres. Conspicuous among these
was a diary kept by Col. Wm. Christian, of his operations against the Indians in
the Southwest. Not less valuable were the fragmentary but graphic accounts of
services rendered by the State Navy during the revolutions of 1776, of which
organization so little is now known. Particular reference may here be made to
one, descriptive of the heroic action off Tangier Islands in the Chesapeake Bay,
known as the " Battle of the Barges," in which Col. John Cropper, with the men
of Accomac went to the assistance of Com. Whaley, of the Marjland fleet, and
with them, successfully encountered the British Buccanneer^ under one Kid, who
had been up to that time, the terror of the people living along the shores of
Maryland and Virginia.
xvi INTRODUCTION.
Empty envelopes of a later date, endorsed as containing original Icttei-s of
Wasliington, Jefferson, Madison, and otliors, have been found rifled of their eon-
tents by the marauder, and have most probably gone into the hands of relic
liunters, or to enrich the collections of foreign historical societies. But, by far
tjie most serious loss sustained, was at tlie accidental burning of the State Court-
house in Richmond in 1865, in which were consumed almost the entire records
of the old General Court, from the year 1619 or thereabouts, together with those
of many of the County Courts, which had been carried to Richmond for safe-keep-
ing during tlie civil war of 1861, with, also, may of the records of the Court of
Appeals. The importance of this disaster can only be realized when it is remem-
bered what an important relation the General Court bore to the history of the
Colony, from the time when the semi-military government, which for the first
years of its existence controlled its affairs, had passed away, down to a compara-
tively late period.
This august and aristocratic body was always composed of the class know4i at
that time as "gentlemen;" men of wealth, family and influence, and whose
official stations added still more to their importance. ' They, with the Governor,
formed the Executive Council, who dispensed the entire patronage of the Colony
in the way of official appointments, at the same time, that eacli individual mem •
ber was himself commissioned " Colonel " by royal authority. To this fact may
probably be traced the habit in Viginia of decorating prominent men with empty
military titles even at this late day. Their functions were legislative as well as
executive. They, with the House of Burgess composed the General Assembly,
and in their separate capacity formed an upper house; a sort of mimic chamber
of Lords, who, not only had power to amend or originate measures, but otherwise
exercised a controlling influence upon the legislation of the lower branch of the
Legislature.
So exclusive were they in their assertion of their peculiar powers, that tlie
House of Burgesses, although closely associated with them in administering the
affairs of the Colony, were denied access to their journal, except by special permis-
sion, and any attempt to remove this restriction was deemed a positive indignity.
They formed the nucleus of that aristocratic element in tlie Colony, whose
power over the masses remained dominant imtil the more popular system of
County Courts came to their relief, and when the country " squire " began to
supplant the haughty barons, who so long ruled at " James Cittie " and Williams-
burg. When acting as a judicial tribunal, they held four annual sessions at
^' James Cittie," and sometimes at ** Elizabeth Cittie," and subsequetly at
Williamsburg. Upon these occasions, all persons having business with the
Court, or, who had been summoned by the " High Sheriff " to attend ; lawyers,
litigants, jurors, witnesses and culprits, no matter at what remote part of the
country they lived, were required to repair to one of the above places, no matter
INTEODUCTIOK. xvii
at what persoual inconvenience or annoyance. This state of things continued
until the jurisdiction of the County Courts were, from time to time, extended to
meet the wants of the people. At the same time, however, that they exercised
these aristocratic functions as a Council and power as a Court of Law, they were
singularly jealous of any encroachment upon their own privileges, or upon the
chartered rights of the people on the part of a Governor, wlio might undertake
to exercise an undue prerogative. Witness, for instance, the able argument made
by Wm. Byrd, Esq., (Cal. p. 192, 1718,) against an effort made by Spotswood to
reate a new Court of Oyer and Terminer, contrary to the terms of the Colonial
charter.
When, therefore, it is remembered what were the multifarious functions of
this body, the variety of interests submitted to its consideration, and the length
of time through which its ix)wers extended, one may imagine the amount and
value of the historical information lost by the destruction of the manuscript
volumes on the occasion referred to above. A hasty glance will suffice to show
what was contained in that ill-fated and perishable repository.
Within its walls were stored, wrapped in vellum and written upon parch-
ments, the oldest titles and land patents on the Continent, excepting perhaps tlio
ancient muniments confirmed by the Spanish crown to the first settlers of
Florida. There were to be seen, recorded iif full, enactments of the eailiest
dates, to which bare reference is made in the rich compilation of Mr. Herrinp; ;
there too, were to be found, put upon record for future inspection and instruction,
judicial decisions extending through long series of years, and involving the
highest principles of English law : the details of trials, civil and criminal, illus-
trating tlie geneological history of their several periods, and giving an insiglit
into the state of morals, manners and customs of our fathers, might there have
been read and studied for our instruction; and there doubtless, the historian
might have found how, step by step, arbitrary power suffered gradual decay, as
the republican element began its upward and struggling career, to the time
when the will of the people had assumed almost entire control over the affairs
of the Colony ; and lastly, there were to be found, decorated with the seals and
autographs of the great, the royal instructions to Colonial Governors, the ordei-s
in council and directions from the Lords Commissioners of Plantations, and the
different enactments of the Colonial Legislatures, under the combined influence
of which the Colony's resources had been gradually developed, and came finally
to be welcomed as important additions to the Rt^yal Treasury. In fine, it was
within the neglected and perishable confines of this ill-fated building, that > ^Aatot-
reposed in fancied security, historic treasures, affording not only uncommon ^
attractions to the antiquary, but of inestimable value to the investigations of the
annalist; and 'with its destruction, passed away forever, the venerable and
picturesque literary remains of an age teeming with interest and pregnant with
3
I
1
\
xviii INTRODUCTION.
events, a knowledge of which is now indispensable to the full measurement of
Virginia history. ,
In the summary of losses enumerated above, may be properly included, otlier
sources of information, reference to which may be made in connection with this
hasty resume. The papers of prominent individuals frequently bore important
relations to certain periods of Colonial history. This was especially the case
when their writers had been honored with oflicKil trusts. The gratification
experienced upon the late recovery of the Spotswood manuscripts, the fortunate
preservation of the Bland papers, the Westover manuscripts and other literary
relics of like character, affords a happy illustration of this. It cannot be sup-
posed, however, that "Cawsoii's," and "Joidan's" and "Westover." were the
only private respositories in which important documents might have once been
found. The abodes of the numerous patrician class, who so long inhabited
ancestoral homes scattered over Virginia, from Arlington House and Ilungar's,
on the Eastern Shore, to Temple-farm on the Western ; from the region about
Green-spring and Stafford house, to Greenway-court, the extreme limit of the
Northern neck; and from Bacon-castle and Varina, to the cliffs of Tuckahoe and
Dungeness, must have abounded with historical material, accumulated through
the correspondence and diaries kept by their intelligent occupants. Many of the
latter, it should be remembered, \tere connected by ties of blood, with influen-
tial families in tlie old country. Others having occupied important posts nnd ^
the government, had established intimate relations with leading men of state,
and had maintained familiar intercourse with their friends abroad. In the coui-se
of their correspondence, matters of public concern, were not only discussed, but
in the scarcity of prijiled newspapers, their letters abounded with incidents of
private history, and recorded the curr<int news and talk of the day. Of such a
character was a long and interesting T^er (once to be seen in the Capitol,)
written by BoHngbroke, to a friend in the C3vh>"y? s'^'^g ^ graphic account of
the victory at Kamilies, and it its effect upon London society ; reporting the safety
of friends and the loss of others, the families bereaved, with speculations and
comments as to the probable results upon the war in Flanders. Even at this
late day, there are doubtless remaining in the lofts (vf old mansions, and in the
possession of descendants of those who once occupied others long since passed
away, many valuable papers now regarded as worthless rubbish.
Of more importance, possibly, was another class of documents, very few of
which now remain. From these was to be gathered information growing out of
tlie domestic industries of the Colony, and its commercial relations with other
countries. The value and quantities of staple commodities produced, the
amount of shipping entered and cleared at the ports of entry, and the develop-
ment of the agricultural and manufactures of the Colony in this connection,
were mattere of important consideration.
INTRODUCTION. xix
The "Naval Officer" as ho was called, or Collector of Customs, through whom
exports were sent away, and under whose supervision articles of commerce
were received into the country, was generally selected, not on account of his
political opinions, but from among the intelligent and educated of the com-
munity, and because the responsible duties incident to administrating the laws
i-egulating trade, required the services of such an one. Next in importance to this
personage, was the factor or commission merchant, who resided either at one of
the chief towns of the Colony or abroad, and upon whose integrity and business
capacity depended the financial results of the yearly operations on the plantations,
whereby the proprietor was supplied with the means of extending his agricul-
tural adventures, indulging his peculiar tastes, and adding to his stock of negro
slaves. The functions of both these, necessarily bore important relations to the
welfare of the State and to the community at large. If, therefore, the records
of their offices and " Compting Houses," could have been preserved for onr
inspection, a most valuable amount of statistical data would now enable us to'esti-
niate the resources of the Colony at any given period. The limits of our enquiry
would then embrace a large and interesting field. It would be necessary to go
back long anterior to the time when the ancient City of Hampton was the port
of entry for Norfolk Borough and the neighboring Counties, and when York-
town, from her site at the gate way of a magnificient harbor, had reason to hope
she would become in time, the emporium of the Western world. We should
find it profitable to antidate, in onr observations, the time when Dumfries and
Port Royal, Leeds, Urbanna, and South Quay, were ports of entry, and were
aspiring to become important centres of traffic and wealth, when the area of cul-
tivation should have greatly expanded, and when a teeming population should
be occupying the lands beyond the blue hills of Augusta. With few exceptions,
however, these records have suffered the fate of those, to which reference has
been elsewhere made. Eemnants of them, however, lie scattered at intervals
along the pages of this Calendar, supplying important items of information, and
suggesting the value of those not to be fond. We are as much surprised to find,
from these for instance, that there was a time when the County of Fauquier, now
devoted to an entirely different hui?bandry, produced nearly as much tobacco as
tlie great district of Halifax or Pittsylvania, as we are interested, upon learning
throufijh the correspondence of the Earl of Sunderland, that in the year 1708, the
(Colonies were actually so proficient in the manufacture of cotton, wool and
linen, that the planting of that important staple "had been laid aside" in many
parts of the country. The importance of this latter statement, will be duly
appreciated, when it is remembered what a source of revenue tobacco was to the
crown, and how good a market the Colony furnished for the manufactures of the
mother country. In the same connection with the above, our curiosity is excited
to find the exact date^at which clover was first introduced into the country as an
XX INTRODUCTION.
improver of agriculture, when we find it mentioned for the firet and only time,
in these papers, by a gentleman writing to his commercial agent in London, as
late as 1768, for a supply by a vessel expected to arrive the Spring of the same
year.
Many of the official reports of " Kaval Oflicers" still remain. These will be
arrranged in tables, by way of appendix to this compilation as the most con-
venient form for reference.
In drawing to a close this part of onr subject, it cannot be amiss to refer to
the porsistance with which private individuals retain in their possession, valua-
bles, which, with mistaken pride, they keep constantly exposed to the common
accidents of life. This has been a fruitful cause of loss. Mr. JefEerson admitted
the impolicy of this practice, when he passed into the hands of Herring, the
manuscripts from which part of his work was compiled, and the English officials
in charge of the archives, that were thought securely protected in their ordinary
places of deposit, when they came to be examined under the late orders of
government, found entombed among them the skeletons of vermin, that had
starved to death in their effort to live upon food that would have enriched the
annals of British history.
The occasional burning of some Colonial mansion, (few of which now remain,)
or of some more modern homestead, frequently involves the destruction of relics,
paintings or manuscripts, which had successfully survived the ravages of time
and the casualties of war. Now and then, a more serious addition is made to
the list of misfortunes, by the accidental destruction of some of the County
Court offices, as was the case with that of Nansemond, when in 1867, the build-
ing with the entire records, dating back to 1632, were consumed by fire.
HISTORICAL EES0UKCE8 OF THE STATE.
Before leaving this branch of the subject, it were well to put upon record the
unpublished resources remaining to the State in the Capitol at Richmond, and
elsewhere witliin her borders. These consist of bound manuscript journals of
the Executive Councils ; the earliest of which dates back only as far as 1705,
and with frequent interruptions coming down to the latest times ; of a few other
manuscript volumes of the Legislative Council, containing some of their proceed-
ings when exercising the functions of a Court, and when sitting as the upper
branch of tlie " Grand" or " General Assembly." The latter commence with
the year 1697, and continue with occasional interruptions through 1720 and
down to 1744.
To these may be added the valuable documents brought from England abou
the year 1859, by Angus McDonald, Esq., under authority of the Legislature
and the rich collection of manuscripts lately procured by those in charge of the
State Library, from the Colonial series in Her- Majesty's Record Office in London,
INTRODUCTION. xxi
through Mr. Noel Saiiisbury. When the latter shall have been published, they
will be found supplying, not only a large deficiency in the general history of the
Colony, but will especially contribute to the period immediately preceding the
date of the first paper recorded in this Calendar.
By the destruction of the records of the General Court, these documents have
acquired additional interest and value. Then follow several volumes of Execu-
tive correspondence, pertaining chiefly to the period of the Revolution of 1776,
a few letters from which have appeared in print. These contain important
information relating to the administraiion of the internal affairs of the State
during that eventful struggle. Add to the above, fragmentary records of " the
Illinois" department, consisting for the most part, of muster-rolls and Quarter-
master's accounts, with a few other unimportant transactions in the Western
country; sundry papers relating to the Virginia Navy of the Revolution, and the
list of bound manuscripts in this department is exhausted. From the cases of
the Auditor's and Land Ofiices, much might be collected to serve the purposes of
the annalist.
When we go out of the Capitol, however, other important sources of history
are to be found. Among these, are the records of the old County Courts, a class
of papers that have heretofore been too much neglected. They are all, more or
less valuable. The most ancient however are particularly so, and afford sources
of information it may be of a purely local character, but which, on this very
account become the truest exponents of the period they illustrate. An
illustration of this occurs in the valuable collection made by Mr, Peter Force,
where he has put upon record the temper of the public mind, just antecedent to
the breaking out of the Revolution of 1776. In many instances, the action of
the people on these occasions amounted in spirit, to resistance to the British
power, long before any formal declaration was made by an organized govern-
ment. How important then was it, that such facts should become the property
of the historian.
The County organization in ViTginia was a reflection of the old Shire system
of England, with its appropriate officials civil and military, and its recognized
centre of municipal authority. It was a sort of microcosm of the State. The
County Lieutenant, its chief officer, was originally described as a "Commander
of Plantations," over a certain territory, whose limits were prescribed by the
Qovemor in Council. As in England, he was a man of consequence, or Knight;
so in Vii^nia, this office was invariably bestowed upon some one of the class
known as "gentlemen," and who was generally a large landholder. He gov-
erned the County in Virginia, as did his antitype, the Shire in the old country.
His powers were executive, rather than judical ; and upon him rested the respon-
sibility of a faithful administration of the affairs of the community over which
he presided. He could, when necessary, order out the military and account to
xxii INTRODUCTION.
tlie (xovernor and Council afterwards for bis conduct. The officers of the
militia were subject to his orders, and even Court martial? were organized and
sat upon trials at his behest. Ih a word, he was in every respect as much the
representative of the power resident at the seat of the Colonial government, as
the latter was of the Crown itself.
To tlie County Court was entrusted the judical conduct of affairs ; and in time,
it succeeded to many of the functions of the General Court and other tribunals
of Oyer and Terminer, when, as the limits of the Colony expanded, it became
necessary to furnish the increasing population with convenient centres of juris-
dicton.
The members of this G)urt were in the beginning, as early as 1629, called
"Commissioners of Plantations;" and to their judical functions were super
added the performance of certain other duties peculiar to the regions of country
over which tJiey were appointed to preside. They too were in the beginning men
of substance and influence, and it was no empty honor to be recommended to the
Governor in Council, as one worthy to become a "Justice of the Peace," as he
was subsequently called.
Indeed, from the time this tribunal was established, down to a very recent
period, the functionaries who sat upon its benches, were generally selected as
exponents of all that was pure in character and patriotic in purpose. Their
gratuitous services received no reward, but the applause of their countrymen,
except when the Senior Justice, having served more than two years, chose to set
up his traditional claim to tlie office of Sheriff. Even then, if he were not con
sidered a fitting person for so responsible an office, neither his high social position
nor his official prestige could secure for him the favor of his associates. In
addition to other rjequirements, the strictest punctuality was exacted in attending
upon the regular sessions of the Court. No station in life, no claims of business
or blandishments of pleasure afforded immunity from censure, or from the^
imposition of the lawful fine for non-attendanc^. Thus we find old Mr. Kandolph,
of " Curls" complaining, that although he had already served nearly forty yeai*s,
and might, therefore, have been excused on account of bodily infirmity and the
distance he had to go " in his chair," he had been visited by the Sheriff to collect
the fine imposed for absence from dutj'. So again, as appears from papers
herein recorded, worthy gentlemen refused to set upon the bench with those who
were habitual swearers or drunkards, or against whose personal demeanor any-
thing at varianace with their sense of decorum or estimate of character could be
establiblied.
To such a standard of virtue was legitimately traced the tone of public senti-
ment BO long prevalent in the oflicial administration of affairs in Virginia, when
the " Justice of the Peace" was its true examplar, and when the people had
INTKODUOTION. xxiii
been taught to regard the County Squire as in all respects the impersonation of
justice, dignity and decorum.
The "SherifF' of the County was generally selected from among the mem-
bei-s of the County Court, especially if he had served on the bench with credit
for more than two years. It was above all other considerations, necessary that
he should be a fiting pei-son for so responsible a trust. His ability to give the
Becurity required, his acknowledged business capacity and unimpeachable
diameter were his chief recommendations.
The office of " Under Sheriff" or deputy, was of scarce less importance. In
the earlier days 'of the Colony, the coroner, or "crowner," was something more
than inquisitor upon the bodies of persons the cause of whose death, might be a
matter of uncertainty. In addition to this important function, his commission
made him " a principal conservator of the peace," and he was required to "bear
record of the pleas of the Crown." Ho was always a man of consequence, and
generally a large landholder.
For County Surveyors, intelligent and well educated pei'sons were generally
appointed, and for a long period of time, were required to submit to an examina-
tion from the learned faculty at William and Mary College, and licensed accord-
ingly, before undertaking the duties of their office.
At the desks of the Courts sat an official, the performance of whose onerous
duties, involved not only the exeicise of vast labor, but of exceeding accuracy of
detail. His work^was to be done promptly and well, even to the use of the pen,
he wielded with so much grace and skill. The ceaseless exactions upon his time
required the exercise of patience and urbanity in answering the demands of all
comers; and there were occasions when, upon his opinions, and upon his personal
influence and experience, the very scales of justice seemed poised. The interests
of the community at large, were, perhaps more closely connected with the
responsibilities of his office, than with any other part of the County organization.
Tlic sanctum in which he presided, was the place of resort for all classes of
people in pursuit of information, as multifarious in character, as it was important
to their several interests. From it went out all the various forms of official
process, by which^the mandates of the law were] en forced; and within its walls
reposed, under his^ custody, the charter and titles to tliat, without which, the
State itself can scarcely be regarded an entity. In a word, it is not too much to
say, that upon no official in the entire country, was imposed the perfoimance of
morej important functions ; of whom was required the* exercise of so many
virtues ; or, who was more distinguished for the higher endowments of mind and
heait, than was the Virginia *^'Clerk of the olden time. It is proper to add, that
* Always pronounced as if spelled " Clark."
xxiv INTRODUCTION.
while other offices were frequently vacated, the incumbents being required to
give way, perhaps to unworthy successors, the Clerks of the Courts, for the most
part, were allowed to remain undisturbed until the lapse of time had made them
as venerable in place, as they were in years and experience. Indeed, in
numerous cases their seats seem to have become hereditary by custom ; the
virtues and training of the sons often recommending them as fit successors to the
honors and emoluments left by their departed sires. In many parts of Virginia,
to this day, are the descendants of those whose family names for generations
appear upon the records of these honorable worthies.
The usual list of constables, deputies, overseer of roads, and others, filled up
the measure of the County officials, as modifications of the system, from time to
time, became necessary to meet the increasing demands of the public.
Although this hurried and superficial review has been deemed expedient, it is
not proposed to attempt an elaborate account of this time honored system, as it
came down to us, from one generation to another venerable with age and fruit-
ful of conservative influences. To do this would require the limits of an
extended treatise. It would become necessary to explain its origin, and trace its
honorable career for more than two hundred years, from the time of its creation
down to the date of its recent modification. It would be proper to enter upon
an analysis of its several functions, and the peculiarities growing out of their
administration ; to show how these were born of that love of liberty, so intuitive
in the Anglo-Saxon race, and which, as time progressed, contributed so much to
the developement of conservative republicanism in its once fruitful and vigorous
growth in Virginia.
Bound up with such an account, would necessarily be much of the individual
history of our people, in which would bo discovered those moral and other
influences that acted and reacted upon the communities under its control. In
the contemplation of such a theme, it would also become a grateful task to revive
tlie memories and associations so long connected with its existence, and with
those respectable functionairies, who age, after age, administered its several
departments; to recall, among many other reminiscences, the stated gatherings
of the people upon its numerous " Court Greens," on which occasions all classes
were to be seen assembled, the gentleman and peasant, the master and his slave,
grouped together under the shadowy domes of primeval oaks, or attending upon
the sterner duties of the County tribunal. Those scenes, however, with all their
suggestive accessories of time, place and incident, are passing away. The actors,
and the system they illustrated, already stand upon an uncertain back-ground,
and are fast fading from the realm of history into that of tradition.
In view of these facts, the ancient records now dozing in the dusty cases of the
County Court offices demand our attention. As has been said above, they
occasionally become a prey to destruction ; hence the propriety of causing to be
INTRODUCTION. xxv
eliminated from tbem all of historical valne contained in them that it may bo put
beyondthe possibility of loss. In the meantime some restriction should be imposed
upon the too easy access to them, sometimes allowed to a class of literary dilet-
tanti, who make a profit of their prying propensities, and whose zeal in this
direction, is measured by the money price of an autograph.
As far as possible, the names of the County Lieutenants, of those who com-
posed the General Court, and County Courts, Clerks and others, have been pre-
served, and it is proposed to append to this work a list of the same. It will
become the roll of an aristocracy of merit, to which the geneologist may refer
with pride, as time shall continue to hallow the memory of the just and good.
Another valuable source of information left to Virginia, is to be found in a
copy of the records of the " Virginia Company," in two volumes, said to be now
in the keeping of a gentletnan of Richmond. The history of this manuscript
is discussed with great clearness in an account of " Stith's History of Virginia"
in the Southern Literary Messenger, for September, 1863, prepared by an accom •
plished antiquarian and leai*nod ^lawyer of the same city. The limits of this
article will not permit an extended notice of the arguments for or against the
authenticity of the document here referi*ed to. But, inasmuch as Mr. Neill's pub-
lication of that company's records, is far from being a complete one, and con*
sidering the profound interest with which ever}' event of the period embraced
within the limits of its duration is regarded, the publication of the entire account
should not I e delayed. Should these volumes be found to contain much tbat
heretofore has been unknown, the fact should give additional activity to the zeal
in search of everything relating to the history of this renowned Commonwealth.
MODKKN INVESTIGATIONS, AC.
The propriety of recovering from loss and preserving in future, everything
bearing upon the history of Virginia, will be appreciated when it is discovered
what direction is given to antiquarian researches in these modem days. Indeed,
it is not going too far to say, that in certain sections of the country we fear, there
is an increasing disposition on the part of some of the principal writers of
American history, and others, whose literary tastes tend in the same direction, to
impair if possible, the claims of this ancient Commonwealth, to much of her
historic renown. We may be pardoned, therefore, if a sensitive regard to the
interests of our State in this respect, shall require a few examples, though of
apparent unimportance, in illustration of this remark. Witness for instance, the
effort now made to prove that Smith's account of his romantic adventure with
the Princess Pocahontas was but a figment of his o^vn brain, and that no such
event as that discribed by him ever occurred. Should investigations in this
♦ Wniam Green, Esq.
4
xxvi INTRODUCTION.
\
direction, by poBsibility result in showing that the redoubtable discoverer had
really never been rescued from death by the devotion of Powhatan's daughter,
the epic age of the Colony will not only suffer the loss of an incident, nnrivalled
for pathos in the records of history or romance, but the truth of any other state-
ment made in his narrative, may with propriety be questioned whenever the
occasion may require it. Thus the whole train of events connected with the
founding of the Colony, and the adventures of the hero, whose career was so iden-
tified with the dawn our history, may in time become the subjects of unceasing
doubt.
Another instance tending in the same direction ; but differing in kind, is the
attempt of a certain class of patriots to impair the value of the marble effigy of
Washington in the Capitol at Richmond, as a correct representation of the great
original. This may not seem at first glance to be as important a matter as it will
appear upon due consideration. Whatever may be the object of this class of
investigators, the subject should not fail to excite concern on the part of Vir-
ginians. The truth is, the American public and the world at large, have too long
been taught to accept Gilbert Stuart's picture, as the national portrait of Wash-
ington. This is proven by the fact that it is found reproduced in every possible
relation su^ested by a pre-determined purpose. It appears upon postal stamps
and financial promises to pay ; it adorns the walls of the rich, and is found in
the cabins of the poor; it decorates the prints of Insurance Palaces and the halls
of Public Departments, and is exhibited in the more secluded precints of literary
and antiquarian retreats, as '^ par execellence" the portrait, canonized above all
others in the hearts and judgments of the American people. This should not
be so. Whatever of merit can be claimed for that picture as a work of art is
justly its due; and it is entitled to equal credit as a correct likeness of the man,
at the time it was taken. This, however, is no rea€on why it should be received
as the only representation, which should give to the world a proper conception of
the great original, as he may be supposed to have appeared in the strength and
pride of matured manhood.
At the time Stuart's work was done, Washington's phj'siognomy was seriously
distorted by a cumbrous set of artificial teeth inserted by an inexperienced hand^
when the dentist's art had not reached its present perfection, and when the
materials used for such purposes were taken from the jaws of other persons.
For this reason, the observer will not fail to recognize in this picture the
expression characteristic of tlie human face, when its framework has suffered
from the effects of time and decay, and when the ineffectual attempt to restore
its contour, as in this case, has but added deformity to its senile and wasting out-
lines. Such a condition of things, however, cannot be detected in the strong
lineaments of the face and head upon the statue at Richmond. If, therefore, it
should be found, upon a careful study of Houdon's pi'oduction, that Stuart's
INTRODUCTION. xxvii
work does not furnish such a representation of Washington as should faithfally
present him to tlie world, and that, for this reason, the theme still invites the
aspiring hands of genius, a step is taken towards disabusing the public mind of
at least one false impression of the many that now continue to misterpret the
history of this country.
Another object, however, of those so much interested in undervaluing the
merits of the Richmond statue, may be attributed to their partiality for other
effigies of Washington, and to their desire to protect these from a fair comparison
with the master piece of Houdou.
An amazing amount of ingenuity has been exarcised in the effort to
sliow that even this work, although so well authenticated, was perhaps, as much
the creation of the artist's fancy, as was Smith's " true relation," the dream of
our hero's imagination. In this, however, we think they have signally failed.
To suppose that the best sculptor of his day should have undertaken a journey
of six thousand miles over a perilous sea, to'make the statue of a man whose
fame at that moment filled the world, and when success in the enterprise must
reflect upon himself something of the glory that encompassed the illustrious
original, and after all, allow himself to faU in securing an accurate representa-
tion, would argue a degree of folly, on the part of the artist, amounting to fatuity
itself. Had, however, his subject been a dead hero, instead of a living imper-
sonation, he might with impunity have created an ideal adapted to the occasion.
But fortunately for us, this was not the case. Washington stood before him. He
was expected to make a statue that should be as acceptable to his cotemporaries,
as it should be considered worthy of transmission to posterity. He found him-
self too, surrounded by those whose eyes had looked upon their chief on the battle
field and in the camp, and had sat in his presence at the council board. They
were, therefore, familiar with every expression of his face and person, and it is
to be presumed would be exceeding jealous of tlie least attempt to do violence
to truth in perpetuating the features of that serene and majestic countenance.
Indeed, if ever artist had incentive to attain success in such a task, it may be
supposed that the sculptor of Mirabeau and Franklin and Yoltaire, and the idol
of the French Ace demy would have been the last to risk his well earned reputa-
tion, upon an occasion so important to his future fame.
Before leaving this subject, it is deemed appropriate to consider briefly another
instance of far more significance than the two referred to above, in which the
truth has not been clearly stated, and in which justice has not been done to the
fame of Virginia at an important period of her history. The learned author of
Bancroft's history of the United States, in his short notice of the career of Gen.
George Rogers Clarke, wherein he refers to the military operations of tliat
remakable man, by which the vast domain of the Northwest was secured to
Virginia, and subsequently ceded by her to the general government, uses these
I
xxviii INTRODUCTION.
words, " for men he relied solely on volunteer back woodsmen of Southwestern
Pennsylvania, and from what we now call East Tennessee and Kentucky."
[Vol. X, c. viii, p. 194.]
The distinguished author must have been ignorant of the facts, and, therefore,
supposed he was making a fair statement in recording these lines. The truth of
history demands, however, that the false impression produced by such a perver-
sion of words should be corrected. A few facts, we think, will suffice for this
purpose.
From the language of Clarke's well authenticated letter to *George Mason,
dated November 19th, 1779, at Louisville, Falls of Ohio, giving his account of
this famous expedition, it is plain to any candid reader, that no sneh statement
as that made by Mr. Bancroft can by possibility, be deduced, from anything
therein contained. So far from this, it is clear from almost every word he records,
and from the language especially used by him in connection with the difficulties
he was called npon to encounter in recruiting men for this undertaking, that it
was from Virginia he expected, and finally got force sufficient to venture upon
his enterprise. In corrobemtion of this, it is enough to refer to the language he
nses, when at the close of one of those characteristic displays of enthusiastic pur-
pose in the contemplation of his designs, and when as if despairing of any other
aid, he exclaims, ^^ I was resolved to push to Kentucky with what men I could
gather in West Augusta 1" This was, indeed, his final determination. The
country thus described was in reality Virginia, and had never in any sense been
claimed as part of " Southwestern Pennsylvania." The vast territory extending
from the head-waters of the Rappahannock and Hedgeman's river, east of the
Blue Ridge out to the Ohio, had been known as Orange county, until it was divided
in 1738, into Augusta and Frederick counties. At the time of Clarke's expedi
tion, the latter county had been subdivided into several large counties, occupying
the entire region between the Potomac river to its sources, and the northern
limits of Augusta, which was a fline drawn from the head waters of Hedgman's
river, now the boundary between Rappahannock and Fauquier counties, west-
ward to the Ohio. Where then was Western Pennsylvania? And how could it
be possibly inferred, with the words of Clarke in mind, that any of the men " he
pushed to Kentucky " with, could have been gathered from the region referred
to by Bancroft. If this region was anywhere, it must have been north and west
of the waters of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, inasmuch as the country
* Letter to George Mason, of Yirginiai with sketch of his campaign in the Illinois in 1778-9,
with an Introduction, &c., by Hon. Henry Pirtle, of LoaisvUle, with private and public instruc-
tions to Chirlce from the Governor of Virginian-published at Cincinnati, by Robert Clarice &
Co.— 1869.
fHening's statutes.
INTRODUCTIOK. xxix
immediately traversed by these streams was Virginia, by virtue of occupation
even before the advent of the French, and doubly hers by subsequent conquest
and occupation. — [Cal. p.277,Capt. Trent's expedition.]
The asseition of the learned historian does not find corroboration in the lan-
guage used by Clarke at another time in the ^written statement made to Gover-
nor Jefferson, when referring to his efforts to recruit men for this campaign he
says: "I found also opposition to our interests in the Pittsburgh country. As
the whole people was divided into violent parties between the Virginians and
Pennsylvanians respecting territories. The idea of men being raised for the
State of Yii^nia affected the vulgar of one party, <&c., (of course Pennsylvanians.)
in addition to all this, it sliould be remembered, that the officers upon whom he
chiefly relied were Virginians ; who like himself had emigrated to ^^ the Ken-
tucky," then a part of Virginia. Captains Bowman and Helms, from Frederick
and Fauquier respectively were put in command of the Ports of Vincennes and
Katokia, after their surrender to Clarke's arms, while- to the former, he subse*
quently entrusted the most important commands. It should also be borne in mind
that Gov. Henry's instructions to Clarke, ^' empowered " him to " raise these men
in any county in the Commonwealth," an extent of country then embracing an
empire, reaching from beyond the sources of the Potomac on the North, to the
North Carolina line on the South, and from the ocean to the banks of the Missis-
sippi.
The country described in Mr. Bancroft's words, ^^ as we now call East Tennessee
and Kentucky," was practically occupied by Virginians ; the latter being actu-
ally a " district " of Virginia, at the date of Clarke's expedition. The valley of
the Holstein had been penetrated by them as far back as f Governor Loudoun's
administration. Forts had been erected, trading stations established, treaties
held, and purchases of land made from the Indians, up to the time when settlers
from North Carolina began to occupy that part of the country. The Vii^nians,
however, being called upon to defend their frontiers in Kentucky against the
savages of tlie North and West, and the Carolinians having succeeded in van-
quishing the Cherokees in the South, the control of this region passed out of the
hands of the former, although many continued to reside in the conquered coun-
try. Late in the revolutionary war Tennessee was recognized as part of North
Carolina, while the limits of Virginia continued to include Kentucky as a ^^ dis-
trict" If, then Clarke procured men from one or both of these two sections,
they must either have been North Carolinians or Virginians. As the former have
never claimed to have taken part in that memorable campaign, the credit of the
conquest is due to the latter, in conjunction with a few gallant Frenchmen who
joined Clarke after the fall of Kaskaskia.
* Dillon's History of Indiana, p. 133. fBamsay's annals of Tennessee.
\
XXX INTKODUCTION.
Unfortunately too, for the trnth of the Btatement, by wliich the impression is
sought to be made that the " volunteers of Southwestern Pennsylvania," dis-
played such zeal for vs^estern conquests, at a later date, and when Clarke was seri-
ously in want of troops to prosecute his plans against Detroit, he affirms with
regret, (as will be seen from original papers to appear in the second volume of
this work,) that after every effort made, he could not recruit a man in that part
of the country for a diverson so important at that crisis of the war. He had
been promised men for this purpose by the authorities of Virginia, and the regi-
ments were actually formed and ready to move, when the invasion of the State
by Cornwallis from towards the Carolinas required the services of every available
soldier in that direction. Nothing daunted by this disappointment he endeavored
to rally volunteers from Hampshire and other Northwestern Counties in Virginia,
but was met by their County-Lieutenants with orders from the government at
Richmond, for all the militia of the country to aid in repelling the advance of
the British from the South. The stores for the expedition had already been accu-
mulated at Pittsburg, and had the men of Pennsylvania listened to his appeals
in this extremity, Clarke would not have been forced at last, to abandon the
cherished plan of his life, by resigning the opportunity of pushing his conquests far
into the enemy's country, for a comparati velj' inglorious foray, subsequently made
with a few followers, upon the hostile tribes along the Ohio and its tribntants.
The truth is, that to Virginia and her people (Mr. Bancroft to the
contrary notwithstanding) belongs the sole credit of having secured by
conquest the vast empire of the Northwest, by virtue of which, the
claims of the Lfnited States at the general peace in 1783 were supported, and
without which the Canadian frontier would have come down to the Ohio river,
and perhaps to the eastern side of the Mississippi. That country had been wrested
by the English from the French. It had long been held by the former, who with
their savage allies, during the war of the revolution were constantly threatening
the American frontier from that quarter. No American, save George Rogers
Clarke had ever carried conquest into it, until the date of the captnre of Kas-
kaskias and the surrender of the British Grovernor Hamilton and his garrison at
Vincennes. Whatever claims might have been set up to it by some of the other
States under their original charters, the validity of such claims would never have
been admitted in the terms of the treaty by the English, inasmuch as the title
held by the latter had been derived by conquest from the French. The final
ownership was found, at the close of tl^e war, to vest in the State of Vir
ginia, through the daring and enterprise of her heroic sons. To her, therefore,
pertained the best of all titles, viz ; the right of honorable conquest ^Atten*
* These subjects have recently enga^d the attention of Wm. Wirt Henry and Sherwin McCrsB,
Esqs., whose investigations have been eminently successful in vindicating the truth of hbtory in
these particulars.
INTRODUCTION. xxxi
tion has boon thus hurriedly drawn to these isolated eases, in which the
effect has been to do violence to truth, in its relations to parts of Virginia history.
They should, however, afford satisfactory reasons why a more sensitive regard for
the traditions and renown of our State should bo cherished than has heretofore
prevailed.
CHARACTER OF TIIE INFORMATION HEREIN CONTAINED.
It 18 not pretended that the pages of this Calendar will reveal to the reader
any historical novelties of startling interest. The information they contain is
ctorroberative as well as suggestive; in the one instance opening new channels of
enquiry, in the other contributing to the removal of doubts. As hinted in
another place, many documents are herein recorded, comparatively of little value
when considered by themselves. As when substances of negative qualities, sub-
jected to the requisite conditions, suddenly reveal to our senses the consistency
and transparency of a material, which at once transmits as well as reflects the
rays of light, so these, placed in appropriate relations with others, frequently
assume an unexpected significance. In a work of this kind it is also safer to
record too mnch, than risk the danger of omitting items of the smallest interest.
The facts of liistory should not always be expected to appear of extraordinary
importance at first glance. The historian like the miner, cannot afford to overlook
the minutest objects coming under his observation. From an inspection of such,
may be unexpectedly discovered deposits of treasure under the most unpromising
surface. More than this, no period of a people's history can be properly under-
stood, nnless considered with reference to its integral parts ; for of these at last
it is to be constructed, when the annalist shall undertake their arrangement.
Namerous illustrations of this may be found scattei*ed along the course of these
pages. If for instance, it is seen, in a short statement of grievances sent up to
the Burgesses by the people of Accomac, that nearly a hundred years after the
settlement at Jamestown, the wolf was still^a marauder and a pest on the slip of
land between the Chesapeake and sea, the fact is as important to the history of that
period, as that horse-thieves hanged to death by the neck, and felons burned in
the hand in presence of the Court, more than a century later, illustrated the
criminal jurisprudence of the corresponding time And so, when we find Qov-
nor Spotswood refusing to allow a gentleman of his time to hire one of the dusky
subjects of the Queen of Pamunky, to serve as a domestic, and another to kill
game for his table, unless he shall first get her consent, and then give bond to
return them to their acknowledged sovereign upon her demand, it is not only
proved thereby that such a potentate actually reigned over her ancient people at that
date, but that her royal prerogative was duly recognized and enforced. Again,
if as it appears from the contents of a single paper recorded in this Calendar,
that whales were actually taken in the Chesapeake Bay, by licensed fishermen
xxxii INTKODUCTION.
in boafs built for tlie purpose, as early as the year 1710, the fact discloses the
pursuit of a traffic in these waters, not heretofore known, and which must have
been of singular importance to the commercial interests of the Colony at that
time.
And so at a much later date, when it is found that to supply the patriot forces
in Virginia with bullets, during the war of 1776, it became necessary to take
away by impressment, the lead which held in place the glass window panes of
private dwellings ; we are not only informed of the mere domestic use to which
that metal was applied before the introduction of modem devices for this pur-
pose, but we learn to appreciate the desperate straits to which the State was
tlien reduced, for materials out of which to create her ammunition. It is not,
however, necessary to multiply examples in illustration of the principle referred
to above. These are deemed appropriate, as indicating the manner in which
material may be best preserved for the use of the annalist or the historian, and
to show that the policy observed in arranging this work, is not without its
advantages.
And here may, with propriety be indulged, a train of thought suggested by
what has gone before, and especially by what has been said in another con-
nection, with regard to the want of documentary records of Virginia. The
history of this great Commonwealth is yet to be written. The respective pro-
ductions of Smith, Beverly, Stith, Burk and others, including the later works of
Howison and Campbell have merits pecular to each, and on this account are '
of exceeding value. When we add to these, the numerous relations, narratives
and monographs upon special subjects, comprising a sort of debris of historical
literature, from which much of value may be collated not elsewhere to be found,
tho list is much increased. But whatever may be said of these, severally and
collectively, it is undoubtedly true, that the sum of their entire contents, though
embodied with all the skill and learning of the most accomplished historio-
grapher, would fall far short of furnishing a true account of this Commonwealth,
from its beginning as a Colony down the latest times. To supply such a work,
the want of which must be acknowledged on all hands, would be a grateful, but
a herculean task.
It is not important to discuss here the reasons why this must be so. When it
is remembered how intimately the career of Virginia is identified with the rise
and growth of this vast empire, now known to the civilized world as America,
the mind at once comprehends the proportions of such an undertaking. Argu-
ments is not necessary to prove this close relationship. The record of events
from the appearance of Ealiegh's fleet off her coast, down through a career of
more than two and a half centuries, when duly considered, will establish the
fact. Indeed so true is this, that a writer who shall undertake a history of the
entire United States, might perliaps, in the construction of his work, venture to
INTKODUCTION. xxxiii
pa88 by unnoticed, scconnts of some of the other American communities of
acknowledged importance. But in regard to Virginia, it is not too much to say,
that he would find there is not a moment of time during that entire period, when
he conld aflEord to depense with her presence. If this be doubted, let him wlio
shall attempt such a work as the one suggested above, consider well his task,
before he shall disr^ard the lightest claim of her, who long impersonated the
fate of empire on the shores of the new world, as did the fabled deity, who we
are informed once stood sole custodian of the destinies of the old.
What has just been said in regard to the need of a connected and comprehen-
sive history of Virginia, may be illustrated by referonce to one period, a full
review of which has never been made. We refer to the century following
immediately upon the close of Bacon's rebellion, down to the war of resistance
to George the Third's government, a period full of significance to the future
history of the Colony. It was during these hundred years that she had entered
upon a career of development, which in time caused her to emerge from a con-
dition of weakness to one of strength. It was also during this era that were set
in motion, by slow but certian degrees, those moral and physical forces, which
were ultimately to play an impor'ant part in the sepai-ation of all the American
ct>]onie8 from the mother country. Where among the works enumerated above, or
in any other now known, is its history to be found, except in the most disconnected
and fragmentary form ? The narrative of Burke, by far the fullest and best
account of Virginia yet compiled, is singularly defective here. The worthy
historian, perhaps for want of other material, has occupied this extended time
with the comparatively unimportant incidents suggested by the departure of one
Governor from the Colony and the arrival of another. The chronological order
of events, consequent uix)n such changes, with tlie necessary references to the shift-
ing relations between the home government and that of the Colony, are duly put
upon record. The negative and uncertian outlines of the several administra-
tions, as they succeeded one to another, are drawn in so perfunctory a manner,
tliat their monotony is scarcely disturbed, except by such episodes as the trial of
Giles Bland or the persecutions of Beverl3%
A considerable space is very properly devoted to a consideration of the Ameri-
can savage and the country he occupied, as they both appeared to the first Eng-
lish adventurers, with more particular descriptions of the numbers, customs and
cliaracteristics of the Indian tribes then dwelling in the territory now known as
Virginia.
The remarkable administration of Spotswood however, which formed so con-
siderable and important a part of the early history of this period, and which, for
vigor and enterprise, was unequalled by that of any other Governor of the
Colony, seems to have been almost entirely ignored. A reason for such neglect
cannot well be found. Kpongh is known of this pei'sonage and of his executive
5
xxxiv INTRODUCTION
career, to show him to have been no ordinary man. A short reference in tliis
place, to some features of his administration will not be amiss. Endowed with
an active mind and great force of character, as soon as the direction of affairs
came into his hands, an impctns was given to the fortunes of the Colony,
unequalled in any previous administration, and which did not cease to be felt,
until long after he was removed from power, and when the events of a much
later time had inaugurated a new era in the history of the entire British realm.
Nor was it only within the limits of the country immediately under his control,
that his talent for the conduct of affairs was exhibited.
His influence over the rulers of neighboring provinces : his power among and
his solicitude in behalf of the Indian tribes, then a large and important element
of the population, subject to his government ; his successful efforts in extending
the area of civilization, by penetrating the wilderness on the West, and by
encouraging the arts of peace among the hostile tribes of the far South, illus-
trated the vigor of his external admiuistiation. His energetic and liberal policy
was especially shown by the prompt and efficient aid he from time to time,
afforded some of the other provinces in their troubles with savages. Thus the
colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania, in the North, became the recipients of
his aid and counsel at one period, while in the South, the Carolinas at another,
were rescued from threatened destruction at the hands of the Tuscarora tribe of
Indians, by the liberal use of the means at his disposal, and that warlike and
powerful nation finally put beyond the possibility of further mischief to the
Southern frontiers.
If at home his measures sometimes appeared arbitrary, it will probably be
found upon enquiry, that they were directed rather against the overshadowing
power of the executive council, than opposed to the exercise of any rights claimed
by the people. Hence, grew the well-known controversy with that aristocratic
body, when he attempted to create, by his own appointment, new members of a
Court of Oyer and Terminer, most probably with the view of contributing to a
more convenient and liberal dispensing of justice throughout the Colony.
Admitting, however, that there may have been at times, just causes of complaint,
against such a disposition on his part, the latter was to be excused in a ruler,
whose evident purpose it was to advance the material interests of the community
entrusted to his care, and who, by virtue of his inherent qualities did greatly con-
tribute to the prosperity and importance of his Province. More than this, he may
have recollected how, but a few years before, a captious party spirit had pursued
the faithful and active Nicholson, until his enemies at last succeeded in driving
him from office, and how even the excellent and amiable Nott, during his short
career, had not escaped the shafts of censure ; and profiting by these examples, he
probably determined to mark out for himself a line of conduct to be purauc^d,
regardless alike of the opposition of enemies or the protest of friends. Be this as
INTRODUCTION. xxxv
it may, the Colony never had at the head of its government, a more active and
capable executive, or the crown a more faithful and efficient Lieutenant. In
discliarging the duties incident to his numerous official trusts, nothing seemed to
escape his vigilance. At the same time that his care was bestowed with more
than paternal solicitude upon the details of a system of schools, for christian-
izing the Indians, his watchful attention was not withdrawn from the conduct of
those whose duty it was to provide for the welfare or safety of the Colony itself.
Thus, in many of his addresses to the House of Burgesses, he hesitated not to
rebuke, in the severest terms, their fancied want of wisdom, or their failure to
provide promptly for the wants of the country at some crisis in its affairs.
Having succeeded to power soon after the removal of the seat of government
from Jamestown to Williamsburg, he exercised his taste in decorating the new
capital, at the same time that he endeavored to increase the comfort of its
inhabitants by the employment of every means looking to its more solid improve-
ment. Thus, in a few years he had done much in causing a comparatively rude
settlement in the forest, to become a spacious and attractive town, at once the
seat of learning and the abode of wealth.
Under all the circumstances, therefore, it is not only a matter of regret tliat
the era, whose outline has just been so hurriedly traced, should have failed to
receive the attention due to its importance, but that the career of one of its most
prominent personages should have incidentally suffered the same neglect. Other
striking examples might be added in confirmation of what has been said in regard
to the want of a proper account of the Colony, and the subsequent history of the
State. Those already given, however, are deemed sufficient for our purpose.
SEALS.
Some of the documents herein recorded are particularly valuable on account
of their bearing impressions of the Koyal, Colonial and other official seals. Tlie
number unfortunately is small, and is limited to the short period included between
the time of James II. and the latter part of Queen Anne's reign. These,
however, are deemed of sufficint importance to require special notice.
The earliest of these, dated 1686, September 1st, is a writ of election for
certain members of the House of Burgesses, issued at Rosegill, by the Governor,
Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham, to the sheriff of Northampton County. What
his Lordship was doing at that ancient family seat, does not appear from any-
thing contained in this mandate to the aforesaid official of Northampton. He
and his Court must have been visiting guests at the place, unless it was his own
private abode, before having become the property of the Wormley's, or of their
predecessors. In the latter case, unless the Colonial Governors at this time had
authority to issue writs of election of their own will and pleasure, it is to be
presumed the Council must have attended him in his retirement at such a dis-
xxxri INTKODUCTiON.
tance from the capital. Certainly there is nothing to show that Kosegill was
ever recognized as a place of official residence, from which might be sent out the
orders of the Colonial Council.
The impression of the Colonial Seal on this document (as with all others herein
found) is upon wafer. It displays a shield in the centre-field, quartering the
arms of England and France first and fourth, with those of Scotland and Ireland
second and third ; enclosed by the order of the Garter and its appropriate motto.
In the Exerquc appears the words " En dat Virginia qnintnm ; " the whole sur-
mounted by the crown proper, and flanked right and left respectively, by the
characters " C." « R"
The next document upon which an impression of the seal appears is a commis-
sion to Francis Page, Esq., as Clerk of the House of Burgesses, dated 1688, April
24th. This bears the autograph of Effingham, but in every other respect is too
imperfect to be accurately described.
These two are the only papers upon which the Colonial Seals ai^e to be seen
during the reign of James II.
In 1701, March 12th, it is found upon a warrant issued by Governor Francis
Nicholson to Colonel Wm. Byrd, authorizing and requiring him to impress horses
and other piivate property, needed in the King's service. This impression is sim-
ilar to that described above on the writ of election issued by Effingham, except
that the characters " W." " E " take the places of " C." " R.," flanking the crown
right and left respectively ; and upon the " Fess-point " is displayed an " Escutch-
eon of Pretence," bearing the arms of Nassau, William III. then being on the
throne of England. The motto "En dat Virginia quintum," appears on the
Exerque, as in the case of the impression of 1686.
Upon a Land Patent dated 1703, October 23d, bearing the. autograph of Gov.
Nicholson is an exact duplicate of the impression just described, including the
ancient motto, " En dat Virginia quintum."
The fii-st seal found of Queen Anne's time is upon an official communication
to Gov. Nicholson, dated 1704, July 6th, giving instructions in regard to the dis-
position to be made of prizes captured by her 8hii>s of war and taken into the
ports of the Colony. The royal sign manual and seal both appear upon this ; the
latter being a shield quartering the arms of England, France, Scotland and Ire-
land, enclosed by the order of the Garter, and upon the Exerque the motto in
abreviations, "Anna D. G. Mag. B. R, F. R., et Iliber. Regina, Fid. Def.," the
whole'surmonnted by the crown proper.
The Colonial Seal appears once more upon a proclamation, issued by Governor
Nicholson, in the name of the Queen, 1704, December 15th, ordering a "solemn
thanks-giving day," in honor of the victory at Blenheim. This impression,
although very imperfect in its other features, clearly displays a scroll bearing the
words " En dat Virginia quintum." Whatever changes may have been made in
INTKODUOTION. xxxvii
the Royal and Colouial Seals incident to the death of William, it is a significant
fact thatfor a onsiderable part of Anne's reign, this relic of Charles' time was
still- retained.
In 1705, October 22d, William Robertson, Esq., was commissioned " Clerk of
the Geneml Assembly :" a phrase nsed here for the first time in describing that
branch of the government, instead of tlie words " Jlouse of Burgesses." Tlio
document conferring this honor bears the autograph of Gov. 'Nott^ with an
impression of the Colonial Seal, identical with those already described, excepting
that at the base of the shield appears a scroll bearing tlie words " semper eadem.'i
The motto in the Exerqne is imperfectly preserved thus, " En dat Virgin ."
Whether this ancient and epigramatic sentence terminates in like manner with
those on the impressions heretofore described cannot be determined. There is
reason, however, for believing that a change had been made in the Colonial Seal
abont this time : for we find upon the next specimen coming under inspection,
not only the same scroll bearing the words " semper eadem," but that in the
motto in the Exerque, the word "quintum" has given place to "quintam." It is
therefore fair to presume, that in as much as the scroll and words " semper
eadem," found upon the impression on Robertson's commission, are also seen on
the one just referred to, the unfinished motto of the former may with reason be
read " En dat Virginia quintam."
The document upon which this new impression appears is dated 1710, December
12th, and is a Warrant for "Laying the County Levy of James Cittie," issued by
order of Gov. Spotswood to Ed. Jacquelin, Gent., Sheriff, &c.
The remaining impressions are those of the Royal Seal, as already described,
together with several of the Privy Council. One of the latter is seen first upon
an order in Council, dated 1707, repealing an " Act for raising a Public Revenue,
&c., of this Her Majesty's Colony and Dominion of Virginia," &c., &c., which
had been passed in 1705 by the Colonial Legislatui*e. The impression here
displays the centre-field without escutcheon or shield, but is emblazoned with
the " Rose and Thistle," emblematical of the union of England and Scotland,
which had just occurred : having for supporters, right and left, respectively, the
Lion rampant and crowned, and the Unicorn rampant, gorged and wearing a
coronet. At the base appears a scroll bearing for its motto in abreviations the
words " Sigill. Priv. Coneil.," the whole surmounted by the crown proper.
From the descriptions here given of the impressions of the seals found upon
the limited number of documents coming under our notice, it will be perceived
that in a majority of these, the probable relation borne by Virginia to the other
parts of the British realm, certainly from the time of Charles IL, and most
probably, as we shall see, from the accession of the first James, seems to be
clearly indicated by the habitual use of the word " quintum." Notwithstanding
what has been here and elsewhere found, bearing upon this subject, it remains a
xxxviii IK TRO DUCT ION.
matter of doubt what was the seal habitoally need by the Colonial Government
from the earliest times down to the separation from the mother country. Under
the several Charters of Virginia, granted by King James, designs. for the seals of
the London and Bristol companies, and for the Councils in England who
were to cx)ntrol their affairs, were provided therein by special mention. A des-
cription of these will be found in Hening's Statutes, Vol. L, p. 61 : and it is there-
fore unnecessary to refer further to tliem here, except to add that no impression of
any of tlieso has been seen among the archives of Virginia left on this side of
the Atlantic. According to a foot-note in Neill's history of the Virginia Com-
pany, however, the " Cote of Arms," or seal of the latter is thus described : " The
escutcheon is quartered with the arms of England and France, Scotland and
Ireland ; crested by a maiden queen with flowing hair and eastern crown. Sup-
porters: Two mon in armor, beavers open, helmets ornamented witli three
ostrich feathers, each holding a lance. Motto: En dat Virginia quintura." From
this description of the company's seal, it will be observed how much it differs
from those recorded in the old charters referred to above : while it is worth
noticing that in the same foot-note it is said the King hereby intended to dignify
Virginia as the fifth kingdom or dominion of his realm, Scotland having become
the fourth upon his accession to the throne of England, France and Ireland.
The use of the word '^ quintum" is therefore seen to have appeared upon the
Colonial Seal at a very early date, whatever differences of opinion may exist as
to the origin, genuineness, or subsequent use of the latter, or in whatever form
it may have appeared during the subsequent history of the Colony.
It must not be taken for granted, however, that the devices just described as
having constituted the seal of the Virginia Company were subsequently adopted
for the use of the Colony, and appeai*ed upon its seal so long as Virginia re-
mained dependent upon the crown. This is indeed stated in the same foot-note ;
but unless the fact can be substantiated by evidence more conclusive than any
now to be found, it must remain a subject of further investigation.
The seals referred to in Hening may have been used by the two Virginia Com-
panies respectively as long as they were in existence. After their dissolution,
and for want of another, the government at " James Cittie," or the Council at
Whitehall may have adopted a modified form of one of them for the use of the
Colony. Of this, however, there is no evidence. Admitting for the sake of
argument this to have been done, or supposing the ^' Cote of Arms" or seal, de-
scribed in the footnote to Neill's history to have been the Colonial Seal after the
destruction of the Virginia Company, in view of what is seen in the papera therein
recorded, it is impossible that either of these could have contimied to be the seal
of the Colony during the entire time of its dependency to the crown of Great
Britain. Had this been the case, it is fair to suppose that an ^^ impression" of
some one of them would have been seen among the older papers left in the
INTRODUCTION xxxix
Capitol, instead of tliose therein found and already described in these pages. A
print jot the seal described in Neill's foot-note, is occasionally to be seen ; bat
the fact that it has been reproduced in the frontispieces of the earlier editions of
histories of Virginia, and was for a long time used as a book-plate in the misoel-
laneons collection of old volumes belonging to the Colonial Council, and subso-
quently to the State Library, docs not prove it to have been the official seal during
the corresponding period. If it was thus preserved for so long a time,
it may be enquired with reason, why it should not also have been found upon
official documents in some form or other during all this period. The habit of
giving it the conspicuous positions just referred to, seems to have grown into
a custom by which a relic of the past was to be preserved, rather than with any
intention of recognizing it as the symbol of official authority.
Upon the accession of King Charles I., in 1625, the Virginia Company had
passed away, and it may be supposed that with its destruction, had also been in-
volved the disappearance of all traces of its corporate existence. Its ^' Cote of
Arms," or seal, whatever it may have been, must therefore have shared the same
fate.
That such was the case is more than probable from the fact, that the first
impression of a seal found among the papers herein recorded, although
upon a document of the time of James II., bears upon its face, in conjunction
with other significant devices, the characters "C." "R" Carol us Kex. Which
Charles is hereby indicated, cannot be determined ; because, although the dates
of documents upon which impressions of seals appear, are generally given, that
of the latter is never seen. The seal upon which the characters " C." " R."
appear, although used in the time of the second James, may have belonged to
that of Charles the I. It is fair to presume that in as much as James I. had
authorized the employment of the word " quintum" upon the earliest Colonial
device, of which we have any jcliable account, his son and successor would not
have seen fit, without good cause, to make any change in this respect. Admitting
this to be true, and consequently that the seal, whose impression is found upon a
paper dated 1686, had been used in the Colony at the accession of Charles I. and
therefore immediately after the dissolution of the Virginia Company, what
becomes of tlie statement that the one referred to in the foot-note of Neill's
History continued to be used by Virginia during her entire existence as a Colony ?
And what ground is there for Ihe opinion entertained by many that the latter
was indeed the seal ^of the Colony down to the time of the Revolution of
1776?
If it be supposed that the seal bearing the characters "^C." "R.," and to which
reference has just been made, had been created by the second Charles, it must
xl INTRODUCTION.
have been done, either because his father and his grandfather had authorized it,
or because he himself saw fit to rehabilitate the Oonlony with her ancient
dignity.
In tlie latter view of the case, it is not unwarrantable to suppose that in so
doing, Charles, immediately upon his restoration, instructed that she should in
truth be considered his " Ancient Dominion," not only because her escutcheon
had so long borne the evidence of this dignity, but also because he had reason to
know that she had never acknowledged the usurpations of Cromwell, or submitted
to his rule until overpowered by the fleets of the Commonwealth at the time
they threatened to destroy her defenceless capital on the James.
It cannot be objected to what has been said above, that the impression found
upon the writ of election issued by order of Effingham in 1686, is not that of
the Colonial Seal. In the performance of this duty, he was exercising a function
specially vested in the Colonial Governors and their Councils ; and had there
been any other seal under which his official mandate was to be enforced, it would
undoubtedly have been employed on this occasion.
We are not expected to account for the disappearance of the seal described in
the foot-note, so often referred to, if it be true that it had ever been for any
length of time the recognized symbol of the Colonial Government. The fact
that one of an entirely different character, so far as concerns most of its devices,
is found to have been in use, perhaps little more than twenty years after the
dissolution of the Virginia Company, cannot fail to attract notice ; and that it
continued to bear the ancient motto : " En dat Virginia qnintum," although
important changes had otherwise been made in it, is equally significant. Indeed,
from an examination of most of the "impressions" found among these papers, it
is apparent that all through the time of the Stuarts down to near the middle of
Anne's reign, Virginia enjoyed the dignity of being considered the fifth king-
dom or dominion of the realm; and even after the union with Scotland,
her ^importance was duly acknowledged by the use of the word " quartam''
upon her seal, instead of "quintum," by which she was dignified as the
fourth estate.
It has not been considered necessary to notice here other impressions of seals
found, inasmuch as they are but reproductions of the Royal Arms and Seals of
the Privy Council, specimens of which have already been described. Most of
the older Shires and Counties had their respective seals, which were used upon
do<iuments of more than ordinary importance, and it is to be regretted that not a
single impression of one of these has been found. Tlie seals of the Naval or
Custom Offices frequently appear in wax, and bear for device the symbolical
anchor without motto-
INTRODUCTION. xli
Owing to the number, variety, and want of connection in the documents here
recorded, a review of what they contain, must of necessity be hasty and imper-
fect. Although attention will be drawn in the main to such as are of more than
common significance, occasionally it may be proper to notice particular items^
which must seem of little interest until they shall have been duly considered.
Examples of this will be found frequently to occur. Thus the phrase " Last fall
of the Leafe," which might otherwise escape observation, is worthy of notice as
fnrnishing the origin of the word "Fall," so commonly used in Virginia, instead
of " Autumn," universally applied elsewhere in describing that beautiful season
of the year. So with " flfreshes," a word employed by the people of the olden
time in describing the smaller streams oi fi*esh wa*er that flowed into the
^' marishes" or marshes, and into the estuaries and larger rivers affected by the
salt water of the contiguous sea. These doubtless derived their names from the
contrast betweea their waters and those of the briny receptacles just mentioned.
When, however, by reason of a great fall of rain, they became so much swollen
as to make an impression u[)on the waters of the larger streams or estuaries, a
^^ freshet" was said to- exist in the latter. The use of this expression having
been transmitted from one generation of people to another, has caused it to be
applied in modern days to every ordinary overflow now occurring in the more
inland streams.
The first document here recorded is entitled to more notice than the reference
made to it in the foot-note at the bottom of the page. It is the sole representa-
tive of those relating to the time of the English Commonwealth; and it may,
therefore, suggest an interesting enquiry, as to whether all the other papers of
tliat eventful period were destroyed on purpose immediately after the Restoration,
or perished in the general destruction to which reference has been made in another
part of this introduction.
In addition to other features, its value is enhanced by its bearing the autographs
of Bennett and Clayborne, two noted men, whose careers in Maryland and Vir-
ginia had long been of singular interest to the history of these Colonies. The
former is here described as "Captain General," instead of "Lieutenant and
Governor, cfec," in accordance with the military characterister of Cromwell's
policy in the Colony as well as elsewhere. The original name of the Bay now
known as Mobjack, seems by this paper to have been " Mockjack."
An interval of eight years occurs after the date of this paper, at the end of
which Sir Wm. Berkeley re-appears as Governor. The entries immediately suc-
ceeding, although not important in themselves are valuable, as illustrating the
the genealogy and customs of the times. There are shown in th^ numerous
petitions relating to subjects of purely domestic and local characters. An account
current discloses the price of certain articles of wearing apparel at this date.
A peculiar kind of tobacco is here first referred to as "Arronoca," or
6
xlii INTEODUCTION.
" Orinoco.'? Whether this was due to the fact that the seed of this particular
variety had been brought from the banks of that river, or whether it derived its
name from its value in the traffic with the coast of South America does not
appear.
As late as 1675 it was unsafe to settle upon the lauds bordering the Mattapony
river, on account of the Indians, this being now the frontier, and at this date
they still occupied the country opposite the mouth of Queen's Creek. That due
regard was had for the rights of emancipated slaves; tliat persons were required
to have their children christened at the proper time ; and that beaver-skins had
not yet ceased to be important representatives of values, will be learned from
entries of the same date.
The first reference to the Parishes, into which the country was subdivided, is
found in the provision for the dividing of Blissland Parish, allowed by the
General Court, upon the unanimous consent of the parishioners. And here it
may at once be said, that as far as can be learned from records herein preserved,
the affairs of the Established Church, as it then existed in the Colony, do not
present to our observation a flattering appearance. Petitions for the division of
parishes were common, because as the inhabitants extended their settlements,
these became too remote from the few stated places of worehip, at which they
were obliged to attend. A change was therefore occasionally necessary for their
convenience. The complaints of the people, however, were more frequent against
their unworthy and exacting ministers. Some of these were presented to the
grand juries, and prosecuted for swearing, and for being addicted to tlie use of
strong drink; while others seem to have been engaged in endless controversies
with their vestries and people in regard to their glebe privileges, and the amount
of tobacco they were to receive for their services. Those who are familiar with
the administration of her affairs in the Colouy, will find an explanation of this
state of things, by remembering that it was too much the practice of the mother
church, in the earlier times, to send over to America the least worthy of her
servants. Many of these could not perhaps be well provided for at home, and
were therefore, when despatched to the wilds of Virginia, expected to make what
they could, out of their exposed and precarious livings. In some cases, too, they
were young men, sons of influential persons, who had been allowed to take holy
orders in a church, and to assume the responsibilities of an office, for the practice
of whose self-denying virtues they were entirely unfitted. Many of them had
perhaps brought reproach upon their professions at home ; and as was common
at that day, in both the great branches of the Christian Church, the offender, in-
stead of being deposed from the ministry was transferred to some remote region,
with the hope that a withdrawal from the scene of his shortcomings to one less
fraught with temptation, might have the effect of restoring him to a holier state
of mind and heart.
• J^'u*
INTRODUCTION. xliii
That there were nomerouB exceptions to the cases just mentioned, is equally
true. Tlie records of the early church in Virginia abound with the names and
deeds of holy and earnest men, whose lives were in striking contrast with those
of the profligates, who occasionally brought reproach upon her ; and what is here
said therefore, in regard to the latter, has reference solely to what is found in the
pages before us.
A garrison had been established oti the Mattaponi river sometime before the
year 1679, either for defence against the savages, or perhaps during the troubles
incident to Bacon's Rebellion. And here it may be proper to disabuse public
opinion of the false idea that this ancient river derived its name from the four
small stream, the " Mat," " Tay," " Po," " Nye," at whose confluence its real
course begins. The tribe of Indians who dwelt upon its banks much lower
down the country, had given it their name long before its sources could have been
known to the whites. The latter event could not have occurred until about the
year 1721, when land grants were established in that region by the Gorbins,
Chews and Beverleys.
It is curious to observe that about this time one " Arnold" had been executed
for "high treason" in Virginia ; he may have been one of Bacon's followers. A
Coramisoion of Instructions from Charles 11. to Thomas Lord Culpeper, shows
that the latter had been appointed " Lieutenant and Governor General" on the
8th July, 1676, computing the time from the death of Charles' father, as was
always done after the Restoration. He, however, was not to be recognized Gov-
ernor until the death of Sir Wm. Berkeley, which did not occur until the middle
of the year 1677. Jeffreys and Chichley were therefore acting Governors until
Calpei>er came to Virginia. * The first mention made here of Indians purchased
for slaves is in 1685.
At this time Capt. Francis Page was made clerk of the House of Burgesses ;
and negroes illegally imported into the Colony were forfeited to the crown. The
tone of public sentiment is exhibited in the prosecution of " Major Charles Scar-
bargh for using seditious language against the King, on account of certain
appointments made by him to the supposed detriment of the established church.
Voluntary relinquishment of office seems not to have been allowed, if we can
jndge by the "humble petition" of one who had long been a "Justice of the
Peace," and " Captain of Horse," praying to be relieved of the responsibilities
incident to such positions. This also occurred with Col. Burwell, at a later date,
who desired to retire from the Council. The year 1689 is singularly barren of
papers, although an important period in the history of the mother country. The
Indian tribes were generally manifesting discontent not only with the whites but
with each other ; and on this account the Chickahominies beg to be allowed to
remove to " Rickahock," on the north side of Mattaponi, for safety from the
xliv INTRODUCTION.
threats of the " Pamamucks." This place they had derived by exchange for
lands lying "opposite the English inhabitants on the south side of Mattaponi
river," showing this to be the limit of white settlements at this time.
Considerable coasting trade was carried on between the Colonies, atid a pro-
test against the seizure of a vessel belonging to Pennsylvania, in the Chesapeake,
and against her being forced to pay a large ransom for her>elease, shows the
independent relations existing between the Colonies. Hampton was an impor-
tant port of entry at this time.
The first order for the collecting of vessels into fleets, bound to England, is
now seen. Merchantmen, although many of them mownted guns, were required
to assemble at given points and put to sea in fleets and under convoy of men-of-
war. This was done, not only that they might be protected from pirates and^
from privateering vessels, both of which were very numerous, but when trans-
porting tobacco, it was necessary often to compel them to carry their cargoes to
some British port. This important staple had become so valuable, and its price
in every part of the civilized world was so high about this time, that forcible
means had to be employed to prevent its diversion from the markets of England.
Her exports to the Colony depended upon receipts therefrom in tobacco, and the
revenues of the crown were correspondingly affected by the traffic in both
directions. During Gov. Nott's administration, this restriction was removed by
order of the Queen in Council, at the earnest solicitation of the masters of vessels
and the ownei-s of merchandize. The former complained that their " bottoms,"
not being coppered, were ruined by the attacks of marine insects while lying so
long at anchor, and the latter had suffered serious losses by the detention of their
stuff, especially in the damage d(me to tc)bacco long kept in the heated holds.
The crews too were often made ill by continued exposure to the climate of the
Colony. The desire prevalent to improve the quality, as well as add to the quantity
of tobacco grown, attests the importance of the staple at this date (1690). Special
attention is directed to certain choice kinds. A " Rule of sixty-pounds weight"
of one variety, it is said, will sell on the coast of Guniea for " an ounce of gold
dust," and on the African coast, it would purchase " slaves, gold and teeth,"
better than "any other commodity."
It may be proper to draw attention to the size and outfit of the vessels or
" ships," in which the ocean was crossed at this period, as indicated by the papers
herein seen. They were rarely of more than two hundred tons burthen, and
generally of much less capacity. Frequently they were of not more than twenty
tons burthen ; but in these cases, their voyage were confined to the coasting trade
and to the West Indian ports. They generally mounted from two to twelve guns
of small calibre, but their armament required the services of an extra number of
men. A vessel of one hundred and twenty tons, often mounted six guns and ship-
ped twelve men, carrying at the same time her cargo of tobacco or naval stores.
INTRODITOTION. xlv
A Uttle later than this period, (in 1707,) a vessel of one hnndied and eighty
tons capacity carried eight gnns, and shipped a crew of eighteen men. In
modern times it has been considered an extraordinary feat of ocean navigation
to cross the Atlantic in such small craft, but it was not so thought by the sailors
of 1690 and 1710. Their nece3&itie8 and the p^mitive style of building and
rigging ships, gave them no choice. On tlie latter account their voyages were often
very long, lasting generally six weeks and were frequently prolonged to twelve.
Many of their vessels were not covered over their whole lengths with a deck,
thus making them liable to be " swamped" in a heavy sea, and this fact, with
the danger of getting out of provisions on along passage, added to their troubles
On this account they preferred making the trip across in the Summer and Fall,
jnst after the gales incident to the equinoxical periods had subsided.
About this time a Court was held at Westover for the north side of Charles
City, that County occupying both sides of James river. A complaint against
one Brown for using seditious language against King William, and comparing
him to Oliver Cromwell, indicates the state of politics at this date.
The first mention made of the "Broad Arrow," the oflScial mark of the
Officer of Customs; the relative value of barley and malt; a special vote of
thanks, &c., to Col. Phil. Ludwell, for services in a petition for redress of griev-
ances, to King James; reference to the law forbidding ship-masters giving pas-
sage to persons leaving the Colony before having paid their debts ; the seizure of
a vessel for unlawfully landing negroes and ivory on the Eastern shore ; a claim
made by Thomas Busbey, Indian interpreter for the Governor of Virginia ever
feince 1677 ; the petition of William Chichester, whose father had been " sole
pylote" of James river since Berkeley's time, and through Culpepper's and
Effingham's administrations, to be himself commissioned such ; and the demand
of one Joseph Bridger against " Peter Blake of Nansemond, a Papist," for con-
trol of a child under a certain statute, in order to become his " god-father, &c.,"
and that he may bring him up "in ye knowledge and feare of God," comprise
the notable events of 1691.
In 1692, the necessity of using Rangers for the protection of the frontiers,
seems to have been greater than usual. These were companies of mounted men,
long employed by the Colony as scouts to watch the savages. They were regu-
larly enlisted and generally commanded by persons considered particularly
adapted for so active and dangerous a service. Their pay was in tobacco, and
was proportioned to the length of time they were on duty and the expenses they
had to encounter. An account for shoeing their horses, shows the distance they
had penetrated in the country at this date. Thus " Lieut. David Strahane" of
the Potomac Rangers made in June of this year, an extended scout over the
upper part of the Northern Neck, as far North as the " Suggar Land.'^ His
expedition was doubtless in consequence of the movements of the Piscataway
xlvi INTRODUCTION.
Indians, with whose " Emperor," we find he had an interview near a large
Island in the Potomac River. The " Suggar Land" here referred to, must have
been the regoin now embracing Loudon and Fairfax Counties, and a part of the
opposite shores of Maryland, and doubtless derived its name from the growth
now known as the sugar-maple tree, although in the same country not a remnant
of it is to be found at this date (1875). Had these Rangers crossed the Bhie
Ridge, some reference to the " great mountains" would certainly have been
made in their report. It was rather early for them to venture over that import-
ant and mysterious barrier, inasmuch as it was not until Spotswood's time that
any organized effort was made to penetrate the unknown land of the Cohees.
This is not the only regions in Virginia bearing a name suggestive of its
former botanical features. Buck-Island on the Rivanna, in Albemarle County,
was originally known as " Buck-eye-land," for the reason that the tree of that
name was then to be found there, although it has now entirely disappeared.
The vigorous effort made by the Burgesses to recover their " antient usage
and custom" of choosing their own officers, and their appeal to Gov. Andros to
assist them with " their Majesties," gives earnest of their desire for self-govern-
ment, so far as regards this important function. This privilege had been taken
from them and vested in the Governor, by King James II, during the persecutions
of Beverley and the troubles of that time. Being Clerk of the Burgesses, the latter
refused to surrender the journals of that body to the executive, except upon their
order. In consequence of this they were deprived of the power of choosing in
future their own Clerk.
An appeal from the Governor and Council to the Lords Commissioners of Plan-
tations, urging the encouragement of importations into the Colony in order to
counteract the rapid developement of domestic manufactures, and the bad conduct
described of one Roger Jones, commanding a vessel sent to protect the commerce
of the Colony, but who co-operated instead with pirates and smugglers, are some
of the events of this year (1692). Upon occasion it was found ^here was not a
notary in all the Colony, An action for trespass, witli appeal, injunction granted
and dissoved, followed by a decree of Court and possession of the property
involved, allowed, make the only full report of a civil trial herein found, and on
this account is valuable because of the destruction of the General Court records.
An entry of expenses incident to " carrying Edward Randolph, Esquire," to
Col. Richard Scarburgh's," doubtless had some connection with the trial of that
gentleman heretofore mentioned. This Edward Randolph does not appear to
have belonged to the family of that name in Virginia. * In 1678, he was Royal
Commissioner " deputed to administer oaths of office to the Governors of New
Plymouth, Rhode Island, &c." In October, 1681, he was " Collector, Surveyor
* Hottens^ ** Emigrants to America."
INTRODUCTION. xlvii
and Searcher," to all the New England Colonies. No mention seems to be made
of him in the histories of Virginia, and whj he had been in the Colony does not
appear. The exaction of the test-oath from a prominent family of Papists in
Stafford County, and a reward to "Capt Cary,;' for services rendered the
Queen's government, close the year 1693.
l)uring the several succeeding years many events of minor importance occur ;
but public attention was chiefly drawn to the policy of encouraging settlements
along the sontliern borders of the Colony, especially in the region of the black-
water-swamps The public ferries also became subjects of official enquiry.
The chief of these were at Cmuch's Creek, Surry County, at Varina, '* upon
Sundays, Court days, &c.," at Bermuda Hundred, and indeed at other points on
. the larger ri vera most convenient to the adjacent population. The people of
Accomac County applied to the House of Burgesses for the passage of a law to
regulate the v^hxe of certain coins in circulation among them, known as "Lyon
or Dog Dollars." What these were, does not clearly appear. As early as *1645
copper was authorized to be stamped into coins for general use. These bore
upon their faces " two rings," one for a motto, the other for a device to be
changed every year. What the latter were is not known. The coins referred to
by the people of Accomac must have been of foreign origin, in as much as " all
sorts of foran quoine" are included in the petition. They urge immediate action
on that subject, because the neighboring provinces by taking measures to enhance
their value, were fast drawing them out of Virginia. Another grievance gives
tliem great annoyance. Wolves are still so abundant that they beg a reward of
"three liundred pounds of tobacco" be given for every one caught in "pits or
traps," &c.
The Piscataway Indians, to whom reference has already been made, continue
to give great trouble to the people in the upper parts of the Northern Neck, and
vigorous measures became necessary to protect that frontier. Upon the Gover-
nors requiring their " Emperor" to repair with liis " great men" to Williamsburg,
that dignitary refused to go, but returned the compliment by inviting his excel-
lency to visit liim instead. Col. George Mason, progenitor of George Mason,
author of the Bill of Rights, &c., was at this time County Lieutenant of Stafford,
and bore an important part in regulating the troubles of that county. Incursions
into this part of Virginia by the savages continued through a series of years
from that time, (16&9,) and both the courts and people were constantly employed
in providing the means of defence, the urgency of the attacks, generally not
allowing them time to get instructions from Williamsburg. They were in this
way subjected to so much annoyance, and to such losses of property, that it was
deemed expedient to relieve them for a while from the annual collection of taxes.
*Hening'8 Statutes
xlviii INTRODUCTION.
The general state of the whole Colony appears to have been mnch disturbed
about this time, (1700 ) The commerce of the Chesapeake and its tribntarles
needed protection from foreign enemies, and from the operations of smugglers
at home. The Indians on the south side of James river were discontented ; and
the Tuscaroras further south were threatening trouble. Tlie necessity for
restoring the neglected fortifications at the entrance of the chief rivers and at
other points, and the demand for arms and ammunition to be distributed among
the people to prevent apprehended "insurrection," added to the general concern.
Owing to the heavy drafts made upon the resources of the Colony, incident to
the war in Europe, Col. Wm. Byrd in his official capacity, had advanced a large
sum out of his private fortune to meet the wants of the Colonial Government.
Hence, we find a Warrant ordered from Whitehall, to be issued in favor of tliat
gentleman for the sum of " two thousand nine hundred and fifty pounds," in
payment of said advances.
The Council now sat in the College buildings; and an order for the final
removal of all public archives remaining at Jamestown to Williamsburg, was
given in December of this year. The bounds of " Martins' Hundred Parish"
described, with an account of the number of titheables, of the glebe, silver
church- vessels, salary of the Rector, &c., and a claim of Benj. Harrison, Jr., for
his services in revising the laws, are worthy of notice here.
In April of the following year 1701, appears an account current for expenses
of removing guns " from ye Capitol to where they are placed," and for beer
for the men " who assisted in firing, &c. These Were doubtless incurred in
observing funeral honors to the memory of King William III., who had then
been dead more than a month.
The Burgesses declare the country not able to bear the costs of the proposed
defence of the Colony, made necessary by the war with France. Early in 1702
the Earl of Nottingham sent over intelligence of the declaration against that
Power ; whereupon active measures were at once taken to protect commerce and
defend the most exposed ports of the Colony against the enemy's cruisers. This
event added to the general feeling of anxiety that had for several years existed.
The Council recommended that an Act be passed providing for the administration
of the Colonial Government in the interim generally, occurring between the
death of the reigning monarch and the arrival of the proclamation, announcing
a successor ; and several prominent gentlemen, Col. Wm. Bassett and Wm. Bird,
Esqs., elected to the Burgesses, refused to take the oaths required, for certain
reasons. This Wm. Bird was from New Kent County, and was subsequently
threatened with public prosecution for using seditious language.
In the estimates made of the military power, available for defence of the
Colony from invasion, or from an insurrection of " servants and slaves," it was
found that the enrolled militia amounted to about ten thousand men. But these
INTRODUCTION. xlxix
were not onlj entirely without arms and ammunition, but were scattered over bo
extensive a country, that it would have been impossible to have concentrated at
any given point an effective force, in case of emergency. Such a state of things
must have been soon made known to the powci-s at London ; for one of the first
acts of Anne's government was to send over a supply of arras, accoutrements,
&c.,to be paid for out of the revenue from quit-rents. /
In April, 1704, first mention, is herein made of the French settlers at " Mani*
cantown," as petitioners for naturalization, they having, however, previously to
this date sent in applications for this privilege. A reference to ^^ Potobago
Path," in a grant of land in Essex and King and Queen Counties, a bonus of
two hundred pounds allowed Edmund Jennings for " inspecting and amending
the laws," a proclamation issued by the Governor for the observance of a day
of public thanksgiving in honor of the victory at Blenheim, close the prominent
events of this year. Here is found recorded the well known fact, that Colonel
Parke, a gentleman and native of Virginia, was complimented by Marlborough
for his gallantry on the field at that famous battle, by appointing him special
messenger to Her Majesty, to communicate the first news of the triumph he had
just achieved.
In March, 1705, we find Gov. Nicholson had been succeeded by Edward Nott,
as shown by a protest to the latter on the part of the Justices of Middlesex
County, giving reasons therein ^A\j they cannot set upon the bench with a dis-
reputable person.
The 23d April following, being " St. George's Day," another day of thanks-
giving is proclaimed in honor of continued successes of Her Majesty's arms, &c.
The importance of the Colonial commerce, especially in naval stores, engages
the attention of the home government, and orders are sent out for the preserva-
tion of pine trees, for the procuring of tar, turpentine, &c. The Rev, Solomon
Whateley was now Chaplain to the House of Burgesses. It is worthy of notice,
that by an account of expenses presented to the Council for payment in Novem-
ber of this year, it appears that Governor Nicholson during his administration
had prevailed upon the Queen [to allow her portrait and Coat of Arms to be
painted for the Capitol at Jamestown. The work was done by Sir Godfrey
Kneller; but whether the picture was ever brought to Virginia cannot with cer-
tainty be ascertained. We may infer, however, from the phraseology of the
items in this bill of expenses, that it did finally reach the Colony, else there
would not be a demand " for putting the said picture on shipboard." The writer
well recollects a painting temporarily in the keeping of the Historical Society of
Virginia in 1857; the history of which, and its resemblance to the Queen, to-
gether with its great merit as a work of art, induced experts to believe it to be a
portrait of Anne. Nqt being the property of the Society, and upon their declin-
ing to purchase it, the picture was bought bv a lady artist from Cincinnati, Ohio,
7
L INTRODUCTION.
and carried from Virginia. This may have been the portrait referred to in this
bill of expenses, &c., or the real picture of the Queen, and of her " Coat of
Arms," may have been destroyed at the burning of the Capitol in 1698.
It is cunous to note that in the punishment of criminals by stripes at this
period, " M?V^3/-ow^* were generally inflicted, instead of " nine-and-thirty," or
'^ thirty save one," as was afterwards done, in accordance with the Jewish law.
The well know'n case of Grace Sherwood, the supposed witch of Princess Anne
County, comes to notice here ; but with no satisfactory account of her ultimate
fate, after she was examined by the jury of women, thrown into the water at
"witch-duck," and subsequently remanded to prison in irons for future trial.
More victories in Flanders are announced from Whitehall by official despatches
sent in a " Flying l^acket" to the Colony. A Colonel Richards had, on this
occasion, been the bearer of the news to the Queen.
The difficulties growing out of the disputed boundary between North Carolina
and Virginia ; and certain acts passed for the suppression of vice ; and despatches
from Europe, with important news from Spain, attract attention. But the most
interesting document of this period is that which introduces " Queen Anne of
the Pamunkies," and her "great men" to our notice, in a petition presented by
them to Governor Nott.
. It does not appear distinctly who was this princess, except that she was the ac-
knowledged sovereign of that ancient tribe. Who had been her immediate prede-
cessors, and who succeeded to her royal estate, is equally a matter of uncertainty.
It is well known, however, from what will be seen by papers herein recorded at
a later date, that her queenly prerogative was acknowledged by the Colonial
Governors, and duly exercised by her for a considerable length of time. No
information is given as to the time of her death, or when the dynasty she now
represented passed away. Descendants of her tribe have continued to reside in
Virginia from the date of the disappearance of the other Indian nations that
once occupied the shores of the Chesapeake down to the present time. Their
government has, however, undergone a change coincident with that of the
Colony, and is now more republican in form than it was when Annp and her
"great men" reigned at "Romuncock" over the remnant of a warlike and pow-
erful tribe, once an important part of Powhatan's empire. They now own and
occupy about eight hundred acres of land in King William County, Virginia,
near the point where the York River Railway crosses the Pamunky River- In-
cluding men, women and children, they number only about eighty persons, none
of whom are of pure Indian blood, their progenitors for several generations
having intermarried with whites, mulattoes and blacks. Notwithstanding this
fact, the distinctive physiognomy of their race strongly asserts itself; and an
observer will not fail to recognize at once the peaceful fishermen and peasants of
INTKODUCTION. li
Pamunky Town to be the lineal descendants of Opechancanongh, " King of the
Pamunkies," and his tawny warriors of 1607.
The land upon which they live is now, and ever has been held in trust for
their benefit ; the trustees being nominated from among the whites by their
chief and his head men, subject to the approval of the Court of King William
County. These trustees at one time were twelve in number, and were appointed
by the Governor of the Colony, and afterwards by the Executives of the State,
from among the most prominent gentlemen in the community. At this date
(1875) they number only four, and ave Colonel Hardin, B. Littlepage, James B.
Green, and James P. Johnson, gentlemen of the highest respectability.
The tribe still have a "chief" and three "head-men," who are chosen by the
votes of the adult males. Tom Cook is now " Chief ; John Langston and Delaware •
Bradly being the two head-men, the third Evans Bradly, having recently died,
and his successor not having been yet elected. The Indian inhabitants of Pa-
munky Town are not required to pay capitation or property tax to the State of
Virginia, or to the United Slates Government; and have never been assessed
with any charge of this nature, except when some one of them has undertaken
to conduct an ordinary country store, for which a license was. required.
During the late war between the States, their rights as neutrals were respected
by both belligerents ; and they received compensation from the Federal Govern-
ment at the cessation of hostilities, for damages done by the troops of the latter.
Formerly they were required to pay annual tribute to the Colonial governments
in the skins of the " beaver, elk and bear ;" and to this day, although not required
of them, it is the custom of their Chief and head-men to make a complimentary
visit to each newly inaugurated *Govemor, and signify their respect for his
person and position, and to express their traditional fealty to the State by a pre-
sent of fish, or game of some kind. Thus have lived in perfect security for
nearly two hundred years, among the descendants of their ancient enemies, a
remnant of the original owners of the country wrested from them by the power
of the whites. During all this time their little state has remained as free as
Andorra among the Pyrinees, or San Marino by the sea. They represent the
only organized community of aboriginal Americans now left on the Atlantic
slope, artd with their disappearance will probably have passed away forever the
last of that mysterious race left east of the Mississippi.
The war in Europe still raging, apprehensions continued to be felt in the
Colony on account of the enemy's cruises. " Tyndales* Point," now Gloucester
Point, where a fort had once stood, was again to be fortified for the protection
of the shipping at West Point. Other important places on the Chesapeake were
to be defended ; and soon after this the warships " Gnarland" and " Enterprise,"
* Thdr Qsual visit was made to Gov. J. L. Kemper soon after his inauguration.
•;
I
m INTRODUOTlOK.
were sent to protect the waters of Virginia. With all these precautions, however,
forays were occasionally made by adventurous privateers from outside the
Capes, and vessels were actually captured within sight of the anchorage of the
men of war.
The year 1707 opens with renewed alarms from the savages, and gentlemen,
Messrs. Beverly and Walker living on the frontier in the upper parts of King and
Queen County, call upon the powers at Williamsburg for arms and ammunition
for the inhabitants, whom they are obliged to protect in their private forts.
By a paper here recorded it appears a custom existed among the Tuscaroras,
and perhaps among other tribes, to receive compensation in money or other valu-
ables for the murder of any of their tribe. " Roanok" and " Peake" generally
formed part of this compensation. ''^The latter was made from the white and
blue parts of the conch-shcll, and was in the form of cylinders, about one-third
of an inch in length, perforated, and strung upon line strips of hide, f " Boanok"
was also made from shells, but was generally flat, and of different sizes, and of
less value than '^ Peake." When the latter was fastened to the flat surface of
skina and cut into belts, it was known as ^' Wampum." As will be seen at a
future date, when a "string of Peake was sent by one Chief to another, or to
any other dignatory with whom he was about to treat, this present was intended
as an earnest of the sincerity of his motives.
When, however, a message was sent by a deputy bearing a belt of wampum,
among some tribes, it was evidence of a desire to hold a treaty, because some-
thing of great importance was to be communicated; and it was sometimes only
by sending such a token that the consent, of some could be gotten to meet in
conference.
In September of this year a serious quarrel occurred among the French at
Manican Town, which resulted in a division of the settlement ; a part of whom
under the lead of Claude Phillipc de :|:Richebourge, went to North Carolina, and
finally settled in South Carolina. The name of this pei*sonage is spelt differently
in various places, but the same individual is always intended to be described.
Edmund Jennings sends a long official communication to the Earl of Sunder-
land, giving in detail the state of the Colony, with his thanks to Her Majesty for
appointing him " Lieut. Governor, or Commander in Chief, &c. ;" gives his
reasons for having prorogued the Assembly, draws attention to the dangers appre-
hended from the enemy's privateers ; to the Indian troubles and the recent con-
duct of South Carolina, how money had been raised to build a new Governor's
honsey and dwells particularly upon the necessity of sending goods into the
* Byrd Papers. f Beverly. t Appendix to '' The Huguenots/' hy Y. S. Smiles.
INTEODDCTION. liii
Colony, in order to check the increasing dispoeition on the part of the inhabitants
to abandon the cultivation of tobacco for the prosecution of '^ cotton, woolen and
linen" manufactures.
About the close of the year 1708, the Queen of the Pamunkies makes com-
plaint of ill-treatment of her people by the English, and prays to be released
from further payment of tribute, because of her inability to do it ; her people
being prevented from hunting " beaver, elk and bears" in " Chickahominy
Swamp," this having been their former source of income. This reference to the
"dk" in the locality indicated, gives ground for the opinion that that animals'
habitat must have once extended farther down towards the seaboard, than has
heretofore been supposed. The sources of the Chickahominy are not remote
from what is known as the '^ Swamp," hence if it be true that the elk was killed
anywhere along its course, it must have been at a great distance from the high
roonntains where it has heretofore been supposed he was only to be found. Col.
Wm. Byrd, in his diary kept, while running the dividing line between North
CaroHna and Virginia, speaks of finding the tracks and horns of the elk, but not
DutU his party had almost reached the base of the mountains. He, however,
saw none of the animals themselves.
It may not be amiss to put upon record in this connection, that although more
than a century and a half have passed since these events occurred, the descend-
ants of the deer that fled from the savages, are at this day quite numerous in the
same country over which they then roamed, and are now hunted through forests
of second growth, encumbering the ground upon which, a hundred years ago,
stood waving crops of corn, tobacco and barley. More than this, the *beaver
and other animals that bad long disappeared, seem about to re-assert their domin*
ion over the swamps and thickets of some parts of Eastern Virginia.
The most important events of the beginning of the year 1709, were the
threatened Indian and negro insurrections in Surry and Isle of Wight Counties,
and the continued troubles and quarrels among the tributary tribes living upon
the Meherrin and Nottoway rivers. A naval expedition for the recapture of the
Bahama Isles seems about this time to have been intended, but one of the war
vessels, the " Quarland," having been wrecked on the coast of North Carolina, no
farther mention is made of it. On this occasion, those who went to her assistance
describe the people on that coast as having acted ^' more like Turks or barbarians
than Christians." The « Enterprise," and her " Tender" the " Diamond," also
arrived in the waters of Virginia from Boston, to take part in the same expedi-
tion. One of these vessels brought the last news from " Col. Nicholson," late
* These are now found in considerable numbers on the south side of James river, from the
Morces of the Appomattox and other streams down to the sea^ and in other parts of Eastern
Tifginla. Two wild cats have been lately killed within twenty miles of Richmond.
liv INTRODUCTION.
Governor of the Colony, who at that date was actively engaged in an expedition
against the French provinces in the northern part of the continent. A copy of
" Instructions" to the Captain of the " Enterprise," gives farther particulars as to
how the attempt to re-take the Bahamas was to be conducted, &c. An Indian
shoe-maker, of the Pamunky tribe, at his own request, is allowed by the Council
to remain with the whites, although the " great men" of that nation had required
all their people to " return to their town."
Wc are surprised to find that early in 1710, an application was made to Ed-
mund Jennings, (who although Lieutenant Governor, is here called President of
the Council,) for his " lions. Lycence," to take whales in the Chesapeake and its
tributary waters, by a company of persons who had constructed boats for this
purpose. What the commercial value of this enterprise was at that time cannot
now be estimated from anything herein said, but it must have been of sufficient
importance to warrant the employment of men and capital in its pursuit. It is
difficult to imagine that the whale, whose habitat is now almost entirely confined
to the regions of the iceberg, should have been so abundant in the waters of
Virginia at this date, as to have afforded the source of profit here indicated. If the
operations of these adventurers were intended to be carried on only upon such of
these animals as might accidentally drift into the Bay, it would appear to have
been a very uncertain enterprise, if we are to judge by the experience of the
last fifty years in this respect. Within the time mentioned not more than one or
two whales have been seen in the waters of Yii^nia. The last of these was
driven into North river and stranded upon the shore of Gloucester County, a few
years ago, during the prevalence of a violent easterly gale.
In August, 1710, appears the first official communication from Lieut. Governor
Spotswood. Sundry entries of minor importance; amounts of tobacco paid
sheriffs for fees; contested elections; the boundary between New Kent and
Henrico settled ; a bill passed for preventing infanticide ; a recommendation for
repeal of the law making slaves '^ real estate," rejected ; and the frequent
changes made of county seats, occupy most of this year.
The city of Williamsburg was now becoming a place of importance, by reason
of its being the seat of government, and the rapid increase of its population.
Its chief thoroughfares, squares, and other public places, had been in 1706 re-
arranged by a Board of Directors, at which time a church-yard had been laid
off, the market place enlarged, and orders issued for the '^ more regular and
orderly building of the houses." Duke of Gloucester street, however, the
boulevard of the town, extending from the Capitol westward to the ^' land be-
longing to ye Colledge," was not altered either " its course or dimensions." At
this date great need was felt for a new church building, and the inhabitants
of Bruton Parish applied to the House of Burgesses for their assistance in erect-
ing one that should take the place of theirs, which was now '^ ruinous." This
INTRODUCTION. It
improvement bad become necessary, in order to. accommodate the crowds of
visitors frequenting the city upon the sessions of the Council, the General Court,
and the Assembly.
*An account current of Mr. Henry Cary for the expenses of burning bricks,
shows the cost at which this sort of work was then done, and proves that the
Governor's mansion for the building of which they were made, had been con-
etracted of bricks made in the Colony. A great misapprehension of facts exists
in regard to the quantity of this building material, said to have been bi'ought
from England &nd Holland at different times; and many well known Colonial
churches and other buildings, for this reason, are erroneously supposed to have been
constructed of imported bricks. It will be perceived by the items of Mr. Cary's
aceonnt how much cheaper it was to manufacture them on the spot than incur
the expense of getting them from abroad. The cost of transporting bricks from
Europe, and the time required to put up even a building of ordinary size will be
appreciated by referring to what has been said above in connection with the ton-
nage of the vessels in use at this date, and the time consumed in crossing the
ocean. In many of the larger private mansions, and in some of the churches there
were many foreign bricks, of a peculiar size and shape used in the sills, pilasters
and ornamented arches of the windows and doors, and in forming the cornices ;
hot there were very few of these structures built entirely of bricks brought from
acroes the sea. This however, was undoubtedly true of a few of the earliest
charches and private dwellings erected within tlie first sixty years of the Colony.
A majority of the dwellings, even of the rich, were constructed of wood ; much of
which was first hewn, and then carried over to f England in convenient form, to
be properly dressed and carved for use when brought back. In many of these
instances the wainscoting and other ornamental wood-work, balustrading, &c.y
inside the building was put in place without the use of nails; wooden pegs being
found as useful for such purposes, and very much cheaper. Wrought-nails,
generally made on the plantations were used to secbre the outside weather-
boarding, because the sudden alterations of temperature had the effect of draw-
ing out wooden pegs. The modern cut-nail did not come into general use until
within a comparatively recent date, and long aftsr the revolution of 1776.
*The first bricks made in the Anglican Colonies were made in Virginia as early as 1612,
doring the administration of Sir Thomas Gates. Bishop's History of Ameaican Manufactures,
1608, 1800, vol. i. 220.
tThls was done with the interior wood-woric of the house at ^^Tuckahoe" on James river, In
Goochland County, one of the oldest Colonial mansions now standing and in good state of pre-
servation. The wooden pegs are to be seen confining tlie walnut wainscoting to the walls
and in holding the joints of window and door-frames together. The poplar weather-boarding
put on when the house was finished nearly two hundred years ago, scarcely shows signs of
deeay. This venerable building is now owned and occupied by Richard Allen, Esq.
i
I
Ivi INTRODUCTION.
Pirates seem to have been troublesome dnring most of Spotswood's adminis-
tration. The Nottoway Indians, at this date, lived upon a grant of land "six
miles square" on the river of that name, in what is now Southampton County.
About this time Gov. Hunter, of New York, sent to Virginia, under authority
from the Queen, for a supply of provisions. .This was accompanied with an
order establishing an embargo uiion all outward bound vessels laden with food or
ship-stores. TJie scarcity of all these articles was due to the war raging in Europe.
An application made to the Governor, and permission granted to a gentleman
to employ two of the Queen of Pamunky's subjects, under certain conditions,
proves the royal prerogative of that sovereign to have been admitted.
The Indian tribes of North Carolina and many of those in Virginia, now
engross the attention of the people and government. A late massacre of the
Germans under De GraflFenreidt in the former, and the serious incursions of the
Tuscaroras excited great activity in both Colonies. Gov. Spotswood, with the
consent of the Council and the co-operation of the Burgesses, took steps to afford
immediate aid in money, clothing and the materials of war, for Carolina. A
warm *correspondence grew out of the prosecution of these measures, between the
Executive ef that Colony and himself, in which the wisdom and energy of the
latter is manifested. It was under the suggestions made by him, after the power
of these savages had been broken, thai peace with them and other hostile tribes
was finally established. Tom Blount, one of their leading Chiefs, was by his
address, detached from the cause of that powerful tribe and brought over to the
side of the whites.
fOn the 23rd Mr rch, 1713, Col. Moore, of Carolina, (according to a paper
herein recorded,) destroyed the Tuscarora stronghold at "No-ho-roco" or
" Naharuke," with the small loss of twenty-two killed and twenty-%)ur wounded ;
whereas the Indians lost thirty-five killed and fifty-eight wounded. He also
took three-hundred and ninety-two prisoners and one hundred and ninety-two
scalps ; burned up two hundred in the fort, while his scouts put to death one
hundred and sixty-six outside. As soon as this victory was made known to Gov.
Spotswood, he at once recommended to Gov. Pollock the use of conciliatory
measures, in treating with the savages, as being the wisest in view of the exhausted
condition of his province, and the power of the northern tribes, many of whom
were known to have already crossed the western frontiers of Virginia on their
way to the aid of the Tuscaroras. In the meantime, however, he had taken steps
to divert their attention from North Carolina, until he could communicate with
* Although these documents are not signed by Spotswood, their contents and style clearly
establish their authenticity.
t Martin, in his History of North Carolina, says: eight hundred priFoners were taken, but does
not give the number of killed and wounded.
INTRODUCTION, Uii
Governor Hanter, of New York, on the sabject, by a vessel about to sail for that
Province, bearing thither the widow of the late Governor Hyde, of North Cato'
lina. In the end, the Toscaroras were required to abandon forever their
country, and they finally migrated northward and joined the Five-Nations in New
Yoi^ thus making the sixth part of the Indian Confederation subsequently
known as the Six-Nations. What the bond was, that evidently existed between
these tribes so far separated from each other, does not appear. It is worthy of
note, that occasionally solitary Indian runners, strangers to the neighboring
tribes, had been captured by Bangers on the frontiers of Virginia, who upon
examination appeared to have come from toward the great lakes, on their way
southward* A considerable fraction of the Tuscaroras came into Yii^nia imme-
diately succeeding these events and submitted to Spotswood's rule.
Nearer home, the frequency of Indian depredations required the passage of a
new bill for raising and equipping bands of Bangers ; in which the number of
their officers, their duties, authority and wages are prescribed. Late in tlie
year (171S) tlie Governor, in a special message to the House of Burgesses, con-
gratulates them on the restoration of peace, (Treaty of Utrecht,) and draws their
attention to various subjects connected with the Colony's prospects ; the tobacco
trade, defence of the frontiers, the late measures in aid of the Carolinas, and the
means for furnishing the executive mansion and other improvements in
Williamsburg. To this they send a gracious reply approving his official conduct,
showing that at this time entire harmony seemed to prevail with the executive
and legislative branches of the government. On the 13th May he prorogued the
House of Buigeeses to the 20th of the same month, and the 19th a deputation of
Tnscarora Chiefs appeared at Williamsburg.
The year 1714 seems comparatively barren of events. 8o great a decline in
the revenue of the Colony had occurred on account of ^' the great decay of the
tobacco trade," that the Council and House of Burgesses send a petition to the
Kin^, (Anne had died August 1st, 1713,) to allow the deficiency to be made up
from the quit rents, as had been done on a similar occasion in the time of Charles
n. An entry here shows the number of births, white and black, in one Parish, by
which may be estimated the probable rate a^ which the population was increas-
ing. The "Solebay" man-of-war having arrived in Virginia, (1715,) with des-
patches for several of the Colonies, Governor Spotswood sends by a messenger
those intended for the Governor of North Carolina, and by the same opportunity
takes occasion to draw his attention to the complaints made by the traders among
the Indians from Yii^inia, whose rights had been interferred with, and who,
under the Orders in Council of her late Majesty, were equally entitled to the free
use of this traffic with the people of all the other Colonies. This was especially
the case with the Virginians, as they ^^ were the first of any English subjects
that established a trade with the Indians to the south and w^t of thQ Colony,
8
Iviii INTRODUCTION
&c." This, among other important Btatements herein given, establishes the fact
that the people of Virginia were the first to penetrate successfully the wilderness
of the South west, whereby a large trade with the savages in that region sprung
up, and which a little latter lead to enterprises, which finally placx^d the entire
Middle-west under their control. At this date trains of pack-horses were
employed to transport into the Colony, skins and furs from the country of the
Cherokees and Catawbas.
A tobacco law lately passed seems to have given great dissatisfaction, the peo-
ple in one County having burned a storehouse and its contents,^and refused to
comply with the requirements of the ^' Act." In 1715, new and capacious wharfs
were built at Hampton, and the value of ship-stores steadily increased. Indian
affairs still occupy the attention of the Government. A large deputation of
Cherokees, Catawbas and other Indians on their way to Williamsburg to consult
in regard to a peace to be established between them and the Carolinas, were
required to stop at ^' Christanna" and leave their arms at that place. They
were, however, allowed to bring "six skins each" to pay the expenses of tlie jour-
Bey. The fort known as ^^ Christanna," is so well described elsewhere in
accounts of Virginia, that it is not necessary to say more of it here.
In January, 1716, a number of " Kebel prisoners" were landed at York, in
Virginia, a small part of whom were indentured. Most of these were prisoners
of war, taken probably while in the service of the first Pretender, whose fortunes
had not long before received serious blows at Dumblaine and other places. On
this list appears the names of many whose descendants now doubtless live iu
Virginia. It must not be supposed that these men were felons, because they
were said to have been ^^ tmnsported" to America. A misapprehension prevails
in regard to the real meaning of this word in connection with the arrival of
immigrants into the Colony from time to time. Although it is true that at
earlier dates criminals had been occasionally sent over to many of the '^ planta-
tions" and Colonies, yet this was generally used to express the idea at the present
day conveyed by it, when employed in describing the mode of carrying men or
things, as when troops or materials of war are said to be transported from one
place to another. It will be seen tog, that many of them had paid for their passage,
and some had lost valuables on their way over. This could not have occurred to
felons. It appears they were badly treated, not only during the voyage, but
upon their arrival at York ; whereupon they send up a petition to Governor
Spotswood for protection against the wrongs they are now suffering and those
with which they are threatened. The language of this petition establishes the fact
that it was the ^^ intent of the Government" in these cases to do no more than
send them out of the Kingdom.
About this time the savages on the frontier, ^^ between the James and
Famunky" rivers, were so troublesome, that active measures became necessary
INTRODUCTION. lix
to protect the inhabitants. Where this frontier was, is not precisely known.
* Mr. Eobert Beverley, at this time lived beyond the heads of the Mattaponi
river, which mnst have been near thirty miles above the village of Bowling
Green, now in Caroline County, from which circumstance some idea may be
gotten of the remoteness of permanent settlements from the Capital.
It was during this Summer (1716,) that Oovemor Spotswood's famous expedi-
tion over the mountians took place ; and it is to be regratted that nothing has
been found among tlie papers here recorded, throwing the least light upon this
interesting subject. The Governor and his attendants, on tliis occasion, are
known to have gone up the country lying between the Mattaponi and the Bappa-
pahannock, and to have followed the valley of the latter as far as Germana.
From this point the course of the explorers seems to be in doubt. But if the
distances travelled each day, as reported in Fontaine's journal be correct;
taking also into consideration the reference made by him to the head waters of
JavMS riveTy the cavalcade most probably entered what is now called Brown's
Cove, in Albemarle County, and crossed the Blue Bidge at the gap of the same
name. The head waters of what is now the Bivanna, rise in that immediate
region, and in their course tend southward and east. This circumstance doubt-
less produced the impression upon tlie minds of the "Knights of the Horse-shoe,"
that the James river had its source at that point. It should be remembered
also, that at this date the great gate-way through the mountains at Balcony Falls^
could not have been known to these explorers.
It appears from a small entry here found, that the French settlers at Manakin
had been allowed one hundred and thirty-three acres of land to each family, at
the time of their establishment at that place.
The year 1718 opens with a remarkable and able remonstrance on the part of
the Council to the Lords Commissioners of Plantations, drawn by Wm. Byrd«
Esq., against the arbitrary conduct of Spot wood in having unlawfully added to
the number of the General Court, and having of his own authority, instituted a
<^ Commission of Oyer and Terminer," contrary to all well founded precedents
and in violation of the Charter of King Charles II. This paper is recorded a^
length because of its intrinsic merit as a literary production, and because of its
historical value in connection with Spotwood's administration. One of the same
character is to be seen among the Byrd Papers, but differs from this, in that the
former, although drawn by the same gentleman, is merely an appeal made to the
Governor in behalf of the traditional and legitimate privileges of the General
Court ; while the latter is an urgent address to the higher powers abroad, as the
last recourse left to the Council after their having failed to make any impression
upon the mind of his Excellency.
— - ■ — ---■ - -- ■ - - ■■_——■ .. --_
* Jobn Fontaine's dUry^** Huguenot FamUy."
INTRODUCTIOK.
This was probably one of the chief canses of the breach that now existed be-
tween the Governor and his Council, and the House of Burgesses, and which
continued to widen, until he was finally forced to retire from oflSce. The paper
found among the Bjrd manuscripts must have been written a considerable time
before the date of the one here recorded, and the latter was probably drawn up
and presented while Ool. Byrd was in England. For in 1719, we find from a
paper recording some of the proceedings of the Privy Council, that this gentle*
man had found it necessary some time anterior to that year, to appear in person
before that body, in order to give reasons why he should be restored to his seat
in the Colonial Council. It appears he had been removed therefrom by Gov.
Spotswood on account of his long absence abroad without leave, and Peter
Beverley, Esq., had been recommended as his snccesflor. Upon proper explana-
tions having been given on the occasion referred to, it was ordered by the King
in Council that he be restored to his place if his removal had been accomplished-
Few events of moment characterize the succeeding yeai. Joseph Banister
and Wm. Loyall, two experienced and lawful pilots in ^^ the Capes of this Colo-
ny," complain of the interference of ignorant })er6ons with their licensed privi-
leges, and pray for protection accordingly. The numerous applications for land
grants are valuable as geneological references, and as verifying certain localities.
The General Assembly as well as the General Court employed a Chaplain, who
regularly ofiiciated at their meetings ; and whenever a sermon was delivered by
him he was paid for it one pound, ^^ in current money." In September, 1720,
the fTorthem Indians again invade the upper Northern Neck, and numbers of
them said to be ^' hovering about the frontiers ;" consequently measures are taken
to oppose them.
Late in 1722 Spotswood was still in power, as shown by a petition to him from
Isham Baudolph and others, '^ Masters of Ships," praying that he exercise his
authority as ^^ Vice Admiral," or in some other way, by which they may be ena-
bled to inflict proper discipline upon their refractory seamen without danger of
prosecution by them. Very soon after this, he was removed from ofdce, and
retired to Germana, on the upper Bappahannock, where, for many years, he em*
ployed his time in looking after the German settlement at that place ; planting
vines, establishing iron works, and engaging in other enterprises.
The increase of trade on the Southern borders, induced the people to apply to
Gov. Drysdale, now in power, for a new port of entry in these waters. Hamp-
ton had long been the only port in all that part of the Colony, and it is probably
^' South Quay" was at this time added to the list of custom-oflices.
The repeal of the act laying ^ a duty on Liquor and Slaves," recommended by
the Privy Council at Whitehall in 1724, shows how this measure had affected the
slave-trade in the Colony. A rebuke is administered to the Governor for pre*
suming to enforce Acts not yet approved by his Majesty. The number of
INTBODITCTION. Ixi
" titbeables" reported, and retums of the quantity of tobacco tended in Richmond
and King George Connties, famish data upon which to estimate the amount of
that staple grown, &c. Serious charges of a personal nature were at this time
brought against Gov. Spotswood. He was accused of having mis-appropriated
funds intended for the purchase of arms, for the building a Court House, he
having fitted up a room in his private house instead, and for showing partiality to
his own tenants at the expense of the rights of other people.
Yery soon after June, 1726, Bobert Carter, Esq., appears as <' his Majesty's
President and Commander in Chief of Virginia ;" and on February 7th, 1727,
Gooch seems to be in power as Lieut Governor, &c., although according to
Hening, (vol. 4th,) the name of the latter is on the list of Governors not untij
after August, 1727, and the first land patent is signed by him as late as October
of that year. Eobert Carter's correspondence with the authorities of North
Carolina, shows him to have been in control of the Colony late in the Spring of
1727. In February of that year he appointed his son, Eobert Carter, Jr., ^^ naval
officer" for the Eappahannock, to succeed Mr. Charles Robinson. This gentle,
man subsequently established the office of customs at his private residence, in.
stead of at Urbanna, where it should liave been. The inconvenience resulting
from this was so great that Gov. Gooch was appealed to by those most interested
for relief ; and soon after this, great complaints were made against Joseph Carter
an Inspector at ^' Corotoman," on account of his over-bearing temper and par-
tiality in administering the duties of his office. Contiimod troubles with the
tribatary and Southern Indians; settlements made on upper James Biver by the
Lewises, Brooks and others, close this year.
From this time to the year 1732 the space is chiefly occupied by petitions for
land grants, in which will be found recorded names'of persons and places, from
which may be established the dates of settlements in various parts of the country.
The dispute of the Beverleys with certain Dutch settlers on the Shenandoah shows
the favor with which that rich and beautiful valley was regarded, and records
the price of land at or near the ^^ ^Massingnutting Town," and the gradual ex*
pansion of the Colony westward since Spotswood's expedition, less than twenty
years before this date. The increasing need of still another port of entry, and
the rise of Norfolk Borough are here shown by the strong appeal of masters of
vessels and influential citizens, praying that the officer of the customs for the
" Lower District of James River," or his " Deputy," be required to remove to
that place. Numerous facts of local interest are recorded in this paper; the
great preponderance of the black population noticed. In June of this year Wm,
Byrd, Esq., was allowed a grant of one hundred thousand acres of land ^' on bothi
sides of south branch of Boanoke Biver," on condition of his settling a family of
* Probabr near the foot of the mounraln of this name, at Strasburg.
Ixii iNTRODtJCTIOiT
Protettant immigrants (Swiss) for each thousand acres. The sclieme, however,
was never realized.
The papers of 1736 are fragmentary and disconnected, having reference to the
numerous surveys of lands under Loid Fairfax's grant, in which the Beverleys
and others were chiefly concerned ; and are useful only if considered in connect
tion with those recorded in the Westover Manuscripts. The region then known as
the Northern Neck included the land lying between the Kappahannock and
Potomac, from Chesapeake Bay up to the base of Blue Ridge; although Lord
Fairfax possessed lands far beyond this limit, and himself went to live at " *Qreen-
way Court," in ihe Valley. The surveys included the " head springs" of all the
large streams in that country ; and contain details of instructions to certain em-
ployes enumerated : wages paid, list of materials, provisions, &c. The petition
of one Christ. Clarke and others for the right to survey lands extending up to tliose
of Lynch, Hudson and Lewis, ^' towards the great mountain, to the prney moun-
tain in Hanover," shows the extent of that county at this date. A glimpse at
some of the domestic habits and customs of the times is gained through a private
letter written by Wm. Beverley^ Esq., to one of the Fairfax family. In this he
makes reference to various private matters ; the fattening of beef ; his daughter,
Ursulas' ill-health, and an expected visit in consequence thereof from Br. Barnsi
who is to remain with him several days. The probability is this professional gen-
tleman lived at a distance from Mr. Beverley. Medical men were not as numerous
in the country as they subsequently became. Indeed, until within quite a recent
period, physicians were so scare that their fields of practice extended over districts
now occupied by whole counties. They were generally gentlemen of education
and worth, having been trained in the best medical schools abroad, and often of
high social position. On occasions like that just mentioned, their professional
visits were protracted in proportion to the condition of the patient ; to whose
bed-side they were not expected to return, after having prescribed the necessary
remedies, and left proper directions, unless again specially sent for. From the
same letter it appears Fairfax had wanted some " Dice," but as Mr. Beverly had
none he sends his friend some " Salmon" instead, by " Pompey," with his " best
services" to the ladies, &c., and to " Master Bryan."
This was perhaps the same gentleman with whom Washington ssue after,
wards in 1774, when the people of Fairfax County were assembled to consider of
measures necessary to resist British tyranny, and who finally adhered to the cause
of the mother country.
' In 1738 the king of the Shawanese, living at " Allaganey," sends friendly
♦ With mile of the village, now known as the " White Post," In Clarke County. When
this region was a wilderness a white post had heen put up at this place to indicate the road to
Fairfax's residence, hence the name of the village.
INTBODUOTION. Ixiii
/
nieesages to Gov. Gooch ; explains cortain troubles and late incursions, murders,
&c, said to have been perpetrated upon the whites by the Northern Indians ; de-
ures peace with the latter and expresses the abject and dependent condition of
dispeople. About this time the inhabitants of ^^ Frederick County" pray the
^oncil to be relieved from being obliged to attend Court in ^^Orange County/
^^ account of their great distance therefrom, and the consequent difficulty of
*^ obtaining justice " among themselves, whereby crime is much increased. This
coQQty and Augusta had just been formed out of Orange Couifty ; and it must
bave been for a separate Court they were applying, to be held at *^^ Frederica,''
B '^fonrishing settlement. "
Gov. Goo' h now being absent from the Colony in command of the forces sent
a^inst Car «hagena, the Kev. James Blair acted in his place, as President of the
Gonncil. ^otliing of special moment attracts notice in the papers of tliis time,
Mve the lecord of one of those disgraceful episodes which occasionally brought
digrepnte upon the Established Cliurch. The lie v. Thomas Blouitt or Blewitt,
Bector of North Farnham Parish, was presented by the grand jury (whose names
are given,) for '^swearin and drunkenness."
From the western frontier of the Colony comes a quaint but strong appeal to
the Qovemor, for protection of the people against the savages ^^ in ye back parts
^i Virginia," and for appointing John McDowell and others, officers to organize
^ uieans of defence, &c. The names of many of the early Scotch and Scotch-
Imh settlers in this region are here to be seen. From the year 1742 down through
1750 events and measures pertaining to the domestic affairs of the Colony appear
to engross public attention. Examples of the jealous regard bestowed, as well
by the Government as by the people, in organizing their County Courts, particu-
larly with respect to the character of the persons who were to compose them, are
here to be observed. Numerous entries connected with the surveys made by
Lord Fairfax's agents are useful in showing the sort of materials employed, &c.
A serions question arose (1749) between the Council and House of Burgesses,
in regard to the right of the latter to examine the journals of the former without
their permission. This seeming attempt on the part of the Burgesses to violate
the dignity and privilege of that august body was stoutly resisted by them, and
precedents in practice and in law were furnished to show that it was at variance
with the course pursued by all previous assemblies. This may be taken as another
instance of the increasing disposition of the popular branch of the government
to take control of affairs ; and which continued to encroach upon the more auto-
cratic functions of the Executive, until the latter virtually succumbed tD the
power of the people. This question of privilege had frequently been a cause of
*Tlii8 WM doubtless the original tettlcment at what is now Winchester, and was called after the
Prince of Wales, or after Princess Frederica of Prussia, whom ht so much desired to marry.
Ixiv INTRODUCTION.
disagreement between the several branches of the Colonial government. It wtt
illustrated in the case of Bobt. Beverley, clerk of the Bnrgesses, one of the charges
made against whom, was that he refused to surrender the journals of the House
unless ordered to do so by them.
During the year 1761, Williamsburg is visited by one of the many Indian em*
bassies that from time to time made their appearance at the Capital. On this
occasion they seem to have come from beyond the mountains, and their journey
through the country is traced out accordingly.
A long communication from Capt. Thomas Cresap, evidently to the Governor,
in regard to the necessity of securing the friendship of the savages in the north*
west, against the designs of the French in that region, is the first reference here
found to the events of this important period. In this he calls attention to a late
conference held by the French at " Loggstown " :* gives important information
as to the localities then occupied by certain Indian tribes ; character of the in-
terpreters ; causes of trouble between them and the whites ; the origin of the
^' Adarondocks," &c. He thinks these savages are not paitial to the French and
could by prudent measures be detached from their service; and suggests the great
importance of pursuing this policy. This document evidently has reference to
the active efforts made about this time by the Ohio Company and other kindred
corporations to get possession of lands in the northwest.
A few official returns of the County militia give some idea of the military
strength of the Colony in 1753. Those of Elizabeth City County consisted of
three hundred and twenty-six men, forming one company of ^' horse " and two
of infantry. Those of Essex County, under command of " Hon. Biohard Corbin,
Esq.," of five hundred and fifty nine men, in nine companies ; the field officers
being Col. John Corbin, Thos. Waring and Wm. Dangerfield, Cols.; Francis Smith
and Wm. Boan, Majors, &c., &c.
This year closes with a message from the Ciiief of the Catawbas in North Car-
olina to the Governor of Virginia, agreeing to take sides against the French, and
expressing the hope that their old friends the Five Nations will be informed how
they have been troubled by the '^ French Indians." Although very poor and their
tribe in a desperate condition they promue to join the Cherokees and Five Na-
tions, if sent for to meet them in Council. That a treaty on this subject was
subsequently held by these tribes is probable tvom an account current of the
expenses incident thereto herein recorded. According to this it cost more than
three thousand three hundred and nineteen pounds sterling, " in the difficult and
chargeable negotiations in soothing the Indians." Another list of chai^ges shows
that powder, lead, flints ; plain and ruffled shirts and pistols had been carried oat
to Indian chiefs by Capt. Wm. Trent, when he went to establish the first white
^Situited eighteen miles below the present city of Pittebuiis on the right bank of the Ohio.
INTRODUCTION. Ixv
settlement at the junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers. The first
and only reference made to Gen. Braddock in these papers, is when in March,
1755, Gov. Dinwiddie communicates with the Governor of New York in regard
to a quantity of provisions furnished by the latter for the expedition against
Fort Daqnesne; and dwells upon the necessity of at once gaining a foothold on
the Ohio river.
Col. John Thornton brings serious charges against the conduct of Col. John
Spotswood of Spotsylvania County, in organizing the military forces of that
county, to which the latter makes reply in defence. This paper with others of
the same period are valuable as geneological records ; and a letter from Capt.
Bobt Mnnford, dated " at camp near Cumberland," written to his uncle, Theo.
Bland, Esq., gives a graphic account of his life in the wilderness on the march
to the frontier, &c. The reference herein made to " our colonel, &c.," applies to
Col. Wm. Byrd of the 2d Virginia Regiment, and not to Col. Washington, as
stated in a foot-note to the Bland Papers. At a later date will be seen the peti-
tion of Col. Byrd, in behalf of himself and other officers, for their portions of
lands granted on the Ohio for services done in this expedition.
In August, 1758, a considerable force under Capt. Wade, according to his jour-
nal herein recorded, undertook an expedition against the savages in the direction
of New Biver and crossed the "Blue Ledge" (Blue Eidge) before they returned.
The incidents of their march and encounters with the Indians are given, together
with the names of persons, description of places and distances from each other.
What is here recorded only serves to excite a desire for more information in re-
gard to the affair.
The commercial correspondence of this period contributes somewhat towards
an insight into the foreign and domestic concerns of the Colony. Clover seed is
first mentioned by a gentleman planter, who desires his agent abroad to send him
a supply. About this time tobacco seems to have been very low in price ; but
the increasing attention bestowed upon the cultivation of flax and hemp it is
hoped will cause it to be less plentiful, and therefore more valuable. The ex-
travagant and prodigal habits of the Virginia Planters attract the notice of their
creditors abroad, who insist that it is on this account they are always in debt ;
and a striking contrast is drawn between them and the English at home in this
respect.
From 1768, the succeeding pages down to 1774 record little of value, except
Bnmerons petitions for land grants, showing an increasing tendency of the popu-
lation westward and the general desire to secure large proprietaries in that direc-
tion. These records and the lists of Justices preserved afford valuable geneolog-
ical references. The latter are fii-st described here as " majistrates," in Prince
William County. The supply of documents at this important period is singularly
meagre ; and although events of momentous interest are daily tending towards
9
Ixvi INTRODUCTION.
the crisis that was soon to absorb all other questions^ but two or three papers are
seen to refer to these subjects. George Mason's account of bis trying experience
as a member of the Convention of 1775, is particularly worthy of notice. Among
other things he here states that he drew ^^ the Ordinance for a general Test," and
that his effort was to make it ^^ such as no good man could object to." He also
gives a description of the scene in the Convention, when upon the resignation of
Col. Bland, he was importuned by " Col. Henry, Mr. Jefferson and CoL Carring-
ton " to succeed that venerable and distinguished gentleman in the Continental
Congress, but declined in favor of "Col. Francis Lee." On this occasion, and
while he was giving his reasons why h'b could not accept that position, tears were
seen " to run down the president's cheeks." His account goes on to record, how-
ever, how he failed to escape responsibility in declining the high honor just re-
ferred to, by being at once put upon the committee to organize a military force
for the public defence. His labors here were excessively trying both to his body
and mind, on account of the amount and importance of the work necessary to
the performance of this duty.
In 1776 a Board of Commissioners was appointed by the Convention to inves-
tigate the claims of certain persons and companies to lands purchased by the lat-
ter from the western and southern Indians : which lands it was contended then
belonged to the State of Virginia, and therefore could not have been alienated
except by her permission. This board was made up of gentlemen selected from
the several sections of the country evidently with the view of meeting objections
to them that might be suggested by interests of a local character, as well as for
the greater convenience of collecting evidence during their investigations. The
names of the members of this Board being recorded in the journals of the Con-
vention, makes it unnecessary to give them here.
The immediate object, however, of their investigations as shown by the nume-
rous and lengthy depositions herein recorded, was the case of Richard Henderson
of North Carolina, and others, who laid claim to a vast territory in the south-
west, including part of what is now Southwest Virginia, Southern Kentucky and
part of Tennessee, said to have been purchased by them from the Cherokee
Indians. The latter to the number of twelve hundred, under the lead of their
chie& Oconostota, the " Little Carpenter, Draging Canoe, the Raven " and others,
had in March, 1775, met Henderson and his friends at a "treaty " held at "Wa-
tauga"* near the "Long Island" in the south fork of Holstein river, to negotiate
with him for the sale of said territory. A very large amount of testimony upon
this and other incidental matters, was collected in the form of depositions taken
at stated points over the State. During the progress of these, important histori-
* This place was near what is now Kingsport in the western end of SuHivan Countj, in East Ten-
nessee.
INTRODUCTION. Ixvii
cal information was put upon record, not only in regard to the question imme-
diately involved, but having reference to the early history of every part of the
western frontier. The titles to the lands held by the Ohio and Indiana or " In*
diania" companies are herein discussed; descriptions are given of the vast do-
mains there lying unoccupied and inviting the advent of tlie whites, and the
boundaries of empires limited by large rivers and high mountains and claimed
by the different savage nations are dealt with, as if they were the outlines of an
ordinary plantation, about to be transferred from the hands of one owner to
those of another. The northern part of what is now West Virginia attracted
unusual attention during their investigations, and from the data given, with the
names of the earlier settlers, it is discovered who were the pioneers of that region.
In connection with Virginia's claim to the vast country stretching westward as
far as she was at liberty to go under the ancient charters of the Colony, the titles
of the Six Nattons in the north and of the Cherokees in the south to the same
territory are discussed. Many interesting facts connected with the history of
these tribes are thereby brought to light. Among othere, the real significance of
the phrase ^^dark and bloody ground," which has erroneously been supposed by
many to have had its origin in the adventures of the pioneer whites with their
savage foes, in that region, is explained. The country lying on both sides of
what is now Green river in Kentucky along its entire length and extending as
far south as the Cumberland and westward to the Mississippi, had for ages been
the common hunting grounds of the savages coming from the north and from the
south. The former, driven by the asperities of winter, migrated to it in pursuit
of game for food, and the latter, attracted thither by the haunts of the elk and
the buffalo, which were not so plentiful farther south, went also to hunt upon this
great central belt of country. Here, therefore, the hostile bands met and killed
each other as well as game ; and up to the time of the advent of the whites, it
had been a sort of Indian Flanders, made " dark and bloody " by the cloud of
war that had so long hung over its primeseval forests. It was doubtless for this
reason that on several occasions during the progress of the treaty at Watauga,
some of 4he chiefs of the Cherokees, pointing to that fated region, refused to be
responsible for the life of any one venturing within its limits. These depositions
also confirm the statement elsewhere made, that Capt. Wm. Trent with thirty*
three Virginians, established the first settlement made by the whites at the oon-
fliience of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers very early in 1754, but was
soon after driven out by a superior French force. Subsequently the British Gen.
eral Forbes, by permission of the Six-Nations, erected a fort at the same place,
and held it in the name of the English people, until 1772, when Major Edward
Ward, who had been an ensign in Capt. Trent's company, got possession and oc-
capiedi until the year 1774, when Major Connelly with the Virginia militia took
final control, but it is not stated how long he held it.
hviii INTKODUCTION.
Interesting accoants are also given in these papere of the vacillating conduct
of the Northwestern Indians during the French war, in taking sides alternately
in accordance with the varying fortunes of both combatants. The Six-Nations,
however, seem generally to have been more friendly to the English, or " Long-
knives" as the Virginians were always called by the Indians. The dates of many
of the oldest settlements made along the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, and
in the country immediately contiguous, are herein given.
Early in 1774 Ool. Wm. Byrd, of Westover, John Page, Patrick Ilenry, Esqs.
and others, had taken steps towards acquiring by purchase large tracts of lands
in the West, said to be the property of the Cherokees. For this purpose they
had sent out a special messenger to enquire into their disposition to sell, by whom
the Chiefs sent back answers favorable to their designs. Tliese gentlemen were
therefore encouraged to proceed in their enterprise. But as the troubles with
Great Britain continued to increase, and when Patrick Henry perceived that by
his official position as a member of the Convention of Virginia, and of the Con-
tinental Congress, he would most probably be called upon to take -part in pro-
ceedings involving the titles and bounds of such purchases and land grants, he
promptly withdrew from all personal connection with the proposed speculations-
More than this, he would not accept any of the many gratuitous offers made him
of shares in these land adventures. At a very early session of the Virginia
Convention of 1775, when it became necessary also to question the right of the
crown to issue warrants for lands in the Colony, either to favorites or to pur .
chasers, he took the position not only that the demands of these land speculators
were too excessive, and therefore should n'»t be allowed ; but above all that the
"People of Virginia had a right to tlie back country derived from their Charter
and the Blood and Treasure they expended on tliat account." In making the
latter statement, Mr. Henry evidently intended to assert the true right and title
to the vast region on her western frontier, already vested in Virginia, though she
herself had not yet been freed from the British yoke. Thus was afforded by his
conduct on this occasion another instance of the unselfish devotion of that emi
nent patriot to the interests and honor of his native State. •
The title to all the territory extending westward to an indefinite distance, was
vested in Virginia by the terms of her ancient Charters; and to most of those
involved in these discussions by virtue of the treaty of Fort Stanwix, on which
occasion her interests had been represented by Dr. Walker and Gen. Lewis. It
was on this account particularly, that Henderson in his negotiations with the
Cherokee Chiefs refused to purchase any land north of the Kentucky river, which
they desired to sell to him, although well aware they had no right to it themselves^
He did, however, contract with them for lands south of that river. *But his title
♦ FQson^s History of Kentucky. London, 1793.
INTRODUCTION. Ixix
even to these was attacked with sach force by Virginia that he finally had to
abandon all effort to liold them. As a compensation for the great trouble and
expense be had encountered in these negotiations, he and his followers were
afterwards allowed a grant of two hundred thousand acres in the country trp«
versed by Green River; the very heart of the once "dark and bloody ground,"
and extending from the Cumberland on the south to th^ Kentucky River on the
north, and subsequently known as Transylvania.
* Dr. Walker, of Albemarle County, in company with others, had penetrated
the wilderness in Kentucky in 1754, and according to some, as early as 1747.
Indeed, nearly a century before this date, a Col. Wood, " who dwelt at the falls
of James River," is said to have gone, with a band of followers, not only through
nvhat is now Southwest Virginia, but afterwards as far as the Ohio in the other
direction.
Daring the investigations, so often referred to, amongst others a question arose
as to whether any attempt had been made by the companies acquiring lands in
the west, to assert a prior claim of sovereignty by exacting an oath of allegiance
from the people settling upon these grants under their .auspices. This had been
asserted of them, and the enquiry was made from a proper regard for the rights
of Virginia in that vast domain. It was found, however, that no such power had
ever been claimed. The proprietors had in some cases reserved to themselves the
right to veto any action taken by the people in Convention assembled, on the
gronnd that unless this pD'iviUge were allowed them, the latter might at any time
come together, and through their chosen delegates, pass ordinances at variance
with the chartered rights of the former. This doubtless had given rise to the
enquiry alluded to above.
It is noj; necessary to dwell longer upon the records bearing immediate relation
to the main question at issue in these depositions, and the other papers inciden-
tally connected with western affairs at this date. Upon a close scrutiny they
will be found to contain a large amount of information, of more than ordinary
interest, to the history of that region.
In addition to the two letters of George Mason, already referred to, but few
other documents connected with the Revolution, now in full career, are to be
found. Of these, Biirgoyne's letter to a friend, accounting for his disaster at
Saratoga ; one from Richard Henry Lee, in regard to furnishing supplies for the
army ; and another from Thos. Smith, State Agent on the Eastern Shore of Vir-
ginia, whose duties seem to have had important connection with supplying the
troops by means of the " State Vessels," are alone worthy of notice.
About this time great efforts became necessary to defend the Southwestern
frontiers against the British and their Indian allies. The latter were excited by
^ Martin's History o! North Carolina.
Ixx INTRODUCTION.
agents sent among the Southern tribes, to take up arms against the Virginians;
and under the lead of these and native loyalists, were constantly threatening the
most exposed parts of that country. It was with difficulty, and at great sacrifices
on the part of the people that this hostile combination could be kept at bay. The
military resources of the country were severely taxed. Drafts had been con-
tinually made upon them for recruits to fill the ranks of the regular army in the
east, while volunteers were kept in the field to protect their frontiers in the west.
The result was, that there were times, when out of the nine hundred and sixty-
five available militia of Washington County, for instance, one of the largest dis-
tricts in that region, not a man was to be found out of service ; and there were
barely enough old men and youtlis left at home to supply food for the families
of absent soldiers. The trials to which these, and the people in other parts of
the State were subjected at a later date, will be made manifest during the pro-
gress of these records.
In July, 1774, appears a communication from Governor Jefferson in reply to
the Governor of Detroit, on the subject of Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton's
imprisonment, and the treatment of himself and the officere taken by General
Clarke at Vincennes. In this letter (probably never before published,) reasons
are given at length why rigorous measures had been adopted by the authorities of
Virginia in tlie case of these officers. Hamilton, after his capture, had protested
against a report of the matter, forwarded to tlie British authorities by tlie Gov-
ernor and Council in vindication of their conduct. The communication just
referred to, seems to have been written by Mr. Jefferson as a rejoinder to the
strictures made upon that report by the Governor of Detroit, and to complaints
made by Hamilton himself. In doing this, the distinguished author reviews the
history of the treatment of American prisoners from the beginning of the war to
the date of his letter, and comments with tempered severity upon many of the
points at issue. At the same time, however, that this is done, he dwells with
becoming effect upon the cruel policy observed by Hamilton in the Northwest,
and convicts that officer of crimes, repulsive alike to the dictates of humanity and
the usages of civilized warfare. In the course of this statement, one cannot but
admire the skill with which the writer arrays his facts, and the knowledge of
military precedents displayed, with which he not only strengthens his own posi-
tions, but attacks those of his adversary.
Those who are familiar with the history of the campaigns in the Northwest,
will remember that Hamilton had given ordera to his own men, and to his savage
allies, not to spare any one falling into their hands. Indeed, a reward was given
by him for the scalp of every white person on the side of Virginia, whether of man,
woman or child. It was for this reason that Clarke always spoke of him as '' the
hair-buyer General." Hence, when Hamilton fell into his hands, nothing saved
INTRODUCTION. Ixxi
liim from summary punishment, but the terms of surrender by which the capture
of himself and force, had been so adroitly managed.
Upon being brought to Virginia, he, with several of his ofiicors as guilty as
bhnseU^ were put in irons and confined in the common jail of Chesterfield
Cbanty, until finally released on parole. This was indeed a mild termination of
their case ; but it was considered the wiser policy in order thereby not to afford the
eoemy any pretext for adding to the sufferings already experienced by prisoners
in tbeir hand^. It is worthy of notice here, that the ruler of a foreign Depend-
enoy ^as constrained to communicate with the Executive of Virginia on this
subject, as being tho proper source of redress, and not with the Continental
Congress, or even with General Washington himself. The conquest having been
made under the auspices of Virginia, and by her people, all the attending cir-.
cimastances were very properly considered by tho Governor of Detroit, as relating
to the part she alone had borne in it. Governor Jefferson subsequently reported
all the facts to the Commander in Cliief, with such explanations as were thought
necessary to protect American prisoners from retaliation at the hands of the
eoi
papers immediately succeeding the date of the above, belong properly to
A ne^w epoch, the events of which will occnpy the second volume of this work.
For this reason, therefore, they should be reserved for appropriate reference in
th&t connection.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1362.
Xand Pattent, to Henry Palin & John Swingleton.
all U whom thefe prefints Jhall comt : I, Richard Bennett, Eiq% 1652
Go^r^mour, and Capt Generall of Virginia, fend greeting, in Our Lord December 6tb
G(>^ cverlaftine, Whereas, by the Article, dated at James Citty, jimeiCity
this ^virelth of March, one thou&nd fix hundred fifty-one. Concluded
and Signed by the Comff", appointed by authority parlia™^, for the
relia<riiig^ fettling, governing of Virginia, it was provided that the priviledg
of iiftty acres of land for every p'fon tranfported into y* CoUony, (hould
^ <^otitinued as previoufly granted ; and, whereas, by Ad of A Grand
Aflfetxibly, made y* twenty-firfl of Aprill, one thoufand fix hundred fifty
^nd tivo, it was provided that all pattents fhall hereafter be figned under
vh^ Govern** hand, with y* Seretaries, & shal be accompted authen-
^^\ie vallid in law, untill a Collony Seal shal be provided and ap-
V^Vntcd. Now, Knowe y* that y* fy* Richard Bennett, Efq"^ does,
^^ y* name of y* Keeper of Y' Libertie of England by authority of par-
Wa"* w*** th* confent of th* Councell of 5tat% give and grant unto Henry
Palin and Jno. Swingleton, thr® hundred acres of land Lying on the Eafl-
ward fide of a Runne, w** falles into y* head of Ware River, in Mock-
jack Baye, beeining at a marked tree of Jno. Walker's Land, runing by
th' syd mrk^ tree to y® fy* run, weft, three hundred and twenty
pole, and from y® run, nor^^ one hundred and fifty pole, by m'^ trees, Eaft>
three hundred and twenty pole, Sou^, one hundred and fifty pole to y^
ra* tree firft * * * the ly** land being due to y® fy* Henry
Palin and Jno. Swingleton, by and for the tranfportation of fix * * *
pcrfons into y* Colony, all whofe names are in record, mentioned under
this pattent, to have and to hold the fy^ land w'^ its due fhare of all
(wood) and mineralle therein contained, with all rights and privileges of
bunting, hawking, fifhing, fowling, with all woods, waters and rivers w^
all profits,, commodities, & hereditaments whatfoever any wyfe be-
longing to tb^ &]^ land, to them th^ sy"^ Henry Palin and Jno. Swingle-
ton. their heires and aflignes, forever, in as large and ample manner to all
intentes and porpofes, as is expreft in a Chartere of Orders from y^ late
Trefurcr and Comp* dated, the eighteen * * * or by
coniequence may be juftly coUe&ed out of y® land or out of y® Treas"
Pattents, on w^ y* are grounded, yielding and paying both y® rent
appointed * * for every fifty acre of land herein, by
thefe pre&nts given and granted, yearely, at the feaft of Micheal the
i CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1652 Archangell, the free rent of one (hilling w^ payment is to be made feaven
yeares after the firft grant, or seating thereof, and not before ; provided,
that if th* fy** Henry Palin & Jno. Swingleton, their heires or aiEgns do
not plant or feate, or caufe to be planted or feated the sy*^ land w^in three
yeares next enfuing ; that then it fliall and may be lawful for any adven-
turer or planter to make choyce and seate thereupon. Given at James
Citty, this fix day of Decemb% one thou&nd fix hundred fifty & two,
Ann' 1652.
RL BENNETT,
W. CLAIBORNE, &i:>.*
,660. To the Right Hono^^* S*' William Berkeley, Lt. Gov', &c., &c. :
John Edwards humbly Iheweth —
Curious com- That as the fruits and efforts of Corrupt and vile principalis, are
puint against all impieties towards God, foe they are the caufe of all originall un-
v^^^oFihc'' righteoufnefs and baffeneffe towards men ; fFor the verity whereof yo' pe-
highwaysy &c. tition*^ doth hereby inftance in John Biggs, a p'fon well knowne in the
County of Lower Norfolke, who before his undertaking to ferve the pub-
lique, m the place of a Surveyo' of the high ways, did, verry ii^enioufly
confeflfe (what others did think of him) hee did it to ferve his owne p'ticu-
lar ends and purpofes y^ hee might obtayne wagps for his owne conveni-
ency, which truth is the rather to be beleived in, y^ the (aid Biggs, for
many years, as is well knowne in the faid County, hath beene averfe to
and neglective of the p'formance of the publique dutyes, and as his ends
were bafe and felfifh fuch was the p'formance of his worke which hee
undertooke, y^ of the wages w^ in his limitts, which hee had occasion
to ufe, is sufficiently donn, the reft left undonne, to the great annoy-
ance, hindrance, damage and abufe of his Maj^^ good fubjtSs.
Yo' Petition' therefore humbly prayes y^ the fkid Biggs hath,
herein neglefted the p'formance of his duty (unbecoming a good
Chriflian, a Loyall fubject and a true Englishman.) Hee may
fuftayne the penalty which the law impofes upon all fuch p'fons
foe offending, thereby juftice ihall take place, w^^ which God is
well pleafed, his default expiated, and others detered from run-
ning into like offences.
And yo' Petition' as in duty bound, (hall ever pray, &c.
To the Right Hono^^^ S' William Berkeley, U Govern' & Cap* Gen"
of Virginia, and the Hono^^® Counfell of State :
William Rookins humbly sheweth —
Appeal from That, Whcrcas, Jane Rookins, Mother to Yo' Petition', and one M'
the order of Henry Randolph, jointly purchafed a negroe woman, called Maria, with
tidTto o^ain condicon y* fliee and her children ihould be to the ufe of yo' Petition', and
negroes, &c. M' William Randolph, fonne to to the faid M' Henry Randolph, or the
Rookins and
Randolph, Sec, * This Patbmt was granted dming Cromwell's Protectorate, hence the change ■■ aome
of the phraseology, characteristic of these docnments. It will be obsenred that the wordtf
** Our Lord Ever/attitig '* take the place of the usual Royal phrase, ** By tit Graci of
G«</***»that the Lord Protector's prerogative is described in the words, *' Kteftt tf tie Ubertie
9f Englani'^-^tYitt the Arch Angel is spoken of as <• Mitkmei " ivtead of Saint Mickstlt *c.
The Parliament having abrogated the Royal Seals, it became necessary that all Patents signed
by the Governor and Secretary should be declared " authentique and valid in lawe '* until one
should be provided for the Colony, as was promised by Cromwell, but was never done.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S
furvivor' of them. The &id M' William Randolph is decefed, and by 1660
deed of guifte the (aid M' Henry Randolph hath given, gratinted, con-
firmed and rattified to yo' Petition' and his heires, all his right and title to
the faid negroe woman and her children, covenanting the quiett pofief-
fion of them againft him and his heires, or any other clayming by, from
or under him or themy as will appear by the laid deed of guifte, under the
faid M' Randolph's hand. Now, may it pleafe yo' Hono", The Hon^^^
Coll. Tho* Swan, obteyned an order againft the eftate of the f ^ M*^ Ran-
dolph, in Henrico Court, And by Virtue of that order fued yo' Petition'
in Surrey Court, and the Court adjudged half the faid negroes to belong to
the laid eftate, and hath graunted an order for the fame.
Now, therefore, may it pleafe yo" Hono", yo' Petition' hath
appealed from the (aid order to this Hono^^® Court, Humbly
prayinge yo' Hono" to reverfe the (aid order of Surrey county,
and to confirme the (aid M' Randolph's deed, which yo' Peti-
tion' humbly conceaves belongs to him by furvivorfliipp, &c.
And as in duty bound, ihalT ever pray, &c.
To the Right Hono^^« S' William Berkely, Knt., &c., &c. :
The humble Petition of Chriftopher Robinfon, Sheweth :
That one, Bartram Qbcrt, Dec**, the ftather of yo' Pet" wife, was
PofTefed in his life time of a Certaine parcell of Land, Situate in Middle-
fex County ; w^ (aid land, he, by his laft Will, Devided into parcells and
Sett to his children. But he, y® f^ Bartram Obert, being an Allien borne, Lan^, of tiiem
ye afore(aid Land was, imediately after his Deceafe, found to Efcheate to escheat to the
ye King : The Benefitt whereof yo' Hono" was pleafed to Graunt to 9'^°Y"' ** ^'^^
the Orphants of the (aid Bartram Obert, &c., &c. [The Petition then **' '
asks that this grant being, somewhat ambiguous, be more particularly de-
scribed, so as to be to the benefit of the said orphans, &.]
To the Hon^^®, the Gov. and Councill, &c. :
The Humble Petition of James, Wallace, Sheweth —
That yo' Pet' sued one Thomas Hill, in Charles Cittv County Court, Again»t Hill
in an aeon of trefpasfe, uppon the Law againft trading with Servants. for trading with
That the fd Hill obtained feverall references in the cafe at that Court, "^8'°^
&c,, &c.
Mr. William Sherwood, Dr., to the first Cost :
To I Cravat, Lace, coft
To 4 yards Lace, coft 25s pr yard.
To I yard of ffine Lace, for a pin-er,
To 3 yards Lace, for fFrille and (falls, coft
To 6 yards fine plaine Ground Lace, &c..
To 3 yards of Point Lace, for a Hanckercheif,
To I yard Narrow Lace,
To 2 Tiffeny Whi(ks,
£.
5
s.
0
D.
0
Specimen ac-
count— Lace^
5
0
0
I
10
0
2
8
0
2
II
0
0
18
6
0
2
0
I
00
6
18
10
6
1
1
^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1660 To the R*^ Hono"^ S*' Wm, Berkeley, Kn*, Cover' and Capt, Gcn^ &c :
The petition of John Edloe, Ton and heire of M' Mathew Edloe, his
late father dec*d, Humbly Sheweth —
John Edioe'i That in the yeare 1668, yo' pet" father dyeing, the Adm*** of his ef-
^^"^^'m***^ tate was comitted to Tabitha his Widd. yo* pet" mother, who alfoe dyed
bc'ippointe? *" ^^^ yeare 1670. Not long after. Major Thos. Bowler, by marriage
iiii guardian, with Tabitha, yo' pet" sifter. Executrix of our faid Mother, became pof-
feiTed as well of the Lands and tenements, as other the eftate of yo' pef ,
but yo' Hon", in tender care of yo' pet' comitted the tuition of his
p'fon to Coll. Robt. Wynn, with whome he hath ever iince lived, &c.
[Then follows a long defcription of the damage inflicted upon his eftate
perfonal and real, by neglect and depredation ; which condition of things
compels him to beg that M' Minge, his kinsman, ** be Guardian of yo'
pet' &c."] ^*That yo' hon" will be pleafed to comand that the SherifFc of
the County of James Citty, caufe to come upon the Lannds and Tene-
ments aforefaid within this County, a Jury of lawfuU men, amongft
whom Carpenters and other Workmen to be Joyned. That they be
charged to enquire of such waft as hath been p'mitted or comitted upon
the p'mifes, &c."
To the R* Hon*'^" S' Wm. Berkey, Knt., Gov', &c. :
The Petition of John Mead, Carpenter, Humbly Sheweth —
John Mead, a That Edward Diggs, Efq', dec'd, being indebted to yo' pet' the fume
eTd-^* V' ^^ t'^rce hundred and one pounds fix fhillings, eleven pence, Sterl., due
»ggs, sq. p^^ j^y agreement under the hand and scale of the faid Edw* I^iggs, Efq',
and tho' ther part for worke don above y* agreement; which fume being de-
nyed to be paid by the faid Edw"* Diggs, Efq', yo' pet' comenced an action
ag* him the laft Gen" Court, and yo' hon" ordered that the worke don
Members of the (hould be viewed by feme of the Hon^^* Councill who were pleafed fby
S^work°''ina ^^^ confcnt and defire of Cap.. Wm. Diggs, fon and heire of the faid
dccid^°&c.*" Edw* Diggs, Efq', — after the deccafe of the faid Ed. Diggs, Efq') to view
the worke don by agreement — and yo' pet' humbly conceiveth that the
£iid hon^^* p'fons, who were foe appointed will report the fame to this
hon^^* Court, &c.
To y« Right Hon^^^ S' William Berkeley, Knight, Goven', &c., and
Councell of State :
Y* humble pet^** of John Hofliis, humbley Sheweth —
Corn & dothet That whereas yo' peti"' lately servid Henry Sprat, of y* County of
fumUhed, ac- Lower Norff., who refufeth to pay him Corn and Cloths according to cus-
co^ing to cus- ^^^^^ f^^ ^h yv petnr obtained order of y' forcfaid Court, againft y« (^ M'
Sprat, &c.
To the Right Hon^** S' William Berkeley, Knight, &c. :
The humble peticon of Mary Culpepper, Relift and Ad" of the ef-
tate of M' Jno. Culpepper, Dec'd :
Whereas, Y** Hono" was pleafed to graunt y® humble petio' an Or-
der -for y* fum of fEfty pounds, fterling, out of her hufbund's Eftate in
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
*? nature of a paraphernalia. * And whereas, her Aid hufband's Inventory 1660
^' Eftate was appraifed and reduced into Tobacco.
Y* humble petio' therefore humbly prayeth that yo' Hono"
wil bee pleaied to afcertayne her a certaine fume of Tobacco in
the lieu of her fifty pounds, fterling. And y' p'tio* as in duty
^ bound (hall ever pray, &c.
^ Cfcc Right Hono"* S' Wm. Bcrkely, &c :
Robert Beverley, Atturney of M" Ann* Day, Relid and Adminis-
tratrix of Capt. Jno. Day, Deceafed, Humbly Sheweth —
'IThat M' Robert Jones, of Northumberland County, ftands indebted to Arroaoca,
yo*" Petition' in quallity afore"^, in the full fume of two thouiand live hun- (^©noco
<ired pounds of good, found, bright and large Arronoca Tobacco and cafk, ^^''
w^ h^th been due at leaft three yeares, &c.
To the Right Hon©*"* S' Wm. Berkeley, &c. :
TThe Humble Petition of Coll. Robert Wynne, Sheweth —
That Capt. Huberd ffarrcll, hath caufed y**' petitioner to be arretted to For non-aoit.
tUs Hon^" Court, and to make his appearance the firft day hereof, but
bath not ent'rd his declaration as by A£t of . Aflembly is injoyed, where-
fore yo' petitioner humbly pr^es a non fuite againft tne (aid Huberd iiar-
fell, Mrith cofts and damages, occ,
To the Right Hono^^* S' Wm. Berkeley, &c.
Mrs.. Elizabeth Diggs, Humbly Prayeth — A due proofe of Edward For proof of
^^8g«s, Esq% her late deceafed huftand's last Will and Testament. '''"•
And Ihe ihall pray, &c.
* 0 the Right Hono^® the Gover' and Councell of Virginia :
Richard Whitehead most humbly (heweth —
That yo' pet' is a faithfuU Leige Subject of O' Soveraigne Lord the RichM white-
Kingc, and hath duringe the ty me of his aboade here in this Collony, Lived [)fg*[ij*„*2'm If
and Continued of good name, reporte and behavio', as well towards his oncjamoTui^
neighbors as wi*** other good, faithfull and hon***® p'fons of this Collony, ner of New
and by all the said Tyme hath been efteemed and reputed free and deare ^^'^^ coynty.
from any kind of falfehood, fraunds, * * fforgcry, or any other
hurtfuU crime, or from the procuringe of any fuch like Crimes in any
manner whatfoever, by reafon whereof, he hath not only Deservedly had
and obtayned the Love, favor and good will of all his Neighbors, but alfoe
ty the approbation of worthy and hono^** p'fons of this Collony -, hath
been imployed, invested wi"" and put into places aud offices of Create
Trufte, to his Espetyall advantage and Livelihood, Notw*ftandinge. James
Turner, of the County of New Kent, not being thereof ignorant, but
envyinge the happv Estate of yo' peticon^ and wickedly and malitioufly
intendinge not onely to take away, wound and Destroy yo' Peti" good name
and repute as aforesaid, bmt Likewife, to bringe and inauce yo'^ petition' in-
to the danger of the paynes and penaltyes by the Lawes and Statutes of
*-PAitf asBKALMr— The foodt whicli a woman iMrovght to her husband betidct her dowrjr —
(£if • Lavf.) the goodi which a woman is allowed to hare after the death of her husband, be-
iidss her dower, couiUting of her apparel and ornaments, suiuble to her rank, Burril/,—
<WoifiiirM*4 J)iari0NAar.)
6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1660 his Majesty's Kingdome of England against Forgery^ Did on or about the
fix and twentyeth day of December last paft, publith, pronounce, and w^ an
audible voice, Declare thefe false and scandalous words to and of yo' pe-
tio^, in the p'fence and hearinge of Divers good and faithfuU subjects, to-
wit : That thou (meaning yo' pet') art a Forged Fellow, for thou forged
a Bill in the name of Samuel Snead, and set his marke to it, and I will
prove it — ^by reaibn of the Speakinge of w^ falfe and icandalous words
yo' petitio'** good name is much wounded, and hee thereby much p'ju-
diced.
Hee therfore humbly prayes that yo' Hono" would take fuch
course for the Clearinge of yo' petio''* reputation, against the s* Turner^
as in yo' grave and wise Judgments ihall bee agreeable to juftice.
And he shall pray, &c.
To the R* Hon^'« S' Wm. Berkeley, Km., Gov% &c. :
Thomas Ballard, high Sheriff of James Citty County, Humbly
Sheweth —
Petition for feci That he hath due him from William Newberry, prisoner, for 7 months
in Mcuring pri- Imp'ison"* and charges in recovering him, after his breaking prison and
•oner, tec. g^^^^ ^^35 Ibs Tobacco and Calkc.
Yo' pet' humbly praies Order for the faid fume againft his
Estate, or the C^ where he was apprehended, &c.
Petition *To the R* Ho^^« S'^ W"> Berkeley, K''\ Gover^'g" and Ho^'« Counccl of
State :
Edward Harris humbly (heweth —
That the King's Mod Excellent Majefty was gratioufly pleafed in
1650, to grant unto Thomas ffreeman, one of his domeftique fervants
2,000 acres of Land in Virginia —
Yo^ Pet% to whom the (aid land now belongs, humbly prays
a grant for 2,000 Acres of Land according to his Maj'^^ faid
grant, where he ihall find the (ame, without entering.
And hee ihall pray, &c.
Grtd.
1665 t Unto the Worp^* the Juftices of New Kent :
Oct. 27th, The humble pet*' of Samuel Sutton,
New Kent Co. That, Whereas, about the laft of July laft paft, Simon Butler tooke up
a younge Gray Horfe of yo' pe^, contrary to his knowledge, haveing rode
him till he foundered him both in body and Leggs, turned him goeinge
againe in the night, clofe by the Houfe of Wm. Ingraham, where yo' pe^""
hath his aboade, he beinge utterly Spoyled.
Yo' pe^ humbly deurefes the (aid Butler may bee order to
make fatiflfaccon accordingly w^ cofts of suite.
Vera Copia Exacta.
Pr THOS. HALL, C/i, isfc.
* There it an erident chronological error here, inasmuch u Charles was beheaded
January 31st, 1649. The document only lervet to ihow how the King'c £iTonr ftU upon a.
" domettiquc lenrant.**
f Specimen **Form of Petition, ftc./* of thii date.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 7
* Thefc arc in his MajisP* name, to will and Require you to Areft 1666
the bodie of Jopeph Whittfon, and him to detayne in Cuftodie 'till he Man:h iStH
enter into Bond with suffitiant securitie for his appeerance before the
Governor and Counfell the firft day of the next Generall Court to be ^JJ'" ^*^^°^^
held in James Citty (Jamestown) then and there to answare the Com-
playnt of James Mills in an Action, of the cafe hereof, f&ile not, as
also to make full retourne hereof. To ye Sherife of Lower Norfolke
County or his Deputie.
IRA KIRKMAN,
Clk.
Writ ifliied by Ira Kirkman, &c., requiring the arreft of Randolph June 7th
Kirke, to enfure his appearance before the Gov. & Councel, at James
City, on the 14 day of next General Court, ^^ in the afternoon," to an-
swer the Suit of one Thomas Buihrod, &c.
Writ iflfued by Ira Kirkman (Clk.) James City, requiring the arreft August 2d
of Col. Gerrand Starke, executor of Tho' Starke, deceafed, to enfure
his appearance before the Gov. and Council, at James City, on second
day of next Genl. Court, at the suit of W"^ Kemp.
Summons by Ira Kirkman (Clk.) to Randolph Kirke, for his appear- August 7th
ance before Gov. and Council, on the 4^^ day of next General Court, to
teikify in the suit of John Roberts, guardian of Eliza Jones, infant of
Ric^ Jones, plaintiiF, and John Hill, def**
Writ iffued by Ira Kirkman, (Clk.) to Sheriff of Weftmoreland C°» SeptV a4tb
requiring the arreft of Mr. John Lee, one of the Executors of the laft
will and teftament of Col. Ric** Lee, to appear before Gov. and Coun-
cil, on 3d day of next Genl. Court, *Mn the forenoon," to anfwer the
suit of Edmund Lifbro, as marrying * • * • Anne, relict
of the said Col. Lee.
Summons by Ira Kirkman, (Clk.,) iffued to Sheriff of Rapahannock SeptV 25th
C^' to cause the " appearance " of W™- Harding, John Lacy, Marg"
Gains, Heniy Goodrich and John Roby, "before the Gov. and Coun-
cil, on the 2^ day of next Genl. Court, to teftify "their knowledge in a
difference " between Cuthbert Potts, Atty. of Henry Chickley, and John
Cox, defendant.
*
Petition of one W"* Drummond, for part of 3,000 acres of the land
called " Governors Land," near James City.
No date.
Summons iffued by Ric** Norborne (Clk.) to enfure the appearance of 1668
Major Daniel Parke, at the Suit of George Bridger, Sn'.
Much mutilated.
Summons iffued by Ric* Norborne, (Clk.,) againft Col. Rob* Pott and
others.
* Specimen writ of summons.
8 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1668 Summons of same to Henry Applewajte.
Petition and remonftrance of one Peter Garland to S^ Wm. Berkeley^
againft the tre^»& of one James FuUor, &c.
Petition of M" John Mohun, for damages and cofte of goods said to
have been damaged on board ship Daniel, &c»
1672 By (h^ Governor and Capt. Genl. of Virginia :
Six jurymen Whereas, it appcarcth that Mary Blades, Serv* to M' John Knowles,
tnmmoned to hath mod viUionously stabed and Murthered Phill Lettie, her fFelow
try a alaTey &c Serv^ Thefe are, therefore, in his Magiftie's name, to will and require
you to Impannell six men of the ableft and neereft neighbourhood where
the fact was Committed, to the iFourth day of the next Gen^ Ct. wherof,
faile no,t at yo' perill, as you will answer the contrary.
Given under my hana this fEfteenth Day of fFebry, 1672, and the
xxiiii^ yeare of The Raigne of Sovarg*^* Lord King Charles the Se-
conder
To the SherrifFe of Henrico 1
County, or his Deputy. J
1673 A grant from Sir W" Berkeley, Kn*, &c., unto John Proffer and
NoT'r 4t]i Thos. Pannell, for five thousand two hundred acres of land in the C** of
New Kent, due by and for the transportation of one hundred and fouer
perfons, &c.
" Copy teftc : "
C. C. THACKER, Clk,
1674 Petition of M'^ Jabitha Brown for damages, for the detention of two
negroes for one year by Col. Tho* Goodrich, &c.
To ye Right Honorable S' William Berkeley, Kn*, Gouverner and Lieut.
Grenerall of Virginia, and to ye Honorable Councell of State :
Ye humble petition of Major Lawrence Smith,
Humbly Sbcwetbj
1675 That upon y* 13*^ day of December, 1673, y' petitioner did patent
Fall cf the leaf fo"^^ thousand six hundred acres of land, which* lyes in New Kent
County, upon a Reedy Branch, far Remote by Mattapony fwamp ; which
fixmd«°a? this ^ Laind your petitioner proposed this Last fall of the leafe, to have seated ;
date but weare diverted from soe doeing, by Reason of ye great fear of Indians :
the same being Remote from any plantations.
Y' petitioner therefore humbly prays your honors will please to
grant him seaven yeares time to seate the said Laind ; as in such
cases is accustomed to bee granted, &c., &c. *
^**lSf2^ * To the R* Hon^i« Sr WiUiem Berkeley, Kn*, Governor, &c., and the
^'*""' *'• hon^* Councell of State :
Mary Huber^ widow, Robert Huberd, her sonne, in most humble man-
ner per*S That yo' pet' were sumoned to the second day of this court.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 9
to an>eare before yo' Hon^" at the Aiit of Mr. Thomas Hansford, not 1^75
knowing anv cause of Action had had against you'® pet* did send upp' for
a copy of his declaration on Monday last, that they might make defence
accordingly— -but it appearing by a certificat under the hand of the Gierke
of this hon^* Court that noe declaracon was filed againft y' pet' on Mun-
day morning last, the lawe enjoyning the same should bee entered three
daise before the day of Hearing.
Y' pet" humbly pray dismisdon of the Cause w^^ damages and costs.
And y' pet' shall ever pray, &c.
These are to certiiie that M' Hansford hath entered noe peti'on Againft
M" Huberd— dated ye 14"* of June, 1675.
HEN. HARTWELL,
CU.
■
To the Right Hono^^* Sir William Berkeley, Let. Governor, Capt. Genl. Petition for tc-
of Virginia, and to the Hon^^® Councell of State. tionagaimtone
John Edwards, humbly showeth, ing to ha^e his
That in October laft y' Petitioner in zeal to God's Glory and true J^^|^"" '^^"•"
obedience to his Maj^*' lawes, did exhibit twoe p'lent"*'* to the Wor-
fhip^^ the Court of Lower Norfolke : againft John Biggs of the fame
County, the which, w^ their circumftances and aggravacons did purport
matters and things tending to the high diflionor of Almighty God, and
distructive to the peasse and wellfare of his Maj^^^ good subjects, which
Worsfliip^^ Court made noe finalle result of; therefore y' petitioner ap-
pealed to this Hono"® Court, that whereas the iaid John Biggs, contrary
to the ordinances of the Church of England, establishi^d in this Collony,
refufeth to come to church, and alsoe refufeth to christen his children,
which is alsoe contrary to severall A£ls of Parliam^, and an h&. of As-
sembly, in that case, made and provided. And y' petitioner humbly
prays y** Wors^ Jud^** herein, and alsoe to grant yo'Petitioner the bene-
fitt of the hGts w^^ his charges.
And as in duty bound fliall ever pray, &c.
Know all all men, whom this may concern : Erideoce
That whereas, John Bigges was Ordered by our County Court, held in ^S^^^ '"^
Apprill, to bring his children to the Holy Ordinance of Jiaptism, by the
1 2th of May next enfuing: Hee, thee (aid John, did neither bring nor
fend them to be baptized by me, die prefent minifter of Elizabeth Kiver
parifh, by the time appointed.
As witnefs, my hand this 12th of June, 1675.
WILLIAM HARNE.
To the R^ Hon^ Sir William Berkeley, Knt., Gover' and Capt. Genl Pedtion of a
of Virg», with the Hon. Councell of Stote. ~«~ ^"-
The Petition of Phillip Corven, a negro, in all humility flioweth :
That y^ pet' being a aervan^ to M" Anny^ Bcazley, kte of James
Citty County, widdow, de"^. The said M" 6eazley made her laft will
2
10 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS,
1675 & teftament in writing, under her hand & seal, bearing date, the 9th day
of April, An. Dom. 1664, and, amongft other things, did order, will ap-
point that yo' pet' by the then name of negro boy Phillip, (hould ferve
her cousin, Mr. Humphrey Stafford, the terme of eight yeares, then next
ensueing, and then (hould enjoy his freedome & be paid three barrels of
corne & a sute of clothes, as by the faid will appears. Soone after the
makeing of which will, the faid M" Beazley departed this life, and yo'
pe^ did continue & and abide with the said M' Stafford, (with whome he
was ordered by the faid will to live) some yeares, and then the said Mr.
Stafford sold the remainder of yo' pe^ time to one Mr. Charles Lucas,
with whom y^' pe^ alsoe continued, doeing true & faithfuU service ; but
the said Mr. Lucas, coveting yo' pe*^'* service longer then of right itt was
due, did not att the expiracon of the said eight yeares, discharge y^ pe^
from his service, but compelled him to serve three yeares longer than the
time set by the said Mrs. Beazley's will, and then not being willing y^*"
pe^ should enjoy his freedome, did, contrary to all honesty and good con-
science with threats & a high hand, in the time of yo' pe^*' service with
him, and by his confederacy with some perfons compel yo*^ pe^ to sett his
hand to a writeing, which the faid M' Lucas now saith is an Indenture
for twenty yeares, and forced yo' pe^'^ to acknowledge the same in the
County Court pf Warwick.
Now, for that may itt please yo' Hon', yo' pc*', who att the time of the
makeing the said forced writing, in the servicee of the said Mr, Lucas,
and never difcharged from the same, the said M' Lucas alwaies unjustly
pretending that y^ pe*' was to serve hime three yeares longer, by an order
of Court, w^ is untre, which pretence of the said Mr. Lucas will appeare
to yo' hon' by y* tefttimony of persons of good creditt
Yo' Pe*' therefore most humbly prayeth yo' hon" to order that the said
M' Lucas make him sattisfaccon for the said three yeares service above
his time, and pay hffai corne & clothes, with costs of suite.
And yo' pe*' (as in duty bound) (hall ever pray, &c.
To the Right Hon^^* S' William Berkeley, &c., &c.
The petition of Richard Young, of Glos** County,
Humbly shewith —
e'er re-iurvey That yo' pe^ & those under whome he claimes have for above 20 yeares
^f land pail beene poffefied of a plantacon or tract of Land in the said County on
which he now lives, and being wiUing that the bounds of his land ihould
be made frefh & renewed to the end, differences may be prevented about
ye same, some of the marked trees beene blowne downe.
He humbly prays that Major John Lewis, be by this Hon^*® Court ap-
pointed in the presence of the neighborhood, lay out yo' pe*^** land ac-
cording to the Ancient Crowne bounds.
And he (hall pray, &c.
Petition of John Chilton and James Hay, Church Wardens, for re-
-survey, &c., of Glebe lands in Nansemond Co., &c.
Sundry petitions for renewal of Land Pattents — the titles thereto having
lapfed by reason of failure to locate them — for protection' against Indians,
&c.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. It
To the Right Hon*»^« Si' Wm. Berkeley, Knight Gov., &c., &c. 1675
John Catlett, (howeth,
That whereas yo' pettio' hath a Tract of Lande contg^ five hundred Indians oppo>
Acres Lyinge wit'in ye mouth of Queen Creeke, on ye north fide in ye ^^® ft******
flreshes of ye said river, neare oppoiite to ye Indians. "^
Yo' Petion' moft humbly prayes hee k his asflgnes may have yo' hon**'*
order to have seaven yeares tyme for the seating of it from this date, and
hee fliall pray —
Granted.
Petition of Robt. Beverly, who had been appointed Clerk of the Com- 1677
mittee of Propofitions and Grievances of the H. of Burgefles, at a salary
of ^' fifty pounds sterling '' requefling to be informed, whether this amount
would be paid to him, or its equivalent in Tobacco ? and stating that less
than this salanr would not remunerate him for neglect of his business at
home on his farm, &c.
To the WorshfuU Juftices of New Kent County : 1679
Charles Turner,
Humbly sheweth, That in the late *Troubles your petitioner had five
hoggs of about a yeare and a halfe old Killed and carr^ away by Capt.
William Hartwell, for the Right bona"* S' William Berkeley's use for
the Souldiers then under him, for w^^ your petitio" never receved any
satisfaccon, as he is ready to depofe, he therefore humbly prays certifi-
cate of this Court upon proofe as afordfaide made, that he may receive
such satisfaccion as the hon AfTcmbly may think fitt &c.
Approved thus :
The Publique D' lb. Tob.
To the above s* hogs, 500,
Thcfe may Certifye, that in the late Rebellion, I Killed and carryed April lytb
away from ofF Mr. Charles Turner's marish (marsh) five hoggs, being,
to the befl of my remembrance, cropt on both ears, wc^ is the proper
mark of the said 1 urner, as he claims, wc^ said hogs were for the GoA^er-
nor and the men with him * * * by his order.
W°^ HARTWELL,
Clk
Teft : ,
Robert Spring,
Rich. Awberne.
At a Gerf Court held at James City, April 29^^, 1679, p"«"'; the April 29th.
Dq)uty Gov'^ and Councell.
The Parilh of Blifsland petitioning, y^ by unanimous consent of y*'
whole parifh, a Divifion by suffitient men by them chofen is made of y* s*
p'ifh, and praying that y* Division be confirmed and fFoure of the Veflry
* Bacon*! Rebellion.
IS CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS-
2679 appearing, and affirming that y® Division was made by consent of y^
parifli. This Court therefore confirmed the s^ Divisioa.
Ver, Cop. Teftc : Rowland Davis.
W. P. EDWARDS, Clk.
Gerf Co*.
Nov'r lit The Onandages : anfwer upon the Propofitions of Col. W" Kendall,
Agent for ye Contry of Virginia, &c.
Names of Sachems : ^
Carachkondre,
Otriewachoe,
Canisicktoe and 5 Souldiers.^
> Brethren of Virginia :
I St. We are come here in the Prefixed
Houfle, where we are ufed to make Pro-
pofitions, and have underftood that w^ is
by you Represented. All our Indians (meaning their souldiers) have
been destracted or without their senfes, in Committing of this fact againfl
the Chriftians in Virginia, for itt is done without our order, and againft
our will. They have been like a child, who having an ax in itts hand,
is not senfible what itt doth with itt, and cannot discern between good
and Evil. Its made known to us by you, the dammage that our people
have done in Virginia in Plundering your houfes, &c ; We do ConfefTe
itt, but do say again, as above, thatt they have done very wickedly. We
have likeways underftood that when our young Indians Come near any
Chriftians, muft lay down their arms as a token of friendihip. It is
likeways told us, that if any of our People shall goe to warr towards your
Parts, againft any Indians, not in friend&ip with you, that they shall for-
bear to come near your Plantacons, all ^which we abfolutely undertake,
and do thank you that you have Propounded ye same.
We have Likeways underftood that by the Informacon, his hon% y®
gov' here, hath give you, you have forgive that which is past, for which
we do thank you hertily. You are People of underftanding, butt wee
are Brutifh, Blinde, and without underftanding, as we have said above ; and
we are thankful and glad that you Imparte k Communicate some knowlege
to us, and if our young Indians come amongft you, be friendly to y™,
for they goe againft their Enemys, ..he Dowuaganhoes — doe Prefent a
Belt of Zervant 20 deep. 2d. We thank them of Virginia, 4 commend
and piaife their understanding, that they fhow such favour to ye Oneydes,
our Children, and Include them in such a friendfhip. Doe give 8 fad-
dom Zervant.
3d. When our young Indians goe out a fighting against there enemies,
lett them be well ufed, and do not look so narrowly upon a Little Indian
Corn or Tobacco, but let us live like friends. As for ye burning of your
lioufes, it is unknown to us, but the Plundering of some goods and y®
Killing of a Beaft, wee do not deny ; as for killing of horfes, we have no
hand in ; but y® Oneydes have, & rointed to some of them then Piefent,
have shott fourc — And when wee come for Indian Corn or any Provision,
•doe not lett our eunns or arms be taken from us, seeing itt was the begin-
ning of thefe laft troubles. We doe thank you for your Tobacco and
Rom — doe give 7 faddom Zent.
This is a true Copy examined by me.
ROBT. LIVINGSTON.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. SS
Petition of John Storey, firft mate of the ship Golden Fortttne, to the xfiBo
Right Hon^^ Sir Heniy Chicheley, Dept. Governor of V*., praying that
* * * Morey may be removed from his pretended command
of said «hip, the mafter (M' Rob^ Arbuckle) having died ; and that he
(Storey) be allowed to succeed said Arbuckle.
Certificate of loss of a horse in the service of the King and Country, 1681
if M** Rob^ Sorrell, approved by George Lyddall, Magittrate, and ten
pounds pd. therefor.
Know all men by thefse prefents, y^ wee, Sarah Yardley, of y^ County 1682
of North****, widdow, Capt. William Whittington, and John Luke of y* ^ ^,^ ^^
same, gent., doe Acknowledge and Confefe o'felves to owe and stand
juftly indebted to Coll. John Stringer and ye Refst of his Ma*^ Juftices
of ye Peace for ye County Afore&id, in y® fume of forty thousand pounds
of good Tobacco and Casks, to be paid to y*^ said Coll. John Stringer
and Jufstices, their Exec^'*, Adm^ and Afslgnes upon demand, to y^
w*^^paym*, well and truly to bee made, wee bind us o" heires, Exec*" and
Adm" and Every of us and them Joyntly and fcverally by thefse pre-
fents. Dated and Sealed with our Seales y* sixth day of November, in
ye yeare of o" Lord God, one Thousand six Hundred Eighty and Two.
The Condicon of y^ Above Obligacon is fuch that if y* above bounden,
Sarah Yardley, Capt. Wm. Whittington and John Luke, their heires,
Exer^ and Adm^, or any of them, shall well and truely fave, indemni-
fye and- Keepe harmelefe, or cause to be iaved, indemnifyed or kept
harmelefse, y* (aid Coll. John Stringer and Juftices, their heires, Exec^
^nd Admin*" from all Countrey and County dues and payments w^*^ M'
ArgoU Yardley, deceafsed, Late high Sheriffe of y* County afore&id,
^as by y* faid Juftices (or such as were then sitting in Court) ordered to
^"^y sftid Collect then ye Above obligacon to be void and of none ef-
^^^ othcrwife to be and Remaine of full force and Vertue in ye Law.
SARAH YARDLEY.
^^/led, fealed and delivered in presence of
John Curtis, Jnr.,
Jno. Tancred.
Account of ferryage of Ed. Banks rendered and paid, &c.
^ Richr* Tunftall allowed 600 pounds of tobacco for a steer prefied
"^^o the service, &c.
Nath. Bacon, Efq., allowed 2,000 pounds tobacco for tranfporting Mattaponi
*^Micrs to the garrison on Mattaponi, &c. garrison
Petitions of sundry persons for charges of attending as jurors for com-
pensation, for quartering soldiers, impressing horses, for provisions fur-
'^hed, for salary as Intexpreter, for loss of horse at Mattaponi garrison,
«., &c.
Petition of Sarah Bhuid, widow and Executrix of Giles Bland (dec*^)
^ Thos. Lord Culpeper^ Ac.
Not intelligible.
X^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1683 Petition of inhabitants of St. Stephen's Parifli, New Kent Co., com-
plaining of veftry and aflcing permiffion to elect new meni &c.
Jan'y i8th Petition of Col. Leroy Griffin and Lewis Burwell, exctrs of John
Burnham agnst Ralph Wormley, praying a writ of eftrepment forbidding
said Wormley from destroying timber, &c.
A Petition of John Smith to Lord Culpeper for survey of lands on
which Yeocomico Indians redded, in Northumland Co., formerly owned
beaver tribute by Col. Richard Lee, for which he defires a Patent, after having paid
the quit Rents and Beaver tribute due from the Indians.
April 14th Petition of Peter Knight, John waddy, John Taylor, Christ. Gorling-
ton and others. Vestrymen, and Saml. George, 1 Church
Bar Dameron, J Wardens,
to Lord Culpeper to reinstate M' Charles Dacres as Rector, &c, Yeo-
comico and * * * Chappel Pariflies, Ac, (with order
from his Lordlhhip acCordii^ly, bearing his autograph.)
Oct*r 13th Instructions to Capt. Sands, of the Rangers, in regard to the Seneca
Hotwater Indians, said to be prowling on the frontier of Henrico Co. From Pre-
sident Nicholson Spencer, dated.
Petition of John Chilton, to be secured in the enjoyment of his land
in LancAfter County, againft the claim of Col. John Carter, &c.
Nov'r 17th One Anthony Arnold executed for high treafon, and one Covington
Arnold execu- being indebted to him in a certain amount of Tobacco and Cask, judg-
ted for high ment prayed againft the latter for this debt as confiscated to the Crown,
treason &c.; alfo case of one Howerton, in lUce circumftunces — by Edm^ Jen-
ning, Atty. General —
A CommiiHon of Inftructions, granted unto Thomas Lord Culpepper :
1684 Charles, the Second by the Grace of God, King of England, Scot-
CommiBiio'n of '^"^? France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, to our right, trufty and
instructiont to beloved Thomas Lord Culpeper, Greeting, M. M. Whereas, by our
Thomas Lord Letters Pattente, under our great scale of England, bearing date the eighth
Cha^^cjf li '°™ ^^y ^^ J"'y? ^^ ^^^ seven and twentieth yeare of our reigne. We granted
unto you, Thomas Lord Culpeper, the ofiSce of our Lieutenant and Gov-
ernor General of all that our Collony and Dominion of Virginia, in
America, with all its rights, members and appur whatfoever, to hold,
execute and enjoy the said office during your natural life next, and
immediately after the death, surrender forfeiture or other sooner de-
termination of the of Sir William Berkeley, Kn*; and
whereas, the said Sir William Berkeley, being now deceased, you are,
from the date of his deceafe, by virtue our said letters pattente, become
legally pofleiTed of the said office of our Lieutenant and Governour
Generall of our said Collony and Dominion of Virginia dureing your
natural life as aforefeid, wee doe therefore for your better guidance
and hereby require and command you to doe and
execute all things in due manner that fhall belong uuto your said office,
and the truft, we have reposed in you according to the several powers
CALENDAR OF STATE PAJ*ERS. 15
and authorities mentioned in thefe presents, or such 1684
further powers and such orders as you (hall receive, or By us shall at any
time hereafter be granted or appointed unto you, under our Signett and
Signe manuall, and according to such reasonable lawes and statutes as
now are or hereafter fhal bee made and agreed uppon in such manner
and forme as is hereafter exprefled ; And it is our will and pleasure, that
you, the said Thomas Lord Culpeper, haveing, after your arrival att
Virginia, publiihed your aforesaid letters patente, and also of these pr'-
sents, firft taken the Oaths of allegiance and supremacie, together with
the oath of duely executeing the office and trust of our Lieutenant and Gov-
ernour Generall of our said CoUony and Dominion of Virginia, which
our Councell of the said Collony and Dominion, or any three of them
be hereby authorifed, required and empowered to give and adminifter unto
you, and in your absence, to our Lieutenant or Deputie Goviernour, as well
the oaths of allegiance and supremacie, as the oaths for the due execu-
tion of these places and truft ; and wee doe hereby give and grant unto
you, with the advice and consent of the said Councell, full power and
authoritie to with General AfTemblies of the fFreeholders and
Planters within the said Collony and Dominion, as hath bin formerly
practised and used in the said Collony and Dominion, and our will and
pleasure is, that the persons thereupon duely elected and having, before
their sitting, taken the oaths of allegiance and supremacie, which you
shall commiffionate such persons, under the great scale of our said Col-
lony and Dominion, to adminifter, and without taking of which, none
shall be capable of fitting, though elected, fhall be called and held the
Generall AfTembly of the said Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and
shall have such power and authoritie to agree and consent unto all such
lawes, statutes, and ordinances, for the publiqe peace, welfare and good
Government of the said Colony and Dominion, and the people and in-
habitants thereof, and such others as fhall reforte thereunto, and for the
benefit of us, our heires and succefTors, as having bin by you, with the
advice and consent />f the said Councell, framed and transmitted unto
us, approved and remitted unto you, under our great scale of England,
to be there added by your receiving our royall anent thereunto — which
said lawes, ordinances and statutes, are to be by you framed as neere as
conveniently may bee to the lawes and ftatutes of our Kingdom of
Engbnd. And we doe hereby nevertheless authorize and empower you
in cafe of Invafion, Rebellion, or some very great neceffitie, to passe an act
or Acts by and with the confent of the General AfTemblie without trans-
mitting the same, firft unto us, to raise moneys within our said Colony
and Dominion, to anfwer the emisions arifing by such urgent necefities ;
and wee doe give you likewise full power, from time to time, as you shall
judge itt neceflarie, to dissolve all General Assemblies. And our plea-
sure is that you shall and may Keepe and ufe the publiqe seale, appointed
by Us for Virginia, and all grants made and confimed thereby, shall
stand good in Law, saveing in the Actes hereafter excepted and
.^nd wee doe hereby give and grant unto you full power and authoritie,
with the advice and confent of the said Councell, to ere6l, conftitute and es-
tablfih, such and soe many Courts of Judicature and publiqe juftice
within our said Colony and Dominion, when the same shall be wanting,
as you and they shall think fitt and necessarie, for the hearing and deter-
mmtngof all individual! gennerall caufes, according to lawe and equitie.
ie CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1684 and for awarding of execucon thereupon, with all reasonable and neces-
sarie powers, authorities, fFees and priveledges^ unto them, and also ta
appoint and commiffionate fit persons in the several Ports of our said
Colonv to adminifter the Oath of Allegiance and supremacie unto such
as shall bee obliged to take the same. And wee doe hereby grant such
power and authoritie to conftitute and appoint Judges
commiiEoners of Oyer and Terminer, Juftices of the Peace, SherifFes^
and other neceflarie officers and within the said Colony
for the administration of Juftice, and putting the lawes in
execucon, and to administer such oath, and oaths, as are ufually given
for the due execucon and performance of offices, places and charges,,
and for the hereing of the truth in Judicial caufes — Provided, alwaies,.
and our will and pleafure is that coppies of all Establilhments, Juris-
dicons. Courts, offices and officers, powers and authorities, fiees and privi*
ledges, granted or settled by you as aforefiiid, bee with all
and speed transmitted to one of our principall Seccretaries of State, and
the Lords of our Privy Councell, appointed a Committee for Trade and
Plantations, to be allowed or disallowed by us. Wee shall judge fitt, and
wee doe hereby give and grant unto you, full power and authoritie when
you shall see caufe or judge any offender or offenders in
for any ffines or fForfietures due unto us, fitt objects of our mercy to par*
don, and remitt all such offenders, ffines or ffbrfietures — Treafon and
wilfuU murder onely excepted — in which cafes you shall likewise have
power, or in your absence, our Lieutenant or Deputie Governour, upon
any extraordinary occafions, to grant reprieves to the offender therein^
and to the intent, our Pleafure may be knowne therein : And wee doe
hereby give and grant unto you full power and authoritie to sufpend any
member of the Councell if you see juft cause ; and our will and plea-
sure is, that every member of our Councell sufpended by you, shall be
uncapable during such suspensions, of serving as member of the Gene-
ral AfTembly. Of which sufpenfion, with the caufe thereof, you shall^
with convenient speede, give notice to us, to the intent wee may
our pleasure thereupon , and wee doe further authorife and impower, in
cafe of death or departure from our said Colony and Dominion, suspen-
sion or other removal of any the members of the said Councell to ap-
point ♦ « « « ♦ gy^}j persons to supply the said
vacancy, as you shall think fitt * * * * of which
our said Councell, wee doe hereby appoint to bee
which persons soe chofen and appointed by you, shall bee in all
and purpofes our Councell of our State, Colony and Dominion, 'till, &c.
End, BARKER, Secy.*
Statement of Mathew Wakelin, Justice, and Anthony Armstead^
Sheriff of Elizabeth Citv Co,, to Effingham, in relation to his late ap-
pointments of Juftices, «c«
Petition of one Ric^ Parrel to be made Doorkeeper to the Houfe of
BurgefTes.
ApcU 15th Petidon of Nath. Bacon and others for judfi;ement againft W". Phil-
lips for 39380 pds. ^^ sweet scented tobacco and calks," &c.
* Tlut docomeiic it written on pirchawiity ia th« duragrapbjr pccuUtr t« tht pctiod dw
leal hu diuppeared.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. TT
Petition of John Robinson for a "non-suit" againft one George 1684
Purvis.
Inftructions to Capt. W°^. Jones, in command of " thirty horse, ap- June »»<*
pointed a guard for the frontiers of the Country," &c., against Indians. ,^^ ^
" Effingham."
Procbedings of j^ly j,,j
A Grand Council, held at Albany, between the Right Hon. Francis Albany
Wd Howard, Baron of Effingham, Gov. General of His Majistie's
dominions of Virginia, &c.
»^The Truly Honb*^ Collo. Thos. Dougan, Gov. Genl., N. York, and
^pendencies in America.
-Ralph Wormley, Efq'., one of the Council of Virginia.
3/*". Edm^ Jennings, Atty-General of Virginia.
itf *". Stevens V. Courtland, one of the Council of Province.
IVd*". John Spragg, one of the Counc^^ and Sect^ of the Province, and
Xhe Majiftrates of Albany and
The Sachems of the three nations of Oneydes, Onondages and Cayu-
ges
viz:
Tuhohese alias Odianne, Speaker.
Canondondaire.
Jahajarodis
Saggoddiorhguis.
Rode.
Kanhedoro.
Sarighto.
Tuskeneneundo.
The Oneide Sachems ;
Dekardarwaer.
Haijaquaria.
Jekanjossa.
Onandaga Sachems :
Thanaghiaghtia.
Tieonoghtahkeudai.
Takaiperonys.
The Cayuge Sachems :
Ossochha.
Owerkerhawie.
Hannanerarie.
Containing sundry speeches and replies, made upon what appears to
l^ve been propoftions previously made to the Indians, through Arnout
Coy. Viele, sworn, &c., interpreter, at great length, and under numerous
heads.
3
18
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Effingham*!
addreit to H.
•f BorgesB
1684 Reafons why adminiftration was granted on the estate and on laft
Auguit 6th will and Testament of one Col. Henry Symythe, (dec'd.)
Auguit asth Petition of one Henry Sprat for redress againft one Piper, who has left
the '* County of Lower Norfolk," indebted to him, &c. ; and of one
Turner for goods unlawfully removed, &c.
Addrefs to the House of Burgefles, by Effingham, in regard to the policy
of praying his majesty to prohibit the further exportation of Tobacco
in bulk — in reference to the late Conference with the Seneca Indians,
through which, with the aid of the Governor of New York, peace had
been eftabliflied with these " Barbarous People," and he had " espoufcd
these Indians as His Majefty's Servants" — Suggesting meafures to be
adopted for raising money to " an affistance and ease to the great charge,
the Governor of New York has been at this winter in maintaining these
nations of Indians againft the pretensions of the French," &c.
November Statement of Nicholas Spencer, atty of Hon^ Tho* Lord Culpepper,
Beaver skins a in regard to indebtness of one John King, to him, " in the sum of 128
circulating me- pQm^js beft winter beaver, Killed in Season," &c.
dium ^
Nov. 13th ^ Petition of Porter Smith aga'"' one John Sanford, in relation to joint-
ownerfliip in a veflel trading to Jamaica, &c.
Statement of Coll. Cadwallider Jones, affignee of Hn''^^ Nicholas
Spencer, Atty for Hon*"^® Thomas Lord Culpepper in relation to claim of
the latter for 11,715 pounds of tobacco and caAcs, againft estate of one
Henry Smith.
Cornelius Dabney, Interpreter for Pamunky Indians, petition to
Council and Burgefles, for his Compensation, passed upon in 1684, and
sundry petitions, unimportant.
1685 Petition of Ifaac Gary, to be allowed to act as Priest and Deacon of
Wallingford Parish, he having failed to bring neceflary teftimonials, &c.,
as required by law.
March 5th
Rappahannock
County
Court held —
Col. John Stone, M*. Jas. Harrison,
Capt. Geo. Taylor, M^ W**. Slaughter
.}j
ustices.
The difference depending between M'. Saml. Bayly in Right of Joyce
Bayly, an Orphan, Pet., and Hefechia Collidge, Det'., concerning the
survey of a certain tract of land, &c.
Copie Tes*:
W«. COLSTON, Clk.
March sth Referring certain matters to " Court of surveys at Jas. City,
April 13th Sundry petitions for damages, &c., and supercedeas.
*i
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 1»
Petition of one Crawford, by Thos'. Ballard, Atty,, againft Roger 1685
Jones, for harbouring three Indians, a woman, a boy, and a girl, who April 14th
had been purchased by said Crawford, &c., and ufed as slaves, &c. JbJlS* ST'
^0 his Excellency, fFrancis Lord Howard, Baron of Eilinghim, his £d. jenlngi,
Ma«- Liet., &c., &c.: Att-y Gtn\
bnngi iBit Ti.
Ed"«* Jenings, his Ma*^ Attorney-Gen", Humbly Sheweth— uiSd toT
That William Coventon became indebted unto Anthony Arnold, the t^^^^
Sum of 700^^ Tob. and Cafk, as by his bill, bearing date the 12^ day of cnted for high
November, 1672, may appeare, and alfo the sum of 2,000^^ of tobacco treatoa
& Caik, as by another bill, bearing date y^ 14^ day of November,
^672, may alfo appeare \ & whereas, the s^ Arnold was attainted, and
^Jrecuted for high treafon, by w^^ his Estate, both reall and p'fonall, be-
came forfeited to his most facred Ma^^% and y® s^ Coventon haveing
^ever satisfyed or payd the s*^ sume to the s^ Arnold before his attainder,
^^ ztt any time since, and still refuseing foe to doe, tho often required.
Yo" Petion% therefore, on the behalf of our s** fovereigne
Lord y® King, hath brought this Suite, and prays Order for
y* prefent pay"' of y® s* sums, amounting to 2,700*** To-
Dacco & Caflc, with costs of Suite. And hee (hall ever
pray, &c,
Requ.osting that certain parties be prefented for selling liquor without May 6th
lifence in Chas. City County.
Petition of one Joanna Hunt vs. Libler. October 6th
*^^^^. Pearman fined 350 pds. Tobacco & Cask, for not obeying October 24th
sumixions as a juryman in the case of Arnold, executed for treafon, but
rciivvtted on prooi of his Sickness, &c.
^ Proclamation, made by Francis Lord Howard, Baron of Effing- 1686
V*^^> convening a genl. aflembly, previously prerogued ; and providing septv 14th
(ot an election of members to ferve in place of those who may have
died or become otherwife incapacitated from serving therein.^
An appeal to the Sachems of the five nations, Onedas, Cayugas, 1687^
Onaodagas, &c., demanding reafons for their hoftile acts, &c., and ap- ;^„-mt ^^j^
pealing for peace — (partly lost.)
Reply of the Sachems, &c., to the above appeal, &c.
Ace* of rigging, &c., of ship ** Society," of Bristol, *' Seized and NotV 22d
forfeited to his Majesty " for failure to comply with Port regulations,
payment of import dues on slaves, &c.
Writs returned by the Sheriff of Yorke C^ 1688
* TUt Document beat the Ancient Seal of the Colony— in the exergon the wordt, *' En dat
Virginb Qaintnm.'*
iiO CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1688 Virg* ss. By His Excdfencf—
Apfff i4dt Por as much as I, Francis Lord HorwarJ, Baron of EfEngham^ and
_ . his Maj**** Lieu* Gov' Gerf^ of Virg*, am by his most sacred Maj^** Es-
p1^ mSr' Pcciall Commands, Given, at his Msif^ Court at Windsor, the first day
drtk 0^ Mouse of Aug**, An^ Dom, 1686, and in the second y* of His Maj*^ Reignc,
of Burgesses Required upon the Convening Aflemblies, to appovnt a fftt person to
Execute the office of the Clerke of the House of ourgesses. In Obe-
dience to which commands of His most Excellent Maj****, I, the s*
Frslncis Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham, being well assnred of the
Loyalty, Integrity and ability of you, Capt. FrtLncis Page, of the execu-
tion and performance of the said place and office, and tnift thereto be-
longing, I have thought fitt, and hereby doe, by and with the adiriee arid
approbation of the Councell of State, ordaine, nominate and appgynt
you, the said Capt. Francis Page, Cfcrke of the House of Burgesses,
with power to take, receive and Injoy to y* owne tifse and behoofe, till
ftts^ dues and perquefites to the said place usualFf belonging or apper-
taineing, and that you continue Clerke to the House of Burgesses till
I skall signifye my WiH and pleafure to the contrary.
Given under my hand and the Seale of the Colony, this twenty-fourth
day of April, An° Dom., 1688.
EFFINGHAM.
May loth Virginia. By his Excellency :
rhfcr^n'*" Seale— I doe Accknowledge to have re^ of William Cole, Coll**' of
his Majistyes* dutyes in y® Lower Precints of James River, the full sume
of Eight hundred ninety-one pounds two shillings and three pence, ster*,
being for two parts of y® Produce that the Negroes, that were brought
into y* Country In y* Shipp " Society," of Briftoll after y* Charges De-
ducted, and were seized and condemned as Forfeited to his sacred Ma-
jesty. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto sett my hand and seale,
this 10"* day of May, 1688, and in y* fourth yeare of y* Reigne of our
Sov^'aigne Lord, King James y® Second, &c.
« EFFINGHAM."
May nth Address of the Houfc of Bursesses, to the Governor, in regard to a
propofed revisal of the Laws, and recommending the same.
Message from the H. of Burgesses to the Governor in reply to his,
in regard to *' Restraining the planting of Tobacco " — that *' this Houfe
doth, w^all thankfulness accept" the Conference betweeen certain mem-
bers of the ^^ Councill " and of the H. of Burgesses, as proposed by his
Excellency.
May 14th
Writ—
Thefe are in his Maj^^ Name to will and require you to arrest tfae body
of William Digges, Efq'^., and him in safe Custody to keepe till he enter
into bond w^^ good and sufficient Securityes for his appearance at James
Citty, before the Governo' and Councell, on the first day of the next
Genii. Co*^., then and there to anfwer the suit of Mary Fendall, Widd^
Adm^ of Josias Fendall, Gent., dece^, in an accon. of debt for eighty
thousand pds. of Tob^ and Calke, pr. bonds, hereof as alfo to make
CALENDAR OF STA^fE PAPERS. jH
^uereturne of this Writ, fidle not. Dated at James Ctttjr, May i*^, ''^
1688.
To the SherifFe of Yorkc
County or his Deputy.
W. EDWARDS^
Clk. Gen. Co'*.
Ed. Da(vis, Lyonell Delawafer and Jno. Hinfbn, having been captured July ^ik
in Tune by Czpu Limon Rowe, of the Frigate ** Dumbarton," were, by ^^ . ^ ^^
order of the Governor, Baron Effingham, Committed to the Publick cj, itc.
Jail of James City County for safe keeping, until tried for Piraey, &c.
The silvier and gold plate and ether vakables taken wkh them were
duly securtd<-^upon trial, they we^e acquitted of the charge of Piracy —
whereupon tfatty wac up a petkiw for the reftoratioa of the jJate and
other valuable^ Linnen, Siik% CtotWng, &c., taken fvom tktm at the
liiHC of thctf eaptiire.
Sheriff of Middlefex's acc^ with guard of prifiniers and attendants, 8(e. July iith
Writs and attachments, &c., returned to SheriS, &e. August
lings of Veftry, concerning ti^ dividing Hoe between the Pariih Septv nt
of Blifrland and Pariih of S". Peters.
John Womack vs. Jno. Granger and wife— *«ctioR fqr Slander. Sept*r 12th
Relating to controversy growing out of boundary line between Blifi^ SeptV 15th
land and S\ Peters Parishes.
Att a Councill held at Ja. Citty, 8^, i8^% A^. Dom., 1688, Anno-qe Octv 18th
Regni Regis Jacobi Secundi Quarto.
Pres**: His Excellency.
Nath^ Bacon, Esq"". Coll. John Page,
CoU. W». Cole. Coll. W». Byrd.
Ralph Wormeley, Esq'. Coll. John Lear,
Col. Rich. Lee. CoU X ^ Wormeley.
Coll. John Custis. Coll. Isaac ADeston.
Coll. Jno. Armestead.
His Excellency, acquainting this Board, that being in Accomack, this Complaint
Jast Somer, Major Charles Scarburgh, ambngft other difcourse to his JRfj^^g.'^^r-
Excellency, (aid that his Mag*^* would weare out the Church of England, burjh"or wdi-
and upon His Excellency's faying, how M''. Scarburgh weare out the tious Ungaige,
Church of England, he replyed, yes, for where there are any vacancies, **=•
the King supplies the places with men of other p'fwarfiona, with other
discourses of the like nature, for which His Excellency then Reproved
him, and hath since sufpended him from the Comicon of the Peace, and
Ae &id Words being by this Board look't on as highly tending to the
IXiquiet of this, his Maj'^ Government, and contrary and Derigatory
t» His Maj**" most Gracious Declaracon of Liberty and Confcience,
Doc order that the faid Major Charles Scarburgh make his p'rfonall ap-
peareance at James Citty, before his Excellency and Councill in Coun-
g$ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1688 cill, on y* Second day of y® next Gen^^ Court, then and there to an*
swere what shall be objected agt. him.
The ShereiiFe of Accomack County is hereby
Ord*^ to serve Major Charles Scarburgh with this
Or*, & to make the returne of y* feme to y^
Clerk of y* Council.
W. EDWARDS,
Clk. Cou°,
Middletes Co. To ye Hon^^* M^ Prefident and ye Hon*^*» his Maj^« Councell of State
w«itv Whita- of Virginia :
kcr detiret to The humble petition of Walt. Whitaker, most humbly sheweth —
retire (ron pub*
lie lerrice That vo' pet' hath for fome years paft had y* hon' to exercife divers-
places or truft in pointe of offices, both civill and millitarie, in this, his
Maj*^ Dominion of Virginia, in the due diicharge of w^ places, he hath*
endevered to manifest his gratitude to ye Gov' and y* Councell, that
confered such truft & honor upon him, and now he having the hon' to be
one of his Msm**** Juftices of the Peace for Middlefex County, as alfo
Capt. of Horfe there, & haveing no less zeal then ever to difcharge
his dutie in both places, yet iindine him selfe less able by reafon of fre-
quent in difposition of bodie, as sufoe for that his owne private bufiness
requiring more time & Labour (^en formerly ; Least he should fail of,
from his former deportment, & thereby be obnoctious to cenfure, doth*
most humbly befeech yo' Hono" to give him leave to retire from the pub-
lique services, & to put some perfon more capable than at p'fent yo' pt'
is to discharge them, in his place, w^^, as it will bee a great obligation to*
yo' petition' so will it oblige him as in dutie bound.
Ever to pray for yo' Hon^'" health & prolperitie,
WALT* WHITAKER.
1689 Petition of *' Herquapinck," "Paucough" and Hearseeqe — "Monguys;
and Cheif Rulers of the poore and distrefsed Remnant" of Chickahominy
hominy In-*" Indians : to the Governor, praying for protection from the murderous
diani detire to designs of the ^^ Pamamuck Indians" on ^^ Pomonky River," with whonv
remoTe to they had been driven by the " Rabid Hostility of the Senecas, to take up
Rickahock ^ temporary abode ; and for leave to remove to a place '* called Ricka-
hock," on the north side of Mattapony river, belonging to M'. Benj.
Arnold, which they had taken in exchange from him for their own lands^,
lying in y® front of the English Inhabitants, on the south side of Mate-
tapony river, &c., &c.
To the Hon*** House of Burgesses —
Lancelott Bathurst,
Humbly Sheweth,
Petition for That in Aprill laft yp' pet' was appointed Clerk of the Comittee of
remnneration private causes, and Did attend untill the Assembly was prorogued. And.
at this present Assembly he was appointed Clerk of the Comittee of Ex-
amination of the Records wc* hee hath diligently attended upon^and alfo-
assifted the the Comittee of Grievances by M'. Speaker's order^ where-
fore hee humbly prays that hee may bee considered for the same, in the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $S
publique Levy, and that it may be ordered him in New Kent County. 1689
And hee shall pray, etc.
Petition and Protest of one John Swinefield, owner of a small "barque" Protest agaiaic
from Pennsylvania, againft Capt. Simon Rowe, of the " Dumbarton," gh^^'&c^ *
frigate, who had by force, searched the said " Barque " in pretence of
looking for contraband goods, and compelled him to pay for her release
"three hundred pieces of eight,"
♦Order from the President of the Council to Ed. Jennings, Collector ^pni 27th
of "York River District" to collect all vefsels ready to leave for Eng- ;„ fleets.
land, at the mouth of James river, to sail in fleets.
At a session of the County Court held at this place, Messrs John J*^"* i^
Blighton and Elias Osborne, petitioned in person, to be allowed to ch"?City Co
practice law as attorneys, upon being commissioned by the Governor,
&c.
• * * About y® 20th of January last, my Cozen Thomas Broome J"*y ^^
& my selfe havinge had severall discourses about y® Transactions in Oodson'sinfor-
England, he hath at severall tymes reproach*^ y® Kinge, that now is, and mation vs. one
lately was stiled y° prince of Aurange, with the titles of Rouge, Villian S'^®'"*
Rebell & Traytor, & this not only when not * * * Knowne in
this Countrey, but by y® titell of y® prince of Orange, but since it was
publiquely knowne and reported in this countrey, that he was proclaimed
Kinge in England. A stronge * * * verey fFrequent with him ironically com-
to compare the said Kinge William to Oliver Cromwell, making y® result fo^oifv^^*^*'*™
of y® comparison to render Cromwell an honest man & a saint, in Cromwcii
respect to y® Kinge.
The Parlement, now sitting in England, as equally reproach^ with dis-
honorable terms, affirming thay wear no parlement, but a Company of
Bad men, got together by y® power of y*^ sword to execute their master
Oliver's commands.
I am ready to attest the truth of this informacon.
JOHN DODSON.
Execution issued by the "SherifFe of Warwick Co." by order of the October 3111
General Court at James Citty, againft Capt, Robert Thomas, he having
failed to sutain his appeal made to (aid Court, from a previous decision
of the County Court of Warwick.
Lt. Ross :
1690
I am directed by his Hon', the L' Gov% to send to you, and ord' you jan> lad
* Vetielf were required to await the arrival of an armed ship as convoy, unless they could
mU in fleets sufficiently strong to resist tucceufully the attacks of Pirates, who were very numer-
ous at this date. Almost every vessel, merchantmen or otherwise, carried guns mounted and
BeB sufficient to use them.
$4 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1690 to be in James Citty to-morrow morneing by sun Riseing at farthest,
with yo' owne horse, in ord' to yo' goeing to Yorke Ferry, and in' Secre-
tary Coles, fail not.
I am, yo' friend,
W. EDWARDS, C'lk Cour.
Accomack Co. " Know all men by these Presents : That I, Thomas Preefon, mari-
ner, of Liverpoole, in the Kingdom of Eng**, doe acknowledge my selfe
to owe and stand indebted unto our Soveraigne Lord and Lady William
and Mary, King and Queen of England, & am in the full and just sume
of one hundred pounds of Lawful money of England, to be paid to their
said Majefties, their Heires, Successors, on demand ; wh payment well
and truely to be made and done, I bind my selfe, my Heires, Executors
and Administrators, firmly by these Prefents. Signed with my name and
seal'dthis eight day of March, i68,J,.
The Condition of this Obligationis such, That whereas the above
bound Thomas Preefon, M' of the Pinp**, called the " Grape," of Liver-
poole, did this day cleare the faid Pinp with their Maj**^* Deputy Collec-
tor at the Port of Accomack, in Virgin*, who haveing received a coppy
of a precept from the Hon^^*^ Nath'll Bacon, Esq% the President of this
Collony, w*'^ requires all mafters of shipps bound for Europe, after being
cleared, to faile with their shipps to Poynt Comfort, and there remain
under the command of Capt. Simon Roe, Commander of their Majesties
frigett, the Dunbarton, until 1 they shall receive orders from the faid
Nath'l Bacon, the President, to depart from thence, w*^^, if the above
bound Thomas Preefon shall obferve, and accordingly saile with the
above named Prinp ** Grape," for Poynt Comfort, and there remain as
afore®^, the danger of the seas only excepted, then this obligation shall be
void and of none effect, or else, shall stand, remain, and be in full force,
power and virtue.*
THO. PREESON.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us.
Jos. Robinson,
Edmund Custis.
Capt. Ed. Ross' petition for pay for express rider " on their maj**** ser-
vice" to '^Rapp* & Patowmack," and "to y^ Hon*^« Coll. Byrd's, &c.,
&c.
Sundry petitions, enquiries, complaints and receipts, bearing date from
July to December, inclusive.
Tuiv loth *' Copy " of Collector Ed. Jennings' account, of duties collected on
Dutyoniiquois Liquors at three pence (3) pr gallon, in Yorke River District.
WILLIAM BYRD, Aud'tr.
* This restriction upon the sailing of merchant Tessels was made necessary by the frequent
captures of single vessels by Pirates, after they had gotten ^rly to sea j hence it was required of
all vessels clearing for Europe to assemble at some chosen place, and being provided with con-
voys, they sailed for their destined porta in fleets.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 36
Proposals Humbly offered to the Confideration of the Honourable, 1690
His Majosties Lieu^ Governor & the Council k other Gentlemen of the
Colony of Virginia :
For as much as the Manufacturing & Improving of Tobacco of the Measures lug-
Product of the said Colony in a manner not hitherto known to the In- 8"t*<l t© »«-
habitants thereof, may prove very beneficial as well to increase the manufacmre
weakh of the inhabitants thereof, as to enhrge the Trades of Great \ind caiture of
Brittain, It is humbly hoped that the following fchemc for that Pur- to*>*cco
pofe, founded upon the experience of the author, will be accepted as a
proof of his good Intentions for the Public Service, And to evince that
he does not proceed upon bare Speculations. He humbly beggs leave to
Relate in what manner he came by the knowledge of what he is here to
offer for the Service of this Colony :
Some years ago he was Employed in the Service of the Portuguefe
Merchants, Trading to Guinea and Brasile, In one of these voyages
he happen'd for a Confiderable time to reside at S^ Salvadorie, in Bahai,
& at Pernambuc, & at both these places observ'd the manner of cur-
ing & manageing the Brasil Tobacco, & believes himfelf perfectly
well acquainted with all the methods ufd therein, which rendreth it of
much greater value, both in Europe & Africa, than any other Tobacco
whatfover.
That after gaining this experience, the Author of thefe Propofals came
to Virginia k made the Trial whether the Tobacco of this Colony
cou'd be Improved to an equal goodness & Value with that of Brasil,
and by the Trial he made thereof, (which was but in a small quantity,
becaufe he was interrupted therein by the Fever & Ague, with which
lie was Violently seiz'd about the time the Tobacco became ripe) he is
fully convinced that the sweet scented Tobacco df this Colony may be
improved to have all the qualities & to be of equal value with the beft
Tobacco made in Brasil. On the afTurance of this truth, it is that he
presumes to offer to Yo' Honour's Consideration :
I. That if it shall be judged consistant with the Trade of Great
Britain & Interest of this Colony, he is willing to undertake the In-
structing of all the Planters in Virginia, in the true method of curing
k manageing their Tobacco so as to make it equally valuable with that
of Brazil upon a proper Encouragement to be given him by the Publick.
n. But if this should be thought too General a Scheme in regard, it will
alwayes be neceflary for this Colony to export a Sufficient quantity of the
Ordinary Tobacco for the supply of the European markets. The Pro- Joint-stock Co.
poferdoes humbly offer to joyn with any number of Gentlemen who
shall be willing to enter into a joint ftock for the curing, prepairing k
manageing such a quantity of the Tobacco of this Colony in the manner
of the Brafil Tobacco as may be Sufficient for the European markets,
k more efpecially for the Trade of the Coaft of Guinea, where that
kind of Tobacco is most in demand k where the greateft Profit may be
made thereof.
And if the Honourable, the Governor k Councill shall approve of Patent wanted
this laft Proposal, It is humbly hop'd that then: Honours will make so
favourable a Representation thereof that His Majeftie may be induced
to gcant to the Adventurers a Patent for the fole benefit of this Trade
for the term of Fourteen years, & to allow them the Privilege of Ex-
1
$6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1690 porting the fame from hence to the Coaft of Guinea, upon their giving
proper Security to send the fame there, & not elfewhere, with such ne-
ceflary Powers & Authoritys to the Adventurers in the faid Trade as
His Majesty shall think most conducive to the Intereft of Great Britain
& the Plantations.
And to illuftrate the advantages which will accrue hereby, the Pro-
pofer from his own Knowledge doth affirm that there is annually exported
from Brafil to the Coaft of Guinea, lying to the Southard of the Dutch
Advanuges of Settlement, at S^ George, Delimina, ffifty shipps Lading of Tobacco
from sixty to one hundred Tunns Burthen, and yet scarce any of thefe
ships Trade on the Gold Coaft or between that & the River Gambia,
where that kind of Tobacco is no less in demand then on the other parts
of the African Coafts, so that the Portuguefe can sell seven or Eight
thoufand Hogfheads on the South Coast of Africa it may be reasonably
Computed that the like quantity of Virginia Tobacco may be vended on
the other parts of the Coast where the Portuguese seldom or never
Trade.
Price of Brazil The Propofer has known a Role of sixty-four Poundsweight of Brasil
tobacco Tob® sold on the Coast of Guinea for an ounce of gold dust, And the
negroes are so fond of it that Slaves, gold & teeth may be purchafed
with it sooner than with any commodity Whatfoever.
This kind of Tobacco is alio very valuable in Holland & at Ham-
burg, and a considerable quantity thereof might be sold there to a very
great profit.
The Proposer has had the opinion of diverfe merchants in London, to
whom he communicated this Project, particularly of M'. Robert Cary
& M^ John Tomlinfon, who approved thereof, & encouraged him to
this undertaking, not only as beneficial to Virginia, but to the Trade of
Great Britain in General, k the laft of these two Gentlemen took the
trouble of Drawing & presenting a memorial on this subject to the
Board of Trade, who highly approv'd of the design, and were pleaPd to
afliire the propofer that if he would profecute it he shou'd have a Patent
for fourteen years for the fole Trade of this Tobacco.
If a Number of the Gentlemen of this Colony shall think fitt to be
concerned with the Proposer, He humbly oflFers the following methods
for carrying it on :
Plan First. That a certain sum be fubscribed by each as a Joint Stock for
the purchase of Crops of Tobacco growing on the ground, & slaves
for the curing of it & other necefsary charges.
Secondly. That when any of the subfcribers shall furnish Tobacco of
their own Plantations, the fame shall be rated at a certain price by the
Company or the Committee thereof.
Thirdly. That six or Eight Gentlemen near Williamsburg i York
be chofen a Committee for the greater expedition of the Buuness, that
one or more Treafurers be appointed near to one of thofe places.
Fourthly. That a Court of the whole number of Subfcribers be held
twice a Year for the General aflfairs of the Company.
Fifthly. That as Five Hundred Pounds for each Subscriber is propofecf
to be the Capital Stock, such part of that fum as shall be judg'd neces-
sary by the majority of the Subfcribers shall think neceflary to begin this
undertaking, shall be paid down to the Treafurers, and other payments
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. iW
to be made according as the Committee shall find cause for extending 1690
their Trade.
All of which is humbly submitted by — *
kDor
By y* Right Hon^*« the L« Gove'
Yo' are hereby required Forthw"* to putt y* Bearer, Lieut. Edward Order to pais
RoflTe, or any other perfon w*** his horse, over York River, Rappahan- ^^^^ *«"*" fr**
nock River, and foe back againe. He being sent to Potowack for their
majcs**" fervice, whereof fayle not.
Given under my hand this i'^ day of August, 1690.
To the Keepers of any Ferrys on York
& Rappahannock Riven
FFR. NICHOLSON.
At a Councell held at James Citty, Jany. 27^, 1691. Prest: 1691
The Right Hono'*^® Fra. Nicholfon, Esq'., their Ma* L* Gov' k Coun- janV »7th
cell. jgaac City
The Broad Arrow being their Ma', perticuler marke, & this Board The Broad
being informed that in two places in Charles Citty County severall things ^"^^
lyc und' y* marke, & the feme not made by ye SherrifF of y* s*^
County forthwith seize and take into his cuftody all, & whatsover To-
bacco, or other things he shall finde within the aforefeid County, marked
with the broad arrow as aforesaid, & the feme safely secure for their
Ma* use, untill further Ord'" be taken therein, makeing returne of his
proceedings to the Sec" office by the sixth day of the next Gen*^ Court.
Cop* vera.
Tefte •
W. EDWARDS,
Ck. Co*.
In Obedience to ye within Order, I have searched in such places as it
was sufpected y® broad-arrow was unduly putt on ye toba. houfe->doores,
Jc nothing in y® s^ house, & alfbe on a dwelling house doore, but no-
thing; there.
March the 31'*, 1691.
JOHN STITH,
SheriflF.
Sundry petitions, executions, &c., caveats, suits for lands and orders of
Court in purfuance thereof.
Suit brought by Anthony Armftead, Attorney for Humphey Tabb,
i^nst George Berkenhead, ^^ in an accon of Trefpass & ejectment,"
in the Genl. Court, involving right in three parcels of land, &c., with
order of Court, in accordance with verdict in favour of Humphey Tabb,
through his Attorney, Anthony Armftead, and signed,
MILES CARY,
Clk. Genl. Ct.
* Thit document bears n« date or ligaiture, but was doubtless prompted by the general inte-
•m manifested at this time ( 1 690) in the improvement of the staple and quality of Tobacco.
$s
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1691
Febniaqr 5th
Barley, Malt,
&c.,Talae of
Februaiy 9th
Isle of Wight
April 17th
Jamei City
BiU of Clear-
ance
* To the worfhipfitll Court of James City Couoty :
Thomas Taylor humbly shenreth —
That ffr. Reeves being at his house, did propofe to sell to him, forty
bushells of good, every way well Qualyfyed Malt, which y' p^ having:
prefent occasion for, did Agree with the $^ Reeves for ys (ame, & gave
htm from under his hand, for the payment thereof. But soe it is, may^
it pleafe this Court that a little time after the sd. Reeves brought to his.
house a sample of the s* malt, which y' pe** proving, found it to be no-
thing of malt, but rather Barley spoyled, (be that he refused to accept
of the same. Notwithflanding which the s' Reeves uniuftly designing:
an advantage, & with intent to putt ofF his spoyled barley instead of sweet
well made malt, sued y' pe^ upon his Obligacon, for pay"^ for the s^ malt^
& obtained Judgment for the (ame, which has compel'd y' pe*' to bring his<
accon. agst. the sd. Reeves, praying the delivery or forty bu(hels of
good, sound, every way well Qualyfyed, sweet malt, or in de&ult thereof^
&c., y' pe^be released from the s^ Judgement, having rec^ noe manner of
(atisfacon for the same, & that the ^ Reeves' pay costs, ic shall ever
pray.
Cop-
vera.
At a Court held, &c. — Prefent :
Coll. Arthur Smith, M
Lt. Coll. Samuel Bridger, M
MILES CARY,
Clk. Ct.
M'. George Moore,
M'. Henry Baker,
Thomas Giles,
Anthony Holliday,
Cap^ John Goodrich, \ ^
At a Genl. Court held at James Citty, April 17% 1691 —
Prefent :
The R^ Hon»^'« ye Lieut. Gov',
W". Cole, Esq'., Sec'., John Lear, Esq'., Ralph Wormfcy, Esq'.^
Christ'. Wormlcy, Esq'., W». Byrd, Esq'., Edward HiU, Esq'.,
Henry Whiting, Esq',
W. EDWARDS,
Clk. G. C^
t " These are to certifie all whom it doth concern^
that Thomas Eyres, Master of the Brigantine, ^^ friendship," Burthen
Twenty Tons, or thereabouts, noe Guns, Englisk b«ilt, and bound for
Virginia, navigated with five men. Hath here loaden and taken on board
Two hog^ of Rum, Fifteen Barrels of Mellafses, three bags of Hopps,.
A parcel of Earthen and Woddcn Ware, and Two hog** of Sugar, ffor
Which the Rates and Duties, Impofed by the Afl of the 25*** year of
the late King Chatles the Second, for better securing the Plantacon
trade," &c., &c. * • *
*The Court after haring heard the e?idenc»and read long depofkioni, decided *<that the
td. Reevca P«]f unto the id. Taylor, according to his obligacon, forry Baiheb of Malt at ht»
Landing in Henrico County, and psgr cotti.** Thu caie ii introduced menely at illmtraling the
customs and the peculiarities of expressions, orthography^ Itc., of the time.
f Bears th< Imprcsaioo of • Naval Seal.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 09
By the House of Burgefies ; 1691
Upon Reading the Report of the Com^ for public claims> relating to May 7th
the service done by ColL Philip Ludwell, in prdenting & soliciting a re-
ticon of the late House of Surgesses, to their Maj^^*, for the Redrefse of ^'°^ ^^
Several! Greivanccs, &c. * * * »
Refolved^ That the sd« CoL Philip Ludwell, in prefenting y® s^ Peti- Vote of thanks
con to ye late King James, and using his Endeavors to obtain an answer *^^ special gra-
thereunto. And in prefenting a Copy of y* s* Peticon to their p'fent L„7weU ^°*'
Ma^^ upon their happy Accefsion to the Crown, and in Solliciting for a
favorable answer to the Same, hath well purfued the Order &, directions
of the late s^ houfe of Burgesses, And therefore Ordered That the thanks
of this House he given to Col. Ludwell for the Same, and that the sum of
two hundred and fifty pounds sterling, be paid unto the said Coll. Lud-
well by M*". Auditor, otit of the imposition of 3^ pr. gall, upon liquors,
as an acknowledgement from this Countrey, for his indefatigable and pros-
perous endeavours and towards the reimburfsem^ of his great & neces-
sary expenfe in the management of that affair.
PETER BEVERLY,
Clerk of the House of Burgesses.
*Att a Councill held at, &c.— Pres* : The R^ Hon^'« the Lieut. Gov'. May istb
and Councill. Jtmes City
George Marable set forth that by the 127^^ A6k of the Printed Laws, ship oMten
it is enacted that noe Mafter of any ship, VeflTel, Boate or Barque, shall not u> gWe
tranfport any p*fon or p'sons out of this Colony, except the s* p'son or ?■"•««•<> ?«'•
p'fons produce a pass under the hand of the secretary, or such whom debta^e'not
he shall depute or appointe upon y^ penalty to pay all such debts as any paid*
p'ibn or pYons shall stand indebtea for unto any p'fbn within this Colony,
at his or their departure, &c. * ♦ * *
«
Petition of Ruth Fulcher for separate mainteneance againft her hus- june i6th
band, John Fulcher, referred by the Governor & Council to the County ^^ - ,, ^
n L J r ^ ^ Norfolk Co,
Lourt, composed of
Coll. Burwell Mafon, Suit for divorce
Capt. W». Robinfon, Capt. W°». CrofFord, ^
Capt. Jno. Hobson, Major. Jno. Nichols, > Justices.
Lieut. Coll. Anty. Lawson, M'. Jas. Wilson, )
whO) after lieiuing the teftimony, decided in favour of the plaintiff.
Att a Genl. Court held, &c.— October 19th
P'sent : J»«»«» ^'^
The R^ Hon''^* the Lieut. Govern^,
William Cole, Esq'., Sec^^., Chistopher Wormley, Esq'.,
John Lear, Esq'., Edward Hill, Esq'.,
Edward Jennings, Esq'.
*The above neotioned Marable then goei on to complain of one *< Walter Cocke ** aa hav-
ing violated thit law, whereupon the Court ordered the Sheriff of Lower Norfolk County to re-
^ttire the appearance of Cocke before the Council to answer the same, &c.
so CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
169 1 Bond given by Wm. Trenow, Master of the ship "Pearle," of Liv*
Oct*r aSth crpool, &C. —
Accomack Co^ ^^ The Condition of the above written obligation is such that if the
Export daty on above bound Wm. Trenow shall, before departure of the above men-
tobacco, one tioned ship out of this District in their Maj"®' Colony of Virg*, deliver
i»eiinyper , ^^^^ ^j^^ Collector for the said Diftrict, or unto his Deputy, a true and
Juft acc\ uppon Oath, of all such Tobaccoes, as shall be laden and
taken on Board the said fhipp for y® prefent voyage, and if allsoe he shall
not depart untell payment be made of all Juft dues, and p'ticularly of the
one penny pr. pound, unto the said Collector, for all Tobacco, for w**
Bond shall not be firft given to cany the fame to some Port in England,
Wales or Town of Berwick upon Tweed, and to noe other place, and
if after being cleared as affor^*^ there shall not be taken on Board the
said shipp, &c., * * * * then this obli-
gation shall be void and of none effect ; otherwife to stand, remain and
bee in full force, power and virtue.
W^ TRENOW.
Ocfr 29th Coroners of the Colony required by special order of the **Councill,"
Jamet City to make their annual returns, under oath, in accordance with the general
Coroncn order of " the R'. Hon^^« ye L'. Gov'., &c. * * *
Oct*r 30th *' The Depofition of James Lemount, »n regard to the landing of one
Jamei City hundred and twenty negroes and a quantity of Elephants teeth on the
Negroes and Eaftern Shore, by the officers and owner of the Ship "Society," of
Euterrshlre" S"'^^^ ^^ Sunday morning, the 7^ August, 1687 > *"^ ^^ ^^^s of the
of Virginia vefsel by being wrecked on the Coast on the fame day. It appears the
faid Lemount and others afforded afsistance in putting the negroes on
shore, for which service he received "thirty pounds sterling," which
the Master of the shipp **paid by two young negroes, a boy & a girle.**
The excufe given for landing these negroes and Elephants teeth, was
that the ship was short of ,provi(ion$. But the officer in command had
been careful to enquire *' Whereabout the Man of Warr lay," and
*' whether there weare conveniency there to land A p'arccU of negroes ?*'
before he ventured to bring his (hip fufficiently near the shore to effect
this. — Coll. Cole, Collector, had seized the vefsel, crew and cargo, and
the latter being forfeited to the Crown, had been sold by him according
to law.
OctV 30th Petition through E. Chilton, Atty., to the Council, ** that proclama-
Middlesez Co. tion be made in open Court, in that County, for evidence against ^ Min-
Justice to go,' mulatto slave to Hon. Ralph Wormley, Esq'., fo that he be either
aiavei discharged, or should such * evidences * appear, he be profecuted, ' as y®
law directs,' at 'y® next Genii. Court.*"
NoT*r 3d By the houfe of BurgeflTes :
Tax on liquon '' Ordered, that M'. Treafurer Byrd pay unto M'. Robert Beverley,**
M'. Cope Doyley, Corbyn and others, certain sums '* out of the
monies in his hands from the Impositions upon Liquors."
Tes* \
PETER BEVERLEY,
Clk. H. Burg".
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 31
" Assented to by the Councill." 1691
" By order of the Councill."
JAMES SHERLOCK,
Clk. Gen". Afsemy.
To the Right Honora^*® Francis Nicolfon, Their Majes^'®' Governo'and
Councell of State of Virginia : ) ® humble petticon of Joseph Bridger,
adminift'' of y® Estate of Christopher Homes, deceafed, & Godfather to
Christo' Homes, y*^ only fonn of y* s^ Homes,
In moft humble maner iheweth —
That by y® Statute Anno Tertio Jacobi regis, chap y* 5^, it was then Petition for
taken into consideration by the King's most excellent Majestic, y^ Lords «o?^* o^*
Spirituall & temporall, k y« Comons of y« prefent Parlia"^', y* divers f^J^^J^hTt he
Jefuits semenary & popish priests, dayly did withdraw many of his nay fac eda-
Majes*" subjects from y® true service of Almighty God, & y® religion ^*^<* '"'^ ***«
establiflied w"*in ye realme, to y® Romifh religion, k from y« Loyal obe- ^JJh
dience to his Majeftie, & had secretly persuaded divers recufants k papists, &
Encouraged & emboldened them to comitt moft Damnable Treaflbns,
tending to y® overthrow of God*s true religion, y® deftruction of his
Majestic & his royall Ifsue, & y® overthrow of y® whole state & Comon
wealth, wherefore it was by y' parlia™^ thought ntt y* as noe romifh recu-
sant were not thought meet or fitt to bee execu'" or Administra*" to any
person or persons whoever, not to have y® Education of their owne chil-
dren, much less of y® Children of any of y® King's fubjects ; it )vas therefore
inacted by y® authoritie as afore*^, y* fuch popish recusants should be dis-
enabled to be ex*" or Adm*** or to have y® Custody of any Childe as
guardian in Chivalrie, guardian in surkage, or guardian in nature of any
Lands, Stewardfhips or Cuftody of any such Childe, or of their Lands>
tenements or heriditiments being free held, Coppy hold as afore*^^. Now
foe it is, may it please this Right Honoratf ° boarde, y* contrary to y® Sta-
tute before named, one Peter Blake, of Nansemond County, a Profefled
Papist & contemner & slighter of y® Publick worfhip of God, as it is
established by y® Lawes of England & Virginia, doth keep in his
Cuftody y® before named Chriftop' Homes, y® only fonn and Childe of
Christop' Homes, deceased, &; your Pe"% nott only from y® true friend-
fliip y' was betwixt your pt"' & y® afore®"* Christop*^ Homes, father of y®
before named Childe, from which Consideration y® worfliipfull Courte of
y* Isle- Wight County, did grant adminiftratton to your pett' upon y®
aforc*^ Chriftop^ Homes' Estate, butt most espetiall for y® folemn En-
gagem'* y* your pe*^ Lyes under before God, for y® Christian education
of y* aford*^ Childe, have therefore most humbly made this motion to y®
R* Hon***® Goven' & Councell, moft humbly praying for y® reasons be-
fore expressed, y' y® afore*^ Childe may be taken out of y® Custody of y®
afore** Peter Blake, k y* hee may bee delivered to y""^ pe"% y^ thereby
yo' pe'*' may better performe those duties doth become him as a God-
father, Christian & ^ friend to y® afore®** Childe, y* hee may be brought
up in y® Knowledge k feare of God, & in y® true principalis of Chris-
tian Religion, & your Pe*^ as being bound, in dutye w*** all Humilitie.
Shall every pray, &c.
SB CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
169 1 Thomas Busbey in all humility
Sheweth —
Indian inter- That yo' Petio^ was sworne a publicke Interpreter to the Southern In-
prcter a long (jjans in y" year 1677, and hath served in y* imployment upon all Comands
^*°** from the Governors of Virginia y* have beene since y* time ; for y* which
doing and in y® Confideracon of Yo' Petio" great charge and trouble,
The Grand Aflembly y^ was held at y® Midle plantacon, was pleafed to
afcertaine Yo^ Petio'^ six thousand pounds of Tobacco and Caike as a
yearly Sallary, &c., &c. * * *
To the R' Hon^^® Francis Nicholson, Esq'., &c., &c.:
The humble peticon of William Chichester,
Humbly flieweth —
Petitiim of in That yo' pe*^'* &ther was for many y" the sole pylott of James River,
old pilot fi>r re- Commissionated thereto by then Govern' of this Country, and therein
newai of com- jj j inftruct & educate y"' pe*', who hath ever since beene found an
expert & able pylott, doing y^ King & Country good service, whereby he
hath beene continued by Commissions from thofe hon^^ Sir Wm. Berke-
ley, the Ld. Culpeper, & his Ex^^^ the Ld. Howard, of EflSingham, in the
time of their Government — haveing made itt his only business, care &
livelyhood to attend the faid duty ; being alsoe willing to inftruct others,
in cafe of his death or absence, to p'forme y® &me.
He therefore humbly prays yo' Hon" to renew the former Commission
to him granted, &c., &c.
* Petition of Wm. Digges to the Gov. and Council, setting forth his
<:laims againft one Gilbert Clarke, a citizen of Charles County, Province
of Maryland, and praying for a warrant to arreft the faid Clarke, ^^ he
being now in fome one of the Maryland (hipps b'longing to this ffleete,"
and to require him to anfwer in an " Action of Debt " before the next
Genii. Court, &c.
^Q2t Auditor Wm. Byrd's report op the amount of Tobacco paid to " the
. ^^ Rangers " at the heads of the Rivers for the time they were in service,
James City '
Extracts : lbs. of Tobac.
Raogen, waget ^ t t r "^
paid in tobacco To Lieut. Giles Webb, 8J months' pay, 03825
To II Soldiers, 8| months' pay, 25245
To one Indian, 8 J months' pay, ^ 00561
To the owner of the Indian's borfe for 8| months' pay, 00734
30365
To Lieut. Thomas Smith, 8^ mos. pay, &c., &c., 03825
To Lt. Jno. Taliafero, 8 mos. pay, &c., &c., 03600
To Lt. David Straugfaan, for oney" pay, tfc, &c., &c., 05400
* Very quaint and curious.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 3S
. Thefe are in their maj' names, to will and require you to arrest the 1692
.My of John Bryan, and him in yo' safe cuftody to ICeep till he enter . , .
q}^ bond with good and sufficient security for his appearance at James
se^^^y before the Right Hon^^" the Lieut. Gov' and Councill, on the J"»« City
of ^^d day of the next Genii. Court, then and there to anfwer the suit Specimen writ
^^|/^illiam Smith, in an accon of the case ; herein faile not, as alfo
^ due return hereof. Dated at James City, Jany'. y* 23, 1690.
To the Sheriff of Northumberland 1
County or his Deputy. J
MILES CARY,
Clk. Genii. Co*.
By the House of Burgesses —
May it please yo' Excellency,
The House of Burgefles having been informed by Capt. Benj*^ Good-> Marcl) 3d
ridge, SherifFof James City County, That your Excellency had comanded ^ j^^^ ^jj^.^.
him to provide an officer to attend the house, the house thereupon take- own officer and
ing the fame into consideracon, doe, 'with thankfulnes acknowledge your continue him
Excellency's great care therein, and do conceive it was unknown to your
Excellencv, That the house of Burgesses of the lafl afFembly had ap-
pointed M'. Wm. Drumond their Messenger, who officiated in the said
office to the great satisfaction of the sd. houfe the last AfFembly, and
that the house of Burgeises now assembled had resolved, and have con-
tinued the sd. M*^. Drumond in the s^ office of Messenger of this house.
Tefl:
THOS. MILNER,
Speaker.
May it please your Excell^.
Your Exe^^ haveing upon the addrefse of the house desireing your Exe'^ March 8th
to reftore our Antient & former customes & usagees in the election of our .... ^j.
own Clerke, signified That at yo' arriveall in this Govern™*, yo*^ Exc^ of Bu4e$8M''to
did as authorifed by their Maj'*®" Letters Patent, under the great seal of appoint their
England, by advice of the Councill, confirme all Officers in their Re- °^" officers
spective places till further orders, & have since given a Comiffion to
Peter Beverley, Gent., to be Clerke of the houfe of BurgefTes, whom your
Exc^ found comiffionated by the hon***® fFra. Nicholson, Esq^., their Maj"
Lt. Gov"' here, as authorised by their Maiisties, w*^ before had been done to
Capt. f&ancis Page by his Exc^ the R^ hon^^^ the Lord Howard, of
Effingham, Governor of this place, by the like authoritie, and with all
due regard to their Maj^*** Loyall Subjects, the Houfse of Burgesses, to
vacate which if we should shew yo'^ Exc^^ any authority, you mould be
ready to do accor^.
• * * That your Exc^'* anfwer, we at present, Reply noe
further, then most humbly and earneftly to move # # •
vour Exc'^ will be pleased to affift this house • » • y^^j.
Interest, when this house shall make application to their Maj^^ for the
reftoration of their Antient usage and cuftom in the chooseing of their
Clerke for time to come.
By order of the house of Burgefses.
THOS. MILNER,
Speaker.
5
I
S4
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1692 Sundry writs returnable from Accomac, Jas. City, Chas. City Coun-
^" Signed generally by
MILES CARY,
Clk. Genii. Court.
April ist Virg* ss. By the R'. Hon^^^ the Lieut. Gov' :
Further inquiry Whereas, In obedience to an order of the R^. Hon**^® the Lords
as to the land- Comittee for Trade and Plantations, an Enquiry hath been made, and
&c, by the'sWip severall depoficons taken before me and their Ma" Councill of this Colony,
"Society," of concerning the negroes, Elephant's teeth, &c., that were brought into
Bristol this Colony in the ship *' Society," of Briftoll whereof John Skeetch
was Master, in Auguft, 1687, as also concerning the arrival & loss of
the faid ship. And to the end a true, full . and perfect account of the
afores"* seizure, &c., may be returned their Lordships, You are hereby
ordered to make known in all publick places of yo' County, perticulerly
the p'rilh Churches, that on Wednesday, the 20^ day of this Inftant, at
James Citty, a further Enquiry will be made concerning the premises, as
also of any negroes. Elephant's teeth, &c., fold by y® afores^ Skeetch, or
any of the ship's company ; to the end all perfons who can give any ac-
count thereof, may then make their appearances before my selfe &
their Ma* Councill to doe the fame. Given un^ my hand at Ja. Citty,
this I"' day of April, 1692.
Parish
churches
To the SherifFe of Princess Anne
County, or his Deputy, who is to
make due Return hereof to the
Clerke of their Maj** Councill at
James City.
FFR. NICHOLSON.
This order is returned with the following endorsement :
}
to y® w"*in order, I caused the fame to be
10^^ of this Instant, at the Eastern Shore
Princess Anne
County.
In Obedience to
published one Sunday, y^
Chappill, before the congergation there mett ; And the fame also has
bene publickly read in seaverall other places in this County, p' order.
BENJ. BURROUGHS, Sherr.
April 2d
James City
Venire of i\x
men to try a
felon
Whereas, by A£l of Afsembly, It is ordered in Criminal caufes, that
there ifsue out of the Secretary's Office, a Venire (Facias, & forasmuch
as William West, of Chas. City County, is apprehended as a felon for
stealing of cattle.
These are, therefore, in their Maj'tyes names, to will &; Req'* y° to
fumons six able men of the nearest Inhabitants of the s** County where
the fFact was Comitted, to appear at James Citty, before the R^ Hon**^®
the Lieut. Gov' & Councill, the fourth day of the next Genii. Court,
then & there to be of the Jury for tryall of the matter, whereof the sd.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 36
William West stands accused — hereof layle not, as alsoe to make due 1692
Returne of this writ. Dated the 2^ day of April, 1692.
To the Sheriff of Charles City 1
County or his Deputy. J
MILES CARY,
Clk. Genii. Court.
James Citty,
Whereas, by Act of Affembly, It is ordered that in Criminall causes April »<i
there ifsue out of the Secretary's office a Venire flacias, & for as much Venire of %ix
as Jno, Wilson, of New Kent County, hath spoken & uttered Treason- men to try one
able words ag"' his most facred Maj'^, King William, accuied of
These are, therefore, in their Maj"®* names, to will & Req' y® to fum- ^'*"°"
mons six able men of the nearest Inhabitants of the s^ County, where
the s* Wilson Liveth, to appear at James Citty before the R'. Hon^^*
the Lieut. Gov"' & Council!, on the fourth day of the next Genii. Court,
then & there to be of the Jury for tryall of the matter, &c., &c. * * *
To the SheifF of New Kent 1
County, or his Deputy. J
MILES CARY,
Clk. Genii. Cor'.
In obedience to y« Comands of y« R'. Hon^^^% Their Maf^ Lt. Gov' April i9tb
& Council], I have Published & caused to be Published & Executed, y^ York Co.
severall Proclamations & Ord" herein Menfhoned.
One Ord' of ye 8*** of X^'"% (December) 169 1, Concerning y® Mali- ProcUmiiions
tia, p'ticulerly requiring y™ to give Acct. of Poud"", Coll*', Trump'*, »"<* <>»•<>«"
Armes, &c. , P""'"»»**^
One order fame date, Requireing Sherfs to make Returne of their Shenfli
Due Ex*** of all Publick Instru""** by y^ 6"» day of y« next Gentl. Court,
after Receipt of y"*,
•
One Or**' more, fame date, Concerning font stones at Tindall's Point, Font itones
M^ Rob' Reade one, Capt. Thorp one, & by Capt. Thorp's Informa-
tion to my Un^' Sherif, Capt. fFra. Page one, Capt. James Archer, one
& y* ye Stone in Broughton p'ifh Church is ye fame, & y' Capt. Page
gave his Receipt for them, but to whome he ICnows not.
One Or**' of y^ 19*^ fe^'y, 169 1, for ye Sheriffs Espfhall care to ob- Dutiw of
serve both Laws Relating to Elections of Burgesses, & giveing in of Sherifli
greivances, & Returning to y® Secretarye's ofHce, by ye 6^** day of y® Gen^^
Court, all Or^'* of y* R* Hon^^« Gov' & Councill, since f first Day of
April], & to Acquaint Courts, Veflreyes, Coro"'" & Malitia oficers, they
severally give Acc^. of all things liyoyned y" since y* first Day of
Aprill, & y^ y« Breifs for Doneations for y* free schoole & CoUedge, be
Returned to y« Afore"** 6"^ Day of y« Gen" Court, & y' Their Maj^
Quitrents are to be sold as y® Or^ Directs, I have alfoe made Publick
y* R' Hon^*« y* Gov°" Or^ for yc Exercise y® 22^ of Aprill.
Y* p'fbns Comiting ofences y^ are to be tried for their lives, A cannot Trial of
be brought to y® 4*** day of y' Court, may be brought any time Dureing Criminal
S6
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1692 y« Sitting of y® Gen" Court or Afsembly, k Trycd by a Com® of oyer
& Terminer, to be signed by y® Gov' for y* purpose.
Claims
Indians giving
fake news
Y' all p'fons y^ have served in tbeir Maj^**" or y® Countrcy's service,
make their claimes apeare at y* next County Court, in order for allow-
ance To y® next Assembly.
y Indians reporting news to allarme y® Countrey, y* Justices, Sheriffs
k Malitia oficers in their p'fincts are to cause y'" to be Taken into Cus-
tody untell y® Truth apeare, which, if true, to be well Rewarded, if
falfe, to be punisht according to Law ; y® Interpreters to give y® Indians
notice thereof.
Thanksgiving I have Alfoe Rec^ one proclamation for A Day of Thanks giving,
^*y Apointing y* 28^** of Aprill to be kept Throughout y® CoUony. Which is
now in Executeing.
Land titles One Or*^ of y* 24"^ 8*"", (October) 1691, Concerning y* Proveing
Rites for Land, & Returning y™ to y® Sec^^" office by y
next Gen*^ Court or loofe the Advantidge of y
0 jMx
Day of y®
m'
Indians
Negroes
One Or'^ of y® 27*^ of 8^'% (October) 1691, y' noe p'fons p'fume to
Entertaine Indians without first obtaineing Leeve foe to doe.
One Or**' (fame date,) y' runaway negroes, whose owners Cant be Dis-
covered, be sent to y® Sherif of James Citty.
One Proclamation of ye 28'^ Janu^, 1691,
Duties of Requireing all Justices & Church WSirdens to Returne to ye Sec''*
jusiicM and office, Un^ their Refpective hands, A p'fect Abstract of y* Levyes
war n jj^j^yg^j ^ Levied this p'fent yeare in their County & p'rishes, k for y®
Due Keeping of y® Regifters, &c., & y* y® Justices in their Counteys
take care y* Courts be not Adjourned & Justice Delayed, & y* Juftices
Duely attend y® Courts.
Swearing
th
One Or^ of y® 27*^ of Jan', 1691, for putting in Execution y* 11
A£t, made y° last sefhon of assembly, for y^ more Efectual surpressing
y® several Sins of Sweareing, kc.
Aprill 19% 1692.
THOS BARBARD, Sherf of
York County.
April 2ist Y* deposition of Jno. Corprew, Aged 49, or thereabouts, being at
Deposidon in a James Lemmon*s houfe some time in August, in y' ycarc of our Lord,
case of Blander jgg^^ a^j ^jjerg meeting with y® master of y® ship' "Society," that was
caft away, by name John Skeetch, whoe desired me to take a pYell of
negroes home with mee, which if I would, hee would pay mce for their
diet k my care & trouble. About • . * * • • *
I would take 20 of y™, and hee s^ I must feed y*^ twice a day with meat,
& I should bee well paid, k y® s^ Skeetch • * * brought
or sent 20 negroes or thereabouts. Whereof I Agreed with him, &
bought an old man, k a young boy about 6 yeare old for fiveteen pounds.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^f
^
^i^^'ch money was to bee allowed mee by y* s^ Skeetch in consideration 1692
O^ '^y diet, care & trouble of y* s^ negroes, & after this y* Honora^^®
j^^'K Cole came to my house k s^ to my wife y* I muft bring y* negroes
^ 1^^ in my posseiEon to M"^. Spratts, whereupon I obeyed his order, k
V^^e confirmed y® iale of y" fibre** two negroes to mee ffor ffiveteen
^^Xids, which I gave up, by his order, k (Further depofeth not.
JOHN CORPREW.
Sworn to before the R' Hono***®
the Lt. Gov' k Councill.
Teft : W. Edwards, Clk Cour.
To y* R^ Hon*** f U. Gov"* ft y* Hon"« Council of State :
ffra. fFoxcraft Humbly Sheweth —
That whereas, y' pe^' as a good subject of o^ Sovereigne Lord & Lady
y^ King ft Queen, hath been at great charge ft p'fonall trouble in profe-
cuteing ane imformation, as well on behalf of their Maj^^, the R^
Hon^ Gov", as himself grounded on the Statute made in y® 15*** of y®
King Charles y* 2****, for Incourage"*' of Trade, ftc, whereas fome ill-dis-
posed persons did advise y® witnesses if they would save their ears, to re*
tract what they had said, though they had given their evidence & deposi-
tions before a Juftice of y® peace ; x et by such means & practices y* s^
witnefses being terrifyed ft discouraged, y® fact was not so fully proved
by them as y* pe^ was informed, ft had great reafon to believe it would
bee. And severall persons willing not only to discourage ft deterr y*
pe^, but all other p'fons from discovering by informations such like of-
fences agfst such beneficiall & good Laws, have invented & spread abroad
Malitiously, several slanderous reports ft detracting speeches ft accufa-
tions ag^ y"' pe*', particularly M'. W"*. Sherwood, did this day at y®
State house doore. Sitting y" Hon**^* Genii. Co'*, Speak, Say ft utter pub-
lickly before a Crowd of People, y' he would prove on record y* y"' pe*'
did subborn Evidences agft' M * * * ft y* y** pe*' did
alfo bribe them ; wh, if true, y* pe'' should abhor himself as not worthy
to live. But y® fame being Notoriously fialfe, ft yet y°** pe''* fame,
creditt ft reputation (much dearer to him than his life) is impaired, Leflened
ft much blasted thereby in y* face of y* whole Countrey.
Yo' pe'', therefore, humbly prays y' y**~ pe'' may have publick vindi-
cation of his s* creditt, so impear'd as afore***, so as to satisfy y® Countrey
of y* falfeness of y® s^ aspersions, fcandalls thrown upon him, & y* y® s^
M', W™. Sherwood may have such reprehensions ft other punim"*" in-
flicted on him as to y^ Hon" in Juftice shall seem most meet. And yo'
pe^, as in duty bound, shall
Ever pray, ftc,
Att a Councill held at James Citty, ftc , April asth
Pres* : james City
The R* Hon'"'* Francis Nicholson, Esq"., their Ma' Lieut. Gov* of
Virg*.
W" Cole, Esq"., Sec3^., John Lear, Esq".
Ralph Wormley, Esq". Ch'. Wormley, Esq".
William Byrd, Esq". Ed. Hill, Esq".
Henry Whiteing, Esq".
38 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1692 In consideration that severall complaints have been made to this Board,
that unfaire and illegall proceedings have paft in the Northern Neck, be-
tweene Rapp' and Potomack Rivers, by the Proprie*" granting the Es-
cheates of Lands in that neck to severall p'fons, without finding any
oiHce, as the Law directs, to the great difsatisfaction of Divers of the
Etcheatc of Inhabitants, and to the end a full, true and p'fect account of all the Es-
Neck*" cheats of Lands granted in the faid Neck may be had, that such fitt
remedies may be applyed as shall be found to be for their Ma' Service
and fatisfaction of the Inhabitants of the (aid Neck, It is ordered, that
the Sheriffs of the refpectivc Counties in the faid Neck, doe forthwith
give publick notice at the next Courts to be held for their said Counties,
and in each of their parish Churches, that all p'fons who have had any
Land granted them in the faid neck, by Escheate, since the Propri*"
ofEce was firfl sett up there, doe Immediately give the faid Sheriffs copies
of the Grants for the fame, and all which copies faid Sheriffs are hereby
required to return (as also to make due returne hereof) to the Clerke of
the Councill at James Citty, before the 18"* day of June next.
To the Sheriff of Stafford 1
County, these. J
Cop* vera
Test :
W. EDWARDS. Clk. Genl. Cot.
Endorsed.
This warrant was Published in open Cort, being read every day dure-
ing y® Cort-Setting ; the Cort holding 4 days, & then I made demand in
Gennerall — Given un**" my hand.
GEO. MASON, SherrifF
of Stafford County.
Rangers Petition of LeP David Straughan and " eight Rangers," for pay for
services rendered at the sources of the Rivers, &c., praying for nine
months pay, and exprefsing their willingnefs to leave '*to yo*^® Hon*"' Con-
sideration, Hoping y°' Hon'^" will confid'* our duty was the harder, and
that our Ranges being bad and Stony, are forst to be att y® charge of
Shqeing hones Shewing,* neither is itt possible that our hors can performe ye SarviSy
&c.
«
May it please y" Lo^p^' —
June 2id Wee, y' Maji' L^ Gov"*^ & Councill of Virg% being senfible how
James City much it is our duty to doe all in our power lor y*^ preferving y' Ma' In-
Petiiion for tcfcsts in this Country, & for securing ye peace & welfaire of y' Ma"
encouraging zooA Subjects hereof, doe think our selves obliged humbly to p'fent to y*^
p" Tent^he' ^° Lord^^P", that severall dangers & ill conveniences seem to threaten y®
growth of fame, if some means be not found by y' Lord^^^* great wisdome, that
manufactures, jhips trading hither be suffered & encouraged to bring y® ordinary sup-
^^' plies in y® due & usuall termes, foe as y® great necessities of the plan^^
& Inhabitans here may be provided for, otherwise we humbly conceive
severall great inconveniences are like to follow by y® plan*" being forced
* Shoeing.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S9
to betake themselves, as many of them have already begun, to y^ Im- ibqt
proveing & makeing severall comodities & Manufacturers usually brought
to them from Eng^ to the great increafe of y® trade of that (^ingdome,
& by leaveing of the planting y® usuall quantities of Tobaccoes, w^ would
be a great means to leflen their Ma' Revenue arifeing by y° Same, both
in Eng^*^ k this Country, & increase the great wants & necefEties they
have suffered, for want of y^ usuall supplys & cloaths, working tools h
other goods should be increased, wee are afFraid itt would very much en*
danger the Peace of this Country. Wee therefore humbly pray y^'
Lord'P" to use such means as shall seem beft for y® preventing these dan-
gers k inconveniency, k which wee are humbly of opinion would in
great meafure be remedyed, if all (hips desireing ye fame might be suffered
to proceed on y® Voyage hither early y* next fall, especially thofe from the
western & northern pts. of England, who have not foe great difficulty
& danger in coming out, & from whom this Country have had their
cheif supply of goods, y® laft yeare, k that what ships are p'mitted to
come, be obliged to bring a proportionable quantity of goods.
Wee further prefent to y** Lord*** that we finde the mindes of y' Ma" Miirepre-
good subjects of this Country much disturbed & difquieted, k wee feare «nta^on» f>f
y® peace thereof may be indangered by several false k dangerous . reports co^lony by
induftriously spread here, both by letters & />therwise, by severall p'fons unaathorized
refideing or Inhabiting y® Citty of London, (who pretend great creditt is p«non8
given to them, thereby y* Comm" of their Ma* Collonies & others) that
y® Acts of Assembly of this Country are of noc force above one yeare
after y® date of any such A<£1, Except y' Ma* Roy a 11 afsent have been
obtained to y® fame, k some of them have had the confidence to affirme
this to be the declared opin'on of y® Ld, Com" who, wee are well afsured,
would give noe such opinion soe contrary to their Ma* orders & Inftruc-
tions in that matter, k which must be of such dangerous confequences.
The bufiest, as well as y® most dangerous & malicious of these p'fons
that have endeavored to raise these false reports (as may appeare by a let-
ter to one Capt. Peter Perry) with designe, as may be much sufpected
to disturb ye Peace of y° Ma* happy Goverment, (wh God continue
over us) is one Capt. Roger Jones, fomc time an Inhabitant of this One Roger
Country, but at present residing in London. A man that, from noe- J^."^.^^^**^
thing, pretends in a few years to have gained a great Estate, k since he "*"*^ ** "
has declared his disaffection to y' Ma^^ before his leaveing this Country,
by refufeing to serve in any ofSce, or to take the usuall Oaths, wee pray
yo* Lord'PP* leave to give you his true caracter. He came into this
Country a souldier under the L** Culpeper ; was by his Ld*P made Cap-
t^ne of a fmall sloope w^ was to have been furnished with twelve men,
& was ordered to cruise in our great Bay, to look out for k seize all un- Cru'uer in the
lawful! Trad", &c. But y° Captaine having learnt to cheate y*^ King Chesapeake
very early, never had above 8 men, altho he conftantly received pay for ^^
I a men, for w^ y° Lord Culpeper endeavoured to call him to Acct., as
well as for his advifeing, trading with k sheltering severall Pyrates k un-
lawful! Traders, inftead of doeing his duty in seizing them. By which
means ye sd. Jones laid ye foundation of his p'fent great Estate, as he
^ves out he is master of. But more particularly by trading with & as*
sifting one Davis & other Pyrates to whom, as is credibly reported, he
struck y® King's Coll" ; but they undirftood soon he was of y"^ tribe or a capt. Jonca in
well-wisher to them, & therefore difmist Capt. Jones againe, with a con- league with the
siderable quantity of fr. wines k other valuable goods, as was credibly P'"^^
violation of
charter party
J^O CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
169a reported when the friendship betweene Davis & him was contracted, w*
it seems lafts to this time.
Wee humbly pray yo~ Lord'P* will take the fame into y' Confidracon,
& use such measures for y® staving such false & dangerous reports, & for
makeing ye authors, especially ye s* Jones, sencible of y' offences
therein, as to y*" great wifdome shall seeme best ; all w^ is humbly sub-
mitted to y** Ld"P*, by
fFra. Nicholson, W. Byrd, J. Lear, Ch'. Wormley,
Ed. Hill, H. White*g, E. Jennings, Ch'^. Robinson,
H. Hartwell.
To y* Rt. Hon^^* Earl of Nottingham, y' Ma"*, principall Scc^^ of State
at his office in Whitehall, and another directed to
The R^ Hon^^® y* Lord's Comittee for Trade & Plantations at ye Coun-
cill Chamber, Whitehall.
Virga. ff.
By the R^ Hon^^*' their Maj** L*. Gov^'—
Protest against By this Publick Instrument of Protest, be it known and manifeft to
all whome the fame shall come or hear it read, that in y* day of y® date
hereof, being the fifth of July, in y® fourth year of y* Reign of our
Sovereign Lord and Lady, William & Mary, King and Queen of Eng-
land, Scotland, fFrance, Ireland & Virg*, Anno que Dom , 1692, Chris-
topher Robinson, Esq'., appeared before mee, Francis Nicholson, Esq^y
their Mag* Lieut. Gov' and ye Hon^** their Mag* Council of this Colony,
and did there Exhibit (as he alledged) at y® Instance and Requeft of
Tho. Saywel, a Charter Party of affraights™' Indented and made the
Seventeenth of November, Anno. Dom., 1691, & in y® third year of y®
Reign of y® faid Sovereign Lord and Lady, William and Mary, by y®^
Grace of God, King and Queen over England, &c. Between y^ said
Thomas Saywel, marriner & master und' God of y® good shipp or vefTel,.
called the Stephen and Edward, of London, of y® burthen of two
hundred tonnes or thereabouts, and then Rideing at anchor in y® River
y® Thames of y® one party, and fFrancis Lee, of London, Merchant for
& on y* behalfe of Katherine flfantleroy, of Rappahannock river, widow,
on y® other part, wherein y® sd. fFrancis Lee hath obliged himselfe, his.
heirs, Execu'", adminiftrat" & assignes that his Executors, fiactors and
assignes in Virg^ shall, within ye space of five and twenty dayes next,,
after y® arrival of y® sd. shipp at Rappahannock River aforefaid, & within
sufficient time w'**in y^ faid dayes make ready & provide for y® sd. shipp
twenty hhds. of Tobb., and give notice to y® fd. Mafter or his assignes,.
when all ye fd. Tobacco shall bee provided as by y® fd. Charter Party
doth at Large appear, and y® s^ Christopher Robinson, Esq., affirming y^y*
sd. Thomas Saywel alleages the whole twenty five dayes are expired,,
and ye sd. fFrancis Lee and his fBictor have failed to deliver, ord*" or give
notice for p't of the beforemenconed Quantity of Tob. Wherefore y®"
sd. Chriftopher Robinson, £sq^, hath in y® presence of mee, their
maj'^®* sd. Lieut. Gov' & ye Council, at ye special Infbnce & Rqeuest of
y® sd. Thomas Saywel Protefted, and by these Presents doth Proteft as
well against y® sd. fFrancis Lee, taker of y® fd. fFraight, and Katherine
fBmtleroy, as all others therein concerned, for all costs, Lofses, damages
&Interestswhatsoeveralready suffered, or here after to be suffered by rea-
Factor
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^i
son of V* aforesaid Charter Party not being complied with. A nd for as much 1692^
as at this present time there is no Publick Notary appointed & consti^ ^
tuted w^in this Dominion, ye sd, Cbristipher Robinson, Esq'., at y® Re- theCdlwy'*
quest of ye sd. Tho. Say^ell hath thus done and Protested before mee,
their Maj"*^ fd. L*. Gov', and the Council. In faith and Teftimony
whereof, I have, according to an order of Council in this behalfe, here-
unto set my hand k caused y® feal of ye Colony to be afExed the day &
year iirft menconed.
At a Court held, &c. Present:
Capt. W™. Moseley, M'. Bernard Gaines.
M'. Tho. Edmonson, M'. Robert Brooke,
Capt. Antho. Smith.
Capt. John Battaile, in right of himselfe and as Guardian of Mary Action of
Cogwell, a minor, brought his action of Tresspass againft Thomas ^c$p««»
Clowson, of this County, and declares that the faid Thomas Clowson,
with force and arms, and contrary to the peace of our Sovereigne Lord
and Lady, King William and Queen Mary, Keeps and Detaynes from
the p^ Qualified as above said, one Mefsuage, tenement and tract of
Land Containing six hundred acres, seituate, Lyeing and being in the
parish of Settingborne, and in the aforesaid County, and of right be-
longing and appertaining to y® pe^' and the said Mary Cogwell, and al-
though the pe^ qualified as aforesaid, hath divers times forewarned the
said Clowson from the fame, yet he keeps the pofsession thereof, ta
the pe^'" Damage, qualified as aforesaid, twenty thousand pounds of
Tobacco, for which he prays Judg"**, & y* the pe*' with the faid Mary •
Cogwell may have your worfhip's writt of Habere facias pofTesionem,
Directed to the Sheriff of this County, and that the said Clawson may
pay all costs of suite.
To which the DeP., by Captain Authur Spicer, his Attorny, appeared
k pleaded Juftification, and Craved a Reference from last Court till this,
that he might have his Evidences fumoned to prove the said Land Lapfed
by James Cogwell, and the DeP. produceing his Evidences to this Court,
and it appearing by the Deposition of Nicholas Copeland that there was
Corne growing on the said land, above twenty years since, and that a
man, his wife and family lived on the faid Land since that time, which
were put there by the said James Cogwell, and that there was fruite
trees growing thereon ; it is, therefore, the Judgement of this Court, and
accordingly ordered that their Mag**®" Writt of Habere facias poffes-
sionem be directed to the Sheriff of this County to put y® pet' qualified as
aforesaid, into peaceful and quiet possession of the above said Land and
Appurtenances, and that the DeP. pay all costs of suite alias Ex®.
firora which order the DeP appeals to the 7^ day of the next Genii. Appeal
Court, to have a rehearing of the matter before the Hon^^® Gover*^ and
Cauflcill. •
M'. Henry Aubrey, together w"^ Mr. Thomas Edmonson, Entcr'd
themselves security in an Assumpsit of 5000 lbs. Tobacco and Caske,
for the appelants due profecution of the said appeale. Capt. W°^.
Mosely, together w^^ Bernard Gaines, Edter'd themselves Security in an Security
6
42
Calendar of state papers.
1692
Injunction
granted
Oct*r loth
Injunction
•diuolved
Assumptsit of 5000 lbs. Tobacco and Caske for the apeliees due answer-
ing the sd. appeale
Copia vera,
C. MARIWEATHER.
Vera Copia Teft:
P. BEVERLEY, Clk. G. Court.
At a Genii. Court held at James Citty, 8^', (October) 31'*, 1692,
Present — His Excellency & Councill.
Thomas Clowson having appealed from an order of Essex County
Court, obtained againft him by Capt. John Battaile, in right of bimfelfe
and as Guardian to Mary Cogwell, a minor, dated the lo*** 8^% (Oct.)
1692, and the said Clowson not Entering his Declaration in due tyme,
the aforesaid order is confirmed & ordered that the said Clowson pay
Damages according to Law, with cofts, alias Ex®.
Vera Copia Test* :
P. BEVERLEY, Clk. G. C.
At a generall Court held at James Citty 9"* ^% (November) i'^, 1692,
Present : His Excellency y* Gover" the Lt. Gover** & CouncilL
Upon the motion of Arthur Spicer, Attorny of Tho*. Clowson, an
Injunction is granted the said Clowson to stop all further proceeding on
an order Yesterday obtained by Capt. John Battaile in right of himselfe
and as Guardian to Mary Cogwell, a minor, against the said Clowson,
till a rehearing of the fame in Chancery the 7*** day of the next Gcnll
Court, the said Clowson giving Security according to Law, M'. W".
Todd enters himselfe & M'. Arthur Spicer Security.
•
Vera Copia Tes':
P. BEVERLEY, C. Gen. Court.
■9
At a Generall Court held at James Citty y® 28"* April, 1693, P^^-
sent —
M'. Secretary Wormley,
MJ. Auditor Byrd, Ed. Hill, Esq'.,
Christop***' Wormley, Esq'., Henry Whiteing, Esq'.,
Henry Hartwell, Esq'.
Thomas Clowson, haveing the Last Court, obtained an Injunction to
stop all proceedings upon an order granted there unto John Battaile, in
right of himselfe and as guardian to Mary Cogwell, a minor, for a Re-
hearing in Chancery the 7"* day of this Generall Court, and there is filed
a Bill of Complaint, containing Divers allegations, the Def^, by his At-
torney appeared and Demurred thereto ; for that the said Complainant
hath good remedy, and may and ought to Sue for the same by way of
Action, at and by the Common Law, upon consideration of which the
Court being of opinion accordingly ; it is therefore ordered that the faid
Injunction be dismist with costs.
Vera Copia
Test : P. BEVERLEY, Ck. Genl. Court.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^S
William and Mary, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, 1692
ffrance and Ireland, King and Queen, Def^ of the fBiith, &c.: To our
Sherif of Essex County, Greeting : Whereas, Capt. John Battaile, in
right of himselfe and as Guardian to Mary Cogwell, a minor, at a Gene-
rail Court at James Citty, the 31"* October, 1692, before our Trufty and
well-beloved. Sir Edmd. Andros, Kn*., our L'. and Governor Genii, of
Virg", & our Councill for our said Colony, Recovered againft Thomas
Clowson, a Tract of Land Containing six hundred acres, lyeing & be«
ing in Eflex County ; and whereas, all proceedings upon the fame were
stopped by an Injunction granted at the faid Generall Court on y^ i'^
day of Nov^' last, till a Rehearing of the same in Chancery the next
Generall Court following upon which rehearing before our said Coun-
cil!, the said Injunction, on the 28^ day of April, 1693, was dismist.
You are therefore comanded y^ without d^lay, you cause the said John Decree
Battaile, in right of himselfe and as guardian to Mary Cogwell, a minor,
to have his possession of & inthesd. six hundred acres of land, according
to the within direction, and that you make due return of this Writ Wit-
ness, Peter Beverley, Clerk of our faid Generall Court, the i** day of
May, in the fifth year of our Reign, Anno Dom"*, 1693.
P. BEVERLEY,
Clk. Genl. Court.
To which is appended —
May, y« 15% 1693.
In obedience to y® w'^in Precept, Capt. John Battaile was delivered Poi etsioo
possesion of y^ w^in named Land, and all costs of suit sattisfyed. taken
GEO. PARKE,
Sub. Sher. Ess. Court.
Virg*. ss. .
S' Edmund Andros, K°\ their Ma" Leu*. A; Gov^ Genii, of Virg*, oct'r 21st
and Vice Admiral of the Seas, within the Dominion thereof; To Capt.
Robert WiUmott, Comand' of their Ma' hired ship, the " Wolfe '*— J'"" ^*^
Whereas, Capt. Richard Finch, Comander of their Ma* ship, the Henry Inspection of
Prize, hath complained to me of the defects of their Ma'*^" said ship, ^""*
and desired a survey might be made of her. These are, therefore, to
authorize and require you, that you with such of the officers of their
Maj***" said (hip " Wolfe," as you shall think convenient, doe with the
first conveniencye, repaire on board the said ship ** Henry" Prize, and to- ^^ ^°*"'
gether with the faid Capt. Richard Finch and the officers of the said °"
ship, make a diligent and perfect survey of the prefent condition of the
Hull, Riggin, fFurniture and appurtenances of the said ship *' Henry,
Prize, and with all convenient speede, make reporte to me, for their
Ma**^ Service.
Given under my hand and scale at James Citty, the 2i"' day of Oc-
tober, Anno Dom% 1692.
To Capt. Rob* WiUmott, of y'^ Ma- hired
ship, " Wolfe,'* now Rideing at an anchor
at Point Comfort.
Sir— In obedience to his Ex^» and Yo' Com'ds, I have sent you the oct'r 26th
sums of Tob*» wee Rec'ed laft yeare for my selfe. Eleven men, two In- Henrico Co.
44
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
tobacco
1692 dians & for two horfes for nine months* service — Comes to 31 160 pounds
Rangers paid in Tob^ & Caflcs — We was in ye full time the pay levied — ^this last raising
we began the firft day of March last, with the same number of Sould",
an\l one Indian and horse. I hope this A*** will satisfey.
From y' Hono^*®' most obed* servant,
GILES WEBB, Stc.
To the Hon^'^*' Secy. Robinson, Esq^, 1
OctV 3 lit
Duffili
OctV 3 1 It
Journal of
service of
Rangers
Sugar lard
Kov*r lit
James City
&C.« &C.
Lieut. John Taliferro gives return of his expenses in Tobacco, as
Ranger with eleven men & two Indians, &c. Paid to Indians for 8
mos. fervice, "12 yards of Duffils," and " 3 Barrells of Indian Corne."
A Journiall of our Ranging, Given by me, David Strahane, Lieut, of
y* Rangers of Pottomack —
June, 9*\ 1692 — We Ranged on Ackoquane k so back of the Inhab-
itants & y® Soth (South) — we returned & discovered nothing.
June, the 17^^ — We Ranged over Ackoquane, &so we Ranged Round
persi Neck, & ther we lay that night — And on y® iS'^ came to
pohike, & ther we heard that Capt. Masone's Serv^-man was missing.
Then we went to see if we could find him, & we followed his foot
about halfe a mile, to a house that is deserted, & we took ye tract of a
great many Indians & we followed it about 10 miles, & our horfes being
weary, & having no provisions, we was forced to returne.
June the 26*^ — We Ranged up to Jonathan Mathew's hs. along with
Capt. Masone, & ther we mett with Capt. Housely, & we sent over for
the Emperour, but he would not come, & we went over to y* towne &
^hey held a Masocomacko (?) & ordered 20 of their Indians to goe after
ye Indians that carried away Capt. Masone's man, k so we returned.
July the 3*^ — We Ranged up Meapsico, and so back of y' Inhabitants,
&c.
July II*** — We Ranged up to Brent^towne, & ther we lay, &c.
The 19*^ we ranged up Ackotink, &; discovered nothing, &c.
bo we Ranged once in y® Neck till ye 20*^ Sept^', then we marcht to
Capt. Masone's, & ther we mett with Capt. Houseley k his men ; So
we draved out 1 2 of our beft horses, & so we ranged up Ackotink, k
ther we lay that night.
Sept. the 22^ — We Ranged due Ncrth, till we came on a great Runn,
that made into y* Suggar Land, & we marcht down it about 6 miles, k
ther we Lay that night
Sept. the 23* — We marcht to the Suggar Land * • * ^nd the
24***, We Ranged about to see if we could find ye tract of any In-
dians, but we could not see any fresh signe * * ♦ ^jj^
26'** marcht to Capt. Masone's, & ther I difmifled my men till ye next
march, &c., &c.
At a Genl. Court held, &c. Present :
His Excellency the Goven% &c., fFrancis Nicholson, £8q^, Lieut.
Gover' k Councill.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 45
■George Marable exhibiting a claim for Seaven pounds, five shill' and six 1692
pence to this Court for Entertaynment of the Sub Sheriffe of Midd^ p ^^ ^^^
County, five men and three prisoners, (viz.) Ddw*^ Davis, Lionel Dela- uining BheriiT
wafer k John Hinson, when sent by his Excellency the Lord Effingham andprUonen
to the SherifFe of James Citty County, and praying to be paid the fame
out of the said Davis, Delewafer & Hinson's Money, his faid claym is
ordered to Remayne in the Secretary's office for further consideration.
Vera Copia Tefte : ^
P. BEVERLY, Clk. Gc. Court.
Att a Gen" Court held at James City, &c.. Present : December 23d
fFran. Nicholson, Esq'., L*. Gov'., &c.,
W"*. Cole, Esq'., Secy., Chris^ Wormley, Esq'.,
Ralph Wormley, Esq'., Henry Whiteing, Esq'.,
John Lear, Esq'., Edm* Jennings, Esq'.
The Difference dependios on a Reference from the laft Court be-
tween M' Max. Robinson, Plan*', & M' Maurice Cocke, Def, the fd.
Robinson not appearing to profecute, is nonsuited & ordered that he pay Non-tult, with
damage according to law, with costs, ali. Ex^. damagei and
Wherein Having faild. *^°*^
These are, therefore, in their Maj* names to Will & Require you to
feize foe much of y® Estate of y® above Nam'd M' Max Kobinfon, as
'Will be of value Sufficient to fatisfie & pay y® above (pecifiid Order, &
after due valuacon thereof made according to Law, the fame to deliver
to the above menconed Maurice Cocke or his order — herein fail not, as
above make due return of this Writt, dated this 23^ X**'% (December)
Anno Domini, 1692.
MILES CARY, CI. Gen*^ Crt.
To the Sheriffe of Essex
County or his Deputy,
&c., &c.
To bis Excell^ S*' Edmond Andros, YJ'^ their Maf L' & Gov' Gen^^
of Virg», with y« Hon*'^^ Councill of State :
Edward Ross in moft humble manner sheweth —
That whereas, yo"* Pe*' being Imployed to goe to Potowmack on their Col. Wm.
Maj^ Service, to Execute a precept ag*' Coll* W" Fitzhugh, k Yo' Pe" nuhugh
laveing &ithiully p'formed y** fame, & brought f ^ Coll° Fitzhugh here '^'^^
According to time & place ; Yo'® Pe^, therefore, most humbly beggs of
yo« Ex"» & Hon' order for p'fent pay for yo'* Pe*" fd. Service, & y**' Pe^ |
as in all Duty Bound, shall Ever pray, &c. I
EDWARD ROSS. i
An Ace* of Severalls impressed by a Virtue of a Warrant from M' 1693
Joseph Robinson^ in order to y* Accommodating Edward Randolph,
Esquire, in his voyadge to James Citty, May y* 9*% 1693 : *^ ^^
To 11^*" of dryed beef, at 4*^ pr. lb , • *• 44 Account
To 24^** Bacon, at 4 p*. lb.. : : 96 current
To a fat weather^ 1 50
To a bu. wheat ground down, .64
^6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1693 To one bottle of Rumm, .lO
Price of irticlet «
in pence
*♦♦♦♦♦♦#
To impressing a Sloope and 4 hands, &c., .100
To 2 horses impressed k one man for y^ Carrying Edward Ran-
dolph, Esquire, to Col. Scarburgh's, «I20
To Indian meale, about 2 pecks, .14
To * * butter & y* pot, .6+
To Capt. Janifer's men and Cart to carry things down to y* land-
ing, as beding, water, provisions, &c., .100
To Summon Lebat. de Lastalias k Capt. Parker, pr. order from
Coll. Scarburgh, 20
To Summon Thos. Bushell and Edward Parker, pr. ditto order, 20
To a Sloope Appraised According to Law at 50 pr. diem, being
j^ • « « y6 voyadge, valu*d 4000, 750
Impreismentt To my officer, impressing provision & attendance,
: 5
To 2 men's wages to fayle y* slope from May y* 1 1*" to May y*
26'^, at 15 per diem, as y* Law directeth, 45a
To a man and horse, impressed and sent 40 miles to summons
Edward Parker, tho found him not, • • • •
To 2 horses impressed, & one man, for yecarrymg Edward Ran-
dolph, Esquire, to Coll. Scarburgh's, &c., 120
To M' William Anderson, his Committ"*', 20
To my Attendance upon him to James Citty, from May ii*** to May y*
28^^, at 100 pd. diem all that tyme, as pr. p'cept from y* Hon'*^* Ralph
Wormley, Esq' — Summa Errors Excepted.
THOMAS WELLBURNE,
Sher.
f
May i8th At a Court held for y* County of Stafford, &c. —
Capt. Math Peale, "]
Capt. George Mason, M, Phill. Buckner, |
Present — -l M"* Math. Thompson, M*" Rob' Alexander, V Justices
I M' Rich. fFarsaker, M' John Harvey, |
L Capt. Tho" Owsle} . J
To the Worpp" their Ma"® Justices for Stafford County, now in Court
setting, this 18'** day of May, 1693 :
Richard Gibson, complaining, Sheweth —
Test oath re- That whereas, at a Court held for this County y® 6'^ of October,,
quired of Geo. 1 69 1, It was Presented and offered to this Court's Consideration, whether
Breiu "Popiih Popish Recufents and other Recufants should practice ye Law, or enjoy
RecuMntB** ye Benefitts of y^ fame, 'till they had approved themselves Subjects, by
taking ye oathes appointed. And at that time it was alfoe requested,
& in Justice demanded, as well on y® part and behalfe of their Soveraigne
Ma^^* as on ye Behalfe of this Complainant and other, y® good Subjects
of this County, that M' George Brent and Robert Brent, and all other
Recusants who at that time did, or hereafter did intend to practice y*
Law as Attorneys, Soliciters, &c , might be called before this Court, and*
y® oaths appointed might be tendered to them, and that certificate thereof
might be made according to Law.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Jffl
As alsoe Informacon hath been made againft y^ faid George Brent and 1693
Robert Brent to v* Grand Jury of this County, y' 13^ of Decem^%
1692, that they mtght not only be prefented as Popish Recusants, but for
severall wicked crimes in that Informacon layed downe, which iaid In-
formacon was likewife presented to this Court, &c.; &c , &c.
• sK* ♦ ifi % Hi ifi m
Messrs. George & Robert Brent having been called into Court, and
^' heard read " this complaint, ^^ anfweared by writing under their hands,
that they are not sumoned, and cannot now answeare, being not Leagally
called, but at y* next Court will be ready to make their defence " —
The Court decided againft this position, ^^to which decision the Brent's
took exception, and were allowed to appeal to the fifth day of y^ next
Genii. Court," to be heard before His Ex'^^ their Ma**^ Gove" of
Virg*, and y® Hon^** Councill of State, to be held at James Citty, after
having given the required Security for their appearance on that occasion.
Bond of the Captain and owners of the ship "Morning Star," ofOct'ri9th
Liverpool, to render a true account of her cargo, &c., &c., before (he Accomack Co.
(hall ** clear for fome port in England, Wales, or Town of Burwick,
upon Tweed, and noe other place," &c , &c.
The Inhabitants of the County being " hindered from taking up and OccV 31st
patenting the Lands on the South side of Black Water Swamp, occa- petition
sioned by an order of the Gen^ Court, &c." — the Houfe of Burgesses, gard to landt
in confideration thereof, " humbly submit and pray " his Excellency, S** ^^ Blackwater
Edmond Andros, Their Ma"" Gov', &c., " that y*^ laid Restraint on the ^''•"^
Surveyors may be taken of, and y® Inhabitants be permitted to enter for &
lake up any of ye fd. Lands, & likewise any of the Lands in Pamunky
Neck, 4c.^
m re«
y»
May it Please your Hono",
The House of Burgesses having under consideracon your meflage Novem*r nth
yesterday, wherein yo' Hon" are pleased to recomend the consideration y^^j^ ^^^
of a suitable reward to Capt. Cary for his service in going to New York
for adjusftine a Quota, pursuant to the Queen's comands Signified in her ^^\'F*I^ ""
letter to his Excellency, the 11*^ of Octob% 1692, humblv take leave to ''*' * *
acquaint your Hon" tnat they are of opinion that Capt. Cary being em-
ployed in the faid fervice by his Excellencie, upon advice m Councill,
by virtue of and in obedience to her Majisties said Letter directed to the
Governor only, the Charge and Reward for the fame is not a Countrey
charge, but ought to be defrayed out of their Majesties Revenue, appro-
priated for such uses.
By order of the House of Burgesses.
PETER BEVERLY,
Clk. of H. of Burg'
.set
. By the houfe of Burgeflfes : Nov*r 13th
May it Pleafc your Hon" —
In answer to your Hon" meffiige on the 1 1^^ inftant, wherein you are Pom and to-
pleased to bj you wait for an anfwer to a former mefsage of yours rcla- ^««« »» ^^^^
48 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1693 ting to the Act for Ports k Bulke Tobacco. The House of Burgefles.
humbly take leave to acquaint your Hono'^ that on the 7^ Instant they
tooke the said meflage under serious confideration and debate^ and there-
upon Refolved that they would adhere to their former Votes, relating to
ports and bulke tobacco made this AiTembly, from which they further
inform your honors they cannot now recede.
By order of the House of Burgefles.
PETER BEVERLEY, Clk. H. Burg.
1694 Entered y® Shipp Mary and Ellery, of Jopsom, Burthen 100 Tons^
Thomas Carpenter Commander, from New found Land, noe paffl"*^, y"
8"^ day of January, 169! (1694.)
Virginia ss.
Bond and Know all men by thefe prefents, that we, Thomas Carpenter, Com-
cletnnce under mander of the Shipp Mary and EUery, of Jopsom, and Richard Nusum,.
of the County of Lancafter, Gents, and Inhabitants, are held and firmly
unto our Soveraigne Lord and Lady, King William and Queen Mary^
their Heires ana Succeflers, in the sume of One Thousand Pounds
Stcrl'g, to the true payment whereof on demand, we bind us and every
of us ones, and every of our heires. Executors, &c.. Jointly and sever-
ally, for the whole and in the whole, togather with the sdd. Shipp, and
allherGunns, Tackle, (Fourniture andapparell, firmly by these prefsents.
WitnefTour hands and scales, &c., &c.
The condition of this obligacon is such, that whereas, the above
bounden, is after the Ladeing of his faid shipp, Intended and bound for
Jopsom, now if the fiiid Thomas Carpenter, Commander as above,.
shall take and loade on board his faid fliipp, any sugars, Tobaccoes, Cot-
ton, Wooll, Indico, or other Enumerated Commodities of the growth^
Producon or manufacture of any English Plantacon, In Asia, Africa or
America, or shall carry in his sayd fhipp any of the aforesaid Commodi-
ties, and unloade and putt the fame on shoare at some Port in Eng-
land Wales, or at some Porte or Towne of Berrick, upon Tweed, the
Danger of the Seas only excepted, and return certificate of his see
doeing and performing, then this obligacon to be void and of none effect,,
or elfe to ftand in full force and Vertue.
Sealed and Delivered.
THOS. CARPENTER,.
In Presence of RICHARD NUSUM.
Walt" Wadding,
Danl. Sullivan.
1695 May it Pleafc y*" Excellency and * • * • ♦
May 6th It having been represented to this Aflembly by y* Inhabitants of the
Blackwater Respective Counties which are adjacent to the Black Water Swamp, on
swamp lajidt ^h^ Southside of James River, that the takeing up of great quantities of
Land on the other side of the faid Black water Swamp, when liberty
shall be given to take up and patent lands in those parts, will not only
be very injurious and prejuditiall to divers Inhabitants who are seated on
this side of y^ Swamp — if by that means tbey have not liberty to ttke
up some land on the other fide, for the Range of their Stockes, but alsoe
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 49
cause at leaft two hundred &milies to defert the Countrey for want of 1695
conveniencie to live. The House of Burgefies takeing the same into con-
sideration, doe humbly beg your Excellency and Hono"*, that as foon as
liberty shall be given to take up and patent lands on the Southiide of the
Blackwater Swamp, no grants be made of any more than four hundred
acres to one person, by which method they humbly conceive that part of
this Country will be well peopled, great stocke of provision raifed, and Emigration
the daily repaireing of the Inhabitants of this Colony to the Southward Southward
prevented.
By order of the House of BurgefTes.
PHILL. LUDWELL,
Speaker.
At a Vefterye held y^ 6**'daye of Maye, 1695, S' John's p'ish, in Kinge May 6th
A Queene Countye, p'efent : ^.„g ^ g^^„
In obedience to an order of his excellencyc and Hon^'rable Counfell, Co.
beareinge date Maye the first, 1695 —
Wee, the sd. Vesterye haveinge mett to examinge the Reafons of the Complaint
Complaint of M' Monro, doe finde that on y® 20*** of Aprill last, we V^^}. ^^^'
haveinge mett in order to the agreeinge with M' John Monro, Minifter ''
for the Infueinge yeare, to fliew our willingness, did offer him Thirteen
Thouland three hundred thirty-foure pounds of tobacco & Caske con«
venient, which hee slightingly Refufed, and alsoe parted from us in great
anger, haveing no provocafon theire too, notwithftanding this, wee fent
one of the Vcftereye after him to Requeft his anfwer to our proposalls,
which was that in a slightinge manner, hee anfwered that he would make
noe agreement, and soe Road awaye. Upon which wee made an order
that y® Church Wardens should againe waite on him, to Know if hee
would accept of y® fame, which the sd. Church wardens did, but hee
still slighted and Rufufed, which order allfoe Impowering them, upon his
Refufail, to provide an other Minifter. M"^ Monro upon this goeinge
oute of our p'ifli, and not acquaintinge the Veftory of his Returne, or
that hee would accept of our offer made him, the Church Wardden omit-
ted goeinge to the Chapell, hee supposeinge the p'ifh to be vacant of a
Minefter,
Roger Malory,
Henry fFox,
Martin Palmer, Jn',
Jas. Norment,
W°* Barford, Jnr.,
Daniel Miles,
Thomas T. P. Leay,
Henry Madifon.
"May it please your Excell : May 6th
The last time I had the honour to wait upon y**^ Excell., I inform'd Henrico Co,
you that there was a little eontroverfy between our Vestry men &; me j. ^ ^
about our Church Glebe, to which I claim a peculiar right, they, on the Robimon's
contrary, pretending that only an inducted minister has just title thereto, right to the
But metbinks 'tis a little hard clergymen converfant about so sacred a ^^*^*
function should not onely be year by year hired by their parifbioners as-
suming to themselves the liberty of determining y® quantity of their
7
50 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1695 Salaries, but also for want of this induction be debarred from the pof-
feffion of their glebes at firft devoted to so pious an ufe as the main-
Priys the quei- tenance of the Miniftrey. This (if connived at) is no great incourage-
tetSed*^ ment for divines of any note or spirit to live here. Therefore I hum-
bly beg you' Excell. that the buiineflf of the glebes, but especially mine
in particular, may now be taken into Consideration, in order to the recti-
fying thereof, for I leave it wholly to your Excell. difpofal, to be deter*
mined in favour either fide, as y^' Excell. shall think fit. And truely,
it is not any profile y^ may accrue to me by this Glebe, that I regard so
much as the bad prefedent this inflance may be to oy' parifhes, to the
prejudice of my brethren in y* miniflry who interefl themselves herein.
Now that God may ever bless, prosper & preferve your Exc. in all your
undertakings, will always be the cordial prayer of
May it pleafe y^ Excell., your Ex. mofl humble &
most devoted Servant,
GEO. ROBINSON.
By the House of BurgefTes :
May 18th May it please y**' Hono" —
James City Upon consideration of yo' Hono" Meflage, dated Yesterday, proposing
Payment of ^^^^ ^'^ months pay to the Rangers be ailertained out of the four pence
Rangen pr. gall., the House of Burgesses doe not agree that it be done this As-
sembly. But if that pay must be levied this SefHon, that it be done by a
Levy on the poll to be paid in the year 1696, to which they humbly deure
y"*" Hon" anfwer with all convenient expedition, to the end the Comittee
of Proportions, may proceed to the proportioning a Levy accordingly.
By order of the House of BurgefTes.
PETER BEVERLEY, Clk. of the houss of
BurgefTes.
May 1 8th May it please yo' Honor* —
James City The houfe of BurgefTes haveing taken under confideration yo*" Hono'^
anfwer to their meflage concerning the Revifall of the Lawes & yo^
bono" mefsage of this morning, upon the Severall addrefTes to their
Majeties sent from the houfe for yo^ bono" joining with them therein.
In anfwer
Doe humbly Signify to yo*" bono' that they can'ot agree to yo' Hono™
propo&Us contained in Yo' said answer concerning the Revifall of the
Lawes, or Yo^ mefsage about the said addrefTes.
By order of the houfe of Burgesses.
PETER BEVERLEY, Clk of the houfe
of Burgesses.
1696 Whereas, I Received a noat from y® Clk. of y® Council, concerning
Tan'v itth ff^rrys, therefore I have given notice to all persons in this Con*^, Pre-
^ tending to keep fferrys, wh. Bee Rob* Cholfield, David Dickee & W°*
Lancaster Co. Morgan. But theire answer was y* they did not keep any fferry. But
Ferries did Sometimes Sett over y® River By Chance some footmen. But na
horse, & Theire Demand is 2® — 6^ pr. head.
By mee, W. LISTER, SherifF.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 6J
Having been shewed hj the Sheriffe of Surry County an order of Coun- 1696
cill relating to Ferrys, In obedience thereto make this Returne — (viz 0 p w. ^
that it hath been a custome many yeares for some person liveing near ^ ^ ^^
Crouche's Crecke, in Surry County, to keepe a Ferry to James City, J*«« City
and when Ja. Ellis (who was the last before me the subscriber) refused perry at
to keep it any longer, which is about fourteen yeares since, I began to Crouch*sc reek
keep it, and so do now, alwaies having Boates ready at my Plantacon
on Crouches Creeke aforesaid for men and Horses, each foot passenger
paving one shilling, as hath been alwaies ufuall, & a man & horse three
shillings, six pence — before I kept the ferry it was five shill'.
W. EDWARDS.
To all People to whome These p^fents shall Come, Wee, the Com- Nov'r aut
mission" for manadgeing and causeing to be Leavyed & collected his i^qj^^^j^ £j^
Ma^^ cuftomes, Subsidies & other Dutyes In this his Kingdome of Eng-
land, send greeting, know yee That wee, the said Commiffion" Have, ^«iSe^*om-
by Virtue of an Act of Parliament, made in the 25*** yeare of the Raigne missioned coi-
of King Charles y* 2"**, Entitled An Act for Encourage"^* of the East- lector
land and Greenland Trades, and for better securing the Plantation Trade.
And in pursuance of the Authority & Direction to us given by the R^
Hon^** the Lords' Commission" of his Ma***" Treary, Deputed and Im-
powered, and Doe hereby Depute & Impower Christopher Wormley to
be CoUec'' of all the Rates, Dutyes and Impositions ariseing and grow-
ing due to his Ma*'*" att Rappahannock River, In the Collony of Vir-
ginia, by virtue of the faid Ad, whereby he hath power to enter into any
ohip, Bottome Boat or other Vefsell, as alsoe into any shop house, ware-
house, Hoftery, or other place whatsoever, to make Diligent search into
any Trunck, Cheft, Pack-Case, Trufse or any other Parcell or Package
whatsoever, for any goods, wares or Merchandize prohibited to be im-
ported or Exportea, or whereof the Cuftomes or other Dutyes have not
been Duely paid, and the same to seize to his Ma*'*" ufe. And alsoe to
put in Execution all other the Lawfull Powers & authoritye for the bet-
ter manadgeing and Collectinge the s^ Dutyes in all things : Proceeding
as the law directs — Thereby prayeing & requireing all and every his
Ma^*" Officers & Minifters & all others whom it may concern to be
aideing & assisting to him in all things as becometh. Given under our
hands & seale at the Cuftome house, London, this twenty-first day of
Nov,, in the 8*^ yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord King Wil-
liam the 3% Anno D'ni, 1696.
Rob* Southerell, C. Godalphin, Walter Young, Sam. Clarke,
Ben. Overton.
To his Excellency S' Edmond Andros, K°*, his Maj***" Lf*, &c. Ac-
Thomas Ward, in the behalfe of himselfe and the Own" of the Sloope
'Content,
Humbly Sheweth —
* That whereas, your Petitioner hath had a Tryall, the fifteenth Octo- Pcdtton for
^r last, before the Hon^^® General Court, upon the Information brought '»t>t»t>on of *
* Thii PeAtion was referred to Wm, Randolph, Atty. General, who decided that a « Writt
<<» Ridtution** should at once be issued, that the Sloop and goods be thereby restored to the
«^fid owner, &c.
52 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1696 by Joshua Broadbent, upon the seizure of the Sloope ^^ Content '* &
Loadeing, and upon full heareing, the saide Information & seizure was.
dismist ; notwithstanding which, the said Sloope & goods are not yett
delivered to your Petitioner, by reason of which your Petitioner is very
much hurt and damnified.
Your Petitioner, therefore, desires your Excellency and hon^^® Coun-
cill to grant an immediate order for the delivery of the said Sloope and
goods, that yo' Petitioner may goe about his lawfuU occasions, & your
Petitioner will ever pray, &c.
1697 The Sheriff, in obedience to an " order of Councill," reports that
April 2nt there are but two Ferrys in the County, one at "Varina," " by Capt.
Will"* Soane upon Sundays, Court-days, and other publick days of meet-
Henrico Co. j^^g ^f e Justices of y® Coty," for which he is to be allowed eight hun-
Two ferries In dred pds. of toba° & cask in y* Coty — . *'The other is kept at
county Bcrmoda Hundred, by Sam" Kimble, who takes 12* per man & * * *
and 6"^ for every foot pafsenger, &c."
April 1 2th The greivances of the Inhabitants of the Cou^^ of Accomack, given
Accomack co. '"^® ^^^*^ Burgesses at the Court House, &c., to be presented to the
' p'sent Affembly.
Whereas DoUers, comonly called Lyon or Dog Dollers, have no
vallue afcertained whereby they mav pass currantly amongst the inhabi-
tants of this Country ; wee, thererore, pray a Law may pass to afcer-
taine at what vallue the faid Dollers may pass currantly from man to
man, for y* better advancement of Trade & Comerce.
April nth That whereas, feveral Loose k vagrant persons. That have not any
Settled Residence, do too Comonly enter themselves singly, and not in
th?pii?lic*evT. ^"y house Keepers* List of Tithables, who, being so levied upon for
Remedy for the their Taxes, and when the time comes that the Sheriff goes about to col-
"me lect the publique dues, they abscond, and remove from place to place, on
purpose to defraud the County of their Levies, being sensible they have
no vifible Estate, by which the Sheriff can make distreflf for y^ same,
by reason whereof y* Taxes grow the more burdensome and grievous to
the settled p'fons of the Inhabitants of the County, The Sheriffs return-
ing them at the next * • • • as p^sons non-solvent ;
wee, therefore * • * • # ^j^^t a Law may be
made with • * ♦ • Penalty annexed for the * ♦ *
of the said inhabitants on that behalf, by findeing such expedient at the
discretion of the Worshp^ house of Burgesses, for Redreff therein, to
prevent the like mischeifs and inconveniences for the future.
JNO. WASHBURNE,
Clk. Cout., &c.
Memben of Christopher Thompson, W"* Custis, TuUy Robinson,
the court William Dcnnison, Geo. Nich. Clarke, John ^
John Morris, Ed"** Custis, • Edmond Rally,
Gervis Berggalle, Rob* Hutchinfbn, George Parker,
Henry Custis, Richard ^^Senr.
April 26th Worthy S' — This p'"" I take to Informe you that I have had bread
(bred) on the side of my neck-, a Verry grate Impost", and it is lately
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 5S
break'd, soe that now is a Hole in my Neck that a man may put in three 1697
of his fingers* The doctcr tells me it will be verry daingerous to goe foe
much as about the plantotion, soe I am afFraide I shall not be able to ap- f^^^" ^H^^'r
pcare on the day perfixt, at towne ; I therefore humbly request that you Burgetsln ' °
will please to inform the house of BurgefFes of the occation of my ab-
sence from y^ fd. House, and that they may afshuredly Conclude that as
soone as Ever shall please God to make me able, shall give my true
attendance on the House, the Contrary I hope will neither by you nor
them be supposed. S% y® fFavoiir herein will oblige, S% yo' Humble
Ser*
RODHAM KENNER.
To M' Rob' Carter, Speaker
of the Houfe of Burgefses att James City,
Thefe.
Right Worship" & Worthy Gent—
This, with all due relpect, comes to give you an ace' of my abfents April a6th
from the Affembly, occationed by my Wife's Sicknefs, who is far more
likely to Dye then recover, (and I cannot in Confcience leave her j) if
pleafe God, I see any probable amendment in her (ickness, shall not faile
imediately to give my Due attendance, till w^** time, I hope this may be
a reafonable excufe to Gen'.
V* Most Humble
Serv',
RICHARD HAYNIE.
To the Right Worship" M' Speaker
and other, the Gent" of the Houfe of
Bui^esses. «
By Virtue of his Ex^'' Comiflion to us directed, we do hereby certifie April 29th
that we have administered y® oaths prescribed by law, y® Test & y® oath
of a Burgeff to M'' Thomas Edmonson, returned one of y® elected Bur- •'*"*' '^
gefses for Effex County. Oathe of office
Given under our hands y* 29"* of April, 1697. ' «<»«n«»tered
C» WORMLEY,
E. JENNINGS,
Propofals made by the fubfcribers, being free Houlders In the County October 6th
affordaid, to be prefented by the Burgeffes, of y* aiForelaid County, to the .
next Affembly by way of Aggreviences : ccomack Co.
I. That whereas, muney being made of Currant Vallew, it is the only,
And moft Convenient Ballance for carrying on all Trade and Com-
merce ; And forafmuch as Experience Informeth us that our naighbour-
ing provinces & Governments by Inhancing The Vallew of all faran
Quoine, Do Draine and withdraw from this Government fuch muneys Increasing
as by feverall opportunity Doth Happen to be brought amongft us, to our l"« f^ coin or
Impouverfhment and Their Great Advantages ; We Tharfore propofe ^^^^^ **''
That a Certaine Vallew & Advance may be fett, not only upon Dollers,
but Upon all forts of farail quoine which may Excede the Vallew of gt.
Starling, That Tharby Incouragement may be given for importing, as
well as Keeping the £ime to Curculate and pass plentifully in this Cuntry,
Which would Tend much to the Incouragement of all forts of Artificers
va-
S4
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1697
Wolrea too
abundant and
should be
trapped
& Tradefmen, as well as Dealers & Strangers, who are at pTent dis-
couraged by Refon, are forced (If Deale at all) to Do it moftly upon
trufl, and finde III payments and great DifTapoyntments.
■2nd. That wharas, It is too Evident That Woolves Do Greatly In-
crease, and are Very Difltructive to the Increafe of moft forts of ufefuU
Creturs In this Country — That for the Incouragement of fuch as would
make it Their BuffinefT, & Indevors to Deftroy Woolves By pitts &
Trapps, kc, — That all fuch perfons may be allowed for Each Woolve thay
(hall fo take & Deftroy at Leaft 300^^ Tobacco, and y** none be allowed
(Excepting Indians) but fuch as shall by oath or Evidence (if Required)
make it appear to y* Juftis Granting y® Certificate, That the faid woolve
or woolves wear taken in A Trap, pitt or other Invention by them made
& prepared for the taking woolves as aforef^ , and faid Rewards to be al-
lowed by y® Reflpective Countys at Their Courts of Leveys.
W™ Anderson,
John Custis,
Robt. Pitts,
— ; Moore,
Geo. Parker,
William Dennison,
John Drummond,
Ed. Brotherton,
George Parker, Sen
October xith
York county
October 18th
North River
Oct*r 2Xtt
— — >yemond
Att a Co'^ of Claimes held for Yorke County, &c., p'fen^ : th' Ma****
Justices.
Itt is y® propofi'on of M*" Rob* Read, Capt. Charles Hansford &
Capt. Will™ Buckner, in behalfe of y® County abovesaid, that y* Wor-
shipful house of Burgefles take into Consideration, that Jurymen in all
Cases impannelled and sworne, b; introduced to their obedience of Sum-
mons by some Encourage"* to be aflertained.
Test :
WILL^ SEDGWICK, Clk. Cort.
M'' Speaker,
Being und' and in dispofition my Self, and having at this time a Child
in a very dangerous condition, I humbly beg the house will be pleased to
excufe my not attending at the first meeting; And it is my defire, as
well as intention, as soon as God shall be pleased to change my afore-
said circumstances for y® better, which I hope a little time will effect,
to wait upon you and the house, and by my attendance to difcharge the
duty incumbent upon.
Most Worthy Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
JAMES RANSONE.
Gen*
Nothing less then my p'^fent condition could prevent me in profecuting
my duty with y® all att this time, in James Citty ; but at p'sent am so
grievously afflicted with y* gout, that I can no wife be servicable to my self
nor Countiy ; but if it please God to grante me a little ease, if I under-
ftand y* AfTembly continues, I will endeavour to be up in order to my
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 6S
duty with you — ^In mean time, I beg yo' excufes, this being what at 1697
p^sent offers from
Yo'* moft humble Serv*,
JOHN BRASSEUR.
To M' Speaker and y* Gents.
of the house of Burgesses —
Thefe.
Gentlemen —
Soon after your adjournment, the Piscataway Indians liveing on the Oct*r 23d
Northside of rotomock River, in Maryland, came over to settle, (on this j^^^ ^j^
side) & notwithstanding my reiterate Directions k Orders to the Chief
Officers in Stafford County, have not been prevailed with to returne to Addreu of the
Maryland, but remaine back in the Woods beyond the little mountains. Governor in
I had also an account of a woman and three children in Stafford County ^^ *°
dangerously wounded by Indians, of which one condemned & executed
k four cleared by a Court of Oyer & Terminer. And I have lately had
an account from the upper parts of James River of an English Man,
comeing from South Carolina, murthered & robed by some unknown In-
dians, questioned at Appomaticks for the said murther, but cleared, were
the same evening killed by other indians within our Settlements & Habi-
tations. On notices whereof, I gave p'sent orders by all fitting means
to Indeavour the Discovery k apprehend or demand the murtherers to bee
proceeded against (not yett effected) all which, & some proceeding in
Maryland, sent me, relating to Indians, I have ordered to be laid before
you. And further particular accounts to bee given by the officers con-
cerned, as occasion — And now recommend the whole matter thereof to
your p^sent considerations, and suitable care to be taken for the continued
welfare and defence of this his Ma"** Antient Colony & Dominion.
And now neceflary a Law for the well settling the militia, as also for
Juryes, espeicially for the Genii Court of great Import, to bee regulated
k provided to attend. And doe not doubt your hartily Joyntng in thanks-
giving & Prayers to almightv God, for his continued blefEngs on his
Ma^'~ & his Dominion ; And that hee will be gratiously pleased to direct
the proceeding of their present Gen" Assembly.
A copy of his Excellency's Speech.
E. JENINGS,
Depy. Se^
C' Wormeley and E. Jenings certify to their having administered the ^^^*' *3<^
necessary oaths to M"* Philip Ludwel], Jn% '• Burgefs elect, returned for jamet City
James City," &c,
C' Wormley and E. Jenings certify that they have administered to M'
Robert Hubberd, Burgess returned for Warrick County, & M' Cock,
Buijeess returned for Henrico County; '* The oaths appointed by AGt
of Parliament, to be taken instead of the oaths of allegiance & supre-
macy.
By y« Com*^ of Pub. Claimes :
This Comittee haveing duely and maturely confidered Severall of y*
Claims from Stafford County, made by divers p'fons, and thereupon finde-
66 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1697 ^^?> ^^^^ ^o arife from the mischiefs perpetrated by the Indians in that
Stafford h uld ^^"^ty? ^"^ ^^^^ ^^^Y ^^^ amount to a very confiderable sum of Tobbco,
be relieved of which said Tobb% by the Laws and ufual Customes for defraying the
taxes on ac- charges of Criminalls^ hath hitherto been paid by the Counties, and not
count of Indian brought upon the Publick until the Criminalls were delivered to the Sherr.
ages ^^ James City ; but this being a very confiderable charge as afordsaid, and
occasioned by Indians, as Enemies to the whole Countrey, this Com*®®
Doe Humbly submit the said Claims to the Conftderation of the houfe
for their dereccon, whether they shall p'ceed to the Regulacon & allow-
ance of the same, y® Charge of them not being regulated nor prov** in
Court, or whether they shall be dyfallowed and defrayed by the County,
as is ufuall for other criminalls.
Test \
' MILES CARY, Clk. Comm»«®.
By the Councill —
Nov'r xst M'' Speaker & Gent* of the 1
House of Burgesses. J
tain claims ^^^e Councill haveing considered the Book of Claimes, agree to
the same, w^^ the following Amendments & additions :
That the Sheriff of James City County be allowed for his attendance
at the Gen^^ Court, two thousand pounds of Tobacco and Caflc, more
then allowed in the booke of claimes. The name of the Trumpeter
being omitted, to be incerted (viz.) Thomas Reeves. The name of the
Clerke of the Gen" Afsembly being omitted, to be incerted (viz.) M"".
James Sherlock. ' Rachel to b2 incerted between M". and Sherwood.
And Cafk omitted to George Read for one thousand and eighty pounds
of tobacco, to be added.
By order of the Council.
JAMES SHERLOCK, Clk Gen" Afsembly,
Oath to be " You shall swear as Clark to y^ houfe of Burgesses of Virg*, to which
taken by the office you are appointed by his Excellency, faithfully, Juftly and uprightly
House^of * '^ make true entries & Journals of all voates & proceedings of y® s'd
Burgesses houfe of Burgefses, as from time to time, you shall receive orders and
directions from them ; you shall keep secret all proceedings of y* s^ houfe
of Burgefses so far as mall by v® s*^ houfe be found necessary, & shall, in
all things, according to yo*" beft (kill & Judgem' difcharge and execute y®
sd. office & truft of Clark of y® houfe of Burgesses.
To his Excell^y S*' Edmund Andros, K"* & his Ma**®*, &c.
The Humble Peticon of Joshua Brodbent,
Sheweth,
Application for That by Vcrtue of a Commission from your Excell'y, bearing date the
relief for pro- second day of October, Anno 1696, for the Command of his Ma**®* hyred
tecting the Sloope, the Spyewell, to cruise in the Bay and the severall Rivers in this
the Bay &c*. Government, to detect and discover falfe Traders, &c. And forasmuch
as your Petico^ in the prosecution of his Duty has been at very consider-
able charges & expenses in the seizure of severell sloops and one ihip for
Illegal Trading, contrary to severall acts of Parlia™^ And although the
said sloops & shipps have not been condemned, yet your Peticon' conceives
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 57
be /lad good and sufficient ground of seizure and prosecution of the faid 1697
Stoops and ship by the Duty of his office and the truft reposed in him by
Your Exce^*' not proceeding therein without the mature consideration &
advice as well of the King's Councill as of his owne. Your Peticon^
haveing likewife beene at greate expence & trouble in the profecution of
a Bond due his Ma**®, all w*^*^ arc mentioned in an acco' hereunto an-
Your Pef therefore humbly prays y"^ Exce^^^ & Hon" that
the said annexed Acco^ of his charges may be allowed & paid
him
And yo' Peticon' as in duty bound, fhall ever pray, &c.
JOSHUA BRODBENT.
To Mis Excellency S^^ Edmund Andros, Km. His Maj"«» Lieut, and
Go^v"" General of Viginia:
The Humble Address of the Houfe of Burgesses.
May it pleafe yo' Excellency,
W"e^ his majesties Loyall and Dutifull subjects, the Burgesses now as- Reply to Gov-
scmtilccl in James City, in his majesties mod Ancient Colony & Dominion «'|»of'« •pecch
of V irginia, haveing upon this meeting had the favour of yo*^ Excellencies ^^^^y iq.
speecli^ wherein you are pleafed to give us a breif acco* of the Piscataway dims
India^ns comeing over from Maryland & getting on this fide Potomack
Rwer, of some mischiefs done in Stafford County, & others in the upper
V^^ of James River by Indians, together with what hath been already or-
^^rcd & done upon thefe unhappy accidents to check and prevent further
A^ngers on the ffrontiers. And for our full information therein. Your
Excellency haveinge been pleafed to lay before us the proceedings of
the Court of Oyer & Terminer ; some proceedings in Maryland relating
to Indians, and the particular accounts which your Excellency had frome
the upper part of James River. We Efteem ourselves obliged to
return your Excellency our moft humble and unfeigned thanks for the
same, and to acknowledge that we and this whole Colony stand exceed-
ingly bound to your Excellency, for the great care hath been taken on
this occasion, to punifh the male&ctors found, and to effect the difcovery
t apprehension of thofe that are not.
And to the end we may not be wanting in our duty for the continued
peace, security and defence of his majesties Ancient Colony and Do-
minion, with as much Dispatch as may be, we have defired a Conference
with the Hono^^ Councill what may be thought necessary at this time to
be done to maintain and support it therein, from mischiefs & Incursions
which may be feared from Indians or any other enemies — beeing all the
proceedings we have yet made upon that head of your Excellencies
speech, &c. *••*♦#*
* * * • • We have ordered that the con-
sideration of that, &c.^ stand referred to the next Afscmbly.
And doe heartily join with your Excellency in our prayers that God
Almighty will be graciouly pleafed to direct the proceedings of this session
in all things moft necessary for his glory, the Honor of his Majesty and
the Welfare of this Colony and Dominion.
8
i
68
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Concealed
tithablei
Place of
doorkeeper
1697 Proposition of Jno. Washbourne and Ric^ Baily to the Genl. Assem-
bly, to remove the ambiguity in the Law for the '* discovery of concealed
Tithables," on account of which, much trouble and *' many disputes '*
had arisen.
To the Right Worshf ^^ M*^ Speaker, and houfe of Burgefses.
John Hix, humbly sheweth :
That understanding there is a vacancy in one of the Door Keepers*
places, he humbly prays the houfe will be pleafed to confider his p'sent
condition, being low, as to admitt and receive him with the fame, tor his
better support and maintenance, and he doth promife humbly to officiate
therein with all diligence and fidelity.
To the R' Worp^ M'. Speaker & Houfe of Burgefses :
Membcn of Benoni Burroughs & John Thorowgood, now in custody of the Mes-
House of Bur- senger, for their default of not attending the service of the Houfe :
geues under ^
arrest for non- Humbly pray —
That they may be admitted to lay before the houfe the obftructions
which have hitherto prevented their attendance, and they doe hope upon
hearing thereof, the houfe will be pleased to order their discharge and ad-
mit them to their places.
To y® Hon^^** Houfe of Burgefses :
Wm. Harrifon, Humbly Sheweth —
Doorkeeper to That y***" Pe*', liveing in Town and Sexton of y® parifli, hath ben made
House of Bur- acqua^ by y® Inhabitants thereof, that it is a Generall Custom for y® Sex-
"'^^'^ ton of y® parifh, to be Door Keep*" to y® sd. Houfe of Burgefses, there-
fore y*^^ pet*" defires a grant for y® same.
And he in duty bound shall ever pray.
gesses
Mattaponi
fort
Thefe Certifie that William Meridaye was one of the Carpente" that
built the houfeing at Mattaponie Garifon, in the yeare 1679 ; but whether
he has bin payd for itt or no, I know not.
GEO. LIDDALL.
1698
Th. Cantuar,
Somers C.
Pembroke, C. P, S.
Marlborough.
Romney.
Orford.
By the Lords Juftices.
Lords Justices*
warrant for aU r^ %
lowance to w. jes** Treas'y, in behalf of William Bird, Esq', Auditor Genl. of the
Byrd, Esq., on ~ -..«-.- ^ - . ^ - .,. _
account of mo-
ney advanced
by him for sup-
port of govern-
ment, out of
his private
means, &c.
Whereas, it hath been represented to the Lords Comifs"'* of his Ma-
Revenues of his Majesties Colony and Dominion of Virg% That the
Revenues of the two (hillings upon every Hogshead of Toba*^, fifteen
pence p'Tun, for every ship, and six pence p'PoU, for every Person ar-
riving there, have fallen (hort since the year 1694, not answering the
necessary charges of the Government in the sum of two thou(and nine
hundred, fifty-nve pounds, nine {hillings & eight pence, half penny. And
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 69
that the said deficiency hath preceed * * * ♦ great and unusuall 1698
charges that this Colony has within * * * * Years been at, in
the large supply es it hath sent * * * j^ raising a Fort at James-
town, and in maintaining * * • ^^rr sloop, and other extraordinary
disburfement * * * he, the faid William Bird, finding the aforesaid
Revenues short, and being unwilling his Maj** service should be neglected
• * * still, hath since the year 1694, advanced out of his own proper
* * * the above menconed fume of two thoufand nine hundred,
fifty-five pounds, nine {hillings and eight pence, half penny, which 'tis
prayed may be allowed out of three thoufand, three hundred thirty-three
pounds, nine (hillings, six pence, half penny, remaining in the hands of the
said William Bird for the Revenue of Quit rents, as hath been ufual in
the like cases. And whereas, by a Report made by William Blathwayt,
Esq'., (to whom this matter hath been referred,) it appears, (amongft
other things,) that his late Maj'^^, King Charles the Second, by Letters
under his Royall sign manual and * * * to the Gov"^ of Vir-
ginia, dated the 25th July, 1684, did declare his Intention, that the Quit
Rents thereof arising to his Maj^®® * • * be applyed towards the
support of the Government of that Colony in such manner as his Majesty
fhould from time to time direct and appoint. And to order that the said
Quit rents (hould not, at any time, be dispofed of untill upon certifying
the value of what fhould then remain in y® Trea''^. Mis Majesty (hould
order the same to be dispofed of to such uses as (hould be thought requi-
site. That accordingly orders have issued under his Present Majesties
Royall sign manual, dated the first of May, 1695, for the pay^nent of
seaven hundred, sixty-five Pounds, three (hillings and a farthing, out of his
said Revenue of Quit Rents, in ayd of the Revenue of two (hillings
p'hogshead, then fallen (hort, and that since the time the said Revenue of
two (hillings p'hogshead & Port Dutys have fallen short in the years
1696, 1697, of answr'ing the charges of that Government, and other ex-
traordinary exigencies above mentioned in the sume of two thoufand eight
hundred eighty-three pounds, three (hillings and two pence, half penny,
which added to the remaining Ballance of the account of that Revenue
in the year 1694, being Seaventy-two Pounds, six (hillings and six pence,
there is wanting to clear the debts of the Government in Virginia, out of
the said Revenue of two (hillings p'hogshead, the said sum of Two thou-
sand nine hundred fifty-five pounds, nine (hillings and eight pence, half
penny according to the severall vouchers transmitted by the said Auditor
General. And likewise that on the 31st of May, 1697, there was re-
maining in the Treasury then, an accompt of Quit Rents, the sume of
three thoufand three hundred thirty-three pounds, nine (hillings and six
pence, half penny. Now in regard the said sume of two thoufand nine
hundred fifty-five Pounds, nine milling;s and eight pence, half-penny hath
been advanced by the said W"*. Bird for the support of the Government,
and on the extraordinary occasions above mentioned. We do hereby direct
and require you to issue a Warrant for the allowing the same to the said
William Bird, out of the Ballence which remained on his account of the
Revenue of Quitt Rents ♦ * ♦ the 31st May, 1697, aforesaid.
And for so doing • • ♦ your warrant. Dated at the Court at White-
hall, the • * * Day of November, 1698. In the Tenth Year of
His Majesties Reign.
By their Excell*^'* Command,
I
60
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS,
1698
Nov'r 5th
Fort at Tyn-
daU*8 Point,
York River
Directed in manner fol% to-wit : STE, FOX, * • ♦
To Francis Nicholson, Esq^, his J. SMITH, • * •
Maf Lieut. & Governour Generall THO. LITTLETON. * ♦
of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia,
in America, And to the Governour Commander-in-Chief
of the said Colony and Dominion for the time being.
This is a true Copy from the Entry in the
Treas^ Book, Ex"^
pr. E. WEBSTER.
A true Copy,
JOHN POVEY.
Virg*, ss :
* You are hereby ordered and required to Pay unto Chicheley Corbin
Thacker the summ of Eleaven pounds, eight {hillings and six pence, serl%
it being for fo much paid by him to severall persons, for extraordinary
services about y® fFort at Tindall'is Point, in York River, and for Tarr
for the Carriages, and alfoe for hooping seventy-five barr*^ of Powder at
James City, and for fuch payment this (hall be y°^ warrant.
To M^ Auditor Byrd.
Suflbrd Co, To his Excellency F. N., Esq*"., his Majesties Lt. & Govern' Generall of
Virg* ; the Hon^^* Councell of State ; the Right WorshipfuU Mr.
agaUi8t"'squirc Speaker, & the WorshipfuU houfe of Burgases, &c :
Tom* Wee, the Inhabitants of Stafford County, hereunto subfcribing. Doe
offer to our Representatives this Day Legaly chosen, These following
Agreivances :
Imp" :
That it Being noe less for the Hon' of God, the Safety of the People^
that Innocent Blood Inhumanly spilt fhould be Justly Revenged, wee
Desire that Bloody Villiane, Esq*^ Tomm, a Convict upon Record, may
be Demanded & brought In by the Emperor of Piscataway, who now
entertains him and protects him from Condigne Punishment.
Robt. Alexander,
Edward £. B. Barton,
Thomas Baxter,
Giles Vanderafteale,
Hugh * * *
John Waugh, Jnr.,
Thos.
John Simpibn,
David Straughan,
Burr Harrison,
And Others.
G. Mason,
Math. Thompson,
Ric*d flaftaker,
Philip Buckner,
William Williams,
Jno. Washington,
Robert CoUson,
Jo. Mason,
Jo Coale,
Thos, Owsley,
•*>>-<h»^^*A^h*a
* With Autograph sigiuture £. AHDtot.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 61
♦A Bill for facilitating y** payment of y® Donations to the College of 1698
Wm. k Mary, in Virginia.
Whereas, for a continnuall Supply of the miniftrey for the Church of
Virg*, for the pious education of Truth in morality and good Learning,
and for the p'pogation of the Xtian faith in the Weft Indies, Propficons
have been made by certain p'fons pioufly Inclined, for the founding and
Erecting a Colledge or place of univerfal Study within the Dominion of
Virg*, p'sueant to which said p'ropificon certain briefs were at feverall
times Issued for subfcription to be made of fFree and Volluntary Dona-
tions towards the promoting and Carryeing on so good a Work \ to which
said Breifs or Inftruments of Writeing several p'fons did subscribe for Di-
vers Sums. of money, Tobb** and other Things, did by such subfcriptions
oblige themselves, their heirs. Ex*" and Adm*^, to pay the said severall
sums of money, tobo. and other things in the said subfcriptions men-
coned at a time to come to such p'fon or p'fons as by
Law fliould be appointed to receive the fame. Now, to the end, that
the building & furnifhing the said College may be carried on with the
greater cafe and Expedicon, and for the about the p'fons to
whom the said Donations ^—
Be it enacted by the Gov' in Council and Burgefses
Henry Hartwell
and Charles Esq"., James Blair, John
Benjamin Harrifon and Miles Cary, Wm. & Mary
W'm Randolph, Esq" , and Mathcw Page, Gent., Truftees and founders Colkge, mcaAs.
of the College of William and Mary, in Virg*, or the major part of them J^^^**^" ^^^
or of the Longeft Livers or the Longeft Liver of them, and his or their '
'icirs shall be and are hereby Declared to be p'fons apt and capable in Law
^ sufficiently impower'd by the Charter granted by his p'sent Maj^*"
and the Oueen of bless'd memory to take and receive all such Subscrip-
tions or Donations as before the date of this Act by any obligacon or
Subscription have been made or given towards the building, erecting and
founding a free School and College within the Colony and Dominion of
y^g^) and that in cafe of Refuiall or non-payment of the said Subfcrip-
tion or Donation, or any part thereof by any p'fon or p'sons whatsoever,
the laid fFrancis Nicholson and the reft of the Truftees and founders
aforexxiencon'd, or the major part of them, or of the Longest Livers or
the H^oogest Liver of them, and his or their heirs shall be and are hereby
^^^l^red and from henceforward shall be taken and Deemed to be apt and
Capable in Law to Sue, Implead and Profecute all and every such p'fon
^^ T ^^^^ whatsoever, and to ufe all other Lawfull wayes and means to
and for the recovery of all and every such Subfcription or Subfcriptions,
Donation or Donations, and of every part and parcell thereof as fully
and amply to all intents and purposes as if the faid obligacon had been
expressly made payable to the Said ffrancis Nicholfon and the reft of the
Tntftccs & founders aforementioned, or to y* major part of them, or the
l^^eft Livers or Longeft Liver of them or their heir or heirs, to and
* Thii iotnmeat is to ftdcd that it It Karcdy legible. The ** Act ** it no where else to be
t<nttd| u4 bean no date $ bvt its probal»lc chronology correiponds with the eTentt of thU period,
1698} Francis Nicholsoni Governor, the Queen dead, the King, William, still living, and the
Tnittets of the College active in establishing the Sdhool. The Bill seems to have been sug-
fc<te^ hf the Cooncil, bat whether the House of Bnrgcssct ever passed it^ cannot be determined«
e^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
SuiTord Co.
1698 for the ufes, interefts and purpofes aforefd, and after the receipt of any of
y^ said Subscriptions or Donations, either by such Legall process or by
Voluntary payment of any p'fon or p'fons, the said Truftees & founders as
aforesaid, are hereby fully Impowe*d to Acquit, Exonerate and Discharge
all and every such p'fon or p'fons whatfoever of and from the said pay-
ment or pay"'" and every
that all and every part and parcell of the said Subfcriptions or Dona-
tions
p'fent Act or any part thereof. And be it further Enacted, &c., that the
heirs. Ex''*, and Adm" of any p'son or p'fons, deed, who hath made any
of the Said Subfcriptions or Donations, fhall be and are hereby
and intended to be held and obliged to the payment thereof as
and firmly as any other pTon or p'fons whatfoever .
1699 Virginia, Set.
March aSth Gentlemen, It being for his Maj'^* espetiall Service, that Indian,
commonly known by the name of the Emperour of Pifcattoway, who,
about two years agoe, fled from his Maj''^* province of Maryland, with
Gov. Nichol- his nation of Indians, the Pifcattoways or Arcfaitekos should, with some
sontothepco- ^f j^jg gj^^^Lt men, (vulgarly so called) meet me in a General Affembly of
m\cgard to the ^^is his Maj'^^' most ancient and great Colony and Dominion of Virginia,
Pitcataway In- which (God willing) is designed to sitt at James City the 27"* of Aprill
dians, &c. next. These are, therefore, in his Maj'^' name, to will and require you
to send one or more meflengers to the said Emperour, and comand him,
in his Maj^^" name, that he and some of his great men make their per-
sonall appearance before me in the General Afsembly the first day of
Their place of May next, or a day or two before. The person or persons whom you
abode and force send ought to be SO qualifyed that they may Keep an exact Journal of
their Journey, and be able to give a just and full account of their
proceedings therein, and what in them lyes, make observations, how
far they are of the inhabitants, what sort of way it is ? what Kind
of place they are seated on ? how to be come at i if they have any fFort
or fforts ? of what nature ? and how situate i what number of Cabbins
& Indians there are, especially Bowmen ? if any foreign Indians & what
number of them ? how the Indians subfist, be in point of provisions,
and what preparation they are making for them ? What trade they have
& with whom ? And if they find any other thing that are proper to be
taken notice of or enquired after they are to do them, and those whom
you send are to acquaint all the Indians with their meflage, so that the
Emperour and some of the Indians may not tell the other quite contrary
things.
Number of ran- I do also in his Maj*^' name. Command you to send an account by the
gen employed Gentlemen who shall be chosen your Burgefles, how many officers and
Rangers have been kept in your County ? What time they have served
as such, and if they have been paid, or what is due to each officer and
Ranger. This muft be under the hands of the said officer or officers &
Rangers or Indians. I do likewife in bis Maj^^" name, order you to make
publick enquiry within your County, whether all the Inhabitants thereof,
or any part of them, are any wa} s fearful! or apprehensive of the said
Emperour and His Indians doing any mischeif, &c., and if so, what way
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 63
tbcy propose to secure themselves and your (Frontiers. These last Ac- 1699
COUNTS I would have Signed by Yourselves, all the Militia officers of your
County i & at least by the principall Inhabitants thereof, and as many
others as are willing to do so. Faile not to comply with these, my Com-
mands, as you will anfwer the contrary at your perills. Given under
my hand and Lesser Seal at armes the day and year above written.
fF. N.
For the Worshipfull his Maj**^»
Juftices of the peace for Stafford
County.
May it Please yo"^ Excellency — April nth
Wee, his Maj^^" Justices hereto subscribing, have the honou' of Reply of the
yo' Excellency s Commands to us Directed under yo' Leffer Scale att jwticeiofStaf-
Armcs, Dated the 28*^ of March last— and in obedience thereunto have ^^rd^county to
\a the ffirst place, maid them pubUque, and purfuant thereunto, have this * ^'^K^ng
day pitched upon two fubstantiall p'fons, Inhabitance of this County, to Ambusadors
wift : M' Giles VandicastiUe and M' Burr Harrifon, to goe to the In- p^^auwa^
dian (called) Empe' of Pascattaway, to deliver to him, and such as are
Vcrgarly (vulgarly) called his great men, yo^ Excellency s Comands.
We hope and believe they are men of that carracter yo^® Excellency
was pleafed to advife and Comand, and in order to their full directtion,
we have delivered them a Coppie of yo™ Excellency's precept to us,
which is A Direction nott onely sufficient, but infinitly beyond whatt
wee can give ; their Difpatch is given, and we hope theire retourne will
be speedy, which as foone as comes to us, fhall be Dutifully Dispatched
to youre Excellency.
As to ye pay due to ye Rangers and their Officers, we find to be Rangers
thirteene mounth in arreage, and humble refer yo^^ Excellency to the
Comanders & soldiers or Rangers, respectively signeing according to
yo" Excellency's directions and Comands. As to that part comunicable
to the Inhabitants aboutt their apprehentions of the Indians, and their
propofitions for theire fecurityes Is hereby prefented to yo™ Excel-
lency, Inclosed under their hands, who are, in all obedience, &c.
Yo'^ Excellency's most
DuetyfuU servants,
G. Mason, William Williams,
M. Thompson, Jno. Washingtnn,
Rich^ fFastaker, Robert Collsom,
Philip Buckner.
Stafford fs.
In obedience to his Excellencys Comand and an order of this Corte, April 2i8t
bearing date th^ 12^ day of this Instance, Aprill, We, The subfcribers, ^^^^^
have beene with the Empeuor of Pifcattaway, att his forte, and did then
Comand him, in his Maj^'* name, to meet his Excellency in a Generall ^*P*>'* °^ ^^^
Affcmbly of this his Maj»*^most Ancient CoUoney and Dominion of J"ePi,«^^^^^
Virginia, the first of May next, or two or three dayes before, with fume
of his great men. As soone as we had delivered his Excellency's Co-
mands, the Emperor sumons all his Indians thatt was then at the forte —
being in all about twenty men. After consultation of almost two oures.
f
64 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1699 they told us were very Buffey and could not poifibly come or goe downe,
. .. butt if his Excellency would be pleased to come to him, fume of his
great men should be glad to see him, and then his Ex^^^ might speake
whatt he hath to say to him, & if his Excellency could nott come him-
sealfe, then to send sume of his great men, ffor he defircd nothing butt
. peace.
They live on an Island in the middle of Potomack River, its aboutt a
mib long or fumething Better, and aboute a quarter of a mile Wide in
the Broaddis place. The forte (lands att y® upper End of the Island,
butt nott quite ffinnifhed, & theire the Ifland is nott above two hundred
and ffifty yards over ; the bankes are about 12 fFoot high, and very heard
to afend. Just at y® lower end of the Ifland is a Lower Land, and Lit-
tle or noe Bank ; against the upper End of the Ifland two small Ifland,
the one on Marriland side, the other on this side, which is of about fore
acres of Land, & within two hundred yards of the flFoorte, the other
fmaller and fumthing nearer, both flirme land, & from the maine to the
fForte is aboute foure hundred yards att Leaste — nott ffordable Excepe in
a very dry time ; the fforte is about ffifty or fixty yardes fquare, and
theire is Eighteene Cabbins in the iForte and nine Cabbins without the
forte that we Could fee. As for Provitions they have Corne, they have
Enuf and to spare. We faw noe straing Indians, but the Empero"" sayes
that the Geneksrs Lives with them when they att home ; alfo addes that
he had maid peace with all y® Indians Except the fFrench Indians \ and
now the (French have a minde to Lye ftilJ themfelves ; they have hired
theire Indians to doe mischief. The Diftance from the inhahitance is
about seventy miles, as we conceave by our Journeys. The 16^^ of this
Instance Aprill, wefett out from the Inhabitance, and (Found a good Track
(For five miles, all the rest of the daye's Jorney very Grubby and hilly.
Except sum fmall patches, butt very well for horse, tho nott good, for
cartes, and butt one Runn of any danger in a flFrish, and then very bad ;
that night lay att the sugar land, which Judge to be (Forty miles. The
17*^^ day we sett y® River by a small Compa&e, and found itt lay up N.
W. B. N., and afterwards fett itt (Foure times, and alwayes (round itt
neere the same Corse. We generally kept about one mile (From the
River, and a bout seven or Eight miles above the sugar land, we came
to a broad Branch of a bout fifty or sixty yards wide, a ftill or fmall
streeme, itt tooke oure horses up to the Belleys, very good going in and
out ; about six miles (Farther came to another greate branch of about
sixty or feventy yeards wide, with a ftrong ftreeme, making ffall with large
stones that caused oure horfes fume times to be up to theire Bellyes,
and fume times nott above their Knees ; Soe we Conceave if a (Freish,
then nott flFordable, thence in a small Track to a smaller Runn, a bout
six miles, Indeferent very, and soe held on till we came within six or
feven miles of the forte or Island, and then very Grubby, and greate
stones Itanding Above the ground Like heavy cocks — they hold for three
or flFoure miles ; and then shorte Ridgges with small Runns, untill we
came to y® torte or Island. As for the number of Indeens, there was
att the ffbte about twenty men & aboute twenty women and aboutt
Thirty Children, & we mett fore. We understand theire is in the In-
habitance a bout fixteene. They informed us there was fume outt a
hunting, butt we Judge by theire Cabbins theire cannot be above Eighty
V
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 6S
or ninety bowmen in all. This is all we Can Reporte, who subscribes 169^
ourefelves
Yo' Ex"'^ Most Dutiful! Servants,
GILES VANDERASTEAL,
BUR HARISON.
Complaints of Severall Indians to His Excellency — April 29th
The Occahanock Indians reprefent to his Excellency that they, of complaints of
their great Kindness to the Englifh, gave them leave. to seat upon their Occahannock
lands, which, by the Articles of Peace, were referred for their own prope' ''*^**°*
life, that accordingly the English have felted upon all the Lands which
were referved to the Indians by the Articles of Peace ; that the English
being so seated upon the (aid Lands, will not give the Indians Liberty to
come upon those lands, either to Hunt or flfli, which are their only means
of living.
And the Indians not having any lands of their own, this unkind and
unjuft ufage of them by the Englifh hath reduced them to very great
poverty & necessity, therefore they pray His Excellency to give such
Direccon for their RedreflT herein, as to him shall feem Convenient.
May 2d, 1699.
The Nanfemond Indians reprefent to His Excellency that they are Naniemondt
informed the English intend to take up land and seat upon a place
-called then old Town, (which lyes between the black-water and Notto-
way Rivers,) this they fear may caufe some Differences to arise between
the Englifh and them, by reason that by their hunting and shooting they
may affright the Englishmen's Stocks in thofe places ; and therefore pray
kis Excellency that He will be pleafed to consider thereof, and give fuch
Direccon therein as he shall thinke Proper.
The Nottoway Indians reprefent to His Excellency that the Tufkaru- May 2d
roe Indians (being incouraged thereto) do often come into the upper Nottowayi ts.
partes of the Countrey, about Appamattox, amongst the Englifh, who Toicarom
furnish them with Gunns and Powder & shott, which enables them to
Bunt upon and burn up all their grounds, whereby their game is De- ,
ftroyed and their hunting spoyled. That the English truft the Tufkaru-
roes in trade with Rum & other goods which they bring out amongst the
Nottowayes, and fometimes fet into Play, and lose all or great parte of
those goods, and not being atble to make satisfaccon to the English, they
tell them the Nottoways take their goods from them, which occafions
Differences and difiatisfaccons between the English and the Nottoways.
They pray that His Excellency will be pleafed to confider of thefe things
and give such direccon therein as he shall thinke fit. And to prevent
any new Occafions of Difference with the English, they Desire that
their lands may be afcertained by bounds, and that no English may be
permitted to feat within those bounds.
Whereupon His Excellency directs them to consider with themfelves
what bounds they Desire may be fett them, and when they have agreed,
-citlief to come and acquaint him themfelves, or to let their Interpreter
know their Diefires, that be may wait upon His Excellency and acquaint
birtf thferewitb.
Cop* Test. B. HARRISON,
9
66 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1699 By the House of Burgefles :
^^ . May it please yo' Hono" :
^ It is not a little difsatisfaction to this house to find, (both in his Ex-
gettet to the ~ cellency's and yo' answer to the addrefse for calling in the Proclamacon
Governor that Repeals the Repealing law, and reestablishias that concerning At*
torneys,) That yo*" Hono" have so much mistaken ye intention of this
house, whofe defign was, when that Addresse was delivered to yo*^ Hono'*^
That if yo' Hono" should not think fitt to joyn with us in the same, that
you would please to returne that, together with yo' Answer to the Houfc
thereon^ And to that end, the members which were appointed to wait
upon yo"^ Hono" with the same, were fent ; That the said addreiFe might
be presented from yo' Hono" to his Excellency, k not from his Excel-
lency to yo*" Hono", as we find it hath been done — what now remains
Is, That we beseech yo' Hono" to look upon the mistake as it is, & to
joyn with us, in our humble addrefse, or cause it to be returned to the
Houfe again, which would not have been sent to his Excellency but by
yo' Hono" advice, consent & concurrence.
By Order of y* House.
PRANCIS PAGE, Clk. of y« Houfse
of BurgefFes.
By the Houfe of Burgesses —
May nth In Reply to your Hono**^" Anfwer to the MefTage of this House, Re-
Propoted con- q^^sting your Concurrence in an Addrefe to his Excellency's laying open
ference with Sundry grievances of this Country, This House Doth humbly ofFer, that
members of although it bee contrary to the priveledge & practice of this Houfe, w**^ is
contw"""* the Grand Inquest of the Country, to Intimate the Greivances thereof^
cuitom, Ac. otherwisse then by Address or Bill for Redress of the same Ready p'pard
to that purpose ; Yet this Houfe are so earneftly defirous of all means
that may bee imagined proper to the obtaining the end aimed at, the
Easeing this poor Country of its p'fsures, that they are cheerfully willing
to waive, both Cuflome & priveledge, (Provided the same may not be-
drawn into p'sident for y* future,) that they Doe Humbly propos® (for a
Bight Underftanding) a free Conferrence of some Members of this-
House to meet k Conferr w^** Such & so many of y* Hono**** Councill^
& at such tyme k place as yo' Hono" shall appoint, who shall bring w^
them the greivances of the Severall & Respective Counties, in writings
relateing to that Meflage for yo*" Hono"* p^fall, as alsoe satisfie your
Hono" in a^ other poynt or question that may bee Requifite to your
satisfaccon and applicable to the state of such Conferrence. To the end'
yo' Hono** (as Expected) may Readily joyn with this House as Re-
quested.
By Comand of y® Houfe.
FRANCIS PAGE, Clk. of y* House
of Bui^geiTes.
June ft4 To the proceedings of yo*^ Ex*^ in Council, Concerning the ffortifi-
Home of Bor- cacons, &c,, we are of opinion y^ the Severall fortificacons in this, his
genet in regard Maj^®' Colony and Dominion are at this time much decayed and veny
to defence of Ruinous, and in the Condicon, they are now of Little ufe to the Coun-
c country ^^^ ^^^ j^ ^^ ^^^ agree w"* the advice of the Council y* at present the
N
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, 67
Country be at no farther charge about them, and y^ the best and safest 1699
way to secure the Powder is to Diftribute it into the Sev^* Counties,
Aurhere it will be in a readiness for the Service of the militia in the defence
of the Country, and y^ the most p'per way to Suppress any Infurrection
in the Country is by the Militia, and in case of any Danger of an Enemy
by water, the most proper means for the defence of the Country would
ibe by a naval force, but y^ the Charge in maintaining such would be al-
together insuportable to y* Country.
A JOURNALL OF OUR PROCEEDING. NovV 3d
In Obedience to Command, we, the Subfcribers, Sett oute of the In- Joumil of
•habitance towards the Indian fforte, and that night we lay at the Sugger ^"tJ^'^f*^
land. On the (Fourth day about two o'clock, we gott to the River side smioghan, teat
oppisett to the fFort, & theire hollerd & Immediately they anfwered ; they to the Emperor
sem'd to us to be in a great fFright ; At laft one of the great men & one ?^( *•>«
Siniker (Seneca) came over to us ; they asked if they was noe more of '*"**^*y*
US ; wee told them noe ; wee asked them for a Canoe ; they told us they
had none, soe wee Ventred to Ride into the Island, and passed over very
well ; the Emperor and his Indians rece'ved us very Kindly, & carred
us into the fFort ; there is of them about Thirty men ; their fFort is
-slender : they pretended to be in great fFeare of Strange Indians ; Wee
asked them what Indians ; they told us Wittowees ; wee asked them if
they had scene any latly, & they told us some of their Women had scene
Tenn ; that Kild one of theire Indians and * * another's
bead : Wee asked the Emperor if any of his Indians had beene any
great march this summer; he told us noe; only he himselfe & some of
liis men had beene oute towards the great Mountains twice to see for the
Strange Indians, but could not see any of them ; he told us the Susca-
hannes had taken two of them k, brought them to his fFort ; he asked
what nation they weare, and they told him Wictowees ; he told us his
men had beene out, and met with two of them & Kild one of them, cut
ofFe his head & brought it to him ; We asked him if he was not afraid
to live theire ; he told us yes, but could not helpe it ; he said he could
willing come to live amonst the English againe, but that he was afeard
<he ftrange Indians would follow them and doe mischef amongst the
English, and he should be blamed for it, soe he muft content himselfe to
live theire ; for he says it is the ffrench that setts them to worke. And
bids them if they meete with a hogg. Kill him ; if a Dog, Kill him ; if
an Indian, Kill him; if a Englifliman, Kill him ; soe he says that if he
lives ever so farr he must be contented. He presents his services to the
Gove", and thanks him for his Kindness to send up men to see him to
know how he did ; soe wee stayd aboute three houres and looked over
the river, and came about six miles and lay theire that night. On the
fifth of this Inftant we came to the head of Great Hunting Creeke, k
lay theire that night ; and on the sixth of this Instant, wee came to M'
Hawley's, ft theire wee mett with Capt' CoUfon Exercifeing his men.
This is the true state of the afaire taken by us.
DAVID STRAUGHAN,
To his Exceliy, GILES TILLTET.
ffran* Nicholson, Esq%
&c., &c., &c.
://
6^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1699 StaiFord Court, Nov^ y* 9—99.
Nov'r 9th ^*y *' P*^*^^ y^^ Eecellency—
Suffbrdco ^'" ^^ Obedience to your Excellency's Commands in Councell, I
sent two men to the fibrt on Potomack, where the Emperer and his In*
dians are seated, with order to make the best Inquirey they could, and
accordingly they have made Report under their hands, as your Excel-
lency will heare when Receved. I have nott els to add, but Begg leave
to subscribe, as in Duty I am,
S', your Excellency's most
humble servant,
G. MASON.
Nvmber of List of Tobacco Tenders " Between the South side of Potomack and
K\Sicc"o. y* L^w^'. En^ ^^ Overwarton p'ish : "
and nvmber of 157 ^ithables & 684,699 plants.
piancs Charles Payton ^
and > Counters.
Joshua Davis, J
Copy Test :
GEO. MASON, CI. Cot.
List of the Tithables allow'd to Tend Tobacco, and quantity of plants-
in the ^^ precincte Between Aquia & Quantico, (viz :)
317 Tithables & 1,123,564 plants.
Henry ffilkin,
Henry Young,
Copy Test ;
GEO. MASON, CI. Cot.
£. S P.
1700 His Maj** revenue is D' :
Feb*y i ith
Price of articles ^^ *" Expreff to Kiquotan,
at this date To an Express to y* Hon^^® Rob^ Carter, Esq',
To I brafs furnisht box,
to I brass hearth and furniture,
to I pr. brass bellows,
to I fire shovel & tongs,
to 2 brass candlesticks,
to an Expreff to ye Hon^^® W" Byrd, Esq',
CO 26 pounds of Mirtle-wax,
to 2 pound of cotton week,
Virginia, fs.
To his Excellency, ffirancis Nicholson, Esq', his Maj^«*
Lieut and Governor,* General, 4c., &c., the Hon^**^ Coun-
cell of State, & the Right Worship" M' Speaker & Gen-
tlemen of the House of Burgeffes :
George Norseworthy
Most humbly shewth —
Asking pay for That whcreas, the petition' haveing in the month of May^
arrestittg pirates j^ ^j^^ y^j. j^^^^ received a Packquett from his Excellency, Directed to
00
IS
GO'
I
GG
GO-
GO
OS
g6
02
18
03
CO
g8
GO"
GO
g6
06
GO
04
GO
OG
IG
GO
GI
g6
GO
00
05
GO
\
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 69
Henderson Walker, Esq% Deputy Govern' of North Carolina, with or- 1700
ders likewife to press man & horfe for dispatch of the said Packquett,
being for the apprehending of the three Pirates that made their Escape
out of Princes Anne Prifon, whereupon the petition', with great dispatch,
sent a man & horse to the said Deputy Gove°% and .brought an answer
of the receipt of thofe Letters sent, for which the petition' hath paid and
disbursed out of his own Pockquett the sume at leaft three pounds ster-
ling, and the petition' Humbly conceives that all persons who were at
any charge in the apprehending of the said Pirates, was paid and satis-
fied out of Impositions laid upon Liquors, therefore the pe^ humbly
prays an allowance of this Hono^^® Generall Aflembly accordingly, &c.,
&c., &e.
May it ylease yo' Exce^^^r : ^^^^ ^^^
* I got my Letters ready to send yo' Exce"^ on Munday Early, but ^^ ^ .
on Sunday, Late m y* night, came a roalt to give an acc^ of a Murder
Don in thefe parts, soe hindered my then desire. Account of
Si': On Sunday y* 16% about 3 of y* clock in y* afternoon came JJ^a'aMi/
about 20 or 30 Indians to Thomas Barton, about 20 miles above my Staflbrd co.
house. The man & his wife & brother being Abroad, & left his 3
Children & an Orphant Boy at home, & had gott a man & his wife & 3
Children from a Plantation of mine, about 2 miles from him, to stay to
look after his houfe untell they came home. The Indians fell on them
k Killed Barton's 3 Children, ye man & his wife & his 3 Children.
The Orphant Boy Run Away, he being out at Play, blessed be God,
Gott to a nabor's houfe & is safe. They Killed them w^^ arrowes ft
Wooden Tommahawkes ; they skinned ail their heades, cutt of y® man
& woman Private parts, Cutt 2 of ye children under Jawys, Plundered
all ye House, & carryed Every thing away ; Killed a Mare of v® man's
that was tied at y® Dore. Wee took up About ye house & pulled out
of y* people & ye mare, 69 Arrows. They left uggly wooden Tomhks
5. On y® news, I went Imediately w'** a small p'sell of men & buryed
ye poore people.
This murder was y* Horrableft that ever was in Stafford, and I thanke
God wee have not had the leaft harme on this side of Ocoquan since I
have been in the fFreftics, (marches) k have kept ye people bravely on
their Plantations, but God Knows what I shall Doe now, for this has
almoft fFrighted our people out of their Lives & Interefts, & befiides, y*
Emp' & his Indians being still out, w^ did as surely Done ye murder as
Gods In heaven. The man himself comeing home, called at a mill &
tooke a Bagg of meale w^ him, & about 400 yards from his houfe, about
20 Indians, as he Guefses, started up & immediately had him in a halfe
moone ; he well mounted, putt on Indeavoring for his houfe, but he being
Loaded, they had Like to have Gott him, but w^^ great Difficulty gott
his b^gof, & brooke through ye woods & gott safe to a neighbors house.
I am of opinion they had Done all y® murder before, for undoutedly they
would have Killed him but had noe armes, for he saith they never fired
naither shott nor arrow, neither had they any Lodges with them, but
naked. Soe I am of opinion that they had another party besides. If
they had had arrows, they would have Killed him, for their Arrows was
* Handsome Private Seal in wax.
f
/
no
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1700
July 3d
Kanjemy
July lOth
Sufford C. H.
Petition for
protection
Against the
Indians
of great fforfe, for they have made holes in y* Roof of ye Houfe as bigg
as Swann Shott, and beleives there was at leaft 40, by their severall great
Tracks, & am of opinion that great part of them is gon to Maryland &
y* Rest back
S*^: I have Raifed 12 men, & have sent every way to search our
fFrontears & back fForrift Plantations, & Intend, God willing, to Keep
Constantly moveing myself w"* them untill have your Exce**^* Com-
mands, then truft in God shall be able to give our people better sattisfac-
tion then at p'sent can, for I am afraide that wee shall have a bad sum-
mer, but if pleafe God can but keep them upon their plantations, it will
be sume DiAncouragement to y* Enemy, but those 2 are deferted for this
yeare. I Doe not Doute y*" Exce"^' Christian care for ye good of his
Maj'^''* Subjects, for w^^out Immediate care I shall have but few planta-
tions in Stafford. Nott to ad, butt my Hum*** Scrviffto yo' Exce"^,
conclude, as In duety, I am
Yo'*-* Exce*^*
Moft Hum^*« SevS
G. MASON.
Report of an Interview with the Emperor of the Piscataways, in
which his replies to certain proposals are given, looking to a peaceable
settlement of affairs. He speaks in English as well as in the Indian
tongue, and exhibits considerable dignity and intelligence ; Insists his
people did not commit the late murder and depredations, but suspects the
Towittowees ; Consents to remove his family and property from his
'* fort '* down to Maryland, opposite lower Stafford County, as earnest of
his good intentions. This report is made by
Phill. Haskins and
W" Dent, who had been sent
to negotiate with the Emperor.
To his Exce"y Francis Nicholson, Esq', his Maj^-'^* Left. Gov' Gen^ of
this his Maj^*^* Antient Collony & Dominion of Va., &c.:
The Humble petition of We, his Maj"*' officers, both civil & mili-
tary, for ourfelves & on y® behalfe of y® Inhabitants & fFrontears of
Stafford County —
Most humbly sheweth, that it hath pleafed God of late, there has been
a moft Horrable Murder Committed on some of his Maj"®* poore sub-
jects in ye uppermoft parts of ye sd County, & ye Inhabitants being
under Dayley fFears of ffarther Mischeife Done by y** Indian Enemy,
Doe most Humbly begg y, Exce"^ & Hono^^® Councill that you would
be pleafed to continue some forfe to Range & Scoute on y*' fFronteares of
this County, by w^** meanes y' Exce**^' petitioners may be y® more capa-
ble Defending their Lives & Fortunes. This, w^^ our prayers to Al-
mighty for yo' Exce"-^' & Hono^*®* health & profperity, wee humbly begg
Liberty, to stile, as in Duty, wee are
Yo' Exce"y» most humble Ser^
William Williams,
Jno. Washington,
Pat. Sumner,
Edward Short,
Chas. Ellis,
Rob* Collfon,
Geo. Anderson,
Tho* Harrifon,
G. Mafon,
Rice Hooe,
J
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, fX
Will. Fitzhugh, Jn% John Colclough, Robert Alexander, 1700
Ric^ ffaftaker, John West, Mathew Thompson.
May it Pleafe y' Exce"^ : July lodi
Yo' Exce"'* Commands from Coll. ffitzhue have Rec**, & shall be staflbrd c. H.
Carefully observed. Y* Rangers Continue their Duty according to yo' „ ^
Exce"^' Commands, & I have, upon y® Request of ye fFrontears, plafed biithed to guard
6 men & Ensigne Giles Vandecaftiall officer to Range upon y® heads of the rrontien,
y^ River \ that is I have Raised them from Giles Vandicasteall's house ^^-
Up to ye upermoft Plantation. They neighbours haveing ffitted out
their sons & other young men well acquaynt, soe their Ranging is as low
as my Plantation at Pohick, soe round all y® necks, up to y^ uppermoft
Inhabitants, soe down upon ye back Plantations; And Cornet Burr
Harrison, from Ocaquan Downe to Potomack Creeke w^ 2 oiEcers &
men, Doth give good Content. They Range each party 4 days a week,
w** is as hard duty as can be p'formed ; w^ sd. officers is y® best to Con-
tent in our upper parts. If yo*^ Exce^^ think fttt soe they may act, as
they are Corrnett & Ensigne of y® Melitia, but Leave it to yo"^ Exce"^
Confideration, ♦*****♦
/e Inhabitans still Continue from their houfes, but abundance better
^ttisfied since part of y* Rang" is conftantly Ranging among them. Si% I
«iid it will be of great Deservis to our County buifinets to have Capt Hooe
*>ut of the Commition, moft humbly begg leave to conclude. Sir, yo'
Eafce"y moft humble Ser^S
G. MASON.
'S^ ffl Present — His Excellency in Councill: July loth
Action taken in reference to the depredations of the Indians in Staf- J*"** ^*^
ford County ; upon reading the Governor's Meflage, Lieut. Coll. Geo. Order for
Mafon made '' Commander in Cheife " of the Militia, and it was ordered "ogew
that he doe take and Raife out of the Lower parts of the afore** County
twelve good and able (Freemen, who are no wayes Incumbered w*** the
^^^ of" a flamilly, well armed and acquipt, and shall apoint and set over
then tr^i^o dtfcreet and Judicious officers of Good Courage & Conduct,
who ax-e very well acquaint* w*^ the grounds, &c. , &c.
M' Barth. iFowler is D*": juiy i6tb
Mair y« gth^ j„ going to Madam Parkes and Capt. Ma- acc'Vcwant
the^^^s 00 06 00
01 00 00
\ut>^ ^3d. In going with an Express for Coll. Harrison
^ Coll. Bird, & Coll. Hill, & y* high Sheriffe of Charles
City^
July ye ii">. In goeing with an Express to King &
Queen County Court, 00 15 00
July ye 16***. In goeing to Coll. Carews, 00 08 00
Errours Excepted p* me. £ 02 09 00
WILLIAM HARRISON.
7/
/
7»
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
fioondt
Martin
4re4 Puiih
1700 In perfuanc® off an order of Court, bearing date the seavent day of
g , . August, 1700, to us, ye Vestry of Martin's Hundred P'ifli, in w\
Amonge other things,, wee are to give an acount of y* bounds of above
'•***» *H ^* p'iflih, w** is as ffoUoweth, viz : Beginning at y® mouth of y* mouth
^" * °"' of K * • * • Creeke, and so up y* maine branch of y® s" Creekc,
until it come' at York R Road, neare John Eatons, and fFrom thence
alonge y* Cart Roade until it comes * • • • beyonde y*^ ffrench
ordinery, neare The" Quarles' Plantation, and fFrom y* s** Plantation to
y® mouth of Wearum's run, and from thence down y® River to y* mouth
of ye Creeke, where it beegan. Ytt is alfoe ordered by y® afores* order
of Court, that wee should returne a lift of every individfuall tithable in
this p'sent yeare, which is already Returned under the hand of Thomas
MountfFoart, and as (For our List of tithables in the year 1699, wee wear
in all, 91 w^ pay to publicke, and butt 90 to y^ parim, by Reason Roger
Kirbie being Clark Thereof ; and as for Gleabe or Gleabes, wee have
none, nor other gifts for any pius use, only one silver bowle for a
Comunion Cup, being given to Church by one John Banbury, as allsoe
a silver bafon, given for y® ufe of the p'ish to Criften Children in, ft
given by M*" Thadeus Sumner, Snr.; and wee are alio ordered to give an
acc^ w^ we * • * • * * which was 74, and was paid as fol-
lo^^th :
Chorch
j»roperty
To M"^ ffaarer, Minifter,
to Roger Kirbie, Clark,
to Rob* Perkins for y® poore woman,
to M' Weed, for * * * Hugh's Boy,
to Tho* MountfFoart, upon account,
to Caske,
Cred\
By Alexander Lewellin,
4000 S>s.(
800
600
Tobacco
•)
500
546
390
6836
236
6600
60.
Oct*r 16th
Wm. fc Kfary
CoUege
Order in Coun-
cil requiring
Lt, Col. Geo.
Maton to
defend SuiTord
county &c
Due to p'ifh from one of y® Church Wardens,
Vera copia by mee, ROGER KIRBIE,
Pish Clark.
At a Court held for James City County the 7*** day of September^
1700,
The above written was according to order given into Court as the
Returne of the Veftry of Martin's Hundred parish.
Test :
C. C. THACFCER, Clk. Cort.
Virg* fF. — At a Councill held at his Maj"®'* Royal Colege of Wilttam
& Mary, 26"* October, 1700, &c.. Present : The Hono^** Councill.
Whereas, Several Murthers have been lately p'pretrated and Comitted
upon several of his Maj**®" subjects, Inhabitants of StafFord County, by
Certain Unknown Indians ; and Whereas, for the Better Safety & se-
curity of his Maj"" Subjects in those parts, Lieut. Coll. Geo. Mafbn,
Comand*^ of the Militia of the afores** County of StafFord, hath been
Imoowere^ & authorized by several former orders of Councill, to Keep
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 7S
1700
if
authorized and Required, to continue the same Rangers as heretofore,
nni'ill the next Scsllon of the Gcn'^ AHembly of this Colony, at w''
tmic tlic Conlidcracon thereof shall be proposed to the Gcn'^ Abscinbly
ihQn Settinir.
DIONISIUS WRIGHT.
Cc:>Ilc:d^e of ) By the House of Burgeilcs :
Will"-^^-^ *.tMary.j * Tuesday, December 17% 17CO. DccV lythr
x\ r ^ 1 Removal of
Kclo 1 V ed, government
T^lirxt the Records of this Govern"*, which stil remaine at James City, I!f.°[.*^' ^\
be, -v^-'ith all Convenient Expedition, removed from thence to the place
Appointed for Keeping the Secretary's office in his Maj^"'^ Royal Col-
ledgro of William and iMarv, Adjacent to the City of Williams-
burs^h^ according to the petition of Edm'* Jennings, Esq"", Dcp'>" b'ec^,
made to his Exce"^' and the hon^*'" Council in that refpect.
Refolded,
That the Records and papers belonging to this house and now lodged
at James City, be, with all Convenient Expedition, removed from thence
and placed in the Chamber appointed for the Clerk of this houfe in his
Mar ^^^-^ JRoyal Colledgc of W"' k Mary, adjacent to the city of W^"burgh.
Ordered,
T"hat a Jleflage be sent to y'" Council! to defnc their Concurrence to
the Reiolves of this house, touching the removal or the Records belong-
ing to the Secretary's office and to this houfe.
Test: W-^^ RANDOLPH,
Clk. H. of Burgefles.
^^ Hedge of ) Wed. Dec. I h''', 1700. DecV i8:h
\J!* ^ ^lary. / The Governor
^^^ 'Ex-' & his Mai^'" hon^ ^' Council! concurr w^^^ y^ houfe of Bureeffes ^"^ ^°""^" .
, ^ a , i-j , •' -' ° concur therein
\NN "above Resolves.
^ D. W., CI. G. C.
Virginia (T.
To His Excellency, Francis Nicholson, Esq"*, etc., and to his Maj^-'''' ^ec'r 23d
Honorable Councill of State :
Benjamin Harrison
Humbly Sheweth,
That he being by an Act of the last afsembly, appointed an Affistant Benj. Harrison^
in the Revisall of the Laws, hath accordino^ly had certain allowances J*"- ^^^ allow-
made him (in the booke of Claims, by the Houfe of Bure;ellcs now set- f""' *". . c
V ' } . . ^ . . late revision o*
ting,) for his attendance on that service ; but upon inquiry he is informed the laws, &c.
that no allowance is made to him for e:oino; to or com i no; from Tames
^ity, as is allowed the members of the Committee, altho his trouble and
charge v^^as the same wnth many of thcires, and confequently (as he con-
ceives) the reafon is the same for his being paid.
10
74
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1700 He humbly presumes that this differing his allowance from the reft,
may proceed either from inadvertency or mifinformation, and not from
any design prejudice to him ; but for as much as it is now too late to
addreff the House of Burgeffes in this behalfe — Therefore he humbly
prays that your Excellency and Honours will please to let him be heard
concerning the premifes before the booke of Claims be agreed to, and
that such directons may be given therein as shall be thought convenient.
B. HARRISON, Jn«.
Dec*r 24th
Williamsburg
Colledge
W°* & Mary,
{
Report on the ^^^ Corbin, from the Comittee, appointed forreceeving, inspecting
TreaBurer*t Examining M*^ Treas" Accounts of the Imposicons arifeing upon Liqu
By the Houfe of Burgesses —
Tuesday, X^*", (December) the 24% 1700.
and
Liquors,
accounti, &c. Servants and Slaves, reported that they had done the same, &c.
And the said Comittee having made report that Coll. W°^ Wilfon in
his laft acc^^ of the Impofition upon Liquors, mencons thirteen pipes and
half of wine, w*^ was imported and carry ed out again without payment of
the duty for the same.
Refolved, That it is the opinion of the Houfe that the Importers of
the said wine ought to bee profecuted at the Comon Law, and that it is
the* duty of the Attorney Gen^ to take care thereof.
Ordered,
That the Clerk of this Houfe give a copy of this Refolve to his Ma-
jistie's att° Gen^.
Test: WM RANDOLPH,
CI. n. of Burgeffes.
1701
March 8th
His Excellency is Dr.
To Carrying a Letter for his Maj"®* Especiall service to Hamp-
ton Town for Capt. W" Paffenger, s.
IS-
JOHN YOUNG.
Expresses and * Two orders from the Governor, for Expresses, with power to im-
Seal preff, &c., to Coll. Wm. Byrds, and to "ys Hon^^° Coll« John Light-
foot," upon his Majes^'** Speciall Service, to John Bentley and Corne-
lius , respectively.
April lid
Carioos bill
His Maj"^- Revenue Dr.
jC. s. d.
t To M*" Bentley for his Cart, &c., to remove y® six gunns
from ye Capitoll to where they are placed, 080.
To eight bottles of bear I gave ye men w*^** afsisted me in
y® removall, 050.
* Signed flrs. Nicholson, and bearing distinct impressions of the Colonial Seal, naotto-pEa
dat Quintam, &€., with accounts of expenses enclosed.
f King Williim had died more than one month before this date, and it is therefore more
than probable the public authorities in the Colony having received information of the fact, had
on the 1 2th of April celebrated funeral obsequies to his memory the same day his remains were
deposited in West Minster Abbey.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 75
^o M.^ Bcntlcy for his Cart, &c., to fetch powder, &c., 1701
/ronn James Town, 080.
^o c Icven botles of bear I gave ye men w"^^ affisted in
ifr-ciJng, 170.
To X^obert Bignall who assisted at Town & here in make-
in^ C^artridges, cutting flagg Staffs, &c., 050.
I 13 o.
Att c I3 ^ Court of Claimes, &c. — Present, His Majesties Justices. Aug. id
Sls vb <:9ry accounts presented for carrying prisoner to Jamestown, ^* to a
Jourx-^^^ from Stafford to Jamestown, being 14 days.
!"<:> ^ Jour'y to Chotank, 5 days.
!*<:> ^ Jorney^from Stafford to Jamestown, 10 days, &c.
B-^I^ort of a Committee to settle claims for Lands on the Black Water Aug. a3d
g^Kxrm Y^^ and to consider a petition from the Pamunkey Indians, &c.
^f b^ ^^ ouncill defired a free conference with the House of BurgefTes to
jct^*^ fi-ualiy these matters.
IS Majesties ships, ^^ Lincoln ^' and ^^ Shoreham," ordered to act as SeptV 17th
^o^^^^ys to ships outward bound ; also laying an Embargo upon all out-
^^ l>ound vessels, requiring them to sail under convoy.
*- ^« Houfe of Burgesses declare " That this Country is not able to '«P^*' »9^
^y the charge of Engineers and fire masters, or the Materiells Suitable pire Shipi, &c.
{ot fire works and fire ships."
The businefT of the Hono^e Councill and the House of Burgesses OciV nt
V)cmg finished, and the late addrefs of his Excellency " Cotaineing all
ncccffary matter, &c., &c., and the Laws agreed upon bye his Maj'***
Hon^^' Councill, and themselves being now ready for his Exc^ to sign,'*
^c instructs the Clerk of y*^ Gen" Afsembly to inform the House to this
effect, ^^ so that an end may be putt to this SefEon."
[Mem^ — M' Auditor ordered to pay unto Cap* John Walker,'of King
& Queen, ten pounds, expended for taking up a criminal.
Sir: The Queen having been pleased to constitute me one of Her 1702
Principall Secretarys of State, It is necessary that I should inform you of j^^ .
it, that for y* future you may direct to me such letters as relate to Her
Majesty's Service ; and I desire you, from time to time, to acquaint me Whitehiii
with such things as occur in your parts. Earl of Nor-
And I am commanded to acquaint you that Her Majesty has declared nouncet the"
War against France and Spaine, as you will see by the enclosed decla- dccUration of
ration ; and to signify her Majesty's pleasur<^ to you, that you cause it to w*' '^«*'
be proclamed in the rlaces under Your Government, that Her Subjects g""" *°*
having this notice, may take care to prevent any mischief w^ otherwise
* To protect commerce from piratical depredations.
76
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1702
May 14th
Court at St.
James
Mr, Lewis Bur-
well allowed
to retire from
the Council
May X4th
May 15th
Providing for
the safety of
they might sulTcr iVoni the Enemy, and do their duty in thc'r severall
Stations to annoy the Subjects of France and Spa'ne.
I must also acquaint you the Emperor and y'' States Gencrall of y®
United Provinces, have also declared \Var ag.iinst France and Spaine.
I am your most humble servant,
NOTllNGHAM.
(Copy.) At the Court at St. James, the 14^'^ day of ilav, 1702,
Present : The Oueen's most Excellent Majesty in Council).
Upon reading this d.iv at the Board a Representation from the Lords
Comm'''* oi Trade and Plantations, dated ye 7'" Instant, setting forth
that Lewis Burwcll, appointed to be one of the members of the Coun-
cil! in Virginia, by reason of his age and Infirmity, has desired to be
excused from Undertaking it, Her Majesty in Councill is pleased to
order that th? said Lewis Burwcll be discharged from the said place of
Councellor, and the Right Hon'''*- the Earl of Nottingham, her Majestys
Principall Secretary of State is to prepare a Warrant for Her Majestys
Royal Signature, requiring Coll. Nicholfon, Governor of Virginia, to
discharge the said AP' Burwcll from the place of Councellor of Virginia
accordingly.
JOHN POVEY.
(Memorandum) of Proceedings of the Gov. & Councill on the Em-
bargo ; letter cencerning ships of war ordered to the Colony — sundry
other letters of no importance. The Governor asks the opinion of the
House of Burgesses upon the Embargo, &c., its effects upon Her Majes-
ty's Interests, and expresses the "hope in God we shall all agreeln feme
rules and orders to anfwcr the ends thereof," &c.
By his Ex*"-^ & the hon''^'' Councel —
M' Speaker & Gent'' of the
House of Burgefles.
Whereas, by an Act of Aflcmbly, made the 23*^ day of September,
1667, it is provided that in time of war or danger apprehended, all ships
and Vcfsells shall ride in such places as the Governor shall direct. And
the safety of and Vcfsells shall ride in such places as the Governor shall direct. And
veasels in time In regard, by all the advices lately re'* from England, it is expected that
°^^"'?^ Lf^ ^ ^^"^ ^^^^ ^^''y speedily be declared, His Excelly and the hon^'^ Coun-
fahe news, &c. ciU propofe to the Houfe of Burgeifes, and desire their opinion, whether
it will not be convenient for preventing any Surprise from an Enemy,
that all ships and veliels within this Dominion be ordered to ride at the
following places, viz : all ships ^ veifells in the upper District of James
River, to ride above Sandy Point, and in the Lower Diftrict of Ja. River,
in Elizabeth River above the Town ; in Nansemond Kiver, above the
place where the fFort was ; in Pagan Creek, as far as they can conve-
niently go up the sd. Creek, and in Warwick River, above Sandy Point.
The ships, &c , in York River, above King's Creek, and in the
Rivers in Mopjock Bay, as high as they can conveniently go.
In Rappahannock River, above the place where the fFort was; in
Corrotomen River, or up Rappahannock River, as high as they can con-
veniently go, and in Piankitank, as high as they can conveniently go.
In Potomack River, in Yoacomaco & Lower iVIachotacks, as high as
they can ride, and as high as Appamatux Creek, and on ye Eaftcrn
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 'J7
shore at ye ufual places as high as ihcy can conveniently go. And 1702
whereas, by an Act of Assembly made the 25^^ day of September, 1672,
it is provided that in time of war no person or persons shall go on board
any ship or vefsell coming into this his Alajtys Colony, cither in sloop,
Boat or Canoe, before the said ship or vcsscll hath sent ashore, and
thereby made known what they are, upon certain penalties and forfei-
tures therein prefcribed.
His Exce^'^' and the hon^^^ Councill do further propofe to the confide-
ration of this house, whether it be not proper at this Juncture to enforce
the execution and observance of the same. And whereas, Ms*''' of ships
coming into this Colony do frequently publish news upon very slender
foundations, tend much to the difquieting the minds of his Maty's Sub-
jects ; whether it is not highly necelFary for preventing the publick * *
* * * of falfe news, that it be made a Law that all Com'^"'* of ships
or vefsells shall, immediately upon his or their arrival, & before publish-
ing any extraordinary news, deliver all papers relating thereto to the Col-
lector or naval officer of the District when he arrives and make oath
thereupon; and that the sd. Collector and naval officer are to be impow-
ered to take the oath of the sd. M*" upon such news, & immediately send
an, ace" thereof, together with the M*' or person giving said account to
the Governor or Com'^''-in-Chief for ye time being, and that all posfible
care be taken for ye forming and paffing such an act.
By order of his Excy. & the hon*'^^ Councill.
W. R., Clk. Gen^^ Aflcmbly.
By his Excellency and the hon^'^ Councill — May i5ih
M' Speaker and Gentlemen of the Rccommenda-
Houfe of Burgefles : tions of GovV
. and Council,
Whereas, by reafon of the great distance of this Colony and Domin- providing for a
ion of Virginia from our mother Kingdom of England, there may hap- continuance of
pen to be a considerable space of time between the death or Demife o^q . rn^°"nt i„
the King or Queen for the time being, and the proclamacon of his or her case of the
succeflbr in this Countr)'^, for preventing the many mifchiefs and incon- death of the
veniences which may happen during the said Intervall, It is proposed ^«ngor2"een>
that all acts, deeds and Sentences of the Govern^ Lieut. Governor or
Commander-in-Chief in this Colony for the time being, w'"'' he might
Lawfully do, sign, or pass by his Commiffion during the Life of the
King or Queen for the time being, shall be valid to all intents & pur-
pofes in Law, after the death of the said King and Queen, And until
the said death is by proclamation, publickly notified in this Country, as
also all acts of the Council, Juftices of Peace and all other officers, civil
and military, within this Colony, w'^ are done after the death of the
King or Queen for the time being, and before the notification thereof
by the Government in this Colony, shall be valid to all intents and pur-
poses as if the said King or Queen were actually alve. And that all
Treasons, Rebellions and all other Crimes whatfoever Committed during
the said time, ftiall be punishable to all intents as if the King or Queen
had been actually alive at the time of the Commission thereof. And
alfo that it shall be in the power of the Governor, &c., for the time be-
ing, with advice and consent of the Council of State, to continue the
Generall Aflembly that shall then happen to be sitting, for
moneths, and no longer, after the notification of the said Death or De-
; /
(
7
78 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1702 mife, or to prorogue or dilsolve the same sooner, if he shall think iitt.
Provided always, that nothing contained in the premifes be interpreted so-
as to Limit the Governor, Lieut. Gov^ or Com***" in Chief for the time
being, in the execution of any Instructions he shall receive from the
succeeding King or Queen, relating to the prorogation or difsolution of
the fd. Aflembly sooner then by this Act is allowed.
By order of his Excellency and the hon^** Council.
WIL. ROBERTSON,
Clk. Gen. Afsembly.
May 15th Bill providing for the protection of ships and veflells in the Colony in:
time of war, pafsed in accordance with the recommendations of the
Governor and Councill, excepting the clause in regard to not allowing
persons to go on board ships lately arrived, &c., but ordering a Bill to be
prepared '* for preventing the publication and spreading of falfe news."
W^ RANDOLPH,
Clk. H. of Burgeffes.
May »oih The House of Burgesses refuse to accede to the "Governa & Coun-
cel's" proposal to appoint a joint Committee '* to confider of the moft
proper method for rendering the act for '^ Cohabitation" more efFectuall or
in some other way for securing the fFronteers," &c.
May sad * Mefsage of the Governor and Council in regard to certain '' dis-
putes lately happened between the Inhabitants ot this Colony on y®
Eastern Shore, and thofe of Maryland, concerning some lands lying on
or about the Divifional Line run between the two Countrys," &c., &c.
May lid When his Ex^^ called this Seflion of Assembly, he was in hopes ere
Menage of 60- ^^^^ ^^ \\'Jiyt rec^ seve" orders, &c., from England, which occasioned his
vernor in regard delaying to speak to this Houfe hitherto, and only to recommend the
to the defence- Revifal of the Laws, but that matter being at an end by y® Refolve de-
lhe"«unt^"*'^'>v^'"^^ in Yesterday, His Ex^^ & the hon^« Council now recommend to
y* Serious consideracon of this house the State of the Militia of this
Declaration of Country, and take it for granted no man doubts of the certainty of a
May at White- ^ar being intended with France, and Consequently if the danger of even
hall, had not being attacqued by that Enemy, and how well provided we are for such
yet been re- ^ defence as is necessary, may plainly appeare, by the Lifrs of the Mili-
Virginia" ^*^ "^^ '^^^ before this Houfe. By the computacon of the laft Lifts
returned, it is evident that there are only 10,000 & some odd hundred of
Militia in this Colony, including officers, w*'** were indeed a considerable
fForce, were they all duly armed and provided wiih ammunicon, or could
be drawn together in any competent time, but not one- fourth of them*
suitably armed, could be drawn out, nor have they ammunicon, as is
evident by the ace** of it taken after laft fession of Gen" Aflembly.
And they live at so great a diftance from one another, and have so many
Rivers & Creeks to pafs, that it will be very difficult to gett any com-
petent number together to make head agst. an Enemy. His Ex^^ & the
Hon^^® Councill think themfelves obliged to put the houfe of Burgesses-
* Illegible and obscure.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 79
in mind of the defenceless condition of this Conntry, &c., &c. * • • 1702
His Excelly herewith sends the votes of the houfe of
Commons in England, whereby it appears that they have
provided every thing as if there were an actual war.
By the Hon^^° Council— May a8th
Upon reading that paragraph of yo*" Addrefs, presented to his Excel- The Council
lency and the Council yesterday, wherein you leave it to his Excelly to provide for in*
levy competent forces upon any extraordinary emergency as an Alarm, 1^^"*"^"^^ °/
Surprise or Invasion, and to w** you desire the Council's concurrence, gUves, &c.
Their Hon" are of opinion that the word Infurrection ought to be also
inserted, firft, because it was so in the Resolve of the BurgeiTes last ses-
sion on that subject, and 2'^ly, They conceive the other words Alarm, Sur-
prise or Invasion doth not fully provide for suppreffing any risings that
may happen to be made by Ser""^' and Slaves, Ac. * * *
Which amendments being made. The Council agree to the sd. paragraph
of the Address.
By order of the hon^**' Council.
Colonel W™ Bassett who, by the Sheriff of New Kent County, is re- May aid
turned a Burgeff for the sd. County, having presented to us the writtfor ^ , ,„ „
T-i- r°n 11 ^ i°r j i_-^ Col.Wm. Bas-
iLlection of a Burgess, and the return thereof, and we bemg Commis- gctt declines to
sionated to administer the Oaths appointed by Act of parliamt to be take the re-
taken instead of the oaths of Allegiance & Supremacy, the Test, Asso- ^"'^*** oaths is
elation* and ye Oath of a Burgeff to new elected members of this pre- ^^l^^ the
sent Genl. Assembly. We accordingly tendered the Oaths afore***, &c., reported death
to the s"* Coll*" W"» Bafsett, who returned the following anfwer, viz : «/ ^'"S Wii-
*' I have Already, in several qualifications, testified my allegiance to King **"*
William's Governm', by taking the Oaths, &c.; but I am now informed
and fully satisfied he is dead, and therefore I think my self obliged, both
in prudence & conscience to decline taking ye Oaths to him at this
time."
Which is certified by E. JENNINGS,
J. LIGHTFOOT.
May y* 22**, 1702.
" I have, on several occasions, shewed my obedience to his Mag^ King May 16th
William, & fhould be as Ready at this time, but now I am Informed j^^ wiiiiam
that he is dead, y® which I beleive, and for that Reafon I think in Con- B/rVs refusal
^ ■ upon the same
grounds
* The ** Association ** here referred to was the rrsult of a Bill passed by the Pa>Iiainent of
England in 1696, imoicdiatety after the discovery and failure of the Papist's Plot to assassinate
King William. This Association numbered more than three-four.hs of the members of the
House of Lords and of the Common*; was entered into by nearly all the civil and mi itary
officials of the Kingdom, and was signed by hundreds of thousands of the citizens of the Realm.
Itf provisions committed the Parliament and people to the protection of the person and throne
of the King, against the designs of James II. and the Papists, and to the duty of avenging his
death upon his murderers, should he come to a violent end at their hands.
Lord Macauly, in recording the enthusiasm with which this measure was received, wherever the
f overnmert of William was acknowledged, uses the following language : ** The Association was
signed by the rude fishermen of the Scilly Rocks by the English merchants of Malaga, by the
Saglith merchants of Genoa, by the citizens of New York, by the tobacco planters of Vir-
^nia.** The above reference to the < Association " is the only one to be found among the
documents now in the Capitol. Some years ago the writer saw the original draft of one, drawn
and dated at Wiliamsburg, signed by the members of the House of Burgesses, and containing a
loag list of the names of the gentry of the Colony. This has unfoi tunately disappeared.
so CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1/02 science, I ought not to Take the Oath. I therefore defier to be ex-
cufcd."
May 28th Kill to prevent madcrs of rhips or vessells running away after Em-
_ barc^os arc laid, ^-c, kQ. — aorccd to by the Council — also that miters
ux% of ships ^^^ 2II " ships and vessells " under embargo, " shall give Bond at his
running oil, &c. or thcir clearing to the naval officers of the District where such ship or
ve^^eli lyes, to pcrformc the conditions of this Act enjoined.
Bv ord' of the hon^^*^ Council,
WIL ROBERTSON,
Clk. Gen^^ Affembly.
May 29th I^y tl'ic houfc of Burgefscs —
Ordered,
New clccMon •
requested, That a mefsage be forth w^^ fent to his Exce^^ to desire him to Iffiie
Messrs. Bas^ctt q^j^ ^ j^^vv wrltt for the Eleccon of a Burgefle to serve in this next As-
fng toVake\h'c ^^"^^^y ^^^ Ncw Kent County, in the room of Coll. William Baflet,
oaths, &c. who has refufed to take the oathes.
And alfoc to Issue out a new writt for the eleccon of a BurgeiTe to
ferve in this Aflembly for King & Oueen County in the roome of M'
William Bird, who has refufed to take the oathes.
W"^ RANDOLPH,
CI. H. Burg«\
June 23d By his Excellency and the hon^^° Council.
Complaint M' Speaker and Gcnf* of the
a.-iinst Wm. \\q\x{c of Buro;eflcS.
Byrd, Gent,, ^
for seditious Whcrcas, it hath been represented to his Ex^^ by Co^^ W"* Leigh,
language, ^z. CotH'^ ' in Chcif of thc Militia of King & Oueen County, that W"
Byrd, of the County of King & Queen, Gent., did, on or about the 28^^
day of May last, publish and spread abroad, diverfe, falfe, feditious and
scandalous Reports, highly reflecting on the honor and Juftice of his Ex-
celly, the Gov% the hon. Council and the Worshipful houfe of Bur-
gcffes, and tending much to the raising sedition in y° minds of her
Maj^-'"'* Loving Subjects ; His Excellency and the hon'*^*^ Council have
thought fitt to lay before this Houfe the fcv" Depofitions taken in that
matter, and other papers relating thereto, that this House may take such
course as they shall judge necessary for vindicating the honor of the
Government, and quieting the minds of her Maj^'** Subjects — preventing
the spreading of such dangerous and feditious Reports for the future.
By or''** of his Excy. k the hon^'" Council.
W. R., Clk. Gen. AfT.
August 2Clh /^ V AD
(Copy.) Anne R.
Windsor, Eng. ' Trusty and Well-beloved— We greet you well:
Copy of Queen Whereas, w^e have thought fit to order several stores & cured Provisions
to Col'^Nichol- of War to be sent from the office of our Ordinance in the Tower of Lon-
son, for deiray- don, to that our Colony of Virginia, for our Service there, which, with
ing cost of ^\^^ PVcight and Incident charges thereof, according to an estimate made
s^ntTo^^ " by thc Master General of our Ordinance, a Copy whereof you will rc-
Virginu ccivc herewith, amounts to the sumc of three thousand three hundred
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
81
Eighty-Eight pounds, three shillings and four pence-— Which our Inten- 1 702
tion is shall be defrayed out of our Revenue of Quitrents within our ^„-^^ ^^^^
said Colony.
Our will and Plkasure therefore is, that you forthwith cause the
said Sume of three thousand three hundred Eighty-Eight pounds three shil-
lings and four pence, being the Cost & Charges of the said stores, to be
paid and satisfied, out of our said Revenue of Quitrents arising within
our said Colony of Virginia, by transmitting Bills of Exchange for the
like Sume, payable to the Treasurer or Pay-Master of the office of our
Ordinance here for the time being. And for so doing, this being first
entered with the Auditors of our Imprest here, to the end the said
Treasurer of our Ordinance may be duly charged for the said monys, shall
be your sufficient Warrant. And our further will and Pleasure is
that in case you shall find it requisite for our service to direct the De-
livery cf any of the said stores for the ordinary Service of our Militia,
You take care that we be reimbursed for the same according to the said
Estimate by such persons to whom the said stores shall be delivered.
And that the money arising thereby be put into the hands of our Re-
ceiver General of our said Colony, to be disposed of in such manner as
We shall think fit to direct for our Service in that our Colony. And
so We bid you very heartily farewell. From our Court at Windsor,
this 20*** day of August, 1702, in the first vear of our Reign.
By her Majesty's Commana.
GODOLPHIN.
(To which is appended.)
'^ An Estimate of the Cost and Charges of the Arms, &c., undermen-
tioned, for one thousand Foot and four hundred Horse, in her Majestys
Colony of Virginia, according to a memorial on the behalfe of ColL
Nicholson, Governour thereof, referred to my Lord Romney, as is Sig-
fied by the Earl of Nottingham's Letter of the 9*^ present."
£.
Snaptice Musquets, looo at 20' each,
Car touch Boxes, 1000 at 2* 4^ each,
Carbines, 400 at 26' each,
Belts, with swivles for d'', 400 at 4" each,
Pistols, with Holsters, 400 pair at 30" a pair,
{Horse, 400 at 7" 6^ each,
Foot, 1000 at 4" each,
C Shoulders, 400 at 4' each,
Belts for Do. <
( Wast, 1000 at 2" each,
Corn powder, (?) 80 Barrells at
Tuns. £,
C Musquette, 3. 4. ")
Shott. < Carbines, o. 8. >at i6^**p*tun,
f Pistolls, o. 8. J
Chests for packing Arms, 70 at 10' each.
Freight of 34 Tuns, and other incident charges at 3'
pr. Tun,
Office of the Ordinance, 16*^ June, 1702.
11
S. D
lib
1000
. .
• •
no
»3
• •
520
80
• •
• •
600
• •
150
• •
200
• •
80
• *
100
• •
320
• •
.64
• •
• •
38
0'
10
• •
119
• •
• *
3388
3
4
r
Sg CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
hi
1702 Copy of the Earl of Nottingham's Letter to You about Trade with
Cop, of the the Spanyards.
Etriof Not- The States General of the United Provinces haveing re-
tinghain'i letter PRESENTED TO THE QuEEN the Advantages and Conveniences of the
lonSout'trade Trade with Spain in the West Indies, Her Maj«% upon Considera-
with the tion of the reasons alledged by them, has thought fitt to approve. of
Spaniards ^j^^j^ Proposall, and to Continue the Trade & Commerce with the
Date not cer- Spanniards in those Parts during this War, in all Commodities, Ex-
**^» cepting Stores of War and ammunition, and such commodities as
are Prohibited by law to be carried from her Ma*®* Plantations di-
rectly to any foreign Country ; and her Ma"* has commanded me
to signify her Pleasure to you, that you permitt and suffer her
subjects freely and openly to carry to any place or Territory under
the Dominion of Spain in America, all such merchandizes and
Commodities as might have been carried thither before the War — Pro-
vided there be not among them any stores or Ammunition of war, which
ou must be very careful! to hinder ; and you are likewise to Permitt her
a"** subjects to bring from the Spanish Dominions in America, any
Merchandize or goods of those Parts ; and the Dutch haveing Promised
to Enjoyn their Privateers in these Parts not to disturb her Ma"^ subjects
in this Trade, you must in like manner require all the Privateers under
your Jurisdiction not to molest any of the Dutch in their Trade to k
from the Spanish Dominions, Except only in case of their carrying stores
&; ammunition of War ; But as the reasons inducing her Majesty & the
States Generall to this Resolution, are peculiar to the Spanish Trade, &
respect only the Spanish Nation, her Ma"^ would have you take as much
care as is pofsible that the French may receive no Benefitt by this In-
dulgence.
(No signature.)
1703 •To ALL TO WHOM these presents shall come, I, fFrancis Nicholson,
OctV a^d ^sq% her Maj^**" Lt. and Govern' Gen^^ of Virg*, Send Greeting j
Whereas, his late Majesty, King Charles the Second, hath been gra-
®"°^ ^f c"*d ^^°"^y pleased by his Royal Letters patente, under the great seale of
dock and oth- England, bearing date at Westminster, the tenth day of October, in the
era, for import- eight & twentieth year of his Reigne, amongst other things in the said
ing persons into Letters patente contained, to continue k confirme the ancient power &
e CO ony priviledge of granting fifty acres of land for every person Imported into
this Colony of Virginia. Now know yee, that I, the said fFrancis Nich-
olson, Esq', Govern', &c., do, with advice & Consent of the Councill,
of State, accordingly give & grant unto Samuel Cradock, John Care,
John Echolls & William Glover, sixteen hun**"** & twenty acres of Land
lying in the branches of the Tuckahoe Swamp, in the freshes of Matta-
pony River, in King & Queen and Essex Counties, Beginning at two
Red Oakes & a pine by the East Side of Potobago path, thence east one
hun** & eighty poles to a White Oake, thence south one hun^ nmety-
eight poles to a White Oake on the side of a hill, thence South, fifty
degrees. West fifty-two poles to two White Oakes and a pine, by the
North side of a branch of Tuckahoe Swamp, thence East five hun* &
* Well preserved impression of the Colonial Seal, and motto — Bn dat Virginia fuhtum.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 83
four poles to a pine and a red cake, thence South twenty-four Degrees, 1703
West three hundred poles to three white oakes, by the East side of the
Tuckahoe Bever Dam, thence South eighty degrees, West crofsing up
the Bever dam one hun^ & seventy poles to two white oakes on the
West side the head of the Dam, Thence north sixty-seven Degrees and
a halfe. West one hun^ fifty-six poles to a small white oake and a Small
red Oake, thence north thirty degrees. West one hun*^ & four poles to
a great red oake on a hill, thence bouth seventy degrees. West three
hun*^ & forty poles to a red oake in a valley, thence North sixty-eight
deg'^, West one hundred & twenty-eight poles to a pine by the side of
Tobago path, thence North thirty poles to two pines & a hiccory by the
sd. path, thence North twenty-six & a halfe Degrees, East four hun*^
seventy-five poles to a hiccory, thence North forty-three Degrees, East
forty-two poles to y^ beginning, the said Land being due unto the said
Saml. Cradock, John Care, John EchoUs & W™ Glover, by & for the
transportacon of thirty-three persons into this Colony, whose names are
to be in the records menconed under this Patent. To have and to hold
the said Land with his due share of all mines & minerals therein con-
tained, with all rights & priviledges of Hunting, Hawking, fishing k
fowling, with all woods, waters and rivers, w'^ all profitts, Comodities
k Hereditaments whatsoever belonging to the said Land to them, the
said Sam^^ Cradock, John Care, John Echolls k William Glover, their
heirs and afsignes forever, in as large and ample manner to all intents
k purposes as hath been used k allowed since the first plantation \ To
BE HELD of our Sovereign Lady, the Queen, her heires k succefP*, as of
her mannour of East Greenwich, in fee & comon Soccage, k not in
Capite nor by Knights service: Yeilding and paying, unto our sd. Sove-
reign Lady, the Queen, her heires k succefFours, for every fifty acres of
Land hereby granted at the feast of S' Michael, the Arch Angell, the
fee rent of one shilling, which payment is to be made yearly from year
to year ; Provided, that if the fd, Sam" Cradock, John Care, John Ech-
oUs & W™ Glover, their heires or ai&gnes do not feat or plant, nor
cause to be feated or planted thereon, within three years next ensuing
the date hereof, that then it shall k may be lawfull for any adventurer or
planter to make choice thereof and seat thereon. Given under my hand
k the seale of the Colony, this 21^ day of October, in the second year
of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady Anne, by the grace of God of
England, Scotland, fFrance k Ireland, Queen, Defen**' of the faith, 4c.,
anno q. Dom., 1703.
Ff. NICHOLSON.
Sam" Cradock, &c., their Patent for 1620 acres of
Land in King & Queen & Efsex Counties.
C. C. Thacker, Deputy Secy.
To his Excellency, ffrancis Nicholfon, Esq% &c.: October
George Clough most humbly sheweth, H^,^ i,„j.
That John Martin, late of the County of Yorke, Mari'ner, dyed, "cheate to tbo
seized of one thoufand acres of Land, in ye upper parts of the County
of New Kent, w'^ out heir or makeing difposition thereby, whereof the
petitioner humbly conceives the same to efchete to her Maj'*° &c., &c,
(Prays grant for the same.)
84 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1704 His Royall HighneflT, Prince George of Denmark, & eta , Lord high
F b* th Admiral of England, Irelend, & ceta., And of all her Mats. Plantations^
* ^. ' & eta., k Generaliflimo of all her Maj" Forces, & eta.
Orden 10 con- The Earl of Nottingham, her Mat* Principall Secretary of State,
aection with having, w*** his Letter of y* 5*** Instant, Laid before mee the copy of an
Afgien ^ Article of the Treaty lately Concluded w"* Algiers, By Rear Admiral
Byng To the End, y^ Pursuant to y® Agreem' therein, the Governo'* of
her Mat' Plantations (in case they have noe Blank Pafles in their hands)
may grant Certificates for the security of such shipps as shall sayle
thence w'^out a PaflT. I send you a Copy of the said Article inclosed^
and doe, in Obedience to her Mat' Pleasure, hereby Require and Direct
you to take Especial care to comply with what is therein Directed, As
to what relates to Your Parts. Given und' my hand this 9"^ February,
I70f
GEORGE.
To the Refpective Governo" or Cheif Officers of any of her Mat*
Plantations in America :
By Comand of His Royall Highness.
GEO. CLARKE. Vera Copia :
p: J. POWERS.
(To which is appended.)
Copy of an Article of the Treaty Concluded with Algiers by Rear
Admirall Byng, the 28'** of October, 1703
Vetielt built in And it is further Agreed And Declared, that all Prizes taken by any
Colony, exempt of her Maj""of Great Brittaine's Subjects, And all Shipps and VefFells
ttom captort i^^y^ ^^^ jp^^^j ^^^ j^^ ^^^ ^f y^^^ jyjj^ia plantations in America, that have
not been in England, shall not be molested in case of noe Pafl'; but that
a Certificate in writing, und** the hand of ye Comanding officer that shall
soe take Prizes, And a certificate und*^ the hands of the Governour or
Cheife of any of her Ma^ Plantations in America, or where any shipp
shall bee built or fitted, shall be a sufficient PaiT to Ether of them. And
our fiaith shall bee our fiaith, and our Word our Word.
April 14th By his Exc^ k the hon***® Council —
French rcfu- M' Sp' & Gent' of the H. of Burgesses :
cantown desire ^** ^^^^ * ^^^ hon^^® Council having received diverfe petitions here-
to be natural- tofore prefented by the fFrench Refugees, settled at Manicantown, pray-
ised ing for naturalizacon, with several other papers ralating to that settle-
ment. Have thought fitt to recomend to y' houfe the mature considera-
con of the sd. peticons ft papers, as being a case of very great impor-
tance.
By or**' of his Exc^ & y« hon^^« Council.
W. R., Clk. Ge. Ct.
Majr iitb
Hogsheads of '* Upon the peticon of Nehemiah Jones, setting forth that in the year
tobacco ex- 1702, he bought twenty-five hogsheads of Tobacco in Accomac Dis-
Vf%i^\Vvm ^"^^ ^"^ P^* ^^^ ^"^y °f ^^^ shillings pr. hd. fr ye same, w*** being
paid shipped from Rappahannock Diftrict, the pe^ was obliged to pay the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 86
said duty again there, and praying to be reimbursed for ye same, &c." ^7^4
The Governor and Council order Coll. G. Corbin to grant certificate so
that the said Jones might negotiate the fame with Auditor Byrd.
* To our Trusty and Welbeloved Francis Nicholson, Esq*", our Lieut. July 6th
and Gov' General of our Colony and Dominion of Virginia in Ame-
rica, Or to our Commander-in-Chief of the said Colony for the time
being :
[Duplicate,'] Anne R.
Trusty and Welbeloved — We Greet you well — Whereas, Complaints Reported
have been made to us of abuses in the Courts of Admiralty in the Plan- *^"."* *" **^"
tations, and of Irregularities in the Disposition of Prizes brought into^*"'"*** ^'^*
our said plantations by our ships of War, Privateers or others with Let-
ters of Marque. For prevention whereof we strictly charge and re-
quire you, that you be obedient to such orders and Instructions as you
shall from time to time receive from our high Admirall, and that you
reqnire all persons whatsoever in the Plantations whom it may concern,
to be aiding and Assisting in the Receiving of our Dues, as also of thofe
of our High Admiral in cases of Prizes, according to our Declaration
for the Encouragement of our ships of Warr and Privateers and in main-
taining the Rights of the Admiralty. And We further charge and
Command you that you cause due care to be taken that all Commanders
of our ships do deliver up the Prizes by them taken and brought to any
Port within your Government, into the Posfsession of such officers for
Prizes as are properly appointed and authorized to take Charge of the
same, and that all persons be required to be aiding and aflisting to the
said Prize Officers, in preventing Embezelments and recovering of Prize
Goods which may happen to be Embezzled and concealed, as well as in
the Execution of all orders to them directed in relation to Prizes by any
Court of Admiralty Legally Established by our High Admirall in Ouj
said Plantations So We bid you farewell. Given at Our Court at S*
James, the sixth day of July, In the Third Year of Our Reign.
By her Majesty's Command.
C. HEDGES.
«
Petition of Henry Fox and Col. John West, Capt. Thomas West & OctV i6ch
Capt. Nathaniell West, to the Governor and hon"*^* Court, to recover pgiijjo„ ^^
and establish title to four Thousand acres of land in King & Queen recover land
County, pattented in 1654, which patent could not be found, and they
*^ conceiving the same may be lost by the misfortunes that have attended
this Colony's Records," &c., &c.
Charles Reade's petition for recovery of lands in Nansemond County, Oct'r i6tb
lapsed from Thomas Cowling, &c.
^Rich^ Lee's (Naval Officer) account of duties on Tobacco shipped OctV isd
from Potomac District, &c.
Anne R.
* This docnment bean Queen Antie*i autograph, and a very good ioipretiion of her seal.
86 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1704 * Trusty and Wclbeloved, Wee Greet You well: Whereas, the
DecV Mth Commiflioners for promoteing the Trade of this Kingdome And of our
Colonys and Plantations abroad, have represented to our High Treasurer
Court at St. j^g^e by a MemDrial, which hath been laid before us. That Our Trusty
•'*"" and Welbeloved Edmund Jennings, Esq% Secretary for the Aiiaires of
Edmufld Jen- Qur Colony of Virginia, hath for Severall months past attended them
fw'hi«*8ervkc« ^^^^ great Diligence for Compleating the Worke of Inspecting and
ta reviling the amending the Laws of Our said Colony, Which he (by Your appoint-
i*«^ ment) brought over with him from thence for that purpose — And in
recompence of his paines and charges in this service, (being now about
to returne again with the said Laws as amended,) They, the said Com-
mifsioners, have offered their opinions, that the sume of Two Hundred
pounds (over and above the sume of one hundred pounds, which you
advanced to him before his coming from thence,) may be allowed him
Out of Our Revenues there. To which we being Graciously pleased to
Condesend and agree. Our will and pleasure is, and wee do hereby will
and require You to ifsue the necefsary Orders and direccons to the Re-
ceiver Generall or Collector of Our Revenues, there to pay or cause to
be paid unto the said Edmund Jennings, or his asiignes, the said sume of
Two hundred pounds. Which, together with the sume of One hundred
pounds Advanced as aforesaid, is to be taken and received by the said
Edmund Jennings in full recompense and Satisfaction for his Service,
paines and Expences, as well in coming with the said Laws from thence,
and attending here about the same as in returning back again therewith ;
And for so doing (this being first entred here with the Auditor for the
Acco^ of our Plantacons) shal be as well to You as to the said Receiver
or Collector for payment, and all others concerned in pafsing or allowing
thereof upon acco* a sufficient Warrant, and so We bid You heartily
farewell. Given at Our Court at S' James, 13'** Dec', 1704, in the
third Year of Our Reign.
By her Ma'**** Command.
GODOLPHIN.
To Our Trusty and Welbeloved Fran.
Nicholson, Esq% our Lieut, and Gov-
ernour Gen^^ of Virginia, and to our
Lieut, and Governour Gen" there for
the time being.
Enterd with me, W™ Blathwayt,
Audit' Ameri'a.
Dec*r icth ^y ^^^ Excellency — a Proclamacon :
Vtrgioia t Whereas, it hath pleased almighty God to grant to her Maj** armes
in Conjunction with her allys under the Comand of his grace, John,
Wenhrim* ^^^^ ^^ Marlborough, Cap^ Gen" of her Maj»*« Land fForces, a Signall
& glorious victory over the french & Barvarian fForces at Blenheim, near
*?"^ "h*" m'" Hockstet, (Hochstadt) on the River Danube, in Germany, (the first ac-
jelty by Col. " count whereof being brought to her most Sacred Majesty by Coll. Parke,
Pa^ke, of Vir-
fthe Duke of * '^^'" (document bean autographs of Queea Anne and Oodolphin, and quite diidnct tm-
Marlboroueh preitioos of duplicate staoipa of the tax of two shiliingi and six pence, on warrants, &c.
I This interesting document bears a faint impression of the Colonial Seal, but the motto,
Eti dot Virginia quintum^ is fortunately quite visible in the exergon, also the initials W. R.
i
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 87
a Gent & native of this Country, who was sent by his grace,) and the 1704
R^ Hon^^* the Lords Comff™ for trade and plantacons, having been
pleased to send unto me her Maj^" Royal proclamacon for a day of thanks
giveing in England, (a copy of w^ is herewith sent to be published with
this) with direccons to me to appoint a proper & speedy day of thanks
giveing, to be kept & observed by all her Maj^** good subjects within this
her Maj*^" Colony and Dominion of Virg* — Therefore I, fFr. Nicholson,
Esq% her Maj^** Lieut, &; Gov' Gen" thereof, duely & seriously reflect-
ing upon the great goodnefs of Almighty God manifefted to her most
Sacred Majesty throughout the whole course of her auspicious Reigne,
and the signal! testimonys of the Divine protection & affistance afforded
to her Maj**'" Armies in the Just & neceflfary warr wherein her Majesty is
engaged, for the comon safety of her Maj^^ Kingdom & Dominion, And
for disappointing the boundless ambition of fFrance, h more Especially
in the aforemenconed late signall victory, soe glorious to the English
armes (w^^ is owned by his Imperial Majesty, & their high and mighty-
nefFes, the States Generall of the United Provinces to her Majesty &
his grace, the Duke of Marlborough, as appears by the London Gazette
& monthly mercurys,) w*"^ signall blefsing on her most Sacred Majesty,
seem to be the gracious retributicon of the Almighty for her Maj* Ex-
emplary piety and great charity, especially that of bestowing such a con-
siderable beneficence on the poor clergy of the Church of England, as
likewise for her Maj^ having protected his grace the Duke of Marl-
borough & his most noble family, & their haveing been her Maj^ most
Imediate Servants since her marriage to his Royal highness. Prince
George of Denmarck, wherein they have allways acted with a steady
Loyalty & fidelity ; And considering that such great & publick blessings
do call for solemn & publick acknowledgements. Doe, by advice of her
Maj**** Hon**^*^ Council of State, hereby appoint that a publick & solemn
day of thanks giving to almighty God for these his great mercys be kept
& observed by all her Maj**** Subjects within this her • • •
•**••** or her Maj»-
birth dry, on w** acco' all her Maj**"* Subjects have double obligacons to
keep a day of thanks giving. And for the more Religious Solemnizing
the sd. day of thanks giving, I do, by advice afore"^, order & direct that
in every parish where there is a minister, there be divine Service in the
Church, & a Sermon suitable to this great occasion, and in all other
Churches & Chappells where there are no Minift% the publick prayers
be read by the Clerk, and because the season of the year will not admit
of a speedy conveyance of this proclamacon to y* remote parts of the
Country, for w*''* reason the solemnizing of this publick thanks giving is
soe long delayed. Yet that we may be as speedy in returning our thanks
h Praises to almighty God as such great bleflings require, I do recomend
to the Minifters of the respective parishes, that as soon as this procla-
macon shall reach them, they take notice of ye same, either in y® pub-
. lick prayers or in their private prayer before sermon or in the Sermon
it selfe, according to their discretion. And I do hereby require & co-
mand the militia, both of horse, foot & Dragoons in every parish , to
meet at the Church of their respective parishes on the sd. sixth day of
flPebruary, & the respective ofiicers residing in such parish or parishes are
then to draw up the s** militia after Sermon, & cause y" to fire three vol-
leys in token of their rejoycing And I do hereby require all her Maj*®"
good & Loveing subjects within this Colony & Dominion duely & Reli-
88 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1:704 gtously to observe the s^ day of thanks giving by abstaining from all
servile & Bodily Labour, and exercising such acts of Devotion & pub*
lick rejoyceing as may best expre& their thankfulneis to almighty God &
their Joy on this occasion. I hereby requireing & Comandtng the
Sheriffs of the several County s to cause this my Proclamacon to be read
in all Churches, Chappels & Courthouses within their respective Bayli-
wicks. Given under my hand & the Seale of this her Maj^ Colony fz
Dominion of Virg*, at her Maj^" Koyal Colledge of William k JVlary,
the 15"* day of December, 1704, in the third year of her Maj**^*
Reigne.
FFRA. NICHOLSON.
A Proclamacon for a publick
and solemn thanksgiving, &c. God save the Queen.
1705 May it please your Excellency —
M h th Doubting a misrepresentation relating to ye Court in this County, we
humbly beg leave to acquaint your Excy. that 'tis without caufe — some
Middlesex co. perfons have occafion*d so much trouble, by complaints of heats and
Justices of qnarrels (w*^\ if any such,) are only lodged in their own breafts, on dif-
Peace give rea- fering from them in opinion, being all the reafon given on our part. Rc-
cannoTsi^t whh ^^'^^"g ^^ Y^* Excy* happy arrival amongft us, to forgive and forget all
others former abuses and slanders we have received, (had they not continued),
and should have done our duty in the Station y' Excy. was pleaf'd to
place us in, were there any • • ♦ • profpect of per-
forming it w^^ quiet, but y^ now we dispair of M' Stapleton being a mem-
ber of our Court, a perfon moft notorious by abufive, prophane and
Imorall Qualities, so misbecoming the seat of Justice, y^ we humbly de-
fire to be excused Sitting w^ him, beleiving him designedly represented
to make both us and ye County in generall uneafie.
The rest of y* Gent* we should have com ply *d w% and would not
have presum'd to have given yr. Excy. this trouble at this time had we
not Just reason. *
And we aflure yr. Excy. we did not lately recommend others to be
added out of any ill intent to fill the seats of those y^ refufed (an inquiry
into ou» behaviour the previous Court, will acquit us of any such
practice,) but not knowing their reasons w**^ they say they had given
your Ecy., we thought our Duty at leaft to make y^ representation (be-
ing so few to hold Court) that y* County might not suffer for want of
Juftices, w^^ had been supply'd w^^ a sufficient number, had not they
then refufed — nor should we have had occasion to give yr. Excy. this
trouble, for w**^ beg pardon, and are
Yr. Ex'ellency's moft humble and obedient Serv*",
JOHN SMITH,
To his Excellency Edward Nott, Esq',
Her Maj'®" L* and Governor Generall
of Virginia.
CHS ROBINSON,
HARRY BEVERLEY,
RICHD. KEMP.
* According to Henning and otbersj Nicholson was Governor at this time. This doiument
certainly bears the date indicated. How is the discrepancy to be reconciled f
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 89
Bail Bond of John Owen and Tho* Harrison, to W" Epes, SherifF 1705
of P. George County, &c. April 7th.
Prince Oeo. Co
Hon*»^*^ Gen** :
God Almighty having been pleafed to prosper her Maty' & her Allies
forces, both by land & Sea this laft year, with glorious Victorys & Suc-
cefles, purs* to a letter of the R' Hon**^® the Lords Com" for trade &
plantacons, there ha(h been a day of thanks giving * ^ ^^
throughout this her Matys. most ancient & great Colony & Dominion in
every particular parish, w*^** sd. lett' & proclamacon I now give to M'
Speaker, and I having rece'^ an acc^ of her moft sacred Matys. health k April 19th
of the happy agreement between her Maty, k both houses of the Par- McMagcofGo-
liam^ of England, I take it to be new reafons for Keeping another pub- vernor in re-
lick day of thanksgiving by the Gen^^ Affembly on the 23"* Instant being g"** *° '**y ^^
S' Geo'* Day, this being the first time we have mett since I rece^ the ^^anksginng
orders from England ; and I dont in the leaft doubt but that you will
heartily join with me in keeping, solemnizing that day, and in returning
most humble k hearty thanks to Almighty God for thofe mercy s £
bleflings, k to pray for ye continuance ot ye same, so that there may be
the like reasons for celebrating such another day within th? circle of the
year —
Also,
Hon^^*^ Speaker & Gent" of the Houfe of Burgefles :
I recommend to you the affair of the Nansiatico Indians, k I now
give to y* hon^*® M' Speaker sev" proceedings concerning them, as like-
wife two Ace** w*^ I had from y* hon^^® Benj. Harrison, Esq*", with a
paper sign'd by his son, M' Henry Harrison, concerning the Nottoway k Concerning
Tufcorura Indians. I have ordered some of the great men of the Notto- ^^^"?. ^"**"
way, Nanfemond & Maherine Indians to be here this week. M' Rice °
Hoe can give you some acc^ concerning the Indian affair in Maryland,
and I hope speedily to have a more particular ace' from his Excy , Gov'
Seymour, w®^ fliall be communicated to you, &c., &c. * * * *
Then follows reference to correspondence with the Gov. of North Car-
olina, in regard to the Tuscarora Indians, &c.. Instruction as to con-
voys, &c.
Sir — You will find that her Ma*^ has, by her Declaration in Councill Apru 20th
of 15*^ past, which is published in the Gazette, resolved to open a Trade
with Spaine, for the advantage of her subjects, and it seeming to be more ^a"with
particularly beneficiall to those in the West Indies, by their nearnefF to Spain
the richest part of that Monarchy, I do not doubt but you will give all
the Encouragement to it that You can. Her Ma*^ haveing out of her
tender care of her Plantations in America, beer pleased to cause a Bill
to be presented to the House of Commons for encourageing the importa-
tion of Naval stores from Her Ma** Plantations in America, which has
since past into an Act, whereby not only due encouragement is given for
the bringing such stores and materials for the Royal Navy, and shipping Importation of
of England from thence, but a further intercourse and Commerce is pro- ^"^"^ ^^°'"
duced for the enabling Her Ma**®* subjects in these parts to make returns
for the Manufactures of England, which they stand in need of, I have
thereupon received Her Ma*^" Directions to sepd You herewith the said
12
90
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1705
Protection of
Pine trees for
procuring
tarpentine,
&c
Making To-
bacco, &c
Act, which you are to communicate to Her Ma^-^*' Council! and Afsem-
bly, and render it otherwise publick within the Colony under your Gov-
ernment, as You may judge most proper for promoting and advancing so
usefull an undertaking, and more Particularly You are to recommend to
the Generall Aflembly the making of due Regulations and orders for the
better carrying on of that work, which may be best effected, by passing
an Act or Acts in that assembly for preventing the Spoil of the Woods
as much as paifible. And you are especially to find out, and encourage
the best means for the making of Tar, most ussfuU for Ropes and
Cordage, by taking off the burning Quality that has been complained of
here ; as also to give the necessary Directions for preserving the Woods
and hindering the unnecessary destruction of Trees, by the irregular
drawing out the Turpentine ; and it is expected that You, the Councill
and Affembly should in all respects contribute Your joint endeavours for
the rendering that Act, and such others as may be part, conformable
thereunto in the Generall Affembly, most effectual for the intended
Service, which will not only be very grateful to her Ma'^, but of the
greatest advantage to Her Ma*^'* Colony under Your Government. But
you are not to suffer the people employed in the making of Tobacco, to
be diverted from it, by this or any other undertaking
I am, S', your most
humble Servant,
C. HEDGES.
April 25th
Accomac
M' Han Custis' (naval officer) return of Export Duty, at 2 shillings
pr. hogshead of Tobacco shipped from Accomac District.
Sworn to before his Excy. k Councill.
WIL ROBERTSON, CI. Cour».
April 28th Rcc^ of William Robertson fourty five shillings for nine days atten-
,«..,. . . dance in town by his Excy's Order, to wait for the Ord" about the
WiOianuburgh 1. ^ ^
^ ships.
Test ;
RoB^ Ambrose.
I say rec* pr: me,
signum,
JOHN + GLADWIN,
May loth.
In regard to
transporting
certain Indiana
M' Sp. & G. H. B.:
Since I understand that the Council & yr. houfe have agreed upon a
bill for transporting ye Nansiatico Indians, I propofe to yo^ considracon,
whether thofe Indians shal be continued in prison at ye Country's charge
till they can be transported. Whether you think fitt to appoint a time
for people that intend to transport them, to come in & make their pro-
posals, and if no person will undertake to transport them of, or it they
are transported & not rec^ in the plantacons fo that the person transport-
ing them be obliged to bring them back, in what manner shal they y^ be
disposed of.
* His Excelly. and the Councill do agree to the Congratulatory Ad-
dreff to her Majesty, prepared by the Houfe of Burgesses, with the fol-
lowing Additions :
* The original address complete, not found.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 91
In the i**** line after the word (subjects) strike out (the) and insert 1705
(yor Matys. Govern'', Councill, and)
In the if line after (Hochstet) & before (w^»») infert (obtained by the ^^^ '"'*
(Forces of yo' Majesty & yo' Allyes under the conduct of His Grace the Addrewto the
Valient Duke of Marlborough.) At the end of the 17*^ Line after S"«"» **=
(Invincible) add (we pray leave likewife to congratulate yo' Majesty upon
the taking of Gibraltar by yo' Majesty's fForces, and the Victory ob- MKiborpugK's
tained by yo' Majesty's ffleet under y' Command of Sir George Rooke, Victory
over the ffrench in the Mediterranean.)
May it Please y*" Excellency A Hon" —
Having (as I thought myself in Duty bound) Refolved to Return my Wiy nth
most humble thanks to ye R' Worshipful, the House of Burgs , for the Letter of
Bounty they were pleased to allow to me for my attendance as Chap- thanki m
laine, not to have done the same to yo' Excy. & Hon" for concurring Chaplain u>
w*^ them in so generous and charitable a Resolution, has been a most -^,,5,
preposterous omiffion. W*'^ Duty full acknowledgement I most humbly
begg may be accepted of as a Testimony of ye Just sense I have of the
obligacon you have laid upon me, and of the unfeigned prayers I shall
alwayes make for a continued blessing upon all yo** Consultacons.
Yo' Ex^'« & Hon" most humble
and most Devoted Servant,
SOLOMON WHATELY.
To his Excellency, Francis Nicholson, Esq*", her Maj^*®* Lieut. & Gov-
ern"^ General of Virginia, & the hon^^® Council of State :
We, the subscribers in behalf of our selves & several other mas-
ters of ships within this Colony,
Humbly Represent,
That having, by a former peticon, prayed leave to sail with her Maty's ^ ^
ship Strombulo, and therein given our reafons in general for our said
Request, and yo^ Excellency & Hon" being pleased to order us to lay ***»*«^ ?^ *«*-
before you our particular reafons for desiring such peimiffion : We, there- 164^^0 sail
fore, beg leave to ofler. That if we should mifs the opportunity of this &c
Convoy, we cannot expect any other untill the London ffleet arrives, and
must ly in the Country, not only all this Summer, but in all probability
till next Spring, from whence these inconvenienceys will neceflarily ensue.
1"^ That the great Charges we ly at will more than exhaust all the
profits of our Voyage, besides the ruin of our ships & Ladings.
2ndiy^ That either to preserve our ships from the worme, we must be
obliged to ride in the freshes (marshes) of the Rivers, w^^ is almost ever
fatal to our Seamen, in the sickly season, and occafions the rotting of our
Cables ; or elfe we must hazard the loss of our ships by the worme to
preserve the Lives of our men.
3***^. If a Convoy should happen to arrive, (w^** we don't expect) and
we be permitted to sail late in the yeare, we can reap no benefite by such
Convoy, the roughnefs of the weather at that Season soon parting us,
and being once separated from the Convoy, and deprived of their protec-
tion, the ships become an eafie prey to the Enemy. And we suppofe
this Hon^^^ Board is not ignorant that ships at that time of the year are
much more exposed to the Enemy than at any time in ye Summer, there
being then few men of war out to curb the privatiers, as at other times
92 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1705 during ye summer, besides the danger of tempestuous weather, which
joined with the danger of privatiers as aforesd, has given too sad a de-
monstracon of the inconveniency of such unseasonable Voyages, & was
dearly experienced by the Virginia ffleet und' Capt. W"* k Capt. Sy-
monds in 1 703, and the West India fleet last flPall.
4*^^^^. Several of our ships begin already to. be leakie, and if we con-
tinue in the Country, must be in danger of perifhing, to the great lofl" of
our owners & fFreighters & of her Matys. Revenue.
We could enumerate many other bad consequences of our lying here
all summer, but what is above being obvious to yo' Excy. & Hon", we
shall humbly submitt them to y' prudent consideration, not doubting but
that they will abundantly satisfy yo' Excellency & Hono" that our pre-
sent request is both reafonable and abfolutely necessary to prevent the
ruin of our Voyages, the loss of our ships and men. And therefore
we humbly hope yo' Excy. & Hon" will grant our peticon — With hum-
ble Submission to yo' Excy. and Hon", we conceive that our sailing with
her Maty, ship Strombulo is very confistent with and agreeable to her
Maty's Royal Instructions to yr. ExcelP^, w^^ enjoins that no ships sail
hence without Convoy ; for by the copy of his Royal Highnefses' In-
Conieqaencet structions to Capt. Teale, (w^** y' Excy. was pleafed to favour us with,)
of their deten- he is directed to take under his Convoy such Merch^ ships as shal desire
^®" to come home with him, w®^ had been unneceffary if his Royal High-
ness had not thought him sufficient to protect such ships. We pray
leave further to inform y' Excellency and Hon", that her Maty's ships
Strombulo is a sufficient a Convoy as any we have had in the places of
greatest danger, when we went home in former ffleets this yeir. It be-
ing ufual when the ffleet approach the land to dispatch one of the smallest
ships of the Convoy to see the West Country ships into port, so that
they have had but only a 5"^ Rate to Convoy tnem through the greatest
danger of ye Enemy ; and this ship being a 5^^ Rate, they hope for the
same protection from her — And at our coming out of England we had
only a 5*^ Rate to Convoy us 100 Leagues off the Coast, and if that
was fufficient to Convoy us out, we hope a ship of ye same fforce may
be fufficient to convoy us home. We therefore humbly pray yo' Ex-
celly. and Hon" to permitt us to sail for England under the Convoy of
her Maty's Ship Strombulo, we being Satisfyed with the Sufficiency of
ye s*^ Convoy — And that yo' Excy. will be pleased to give orders to
Capt. Matthew Teale, Comd' of her Maty's said ship, to stay for us
'till the 30^^ day of June next, at w*^ time we shal be ready to proceed
with him to such port in England or Ireland as he shal think fitt to con-
duct us to — which will be very much for the advancement of her Maty's
Revenue, the advantage of our owners and freighters, and the infinite
satisfaction of
Yo' Excellcy's & Hon" most humble Servants,
JNO. JONES,
ABR. LEWIS,
JOHN SAUNDERS,
And others, masters of ships, &c.
% June 2 ^ Permitt John Weft, Skiper of y* sloop Fortune, to take and Lade
Accomic
] * These bear iis perfect imprcnions of the teal of office re/erred cc,
•x
m
I
t
*
«
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 9S
on board ye said sloop from this District twenty hhds. Tob% & ye same 1705
to transport to York River, and put on board ye ship Merchants adven-
ture, Capt. Peter Wallis, Mas'"", Caution being Given to me for y* two
ShiU- p. hhd.
Given under my Hand and Seale of my office, this 2**** of June, 1705.
HAN. CUSTIS, Nav. ofF.
Also,
Permitt Mathew Moore, M' of ye Shalloop Owl, to take and Lade,
&c., &c.
Exch«% 15 — 01. Virginia, July y* 7"*, 1705.
Thirty days after sight of this, my third bill of Exch*®, my first or
Second not being paid, pay or caus to be paid to M' John Lory or order,
the sum of fifteen pounds, one shilling sterling, .being for ye Countrys
Dues and fees of the Loading of the ship Robert, and you will obleidge,
Your Humb. Sert.,
GEORGE EBBERY.
To M' George Mason,
Merch**, In Bristol!.
Return of her Majesty's Revenue arising out of Export tax, 2 shills. July 23d
pr. hhd. on Tobacco, from York River District. Y^^j^ 1^.^^^
MILES CARY, Receiver Virg"^ Dutys. DUtrict
Petition of William Bird, Robert Bird, Ralph Booker, William Hol-
comb, James Baughan, Rich** Coveington, to Gov. Ed. Nott, to take up ^^^^^ **^
*' Eight Thousand Acres of Land lyeing in King and Queen County Petition
and in King William County," in the fork of Mattapony River, above
the Land of Collonell Augustine Warner, &c.
* Virginia, (T.
Anne, by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France & Ireland, October i»
>ueen. Defender of the faith, &c.. To William Robertson, Gent. ^„ j^^bert-
rreeting. We do by these presents Constitute and appoint you to be ion commii-
Clerk of the Generall Afsembly of this our Colony and Dominion of "one<l Clerk of
Virginia ; Hereby giving and Granting unto you full power and authority ^^bly *"
to yo*^ own proper ufe and behoof to take and receive all sallarys. Fees
and perquisites whatsoever belong to the office of the Clerk of the
Generall Aflembly of this our Colony and Dominion, with power to
execute and enjoy all trusts, services, rights, members and appurtenances
as to the said office are justly and lawfully belonging in as full and ample
manner to all intents and purpofses as any other person heretofore hath,
or ought to have enjoyed the same — To have, hold, execute and enjoy
the said office during pleasure. Witness our Trusty and welbeloved Ed-
ward Nott, Esq', Lieutenant and Govern' General of Virginia, at Wil-
liamsburgh, under the seal of our Colony, this 22** day of October, 1705,
in the fourth year of our Reign.
EDW. NOTT.
* Thisj the original documenti bean the Colonial Sea*, under Anne, dilfering from that used
in the reign of William III., in having the wordi << Semper Eadem " on a icroU at the base, in
« addition to the other mottoes and devices usually seen.
94 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1705 To his Excell^, Edward Nott, Esq% her Majtie's Lieut"* & Gov' Gen"
of Virg% & to the hon^^* the Council of State :
The humble Petition of Philip Lightfoot,
Sheweth,
That y' pet' haveing complained to the Court of James Citty County
Su^^*V°' against William Drudge, for beating y' pet" negro, named James, the
in the cue of s^' Court, on the 6^ of October, 1 705, upon hearing the matter of the
a negro ordered sd. Complaint, did Order that the SherifF of the sd. County shou'd take
to be whipped the sd. negro into his custody, & see him forthcomeing att the next
Court, there to receive thirty-one lashes on his bare back, well laid on,
att the Comon Whiping post of the sd. County. In which sd. Judge-
ment there being many errors, to wit : the sd. judgment is not warranted
by any Law, k many other errors ; wherefore y' Pet' prays he may have
a Supersedeas to the sd. Judgment, that itt & the proceedings thereon
may be examined before y' Excellcy. and the hon^^® the Gen" Court ;
and y' Pet' shall pray, &c.
I am of opinion that for the errors suggested
in the peticon k other errors in the sd. judg-
ment, there is just cause for a Supersedeas.
JNO. CLAYTON.
Portrait ind
Arms
• To the hon»»^* Gen" Aflembly :
Miles Cary, W"» Buckner, & W"» Robertson, Attorneys of Coll*'
Francis Nicholson,
Humbly Shew,
gpg<» Anne't That y* sd. Coll® Nicholson, while Governor here, did procure the
favour of her Majesty to bestow her Royal picture and arms, to be set
up in the Capitol. That for the pafling of orders of Council and other
warrants, and for defraying the charges in puting the said picture and
arms on shipboard, the said Governor Nicholson, by M*" Thraile, his
follicitor, expended the sum of Eleven pounds, thirteen shillings St., as
by an acco^ herewith produced may appear. Wherefore the said Attor-
neys in behalf of the sd. Coll® Nicholfon, pray that the said sum of
Eleven pounds thirteen shillings St' may be repaia to the said Coll® Nich-
olson, it being paid by him for the publick service of this Country. And
the pet' shal ever pray &c..
Enclosed account as pr. above.
F. N.
An account of the Charges for Obtaining the Queen's Picture and
* This document U that endoned —
November id, 1705.
By ye Council— Re/erred to ye coMideracon of the home of Burg.
WIL. ROBINSON, Clk. Genl. Au.
November ^d, 1705.
By ye hoiue of Burgetiei —Referred to ye Com*tee of Claimei.
Claims rejected ^jL. RANDOLPH, Clk. H. B.
Rejected u being no County Charge. 1
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 96
Queen's Armes, with two Carved guilt frames, for her Maj"** Province 1705
of Virginia :
'70^. For an order of Councill for the Picture, £ 2 126
p* for a coppy to Com" of Trade, 5
For ditto for Queen's Armes to L^ Marshall, 2 12 6
pd. for a coppy to Com" of Trade, S
'703 . For ye L*^ Chamberlaine's 3 Warr** to S' G.
Kneller,
^p. Sfco**". L** Montague & her Maj""* Frame maker,
pd Clerk's Fees, o 15 o
pd. Chamber Keeper, 026
June ^>*^. pd. Fees at Treasury for Counter Signeing
L* Chamberlaine's Warr* for Q. Arms, &c., ^ 0176
En*^,
July s**". pd gave S"" G. Kneller's chief man, M""'
Bland, Clerk at ye Wardrobe, frame ma-
ker's Serv*, w*** Cartage, Porters, and Boat
hyrc to Key,
Pd. M' John Thrarles.
o 0
^C^^t: of Amendments proposed by the Council to Bill Ent, An Act Nov. %\A
for ^ *^r^ i^roving the staple of T obacco, and for regulating the size of To-
ba<^^^^ liogsheads.
:es " overseers being Freemen " responsible for the " tending, or inferior To-
ca^sing or suffering to be tended," any seconds, (inferior quality of To- b»cco
baccro^ under penalty of five hundred pounds of Tobacco for every
titb^l>l^ person employed by him on the plantation, &c.
*^*"ovides for proper form of presentations before Justices of the Peace, fsIm Packing
any person accused of *' false package of any Hogsh* of Tobacco," &c.
Sa^d Hogshead to be duly inspected by '* skillfull planters," who are to
^aVe report thereon on oath, &c., before one or more Justices of the
Provides that all coopers or other persons who " set up tobacco hogs- Hh<u. to be of
*^^^ds,*' shall make oath before a Justice of the Peace, that they will not lawful lise, &c
^^ke, or cause to be made, any of a larger size than as required by law —
tViat the said hogsheads shall be by them "tared " with the proper weight
thereof either with a marking or branding Iron, upon the " Bulge and
\\ead/* ** together with the first letter of his proper name and sirname."
Certificate to be taken of the Justice of the oath made.
Provides against the shipping upon any Kind of vessel, or disposing of pg„,jj
in any way, hogsheads not of required size, or made of unseasoned tim-
ber, or staves too thin, or not marked and branded as above mentioned,
under penalty of " five hundred pounds of tobacco," &c., and that *'one
moiety of all fines, forfeitures & penalties," accruing from breach of this
law, shall be to our Sovereign Lady y* Queen, &c., for and toward ye
better support of this Government, &c,, " and the other moiety to him
or them," who shall inform, kc.
For the due execution of this act, any Justice of the Peace may issue Execution of
his warrant to a constable to bring the offender before him, and upon ^^^
Judgment being passed, to require the Sheriff or his officers to levy, A;c.
I
'if
.4
V
06 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
\ 1705 The same proceedings to be followed in any court of Record. Three
^ days allowed to the accused, after serving the warrant, before his appear-
' ance at the Court ; but if he fail to appear, trial to proceed as if he were
jS present, &;c.
j The provFsions of this Act not to be construed as prohibiting persons
] or *' freighters " from shipping their own tobacco in hhds. of lawfuU
size k not ** tared '* or marked as above mentioned, &c., provided the
\ same be not exposed for sale, '* directly or indirectly in ye Country," &c.
] By order of the hon" Council.
I WIL. ROBINSON, CI. Gene^ Assembly.
Prciervation of AMENDMENTS to the Bill entitled An Act for the better preser-
Dcer vation of the Breed of Deer, and preventing unlawfull Hunting.
In the I iSieet, 16 line. Strike out the word (January) and Insert De-
cember.
In the last line strike out (August) and insert (September.) • • * •
Provided also, that nothing in this act contained shall extend or be con-
strued to extend to any person living or being upon the Frontier of this
Colony, who shall kill any Deer for food for the necessary subsistance
of himself or family — so as such Person do not sell or dispose of the
skin of any Deer so Killed. And in case any person shall be presented
for Kiliing Deer within the time prohibited by this Act, and such person
shall alledge that he Killed such Deer for food, for the necessary subsis-
\ tance of himself or family. The onus probandi shall lie on the person so
prosecuted.
By Order of the Houfe of Burgefses.
BENJ^ NEEDLER.
Certain Amendments to the Bill imposing a Duty on imported slaves,
to be paid by the purchaser, &c., and providing for a duty on slaves ex-
ported from the Country and brought back.
Proposals, for improving the Staple of Tabacco and advancing the pub-
lic creditt.
Storehouiei It is proposed that all debts, public or private, payable in Tobacco, be
and wharyn brought by the Debtor to one or more publick storehoufes and wharfs, to
be erectea by Act of Assembly in each County, according to the extent
^ thereof; by this means the 10 p. cent, now raised for collecting all
publick dues, and which very much increases the levy, will be saved.
Agent That in every County a person of good reputation and Knowledge
in the tobacco trade be appointed, under the name of the County Agent,
•J to view, examine k receive all tobacco paid away for discharge of pub-
I lick or private Debts in that County, which shall be brought to the afore-
4 said Storehouses, and to no other place. That the said agent shall give
. j good security, and also be under oath, for the due discharge of his office,
•r That he shall receive no tobacco, but what he shall find good and unex-
ceptionable ; that he shall be liable likewife to a severe penalty for the first
. i offence, if he pays away any tobacco that is not good or is unlawfully
'\ packed ; and for a second offence, be liable to a like penalty, with loss
of oflice and incapacity of serving in that or any other thereafter. And
• because merchants and others confiding in the honesty of the Agent,
CALENPAil OF STATK PAFgRS. ^
\wlJ m^c tb^ tolHl^cp riifreivc^ by him ^poo hip OWA QfPiiU Wi«*PVt «^ l7Pf
amining it, it is proposed t|iat thffc he pnHlfr^W mark^ f<Pr weh ^Wfityi ^^^
with a penalty upoq the Counterfeiting tberpgf, ^ni that tf ^DY bogfhd,
of tobai^co having sgch mark be found unso«n4» Pf dQ^pitfutfy p^ck'^i
the Agent whg^ i^ark it b^af^ be ligbl^ to the pt?n*)ty (ql paying «way
such tobacco.
T\m the Cpum^ Agent ^M cpni t^mtly iittend ^^ring thf tinips for Ac«at*t anea-
rqrciviiig tQb^«:p (i^unoayi, Court'4ay# & hoJi4*yf f 3WPPW<1) ^t thp pub^ *"««
lirt ftor^hpuse, or if tbroygh tfee length qf th^ Cwnty, jt b(pcoip^ nf>«
pps^^iy tq have ipqr? storf hQH«e^ than pn^ ; then «t pj»ph in thfir tmrn^
giviing public npti^c of thf tii^e^ pf hi^ ^tt?n4ancf ^t e^ch r<?^pe^tivf ly 5
9n4 wlwn gny qwntity qf tobgpcp i^ brpugbt by ^ny pprwin» the Ag^nt
shall be qblJBe^ tP giv? hipi ^^ m^ny npt^s »f b^ s^\l r^uira fpr th«
diwfcwgc of hi? apvprjil Dphts tp the fyjl qi^ptity pf tte tPbacpp 4f^
Byerptf i ?nd that IMCh note$ (hall bf recpjv^jd in 5lU tobaccp paymentf,
Wh^th^r publif: or prjy^t^, an4 «ball be tranpferahk from on« p^r^n tq
^npther wUhout thp n^^cessity pf endorsemitnt. an4 P4>4 by the AgPntf
wh^ n^ver demanded,
That if any Debtor shall neglect to deliver his tobacco debti to the Debton and
County Agent at the times publickly notifycd fof receiving ye same, he Crediton
shall be liaole to the payment pf an interest of pr. cent, for each
nuMth chqreaftef, uotill the same be paidf half of which interest to be
paid Id the Creditor for his disappointment, and the other half to the
Agent for the trouble of his attendance ( and that po^i^er be also given
by law to the Agent to destrain for such tobacco debts. That for the
greater ease pf the people in the discharge of their l^evys, and the more
ready payment of publick Creditors, It is proposed that at every County
Court, from the time of laying the County levy, till the last day of FebK
ruary, the sherif of the County A; Chnrch Wardens of each parish shall
attend and account with the ppopje for all their publiek dues, which dues
shall be discharged by the County Agents' notes, and the sai4 notes im*
mediately paid away to the creditors to whom the sama are pr^ered-^^nd
that a moderate allowance be made ye Sherifs k Church wardens for this
trouble, to be raised either by the publick or by the Countys and par-
ishes.
That for the encourM;ement of the Cpiinty Agent, ^^d fpr hi^ trpi|ble ComfmmiCm
in repacking the several p^ccU pf tobacco brought to hin?» be be pai4
pence current qioney for every hun4re4 weight pf tpbaccp paid
away by him in a hogshea4, together with an allowance of thirty pounds
of tobacco for the cask, to be paid by the Creditors or person to whom
he sells his tobagco ^ Provided, thjit no hogshead pf sweet scented tobacco Sweet-tccated
epntain less than 650 nejit, nor one hpgsh' of Aronocq less than 500, J^^"""***
That AoCwith$tan4ing thirty pounds pf tobacqo be allowed the Agent per **"
Cask, yet if any Debtpr sh^ll pay his debt in cask, the Agent .shall not
be obliged to make him the sgme allpveance, but swl only pay tyventy
pounds of tobacco for such pask. the other t^n being allowed him f^T
the treuMe of Cooperage. And for preventing all unreasonable multi-
plying of notes, n^hich $ome may deixumd purely tp create trouble to the
Agent, he shall be allowed t!^ of tobapco for every note tp deliver out j
And for all tobacco that shall be left in the Store after publick notice Is
S'vcn to the owners to receive it, the same storage sha.« be paid, as is
rficted by an Act appoiating R«wUng honIbB, kc. And because t<^
98
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1705 bacco lying in the hands of the Agent will be liable to loss of weight,
be shall for such loss be allowed pr. cent.
Advantaget of The ADVANTAGES of this project, besidcs the leflening the Levys at
this ict least a tenth part, will be many. It will prevent the Exportation of all that
Trash which' now mines the Trade. It will oblige the Planters to make
only that which is good, whereby the reputation of the Virginia tobacco
will be again advanced. It will raise the public Credit, since tobacco so
received, will be as valuable as any other in the government. By this
means all Services done for the publick will be cheaper. Artificers will
be encouraged to work for tobacco, seeing they may hope to be Justly
dealt by, and that what is paid them will turn to some account, reople
will be no longer deceived by false package, nor the justice of the Gov-
ernment reproached for the faults of dishonest Jurors and Viewers. The
importation of money into the Country will be encouraged by obliging
/ the Exporters of tobacco to pay the Agents in specie, and the in-
convcniency of ignorant or negligent Receivers entirely removed.
Freight will be lessened, because ships will find quicker dispatch in their
Lading, having the advantage of taking in so large a quantity of tobacco
at one place.
Ix is proposed that the persons appointed County Agents in each neck,
shall meet among themselves, and shall agree upon y® most proper places
for erecting storehouies for ye conveniency of the people, and shall
divide ■' into Districts, without regard to the bounds of the County,
each of which agents shall have His particular District and storehouses
allotted.
Locatinf and That after such places for Storehouses are chofen, the proprietors of
cott of build- the land shall have it in his election, either to build ye storehouses &
Inf icorehoQsea reserve a yearly rent, or if lawful, the agent may build them himself,
and if neither of them will build, the County Court shal value ground
sufP to build such storehoufes, pay ye proprietor, and erect ye Buildings
at ye Charge of the County, and settle a moderate yearly rent upon for
reimbursing ye charges.
1706
Feb. ifth
M*^ Secretary Hedge's letter to Ed. Nott, Esq^ Her Majesty's Lieut.
& Gov. General of Virginia, &c., announcing her Majesty's decision
that masters of VeiTels, loading in the waters of Virginia and not ready
to sail with their eonvoys, may clear and sail as soon thereafter as they
can, not awaiting the arrival of another Convov^ kc.
Feb. a4th
York county
Mode of
appoindng
iheriira
At a Court held for York County, Feb. 24"^, 1706: Whereas, by fc
Late Law Entitled an Act, jpTcribing y® method of Appointing Sherriffe,
&c., It is Enacted that ye Court of every County w"in this Dominion,
at some Convenient time between ye Last day of Jany. & ye last day of
March Yearly, shall p'fent to ye Governo' or Comand' in Chiefe of their
Dominion for ye time being, a List, a Recomendacon of three such
p'fons (being Justices) in ye same County Court Respectivelvi as they
shall think most fitt k Able to Execute ye office of Sherriftc; of their
Respective Countys for ye year then next Enfuing.
It is therefore Ordered y' ye Clerk Return to y* Governo' or Comand'
in Chiefe for ve Time being, before ye Last day of March next, a List
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 9S
of Capt. W» Simpibn, M' W- Barbar, &; M' W* Pinckcthman, who 1706
are by this Court thought most fitt tL able p'sons of ye Justices of this
County to Execute ye said office of SherriiF.
Cop» Tcs^
W TINSLET, Clk. Cot.
Rob^ Bell, aiFedavit relating to ye CompLint of Charles Roisett, jeb. sSch
Scr*^ to M' James Bray : . ^
•^ ' Jamct City eo.
That fome time in Octob' Laft ye said Rofsett had a new • * *
shirt, a p* of leather britches, i pr. of shoes, i old flanell weftcot, w^ ShSfi«Tiiit
is all ye Clothing has been allow'd him since ye year 1704, and this
Dopo^ saith that he has lain on y*^ ground by ye * * * ii^ side all
this winter, fiiveing about one month or there abouts \ he had a bed and
two bbnkets, beine allowed him in his ficknes, and some little time after
his recovery; and further saith, that he heard ye fd. Roflett say he had
bin to Complain to a Majistrate a bout a week paft, and that he had ac-
quainted his Miftres of ye fame, and this Depo^ did likewife here his
Miftress sav he had told her of ye fame, but att ye same time order^ him
to take ye id. Rofsett and strip him naked and give him thirty-one Lashes *
on his bare back, which accordingly he did, and after ye Executing ve
sd. ord', this Dep* heard his Miitris say : now you may goe to Juftis
Manblc and Complain agin.
Sworne before us ffcb. 28*, 1 70J
GEO. MARABLE,
WILLIAM BROADNAX.
To which is appended the following :
James City County AT: Teusday, being y* 26*** Day of flFebry., I being
Conftable for that part of bruton pariih in y* County above mcnconed,
I went to serve a summons on M" Mourning Bray, wife of James Bray,
By vertue of a Compl^ of a man serv' to ye s^ Mourning, that was made
to Capt. George Marable, for Til ufage to ye %^ P by name Char. RoiFet,
Being at ye fd. Bray's house, and had done what I was Comanded by
Juftice Marable, she made anfwer y^ Marable might have had more
man" than to have sent a summons to her, and y^ if M' Bray, meaning
her huflnnd, had been at home, he Dare not have done it — but Threaten-
ing if she was a man how she would handle Marable.
Thursday being by ord aforefd. att ye house aforesd., to serve a war-
rant on Mourning Bray, to Bring her, ve sd. Mourning, before Juftice
Marrable k Juftice Brodnax, or some otner of her Majestye's Juftices of
e peace, which she refufing, saying y^ her Daughter was gon out with
icr sadle, and y^ she Could not Ride any but her owne hors, and shewing
her a horfe, wnen she aleaged she haa none, her answer was that she
would not Lett her people go to play or be Idle for a f * * t, and that
Marrable might have more manners, and further she would not go on
foot so hx for Marrable, and farther saith not.
Sworne before us iFeb, 28, x 70}.
GEO, MARABLE.
1:
* Tbii if the Kcond cue lo which tMirty^omt Uihet were laid on, ioitead of the thirty-olae
PscnUr lappoMd to be th« prcKribed noinber in pnnithmeDt bji itripcf.
i&o
GALttMbAFt OF STATfi PkPtkS.
1766
March &8th
WUlUmsburs
Witchcraft
Attorney
Oeneral*!
opinion
April lit
Writ
At t C6urtcil held at her Majesty's koval Capitol, the 28^ day 6(
March, t'fdb, prtfeilt— -Hfs Ejtcellency in Couhcil:
Luke Hill, by his peticoh, informing this fioard of one Graced Sher-
wood) of Princefe Anne County, being suspected of Witchcraft, upon
his CompP to ye County Court y^ she had Bewitched ye pet" wife, ye
Court ordered a Jury of Women to ferch ye sd. Grace Sherwood, who,
upon search, brought in a Verdict ag' yi sd. Grace. But ye Court hot
knowing how to proceed to Judg°*' thereon, The pet' pray^ that ye At-
torney Gen^^ may be directed to prosecute ye sd. Grace for ye safttie.
Ord" yt y** sd* pet®° be referred to M^ Attorney Gen" to consider & ftf-
pbtt his opinion to his Sxcelly. & y* Council on ye first Day of y^ next
Gen" Coilrt.
Virginia, Aprill y® 15***, 1706 :
Upon peruiall of ye above written Order of this Hono^^® Board, I dd
consider, k am of opinion, that the County Court ought to hav^ made
21 fuller Examination of ye matter of fact & to have proceeded therein
purfuant to ye Directions k power, to County Courts given, by a Late
Act of Aflfembly in Criminal cases, made and Provided ; and if they
thought there was sufficient caufe to have (according to that LaXiv,)
Gommitttd her to ye Generall prison of this Colony, whereby it would
have come regularly before ye Generall Court. And whereupon, I (bould
have prepared a Bill for ye Grand Jury, k if they had found it, I fhould
have profecuted. I therefore, with humble submifsion« olFer & conceive
it proper, that ye faid County Court do make a further enquiry into ye
matter, U that if they are of opinion that there be cause, they act accord-
ing to y® above said Law. And! shall accordingly be ready to p'4ent k
Bill, k if found, proceed thereon.
S. THOMPSON, A. G.
Virg» ft.
These are in her Maj^ name to will and require you to arrest the
body of Ed"^^ Taylor^ and him in your safe custody to Keep 'till he en-
ters into bond W^ gck>d and sufficient Security for his appearance before
the Hon^^® the Gen^ Court next comeing, on the Third day thereof, ac
her Majty., Queeii Anns Royall Caphol, in the City of W^^iurgh^ then
and there to answer the suit of Tho. Sharpe, Clk., in an accon ^f Case
damage fifty pounds ster^ ; herdn fail not — also make due returfie hdfeof,
together w^ an attested cOpy of the bail bond to the Sec^'" office.
Dated this i"* Day of Aprill, t*ft>6.
To the SherM" of
Surry County. Test.
CHAS. CHISWELL, Clk
Sapenedeaf
Upon a Supersedeas granted to a Jude"^' of the Court of James Citty
County, the sixth of March, 1 705, Ag"* Sf our hing Bray — the sd. Mourn-
ing Bray doth afigHe fer error the causes followii^ : fFor that the sd.
Court ordered the sd. Mourning as Attorney to Capt. James Bray to
pay five pounds ster^ for her own contempt 1 for that the sd. Mounting
being a feme covert, eottld not, by law, be compelled to pay the sd. &re
GALUNbAR OF STATE t»A?fiR8. 2&i
pounds : for that the sd. Mourning did appeale from the sd. judgm^ but tjbb
Was t^std ill by tht 9d. Coitfti
Nb Ell*' S. T. A. O. pfv k^n^,
J. CLAYTON.
II ^ t <
To his Excelly. Ed. Nott^ Esq', her Ma***" Lieut, k Gov. Gehll., ic, April 19th
&c., and the hon***" the Geherall Court in Chancery : ^. . ^^
The peticon of Robert Carter, Esq% sheweth, injunction
That one Maurice Jones, of Northumberland County, in this Colony,
llath wrongfully poiTefsed himself of a certaine tract or parcell of land
in Wieocomico parish, in the said County, containing about fifty acres^
in wh. sd* Land yo' peticoner hath an Estate in iFee, and that the said
Jones hath comitted diverfe great Wastes, and doth continue soe to doe
upon the said land, by falling of Timber, grubbing up of Trees and
howeing up, planting & tending the soile, to the great prejudice of your
peticoner; notwithstanding y^f peticoner hath given the said Jones
notice not to proceed in his comitting waste upon the said Land, and
notwithstanding yo' peticoner hath Endeavoured to prevent and hinder
tbe said Jones from comitting such waste.
Wherefore yo' peticoner praies that this Court will be pleased to
grant her Maj^^**' writt of Injunction, to restraine him, the said Jones,
from comitting any further was^e ppon or howeing up the Land or
■otherwise.
And yo' peticonc^ shall ever pray, &c.
Anne R* April aoth
trusty and Welbeloved, We greet you well ; Whereas, it has been court at St.
wpr'esented by our Trustv and Welbeloved William Blathwayt, Esq', James
0*^ Auditor Generall ot Our Revenues In America, That upon the Queen's
last accompt 6f our Revenue of Quit Rents arising in Virginia, made wtmnt
^P ^nd rendered by William Byrd^ Esq% our Treafurer or Chashier of
<>ur said Revenue, since deceased ; There was then remaining in the
hands of the said William Bryd, the sum of Five Thousand seven hun-
dred fifty-two pounds, nitte shillings and Four pence — Whereof the sum
^f Three Thousand pounds has been already paid into Our Exchequer
here. We do hereby signify unto you our will and Pleafure, that upon
Receipt hereof, you give the neceftary Directions to the Executor or
Executors of the said vVilliam B) rd, deceafed, that he or they do forth-
with remitt over the Residue of the said sum of JG5752, 9. 4, being
Two Thousand seven hundred Fifty Two pounds, nine shillings and
Four pence to his or their Correspondents here, to be bv him or them,
wreupon paid into the Receipt of Our Exchequer. And So We bid
ron heartily Farewell Given at our Court at S* James, the 20*** day of
^Prill, 1706, in the Fifth Year of Our Reigrt.
Bv her Majesty's Cdmand. *
GODOLPHIN.
^Pour Trusty and Welbeloved Edward Nott, Esq',
Our Lieutenant atid Govefnour Generall of Our
Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and to our
QoV€rHOur or CMiander ih Chief thereof, for
^^ timelftfitg.
lOS
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1706
May 16th
WUtehflll
Victory OTer
the Trench
May 30tK
Newt from
Barcelona
Sir—
I send this by a flying Packett, hopeing it will oveitake the mail, to
acquaint you with the good news wee have this evening by Exprefs
from the Duke of Marlborough, who on Sunday last gained an entire
and glorious Victory over the French Army in Flanders, all the Enemy's
Canon, being upward of 60, are taken, together with the Bread Wag-
gons and the Baggage the French had with them. Colonell Richards,
who brought the great news, says there are 6000 Prisoners, and amongst
them 400 officers taken, that the Xjens d'Armes and the French Troops
of the Household was almost all cut ofF, and he believes there are in all
14000 Killed and taken. I have ordered a printed paper, which will
come out late to*night, to be sent to you from the office, which will
give you some more particuhrs, but you must expect a fuller account by
next mail. The Duke of Marlborough was near Louraiti when the
Express came away, and taking measures still to improve this Victory,
which is the more considerable, being so early in the year, but he was
particularly designing to Secure a Pafs at Wederysch, by which Bruxelles
and some other considerable Towns will fall into his hands.
I am, S%
Your most humble Servant,
Coll. Nott. C. HEDGES.
Sir—
Coll. Nott,
I have writt to you so lately, that I had not troubled you now, but
upon the happy occasion of tne good news We received this morn-
ing by an Express from Barcelona, which I am confident you will im-
prove for Her Maty" Service, and the good of the Common Cause by
publishing it, sb as that it may reach the Spanish Plantations, and incite
those People to follow the Example of their Countrymen in Old Spain,
by signalizing their Loyalty for their natural Soveraign King Charles the
Third, & freeing themsdves from the oppression of a French Govern-
ment. I must refer you to the. enclosed print for the particulars, and
remain
Y' most humble servant,
C. HEDGES.
P. S. — I also send you enclosed a Continuation of the great and
elorious Progresses the Duke of Marlborough is making in the Nether-
lands.
Ameadmenti ^* ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ '9*** ^^^^ ^^^ ' ^^^ ^ ^^ further Enacted that if any
to lA act to tup- Justice of the peace shal wilfully and willinglv commit the performance
prcw rice, ftc. of his duty in ye Execution of this Act, he snal forfeit ye sum of fourty
shillings current money, the one moiety to the ufe of the Informer to be
recovered by action, suit, bill or plaint, in any Court of Record within
this Colony wherein no efsoign protection or Wager of Law shal be al-
lowed, nor any more than one Imparlance, And the other moiety to the
ufe hereafter mentioned.
At the end of the 3^ Line add, And be it further Enacted by, &c«,
* * * that this Act shall be publickly read tw</sevcral times
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 108
\
in the year in all parish Churches and Chappels within this Colony, by 1706
tbf Minister, Clerk or Reader of such jparish, immediately after divine
fervice. That is to say, on the first or second Sunday in April, and on
the first or second Sunday in September, under the penalty of twenty
shillings for every such omiffion k neglect, and the Church Wardens
of every parish are hereby required to provide a copy of this Act at ye
chstrge of ye parish ; Provided always, that nothing herein contained
shall be construed to extmpt any Clergyman within this Colony who
shall be guilty of any of the crimes herein before mentioned^ from such
^ther punisnment as might have been inflected on him for ye same be-
fore the making of this Act, anything herein contained to ye contrary
notwithstanding.
Test.
. WIL. ROBERTSON, Clk. Gcnl. Assembly.
To his Excly. Edward Nott, Esq', her Maj*'^' Lieut. & Governor Gene- June 19th
rail of Virginia, &c.: Prtition
May it please your Excely. —
We, her Majesty's dutifull and Loyall subjects, the BurgeiTes of this
her Colony and Dominion Virg^, now Afsembled, humbly begg Leave
to represent to your Excelly. that we have taken into consideracon the
complaint of Edward Creekmore, Henry Dale, John Creekmore, Ed-
mond Creekmore, Richard Hodges and Roger Hodges, Inhabitants of
Norfolk County, within this Dominion, and that thereupon it doth ap-
pear to us that the Rent Gatherers of North Carolina, in the name of
the Proprietors thereof, have for some time past Demanded and mad
Distreff for the Quit Rents of severall Parcells of Land, which they
hold by virtue of Patents granted by S' Edmond Andros, Late Governor
here; and that the said Complainers, by means of the said unjust
proceeding ly under great hardship, and that for remedy thereof, we
conceive it neceflary the Bounds of this Dominion, next to North Caro-
lina, should be Laia out and ascertained as soon as conveniently may be ;
but for as much as that work may remain unperformed for some time. —
We therefore pray your Excly. to take such measures as you in your
wisdom shall think most Proper for the future prevencon of the Like
hardships to the said Complainers, or any other of her Majestys Subjects,
who have the happiness to Live under your Excly's Government.
By order of the Houfe of Burgefses.
B. HARRISON, Speaker.
Governor's Anlwer to Burg" Addrefs, ab* Carolina, &c., &c. June 22a
Gent — Reply
I have considered y' AddreflT for Discontinuing the restraint on ye
Lands on ye s^ side of Blackwater Swamp & in pamunky neck, and
lake this opportunity before I conclude this fession to acq* you of my in-
tentions to comply with y' defirc, after I have advifed with the Council
in settling' proper Rules tor preventing all disputes that may happen ab*
priority of Entrys. I shall forthwith give directions for laying upon the
Land in pamunky neck. And whenever ye bounds of this Colony on
ye s"" side Blackwater Swamp are fettled according to ye Act agreed on
this Seiston, the like permission shal be given for making entry there.
IQ4
CAL5NPAR OF STAT5 PAPERS.
ij^
Jnly4ili
WhitehaU
Madrid
declared fat
Charles III
Aag« lit
Charles 111
proclaimed in
Spain
Aag. 6th
And Hf to y' AddFcflf in r#i9tk>Q t^ y< ^unis ^wc«p t)iis CploBy 4^
Cgri^n^ ft for l^^v^^tios ;|if ^o^roi^rbmrorp qf tjw Gov^rnioi^nt, I
Imv^ 9^rq^f worjtt tp tfcf (Jqv' pf CfM^oliilg, 9iMl «Wl V^tc U) him to pro^
Mbit€ any »mcb S^n^ipa^bm^n^ M^Ul Uftofi; bwii4;B hup vMnst^ ; and in
{• mtW^m^ *4l take rU th^ p^fi? I c^ fq jarotf c^ h^r Maty's subj«»
gHing by Virg* patents him *ny dift^rb^ncc from y* Qov^rnmcfU.
I ^a4 this in lippc^ it i»ay qytxUik^ yp Wwt JqiJU p?cq* 3Q»t bi^for^
«b« gQ<W off, tP apqwiat ypw with yr good pf ws wc received yi;^r4?iy
by an Express from S*' StaiFord Faireborne, who comm^ ye Sqiiadrpt of h^
Majesty's ships before Ostende, of tbc ^urrend' of that place Ye officers
that 9Qmc fjroim tlwncfi 3ay tbfre wfi« advice of JCing Charles ye 3*'* Ar-
rival! at Madrid, that place having declared for him, so that we have no
reasQO to doubt but that in ^ vpry short tiQie all 3pain wiU h^ve followed
that example. And we hope ye Spaniards in ye We^t Indies will qpt be
backward to do ye same, and to show their Loyalty to their Naturall
Soveraign, and throw off ye yoke of a Forreign Tyranny.
Yovx mo^t bumble Servunt,
cqli., nqtt. c. Hedges,
■*<>
S'-^) lu|ve sent you herotofor^ ye Continuation pf pMf good SMCceSips^
tf, ypu will receive by ye news sent you this nigbt ffpm ys office, an 4C«*
count of King Charles J^'* b^ing procl^jmc^ af Madrid, who w<^ b^ye
little r^son tp doubt is by this time poff^r of yf whole Kic^dpn^ of
Sfnajn, Yqu wi)I take all oppoftunitys that offer pf lefting yf Spai|UM:4a
in Ainerica hav^ ye good n«ws of the happy pro^eff of yt ' allyS) p9ir«-
ticularly ihofe of tbe&r lawful! Soyeraign, (hat it foay encourage tbem t^
sbak9 ^ the yob? of a fforeign Gov^om^nt, Ik to d^claf? for his Catb..
Maty* I bopf it will not l^ Ipng before ) sbaji be ^hh to send you ^n
account pf further suc^s#Qf» j% He ^t bf ing r<»dv to f»M} w^ Land Forces
on boa^d upon some {Expedition, w^ will in siU prphabiUty b? of v^ry
grea^ Advantage tp tye Comnion Causf ,
I am, $S y' B*P*t humbla servant,
Cou. NoTT. C H£PGES.
WI^'lM
For b« Maj**'* Swvic^,
To his Excellency, Edward Nott. Efq", her Maj*^ Lieut., &c., &c.
Hon** Sir—
Capt. Brown, of the ^^ Hazardous,'' haveing advised that there is not
any supplies oi provtfions comeing from gngknd for ye skips under my
Command, and there being a necessity for victualling here for our voyage
home, I desire yon will be plea^d tp nv^ yt pujr$er of h^r Majesties
ship Woolwich, under qiy Comman^^ Credit for six hundred pPUnd^
sterlingp to enable him to supply yf said ship with $ugb pfpvifion^ ^
may be had in thi^ Country, it being for bey Jfflaj** J^ryige.
I am, with Reipect, $ir,
Y^** v^ buTOblc ScrvS
R. THOMPSON.
** WooVi^k " in ye roadc of
Kiquotan, Au^. 6**', 1706.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 105
T^o his Excy., Edward Nott, Esq% her Maj^*" Lieut. & Govern' Gen" 1 706
of Virginia: ^^^^^
Wee, the Queen & great men of Pamunkey Towne, in King W" mn-^„^ ^^^
^% humbly Ihew —
That whereas, yo' Petition" did formerly Exhibit a peticon to this
honourable Court, praying that the Sev" lands sold by us to her Maj"**
Subjects might be confirmed to the sev" purchafers thereof, & that a
Patent might be granted to us, o'* )ieirs and success*^ for the Remainder;
^nd for as much as we can understand the greatest part of thofe lands
^e already confirmed ; Wherefore yo" Petition", in most humble wife,
SQpplicztc y' Excy. that if any purchafer or purchafers, have not ye land
bid out & confirmed w^ any of them have purchafed of us, that y^
£xcy^^ would be pleafed to Order for ye Surveying & Patenting the same,
^d chat a Patent may be granted to us, o" heirs, & succefs"for ye Re-
^aiimci^r, And we (as in duty bonnd) (hall ever praye.
QUEEN ANN/
M* JOHN,
M» PECK,
M» ROGERS,
M» BACON,
M» LEASON,
M» MYUNK.
Ca.j>c Ja. Jessop writes to the Governor of Virginia, that his instruc- Aug, ooth
tions from His Royal HighnefT, Prince George, require him to remain
onljr ^^^^enty davs at that place, and he therefore hopes to get all the ships
'together to sail as soon as possible; But would be glad to receive any
Corrmc^anjg ^Qjjy ^jg Excellency in which he " may be serviceable,'* &c.
* ^T^ truly sorry for ye Death of our Late Good Govern', And y* Aug. 16th
tnor^ Concerned becaufe I cant pay that Duty and Respect w^ I owe to Letterof reg«t
the rxx^xnory of that Excelent Gent. The ocction is, my Wife & little
jirte ^^g jjQ^jj gQ y^j-y jjj^ ^jjj^j jjj^y jy.^ nearer the grave then to Live. I
am ^^ p'fent under so much Trouble, that I can say no more
then that I am, S%
Yo' most Hum^** Servant,
W. CHURCHHILL.
^^^^^^ Qocen and each of ** her great men** gare a dUtiactWe signet mark, which cannot be
^^** in type.
4btt^ • * ^^ ^^^^^ ^"^ ^^ '^^ ^^^^ ^^ Oovernor Nott teenfl to have been in doubt, thu ihort
1^ its*^ Unpoftant u indicating that thia event must have occurred probably within a day or two
loe
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
court
NoT*r 2oth
Warrant to
Mr. Gary
1706 ye Gent, sufficient to make a Court; I then ordcr'd my Und' Sh' to
« ^^ Sum*** all ye Gen* Nominated in ye Commiffion to meet at ye Court
MWdi«exco. House Monday 7^', 16% In Ord'' to take ye Oath, &c. On
11 without a that day mett at s^ Court hous Jno. Grimes, Capt. Jno. Smith,
Geo. Wortham, Ric"* Kemp, Rob* Daniel!, Roger Jones, Jno. Smithy.
Oliv' Segar, Gcnt% all being wiling to serve as Justices except Capt^
Jno. Smith, who was urg'd to give his rasons why he refufed ; he said
for reasons best Known to himself. Upon his refusall there was not of
ye Chorum enough to sware a Court, so y* day remained w*^out any.
The Gen* y* did not appear according to Sum"^" ware M"" Henry Thackcr^
M"^ Xtop'" Robinson, M' Harry Beverly, M*^ Jno. Robinson, Do' Jno.
Hay & M' Garret Minor, w*'^ sd. Gent. I order'd to be fresh Sum^ to^
meet at ye Court hous Monday, October 7% being Court day, according
to Law. M' Hen. Thacker « Do' Jno. Hay did not appear on y day,-
all ye rest did, & all I understand willing to serve as Justices except M'
Xtop' Robinson, Capt Jno. Smith, M' Harry Beverly & M' Jno. Ro-
binson, who has refused to sware, & I suppose y" Gent* y* did not appear
designes not to serve. As for S' William Skipwith's part, he has had a
long & sharp sicknefse for severall months, w^^ renders him unable to
goe so far from home ; so y* now ye stop of a Court is for want of one
or two more Justices of y® Corum to sware a Court. I must make bold
to acquaint yo' Hono" y* ye County begins to lye in confucstion for
want of a Court. Some actions has layn above a year, & cant be
brought to tryall, & if a Court be not in time, y® Publick nor County
C cannot be pd. I beg yo' Hono" Pardon for this trouble, & make
bold to subscrib my self,
Yo' most humble & obedient Serv*,
MATH. KEMP, Sh. M. C.
By the Presd*-^.
You are hereby ordered and required to pay unto M' Henry Cary th^
sum of four hundred pounds Sterling out of the money in yo' hands,,
arising by the Impositions on Liquors and Slaves — And for so doing this
shall be yo' warrant.
Given under my hand this 20*** day of November, 1706.
E. JENNINGS.
To Benjamin Harrison, Jnr.,Esq%
Treasurer of the Impositions on
Liquors ft Slaves.
Meant of de-
fence in caic
of invuion of
the French
May it Please Your Excellency in Councill —
Wee haveing Reced. Your Commands to deliver in writing our Opin-
ions about yc beft means for our prefervation in Cafe this Colony should,
be Invaded by the fFrench, doe humbly offer as ffollows : firft, y* 7 in-
dales Poient may, w*** a small charge as moveing yc Guns there, &
throwing up some breft workes, be made Defensible, and that ye ships
Retiring above yc workes, may not only Ride in fafcty, but prefcrve.
thofc that defend ye workes from being Attacked in the Rear by any
forces that may land upon them.
2"^ly. That in case such a Superior force should arive as should*
Render it Imposfible for us to defend our selves their, wee may then
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 107
Retire to Weft point, where the difficulty of the Channel! & the shoal- 1706
jie(s of the water will prevent any Gfeat ships from pursueing of us, &
where alfoe, ye narrownefTof ye River & Commodioufnefs of ye place
Contribute soe much to our advantage, that we may, with the Greateft
facility, giye an effectual Repulfe to all ye fForce that can their Attackt
us ; but being En dayly Expectation off a Convoye, & humbly suppofe-
ing that it is much for our Intereft & safety to be at sea w^^ all Exspedi-
tion, wee Conceive it is best the shipps abide in their Refpective Stations
Till such a necessity as above*^ is Apparent.
3''ly. That whereas, In cafe of such an Invaflon, it is moft probable that
ye iirft Attackt will be made upon ye shipps in York River, and that wee
are in number & Vallue Superior to any one River in this Colony, we
humbly beg that ye Commodore may be with us, not only to strengthen
our fForce, but alfoe to put us Under such a Conduct & Disapline as
may tend most to ye prefervation of ye whole. Thefe things being
'what wee apprehend moft for our safty, we submit to your Judgements,
Begging Leave, If any objections are made, to laye before yo' Excell'
h* this hon^^^ board ye Refons that have Induced us to be of this opinion,
^hat wee have further to offer is our moft humble & sincere Acknowl-
edgements for y* great Regard you have been pleased to have to our
welfare on soe Important an occation, ashureing yo' Excell" & yo' hon"
that their is nothing soe near & dear unto us that we shall not willingly
hazard for ye preservation of your perfons & ye good of this Colony.
Wee are, with all poflible Refpect,
Yd' Excel., &c., most humble and
most obedient Serv'*,
r JEREMIAH TURNER,
Ship Masters. \ CHARLES BARTLETT,
(THO. RICHARDSON and others.
■nendments proposed by the Council to the Bill Entituled an Act, Concerning
crning marriages. marriagei
^ ♦ • » * ''Provided always, and be it en-
^^^^d by the authority aforesaid, that when any Parish or parishes have
^^^^ a. minister, it shall and may be Lawfull for the Clerke or Reader to
P^^lish ye Banes of Matrimony between any persons desiring the same,
JJ^d if no Objection be made, to grant a Certificate thereof, and such
^^^^"'tificate shall be as sufficient for any minister to fblemnize the Rites
^ «»^atrimony as if the same had been signed according to the directions
^*"^in before mentioned. And be it alfo Enacted, that if any minister,
r *^*"lc or Reader shall grant a falfe Certificate, he shal suffer one year's
*"^ l*r*isonment without Bail or Mainprize, and be fined five hundred
P*^^-**^ds sterling, and shal alfo be lyable to further punishment as in cafe
0^ ^Vigery ••**•*•
^f^ Line, after ye word (tobacco,) and before ye word (and) infert (of
^^^ growth of the parish when the feme lives.) And be it Enacted by
the 3.uthority aforesaid, and it is hereby Enacted, that if the Bridegroom
"ve out of the County where the Licence is granted, or if the Clerk of
^ne County Court making out such Licence, shal have ground to sus-
.pect that the person taking out such Licence intends to remove out of
108
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1706 the County before the time of payment of the aforesaid Dues, or is in-
solvent, the said Clerk is hereby empowered and required in such Cafe
to demand and take Bond of every such person or persons with good se-
curity in the County, to pay all fees accruing due by reafon of such Li-
cence, at such time and in such manner as is herein before directed, and
upon refusal of payment, the said fees shall and may be Levyed on the
Estate of the fecurity by distrefTas afore"^.
By order of the hon^** Council.
WIL. ROBINSON, CI. Genl. Aflcmbly/'
Ferries
Prices of
transporUtion
Building the
City of WU-
liamiburg
Directors
I
1
1
Amendments proposed by the Council.to the Bill Entituled an Act for
the regulacon and Settlement of Ferrys, &c., &c.
ci ^ih ijj^g^ ^^ yg g^j^ jjjj ^^^ Williamsburgh from Princess Anne Port
to Hog Island, for a man, two shillings and six pence, for a man & horse,,
four shillings.)
* * * * (from John Goodales to William's^
neck or Drumond*s neck — for a man, three pence, three farthings ; for a
man & horfe, seven pence, half penny.)
* * • From Queen Mary's port, at Willirmsburgh,,
to Clay bank Creek, in Gloucester County, the price for a man, twa
shillings and six pence ; From Capt Mathew's to Cappohofack — the price
for a man, fifteen pence, for a man & horse, two shillings and six pence^
&c., &c."
Amendments proposed by the Council to the Bill Entituled an Acty
continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol and the City of
Williamsburgh, with additions.
''And be it alfo Enacted, that the four Lotts, or half acres, w^^ at the
first laying out of the Land for ye City, were laid out and appropriated
for the Buildings then erected on ye same by Benj** Harrison, Jnr., Esq%
shal remain & continue to ye afores"^ Benj^ Harrison, his heirs & afignes,
& shal not Lapse for want of other buildings thereon, anything in this
Act to ye contrary notwithftanding.
And whereas, by the death, removal out of the Couuty, or into re-
mote parts of several of the persons nominated Directors in ye afore-re-
cited Act, and the refusal of others to concern themselves therein, the
powers and authoritys to them granted have not been so fully executed
as was intended ; and it being neceflary for the better regulating and
ordering the Building of the said City of Williamsburgh, that a compe-
tent number of Directors be appointed and continued to inspect the
same. Be it, therefore. Enacted by the authority aforesa'd, and it is
hereby Enacted, that His Excellency, Edward Nott, Esq% her Maj^*®*
Lieutenant & Governour Gen^^ of Virginia, Edmund Jennings, Philip
Ludwell, William Byrd & Benj"* Harrison, Jr. Esq", Henry Tyler,
David Bray, Frederick Jones, Archibald Blair, Chichely Corbin Thacker,
& William Robertfon, Gents., or any five or more of them be, and
they are hereby authorized and empowered, by the name of the Direc-
tors, for the settlement and encouragement of the City of Williams-
burgh from time to time, and at all times hereafter, untill ye said City
shal be erected into a corporation in manner aforementioned, to Direct and
order the laying out of Lotts and streets of the said City where the bounds
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 109
znd marks thereof are worne out, to lay out a convenient space of 1705
ground for ye Church yard, to enlarge the market place, and to alter any
of the Streets or Lanes thereof, where ye. same are found inconvenient,
and alio to settle and establish such Rules and orders for ye more regu-
lar and orderly building of the Houfes in ye said city as to them shal
seem best and most convenient ; Provided always, that the main street DukeofGIon-
called Duke of Glocester street, extending from the Capitol to ye ut- ""t" •*'«'
most Limits of the city Westward, till it joins on y* Land belonging to
ye Colledge, shall not hereafter be altered, either in the Course or Di-
mensions thereof.
And be it further Enacted, that in cafe of the death, removal out of
the Country, or other legal difability of any one or more of the Directors
before named, it shal and may be Lawful for the surviving or remaining
Directors, from time to time, to elect and choose as many other persons
in the room of those so dead or removed, as shal make the number of
ten. IVhich directors so chosen shall be to all intents and purpofes
vested with ye fame powers as any others in this Act, particularly nomi-
nated & appointed.
May it Please your Excellency — -Certificate m
T"he Honorable William Churchhill, Esq', haveing acquainted us that j^,^ sttpleton
M' IThomas Stapleton was Rendred to y' Excely . an unfitt Teson to be
a justice of the Peace for this County of Middlesex, wee humbly take
leave to Informe yo' .Excely. that wee have knwne ye sd. M"^ Thomas
Stapleton many years, and that (he) has hitherto behaved himself with
Honesty and Integrity, and wee think a fitt Person to be one of Her
\]ajtiea Justices of Peacc for this County, & wee Humbly desire he may
be added to the CommifBon of the Peace for this County of Midlesex.
Wee are y' Excy most
obedient & Dutifull Serv**,
G. CORBIN,
MATT. KEMP,
WM SKIPWITH,
W. CHURCHHILL,
JOHN GRIMES,
GEORGE WORTHAM.
Amendments proposed by the Council to the Bill Ent^ An Act, for
prevention of misunderstandings between the Tributary Indians and others
J J"*** Subjects of this Colony & Dominion, & for a free k open
trade with all Indians whatsoever,
t
-. * * * • And be it further
ij^nacted by the authority afore*^, that if any person or persons other than
tne Indians & their posterity shal from & after the publication of this
^^-i presume to purchafe or obtain any Deed or Conveyance in fee, or
^y Lease for years, from any of the Tributary Indians of any Lands^
^^''^*' or hereditaments laid out or appropriated, or now actually pos-
8€lled or justly claimed & pretended to by the sd. Indians, or shal oc-
^^^y or tend any of the said Lands by permission of the said Indians or
^twerwise, every person or persons so offending and being thereof lawfully
convicted in any Court of Record within this Colony, shal forfeit and
no
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
• 1706 pay the sum of ten shillings current money^ for every acre of Land so
purchased, leased or occupied, one moiety whereof, &c , to our Sover-
eign Lady, the Queen &c., and the other moiety to ye Informer, &c.
• 4c • m * ^f. • ifi 4: *
Measuret to Provided always, and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if
^''rrd'**"**^* ^"y person or persons shal, after the publication of this Act, fell or oflFer
to sale any Rum or Brandy within any Town of the Tributary Indians,
or to any Indian within three miles of such Town, every such person
or persons fo offending and being thereof lawfully convicted before any
Justice of the Peace of the County where the offence shal be commit-
ted, shal forfeit and pay ten shillings current money for every quart of
Rum or brandy sold or offered to sale as aforesaid, &c., &c.
1707
January
Alann from
Indiana
Feb*y 15th
You' Hon'—
We are strangely alarmed in the uper parts of King and Queen,
• • * * for fear of an Indian Warr, and If I can be in-
I will
have
concerning it.
formed that there is * * * *
forthwith fort my self in, being a frontier *
many of my neighbours to take shelter under my fort — In
that our Inhabitants, have neither arms nor amunition — I *
my humble request to your hon' to afigne me some of the
amunition lately sent to Coll. Walker \ Pie take care to get
and be answearable for them to ye Gover™* on demand. *
for this presumption, and humbly pray you'l direct some *
sent to me, and what we may fear from ye Reports.
• * • * * with all respect, yo' Hon"
most obedient Servant,
R. BEVERLEY.
The Hon*»^« Edm* Jenings, Esq%
Prefident of Virginia.
pardon
• * be
* Order of Queen Anne forbiding the Embargo to be imposed upon
the ship " George," " Burthen, one hundred and twenty Tuns, and
carrying six Guns and Twelve men, &c."
SUNDERLAND.
March Hounerable S' — Thefe are to acquaint Your Honner & y* Hounara-
ble Counfill, yt I see your Honner's Warrant to Order ye Vestry to ap-
iacuse' ^""** peare be fore yor Honners ye 18*** Inftant, & Doe give all Due Refpect
to it am at this time Encapable of taking soe great a Jorny ;
Thearefore humbly begg your Honner to be soe gratious as to Excufe
me, as alfoe to ye Uounarble Counfill. And according to your honners
& ye Hounerable Councils Commands and Instructions, I shall Be
very Ready to fervc my Gratious Queen, your honners & ye Country as
far as I am Capable. From y' most humble & obedy'ent Servant at all
your honner's Com*^*,
ARMINGER WADE.
"* Bean impression of the great seal.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Ill
At a Court held for Accomack Coiinty by her Maj^*'" Justices of the 1 707
Peace For the said County, March ye 2**, 1707. March id
In pursuance of an Act of Affembly, Entituled an Act, prescribing ^^^ sheriff it
the method of apointing Sheriffs, and for limiting the time of their con- appointed
tinuance in office, and directing their duty therein ; That the Court of
Every County within this Dominion at some convenient time between the
Last day of January and the Last day of March, yeaily, shall present
to the Governor or Comander in cheife of this Dominion, for the time
being, a list or recommendations of three such persons (being Justices in
the sanie County C^*"^ respectively,) as they shall think most fitt and
able to execute the office of Sheriff of their respective County for ye
yezrc next Insuing \ of which three persons so recomended to ye said
GovcrnoT or Comander in Cheif, shall accordingly be Comitioned such
onea.s to him shall seme meet for the Executing ye said office for ye
yeare- tlien next coming In obedience to which Law the C*^*^* hath Re-
comended Maj*^ George Parker, Capt. John Brandhurst and M*^ Hancock
Custis, as three persons fitt and able to execute the office of Sheriff for
ye yeare Insuing. The Court ordered the Clerk forthwith to send a
Certificate thereof to ye Governor or Comander in Cheif,
Test : ROB'*' SNEAD, Clk. Co. Co^ Accomk.
Anne R.
* Trusty and Welbeloved, we Greet you well — Whereas, the owners March nth
and Freighters of the ship Prince Eugene, Burthen one Hundred and
Eighty Tuns, and carrying Eight Guns and Eighteen men, whereof
William Bastin is Commander, bound to Our Plantation in America,
have humbly besought us, That Wee would be Graciously pleased to
give Orders to Our Governors of Our Plantations and Colonies in
America, That in case the said ship should put into any of the Ports
there^ she may be permitted to take in her Lading, and not be detained
upon account of Convoy beyond the time of her intended Departure
from thence. Wee having had the opinion of our High Admirall upon
that matter, are graciously pleased to grant their Request. And Wee
^0 hereby signifie Our Will and Pleasure to you. That you permitt the
^id Ship, if it comes into any Port of your Government, to take in her
Lading & sail at Pleasure, without Stopping for Convoy for the present
Voyage, to be performed within Twelve months from the date hereof;
And so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Kensington, the
fourteenth day of March, 170?, In the Fifth year of Our Reigne.
By Her Maj'^ Command.
SUNDERLAND.
i o our trusty and welbeloved the Governors and Commanders in Chief
^^ any of our islands, colonies and plantations in America for the
^itne being.
^ ^ the Honnerable M*" Prefiden & Honnerable Councill of State : March i8th
jj The Petition of y® Subfcribers
**umbly Shcwth, ^o'^' ««•
* ' one y* 6"* of this Instant, there was a Vestry appointed by M' Complaint
^ ^^ — - — - — ^^ — . ■ — — ^^ — „_ , . ^^^^^— ^^^^^ , _.,_,_ ., .. . ^ ^
^^ ^an very perfect imprcsiion of the Royal Seal. Tbcae Tettela carried gona to protect
^QMelvei againit pirates, but were not able to cope with the war Tetiels of the enemy.
UB
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1707
March 19th
April lit
Sherifl*
sccommeaded
April 5th
Anthony Robinfon & }A^ John Dofwell, Church wardens of Charles
parrifh, in Yorke County, to be held for ye confulting about ye Reparc-
ing or Building of a Church in ye Aforesaid Parrish ; And in order to
agree about ye bufinefs aforesd, there mett Eight Veftry men of Each of
ye two Percints, but ye Veftry men of ye Lower Percinct did, without
Giveing any good Reafon, muterously voat among y™selves, yt two of
ye uper percinct veftry men should not act any Longer as vestry men ;
soe yt the remainder of ye said veftry of ye upper Percinct would serve
noe Longer until! they had humbly moved to your honners yt your hon-
ners would be so gratious for to order that they should have ye Rite and
privilidg yt ye Lower percinct of ye said parrish have in being Equall in
number of Veftry men as they have.
May it Plefe your honners, your Petitioners Humbly Praye yt your
Honners be so (jratious as to order yt ye Veftry men of each percinct
to stand as formerly and be Quallyfied accordin to Law, or Elce yt your
Honners would Reduce our Vestry to ye number of Twelve, according
as ye Law Derecks, and thofe twelve to be Qualified according to Law,
soe yt Bufenefl* of ye Parrifli aforesaid may not be neglected, and your
Petitioners shall, In Duty bound. Ever Pray.
THD. CHISMAN, Secy.,
HENRY HAYWARD,
JOHN ,
HENRY HAYWARD,
JNO. DOSWELL, Sne*,
JNO. DOSWELL, Jnr., Ch. W*.
At a Court held at South wark, for the County of Surry, 19^ of March,
1707.
Prefent, her Ma"®' Justices —
Capt William Browne, M' Joseph John Jackman, and M' Etbered
Taylor, are severally recomended for those of Sheriff of this County
for the enfueing year
Test :
FRA. CLEMENTS, Clk. Cort.
At a Court held at Varina, for the County of Henrico, the ffirst day
of Aprill, 1707 —
Prest :
John Worsham, Joseph Royall, Richard Cocke, Abra. Salle, George
Worsham, Tho. Jefferson, Gents.
In obedience to an Act of AiTembly made the 23* day of October,
1705, Intituled an Act, prescribing the method of appointing SherrifFs,
&c.. This Court do humbly recommend Coll. William Randolph, Lt.
Coll. fFrancis Epes & Maj' Willam flarrar, (being Justices in this County)
as most fitt and able persons to Execute the office of SherrifF in the
said County this present year.
JAMES COCKE, Clk. Cort.
Deed of Release from Thomas Pannell to Rich^ Buckner, for cer-
tain lands lying & being on Mottaponi Biver, or main runn in King k
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
lis
Queen County, formerly new Kent County, 4c., and granted by patent 1707
dated the 4*^ day of November, 1673, to John Profeer and Thomas
Pannel, 4c., &c. * * *
Test:
WIL, STANARD, D. C. Cot.
Copia Teft :
C. C. THACKER, Clk. Cot.
Deed of Release from William Pannell, of the County of Richmond, April nth
4c., Planter, to Larkin Chew, of the County of Essex, &c., Carpenter, p^j^g ^^ ^„j
in consideration of eleven thousand Pounds of Tobacco, having been
pid by the said Chew, for four hundred and forty acres of land &c., in
King 4 Queen Co., formerly New Kent County, &c., &c.
To the Hon. M*" President, with the Hon" Councill of State, ye Tuf- April 19th
caroroe Indians Complaine —
Virg* fset.
That whereas, lately a murder was Committed upon an Indian Called
parridge, yo** petion" not being willing to have any other Sattisfaction
than what is Usual amongst themselves, Defire to have Six hundred
Cubitts of Roanoke * & one hundred and twenty Cubitts of Peake,t
two Gunns, Six White Stript Blanketts, tenn bottles of Powder, Six
thouiand Shott, Six Cloath Coats, & and twenty four y'^' of plaines,
(coarse blue woollen cloth.)
By the hon^** The President of her Maty's Council — April a5th
You are hereby Ordered & Required to pay unto M^ Henry Cary,
or order, the sum of Seven hundred pounds Sterling, out of the money
in yo'® hands, arising by the Imposition on Liquors & Slaves \ And for
so doing this shall be yo' Warrant.
Given under my hand this 25'** day of April, 1707.
Signed. E. JENINGS, Preside
To Benjamin Harrison, Jnr., Esq.,
Treasurer of ye Impositions on
Liquors & Slaves.
M*" W^ BafFett writes to President Jenings in behalf of " Capt. May 15th
Lechenby Comand^ of the ship Globe, of Liverpoole," who desires to
clear his vessel and sail without Convoy, &c.
** Honored Sir —
I have about thirty blanK Commitions, signed by his Excellency Edward
Nott — I humbly desire your advice -, I have here sent you a Coppey of a
"St of offisers, which I suppose you and the Honorable Counsill have
^cn ; I thought it nott Convenient to fillup any without your advise ;
"cre is no Commition ofHser in the County, as I know of, except my-
June nth
^^ell money fixed upon ikins of animi!:
15
f Shell money strung upon cords.
114 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1707 sclfe — one M' George Purchas of King William County, a very Creda-
ble man, came lately from Pensilvana, and as he caled att a hows in
Maryland, the upper part, they told him that there had bin lately about
twenty Indins for a fortnight- weighting for ten more to Joyn them ;
they weir well armed, most of them with swords and pistoUs as well as
Goons, to goe and fight the tuskarodo Indians, but in that time they
came nott. I only instance this to know what I should doe if any attempt
should be made on our County, here being noe Commition offiser ex-
cepting as before. It was his late Excellencies and ^onerable Counsills
orders to me not to present any from the Court for Coroners, that had
refused the Commition of pease ; John Leigh hath refused in your last
Commition of Pease ; he was appoynted major. I am, as in duty bownt,
your honors most humble servant to Command,"
JOHN WALKER.
A List of offisers returned by Colo. Lightfoot and my selfe.
Major John Leigh, ^
Capt. John Major, ^ hors.
Capt. Jeremiah Clowder,
Capt. Thomas Pettit, 1 r^
Capt. Thomas Tunstall, j ^
Capt. ^
ohn Collier,
er, ^
Capt. John Gyly, Vfoot.
Capt. James Wood, J
JOHN LIGHTFOOT, 1 p ,
JOHN WALKER. / ^^'^•
Capt. Thomas Walker,
Lt. Richard Norshaw Walker,
Cor" James Walker.
A List of the Offiser in King and Queen County.
JOHN LIGHTFOOT.
A trew Coppy pr. John Walker.
SeptV 2d To the Honourable Presid' and Council —
Serious and Tio- The answer of Abraham Salle to the Petition of M** Philipe,*
lent tlter^ation humbly Sheweth,
Town Parish That whefeas, the s^ Philipe Complained that I affronted him on the
30^ day of March last, while he was in the Pulpit, by calling him sedi-
tions, and the cheif of ye seditious, I beg leave to represent to your
honnors the whole fact as it happen'd, which I flatter myself, will be a
compleat justification. When M' Philipe had finishe' the service of the
day, he continued in the Pulpit as is custone, is where there is any
parish businefs to be done, the first thing he did, was to demand the
Register of Christenings to be delivered up to him out of ye Clerk of
the Vestry' hands, & in cafe he refufed to do it, he would excommuni-
cate him ; he was pleased to say this with a rage very unbecoming the
* The full name of this man was Claude '* Philipe de Richebourge." The decision in this
difficulty having been made against Philipe, he, with numerous followeri, left Virginia soon
after this date, and settled in the Carolinas.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 115
fc
place, which made me intreat him to have a little patience till the dis- 1 707
pute should be ended, whether the Register should be in the Vestry's
Custody or his \ I afsurd him that the Vestry had no intention either to
encroach upon his Rights or to give up their own, and therefor defird to
inform themselves more fully of that matter ; upon this, he flew out
into a gretter paiion than before, and frankly told us that he acknow-
ledged no Vestry there was, neither would he have the people acknow-
ki^ any. Immediately after his nameing the People, sevarol of his
party, & particularly Lacaze & Michel, stood up, and in the Church
rook the liberty to utter many injurious things against me ; and the last
prck thro the whole congregation to get up to the place where I was, &
then catching me by the coat, he threatened me very hardly, and by his
Example, several of the crowd were heard to say, we must ^ssasinate
thsit damn'ed fellow with the black beard, and that Bougre de Chien
ought to be hanged up out of the way, & several other violent Expres-
sions, not very proper for the Church. The s*^ Philipe in the mean
time, w^as so far from endeavouring to appease their tumult, that 'twas
observed he did his best to inflame it, and was lowder and more
outragious than any body. I thought it now my duty, as a Justice, to
con:imand the peace, putting the people in mind of the day & occasion,
4 the place where they were, but all to little purpose ; the Queen's
name had no effect upon them When I found matters in that dangerous
condition, I thought it prudent to withdraw, & when I came to the
Church door, I told M*" Philipe 'twas vifible that he had fomented that
sedition, and therefore he was a feditious perfon, & even the Chief of the
Seditious. This is the naked fact as it happened, which I am ready to
prove to your honours by fuflicient testimony, which, if I do, I have the
<^onfidence to hope I need no further Justification.
And then, as far as his petitioning for an Order for Chooseing a new
Veftry at Monocantown, I humbly beg leave to represent to your
honours the unreasonableness of that Petition.
. Not long after the erecting Monocantown into a Perifli, the Parifli-
loners were afsembled to elect a Veftry, and the Plurality of voices fell
^pon the following persons :
Jacob Amonner, Jean Guerin, Pierre Chastain,
^*>ra. Soblet, Jacque Lacaze, Jean Farcy,
Jacques Brouffe, Abra. Remy, Jean Foniuelle,
^ouis Outartre, Andre Aubry, Abra. Solle.
Vestry of Monacantown Parish.
, *^ that election, the Law of this Country was punctually observ'd ;
He persons were 12 in number, and were chosen by the Major part of
■J? Parish called together by M"" Philipe for that purpose ; they were not
^nofen for one year, accordfing to the electing Elders in france, w^^ M*"
* hilip^ would insinuate, but were chofen as a lawful Vestry, and for
^^veral years have been own'd as such, even by M' Philipe himfelf, and
^ "as always apply'd himself to them for his Salary ; they have been
^Ued Antiens, because the French have no other word in their language
or a Vestryman, & it has never been questioned by any one whether
^*s Were a legal Veftry or not, 'till lately that the S*" Philipe upon a
9!*^rrel he's had with some particular member of it, would get this
^stry quashed, to introduce his onne Creature that will be ready to
116
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1707 Sacrifice * *
gance & arbitrary humour, if
of the parish to his extrava-
October a4th His Roy" Highness, Prince George, of Denmark, Ac, Lord high
Protection of Adm" of Great Brittain, Ireland, &c., And Generalifimo of all her
commerce Maj^®* Forces, &c. —
You are hereby required & Directed, with her Maj^**'' ships under your
Command, to take under your care and Pretection the Trade which
shall be at Bristoll, Biddeford & Barnstaple, bound to Virginia, and
ready to sayle with vou, & with ye first opportunity of wind & weather,
to make the best of your way to Virginia, where being Arrived, you im-
mediately give notice to y^ Governour of that Colony, that I have ap-
pointed the ship under your Comand to Lye in Lynn Haven Bay &
cruise about ye Capes, for Protecting the Country & Trades from ye in-
sults of ye Enemys Privateers ; k accordengly you are to lye in the said
Bay, and Sometimes to Cruise about ye Capes (as winds and weather
will permitt) in such manner as may render the ship you Comand most
Advantageous to the Inhabitants & their Trade, and best enable vou to
prevent any attempts that may be made by the Privateers of the finemy,
which you are to use your utmost Endeavour to Take, Sink, Burne &
Destroy. And in Order thereunto, You are to take particular care not
to lye in any River Longer than may be absolutely necefsary to furnish
yourselfe with what you may really want ; but to keep the ship you
Comand Continually in Such a Posture as that you may speak with all
Ships or Vessells which may be comeing in or going out. But in case
the Government of Virginia shall at any time find it for the Service to
employ the ship you Comand, otherwise than is before directed, you are.
on all such occasions carefully to put in Execution the Orders which
shall be given you thereupon.
You are not to Imprest any men from Merch^ Ships or Vefiells within
the Capes, without the Consent of the Government. And Whereas,
I have Ordered you to take in Eight months' Provifions for your hishest
complement of men, you are, when yt)u shall be out of ye Channell, to
put your ships Company to short allowance of Provisions, or otherwise
as shall be judged necessary for lengthening out the same, aflureing ye
Seamen they will be punctually Paid what is due to them on that account
when they come home. . And when you have Expended so much of your
Provisions as that you judge you have no more left that what may be
sufficient for you in your paflage home, you are, without Longer stay, to
make ye best of your way to England, calling in at Plymouth, and
from thence you are to repair to the Downes, if you find no orders to
the Contrary.
You are to acquaint ye Governor of Virginia with ye Contents of
these my Instructions, & give him timely notice when you intend to
sayle homewards, that soe he may prepare such Dispatches as he thinks
necessary to send by you. And you are by all opportunities which shall
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 117
present) to send an Acco^ of your proceeding to my Secretary for my 1707
information.
Given under my hand this 24^^ October, 1707.
GEORGE.
To Capt. Stuart, Com*^^
of her Maj^y ship, the
Guarland.
By ye Comand of his Roy" Highnefl'.
J. BURCHETT.
Hon*-'*^ S' — October *9th
I have comitted to the Goal of this County a Tuscororo Indian man Indian lent to
w*^ Major Wynne is of opinion is one the Comp* that murdered Jere- '***
miah Pate, for he sayes he knows him to be one that Gen^^ ufes that
way, and we find him to be in Several Stories, w^^ makes it the more
sufpicious. We had taken five more of them a Monday in ye Evening,
if the Notoway Indians had not befriended them & Deceived us, by
which means the) gott clear, & after about 7 hours search, (all in the
night,) we were at last well informed that they had Difcovered us and
Did intend to Run quit to the Tuscororo Towne without making any
stop, so as for us to overtake them, which caused me to returne home.
I have not ord'^'' any of the militia of this County to Range on the fron-
tiers, because that I have an acco^ that the remaining part of their
Comp*^ is upwards, which Maj'" Wynne is gone to apprehend — he left
me aboute ten o'clocke a Mondey night, in or^** to make all pof&ble hast
towards them. I should be glad of yo' approbation of what is Done in
this matter, and that you would pleafe to beleive me to be,
Hon"* Sir, Yo'* most
obedient Humble Servant,
NATH^^ HARRISON.
The Indian taken calls himselfe
Tom Robin.
To The Hon**'® Edwaijd Jenings, Esq',
President of her May' Councill, &c.
NotV itt
To the Hono'''^ M' Prefident i Counsel! of State of Virginia : ^^^^''"' ««
recover
The Humble Petition of Henry^ Hay ward. Junior, Administrator, ^^^PJ'JI^*" ^'!*
with y*^ noncupative Will annexed, of Robert Crowther, (an infant of cide ^whether
eighteen years,) Humbly sheweth, hii own or
another*!.
That the father of the said Robert, fometime before his Dcfath, made Forfeited to the
his Will, & Conftituted one Henry Whitaker, (fince found a felo de fe) ^^^^^
Executor of his Last will & Testament aforesaid ; By virtue whereof
the said Henry poflefled himfelf of all the perfonal eftate belonging to
ye f&ther of the faid Robert, & died pofTefled thereof. Now, may it
pleafe your Honours, the officers of her Majefty having seized the whole
perfonall eftate, k what other was found to be in ye pofleffion of the said
Henry, as forfeit. Your Petitioner praies & humbly defires your Hono"
order to ye faid officer to pay unto your Petitioner (out of ye eftate so
feized) the fume of twenty ei^ht pounds four shillings & fix pence, being
118
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 70S
the said Roberts eftate, or his proportion & his fathers Eftate in the
hands of the faid Henry, att the time of his Death.
And your Petitioner, as in Duty bound,
Shall Ever Praye.
Jan*/ i6tb
King & Queen
county
Condition of
country with
regard to
Indians
Capture of
•trange In-
dian
May it pleafe your Hon'^ —
When ye ^eporte was of ye late murder in ye neck, I was told by
Coll. Walker that ye Coll. of New Kent County and himself had sent
out parties of men in Search of ye Indians ; Whereupon I thought my-
self obleged to do y® like, and ordered one in y*^ upper parts to take 1 2
men and range our frontiers ; he could make but 7, and they not above
two shoots of amnition a peice ; they were out 3 days, but made no dis-
covery. I must alfo acquaint yo*" that we have no amunition in y®
County that I know of, and have been in that condition a great while.
On Saturday, y® 3*^ Jan*" Inftant, an Indian came naked of Armes into
one of y® houses of y® upper Inhabitants in this County, upon which
the people there tied him by y® arm, & brought him to me ; they got to
my houfe with him on y® day following ; at firft I put him in irons, and
would have brought him to yo*" Hon% but y® extremity of y® weather
prevented any pafsage over Yorke River. After three days, finding him
of a seeming good humour, I let him at liberty about the houfe where
he still continues. I got y® Interpreter and a tuscarora Indian to talk
with him ; he at all times seemed verey inclinable to be understood, and
was verey foward to talk, but neither of them could understand him.
What I have learnt from him is this long acquaintance is thus : he calls
his name Lamhatty, and his Town Towafa, near which there were nine
other nations of Indians, Confederates with his Town, undtr diftinct
names for y® particular, but all under the comon name of Towala's,
which are described by those O's in y® north side the East and west
line i those O's on y® South side of y® sd, line with severall others,
but all under the comon name of Tuscaroras ; he says that not far from
their Town is great falls, and a little below that a great salt water lake,
whofe waves he defcribes to tremble roar like a Sea ; he says He was
taken prisoner 9 months agoe ; that he was 3 montks in carrying to Tela-
possa, where they made him work in ye ground ; That there they ufe
canoes ; that he was 2 mo. in carrying through y® 6 next Towns, and
one month in paffing from ye 6^^ from Malapossa to y® 7*^, where he
was sold, viz^ Sowanouka. They, in a short time, took him out a
hunting, viz 6 men, 2 women and 3 children, along y® ledge of Lower
Mountains, (as he first defcribed to us by heaps of dirt, tho' his geo-
graphy has not made him hit it right in this draught,) whence he run
away from them, and in 9 dayes time came to ye houfe by Robert Pow-
ells, where he was taken and brought to me. He says that ye firft time
y® Tustaroras made warr, they swept off 3 of their nations clear, and y®
next time 4 more, and y® other three run away. The map is all his
own drawing, which I thought might be satiffaction to your hon' to send ;
y® red line denotes his march, ye black lines y® Rivers, & y® shaded
lines y® mountains, which he describes to be vaftly big among some of
thofe Indian Towns. For y® reft I must referr yo' Hon*^ to y® map ; he
seems very desirous to stay, if I might have yo' Hon""* leave to keep him,
and am Yo"" Hon^** moft humble Servant,
JOHN WALKER.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 119
* At the Court at Kensington, Jany. 25*^, 1708, Present — The Queen's 1708
most Ex cellent Maty. j^„^^ ^^^^
His Roy? Highnefs, Prince 1 Lord Privy Seal, ^^^^^ ^^
George of Denmark, j Lord Steward, Kemington
Lord Chancellor, Duke of Somersett,
Lord Treasurer, Earl of Sunderland,
Lord President, M' Sec^ Harley.
Whereas, by Commission under the Great Seal of England, the 2oecn*8 order
Governour, CounciU and Affembly of Her Ma^^ Colony of Virginia, |^ ^;^?„""Jhe'
have been authorised and Impowered to make. Constitute and Ordain .ct for railing
Laws, Statutes and Ordinances for the Public Peace, Welfare and Good puUic rcFenue
Government of the said Colony — which are to be Transmitted to her
Ma*^ for her Royall Approbation or Disallowance of them. And whereas,
in pursuance of the said Powers, a Law pafled in the said Colony in
I705, has been Transmitted, the Title whereof is as follows, viz* :
An Act for raising a Publick Revenue for the better support of the
Government of this Her Ma*^* Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and
for ascertaining the sallary of the Councill ; which said Law having
been perused and well Considered by the Lords CommiiEoners of
Trade and Plantations, And presented by their Lordships to this Board,
with their humble opinion. That the said Act be Repealed, her Ma*^
having this day taken the same into consideration, is Gratiously pleased,
with the Advice of her Privy Councill, to Declare her Difallowance and
Disapprobation of the said Act, And pursuant to Her M**^' Royall
Pleasure thereupon, the said Act is hereby Repealed and Declared void
and of none Effrct.
EDWARD SOUTHWELL.
t Order in Councill at Court at St. James, to allow the ship " Francis " ?«*>> 13th
^^ Burthen 200 Tunns, 10 Guns, and 28 men, &c," to sail as soon as
she may be ready, and that no ^^ Stop or Embargo " be laid on said
ship, &c.
J At a Vestry appointed by M' Anthony Robinson and M' John Dos- March 6tii
well, Jnr., Churchwardens of Charles Parish, to be held ye 6"* of charlca Paritb,
March, 170I, where these Gentlemen undernamed met, in Order to York co.
Consult about y^ repairing or building of a Church, but did not proceed controFeny
by reason of their disagreeing who should serve as Vestrymen & who between mem-
should not. ben of the Tea-
Thofe y« Gentlemen y^ met. i7d t^e"
M' Thomas Roberts, M' Thomas Chiesman, who are* °
iM' ArMINGER WaYD, M' Henry HaYWARD, Se''*, veitrymen
Capt. Daniel Taylor, M' Thomas Nutting,
M*" Robert Sheild, M' John Toomer,
* This document bears a beautiful impreuicn of the Privy Seal,
f Bears impression of the Privy Seal.
X After due examination into this case, and the records of the Parish, it was determined that
Capt. Cheisman and Mr. Robert Sheild were Vestrymen, but that Capt. Thos. Nutter and
Daniel Taylor were not.
J30
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1708
March 6th
OHN Drewrev, Se^%
OHN DOSWELL, Se^%
OHN Hunt,
M"^ Anthony Robinson,
M' Henry Hayward,
M' John Wills,
M*^ John Parsons,
& M** John Doswell, J'''',
M"^ Henry Hayward, Se%
M' John Doswell, Se'**
M' Henry Hayward, J^*
M'^ Jo. Drewrey,
These are of opinion y' Capt.
Cheisman & M"* Sheild are vestry-
men, & have their voat, by reason
Capt. Cheisman being a vestryman
ever since y* 24^*^. of Septe% 1677,
and served since, beeing at ye ves-
tfy this day & offered his service as
formerly, & likewise y^ aforesaid
M"^ Sheild serving ever since y^
year 1692, & was this day in per-
son to serve as formerly.
Test by me.
Church War*''".
M' Thomas Roberts,
M' Ar. Wayd,
M' Tho* Mitting,
M'^ D^^ Taylor,
M' Jno. Hunt,
M' Jno. Parsons,
M"^ TOOMER,
These voting y* Capt. Cheisman
& M* Sheild are no vestrj'men.
BERNARD COUDERT,
Clerk of Charles Parish.
Pcdtion for a Xo the Hounarable Coll. Edmund Jenings, Esq% &c., &c.:
hctring before '' & ' ^ ' '
the Gov. and The Subscribers
Humbly Prayes
Your Houner to hear the Complaint y^ we, the Veftre of the upcr
p'cinct of Charles Parifli, Send by Henry Hayward, Jnr., & John Dof-
well, Jnr., who are members of y® aforesaid Veftre, and Humbly begg
your Honners Gratious Favour in ordering a Reconceliation among us,
and your Petitioners shall, as in duty bound.
Ever Pray.
ROBERT CURTIS,
ROBERT SHIELD,
HENRY HAYWARD,
JOHN DREWREY,
THO. CHISMAN,
JNO. T. D. DOSWELL, Sn».
Warrant for Whereas, Comp^*^^ has bin made this day to mee, by M' John Hay-
b°T 1**^*°** ^° ^^'^^^ J"*^'' Vestryman, & M' Jno. Doswell, Jn', Vestryman, & one of
ye Churchwardens of Charles Parish, in York County, that there is
lately arifon dissatisfaction & disputes between y® Vestrymen of y® Up-
per Precincts & Vestrymen of the Lower Precincts of y** said Parish, &
y^ they are equally divided in opinion to y^ obstruction of building a
new Church for y® benefitt of the said Parish, & desired a reconcifia-
tion ; I doe, therefore, hereby Ord^*^ & Direct the said vestry to appoint
as many of the said vestry living equally in each precinct as they think
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 1$1
iitt to appeare before mee & the Councill on Thursday y* i8th Instant, 1708
att Williamsburg, in Order to Examine into & adjust the sd. DiflSerence.
Given under my hand & seal this 13^ day of March, lyOg.
E. JENINGS. [Seal.]
To the Churchwarden or Churchwardens of
Charles Parilh for York County, to give
notice of this, as likewife to M"^ James
Sclater, Minister of the sd. Pari(h.
Executed according to Directions p'me,
JNO. DOSWELL, Jnr.,
Ch. Ward% C. P.
* At the Court at S* James, the i"* of Aprill, 1708 — Present, April ut
The Queens most Excellent Majesty. Court at
• ^ **•!, o T^ St. Jamet
Lord Chancellor, M^ Secretary Boyle,
Lord President, M* Vice-Chamberlain,
Duke of Somersett, Lord Cheip Justice Trevor,
Earl of Derby, S* Thos. Mansell,
Earl of Sunderland, S^ Charles Hedges.
Earl of Cholmondeley, M^ Vernon,
Earl of Scafeild, M^ How,
M^ Bertie, Lieut-Gen^^ Erle.
WHEREAS, by Commiffion under the Great Seal of England, the Order in Coun-
Governour, Councill and Affembly of her Ma** Colony and Dominion cU confirming
of Virginia, are Empowered to make. Constitute and Ordain Laws, proving the
Statutes and Ordinances for the Public Peace, Welfare and good Gov- staple of
ernment of the said Colony and Dominion, Which Laws, Statutes and Tobicco and
Ordinances are to be as near as conveniently may be agReeable to the "'c*of*hogt-*
Laws and Statutes of this Kingdome, And' are to be Transmitted to heads
Her Ma^'^ for Her Royal approbation or Disallowance of them. And
whereas, in pursuance of the said Power, An Act was lately passed
in the said Colony and Dominion, Entituled, viz^ :
AN ACT for Improveing the Staple and for Regulating the size of
Tobacco Hogsheads —
WHICH said- Law having been perused and Considered by the
Lords Commiffioners for Trade and Plantations, and by them presented
to this Board with their humble Opinion, That the same be Confirmed.
Her Ma^^ thereupon is Graciously pleased, with the advice of Her
Privy Councill, to Declare Her approbation of the said Law, and pur-
suant to Her Ma^y* Royal Pleasure thereupon, the said Law is hereby
confirmed, finally Enacted, and Ratified accordingly.
CHRIS. MUSGRAVE.
Virg* Rec% 13^^ July, 1708
E J.
S' — Last night I Anchored within Cape Henry, & just now getting April ut
up to Kickytan, I have Sent ye Inclosed Letter, together with a Coppy «GuarUnd
of my orders, by which you'le find I am Designed to attend the Govern- Kickytan
* Bean impression of the Privy Seal, &c.
16
" in
J^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1708 ment, but haveing a long pafflage of 12 weeks, and very bad weather,
Ca t Stewart ^^^ disabled my Ship so that I cannot be serviceable to y® Government
oftheGur^Und before I fitt new Rigging & Secure my Fore mast, which is Disabled,
announcing hu being Sprung in two places, (or else gett another in its roome.) Also,
arrival ; giving jj^g gj^jp jg ^^^ foulc; if y® Government thinks fitt, I should be glad if
ructioni ^j^^ could be clean'fd, which being done, I shall be better enabled to put
in Execution such orders as I may receive from the Government, and
shall, at all times, use my uttmost Endeavours to comply with y* same.
I am, S', yo' most humble serv*,
CHA. STEWART.
Reed, y® 2^ April, 1708, at
8 o'clock night.
April 14th pr George County, ff.
Prince George At a Court holden at Merchts' hope, Wednesday, y* 14^^ April, 1708,
County, Va p'sent— her Maj"" Justices.
Penon« recom- In pursuance of the act prescribing y® method of appointing Sheriffs,
for thetfficc of *^'' '^'* ^^"" ^^^ recomend to the Hon^^* her Maj^^"* President and
sheriff CounciU of Virginia, these following persons, being Justices of y® Peace
in this County to y^ End, that one of them may be Commiffionated
Sheriff of this County for the Year Infueing, viz' : Maj' Joshua Wynne,
M' Will°» Epes, Jnr., & Capt. John Hamlin.
Ordered that y® Clerk make returne hereof to y® Secretarys office.
Test : ' RICHRJ> BLAND, CI. Cot.
June loth * At a Court held at the Capitol, the lo'** of June, 1708, Present — The
At the Capitol Hon^^ the President and Council.
Whereas, the Sheriff of the County of York is directed to attend
the Election of the Vestry of ^Charles parish on Tuesday the 29*^ of this
present month, and to take the poll at the same for his better guidance and
Order, as to directions therein, k for avoiding all tumult and confusion, which usually
how veitrymen happens on such occafions. It is ordered that every freeholder and House-
elected* holder paying Seatt and Lett in the parish, and no other have vote at the
said Election, and for clearing any doubts that may happen as to any per-
sons being a freeholder or householder, the Sheriff is impowered to ^ad-
minister to such person an oath • • * required in the same man-
ner as is directed by Law in the Election of Burgeffcs ; the said Sheriff
shall separately demand, and accordingly take in writing from every
person having vote in the said Election, the names of twelve men
whom such person thinks most fitt to be Vestrvmen in the said parish,
and haveing so set down in writing each particular Election lift or num-
ber of twelve men, he shall then examine all the said Lifts and shall
declare those twelve men to be the Vestry whom (upon scrutiny)
he shall find to have most votes ; And ordered that the said Sheriff
make Return of his proceedings, together with the severall lists afore-
said to the Council office.
This order to be kept private 'till ye election,
WIL. ROBERTSON, Clk. Cort.
Executed pr. LAU» SMITH, Sherf, Y. C.
* Bean private leal in wax.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. JS3
To the Earl of Sunderland : 1708
My Lord — I did myselfe the honour of writing to your Lordship june 24ch
on the 26"* of March, and hope it hath ere now reached yo' Lord**. -^. . .
hands. Since which, Capt Stewart, in her Matys. ship, the ** Garland," *^'*""
arrived here to attend as a Guard ship, but by the misfortune of spring- EdmM Jcningi
ing one of her masts at Sea, k being also very foul, Capt. Stewart has not
been able to do that service, which might otherwise have been expected Depredations of
of him. Soon after his arrival, one Crapeace, in a privateer sloop of P"^»^«cr8
four guns and about seventy men from Martinico, took a ship belonging
to Liverpoole and a sloop from the West Indies, a little to ye Southward
of our Capes. Upon w*^^ her Maj"®" Councill here caused a nimble
sloop to be impreffed and delivered to Capt. Stewart, who man'd her,
and together with y® Garland, Cruised about the Capes for some time, Ve«ei sent in
but had not the good fortune to meet with this Privateer, and being P"""''
obleiged soon after to quitt his Station in order to fitt his ship, for putting
in Execution the orders he has lately Received for Convoying the mer-
chants that are now bound for England, the further pursuit of the Pri-
vateer has been thereby interrupted, who has since taken y* boldneff to
come within the capes, and as I am informed has not long since taken a
ship off the Capes of Delaware. The knowledge this Privateer hath
gained of our Coasts, and the success he has had, will, in probability,
encourage him and others to visit us too often ; and I am persuaded yo^
Lordship is so fensible of the loiT her Majesty, as well as her subjects,
sustain in the taking the Ships bound from the Countrv, that yo' Lord-
ship will judge it neceflary that a Guard ship of good force should con-
stantly attend here, which, under the Conduct a diligent Com*'^^ would
efFectually secure this trade. # * ♦ *
• « 4c He • He
Some time before the Death of the late Governor, y* Gen^ AfTembly Reasons why
was prorogued, and afterwards, on advice in Councill, it was thought fitt ^^® AstemWy
to Continue it under prorogation, that there might be an Aflcmbly ready ^onf tlmifto
to meet in Case any thing extraordinary, for the safety and peace of the time
Country, should require it before the Arrival of a Gov', (who was then
daily expected,) pursuant whereunto prorogations were made from time
to time. But it being Surmized amongst y^ BurgefTes that by thefe fre-
quent and repeated prorogations, they were ipso facto difolved; therefore
left that Scruple might obstruct the Countrys businefT when there should
be Occasion to call them together, it was thought fit rather to difolve y® Assembly
Aflfembly by Proclamation j and y* Country being (God be thanked) <i««olved
very quiet, it has not been judged neceflary as yet to call another As-
sembly.
Some Vagrant Indians of the Tufcarora nation, who used to hunt for Murderi com-
the Inhabitants of the frontier plantacons, having last fall Committed a "*""** i^^j-^"*'
murder in New Kent County, three of the persons suspected were ap-
prehended, two of w^^ poisoned themselves in ye prison, the third, whose
name is Jack Mafon, was tryed & found guilty by y^ Jury, but upon
such slender proofs, that the Comm®" appointed for his Tryal thought
fitt to recommend him as an object of mercyj and it has been since
proved that he was at another place some miles distant at the very time
the murder was Committed. But he being convicted of wilfull murder.
which her Majesty hath not permitted to be pardoned here without her q
Majesty's exprefs order, I humbly pray your Lordsp. to move her pa
ueen only to
pardon
lU
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Conduct of S.
Carolina
Made Lieut.
Governor
1708 Majesty for her Royal pleasure therein. There are other Indians
suspected of this murder, who are now among the Tufcaroras, from
whom they have been demanded, in ord' to be brought to Tryal, but
they have not yet answered the demand, tho I hope Satisfaction will
be given concerning them without Danger to this Country.
The Government of South Carolina have lately seized divers goods
which y® Indian Traders of this Colony were Carrying to y* Western
Indians, & have very much interrupted that Trade. I have, w*** y^ ad-
vice of the Council, written to the Govern' of that Province to know
his Reasons, it being a new practice never oflFered at before, tho that
Trade has been Carryed on by the Inhabitants of this Colony thes:^
many years. If that Government have power to restrain all but them-
selves from tradeing with the Western Indians, under pretence of their
being within the Proprietors bounds, (tho they own no subjection to
them) it will very much diminish the Trade of this Majesty's Colony^
and leffen the Consumption of the manufactures of England, which are
now vended in that Trade.
* On the 27^*^ of this last month, I had the hon*" to receive her Ma-
jesty's Royal Instruction impowering me to take upon me the adminis-
tration of the Government of this Colony, and to execute the same
powers as her Maj^^* Lieut. Governor or Com*^^ in Cheif could or ought
to do during the absence of her Maj^^°* Lieut. & Governor Gen^^. I
must acknowledge this extraordinary mark of her Majesty's Royal fa-
vour is an honour I as little expected as deferved, and for which y^ utmost
of my endeavours for her Majestys Service will be too small to expreflT
the deeper fense of it, w^^ I shall ever preferve in my heart ; and I know
so well y° part yo*" Lordp has in dispensing her Maj^^®* favours, that I
cannot be unsensible how much y® Trust her Maj^^ hath been pleased
to repose in me on this occasion, is owing to yo*" Lordp' favorable char-
acter of me, for which I beg your Lordship to accept my most humble
acknowledgem**, & to beleive that I shall make it my care never to for-
feit yo' Lordlhips good opinion.
Wiidom of the The Act of Affembly w°^ imposed that usefull and neceflary duty on
policy of im- Ljquor & Slaves imported into this Colony, expired on the 24^^ of last
and 8lavef^"°" moneth ; It hath raised about four thousand pounds, whereof three
thousand was appropriated to the building a house for the Governor.
The outside work of this house is expected to be finished this Summer,
^ch ^jij exhaust the whole fund appointed for that building, and the
overplus of those impositions cannot be applied towards finishing it with-
out y® Direction of the Affembly, but I shall take all neceffary care for
having that work Carryed on and finished as soon as may be.
I am sorry to acquaint yo^ Lordsp. that y® price of Tobacco here
Continues still very low, and which is worse, there is like to be but in-
diferent crops made this year.
The fHeet lately arrived has supplyed the Country very plentifully
with goods for y® present, and I wish y** merchants would so far see the
supplied with^^ g^"" interest of the nation, as well as their own, as to send in Continued
goods supplys of Cloathing, w^ will be y® only Effectual means to take off the
Inhabitants of this Country from going on Woolen and Linnen Manu-
* This statement establishes the date of Ed, Jenings having bean appointed Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor and Commander-in-Chief, viz : May 27th, 1708 ; he having been acting President of the
Colony since the death of Governor Nott.
Tobacco
Reasons why
the country
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 1^6
ficturts of their own. It was necessity that forced thfem at first upon 1708
this course ; but the benefitc they have found by it, in the kte scarcity q^^^^ ^^^
of goods, and y^ Experience they have gained therein, seems to have woollen
ca/i firmed in them too great an inclination to continue it in so much Manufactories
thsLZ tliis last year, in some parts of the Country, the planting of tobacco
has l>een laid aside, & y® improvement of y® manufactures of Cotten,
Woolen & Linnen followed w^^ an unusual Alacrity & application.
a Council held November the z"**, 1708, present — The hon**^® the Nov. id
.dent & Council. 14, (>„„
y>/l^ Henry Cary, Overseer for the building the Governor's houfe, re- »PP'»«^o'^"nd«
presenting that he cannot prevail with y* Workmen Employed therein to Governor's
proceed in covering the sd. Houfe, pursuant to the directions of this bouic
Board, unless the arrears due to them (which amounts to near two hun-
dred pounds) be first paid, but that done, they are willing to cover the
same & wait for their pay from the General Aflembly. It is the opinion
oF rhc Court that M** Benj. Harrifon, the Country's Treasurer, be di-
xected to advance two hundred pounds for the above service, out of the
money in his hands, arising by the late impositions, and this Board do
ciiga^e that the said fum shall be refunded him out of the two shill" pr.
hogshead, if the Assembly do not allow the same in his account.
WIL. ROBERTSON, C. Cort.
Endorsed Aprill 21**, 1709.
I Have rec** the fume of two hundred pounds, according to the above
order.
HENRY CARY.
ye Hono^^® ye p'sident & Councell :
Henry Cary moste Humbley Sheweth —
lat whereas, you were pleased to order me in October laste to take Cost of making
5^^^ A burne y® bricks y' ware made y^ fomer before, att y® Governors ^^^ burning
^^J^f^^ & in order thereunto, have provided wood to burne y*^ j butt not "*^ '
r^^^ingany money to defray y* charge, doe pray y' you will pleafc to
^^^ fum way to pay y*^ charge, y^ y® bricks may not oe lofte ; y® whole
P ^^ge will amount to about nine & twenty or thirty pound, besides y®
^*"^«ing; ye particulars whareof are here under riten :
S. £
. ^^^ loads of wood, 12. 6. 7. 6
'T^ '^^Xoulding & burning 70 M. bricks, 3 s. 6 d. p' M., 12 5 o
^^ laborors worke resetting & burning y", 300
29 3 6
p Jciseph John Jackman, Sheriff of Surry County, petitions the Hon**^* S'*^ ^^"'"^y
^^ ^^ident and Council to be discharged from performing the duties of
*^ ofEce.
U6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1708 To the Hon^^^ the prefEdent and Counsell:
Eiiiabeth City W"* Lowry, SuTvey' of Eliz* Citty County,
County Humbly Sheweth,
That in purfuance to an Order of his Ex'" in Councill of the 26^ of
October, 1704, hee furveyed, mefured and laid out the tract of land
\V^l rT^°ir ^^^'^^ " poynt Comfort " Ifland, Tranfmitted into the Councill office an
' ° Exact plat and survey of the fame, for which service his Leagal fee is
584^ pounds of Tobb°. That by another order of his Ex^^ and Coun-
cil of the 5"* of May, 1 705, it was derected that the pett' should bee paid
out of the next years quit Rents, but forafmuch as the pett' heas rec'*
noe p* of the s^ Tobb% the p^ humbly prays that derections may bee
given that hee bee payed the said sume of 584^* of Tobb°, Convenient
in Elliz* Citty County, and hee shall pray, &c.
By the Hon^^« Councill.
The Council M' Speaker & Gentlemen of the Houfe of Burgesses — It having been
recommend found necefsary in the year 1708 to send certain meflengers to the Tus-
Harrison ht^^'- carora Indians to demand some of their nation who were suspected to
imburscd for have been concerned in the murder of Jeremiah Pate, of New Kent
expenses, at- County, Coll. HarHson did, by order of the Council, pay the said mes-
^nding the sengers for their trouble ; and also by the like order distributed Rewards
business to some of the Tuscarora Indians who brought in one of the said mur-
derers, and paid the Guards that conveyed them to the publick Goal at
Williamsburgh. Which said charges having been expended for the ime-
diate Services of the Country, and for preventing a far greater charge,
which would have accrued by the calling of an AflTembly at an ansa-
sonable time, or proceeding against the said Tuscaroras by way of Force.
We can do no lefs than recommend his Claim to the consideration of
your House, that he may be reimbursed what he has so laid out.
By order of the hon^^® Council.
WIL. ROBERTSON,
Clk. Gen^ Affembly.
No date To the Hon^*® The President & Council :
Timothy Nicholson and others. Masters of Ships,
Humbly sheweth,
*Betty Galley/ That y' pet" ships have for some time lyen Laden, waiting tor orders to
hsr force jj^ cleared, having understood that like orders had been given for clearing
some ships in Rappahannock. That y' pet" are at great Charge in feamans'
wages, & if detained, their Voyages will be ruined 3 that the Betty Galley
is a ship of force, carrying 16 guns and 30 men, and had the Queens
letter, but being long on his voyage, it is lately expired. That y*" pet"
conceived themfelves to be in equal safety in y^ comp^ of such a ship as
if they were with Capt. Brookes, whom y*^ Bono" have already judged
to be able to protect ships in company with him.
Wherefore y' pet" pray they have
leave to clear & sail, together
with y® sd. Betty Galley being
ready, to stand by one another
for their mutual defence.
And they shall pray, &c.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 127
• To The Hono^^« The Prefident & Council of Virginia : 1708
We, the Queen and Great men of the Pamamuck Indians, with all No date
humility & submiffion, begg leave to represent to * # * * p^^.^.^^ ^^
That, as an acknowledgement of * * * Subjection to the Queen Ann of
Sovereign * * * # Crown of Great Britain, we are thePtmunkeyi
obliged ♦ * * ^ certain annual tribute to the Gover"^ k ^^/^^^^f f/™
Command' in Cheif of Virg% for the time # * * ^jjaf ^^^j^"*"
tbo' hitheito we have waded through many difficulties to enable us
thereto, we fhall ever study and endeav' to shew * ♦ * *
complying therewith.
But so may it pleafe yo' Hono", that * • * # own-
ers or Possessers of the land * # * ♦ ^^^ ^^ Chick-
ahomany Swamp, the cheif sources from whence we have hitherto
* • * * • with the means and possibility of subfis-
tance, and complying with our af *"* Tribute, or acknowledge * *
* * do refuse to permitt us to hunt for * * * *
beaver. Elk, Bears, &c., in those • * • * ^e have
^onc^ And that by * * * it will not only be
impoffible to comply with our s** Duty, but we * * *
an uxirefistable necessity, peri(h for * * susteneance.
* * * We begg leave t6 refcrr to y' Hono" con-
sideraoon the great Greivances * * by sev"
cngliftimens' Keeping # ♦ * from us, sev" young
lien of * * * against our wills and Confents,
^'lo * ♦ * us in the Difficulties & hardships
* * • under so great a weight of poverty * *
as the af*^ Reftraint has brought upon us, are eafily wnoUy to leave
* * * Town, and thereby to bring it and us, not only
^0 3- final ruin & deftruction, but * # * * imediate
Subverfion by the * * of want and biting penury.
And ttiat * * are kept and detained in the * *
ap*ns^ our confents, & protected against us, k those Laws or Rules of
Goverfiment * * by the favour of her Maj'^ and yo^-
Hono*" • * mosiily heretofore enjoyed among our
• your Laws, Rules k Orders, will be altogether ineffec-
^"?** All our young men * * and the poor old men
whofe jjQjy * ♦ by the stealing length of their days
* melancholly, disabled for either motion, or * *
^og^tHer with the helplefT women, who * * of the
^nglish will take into their families, must stand the fhock of Extreme
. * left inevitably to starve and perifti, * *
^^^■^ famine, whilft thofe-who * * provide for the
^^^cessities of * * and our Complyance with our afr**
. * Tribute, by a lawless liberty * • and
^ ^^ thefe sad * * thofe that cannot avoid them,
^]l . * Consideration whereof, and for as much as we (hall at
y-.^^ics & in all cafes, endeavour * * Directions from
jj^ "ono" wills. May it pleafe yo' Hono" Seriously to reflect upon our
I^ V^^^ssed A; miferable State & Condicon, and * * Ca-
*^y by a timely * * and releivin^ us against
is document it to nuch mutilated that it can icarcely be read.
1$8
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1708
1709
Jinuary 5th
Hamptown
* * inconveniencys and mischiefs by such * *
as yo" Hon" (hall approve to be confistent with Mercy k Justice, and
we (as in Duty bound) shall ever pray, &c.
rOUEEN PAMAMUCK,
ANN, X
M» X YOUNKS,
MR X JOHN,
M» X PO WHITE,
THO. X BECK,
. FRA. X MAOCO,
^ SHAM X MEAREN,
HENRY X MARSHALL,
JAMES X CORVAN,
THOS. X ROGERS,
X CHARLES,
THOS. X SECAWESAH,
^JOHN X HICKS.
Great men.
Capt. Geo. Gordon, of her Majestys ship '* Maidstone," writes to
President "Jenings" for leave to procure two months Provisions for his
ship from M' Luke, who will furnish the same when ordered, &c.
January 5th Capt. Geo. Gordon to President **Jenings," thanking him for the several
On board the favours shown him, and adding : ^^ as foon as Pve Settled some affaires,
«Maiditone"in shall waite on you to Kifs your hands." Informs him of the desertion
Jamei nvcr ^f ^ number of his crew, soldiers & seamen, whose names he sends, and
offering reward for the apprehension, or any information respecting them,
&c., &c.
March 4th
Virginia
"^ Account of Sundry Difbursments for the use of the Brigantine
Sea-fflower," since she hath been taken up in her Majesties Service.
By the Prefident & Councill, &c.
Cl
March 8ch
Petition of Brinoldus de Haes, master of the Brigantine ^^ Bon Ad-
venture," to the Council, to be allowed to sail in company with the
" Virginia Merchant," of Liverpool, a '' ship of good force," whose
captain had promised to keep company with him- to Ireland, whence he
could get Convoy to Bristoll, &c., &c.
March 8th
Petition of John Norsworthy, Henry Jenkins, John Lear, John King,
Thomas Boyle & Lewis Conner, owners of the Brigantine ** Society,"
of Virginia, to allow the said vefTel to sail, she having ^^ now her full
Ladeing of Tobacco," &c.
* For new boat, bread^ water casks, gun-carrisges, powder room, iron pots, iron work. Tal-
low, Tar, ** 20 pallet for ye tailors to eat their pork and pease in," cordage, pilotage, &e., Ac,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Ii9
To the Hono**^® Edmund Jenings, Esq% And to the Hon^^* Councill of 1709
S^atC, Ac: March 8th
The Petition of Richard Kendall,
Humbly Sheweth,
That by an Order of this Hono^^« Board, Dated the fifth Day of ffeb- p^°P ^^^^ V
ruary, 1706, It was ordered that the personall Eftate of one Henry at*pubiic* '°
Nicholson, of James Citty County, (there lately found fFelo de se,) should "outcry."
be fold att Publick outcry, and accompted for by the SheriiF of the said
County to her Maj^*' Receiver Generall. The which order has been duly
complied with. And y' Petitioner having been at great expenses in paying
of the Coron" fee, & in ferving & preferving of the faid Eftate before
fuch fale from perilling, as by his Accompt hereto annexed appears,
Y^ Petitioner humbly requefts y' Hon"
to order her Maj"*' Receiver Gene-
rall to reimburfe him his said Ex-
pences, &c., &c,
Hon"« S'—
Pursuant to an order of y' Hon*" in Councill, Dated y* 21** Inftant, March 24th
Directing y® Examination of Seve^ Negro and Indian slaves concerned Surry County
in a Late Dangerous Conspiracy, formed and Carried on by greate num-
bers of y*^ said negroes and Indian slaves for making their Efcape by
force from y* Service of their maftcrs, and for y® Deftroying and cutting
off Such of her Maj^^'" Subjects as Should oppofe their Design* We, proceedings in
the subfcribers, have accordingly proceeded to y® said Examination, (a the case of the
coppy* of w** is herewith transmitted,) and have punished and Discharged Negro and in-
all Except M"^ William Edwards' Scipio, M' Joseph Jno: Jackmans' fn';;///c't"^
Salvadore, and Tom Shaw, Belonging to M' Samuel Thompfon, who,
we are of opinion, are the Principal Contrivers and most remarkable in
ye aforesaid Conspiracy, who do still Continue in yt Goal of the County
till further or*^" from your Hon^ As to y'^ Probabillity of ye Testimony,
it Appears to us very clearly from the Evidence that we have taken,
that Scipio and M*" Samuel Thompfons' Peter, who is now outlawed,
were the firft and Cheif promoters of that wicked and pernicious de-
signe. their Behaviour, as well as that of Tom Shaw, having all ways
been, but more Especiall) for some little time paft, very rude and In-
folent. As to Salvadore, he has been a great promoter and Incourager
in persuading of 'em to ye probabillity of Effecting their designe and in
promifling of 'em his Affiftance therein.
We are yo' Hon"
Most obed* humble Serv*%
THO. HOLT,
NATH^^ HARRISON,
W*^ EDWARDS,
WM COCKE,
ETH'^ TAYLOR.
Alt a Co'^ held for the Isle of Wyeht County, y* 24'** of March, liie of Wyght
1709, by or**' of the Hono^^® y® p'sident & Council, for Examinacons of ^^""'y
matters relating to a Conspiracy of divers negroes.
* Not found.
17
130 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1709 The Cor^ apprehending that by the referring the Examinacons in this
^^ ^^ matter, they may have better Informacon by Evidence or Confeffion for
iniurrection the more Exact & full putting in Ex^°' the sd. Ord*", have thought iitt to
adjourne the Cor' till Monday, the 27^^ Instant — Att which Co'* held y*
2*]^ March, 1709.
The Co'* having caused the severall negroes in Custody, and the Evi-
dence produced, to be duly Examined, and finding that it does not ap-
pear that any of them are principalis or abett'% have proceeded as fol-
loweth, viz' : •
Negroei Scipio It appearing to the Cor' that Manuell, a negroe of M' Jno. George,
and Manuell ^ ^Y\t Confcffion of Scipio, a negroe of M' William Edwards, at Surry
Cor', and by his own Confession was Knoweing of the designe of the
negroes goeing away, Ordered that he receive fibrty Lashes upon his
bare back, well layd on. Which was performed accordingly. Upon the
Examinacon of James Booth, a free negroe, the Cor' nnding he was
Knowing of the negroes Intentions of goeing away, and likewife enter-
teyned diverse of them att his house, ordered that he receive twenty-nine
Lafhes upon his bare Back, well layd on — which was done accordingly^
and then the Co' adjourned till further Informacon.
Test \
CHAS. CHAPMAN,
Clk. Co.
March 28th Thomas, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, &c.. Lord High Admi-
rall of Great Brittain and Ireland, &c.:
Orders looking Whereas, I have directed the Captain of her Majestys ship, the Re-
1°^^**!^^^*°** °^ serve, which attends on the Government of New England, to hyre a
Virginia watcn vessell of ten or twelve guns, either there or at New York, and to cause
her to be manned and equipped in all respects in a war-like manner,
and then to send her to cruise within the capes of Virginia, to protect
the trade passing in and out from the small Privateers of the Enemy,
. and to direct her Commander to follow such orders as he shall receive
from you. You are, therefore, hereby required and Directed to take
the faid veflell under your Command, and employ her in such manner^
from time to time, either within or between the capes of Virginia, as
you shall judge may most effectually answer the intended Service of pro-
tecting the Trade, and annoying the Enemys' Privateers as aforesaid,
which lurk within the Bays, and under the Land.
Given under my hand this 28*** day of March, 1709.
PEMBROKE.
To Capt. Cook, Commander of
her Majestys' ship the Garland,
at Plymouth.
By Command of his Lordship,
BURCHETT.
April 6th Honoured S' —
Princeii Anne These are to inform you that I rec^ this dav an account by a Credible
County p'son living upon y® Sea side, that on Monday last being y® 4*** inftant,
about eleven of y* Clock, that he saw a sloop inward bound, & another
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
131
)
sloop lying under y^ shore goe off to her ; upon y* firing of two Guns, 1709
take her and carry her ofF to Sea, and after they had been both out of ^^ . .
fight, about a space of an hour, he saw y^ sloop, as he supposes, that moTcmcnti of
went off from shore, return & lye at anchor y^ remainder of y* day un- TesseU
til half an hour before sunset, or thereabouts \ at which time seaven
ships and a sloop appeared outwards bound, & coming to Anchor about
7 miles to y* Southward of y* Cape ; about sunset the sloop made to-
wards them ; lay at anchor, as he conjectured, within a mile of them, &
next morning none of them were to be seen.
In hast, I remain, S% yo' very Humb. ferv\
EDW» MOSELEY,
M' W°» Robertson,
To 6 nights Lodgings,
To 6 meals Victuals,
For Tankard Punch,
* * Meat, 6^
To 2 Loafs of bread,
To I Bott^ Rum,
6S
7i^
D\ May 7th
£. S. d. Tavern bill
O
o
0
o
o
o
o
3
3
o
2
O
2
Q Price of
' -y Provifioni at
7? thii date
9
7i
o
12
Whereas, by virtue of an Order from the Hono^^* President for Im- May a6th
preiEng of three men to serve on board the Brigantine " Sea-fllower." Warwick Co
Thefe are to Certifey that M*" Natha. Jones, under Sherriff, did Im-
preff two men in persuance to the said order, and allso did Impreff a Wcn^imprewcd
boat and two men and carried them on board the said Brigantine, &;c.,
&c.
WILLIAM GARY,
Hon^l* S% Jaly 14th
I rec* an order of Council grounded on the Complaint of M' Benj* Surry County
Harrifon. I had. heard y^ Complaint on both sides before, a few days
after the murther was committed. I beleive the Complaint is true, but
know not how to help it. The King of y* Sapponeys was at my hous,
and ye Nottoways & Meherins likewise ; y* Sappony King Complained Qaarreis among
that ye Nottoways and Tufcarodos had Killed two of his people, and the Indians in
Demanded y* delivery of the Murtherers. The Nottoways in anfwer, Virginia
said the Sapponeys had Killed 3 of there men and wounded two more
not long before, and they thought it as reafonable that they should
have Sattisfaction for there people that were Kill'd as y® Sapponeys, then
y* Sapponeys offered to take pay for there two people — the Nottoways
told 'em if they would pay them for there 3 men that were Kill'd, they
would pay them for there 2. I told them if they would make Bargains
amongst them felves, I had nothing to say to it ; it was not our law to
sell mens lives for money. Then ye Sapponeys said it was not they
tAat Kiird y® Nottoways 5 it was the toteros ; y® Nottoways sd. if it was
not^ they, the toteros come with them, and they were all as one people,
and that the Sapponeys had promiiu before me that they wculd help the
13$ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1709 Nottoways to cutt of the Toteros, but inftead of helping them, thejr
had betrayed them and given the Toteros notice of there coming. The
Nottoways further sd. they had given y* Sapponeys a quantity of ronok*
(Roanoke) to help them, and if they would cutt of the Toteros, they
should not only keep that, but they would pay them for there two peo-
ple that were Kill'd. Ye King of y* Sapponeys said when he came
home he would acquaint his men with it, and would send ye Nottoways
word in 10 or 15 dayes what the would do. I have heard nothing from
them since. I did then charge all y*' Indians that they should not way-
lay any pathe neere any English Plantation, neether should they hurt
any Meffengers goeing from one nation to another, w*** they all promifed
to obferve, only they defired when any mefsengers were sent, they should
Keep y® path, that they might be Known from strange Indians. By the
beft acco* I can gett, it was a Tufcarodo that fierd the firft gun, and y®
same Indian went to Ben Harrifons Quarter over night to difcover what
Indians was there. What is beft to be done in that case, I shall leave
to better Judg™*% but I am very sure if y® Gover™* delivers a Tufcarodo
Indian to ye Sapponeys, and they Kill him, twill cost the life of an Eng-
. - lifhman, if not more. I could say a great deal on this head, but twill
th°eEng!ish and signifie nothing, so Pie leave it. I have taken all the care I can to
Indians remedy all Complaints between ye Englifli and Indians ; and truly, I
think our people are as much or more to blame then ye Indians ; people
, seats out contmually, w*^^ Caufes many Quarrels. Y® Proclamations sent
Proclamations ^"^ ^Y Y^ Govern*, Signifies not a rufh, and unleff ye officers & others
diircgarded would pay more respect to y® orders of ye Govern"*, I cant see how it
can be Expected from ye Indians,
I am, Hum»^^« S%
yo^ moft Humble Ser^*,
BENJA. HARRISON.
To ye Hon^^® M' President Jenings,
at Williamsburgh.
July 29th Application for pay as " Look-outs " on the Sea side ; they having
Princess Anne ^^^^ appointed by Coll. Edward Mofeley, with Certificate of services
County rendered, by Thomas Keeling, C Moore, Robert Richman and
Henry Wallfton, citizens of P. Ann County, &c., &c.
August 10th I came from New York a Sunday, and Gott off these Cappes a
Lynn-haven Monday in the Evening, where I met Capt. Cooke and left him In
Bay haulfe anhower after chafeing to the Norward, I Define to Keep Crufe-
ing within & about the Capes Till this month be out, then to come into
Capt. Jo. James River k make up the fleet, which I hope will be Ready by the
middle of next month. There is no nufe at Yorke, but a lementable
Col. Nicholson ^^ie for the arrival of the fleet In New England. Co" Nicholson is
ready at the side of the Lake to Imberke with fifteene hundred white
men & six hundred Indeones, as foone as he heres of the arrivall of the
fleet, & is mity well Prepar** with Canvofe & every thing that is neceflary
for his Crofing the Lake There has been severall vefsells Taken near
New Yorke. In hope of Keeping this Coaft clear & * * *
Broone Prize, I am, s' yo^ Humble Ser^^,
JNO. ROBERTS.
* Shell money.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 13S
* Gents : I have yo" of the 31*^ past, and am sorry to find by it, 1 709
there is so little appearance of yo"^ Reconcilement to y^' minister — I j, .
can't tell howr you may apprehend the consequences of such a proceed- ' '
ing, as you seem to have undertaken, but for my part, think it of ^j^^"*"JJ '?
so extraordinary a nature, both in respect to the whole Country & Letter^to the*
the Clergy in general, (for whom I shal always have a just and Vutry from
equal regard,) that I intend to have y® advice of the Council thereon. President
at their first meeting, after w*^** you shal have a further answer: J*"*"*'
In the mean time, I expect and require it of you, that you will give
M' Sclater no interruption in y® Excrcife of his miniftry in Yo** Parish,
but that he may be permitted to discharge it as heretofore — I think
it fitt also to fatisfy you, that I can't agree in opinion with you as
to removing ministers, that have so long officiated in a parish as M'
Sclater has in yo" without a legal hearing before proper Judges — I
have some interest in y^ parish, and have a regard for its Inhabitants,
and notwithstanding the just respect I have for y^ Clergy, you may de-
pend on equal Justice & favour, & I shal be extremely Concerned, if you
force me to begin the Execution of that Right, her Majesty hath been
pleased to intrust me with, in such a manner as may not be gratefull to
you — You seem to hint, I had re*** informations from M*" Sclater — I can
afsure you M^ Sclater has never given me any informations, that have
prevailed with me, so much as my own observations, and the acc^ of
persons altogether disinterested, whom I had no reason to disbelieve, who
have told me of y** proceedings with astonishment at y"^ rafhnefT & in-
consideration.
To The hon^^° The President and Council —
Robin, a Pamunky Indian,
Humbly Sheweth —
That he has for Diverse years past been bred among the English, and Petition of
has been instructed in the Trade of a Shoe maker, whereby he is now „u^j[y' *ndian
capable of getting a Living among the Inhabitants of this Colony, But to lemain with
the great men of the sd. Indians having obtained an order from Yo' the whitet
Hono*^" that all Indians of that nation should return to their Town, yo'
Pet" Trade is like to become of no ufe to him, and he's like to be com-
pelled to forsake the company & conversation of the English (among
whom he has been bred) with w*^^ he is much more Delighted than with
the barbarous Customs & manner of Living of his own nation.
Wherefore yo^® pe*** prays yo^ hon" to
give him leave to stay among the Eng-
ligh and toExercife his Trade where
ever he shall find Encouragement.
And he shall pray, &c.
At a Council held at the Capitol, the 2f^ of October, 1709, Oet. a7th
Present— Williamiburgh
The Hon^^*- the President & Council— ^'^*'°^
On the Petition of Robin, a Pamunky Indian, praving Leave to stay
among the Inhabitants of this Colony, where he has been bred for seve-
* Without signature.
134. CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1709 rail years past, and instructed in a trade, whereby he is Capable of main-
Order in Coun- ^^^^^^^S himself, and that he may not be obliged to return to his own Na-
cii granting the tion, according to a former Order of this Board — In Consideration of
petition of the Petitioners' having been bred so long amongst the English, and that
*"***" his trade will be of no use to him, if he returns to his own Nation, The
Council do therefore grant Liberty to the said Robin, to Continue
amongst the Inhabitants, and to exercise his trade wherever he shall find
encouragement.
Not. 8th S'
Boston. Sr : At your arrival here upon the 1 1**^ of October laft paft, I received
Nc* England j^^^ Maj^*" Commands, from the R^ hon^^^ the Lord Sunderland, to ufe
my beft endeavours for the recovery of the Bahama Iflands from the
Enemy, dated the 27**^ of July, and of the 28*** of the same Month, my
Lord High Admirals' Orders in your Inftructions direct the Service of
your ships in Conjunction with her Maj**^" ships at New York, the Re-
Initrucdons &c ferve in this place, and the Garland at Virginia, or any of them, to pro-
^® p*P^- ^^^*>« ceed for the recovery of the Bahama Islands from the Enemy, and that
iWp^Enwrpri^ 7°" ^^^ ^^ foUoW my orders therein — ^a Coppy whereof agreeable to my
looking to the' Lord high Admirals Comands, I received from you soon after, your arri-
re-capture of yal, fince which her Ma'''" Officers Colonel Nicholson, CoUonel Veitch
:«*^l;«!l!!.?;*«« & myfelf have ufed all means to have proceeded with the New York
in conjunction • . ' . t-» • 0 t_ /^i_ o t» m r 1 i/-
with the ship ships, the Enterprise & the Chester to rort-Royall, from whom thefe
Garland in Provinces havefeceived very great damages, but are disappointed of thofe
Virginia hopes, by the Departure of the York ohips, and your own refusal, as
Judging it not agreeable with your orders — That affair being now ended,
and the Referve being otherwife disposed of — I do hereby direct you to
ufe all pofEble diligence to perfect the Repair of your Damages, in your
late voyage hither, for which you had my Warrant at your arrival, and
that you then take the firft opportunity of wind & weather to fail for
New York to Joyn her Maj'^^* ships there, who are alike ordered to at-
tend the fervice at the Bahamas —
And then with the Comanders of thofe ships & the advice of her
Ma'^'" Governour of the Province of New York, if you be thereto re-
ferred, Refolve whether to call at Virginia, or for fear of difficulty of
getting in this winter season, to write over land, and agree where to meet
the Garland upon the coafTt of the Bahamas, for the intended fervice —
In case her Ma*'^' ships at New York, or either of them do not pro-
ceed with you (which I cannot suppofe) you are then hereby ordered,
without delay, to make fail for Virginia, and joyne the Garland there for
the faid fervice at the Bahamas — And if the Garland (hould fail of that
fervice, which I am by no means to suppofe —
I then apprehend, that a perfect knowledge of the prefent ftate of
thofe Iflands may be gained by only sailing along by them, with her
Maj^^^ ships under your Command, to know if there be any settlements
of the French on any of them, from whence her Maj^^* subjects were
lately driven, what flrength they are of, and what Buildings & Fortifica-
tions they have made. This I judge to be neceflfary for her Maj'^* ser-
vice & Satisfaction & may be performed in the winter, when the weather
will not allow your lying out at fea off the Coafft of Virginia, and leff
need of a Guard, the Danger of Privateers then little or none — I have
written of this import, to the Governor of Virginia k doubt not but he
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 136
will direct accordingly, and you will alfo please to Communicate this to 1709
him.
And after you have made the beft discovery you may at the Bahamas,
and return to your Port in Virginia, in Obedience to my Lord high Ad-
miralls' Or**" 1 dcfire you to give me an Account of your proceedings &
Discovery, which I shall carefully Transmit home as is my Duty — I
hearty wish you a good voyage and succeiT and am
S' your humble fervant
J. DUDLEY.
A true Coppy f
Nich. Smith. (
Virginia ff: Dec. — .
Edmund Jenings Esq' President of the Council of her Majestys VirginU
Colony and Dominion of Virginia. To all whom these presents shal
come Greeting — Whereas, her present Maj*^, and her Royal Predecef-
fors have been gratiously pleased, to give, grant & Confirme with all the Copy of Past
Inhabitants of this her Matys' Colony and Dominion, a free & open g«nted to all
trade with all Indians whatsoever, w^** said priviledges are likewise Rati- '"^'*" *"*'*^*
fyed by one AS of Afsembly made at a Ge"" Affembly begun at her
Majtys Royal Capitol the 23** dav of October 1705, as by her Maj*^^
Royal Instructions & y® sd. Act of Affembly may more at large appear.
Know yee, that I the sd. Edm^ Jenings Esq' do, persuant to her Majes-
tys' gratious ConcefEons Give and Grant unto
an Inhabitant of County in this
Colony, full Leave & authority to trade & traffique with all Indians at
^" times & in all places whatsoever on the Continent of America, not
^yjder the Dominion or Subjection of any State or Potentate in Enmity
Hrjth her Majesty — And I do hereby defire and request all Governors,
^l^xxx. Gov", Judges, Majistrates, k other, her Ma^^ officers in any of
Vi^r IVIa*y* Provinces or plantacons through w*^ the sd.
shal have occasion to pafs, in prosecution of the Trade
^^^resaid to suffer him to pafs & repafs at his pleasure, to receive & treat
^^'^^ favourably and afford him their affistance (he behaving himself as
^^revrith,) w*^ I will Kindly acknowledge on the like occasions — Given
under my hand & y® Seal of this her Maty* Colony of Virginia at
^^™*burgh the day of in ye Eight year of her Matys
K-eign — Anno, q 1709 —
Honcr^ S' Dec. 7th
r Reced : yrs : Concerning pore Capt" Cooks misfortune and the Quaint letter in
Queens' Lose — I afure yr. Hono"^ if I had any sloope of my own, I ^n^^\ to the
should not have waited to have had her presed or Interd if Could for cooke'a^ihi''
money hired any, but was as capable to thinke of hiering the naivey of ®* * * ' *^
france as to Hier any Veffel here for that Coaft : By all I can Inform
'^y fejfc the Saylers have been very Rud on to another, and also to thare
oiicers, by w^^ Accident the shipp is Lost — Can as yett Give no ace' of,
no oflieer yett apeareing here but the Doctor — her is many of the sayl-
lers her, and Complaine for Vitles — After w' maner, they Left the shipp
^ ^h^re Cap*"' is miffortaine : I canot persuad my selfe, the Cap^
can Be in any fault, my Selfe haveing had Sum Experience of his Care
1S6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1709 and Industry for the Queens Interest — ^y^ may asure yr Selfe that if it
had benn in my power to have Done any thing in this matter for the
Queens' Intereft or to have served Cap^*" Cooke I should have done it
withall my might — I heare tKe peple that Lives thare about are more
like Turkes, or Barbarians then Christians : I Rcmaine with Due Ref-
pects to yr. Hon^, Redy to ferve yo : In whatever I may —
Whitch I am— G. WALKER.
To The Hono^^** Coll. Jenings
president of Virginia.
Hampton Yours received, and obedience to your order sent away your ExpreiT
Reach jq Captain Cook a Monday morning, and have alfo Enpreft a deckt
sloop well fitted with ten good hands, with provifion, which I hope will
feale this morning from point Comfort — I made banifster, the pilate mas-
ter of the sloop, to take care of how to saile her to the Rock to the
Sutherd to Coritok and their to wait upon Captain Cook, to Receive
his orders, in order to bring away what they can save of the Queens
stores, and have alfo taken a good strong flatt with them, which may be
very sarvisable to them — if the wather proves very bad they may go into
Coritok with the sloop and she may bring goods to them — I have alfo
praifed y® sloop according to Law. Since J received your order then
moft of the men belonging to the men of war, are come to Hampton
town, neither money nor Credit, they Sime to be very rude and fayfe
they will have Vitules or Elfe they will pull the houses down — people as
bine very Si vile to them this two dayes and as gave them victuals — I de-
fire the Consideration of your spedy order what mefures moft be taken
that they may be provided for, to prevent further mistake, for here is
neither Captain nor purfer to take care of them, here is no other sloop
here fitt for any service — I here ther is one or tow in Yorke, that be-
longs to the Sutherd, if they come about, they would be very fiting, in
the men time this may dowe till wee have further account. I derft not
trust they men of war men, for feare they should run away with the
sloop, nor war they willing to go — M"" balard was not at ome, is gone
over to Nancymom to traide. M"" Curel has bin very diligent indoing
me all the asticance as may be, I being not very able my self to run
about, this with my humble sarvice to your honour I subscribe my self
your humble sarvant, to sarve
WM WILSON.
To ye Honourable Edmund
Jenings Esq*" Prefident &c.
Dec, 8th M*" Henry Jenkins' Letter to the Gov : & Council, giving at length
Nansemond Co ^^^ difficulties in the way of appointing the Justices of that County,
and the reasons why several of the gentlemen nominated, declined to
serve in that Capacity — The urgent necessity for a Cort at that time
&c &c —
* Bean a handiome private seal in wax.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, ii^
RtasoM fyf Repetlitig the* Acts paflT'd 1709
in Virginia and Maryland relating to
Ports and Towns.
In March 170} the Merehants Trading to Virginia, presented to the Porti ftfow^i
Commissioners of the Custbihes, a metfiorial, setting fbith the Adv*^ ^ia^"*«^
t:^ it urouW be td the Trade of thkt Coloiiy and to the Revenue thert "*" «»^*««
if certaiii Places to be agreed upon, were Bstabhshed as Ports, Eifclustve
^f others, for the lading and unlading ttf sMps^-^Wh^reUpon the s^d
Commifioners reported their Opinion to the Right Honourable the Lord
Hi^ Treasurer, in concurrence with the said Memorial, And his Lord^
ship laid the same before her Majesty desiring it flight be referred to the
then CommifionerS bf Trade and Plantations, whteh was done aCcord-
ii^ly — Who thereupon represented to Her Majesty, That the setting
ott and appointing of pro^r pdaees^ and of Wharfs aAd KeyS| for the
lading and unlading of shipl there, Exclusive of others, was neceftaiy fisr
the canying on a nir and Regular Trade, and for the better Collecting where located
Her Majcstys' Revenue, by reason of the several great Rivers,
that run thro' the Land, and of the scattered habitations of the Plan-
ters— That great care ought to be taken in the doing thereof that the
Planters as well as merchants might be satisfied therein, lest it should
discourage the Inhabitants, and induce them to remove to other lefs ufe-
fuU Pkintations. In order to which it was further proposed that Her
^jesty should be pleased to direct Colonel Nott, the then Governor of
^i^ Colony, to recommend the whole matter 00 the Aftembly, that they
^^ter consulting with the officers of the Costomes there, might frame
^^ch a Law, which might take in, as much as poffible, the several Inte>-
At^a^ of the Inhabitants there and the Merchants here-^That the num- Number
l^r of the said Ports or Places for lading & unlading ships, might not «co««en*cd
;^^oecd three at the most, on each of the Great Rivers, And two on the
B^^stern shore : And that in case Her Majesty, should approve what
^^^^^s oficr'dy in relation to Virginia, the like instructions might be given
^ ^ke Governor of Maryland, in relation to that Province— »and Her
™^jesty approving thereor Instructions were given accordingly —
In pursuance of which Instructions, An Act was paffed in Her Ma- Act paned
^ ^ys' Colony of Virginia in i7o6 Intitled, An Act for Establishing
-^'^s and Towns, which extends much further than was Intended by
"^r Majcstys' Aforesaid Instructions. For it is thereby Enadcd, that
^*ch place therein mentioned for Ports, be Established into a Township
^^ JPrce Burgh ; That they have a Market, at least twice a week, and a '^"▼Uegei
* ^**' once a Year^-That the same shall have a Merchant Guild and
^^itnmunity, with all Customes and Liberties, belonging to a Free Burgh
^^ — ^That all the Inhabitants of the faid Ports, shall be acquitted of
^*^^«e fourths of the Dutres, that all other Persons shall be obliged to,
Hj^J^ff otherwise directed by the Acts Impofing the said Duties — ^That
^^ Inhabitants of the said Ports shall be acquit for 1 5 years from the
ao*>* I>ccctabcr 1708 from all Servis to be raifed, by Poll, in Tobacco,
^^Cept Parish Levies, where there are Churches or where Churches
**^ll be built — That no dead provisbn, either of flesh or fish shall be
^oid within 5 miles of any of the said Ports or Towns, but within the
^*Outs of the said Town, upon pain of Forfeiture of the said Pro-
***Oiis by the Purchafer and of the Pufchafe money by the Vendor—
18
188 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1709 The whole Ad i8 designed to Encourage by great Priviledges the sett-
j. . ling in Townships, and such settlements will encourage their going on
atabu!hedyand with the Woolen and other manufactures there. And should this Act
coDMqaenca be Confirmed, the Establishing of Towns and Incorporating of the
Ij^*^^ Planters as intended thereby, will put them upon fiuther Improve-
^ ^^ ments of the said manu factures. And take them off from the Planting
of Tobacco, which would be of Very 111 consequence, not only in re-
spect to the Exports of our Woolen and other Goods and Consequently
Effect on x.o the Dcpendsuice that Colony ought to have on this Kingdom, but
T^cQ^ likewise in respect to the Importation of Tobacco hither for the home
and Foreign Consumption, Besides a further Prejudice in relation to our
shipping and navi»tion.
Objecdoni There are the like Objections to the three fFoUowing Maryland Acts
*pp>y to viz*
Maryland alio ^*^
An Act for Advancement of Trade and Erecting Ports and Towns
in the Province of Maryland, Pafs'd in April 1706.
A Supplementary Act to the Act for Advancement &;c
Paff *d the 1$^ of April 1707.
An Additional Act, to the Supplementary Act for Advancement of
Trade and Erecting Ports and Towns in this Province, and for the sale
of Publick Lands in the Town of S* Maiys' in S* Maiys' County, PaiT'd
the 17*** December 1708.
iMtz County John Lomax one of the Justices of the Peace prays the President &
Council, that he may be made Sheriff of the County, ^^ having never
enjoyed that or any other place of profite ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
tho ne has borne his equal share of the trouble of attending Courts'*
&c ftc.
1710 ^' ^^^^ Weatherby
o
Feb. isth Thefe accompany the ship Rebeckah, Thomas Strii^r, k Serves to
London inform you that our outward bound fleet sailed hence the latter end of
Decemoer, who I hope are w^ you by this Time — our homeward bound
fleet met w^ a very dismall ftormy Pailage — most of them being sepa-
Accountof the ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ Convoy k many of them disabled, w^^ occasioned them
diipenion and to put into ]r^ first Port they could make* so that there was some almost
loM of in every Port in England k Some in Ireland & others to this day not
^^uthw^ heard of; but there was 10 faile got to Portsmouth, who failed for the
vif|inia Downs the 4^ ultimo under Convoy of 2 men of war, who the next
morning fell in w^ a large squadron of fFrench men of war k Privateers,
who took k burnt 7 of them viz^ Watts, Bolum, Deunett k Greenhill —
these 4 loaded up y* Bay — the 2 first run their ships ashore k burnt
them — Harvey k Jos : Bradby from Your River k Capt. Ingram from
York River, carried into f&ance. Besides these was Reeds ship & cargo
lost. What effect these great Lofes may have on Trade cannot see,
but as yet our Markett is advanced little or nothing k some people are of
Opinion that it wiU not advance at all because those ships that were
taken will hinder the fFrench coming to our markett to buy.
♦ • * ♦ • t¥ m ^li •
Your friend— ROBERT WISE,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Z39
M' W"' Wilson announces to the Prefident, the arrival of the sloop 1710
«« Diamond " midshipman Jones Commdg tender to the ^^ ^'^^^H'^^ " |^„^ 4
man of war, Capt : Smith, who is expected daily on her intended cruise ^ '
towards the Bahama Islands, as ordered &c.
To M' Swan— April
Sir,
Being informed by Capt« Cook, late Commander of her Matys. ship Unsr to Mr.
the Garland, that not with standing the fair promises you made, when Swio^lnitronf
by his consent you took upon you y* charge of saving y* Rigging k ^^*]^ ^
stores of her Matys. s** ship, unfortunately lost in ye Province of Caro- mtondoii of
Una : yet upon his being last with you, ne found you had so far forgot ^ propefty of
yo' agreements to him and yo' duty to her Majesty, as one of her officers, Sad wiwked
that you had not only sold & converted to yo' own use all Stores of a in CaroUna
consid^^ value that were saved, but likewise pretended to detain all the
rest w^ were then in yo' pofTcffion of a far greater Value on acco* of
falvage : and it being y* Duty of every good Subject to see that her
Majty have right done, I have thought iitt by advice of her Maj^
Council to send this to you, to demand In her Ma^^ name that all ye
Rigging, Tackle k apparell of the s^ ship Garland k all y* stores of War
belonging to her, that have any way come to yr hands or ye hands of any
other person, by yo' Command or permiffion, be forthw*^ delivered to y*
Gent : appointed by Capt : Smith. Commander of her Maj^ ship En-
terprise, to receive y* (ame, the s* Stores being absolutely neceflary for
y* refitting her Maj^ sd : sfiip (now in this Country) to enable her to
go ag^ ye Enemys' Privateers, that are now on this Coast k have al-
ready done so much damage to y* Trade as well as of Carolina as of
this Colony, and because you shal have no reason to detain y* sd. Stores
k rigging on pretence of Salvage, I do undertake that upon y' making
.appear to me y' trouble, you shall be p^ what is reasonable & customary
'n Such Cases : But if on y^ Contrary, you shall still detain them, k
^9^ prejudice shall thereupon happen to her Maj^ Service, you may af-
J^/^^ yo'self that due care will be taken to bring you to Condign punish-
^^T\x,^ k you will do well to consider how you can excuse yo'self of the
5 of felony with w*** y* Law charges such practices, as I am cer-
informed you have been guilty of — So that if the duty of a Subject
^ y^ more imediate obligation of enjoying an office under her Maj*^ will
"^^^ I^revail w**' you to Do her Maj*3^ that right which is due to the mean-
*^^ person on luch unfortunate occafions, surely y* Consideration of y'
^'^^'^ Safety will be of some force to engage you.
(No Signature.)
T*
^^ ^he Hon^^^ Edmund Jenings Esq' President of her Majesties' Coun- April lyth
^il &c.
'^^ petition of Abraham Le Mefltirier, Comander of the ship Starr,
fFrigatt, humbly —
f^ Sljcweth — That about three months since one Robert Snead of the Ship Mixed
nty of Accomac, by Colour of a Comifion from the Hon**^* Robert
^,^^rry Esq' did seize the sd : ship, upon pretense of tradeing illegally —
T^hat Your Pet' at very great charge k trouble did obteine an order
the s^ Robert Quarry to have the sd : ship discharged from the sd :
140 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
ij^io Seisure, which was accordingly done upon Your Pet' paying to the $d t
p tiM hr ^^^^ ^^ s^itAc of twenty five pounds <terling--«-That during the time of
redress against ^^ seizure the sd : Snead did put on board the sd : ship Robert Snead
depredations Jnr : Thomas Smith Snr : & Thomas Smith Jnr : of the sd : County
as Waiters, who while they were so on board the sd : ship did clandes-
tinely take & carry awav diverse goods, & merchandize bebnging to yo'
Pet' k the owners of the sd. ship such as Loggwood, biscake nower-s^
b^f— cod fish, powder, bulletts k many other goods to the value of
one hundred pounds 4; upwards— *♦••••
Wherefore Your Pet' humbly prays Your Honour will be pleased ta
refFer the Examination of the matter relateing to the takeing of the sd :
Goods to such persons as You shall think proper & that he may have
such reliefe in the premifes as Your Honour shall judge meet k agreea-
ble to justice.
And Your Pet' shall Ever pray &c
ABR^ LE MESURIER.
April ftist To the Honor'*'^ Edmund Jenings Esq' p'fi'd* of her Maj^» Council of
Virginia —
wbaie fishing Ths petition of William Waters humbly ibeweth that be w^ some
in Chesapeake others having agreed to goe upon the Enterprifc or Undertaking of Wh^c
^ flQiing k in order thereto, hath built k fitted out fundry boats k provided
other necefsaries for carrying on ye same, which has aqiounned to a Con-
fidenble charge. And your Petitioner Conceiving it his Duty to apply
himfelfe to your Hon^ for leave to profecute y^ fd defigne, Humbly
prays yo' Hon" Lycence may be granted him to goe a whale fifliing in
y^ Bay of Chefapeake & along y^ Coaft of Virginia, And to take k Elill
what whales, be or thofe imploy'd under him can, w%ut y* lett or mo-
leftation of any p fon, and y* fame to draw on iboare for ye benefitt &
* * * * of y* Undertakers —
And be as in duty bound sbail pray &c
W» WALKER.
April a6th *
"Enterprise" ^^''» ^ *"™ sorry to acquaint you that I yesterday faw a Brittish ship
Kickitan taken by a Sloop of the Enemys' k was so unfortunate as not to have it
in my power to prevent it, tho' what fmall endeavours my present bad
circumftances would allow me to ufe to defroy the Defigne of the Priva-
Capture of a teer was not wanting : I was lying at anchor in Lynhaven Bav, when
merchafltman I saw this fellow (about five in the afternoon) comeing about the Cape
wjthin the ^ ftretching away to the N^^vard, at the fame time discovered the ship
PrivateeVand aforesaid ftanding out of the Sea, who as soon as the sloop had discern'd
in view of the made directly for him. Upon that I as I might reafonably conclude
EntCT rise" ^^^ ^* ^'^^ weighed & in a very little time got my ship und' fail — ^I hgd
n erpnse ^j^^ advantage of the tide of Ebb, but the wind blew right in, so that I
was forced to make a great many trips to little purpose — Whilft this was
doingy the Privateer comes up with the Merchantman (which was not to
be wondered at, he standing in a manner towards him), & upon the fire-
ing of a Single gun. Struck his Colours, notwithstanding he saw me
* Bears a neat private seal in wax.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J^J
crowding all that pofible I could to get out (o his releif ; which I should 1710
infalably have accomplished, had he but acted with common prudence
4c * * ♦ # * I continued in pttribte of them
(tho' I found I loft ground) till Ten at night. They then being out of
s^ht &c ***** 1 hope in a short time to Ex-
ecute the Ord'* I lye und' for proceeding to the Bahamas, in conjune-
tion w^ the New York ships or alone if they fail, and after that fervice
is performed, (hall return to Virginia and receive your Comands for
Cruizing between the Capes as directed, I am
Sir,
Your Moft hum"** fervant
NICH : SMITH—
For her Maj^* Service —
To the Hon*^ Colonel E Jenings Esq'
Preiidf m .^nd Commander in Cheif of Vir-
ginia at Williamsburg^*-
* In obedience to a precept from the Hon^* Alexan^ Spotswood Esq' Auiuit i4tJi
Cover*' of thi$ her &!*]**•• Colony of Virginia, Ordering a Survey to be int^tioii 4)f «
made, on the ship ^be Jamaica Mercb^ now ridein^ at michor* in the vcmcI
upp^r Piffrict of James River, whereof John Blalie is at present Com-
mander*— Wee, the Subscribers having been sworn by Qapt : John
Gedd^s, one of her Maj^^ Justices of the peace for James City County,
have proceeded to view & Survey the said ship and are of opinion, k
doe finde hor so Sound, so far as we can view, that there is a poiEbility
(tho' at a very great expence) of repairing her, so as to proceed on her
intended voyage for London — WitnefT our hands ft seals this 14^ day of
Auguft, in the ninth year of her Maj**** Reign—
ROB^ BARROW NATH^ HARRISON
ANDREW ROBB W*' HARVEY
E. GEALEN JOSEPH BRADBY
CHARLES BROADWATER
RI : BURBYDGE
Petition of Caveat against one W'^ Hall of Gloucester County against Oct. 4th
granting a patent for three thousand acres of land, lapsed from Major
George Minis, now lying in King & Queen & Essex Counties.
JN. WEST
W**. CARR
In obedience to an order, of Councill, dated the 5^ day of July Oct. loth
1710.1— Present,
The Hon^^* the Lieut : Governor, In Council, I have fent a table of Northampton
fees by Me Charged 5 given under my hand this 9*** day of October ^^""^
1710—
JNO : POWELL Sheriff North«»
* Bears eight imprciiions in wax of a naval ical of office.
14B CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 7 10 A Tabic of fees
Tabic of fcei for a arcst & Bond 15
sSu?^* for goiPg into prifon 10
Tobacco for whipping 20
for pillory 20
for ferving a fupeona 10
for iarveing an Execution, if under loo^^ Tob° 10
if above a 100 to five hundred 20
if above 500 to a 1000 40
if unto two thouiand 60
if above two thoufand, 10 pounds pr: 1000 and for fummoning Every
apraiser xo
Oct. 19th Rob^ Beverly on behalf of Harry Beverly petitions for Caveat against
granting apatent for Lands in Essex &c to the orphans of Tho* Ttiorp,
deceased &c
Oct. ft6tli By vertue of A. Commiffion from the hon*^* The Lieut : Governor,
Oath adminii- ^^ ^'^^^ administered the Oaths appointed by Act of parliament to be
eered * taken instead of the Oaths of Alliance & Supremacy, the Abjuration
Oath, the Test and Oaths of a Bur|efr, to Nicholas Curie Gent, re-
turned a Burgefs for this Aflembly — ^Given under our hands this 26^
day of October.
PHIL LUDWELL—
JOHN LEWIS—
Oct. 17th To the Hon^^« M' Speaker k Houfe of Burgeffes—
Thomas Parker,
Contested elec- In all humble manner complains of the Return of Sheriff of Charles
^n in Charlei City County, upon y* Writt for y* Election of Burgeffes for the said
for Burrm County, In that the ret' conceives that by a due ex amination of y* said
Poll, it will appear he had the second Vote at ye sd : Election & ought
to be returned Burgeff for ye said County, inftead of Coll : Littlebury
Epps whom the sd : Sheriflr has returned one of the Burgeffes on y^ sd :
Writ—
The pet' therefore humbly prays that y^ same may be examined by
this hon^^^ houfe & that Right be done to him thereon —
And shall pray &c —
Then follows a list of voters, thirteen in number, who the petitioner
says '^ were all severally polled for Capt : Joseph Harwood and Capt
Saml : Harwood, before they gave their Poll for y^ sd : Littlebury Epps
as by y* Copies of ye poll hereunto annexed will appear \ so that ye sd :
13 being taken from 52, y® number of ye Poll taken for y* sd : Little-
bury there remains but 39 — Whereas ye number of ye Poll taken for
y* pet' is 44 —
THO: PARKER
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. X48
Cttl-
Pursuant to an Order of the House of Burgefles, of this day, you 1710
are hereby required forth with to take into your Custody M' Joseph gj^^^ ^ ^
Foster, Sheriff of New Kent County, and cause him to appear before taken into <
the house to amend his Return on the Writt for Election of Burgeiles tody by the
for the said County. Given under my hand this 27^ day of October ^S^^^ ^C
J y I O ' ' Borffcttei
PETER BEVERLEY, Speaker.
To M' Thomas Cowles Jn'
MeiSnger to the House of
BurgeiS
Francis Ballard contests the Return given to W» Armstead as Bur- Ei»««b«th Oxf
gefs from that County, by the Sheriff Anthony Armstead : upon certain ^^^^
f rounds enumerated \ and prays for a hearing by Counsel before the
louse &c
An Act to prevent the destroying & murthering of Bastard Children — N^^* ^^^
Whereas several Lewd women that have been delivered of Bastard Bill to pre?ent
Children, to avoid their shame and escape punishment, do secretly bury '"^*'**^
or conceal the death of their children, and after, if the child be found
dead, the said Women do alledge, that the said Child was born dead }
whereas it &lleth out sometimes (although hardly it is to be proved) that
the sd : child or children were murthered by the said Women, their
Lewd Mothers or by their afsent or procurement. For preventing
therefore this great mischeif. Be it Enacted by the Lieutenant Governor,
Council and Surgefses of this present General Afsembly, and it is hereby
Enacted by the Authority of the same. That if any woman after one
moneth next ensuing the end of this present Session of Afsembly, be
delivered of any iffue of her body, male or female, which being born
alive, should by Law, be a bastard, and that she endevour privately,
either bv drowning, or secret burying thereof, or any other way, either
by herself, or the procuring of others, to conceal the death thereof, as
that it may not come to lignt, whether it were born alive or not, but be
concealed ; in every such case, the mother so offending, shal suffer
Death, as in case or murther \ Except such mother can make proof by
one witnefs, at the least, that the child (whose death was by her so in-
tended to be concealed) was born dead.
pafs'd in Council Novem'* ye 8"* 17 10
November 2^ Read the first time
November 6^ Read the Second time
To the Hon^^* Alexander Spotswood Esq' Her Majestys' Lieut : Gove- No?. 9tb
nor of this Her most Ancient Colony & Dominion of Virginia :
The Humble Addreff of the House of Burgeffes.
May it please your Honour,
Wee Her Majestys' Loyall and DutifuU Subjects, the Burgeffes, hav- Addren of the
ing entered into the Consideration of your Honours Speech & finding by ^^"•* ^
the two Paragraphs thereof, which relates to the Habeas Corpus Act, "*'***■
and the Courts of Oyer & Terminer, Wee may have Occasion in Or-
^44
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
^7^0 der to a farther Pct)gress upon the Paragraphs, for a View of cho Royall
Instructions therein mentioned—
Therefore we humbly pray your Honour to Communicate the same
to us, for the better Enabling us to proceed Accordit^ to our Duty in
chat PiShk : And because by another Paragraph of your Sptedi^ your
Honour is pleased to give us to understand, that there are some Acts
that need Amendments^ Upon which it is Our Opinion, that probably
some of those Amendments may have respect to in be aptly conaidortd
with other matters now before us.
Therefore Wee humbly take leave to Represent the same to your
Honour, and that it is our opinion also, that the speedy laying before us
those Acts, that are to be amended, may be a means to shorten the busi-
ncff of this Affembly—
November the 9*^ 17 10 —
By Order of the House of Burgefes
PETER BEVERLEY, Speaker—
No^. 15th
At a Committee for propositions & Greivances— *
Present
W" Randolph, Chairman
Chr: Robinson
Nicholas Meriweather
John Waller
Ambrose Dudley
Gents :
John Bollinc
W« Cary k
James Wilson
Dividing Line
between the
County of New
Kent h County
of Henrico
How settled
Duty on
Liquors and
Slaves
On Consideration of the Second proposition from the County of New
Kent for Settling the bounds between the said County & the County of
Henrico — Resolved,
That it is the Opinion of this Committee That the Surveyor of each
of the said Countys, take the Courses of James River & of the main
Branch of Paumunkie River, at the head of the Main Branch of Chico-
hominy Swamp & Divide the Land between the said Rivers Equally.
And that this be performed by order of the Respective Courts of the
said Countys, before the last day of October next, at the Equall Charge
of Each County — And the Line w^^ shall be Run in manner aforesaid
shall be Adjudged & taken to be the Line Divideing the said Countys—-
On consideration had by this Committee that the Act lately made for
Laying an Imposition on Liquors & Slaves is Exposed—-
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that a Bill be
brought in, to Lay a Dut) on Liquors & Slaves —
J, CLAYTON, Clerk Com«
Not. 1 6th Att a Committee for Propositions & Greivances
Present
William Randolph Chairman, Nicholas Meriweather James Wilson,
Ambrose Dudley, John Boiling Nathaniel BurV^ell^ Chr: Robinfon,
John Waller WUlougby Allerton ft William Carey -«-Gents
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J^
On consideration this day had, of diverse of the Propositions of the 1716
Inhabitants of the County of Henrico—
As to the sixth Proposition fbr Erecting a Work House Erecting a
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that The same is j^^jJ^^ciW^
Impracticable at this time k therefore Rejected-^
As to the Seventh Proposition That the Law declareing ^^ »n "gt^i
negrods and slaves to be Rcall Estate may be Repealed — Wn *Su aute
Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the same be
rejected —
As to the eighth Proposition, That Money Debts should **on«y ?«[»»
be paid in Tobacco at the rate of ten shillings per hundred. Tobacco"* *"
Resolved That it is the opinion of this Comittee that the same be Re- rejected '
iected—
J. CLAYTON Clerk Com :—
Another Committee, " for Propositions & Greivances (same gentle- No?. 17th
men in part) report upon various unimportant subjects, cheefly relating
to the Inspection of the Journal of the H. of Burgesses for the last
Seffion &c — and in favour of a Proposition to remove the County Co
House of Nansemond County to a more central and convenient locality
Ac —
To the Hon^^« her Maj"«« Lieut : Govern', the Hon^^« Councill & Houfe Not, mt
of Burgesses —
The Vestry of the Parish of Bruton, Humbly represents,
That the present Parish Church now in the City of Williamsburgh, v^^y of ftm-
bccoming ruinoifs, the Vestry have resolved to build a new one of the wliHtmlbu^
like dimentions, w*^ is sufficient for the conveniency of the Parrshion** detire to erect
k have raised money & intend to begin thereon accordingly. « new church
That *tis very Apparent the Parishion" are very much straightened k
often oated of their places & seats, by dispencii^ with & allowing room
for the frequent resort of strangers, & more perticularly at the meetings
of the Generall Aflemblies : Courts : Councells : & other publick Oc-
cafions :
That the Vestry are Extremely to make k allow all the conveniencys Reasons
the Smallnefs of the Church will admitt of : but without considerable '*^*^*^®'
inlargements k additions (w^^ their ability s will not admit of, neither doe
they conceive they can anfwer doeing the same) there is not room, nor
can they Appropriate decent k fitting places or Pews in the intended
Church for the reception of the Gen"^ Aflembly, and such as have Oc-
cafion to attend the Public services of the Country. Therefore, the
Vestry, before they proceed to build the intended Church take this Op-
portunity Humbly to represent the same to this Hon^^ Affembly (if they
please) for their Generous Contribution towards the same : k that they
will consider of such a building as in their wisdoms shall b^ thought
proper for y® said Occaflons, k to give directions that a Draught thereof
be laid before yo' Hono" dureing this Aflembly : The Vestry on their
146 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 7^0 parts being willing to advance towards ye same, what may be thought
neceflary for the building a Suitable Church for their Parish.
Jon : Tyler Ffred : Jones E. Jenings.
Rich'^ Kendall Hugh Norvsll David Bray.
Ric^ Bland W^ Simson A Cobbs.
Referred to the Consideration of the H. of Burgefles —
WIL : ROBERTSON Clk. Gcnl : Affembly
Not. s4th Petition of Henry Carey to the General Aflembly for his full pay of
Henry Ctrt at ^"^ hundred pounds pr. annum, as " Overseer of the building of the
ovcneer of the Govern" Houfe uptill the same was finished " &c Stating that the money
bniiding of tke appropriated to build the same, had long been exhausted, but that feeling
H^uie''^" himself under obligation to take care and protect the building in its un-
petitioning finished condition, he had been to considerable expense, and to save
himself from ruin, had broken up house keeping at his own Plantation
and removed his family to the said building ^' all which was very preju-
dicial " to him &c. He had not been allowed to resign his position as
he had desired : had, in order to prevent damages to the work already done,
primed and painted the wood work, and burned ^^a large Kill of
Bricks," and done other services — He therefore prays a Consideration of
the premifes and that ^^ he may be allowed and ordered " his full sallary
for his fervices aforesaid '* — — — 4c —
Dec. lath Virginia,
wmitmibnrgli * By the Hon^^ The Lieutenant Governor —
Wamat for Whereas it is represented to me, that the Levy in the County of
c^*** ^* . James City is not yet laid, to the great prejudice of the Countv Crcdi-
jamaO^ tors, and that if the same is delayed 'till the Court appointed by a late
Law, to be held in course for the sd : County, it will be very difficult
for the Sheriff to finish his collection in due time. These are therefore
in Her Majestys' name to Will and Require you to Summon, David
Bray, James Bray, George Marable, John Frayser, Jno : Geddes, Henry
Soane, William Broadnax, Alex' Walker, W™ Brown, jun' — Frederick
Jones, Mongo Ingles, Archibald Blair, James Duke, and David Morce (J)
Gents : Justices of the peace for the s** County of James City, and
every of them, to meet at the Courthoufe of the s** County on thursday
the Twenty first Day of this present moneth of December, then and
there to take the Oaths and qualify themselves according to a Commif-
fion & Dedimus lately ifsued for that purpose : And having so qualified
themselves to proceed in laying the County Levy, that all persons having
any just claim therein may be satisfyed — And you are likewife to give
notice publickly throughout y* County, that all such as have any claim
against the County may appear at the place & time aforesaid k make
out the same. Herein you are not to fail, Also make due Return of
this Precept to the Secretarys Office — Given under my hand, and the
* Bears a beaatiful imprenion of the Colonial Seal, with the incription <*£n datVirfinia
Quintam" in the Exergon, and *< Semper Eudem ** in the scroll.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
W
Seal of the Colony at Williamsburgh, this twelfth day of Decern' 1710,
in y* ninth year of her Maj*^ Reign —
A. SPOTSWOOD
To Edward Jacqueline Gent,
Sheriff of the County of
James City
1710
Acco* of the Ordinary Charges of the taking up & trying the 8 pirates No dice
bro* in by Cap* Luke Knott —
To Henry Irvin, his acco* as follows —
4
4
4
To Job Newman an Evidence, for his attend^
To Aaron Levy, same
To Hannah Miller ye same
To the accommodation of the two portugueze at W™
Craigs'
To D^ for Summoning the Judges of the Court and other
Charges
To the Marfliall for the Court
To the Register
To Tho^ Wythe, as an Evidence
To Jno : Broach for chains & Revitts
To attendance of Capt : Knotts' men viz — W" Wil-
liams Cheif Hate, four days attend* k travelling 40 i
miles
To the Boatswain & three others at ye same rate 6
5
5
20
I
9
10
00
10
12
o
o
15
16
8
00 Account for
00 apprehending
and trying
°^ Pirate!
II
O
O
00
0
o
Petition of Henry Lawrence for grant of Patent for a parcel of land Naniemond Co
in said County Escheated from Humphrey Edey & wife \ he having
paid '^ Composition & other Charges for the laid Land, as the Law En-
joyned *' —
To the Hon^^ Alexander Spotswood, Her Ma^ Lieutenant Governor
Ac &c of Vii^ginia —
John Simmons of Surry County—
Humbly Sheweth,
That at the desire of the Nottoway Indians, and for the conveniency
of the Inhabitants on the South side Nottoway River, Your pet' is will-
ing to build a Mill on the Buckhorne Swamp, within the Tract of Land
of six miles Square laid out for the said Indians. That the said Indians
having already before Your Hon^" Signified their consent that the pet'
should have as much land in that place as may be convenient for his
purpose.
Yo' pet' humbly prays Yo' Hon" will be pleased to allow yo' Pet' to
take up one acre of ground on each side of the said Swamp for the con-
veniency of building the said Mill, and that ye Surveyor of the County
may be directed to mark out the same, that there may not hereafter be
any dispute with y® s^ Indians — And likewise that this yo' Hon" appro-
bation may be Signified on the Council Books, or on some other Re-
No date
Surry County
Petition to
erect a mill
The Nottoway
Indians have
lix milet square
to live in
14$
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1710 cord, so that the pet*^ may be protected in the peaceable enjoyment of the
said Land & Mill for the benefite of himself and his posterity, in con*
sideration of the Charges he must now be at for erecting y® same —
And he shal pray &c —
Essex County Joseph Smith prays Gov : Spots to appoint him Sherif of that County,
No date ^^ being the only one of three recommended, who has never held the
said office —
Princess Ann
County
No date
171I
Jan. aSth
Plymouth
Characteristic
letter from a
Quaker
James Wishard prays for Patent for a "certain parcele of land" in the
said County, which is found " upon due Inquisition made thereon," to
have Escheated to the Crown ; he being ready to pay " Composition (?)
and other charges, and having already obtained a Warrant therefor
&c —
To Friend Daniel Benthall,
I writt thee the 28^^ of 8^'® (October) last & then sent thee acc^ of
sales of thy hogshead of Tobacco consigned mee pr : Humphrey Gil-
bert i but not Knowing whether that came to hand, I now herewith send
thee copy thereof, together with Invoice & Bill of Lading for a Pack of
goods shipped on board the Dove Pinke ; W°* Morshead M' consigned
to thy self k John Bebbe marked D. B. No i, wherein thee will see thy
Invoice there is so much goods on my ace** as amounts to £4.. 13* 7* w**
thee will find by thy ace** Cur** is 7* leff than the next produce of thy
hogshead of Tobacco, w**^ I have ordered the M' to allow thee out of
the freight, as alsoe one shilling & foure pence, that's due to John Bebbe
from me, there being in the faid Pack, a fmall Pack of goods for thy
neighbour Jno : Bebbe marked I. B. i : w**^ please to deliver him & Lett
him pay a proportion of the freight. I thought itt better to pack Your
two parcells of goods together, being fmall matters & you being soe near
neighbours, then to lett itt goe apart — Soe wishing itt iafe to thyne & his
bands, Remainc thy Reale Friend
HEN: CEANE
Merchandise Received pr : the ^^ Josiah & Betty " &c being one Hdd:
of Tobacco on acc^ of Daniel Benthall of Virginia to sundry charges
D'
Specimen ac-
count, showing — , X A /-^ 1
co«tf, &c., To Impost & Cockett
fr«g^t«, &c,, To Cooperage & Porterage
To Freight
To my Commifion for sales 2^ p : cent :
at this date
£,
o
o
3
o
s.
2
I
O
3
d.
6
I
a
6
£
To Ballance due on this accti w^^ I carry to the Credit 1 1
of s* Daniel Benthall in Ace® Creditt J
7
14
8
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 1^9
Petition of Charles Bailey of Accomack County for Patent for 345 17x1
acres of land. Escheated to the Crown &c having paid the usual fees April 17th
^^ and made Compofition for the same." Accomac Co
Petition of John Boughan & Susanna his Wife, Thomas Lee and April aoth
Augustine Lee of the County of EfTex &c for certain lands Escheated
4c &c —
To the hon^^® Alexander Spotswood Esq' her Majesty s' Lu^ Governer
& Command' in Cheif &c —
John Sundiford
Humbly Sheweth,
That there was granted unto Rich** Jones and George Turner one Petition for
thousand Acres of Land lying in Rappahannock County now Effex, by Jn^j^y pecoHar
patent dated y*^ 8*^ of October 1672. That ye sd : Jones & Turner by circomitances
deeds duly executed did convey their Right of 500 acres of the s** Land
to Rtch^ Kifwell and Thomas Martin, k the other 500 acres unto John
Shaw & George Anderson — That yo" pet' marryed the only daughter
of the above named Rich*^ Kifwell And thereby hath right to the first
mentioned 500 acres, and by a verbal conveyance the s"^ John Shaw &
George Anderson did give the other 500 acres unto the pet', that then
he might be poflefled of the whole patent. — That yo' pet% being doubt-
ful of his title by the afore*"* Deed parole, is willing to be at y* charge of
an Inquisition of Escheat upon ye sd : Land, And since neither the sd :
Jno: Shaw nor George Anderson left any heirs, nor made any other dis-
disposition of the sd : Land, and that thereby the s^ land doth Escheat
to her Majesty —
Yo^ pet' humbly prays a Warr* may
iflue to Enquire of the sd : Escheat
and that yo' Hono" will be pleafed
to grant yo' Pet' a Grant thereof &c
Letter to M' Thomas Hayden, from Micajah Perry enclosing account May 3d
of Sales of Tobacco : and ace* current &c London.
S'
I have rece** her Maj^^* Special Commands to Provide a Large June i6tJt
quantity of Provifion with all Expedition, but finding it impracticable to jj^^ y^ .
°o Jt here or in y* neighboring Governments I am Un^' a Neceffity of
oending this Exprefs to you, to desire you to give yo' Immediate direc- scarcity of
^^on^ for the Buying all ye Pork w^in your Government, for all you can provisions
^^^ Vrill I beleive be to little, and to order it to be lodged in some con- ^^«" «o pn/-
veni ^nt places from whence it may be shipt on Board Such veffells as I virginU^tnd "^
?"^^ I send to take it in — Her Maj^^' has Likewise impowered me to take embargo all
^^ceive from the Receiver General of any of her Revenues in New vesieiifora
°*^ i, the Jerfeys, Maryland or Virginia, such sume & sumes of money "°"^''
^ ^ ^all be in their hand, for her ufe, and of which I shall have Occa-
ars handsome private sea] in wax.
ISO CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
171 1 fion for this Service out of that money therefore in the Receiver Gen^
hands of yo' Province, I do now Direct y* paym' for ye pork that shall
be so purchased for her Majestys' Service, and if it fall short, the re-
mainder shall be paid in bills of Exchange on ye Treasury which will be
very punctually comply ed with.
I am likewise Commanded, to signify to you, that it is her Majestys'
Pleasure^ that you Lay an Embargo for a month on all Vefsells to Eu-
rope, and if there be occafion for the better Securing the Pork, I deAre
you'l make the Embargo Gen^\ the want of Provifion being of the last
Consiquence — I am with much Respect
S' Your most obedt —
Humble Servant
RO: HUNTER-
S'
I beg you'll cause deliver the
Inclo*^ to the Receiver Gen^^ of
yo' Province
To his Exly : Alexander Spotswood Esq' her Maj^ Lieut. & Gov'
General of her Dominion of Virginia —
August 15th Thomas Thorntons' Petition for Warrant for certain lands in Essex
Escheitediindi County Escheated to the Crown at the death of one Tho* Milton, he
having left no heir, nor made any disposition of the same &c —
Richard Little Page of New Kent County
Humbly Sheweth,
New Kent Co That by an Act of Aflembly, made at a Grand Afsembly held at
James Citty by Prorogation the 23^ day of March 1661, Entituled —
Acts Concerning Indians — Amongst other things it is Enaded that no
Petid«a to person of what Quality foever should Entertain any of the Neighboring
employ indUm Indians as Servants, or otherwife without a Lycence first obuined from
act of (be Governour himfelf, and yo' Petitioner being willing to hire Into his
Anembiy Service one Indian Woman belonging to the Pamunky Town, named
Mary, humbly >prays yo' hon" Lycence for the fame ; and that vo' Hon'*
would alfo grant him a Lycence for an Indian man from the faid To^n,
to Hunt for him, he being willing to give his obligation to be anfwerable
for all the Injuries and Damages, that the said Indians shall do to the
Englifh, according "to the Directions of the aforementioned Act of Af-
fembly —
And hee shal pray &c —
To which is the following reply.
Licenie to em- Whereas, Richard Littlepage of the County of New Kent Gent :
^^^v nts *and " ^^^^ made Application to me for a Licence to hyre and imploy one man
httntimen of the Pamunky Indians to hunt for him, and also one Woman of the
granted, under said nation named Mary, in the nature of a hyred Servant, and hath
certain con- given bond to answer all Damage, the said Indian man shall do in his
^^^^ hunting to any of her Majestys' Subjects :
These are therefore to Licenfe and permitt the said Richard Littlepage
Pferosative of ^^ ^X*"^ ^'^^ impIoy the said Indian man and Woman : Provided, that
this Soverdgn Whenever the Queen of Pamunky shall recall them or either of them.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 151
the said Richard Littlepage shall imediately DismiiT them from his Ser- 171 1
vice, and not harbour or entertain them thereafter, without a new Li-
cence, and the consent of the said Queen first obtained.
Given under my hand this 25^ day of October 1711.
A. SPOTSWOOD—
y* 26 of y* 8 Month 171 1 —
(/oving flFriend, Oct. s6tli
* I have sent pr : Rob^ iFendall fome bills of Ex' viz, one bill for JC20
and another &c*******
I suppofe thee hast heard of y^ Mafecre we had here w^ ye Indians,
they have Kill'd about 100 people and have taken prifoners ab^ 20 or 30,
we are forc'd to Keep garisons and watch and Gard, day and Night, w^
I suppofe,*you have it all at large before now — I defire thee to send me
a line pr: y® first op'unity and in Soe Doing, thee will obledg him
what is
Thy reall fFriend
FFARNIFULL GREEN.
f Petition of Harry Beverley for Patent for certain lands, founded upon ^^^* ^
his title in Right of nis wife ; and lying near Potobago in Essex C^, but Mlddlcm Co
alfo claimed by one John Hawkins ac —
To the Hon^^^ Alexander Spotswood, Her Majesties Lieutenant Govcr- ^^* *4tk
nor of Virginia —
Wee her Majes^ most Loyal and most Dutifull Subjects, the Burgess' M«mm« <^
now Afsembled, having seriously considered the Emment Daitters ap- ^J^^^ {^
proaching this Country from severall nations of Barbarous Indians, ngai4 to
some of which have lately Exerted their Cruelty on our fellow Subjects BoitUe indiaaA
in our Neighborhood of North Carolina, think Wee should be wanting
in oui Duty to our most gracious Queen, Ourselves, and the people we
Represent, if wee did not heartily Joyne with Yo' Hono" by our utmost
Endeavours as well in Secureing our Countiy against any Attempts from
those Enemies as in doing Juftice on those Savage Murtherers.
And your Hon" having thought fitt in your Speech to this House at
the opening this SeiEon to acquaint us with a League protected with
Severall Governments of the Tuscoronda Indians against the Nations,
who Committed the Mafsacre, Wee humbly pray your Honour will be
pleased to Communicate to this Houfe what Advances are made in that
.Undertaking, that wee may be the better Enabled to take proper measures
for acting efFectually in Concurrence with your Hono' therein —
By Order of the House of BurgefTes.
PETER BEVERLEY Speak'
* Appeals to have taken place In Nurth Carolinai as appears from a lucceetiing document.
-f- A very long and complicated icatement, involving matters of fact, now of no importance.
IJTjg CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
171 1 To the Hon : Alexander Spotswood &c &c —
Not. 28th Wee her Majest* most Loyall and Dutifull Subjects the Burgefses now
^ mett in Afsembly being deeply Sencible of the horrid Barbaritys, mur-
gttief requcft" ^^ers and hostilitys lately committed upon her M^esties Subjects in North
the GoTcrnor CaroUna, by Certain Indians of the Tuscarora Nation — And duly con-
to declare war sidering the Dangers which dayly threaten the Inhabitants of this Colony
Ti^Mrora^ from that Nation, humbly entreat yo' Hon' as well for the defence and
Indians Security of this Country as for doing right to our injured and opprefsed
neighbors, that you will be pleased to declare Warr against tbofe Tusca-
rora Indians, their Adherents, k abettors — And to enter into sucn
Treatys and Alliances with the Government of North Carolina or any
other Governments, as for that purpofe to yo' Honour shall seem pro-
per. And being Sencible that the Success of Such Undertakings under
Divine favour and goodnefs will in great meafure depend on provifion to
be made Suitable thereunto —
Wee beg leave to afsure yo' Hon' that we will Exert our Selves to
the utmost in giving Such timely Supplys as shall be sufficient to Enable
your Hon' effectually to performe and make good your Treatys and
alliances, as alfo to profecute and finish the said Warr to the Hono' of
hf r Majesty and to the Safety and wellfare of her Subjects — And if yo'
Honour shall think fit to Denounce Warr — Wee pray you will be
pleased to lay before us an Estimate of the Charge of Carrying on that
Service for six months, that thereby wee may concert proper methods
for raiiing a Fund Sufficient to anfwer the intended design.
By Order of the Houfe of Burgeffes —
PETER BEVERLY, Speak'
A Bill for Appointing Rangers at the heads of James, York,
Rappahannock & Potomeck Rivers &c
BUI for the ^1- Whereas a great number of barbarous disorderly & lawlefs persons of
offiterTsf ^^^ Indian nations have succeffively for many years last past resided in &
Rangers frequented the frontiers of this Colony, & after the most horrid & noto-
rious crimes by them committed, takeing the advantage of the large
Waste & uninhabited grounds k Woods Escape from the hand of Jus-
tice ; ffor prevention whereof & for the Safeguard & securing the sd
frontiers & the Inhabitants thereof from all injury, violence, spoil &
rapine of the sd : Indians, Be it Enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor,
Council & Burgefses of this present Generall Affembly & by the Au-
thority of the same, that from & after the paffing of this Act the Lieut.
Governor or the Comander in Cheife of this Colony & Dominion for
the time being, is impowered and desired with the advice of the Council
Lieutenant! or to Constitute & appoint such persons as he shall think fitt to be Lieu-
Commanden ^e^ants or Comanders for the Rangers for the said frontiers, each of
which Lieutenants so constituted & appointed shall chose out & list
' eleven able bodyed men, with horses & accoutrements, Armes & Am-
munition, resideing as near as conveniently may be to that frontier sta-
tion, for which he shall be Lieut of the Rangers, to serve under him as
their Commander & such Lieut. Sc Lieutenants & the men under his &
their respective Comands shall observe performe & Keep such Orders
and directions in their severall Rangeings & Marchings as such Lieuten-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 15S
ants shaU from time to time receive from tbe Lieut: Govemor or tbe 1711
Comander in Cheife of this Colony & Dominion for the time being — ^^^ indUm
And be it further Enacted, that if anv of the Lieuts. of the Rangers captured or
or any the men under his Comand shall in their Marching or Raoging teen to be dealt
meete with or see any Indian or Indians whatsoever, such Lieut : & ^^^'^
such Men shall endeavour by all possible means to apprehend & seize such
Indian & Indians k if upon examination of such Indian or Indians he
or they see cause, shall secure such Indian k Indians k convey him or
them before one of her Maj^^' Justices of the Peace, which Justice
shall, if he see cause upon further examination, Committ such Indian or
Indians to the publick Goal of his County, there to remaine 'till he or
they shall be thence delivered by due course of law —
And if any IxMiian or Indians, which shall be mett with, or seen by ^^tn to kiu
such Lieut : or his men shall resist, flye or run away, so as such Indian i^f^^^
or Indians cannot be apprehended or taken, then & in such case it shall
be lawfull for such Lieuten' or his men to shoote Kill or destroy such
Indian and Indians so resisting and running away k not otherwise —
And be it further Enacted, by the authority afords** that there shall be P*y fo' »erTicei
levyed k paid to every Lieutenant or Comander of the Rangers for Lieutenant!
himself his horse with accoutrements. Arms k Ammunition, for his
service for one year five thousand pounds of tobacco with Cask & in
proportion to that for a leffer time than a year, and to every man listed ^,*g^*°m^a *""
under such Lieut or Comander for himself, his horse, with accoutre-
ments, arms k ammunition for his service for one year three thousand
pounds of tobacco with cask & in proportion to that, for a lelser time
than a year, out of the publick Levy, such man so listed producing a
Certificat under the hand of his Lieuten^ or Comander, setting forth the
time such man shall have been in the sd : Service and makeing Oath
thereunto — And be it also Enacted, that if any Lieu^ or Comander of
the Rangers or any Man listed under such Lieutenant or Comander, by Punkhttene of
virtue of this Act, shall refuse or willfully neglect to observe, performe offic«" «' ««»
or Eeep such Orders k Directions as shall from time to time be given oU^orfln
by the Lieutenant Governor or the Comander in Cheife of this Domin-
ion for the time being, to such Lieutenant or Comander, relateing to the
Rangeine Service, every person k persons so refuseing or willfully neg-
lecting shall forfeit k loose all such pay as shall be then due & oweing
to him or them, & shall suffer one months' imprisonment without baile
or mainprize, such refusall or willfull neglect being proved before the
Court, of the County where such person k persons shall reside at the
time of makeing the publick claims of the sd : County — And be it further
Enacted, that this Act shall continue k be in force for one year from the
end of this SeiEon of Aflembly & for no longer time —
North Carolina ff: '71^
The Deposition of John Dew aged Thirty six years or thereabouts, !*'*• "^^^
on the Jioly Evangelists taken, foith, That on the 27"" day of this Ins* n. CaroUna
January, a certain Meherrin Indian named John Querro, being at this _ . ^ ^^ .^
Deponents house on Meherrin River : This Deponent enquired of him, ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^
What newes, and perticularly Whether Tom Blount, the Tuskeruro probable moTe-
Indian was gone, or would go to meet the Gover' of Virginia. To 2*°"^,^
which the Indian replied, he was not, neither would he goe : saving an°d°other*^
withall, perhaps the people of Virginia were not good and would scold — Indiana
20
■
I
■
154
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
17 1 2 withall adding, That Tom Blount would not send or carry his Boyes:
which this Deponent understood were to have been carried as Hostages :
And he further added : That perhaps Tom Blunt would scold too, when
the Leaves were put out — Then this Depon^ turning his Discourse to
one John Lewis who was present, whilst this Discourse lasted, Bid him
take notice of it for he would Inform the Presid^ thereof — The Indian
immediately changed his Countenance, and said he did not hear Tom
Blount himself sa) so, but one of the young men. And this Depon^
further saith : That having had some Discourse with y^ said John Lewis,
the day before, concerning a Report of the Sinnagars joyning the Tus-
keruros. This Deponent inquired of the said John Querro concerning y*
same : Who told this Depon^ that about the time of y® Leaves comeing,
or between that time & hott weather. The Sinnagars were Expected,
herhaps a thousand or more —
JOHN DEW
Cap* et Jura^
30** Die January 1712
Coram me
Thomas Pollock
Received
Feb. 16th
Petition of
people of
N. Carolina
for aid againtt
the incnrtlons
of the Toica-
rora Inditni
Vergeney fs;
Toy* Right Honra^^* AUexander Spottswood, her Majesteys' Leftenant
Gouvernour of y* fd : CoUony, and y® Reft of y** moft Hon*** Councill
of State —
The humble pe'tion of y* pore Diftreffed inhabittance of Nuse River
in • * * Countey in North Carrolina moft humbley
sheweth y' Ex ellency —
That wharas there hath by y* permition of Allmighty God for our fins
and Disobedance : bin a moft horred Mafsecre Committed by y* tuflcarora
Indans upon her Majestys' pore Subjects in y* sd : province of North
Carrolina, And we her Majestys' pore Subjects who by gods' provi-
dence have survived, are in Continuall Dread and Do suffer Dayley De-
ftruction in our stocks and horses and fenceing being burn'd — which if
not speedally prevented, wee muft all Likewife rerrifli with our breathern,
for wee have not forse, nor Indeed any speedy care taken to prevent it
in our Country — But for as much as we are her Majesteys' Subjects^
and Readey at all times to be obfervant to her Majestys' Royal Com-
mands : We do theirfore with one voyse, Knoweing yo' Excelancys*
Care and parternal Tendernefs towards all her Majesteys' Subjects, moft
Humbley beseech and Implore yo' Hon' as you tender the wellfer of her
Majestys' pore Subjects, forthwith to send to our Releafe fum Confidera-
ble forse of men, armes and ammunition to Detect y® Barbarous In-
folency of thofe Rebelous Rogues, and as for provifion, we ar Ready to
y* uttermoft of our abilety to affist y* armey If y' Exellency pleases to
fend them — which wee fliall Daylcy pray for : So hoping y' Exellency
will take into y' sage Confideration our DeftreiTed Condition, we y' pore
petioncrs, as in Dcutey bound Ihall Ever Pray —
BENJ : SIMSON
JNO: GEORGE
* • 9|E •
WILL: •
WILLIAM HANCOCK
THOS: DAWSON—
FRA: HILL
ROGER HILL
FARNIFOLD GREEN
THO WELSON
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. US
JOHN SLOCUM JAMES BLOUNT
MARTAIN HOPKINS ADAM FFERGISON ^7^2
WILL : PRICE ADAM FFERGISON Jnr:
RICD : HILL ROB^ WATTSON
ROBT BRUSE
and many others —
Know all men by these presents — that we Robert Hix of the County July
of Surry, John Evans, David Crawley, Richard Jones, & Nathaniel copy of Bond
Urven of the County of Prince George, in the Colony of Virginia required of
Securitys are held and firmly bound unto 5^^* author-
Our Sovereign Lady Ann, by the Grace of God, of Great Brittain, ^^^ ^jj/* *
France & Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith &c, in the . sum of Weitern
Three hundred pounds Sterling, to the which payment, well and truly to In«*««w
be made to our said Lady the Queen, her heirs and fuccefsors, We and
every of us bind ourselves One & every of our heirs Executors and Ad-
ministrators, jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our
Seals, Dated the day of July 171a.
The Condition of this Obligation is such, that Whereas, the above
bound Robert Hix, John Evans, David Crawley, Richard Jones and
Nathaniel Urven have obtained from the hon^^ Alexander Spotswood,
her Maj^ Lieutenant Governor of Vimnia a pafsport or Licence for
Trading with the Western Indians — If Therefore, the said Robert Hix,
John Evans, k Co shall not by themselves or either of them or their,
or either of their fervants, during the time of their being out on the pre-
sent trading Voyage, directly or indirectly trade or Traffick with any of
the Tuscarora Indians nor with any other Indians in League or Alliance
with them, nor permitt or Suffer such Trading to be carryed on by any
person going out in their Company, under the protection of their Pail-
port. And alfo shall and will well and truly observe & performe all &
every the Instructions which shall be given them by her Majestys' said
Lieutenant Governor for their better Conduct in the s^ Trade, then this
Obligation to be void. Or elfe remain of full force k Virtue —
Signed sealed & Delivered in presence of —
Virginia AT: July nth
Alexander Spotswood, Her Majestys Lieutenant Governor, Vice
Admiral and Commander in Cheif of the Colony and Diminion of
Virginia —
To Robert Hix, John Evans, David Crawley Richard Jones and Na- wiUiamiburgh
thaniel Irby
Whereas Her Most Sacred Majesty, by her Order in Council, bear- Copy of Form
mg date at the Court at Windfor, the 26*^ day of September 1 709, hath °[ve?ro^trader»
I been pleased to signify her Royal Will and pleasure, that the Trade with the
1 from this Colony with the Western Indians, be carryed on without any Wcjtem
[ Let, hindrance or Molestation whatsoever, and that no dutys be Leveyed ^"<***"«
or demanded of any of her Majestys' Subjects of this Colony for any
Goods or Merchandizes which shall be carryed by them to the said In-
dians, or back from thence by way of Trade — And Whereas You have
represented to me that You are now bound out on a Trading Voyage to
Ige CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1712 several nations of Indians to the South West of this Colony, and de-
sired my Pafsport for your better protection in your going and returning
with your goods and merchandizes, I do therefore, hereby give and grant
unto you full License and Liberty to trade and traffick with any nation
of Indians whatsover, except the Tuscaroras, and such others as shall be
actually in league with them — And I do by these presents Signify to all
her Majestys* Subjects of the sev^ Colonys & plantations through w**
you may have occasion to paiT, that it is her Matys' will k pleasure that
they suffer and permitt you freely and quietly to pafs and Repafs with
your goods and Merchandizes, without any Lett, hindrance or Molesta-
tion, on pretence of any Dutys Or Impositions to be demanded for ye
same, or any other account whatsoever, Provided always, that you take
a Certificate from the naval officer, that the Goods you carry out of this
Colony, are such as have been Legally imported here.
Given under my hand and the seal of this her Majestys' Colony and
Dominion, at W^^'burgh, the Eleventh day of July 17 12.
Dec, 13th To the President of North Carolina,
Wmsburgh Sir,
Gov. Pollock By the return of a Servant w°^ the Baron of Graftenzied (de Graaf-
of N. Carolina fenreidt) scnt into y* Country, I received on the 1 1*^ insunt yours of
•ffain " ^^^ 26^^^ of Nov. & 4*^ of this month, but I find myself still under the
same uncertainty in relation to the purchase of the '^'Duffells, the disposi*-
tion of the Thousand pounds raised by our Afsembly for yr. Releif^
The removing the Scruples of our Council, as to declaring War against
the Indian Enemy untill a previous declaration on your part, and like-
wise as to sending you the Indian prisoners that are here, on all w^ i
expected your Answer — All you say as to the Duffiells is that you should
have occasion thereof, if I thought convenient, but since this Country
was willing to be at the charge to purchase them upon y' Request, It
might have been reasonably expected yr Government should take the
trouble cf sending for them — And if the money raised by our Afsembly
be of use for your Releif, I cannot see why the Conference, I proposed
for laying it out to the best advantage should not be taken notice of, un-
lefs y' Government be unwilling to accept of it upon the terms of Re-
payment ; but as to that point my last Letter might have satisfied you^
that neither I nor the Council intended to press you thereupon, nor do I
expect any present Engagement to be entered into upon the Advance of
that money — Since you find y'self under so great streights to furnish
provisions to ye South Carolina Auxiliarys, The money raised here may
be as eiFectually applyed in the purchase of Come & pork in this Country^
for those Forces, as in raising men. If you think the Force sent from
South Carolina will be sufficient to do the work without them —
As the taking of Hancock was in pursuance of an Engagement, en-
tered into w*** this Govern' by Blounts' people, and Hostages left for his
. delivery here, he was in effect a prisoner to this Govrn* : and certainly
Blount looked on him as such, when he sent 2 of his men to give me
notice of his coming in, & ordered them to wait here 'till his arrival, and
one who stood more on punctilios, than I do would be a little startled at
* A variety of blanket, or woolen cloth, out of which blankets were cut.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. UIT
the suddennefs of his Execution without my Knowledge, — especially, 1711
seeing I ^m persuaded you could not suspect that I would shelter him
against the punishment due to his crimes : having given you an instance
to the Contrary, by delivering up James Cohery, who (how ignorant so-
ever some of yr : people may be of itj was first seeized by our Tributa-
rys, carryed before a Majistrate, and oy order, del'd to the Chowans, to
be carryed into yr : province, & after having told you in my last that
I intenaed to deliver up to you all the Indian prisoners that are here :
among w^ there are now two Waccon Indians taken lately by the Me-
herins in pursuance to my orders — And I shal accordingly send them
under a guard of our Militia to South Key, the 27^ instant, when I
hope you will appoint some to receive them on that day. I send this by
Blunts' men, who together with his brother are returning back to him,
their stay here being now unneceflary — I shal write to you more fully
w*^ the prisoner, or elfe by M' Richardson, who is just now arrived
here and intended for y' province, as Reco' Gen" for the Lords pro-
prietors*
To the President of North Carolina, Dec. iid
Sir, According to what I writt you, the 1 3^** instant by y® return of Wmiburgh
Blunts two Indians & the Hostage, I now send the Indian prisoners, be- ^^ q^^^ p^j.
ing eight in all, the Warrant which will be delivered with them, will in- lock of North
form you by whom they were taken and when committed, and as the CaroUnt, on
only crime they have been guilty of against this Government is their LV*™* '"**"
coming in, contrary to our proclamation, I shall. leave them to your
Justice or Mercy, as you find them guilty or otherwise in relation to the
late MaiTacre. It is now above a month, since I sent you the Resolu-
tions of our AiTembly for the Releif of your province, but have not yet
had any answer either as to you receiving the DufFells, or the application of
the <£iooo for the service of your Country : I shall be glad to find the
circumstances of your Aflairs are not now so pressing as they were then
represented, & one would be inclined to believe they are very much bet-
tered, since the meeting I proposed with you, or some Deputy from
your Government, to concert measures for the more effectual application
of that Supply has been so long delayed— for my part I have hitherto
suspended all my thoughts thereon, because as I have already told you,
I expected such a meeting, & have nothing more at present to add, but
diat I am
S'
Your most obedient humble fervanc.
(No signature)
Hond : S' * Dec. 23d
I want words to express the miferable state of this poore Countrey— Choan, N. C.
For Coll : Moore (who is a gentleman seemingly of great worth) not q ^ p n u
finding provifions ready at Bath County for his forces, was necefsitated in reply on the
w^** all his Indians, being about nine hunder, to march into this County, "me lubjectt
wher they muft by deftroying the place untill provfion is carryed round,
and men raysed here to join them — The want of haveing provifion
caryed round was cheifly occafioned by the ignorance and obftinacy of
our Aflembly, of all w*** Cap* Jones can give y' hon' a particular ac-
me
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1712
BUckwater
Meherrin
Indiani
count — Now being informed b^ Coll : Moor that the Tufcororocs have
taken into their Forts, having in his comeing in laid three dayes befor on
of them, And thought it unadviiable to stay longer, being in want of
provifions, Tools and some more whttt men, his indians not being very
ready in attacking Forts w'**out Englifli — For w*'** reafon, what men of
ours can be rayfed muft March w**" him, who are generally badly pro-
vided in clothing to March this seafon —
Wherfor would earnestly entreat yr : honor to order the duffells for us
at M' John Cottons at Blackwater, Likewife a dofen spades, twenty
brafs pans, and about fifty or fixty hand granads, they being very necef-
iary for the ready takeing of the Forts. I shall have a boat or cannoe
at John Cottons on Monday nixt. It will be of extraordinary fervice
to the Countrey at this time For the Army being, to march out the
firft of the nixt month. If it come not before that time (hall have no men
to goe out —
As for yr : honor* difpofing of the money by your Affembly, it being
impracticable for any of y' Forces to come at this time, not only by
reafon of the Badneff of the seafon, and the want of provifions being
yet carryed round, but cheifly to have y' Forces as a referve. For I hope
that Coll : Moore, w*^ his, and fome of our men will be able to reduce
our enemy Indians to a low Condition by the midle of Febry next ; by
w^ time it is probable that many of Coll : Moores' Indians, having got
Slaves or other Booty may defert. Only about two or three hunder ur®**
Coll : Moor doubts not he can keep, so that If then we can have fome
forces from you, they may be a great means to give the finishing stroke
ft bring enemy s that ar left to a Peace on Reasonable terms. And in-
tend to fend in ane agent in Convenient time before them, at w^ time
yr : honor may order matters as you (hall see the pofture of our afEiirs at
that time requires, of w^^ (hall particularly informe y' honor from time
to time — I have often complaints brought to me of the infolency of the
Meherrin Indians on this iyde Meherrin River, w^ a jealoufy of their
Killing and driveing back the peoples stocks, on John Beverly, who
lives near them, againstt whom they have a great hatred, haveing had a
mare or twoe (hot lately^Alfo having ordered the Rangers and hunters,
for to take upe any Indians they should meet w^ on this fyde Meherrin
River ; and haveing taken on of them, brought him in to the for s^
Beverlys — in a little time about eighteen of the Meherrin Indians came
upe, moft of them armed and forced them to lett loofe the indians
they had taken, giveing them threatening and abufive language — So that
befydes their Killing the peoples stocks, fupplying the Tufcaroroes -w^^
ammunition, i am in great doubt they may doe further mifcheif on this
shore, and lay it on other indians — All w®" I hope yr : honor will either
redreflf, or not take offence If wee take such meafures w^^ them as wee
(ball see moft for our own fafty — Tom Blunt," the indian comeing in
befor I had finifhed, bath hindered my sending thes two dayes, so that i
beleive if the boat or cannoe for the duffells be at M^ Cottons, by Wed-
nesday the laft of this month, it may be time enough — Coll : Moore
hath promifed Tom Blunt, (upon his being true to the £ngli(h) protec-
tion, and to fecure him and the people of his Fort from his indians —
Tom Blunt is very defirous of having in, his brother (as he cals him)
and his confine now in your prison, whom the Bearer W™ Charleton
our interpreter knows — whom if your honor will be fo favourable as to
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 159
\
\
let us have them fent to M' Cottons, to be brought downe in our boat 1712
it will be a great Kindneff, and may be of great fervice to us, Blunt ac-
cusing us, for giveing him nothing for all he is done only words, as he
fays — He had intended to have come or fent in now, to yr : honor. But
Coll : Moore intending to march in by his towne, he thought it neceffary
for him to be at his towne ; of all w*** our inter prcter can give you a
full account —
Hon** S% I am afhamed that neceffity forces me to trouble yo fo much.
But I doubt not ye will coniider our prefent Condition, And Continue y'
Favours to us, w^^ fhall be planted in indelible charectars in his heart,
^v who is
Hon^ S'
your most obedient Humble fervant,
THO : POLLOCK
Bond : S'
Tom Blunt juft now informes me of on
Meherrin Indian latly at his towne, named
Tut-sech, baf : queat — fo that it is not to
be doubted but that they supply them w^^
what ammunition they ufe and cary what
ncwes they know of — w*^** I doubt not y'
honor will confider
T. P.
Hon^ S'
Yours of the 13*^ Rec* by the Indians last night, wherein, I obferve Dec. 18th
that I have not anfwered yrs : of Nov. the 18^ so fully it seems as I choan, N. C.
ought to have done — First as for the DuiFells, I gave your honor aco^
of the great want of it, and intended to have fent for it as foon as i ^^^' t^°oJ^. *
understood from yr : honor wher I was to have it. But neceffity Fore- Spottwood on
'"gi begged in my laft the favour of having it, and fome other nccefla- Indian affain
ryes brought to S"* Key, the charges of w*"** may be ukcn out of the ^'fe^'^jS/J^tije
iiooo. And the 1000 lb : left to yr : honors' dispofall I thought was a ^ople of N.
good referve for the laft caft. And that it was not policy to venture all Carolina
at on hazard. For Knowing the inftability of the S^ Carolina indians
by their leaving Coll : Barnwell last year, can have no certan dependancc ^5*'* ®*"*^.*'^
of their finifhing the war at this time — But I concluded that when they ^ '
had done what they could againft the Tufcaroroes, Then what forces vr
honor can raise w^ that Fund might I thought, w^ our help bring tne
enemy to a reafonable peace, as I writt to you by Charleton — And as
for a declaration of war againft our enemyes I propofed it to the Coun-
sel! here, who after due confideration, thought it altogether unneceflary,
after baveing pafled here severall Acts of Aflembly declaring warr, and
after the continuance of the war againft them 15 months & several of
^tk fides Killed and taken & indeed it feems to me a litle prepofter-
r5. Whow foever, if the upper Towns of the Tufcororoes doe not
^rforme their Preliminary Articles i intend to lay the breatch before the
^ounfell, and have a Proclamation iflued out declaring warr, and fend in
one of them to yr : honor, w^*" i hope may Remove all fcruples — As for
sending for the indian Prifoners, i was very willing to fee firft if ther in-
dians would have kept their Preliminary Articles w^^us, firft, haveing no
Prisons to Keep them in here — Your honor needs not doubt but that the
«:
l$0 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1712 favour of the dufFells & money was accepted of here, w^ all the ac*
knowledgement and gratitud wee wer capable of Efpetially being to be
lodged in yr : hands who wee know will manadge it for our beft advan-
tadge, as you will fee by the addreiT of thanks from our AiTembly w*^^ i
hope y® have Rec*^ by Charleton, before now, being disappointed of it a
long time by the mifmaxudgement of some Persons whom the AiTembly
trufted, of w*'^ Cap' Jones can give the beft account —
I had sent in a Depty : or twoe before now, to concert what measures
your honors thinkes beft in laying out that money — Only thinking that
ther was no prefent necefEty of laying out any (fave only for the cariadge
South Key, or of the DufFells & the other things sent for the 8'^ Key) And lykewife
South Quay all our men capable to be sent as deputys being otherwise employed in
that troubleibme juncture, thought it might be delayed untill the army
was marched out — It is true provifions is lyke to be very short w*^ us.
But I will ftrive hard to provide the army (if poilible) And had rather
the Inhabitants should pinch a litle this fummer, then the money be im-
ployed for that ufe, w^^ I doubt not yr : honor, will find wayes to imploy
it more for advantadge — And intend as soon as the Army is out and
have a litle profpect whow (how?) our affaires are lyke to succeed, then
to fend in a depty or twoe to give yr ; honor a true ftate of our Condi-
tion, and to agree on fuch meafures as you fliall thinke moft advantageous
for the peace of this Government —
As for Hancock, it is time they had obliged themselves to deliver him
both to you and to us. And having brought him in here, and the offence
he had committed being againft this Govern', And as wee apprehended,
it was on account ye preffed his bringing in, so that it never entered our
thoughts that ther was any neceffity of fending him into you, or that
you dcfired it, otherwise wee would certainly have sent him in by
Blunt, who was very willing to goe — And I am confident non in this
Cover"* ever imagined ye would have fheltered him from his deserved
punifliment—
Hon*^ S^ I would have sent a boat or a cannoe to S*^ Key before now.
But I proteft it is as much as wee can to spare this cannoe now to send —
All the boats k cannoes wee can gett here, not being sufficient to cary
provifions for the indians who ly here destroying the place untill pro-
vifions is caryed round to Bath County w^^ I hope now will be in a fnort
time —
I am well fatisfyed that ther is a reccaver Gen" come in, by whom I
hope wee fliall have some Inftructions from the Lds : Proprietors, And
should be glade to have the honor to see him here.
Hon** S' If I have miffed in this or my former, threw inadvertency or
mifapprehenfione, I hope y^ will impute it to the great preffure of bufineff
I now ly under-*The army here to be provided for, Provifion and some
other ne ceffaryes to be sent round to Bath County, men, horses and
arms to be rayfed and twenty other things, too long here to Recite, The
Counsell not near mee, all w^^ I hope yr : honor will confider^i And
affure you ther shall not the least thing flipe me intentionally, that may
any wayes offend you, but shall approve myself on all occafions to be
Hon^ S'
Your most obedient Humble servant
THO: POLLOCK
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 161
To the Hon^^* Alexander Spotswood her Majesties Lieutenant Governor 171 2
of Virginia, & the Hon^^® the Council of State —
The buaible Petition of Richard Wharton, John HoUoway & John Petition of
Clayton— Ricliard Whar-
«, , ^ ton, JohnHol-
btl^wetll, loway and
That Your Pet" were Ordered by the Hon"'* the President i Coun- /^f ".^^^7^.
cil, in Apiill Court, being in the vcar 17 10, to Affift her Majes*** Attor- ftLi'onal^cr^^'
Jiey Generall in adviseing about the Prosecution of severall Negroes & vicei rendered
Indians, then under accusation of High Treason k in prosecuteing the ^^ Crown in
same at their Tryals before the General Court, That Your Pet' did ad- ofct^vci^^^
vise with M' Attorney concerning the sd : Prosecution* & did affist at Traitors
the Tryalls k two of the Traytors, *Scipio k Salvadore were found ^ ^ gj^^^
guilty k sentence of death paiTed on them — That Your Pe^ did apply to and an Indian
the Generall AfTembly for a Consideration, for their Services k had no •entcnced to
allowance for the same. ,^"^^ ^^' ^^«^
treason
Wherefore Your Pe*'* humbly pray Your Honours
Consideration of the Premifes & that you will be
pleased to Order them such fFees for the sd : Ser-
vices as Your Honours shall think reasonable—
And Your Pe^* shall ever pray &c —
Hon* S' Jan'^ 15^^ 17" 17 13
Since mine by Charleton I have rec*** four of yrs : on by the Indians Jan. X5th
that came w^^ Tom Blunts brother, another by the Guard of the indian r^^ ^^^^^
Priflbners — The 3'* by Charleton, and the laft came w"* goods in the Spotswood
cannoe : one teusday the 13th instant. And concerning our not sending
in to you the. Indians Coheree and Hancock, I beleive it never entered Reasons why
into Governo' Hyds thoughts, nor mine, nor any of the Counsels that J? V"*^"" .
ye would have defired ft. And their crimes likewise being cheifly againft Hancock were
this Government wee did not imagine it could give any offence to have not delivered to
them suffer here : And non here ever queflioned but if they had been ^**^' ^P°""
brought in to you, you would have fent them in here to have Rec* their
deferved punish™' — upon receat of y' honors' last letter, I sent away a
runner to Tome Blunt, to defire him to be in at M** Cottens on the 20'^
inflaiit \ And lykewife have appointed the bearer Major Christopher Gale,
our Agent, to concert what meaifures your honor thinks mofl advanta-
gious, for carying on the war w^ what y^ Affembly hatlv raifed for us.
Coll : Moore would lykewife willingly have come in, but the deftruc- Indians con-
tione his indians make here of our Catle k Corne is intoUerable, having *"™? t^ ^^^
already eat up a great deallof the corne that was rayfed by the AfTembly pg^Jl"*^"'
to maintain the ware, and alfso deflroyed all the Catle wherever they incensed
have come, so that fome of the people here hav6 been feemingly more against them
ready to ryfe upe againfl them, then march out againfl the enemy. So
that he is forced to march out w*^ them intending, to depart from hence
on fatarday next, and to attact the Fort, he was at in coming in.
I am doubtful! wee fhall be put to a flrait for provifione for the army ;
all the publick corne that is left, I fear will fcarcely be sufficient for the
Forces twoe months, And such a fcarcity in the Countrey that no more,
I believe can be raifed, feverall people not being able to pay this last tax.
*This negro slave was under trial in 1709, as will appear by the Calendar, page 129.
21
rv
lee
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Great scarcity
of food
Virginians
should march
against Tom
filonty while
Col. Moore
attacks their
forts
Necessity of
dealing the
Tuscaroras a
blow
So that I beleive itt will be neceffary, if you thinke to send y"^ forces
speedily to our affistance, that provifions be purchased for them out of the
1000^**. But if you doe not send them untill our Provifione is cary''
round, then wee shall be more capable to judge what wee may want —
As for the i8o^^ to be lai*^ out in duffels (For fear of the mifcariadge of
the supply that is expected from S^^ Carolina) I beleive it may be conve-
nient to reserve so much of it as may purchass three or four bariels pow-
der & ball answera^^^ — If your honor thinke fitting to send out y® forces
speedily, I leave it to your mature confideration, whether it may not be
best, whill Coll° Moore is attacking the further forts, that your forces
(hould march to Tome Blunts, and either Force him to joine his forces
w^ yours againft the others or attack him as ane enemy. Butt if you thinke
it more fitting when aome Coll^ Moore's indians (having got fome flaves
by taking a fort, or fome other blow) have left him, then to fend out yr^
Forces to joine him to profTecute the warr w*^ vigoure and reduce them
to a neceiSty of makeing Peace — For I am Really persuaded, that untill
the Tuscaroroes have had a fmart blow given them ther can be no Ex*
pectatione of a firme peace w*^ them. AH w*^^* I leave to y' honors more
ferious confideratione, not doubting of y*" utmoft indeavor for the good
and Peace of this poore diftrefTed Country — I was much troubled to un-
derfland that the AddrefT from our Afiembly was not caryed in and
delivered to you as I had writt, and as I certanly expected — But I hope
when y' honor hath perufed* the inclofed (w*^^ is a true account of the
proceedings in that affaire fo far as I know, you will imput it only to my
weakness and inadvertency in trufting too much to others : and can
afTure you to the best of my knowledge ther shall no falfhood to your
honor nor no other slipe from his pen who fincerely is
Your nonors'
most obedient humble Servan'
THO: POLLOCK—
Jan. 2ist
Sooth Key
Copy of reply
to Gov. Pollock
on Indian
aflairs
Reuons why
he cannot send
any farther
relief
Does not make
war as the
Indians do
To Coll : Pollock (From Gov : Spotswood)
t Sir,
Since an interview which I took so much pains to ob-
tain k to make easy to you, hath not been judged of such importance
as either to merit your presence, or the thoughts of your Government to
instruct your Agents in any one overture for promoting your Service
against the Enemy : And since I perceive, both, by your letters and their
discourse, that I am not to expect any provisions for the Forces desired
from hence, notwithstanding the expreff afTurance thereof in your late
address, I must now plainly tell you, that after having been twice thus
bafHed by your AfTembly, I am discouraged from undertaking any thing
further for your relief. And untill I understand that you have sufficient
Magazines of provisions at Meherrin, Morattuck, & Jenitaatar Rivers,
I shall not Resolve upon sending any forces : for I have not been used
to make war after the Indian manner without any measures concerted or
promises Regarded — I have made some Proposals to your Agents for
* A statement, by Mr. Snowden, Speaker of the N. Carolina House of Commons, &c. &c.,
giving the reasons, why through certain mistakes, and delays, the Address referred to had not
been signed in time for the messenger.
f Very spicy and pointed in tone.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 163
I
furnishing those provisions & Securing the Magazines, and for preserving 1713
a Communication over Morratuck River, which they will impart to you,
as what I judge necesfsary for profecuting the War with Effect ; and if
ou have any other proposals to offer, that may be feasible, I shal hearti-
y concur with you in the Execution® of them. But I would not have
you build your proposals entirely on the thousand pounds, for in my
opinion that sum will be scarcely sufficient for the pay, alone, of such a
number of men as in prudence may venture among the Tuscarura
Towns, much less to furnish provisions withall. I am sorry you did not
let me know sooner, your mind in relation to ve DufFells ! for you will
observe by the account sent with Major Qale, tnat I have delivered him
heie, such a quantity of Cloathing as exceeds the sum given by our Af-
sembly above £16, besides the Charges of their transportation hitherto,
occasioned by the necessity of imploying different persons to purchase
them at remote places, anci the hastening them hither for your Service
before the charge could be computed— You needed not have given your-
self so much trouble to Appologize for the delay of your Afsemblys' Ad-
dress : for it is the mismanagement of weighty af!airs, and not the mis-
carriage of such Trivial matters that can effect me —
Upon Petition of Thomas Etheridee, a warrant issued to Enquire into Feb. 3d
the supposed Escheat of certain lands, left by Mathew Nichollis of Nor-
folk County, deceased > in order that the said Etheridge may obtain
Grant for the same
To Coll- Pollock,
\ S*' March 8th
You do me too much honor, in laying so great Stress upon Copy of letter
my favour, especially since I perceive you do'nt intend I should show it e'°"* ®°^; ,
by any present undertaking in yr : behalf. 1 rejoice very much to hear qqv. Pollock
your af&irs are not in that extreme necessity and apprehended them to about Indian
be at ye time of yr : Assemblys' address & am glad you have now such *^**"
number of South Carolina Forces, as may be sufficient to do ye work
eflectually without ye assistance of Virginia. The Earnestness with
w'* I pressed the conference at South Key & ye concern I showed upon
ye disappointment I mett with there, was purely out of Consideration of
the distressed condition of your People, and my earnest desire to contri-
bute to their Releif — I sincerelv wish y' Judgement may prove just &
that ye S^ Carolina forces may nave no occasion to be joined with any
from hence, for I'm afraid the Thousand pounds supply will prove but a
poor Reserve, in case of any miscarriage. But whatever happen, I shal
heartily Jcine any endeavours to assist yr : province as far in me lyes, &
for that end shal be ready on my part, to preserve with you a friendly
correspondence, and on all occasions to testify that I am
&c &c
Just now I have rec^ advice that the Tuscaroroes have surprized k
rob'ed our Traders going to the Western Indians — I'm very little con-
cerned for their loss, because they engaged to go so strong & to march
so hx wide of the Tufks, as not to be in danger of any attack. But I'm
extremely troubled lest the enemy have by this means, got a greater
quty : of ammunition than I eould have wished — since I understand you
164 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
17 13 are in such want of powder. I shal endeavour to send to Jno : Cot-
tens by ye 1 8*^ instant four barrels of powder, w*^^ may be carryed down
widow of Gov. to you by ye Canoes, in w^^ M" Hyde informs me she designs to come
Hyde, coining up at that time, and hope you will have some carefull person there to re-
to Virginia ^eive this Supply —
March To Coll : Pollock-
s'^
Gov. Spots- Last night, I rec^ by Charleton yo" of the 2^^ instant Vi^^ gives occa-
woodacknowi- gj^j^ jq rejoice with you upon y® good news of y® succeffof yr Forces —
receipt of the I ^ery readily agree with you that the pursuing this blow is the surest
news of the way to put an end to the war, but the difficultys in the execution thereof,
defeat of the ^ch yQ^ j^^yg justly Stated are too great, to" be surmounted by the Reso-
" '*"^ lutions of two or three persons, how zealous soever they may be —
Where other means are uncertain, it is prudent to make ye best ufe of
such as are in ones' own power — You have already* experienced how
ruinous the continuance of this war hath proved to y' Country & there
is little hopes of bettering yr : Condition, by the prosecution of it under
the unhappy circumstances you now labour : Wherefore, I think if an
Su ests means ^0^0"^^^!^ peace Can be obtained while the terror of the late severe
to bring about Connection is fresh in y® minds of y' Enemys, it would prove ye best
a lasting peace Expedient to free you from yr : troubles, and in all probability to quiet
the Tuscoruroes for a long time, at least while the memory of the lofles
they have sustained remains among them. To this purpose it may be
.proper to talk high to Blunt, as if you expected not only a Reinfoi;ce™'
from S*^ Carolina, but that Virginia also was moving to yr : aflistance*
This will be the more duely credited by him, because upon advice that a
Body of the Northern Indians have lately crofled our Frontiers, and are
gone towards Morattuck, in all probability to ye assistance of ye Tusca-
roroes, I have ordered all our Rangers w*'* compose a Body of near 150
m en, to march that way, and tis very like, some of the Tuscororoes that
Proposes to have fled from y' Forces may fall into their hands — It may likewife be
make Blunt proper to let Blunt know that you are so well satisfied with his Conduct^
Tuscarora ^ ^ ^"^ especially in delivering up to you, the two persons who committed
tribes in North the late murder, that you are willing, to conclude a peace with him and
Carolina all Other Indians of the Tufcaroro tlHA Masammaskete nation, that will
put themselves under his Govern"^', and that you will make him King of
all those Indiaiis urider the protection of North Carolina. This propo-
sal will stir up his ambition ; and no doubt oblige him to be faithfull to
the English for the future ; and it seems reasonable to believe that the
Tuscaroroes will now very readily embrace such an opportunity of mak-
ing their peace. And by this means, you may also engage Blunt to de-
liver to you the greater part of the murderers that are yet alive. You
will in all appearance, be more secure by this means of any attempts of
those Indians, or at leaft if they should again begin their old practices^
you will be better able to provide ag*^ them in time of Peace, after the
Country hath had fome Respite from their present Calamitys. As I
have no other intention than to contribute to the Relief of yr : province,
I shall very readily concur with you in thefse or any other measures that
may be judged proper. And you may afTure Blunt, that upon his con-
cluding such a peace, he shall be owned by this Gov^ as the Cheif of
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 165
*
the Tuscarora Nations. This I offer only as my prefent thoughts, but
next week I shal have a meeting of the Council and then if any thing ^7^3
further can be thought of for yr : assistance I shal communicate it to
you by Express.
/ T
To Coll° Pollock, March X9th
S' Virginia
Capt : Jones informeing me of his intended Journey your
way, I take this opportunity to let you know, that after divers applica-
tions from some of the Tufca"* Indians, who say they left yr : Govern- Tuscarora la-
ment on the first breaking out of the war & have since remained dis- to*virg?^"'
persed on our Frontiers, I judged it necessary to bring under some Regu- Received and
lation such a number of disorderly people ; who declared themselves, subjected to
resolved not to return or submitt to yr : Govern""^ and ag*' whose ^o^""™«'>^
attempts the people of this Country could no otherwife be secure — The
disposition I have made of removing them so far from you & placing our
Tributarys between them and yr : Frontiers, with a constant Guard of
white men at their Towns, both of the one & the other, I doubt not
will satisfy all indifferent persons of the care taken to render yr Gov-
ern"** secure ag**^ all their Designs for the future, & the stipulation of
delivering up such as were notoriously guilty of the Mafsacre, — will con-
vince you how much I desire to do juftice on thofe Rogues. As I have
never held any correspondence with yr : Indians or other Inhabitants
without' communicating the same to Coll : Hyde and since his death to
y : Self, so I have now given Capt : Jones a Copy of the Treaty with
I^efe Indians, whereby you may be informed of every particular of this
''^nsaction.
List of All Ships and other Vefsells, that have Entered and Cleared Match 25th
in -*r-».ccomack District, from y^ 25^^ March 1712, to y® 25*** of March p^^ ^
^ ^ * Accomack
WM WATERS
nav^ ofP^
March 27th
^ ^"^ 20^ of this inftant I attact No-ho-ro-co fort, on C * * * • Capture of Fort
D *"^<^lc & ye 23^ In ye morning took itt, with y® Loss of 22 Whit men No-ho-ro-co
f ^^ more wond'd— 35 Indians Kill'd & 58 wond'd— Moft of ye Dam- coI^mo'ow ^^
in ^ "x^ee Rece** after wee had Gott ye fort to ye Ground, which we Did
QP y^'^ firft 3 hours — I have Little elfe to advife ye Hon'* but that ye Qu*
QP >^^ Ememies Deftroyed is af follows — Priffoners 392, Scolps 192, out
Y-|>^^ sd : fort — & att Leaft 200 KilFd & Burnt In ye fort — & 166
Q *^1 ^ <l & taken out of ye fort on ye Scout, which Is all ; but My Servis to
^ : Jones, from yr : Hon" ob** Serv'
JA: MOORE—
^ ^^ does not appear to whom this letter is addressed ; but must have been to Gov. Spots-
^^» else it should not be found among Virginian records.
166 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 71 3 Hon*^^^ S^
April loth Our Justices having thought fitt to nominate my Son, one
of the persons w*'^ they recommend to yo^^ Honour to be our Sh' I am
Suflbrd County - - '^ - - - •' >• ' • - •
bold to make this my address in his favour, and shall be highly oblidg'd
if yo' Honour would be pleas'd to think him worthy yo' good Esteem,
rie not trouble you any more, but afsure you I am S^
Geo. Mason
aikttheGoTer-
Dor to appoint
hit ion sheriflT Yo' Hon'" most Obed^
Humble Servant
G. MASON.
April isth To the Hon^^® Alexander Spotswood her Maj^^^* Lieut. Governor of
King Wm Virginia-
County the Petition of George Dabney
Humbly Sheweth,
George Dabney That whereas your Petitioner being one of the Jus-
ailcs tobemade jj^^^g ^f King W"* County, and hath served the sd : County as a Justice
" Ever since it was a County : Exeept some small time your Petitioner
was Left out of the Commition : and never yett hath obtained the favour
of the Government, of the Sheriffs Place : Wherefore your Petitioner
Humbly Requests your honour, that you would be pleased to favour
your Petitioner with the Sheriffs Commission : whish favour shall al-
ways be acknowledged by him who heartily Prays for your Honours good
Health and Long administration over us.
May To Coll° Pollock,
Gov. Spots- I have rec^ yo" of the 25th and 3041^ of laft moneth, where-
wood to Gov. by I perceive you are fallen into the same measures, I proposed for
Pollock as to establishing a peace with y® Indians, only with this variation, that you
to*be'observed insist upon higher Terms, than I can think prudent at the Juncture : for
in order to a as to the delivering up to you 20 of the Cheif contrivers of the siezure
permanem ^f ^j^^ Baron & Mr, Lawson, and of carrying on the Massacre, and
indUns thofe to be named by you, it will be fitt to consider how shocking this
will be to all the consid^^^ men of that nation, who will without doubt,
beleive that they themselves will be the persons pointed at, and rather
choose to hazard their lives, by the chance of war, than submitt to a cer-
tain death, by yielding themselves your prisoners : the insisting likewise
on the delivery of such of Blunts Indians, as have had any hand in the Mas-
sacre, will make them averfe to this Treaty, and render Blunt, incapable
of Executing what engagements he shall make to you — In my opinion,
after so many have been made Captives and distroy'd, and that with such
exquisite tortures (as I have been told), an Act of indemnity might very
Recommends well be pressed for the rest — Not tliat I am pleading for any favour as
an act of am- J^e (q those Indians. On the contrary, I think all that had any hand in
^^^d^9ad for- Y* Massacre deserve death : But in the present Circumstances of yr :
bearance as the Country (of which the Indians are not altogether ignorant) it seems very
best policy improbable they should submit to worse conditions upon a peace, than
you are able to force them to, by carrying on the war : and notwith-
standing Blunt may be induced to sign such a Treaty as you propose,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 167
yet you will be as far as ever from establishing a peace by that means — ^7^3
for the experience I have had of thoie very Indians, hath shown me that
they are easily persuaded to promise any thing, but that there is no de-
pendence upon their performance, except where they can find in it either
their interest or their Safety. So that if a peace can be obtained with
the delivery of two or three of the Ringleaders in y® Massacre, and
thoie named by you before the Treaty, the reft will then imagine
y^selves out of danger, will neither interrupt ye Treaty, nor be like to
break y^ peace after its conclusion —
As to the practices of the Northern Indians, I have formerly, and now
again by the man of war, that carrys M" Hyde given Coll® Hunter a
particular acc®^ thereof, and desired him to use his endeavours for pre-
vention thereof for the future — The inclosed pr. ml : will informe you
of the latest & most material piece of news we have here —
Middle*' > t- .u u bie - /^ n J""«
^ ^ > To the Honour*"® ye Cjov°
^0""fy > ^ MiddletexCo
Your poor petitioner David Morgan, Humbly Sheweth, (^^^^ petition
That one Thos. Burk late of ye County aforesaid: Layd ill with a for the estate of
Troublesome Deftemper at ye Houfe of vo' peticoner, for y® Space of on«<iy»n«*^»'^-
Three Weeks & Departted this Life on ye' 2"* Day of this Inftant June, ^"|,^J^*"
k y**' peticoner did Bury ye aforefd : Burk in a CofEn & w^^ other
Deacent & Chriftian Burial — Now so it is & may it pleafe Yo*^ Hon' the
Said Tho : Burk leiveing an Eftate of ye Value of fiveteen or twenty
pd» CuHi money, or there abouts : Due in Debts — And haveing neither
Wife nor Child nor other Relation, You poor peticoner Humbly prayeth
that your Hono' will bee pleafed to Beftow ye S^ Eftate on him after
Juft Debts payd : and further prayeth y' Since ye Dec* p'son was lUiti-
rate & haveing neither Bills or Acc^ for ye aforefd Debts, That if it (hall
bee Yoy Hono" good pleafure to give ye Eftate aforefd ; That your
Hon' may be pleafed to Order y^ Your peticoner may Recover ye Same :
Eyther at the Comon Law or Equity. And your poor peticoner as in
duty bound Shall ever pray —
By Her Majestys Lieutenant Governor & Commander in Cheif of this June 15th
Dominion —
Whereas, there are sundry Dutys arising by Acts of Assembly, as well Christ. Robin-
on Ships 4; Vessells trading in Your District, as on y® goods and Mer- "" »ppojjtfed
chandizes imported therein, whereof Christopher Robinson is appointed thtTdur^on ^
Receiver; and whereas in pursuance of the liberty granted by ye Com" Tobacco
of ye Customs to the Gov" of* the College, I have also constituted & ««ported from
appointed the sd^. Christopher Robinson to be Comptroller over you, for \y^^ punrttioni
the duty of a penny pr : pound on tobacco, exported from yr : District
to the Plantations. For the better enabling the sd : Christopher Robin-
son to execute & performe y® sev^^ Trusts required of him, I do hereby
Charge and Require you, that you grant no Permitt to any Ship or Ves-
sell whatsoever to break bulk and Trade, or Clear any Ship or Vessell
that hath been trading within yr : District, untill first the M' of such
Ship or Vessell shal produce to you, sufficient Testimonials, under ye
hand of ve sd : Christ' Robinson, or the naval officer. Receiver of the
168
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 713 Virginia dutys, and Comptroller of the sd: Diftrict for ye time being,
that the sd : Ship or Yessell hath duly complyed with what is required
by the Acts of Trade & Navigation & Laws ot this Colony — And herein
you are not fail — Given under my hand this 5^^ day of June 1713-
To Ric* Chichester Esq'
Collector of her Matys
Customs in Rappahannock
* River
August 3d
Letter to Gov : Pollock from Gov : Spotswood on Indian affairs : and
referring incidentally, to Coll® Cary (the rebel of N. Carolina), Yind cer-
tain instructions given to Gov : Pollock, in regard to him by the Lords —
Proprietors of N. Carolina, about which Gov : Spotswood declines to
Express any opinion he '' being never fond of meddling with other mens'
afiairs " &c &c —
Nov.
Wmiburgh
Mcstage of
X^OT. Spoti-
wood to the
H. of Burgesses
at the opening
of their session
Petce
Tobacco trade
Securing the
frontiers
against Indians
Gentlemen of the Council November 17 13.
& Houfe of Burgefses —
Peace ever comes attended with innumerable benefits ; so that I hope
We shall in this Meeting be able happily to lay hold of some of them —
and as we are in duty bound to make our thankfuU acknowledgements
both to God, for mercifully bestowing this Blefsing upon us, and to our
Sovereign for graciously labouring to procure it. So I think we cannot
express our grateful Sense thereof, better than by pursuing the ends for
which it was given us, that is, by heartily uniting ourselves and sincerely
endeavouring to promote Religion, and cultivate the arts of peace —
You Gentlemen of Virginia might feel as early as any of her Majes-
tys Subjects the advantages of this Peace, if an Afsembly wouldf as
readily concurr to prevent pernicious practices, as a Parliamejit has in-
clined to redrefs Grievances in your tobacco Trade : and without you do
your parts in this Colony, I fear all means used elsewhere will scarce
make it flourish : for here is certainly an Evil at the very root of this
Trade, which may demonstrably appear to be the present method the
Country is in of discharging debts and Levys, by tobacco payments : for
from hence must evidently proceeds the exportation of all that Trash
which ruines your marketts abroad, and daily lefsens the reputation of
your Commodity in Europe : This gives an unhappy occasion to the
breeding up of too many persons in a fraudulent way of dealing : Be-
sides, the Publick Credit, is so sunk by these payments, that as now, no
service is readily performed for them. So I am confident no money
could in any Exigency be borrowed upon the faith of them. In short
there is so much folly & iniquity in the practice, that it can by no means
square either with Policy or justice : and therefore I hope you will judge
it worthy of your consideration, how to apply some Remedy to this
Evil—
The next matter, I shall recommend to you, is the providing more effec-
tually for the Security of your Frontiers against foreign Indians, who
notwithstanding the many party s of Rangers, have since these have been
on foot, Killed & carryed off at least twenty of our outward Inhabitants
and Tributary Indians : I have attempted by several ways to oppose
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Il69
these incursions, but after some trouble & expense have only experienced 17 13
that our people are not disposed for warlike Undertakings — Whereupon
I have begun to try what may be done for their Safety by way of Treaty,
but do resolve to conclude it upon no other terms than such as I shall
find entirely agreeable to you —
The generality of our Tributarys have of late approved themselves to Tributary In.
be very ready and faithful Allies, and I am persuaded that the settling ^^*°*
themselves along our Frontiers, without all our Inhabitants (if it could
be done under such a regulation as would make them willing to remove)
would be a better & cheaper safeguard to ye Country than the old method
of Rangers —
* The Cloathing you intended for the releif of North Carolina has all The cioathiag
been bought & delivered, but the greatest part of the thousand pounds ^ ^fT ^^^^
still remain unexpended : which has been occasioned by that Govern-
ments' declining to join in such measures as I might reasonably think
this sum was appropriated for — You shall have laid before you a particu-
lar account of what has been expended, whereby may be observed that
part has been for stores of war sent to North Carolina, and the rest for
expeditions undertaken against the same Indians, who were fighting
against that Government.
At the same time that I put you in mind of some timely repairs for Recommenda-
the Capitol, and of the Trustees for the City of Williamsburgh, being tiom in behalf
accountable to none but the General Afsembly. I think it proper to in- wmsburgh^^
form you that their has been a necessity of resurveying and marking out
anew, the bounds & streets of this place : and I wish you joined in
opinion with me, that to give some Afsistance to this Infant town, to-
wards building a Market House, bettering the Landings and securing a
few publick Springs, would not only redound to the Credit of the Coun-
ty, when Strangers resort hither, but would likewife be for the beneiite of
all thofe whose businefs calls them to the Afsemblys k Generall Courts —
Gentlemen,
I shall at present offer nothing further to take up your
time, seeing the advancement of your Staple Commodity, and the de*
fence of your Country, which I have now recommended to your con-
sideration, are two considerable points, as may justly claim a large part
in the deliberations of a Sefsion —
So I conclude with my earnest prayers to God, to direct you in your
Consultations.
To the Honourable Alexander Spotswood, her Maj'^* Lieut : Governor
of Virginia —
The Humble Addrefs of the House of Burgefses.
May it please your Honour,
We her Majestys most DutifuU and Loyall Subjects the Burgefses Addrets of the
now Afsembled, Return to your Honour our most humble and unfeigned ."• of Burgewet
thanks for the favour of your Speech this Session, And we pray Your oorirnorV *
Honour to believe that nothing lefs than our Earnest desire to AddrefT speech
her Majesty upon the Peace, with the utmost expedition could have kept
us so long from making these Acknowledgements — The Subject, matter
of your Speech doth plainly Discover our hearty desire in your Honour,
22
170 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
17 13 for the happinefs of this Country, and that the Advancement of its
Trade and preservation of its Peace have a great share of your Thoughts —
This Consideration does not only Prompt, but encourage us, also to
proceed to an Enquiry by what ways and means the value of our Staple
Commodity now Sunk to an Intollerable Lowness may be best Raised
and Advanced — We fear many Difficultys will occur in the prosecution
of the work, but the sense ox our own Interest will cause us to exert
our utmost to over-come them. And we hope they are not Insuperable —
We shall proceed in the Consideration of the Severall Matters Re-
commended to us by your Honour, and of all our other Affaires with
convenient Dispatch, And hope this Session will end in an happy Con-
currence—
December 7th M*" Speaker & Gen^* of ye
House of Burgefses — ,
Meuage of I herewith send you a particular Ace* of what
?*the H^of**^** has been expended out of the sum, you appropriated last Session for ye
Borgettei in Releif of N° Carolina, &'as ye proper vouchers that accompanv it may
regard to the sufficiently testify yt there has been no Fraud, so I'm persuaded eacn
relief tfforded Article will show that there has been neither Extravagance nor Negli-
n! Carolina gcnce in ye Disbursements & I can further assure you, y* every material
expence has been always first resolved on in Council — I have not only
supplyed that distracted Province w^^ more cloathing than their Presd*
asked, & furnished whatever Amunition & Stores of war he wrote for, but
have also prefsed that Govern"** by repeated letters to give me a meeting
at such time & place as their Pres^* should think convenient, in order to
concert the most effectual measures for our assisting them : & even at
last, to urge them to it, I undertook in ye depth of winter a journey to
South Key. but it was thou|ht fitting to send to meet me then only two
Persons, who had no other rowers, than to receive ye cloathing, and to
hear what I had to propose, & those Deputys plainly declared, that if I
marcht any men to their assistance, I was not to expect from their
Country, any Provisions for them, & that tho their Afsembly by their
address (w^^ moved you Gent* of ye House of Burgefses, to grant the
supply last Session) had solemnly promised to provide the same, yet
would not their Government agree to give the least security for reimburs-
ing me, if I did find out means to furnish the Provisions — Thus have I
been necessitated to confine my undertakings against ye Tuscoroura In-
dians, to this side of Roanoke River, where I might have it in my power
to subsist the men, that were commanded out — : & as I have, in this
service, chiefly made use of the Rangers, who are paid by another fund,
& of our Tributary Indians, who are always willing to march out for
small Rewards, I have not expended half the sum I was entrusted with —
But seeing that after all my zealous Endeavours & the Trouble & Ex-
pence, I have myself for these 3 years last past been at in behalf of our
neighbours in N** Carolina, they have continually frustrated my Designs
& put the worst construction upon them, how honestly or affectionately
soever I laid them for that Countrys* Service, I must now desire to sur-
render my Trust, not doubting but the seven hundred & odd pounds w*^**
remain, can be readily applyed for the Security & benefit of such of her
Mat^* Sub^* as will not prove ungratefull —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J/i
M' Speaker and Gentlemen of the 17 13
House of Burgefses,
I have now ordered the overseer of the Gov- ^e«« ^^
ernors' house to attend you with his Accompts, that you may thereby Metstge of the
observe the Building has been carryed on, notwithstanding, no part of GoTcrnor in
the nine hundred pounds you last appropriated is yet raised, for the allow- f***'^ to carry-
ing no interest for that sum might pass for frugal management — Yet I buuaing of the
judge it would still be ill Husbandry to suffer unfinished Works to stand Governor's
long exposed, and an overseers' oallary to run on, while nothing was House
doing, or at best to hire Workmen upon Credit : And therefore where-
ever any money has been wanting I have supplyed it —
What now remains to be finished may, in my opinion, be either let
out, or performed by so few workmen, as the Country needs no longer
be at the Expence of an Overseer : for I will take care of the work, if
these Gentlemen who are entrusted with the Repairs of the Capitol, or
some others, have the charge of the Accompts—*
December the 8^*^ 17 13 A. SPOTS WOOD,
To the Hon^^* Alexander Spotswood, Her Majesties' Lieutenant Cover- Dec 9th
nor of Virginia —
The Humble Addrefs of the House of Burgefses — May it please your
Honour,
When wee considered Your Mefsage sent to us the seventh of this Address of the
instant December, Wee thought ourselves highly obliged to returne Tour H.of Burgcsset
Honour the thanks of this House for the just care you have been pleased J^^^
to uke in menageing the Supplys given for the Service of North Caro- approving his
Una, so agreeabl} to the intent for which they were designed — rh"if"f *"
Wee are Sen cible of the Zeal Your Honour has shewed to releive i^q,*1j Carolina
a People represented to be in the most deplorable State. And if after
the earnest endeavours used by You to persuade them into Measures for
their own preservation, they have been so far wanting to themselves as
unreasonably to Slight k neglect all opportunitys offered for their Secu-
rity, Wee humbly hope Her Majestic will be so Gratious to believe Her
Subjects of Virginia have done their Duty in Cheerfully offering their
Afsistance to their fFellow Subjects in Difstrefs —
Wee are entirely well satisfied with Your Honours Conduct in the
Dispositions you have made, & the methods Wee apprehend You have
in view, for the Security of our fFrontiers — And if you shall Judge the
necessarys required for Guarding the same may be better provided by
money than the allowance made by Law to Rangers for that Service,
Wee shall be willing Your Honour should apply so much of the money
given for the afsistance of North Carolina not yet disposed off, as you
shall think necefsary for that use — (no signature)
Gent** of the Council k Dec. 13th
H. of Burgefses, Address of th«
Such has been y® concurrence k good Agreem' between us during of Burgesses,
this Session, such has been your zeal to prevent Frauds k better y® Pub- proroguing
lick Credit in time to come, Such apparently just measures have you fallen ^^t^^^Ma^***
into, to Revive your decayed Trade k such Testimonys have you given next
172 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 713 me of y^ Confidence you place in my Honesty & Conduct, that I am
now come with great Satisfaction & ThankfuIInefs to conclude this Ses-
sion, & earnestly to recommend to you all to put an helping hand to ye
new method the Country is now entering upon — Tis ye universal Clam-
The Tobtcco our of both ye Planters & Merch^ y* your Tobacco Trade upon ye pre-
incereat ^^^^ f^Qj^ ^an no longer be born h you Gent° have unanimously (I think)
declared y^ it is high time to apply some Remedy, & have most generally'
Agreed to thefe Ways and Means, w* we have now Enacted. I there-
fore promise myself, y^ you will all endeavour to make people in your
respective Countys truly sensible what they gain by this new & extraor-
dinary Law —
Your love to your Country cannot be more conspicuously shown than
by laying hold of occasions to relieve it in its distrefs, & those I must
judge to have the best Title to ye Favours, I am empowered to dispencCy
who can discern ye true Interest of their Country & will boldly k hon-
estly labour to promote it — As for my part, I can discover nothing but
Benefit accruing to this Country, by ye new course you are going to take
with your Tobacco, & if it is likely y' you will reap the Advantage, I
hope no one will Envy me the Honour of ye Project — I know the feason
of ye Year makes you all desirous of returning home, & therefore I now
Prorogue this Afsembly, & it stands Prorogued to the 10^^ day of May-
next.
Dec. i6ih on the 27*** of last moneth I rec** yours of the 16'^ and have detained
ArepiyofGov. 7^- Messenger and Interpreters till now, in expectation of the arrival of
Spocswood to the Indians, that he might be a Witnefs whether the measures I was to
propofe were lyable to the heivy charge you make against me in yr :
Letter : But being at present disappointed by thofe Indians, I will no
longer delay anfwering yr : Letter, tho' at the ye same time, I dont think
it worth while to justity to you by words the honesty of my intentions^
Defends hit when I have already by actions, given frequent Testimony s of my true
conduct againit friendship for your rrovince — I have had the hon' to have my conduct
atpmk)ns ^^^^ relation to you, approved by the Lords Comm" of Trade : x our Mas-
ters the Lords Proprietors have alfso returned me very obliging thanks on
the same occasion, and even yr : self with yr : Council & Afsembly have
not forborne to own the obligation : Yet now, upon a bare Report (as
you acknowledge) without examining into the truth of the Cafe : I am
taxed as acting unjustly, and in a manner destructive to her Maj^^ Sub-
jects : and being byased by persons who mind their own interest more
than the safety & prosperity of her Maj'^rt Subiecis : As I know no such
j persons nor designs. So I must tell vou, that if hereafter I shall receive
any such Letters from you I shall think my honour so far engaged, as
not to return an answer to any Letter w^^ conts^in such Calumnys.
Prefers not to Neither shall I for the future be desirous of a Correspondence^ where
*^hen^hii^* my meaning is sure to be perverted : for my last Letter concerning the
I meaning ii Meherine Indians, I find is now construed as if I had absolutely denyed
groiily pep> you any future afEstance from them. Whereas my words are plain, that
Terted ^5 ^jj^y j^-g under the protection of this Government they shall obey no
orders which have not first my licenfe and approbation. And I had good
reason for that resolution ; seeing when I had formed an Expedition in
person, and depended upon the afEstance of our Tributary Indians, I
found the greatest part of the Meherines, called away into your Govern-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 17$
ment, without my knowledge, a power never aflfumed by your Govern"^* 17 13
before, and which cannot be suffered without a Derogation to that Solemn co 1 • r
Treaty (which has the Royal sanction) whereby they are taken under the interference
her Maj^y* protection, as a part of her Colony of Virginia, and are not ©( N. CvoUat
subject to divided Authoritys. It is the maintaining of this Right of her J"^ tl»c la-
Maj^ alone, that induced me to give such orders to that nation, and not to*virglnit
any regard to the profits of their Tribute nor the advantage of their
Trade : for as it is well known that I have long since, remitted the former,
in order to encourage them to send their children to the College to be The indiani
educated in the Chriftian faith — So you may, by perusing the inclosed ^*^ **"° *""
order of the Queen in Council, be satisfied that if you had the whole become edu-
body of the Tuflcs : and the Meherines too, within your Goverm* the ctied
Inhabi^ of Virginia would have as much Liberty to trade with them there
as any of yr : people, notwithstanding any Laws you can make to the Con-
trary : but for my own part, as I never had any education in y® way of
merchandize, I think it below the dignity of one of her Ma*^' Gover- Scorni descend-
nors, to be a Trader. And therefore do neither propose any profi' to ^^f^ ^* *""
myself by this trade, nor need I be contriving any advantage for the trader
Traders of Virginia, — whose Interests will be the same, to whichsoever
of the Governments the Indians are tributary. Being desirous to deal
openly with every one, I have sent you this copy of the Representation
made to her Ma'^, as well in relation to y® Indian trade, as the Bounda-
^s, w^ may give you some light into the opinion her Ma^^ hath, both of
yr: Laws & yr : behaviour. As the enclosed proceedings of our Aflfem-
Wy may serve to stop the mouths of thofe in yr : Govern™', who unjustly
^perfe me, as if I had misapplyed the money given for your aflistance,
and if thofe may 4>e of ufe to remove that misapprehension you have of
my conduct, and to restore that good correfpondence, w^^ may be for her
Ma*^" Service and the prosperity of both Governm*", it will be very
acceptable to (no signature)
Memorandum, December the 19*^ I7I3> being Saturday — Dec. 19th
The following Deputy s arrived at W"»burgh from the Tuscorura Wmsburgh
Viz' from Rasoocaith-thee
Nac-co-wee-an-igh — wha, Angl : Jno : Bird, Deputatiom
Nar-roui-ack-has— or " George " ^^ ^'^^
T^^T i_ 1 ® Tuictrorat
Ny-ou-saugh-kee .
Raii-att-att
*^^otri Junonitz Na-kee-waugh-caun.
f
peace
6«ting uien belonging to y* Scv" Towns incorporated & that desire
Ra-roo-caith-thee 1 00
Junonitz 40
Kint-haigh 100
Taw-hagh-kee 35
Narhunta - - - - -
I'iJ^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 7 13 An Accompt of Woollens bought by the Governor of Virginia for
^ the use of the Province of North Carolina — Viz*
Dec,
Account, for Bought of Meff" Peter & Robert Poythres.
good! for N. I Remnant of red* Duffells v* 35 J yds : \
CaroUnt 2 ps : blue ditto 49 " \^^l\ at 3'9, ^£23, 18, \\
2 ps : blue ditto
49
i(
43
C(
14 ps : of plain, viz —
iH
36
33J
38
32i
37
38*
38
35J
36
36
35;
351
37i
> 508 yds : at 2j, JC67, 14, 8,
250 258
I p* Striped white Duffells q* 16 blankets at lo* each 8 — — —
<£ 99, 12, 9 J
Bought of Coll*' Benj* Harrison
6 p* prest plaines q' 22 25/| 145 yds : at ^\ — £16, 18,4,
24 24 y
25 24 j
2 p' red half thick, q^ 62 yds : at ^\ 6, 19, 6
2 ps : Strip'd Duffells q* 30 blanketts at 9 1-6 14, 5, -
38, 3, 10,
Sundry goods bought by Capt Jones as pr : ace' 58, 5, 10,
£. 196, 2, si
The Dimensions of y® two Wings of Bruton Parish Church, to-
gether with ye Rates of y* Materials & Workmanship therein required —
Dimensions
Dimentioni &c The insidic Breadth of each Wing, or the Distance from y^ East wall
oftheaddidoni toy® West wall, must be 22 Foot
PwuV Chl^dT. The inside Length of each Win^, or ye dist^ from ye north
wlmamsburgh or South Wall to ve Body of y« Chuch must be 19 F —
The Breadth of y« East & West Windows 6 F—
The Breadth of y® North & South Windows 7 F —
The Breadth of ye North & South Doors 5 F —
The Thickneff of ye Walls below ye Water Table 3 Bricks, & above
y^ same 2 Bricks length.
The Height of y® Walls & of ye Ceiling to be ye same with thofe of
ye Body of y^ Church.
The Rooff to rise in proportion to y® breadth that it spans.
* A variety of woolen cloth, out of which blankets were made, &c.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 176
Materials ^^7^3
The Bricks are to be rated at Seventeen Shill' pr : Thousand — pncei of
The Lime at Six pence pr : Bushel material
The Sand at Eighteen pence pr : Load —
The Scantlines at £4 10 p: Thousand
The Shingles at 1 2* 6** pr : Thous.
The whole Scaffolding Stuff, Chords & Plank at 3 Pounds.
Workmanship
The Laying of ye Bricks, including ye Labourers work, shall be rated Cott of labour
at 7' 6** pr : Thousand —
The framing, raising and covering ye Roof at 18*** 6^ p* Square —
The framing & raising ye Floor at 10*** pr' Squaie —
The Working & Setting ye Eves at 20*^ pr foot.
The Rubbing, Cutting, k Setting y* Window Arches at 5*^ pr:
Arch —
The Rubbing k Cutting y* Foot lefTes at one penny pr; foot —
The Rubbing y* Returns at 2*^ pr : hundred —
The framing & Setting y® Window & Door Cases at lo*** each — •
1714
Know all men by These presents That wee William Cole and John March 3d
StithGent: are holden and firmly bound unto The Hon^** Alexander q|,„. cjj- co
Spotswood Esq' her Majesties Lieut : Govern' and Comande in Cheife of
this Colony and Dominion of Virg^ &c, or his Succefsors in the Sume ^°^„j of wr-
one hundred pounds. Sterling muney of Great Brittain, unto which pay- sons undertak-
ment, well k truly to be made. Wee bind our Selves our heires Execu- ing to erect
tors and adminiftrators Joyntly and Severally fermlv by Thefe presents, f b7cc*oTiider°'
as WittnefTour hands and Seales this third day of March 1713 '14. the late act for
The Condition of this Obligation is Such that Whereas purfuant to prerenting
an Act of AfTembly made at her Majesties Royall Capitol the last Seffion .^"^» *^» *JJ*
of AfTembly Intituted an Act for preventing of Frauds in Tobacco pay- lup[e'hereof
ments and for the better Improving the Staple of Tobacco, The Severall
ComiiEon^' and Justices Comifionated by the Governor, and appointed '
by the Court for Letting and appoynting the Same, have appointed Two
Store houfes to be built at Jenkins — his Landing near Swinyards, togeth- swinyardi
er with a good wharfe at the Landing — One Store houfe to be Twenty
foot Wide and forty foot Long, the other to be Twenty foot wide k fifty Dimensions of
foot long, both well framed on Cills and double Covered with Clabords, the homes and
or well Shingled— the shingles all nailed on w*»» good nailes &c— And the ^*J""^ ^^ **'
first houfe mentioned to be fitted with good Conveniencys for prefEng
Tobacco, and Cafes or boxes made with plank Clofe AcrofTeach end of
the houfe to Secure all parcells of Tobacco brought to be viewed by the
Agent &c, and the other houfe to be lade with good Substantial Sleepers
to keep the Tobacco brought there, secure from ye Ground &c and to
have soe many good dores as shall be Thought necefTary by the Agent to
Receive in & Deliver out all Tobaccoes Required by any perfon or per-
sons from or by the Agent apoynted for that place : Now if the said
William Cole or John Stith doe before the Tenth day of november next,
fiuild and Erect Compleat and finish the aforesaid Storehoufes according
to the Directions and Dimentions above said and make the Same secure
every way for the well Keeping and Securing of all Tobacco, both in
176
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1714
hogds : and parcills, and doe the Same, well and workmanlike, with a
good wharfe at ye Same Landing, that boats may come to the Same, and
take in Tobacco at any Reafonable Tide, and in all things doe and com-
ply with the Same, According to ye True intent and meaning hereof,
then this obligacon to be void, otherwife to Stand and Remain in full
force and Virtue.
Signed, Sealed and delivered
In prefence of us
JOHN EPES
LEW: EPES
WM COLE
JNO: STITH
March asth Bond of Tho* Godwin J" & Edmund Godwin — whereby they enter
Ntniemond Co ^^^^ Contract to erect Store houfes for Tobacco at that place under the
late Act of Aflembly &c — also for Store houfes at ^^ Nanfemond
HwLrilndil"* '^^^^ " *"^ ^"^ ^' ^oTtis Landing on the Southern Branch-
Port of
Accomack
Lists of Ships and Veflels, (with their Cargoes) entered from Sept ;
29*^ 17 13 to March 25'^ 17 14 inclusive —
April 1st In Obedience to y^ Gov* Procla" Bearing Date y® i*' of Ap^ for En-
MubcrryliUnd forcing y® Act of Assembly Entitled Reig" to be kept by the Minister,
Pariih — or Reader, and for the more reg' Transmitting Acc*^ of all the Beirthes,
Cristenings And Burills, I doe hearby make return of all y® births and
Burialls y* heath Come in y® Reig"^ Book from y* firft of Ap^^ 17^3 to
y* i"of Ap" 1 7 14.
Warwick Co
Return of
Births, Deaths
&€, for one year
Cn8t*d Males
CristM Females
Negro Slaves
Males & Molatoes
Negro Slaves
(females & Molatoes
Birthes
17
Birthes
IS
Birthes
6
Birthes
s
Burrialls
2
Burialls
4
Burialls
I
Burialls
I
pr: me
GEO: BLANEY Clk—
April 17th
Norfolk Co
Petition of William Row, thrugh Saml : Selden, for Patent for certain
kinds, to which he claiins he is lawfully entitled &c.
April 20th Petition of George Major for Patent for Certain lands in said County^
King & Queen Said to have ** lapsed " from John Morgan &c &c —
County
Sept. 24th
Accomack
Petition of William Benfton Jn' for Warrant of Inquiry as to whether
the lands of Bartholomew Asgood, do Escheate to the Crown, or not ;
he having died without heir, and not having made disposition thereof ftc —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 177
Phil : Lightfoot petitions for Patent for certain lands &c &c 1714
Oct,
John Drewrey Jn' prays for a Caveat, against one W°* Row, of the Vork Co
Co : of York for including part of the petitioners' land by a recent sur- Parish of
vcy &c ^^"1"
Petition of Ric*^ Cocke Jn' for 2497 acres of land " in ye forks of Henrico Co
Beverdam Creek on y® North Side James River, in Henrico County
&c &c
To the Hon^^® Alexander Spots wood his Majesty s' Lieut Governor of Dec. 17th
Virginia —
The humble Address of the Council & Burgefses of the present Gen^^
Afsembly —
May it pleafe Your Hon'
Xhe Experience we have of your great Care Vigilance, prudence and Council and H.
good conduct in manageing your Trust in this Government, to the best 2!Hd"^*"***K
advantage for his Majestys' Service, and the Publick Good, encourages oovernoHn *
us with more than ordinary confidence to have Recourfe to you on all regird to the
OCCaflonS of difficulty. deficiency in
Of thefe there is one at present most sensibly felt, and if not timely * * '«^*»"«
provided for may expofe this Government to the utmoft danger & Con-
tempt. It is the deficiency of the Sole Fund allotted for the establifhed
Sallarys & all the other, both ordinary & extraordinary Charges of Go-
vernment— Sir, upon a dilligent search of Precedents here the like defi*
ciencys were formerly made good. We find it has always been out of the
Fund of the Quitt rents ; which ufed to be received in this Countrey,
ready upon all such occafions & proved exceeding Serviceable in cafes of
Sudden emergency, to the Crown and this Government, 'till about nine
year ago, they were called in to the Exchequer in England, where as
they are not so ready to answer any Sudden neceffity of this Govern-
ment, So there is no obtaining them but by repeated applications to the
Throne w^^ cannot be made without great Charge and Difficulty — The
Council and BurgefTes have thought it their duty and absolutely necefTary
to addrefs his Majesty on this occafion: and to make a true Representa-
tion of this af!air. This AddreiT, they humbly request Y' Hon' to
transmitt, and to favour with your own recommendation, which they
doubt not will have great Weight and will increafe the obligations of
Gratitude due from the Colony & the Council & BurgefTes — who are
S' Your most humble & obedient Servants —
In which is enclosed this petition to the King, viz —
We your Majtys most Loyal & dutiful Subjects the Council & Bur- Rev: of 1 shii-
gefies of Virginia, now mett in Genl: Afsembly humbly beg leave to |i"P P*' ^^^
represent to four Majesty- f/^tr/for
That your Majestys' Revenue of 2s. p: hhd on all Tobacco exported support of the
out of this Colony & Tunnage and head money, w^** is the only Revenue Govemmeat
appropriated for the support of this Government, by the great decay of
23
178
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1714
How deiicien
ciei were for-
the Tobacco Trade, occafioning a proportionable Decreafe of the Ex-
ports, is so Sunk that it is no longer able to defray the established Salla-
rys and other, both ordinary and Extraordinary Charges of the Govern-
ment: but is now very considerably in debt, and the officers Sallarys un-
paid. That upon a diligent search of Precedent, how the like deficien-
cys have been made good in former times. We find that by a Letter of
his Majesty K. Charles y® 2***^ dated in the year 1684 A; directed to the
Lord Effingham, then Governor of Virginia, his Ma*^ is graciously
mer y provi e pjg^fgj ^^ Royal intentions to apply all prontes and advantages accruing
by the Revenue of Quitt rents of this Colony for the better support of
the Government thereof, and that accordingly the deficiencys of the 2S.
pr: hhd: have been always supplyed by Your Maj^^' Predeceflbrs out of the
s* Fund of the Q' rents, w*^^ for that purpose was reserved in this Coun-
try ready for all Emergencys of this Government, 'till about nine year
ago, that the same was called into the Exchequer in England.
Beg that Quit We humbly pray your Majesty will therefore be graciously pleased to
rents be used ai direct the Q^ rents of this Country back into their old Channells, and
ormer y ^j^^^ ^^^ ^f them the present Deficiency of the Revenue may be made
good, with power also to your Majtys' Governor, with advice & consent
of the Council to apply the same for answering any sudden Emergencys,
where Your Majestys service might suffer for wairt of a more timely
supply, thair application at so great distance will admitt: subject never-
theleff to be duly accounted for as formerly to yr: Majesty.
And we shal ever pray —
King Wm
County
Petition of W™ Douglas for Patent for two hundred acres of land, of
which he and his father together had been in possession for fifty years,
which with other land had escheated to the Crown, " by reafon that noe
pattent can be found for the same " ftc &c —
Surry County Petition of John Allen for Right to Land, founded upon the Claims
of his father, who had in 1683, iipported into the Colony forty persons,
*' Several of whom are still alive and are ready to testify their being im-
ported as his Servants " &c
1715
March 2d
Letter on In-
dian aflain
To Coll: Hunter, (from Gov: Spotswood)
S' This Gent: M' Robert Carr, designing for your parts, I lay hold
of ye opportunity to renew to you, aflurances of my hearty Respects &
also to do justice to the Bearer, by telling you that I judge him to be a
Person deserving yr: favour & Counteneance — &c —
It appears by the testimony of two of our Traders, who were among
the Catawba Indians at ye breaking out of this war, that neither that
Nation nor ye others in their neighborhood had any intention to quarrell
with y° English ; but on ye contrary were preparing to affist ye people
of South Carolina againft the Yamasees, 'till they receiv'd advice (whe-
Rewoni why ther true or false is yet uncertain) that some of their people going to
the Catawba Charlestown with skins were cutt off by the English, and upon that re-
hottiie* ^*"* P^*^' ^^^y> according to their natural principles of revenge, murdered all
ye Carolina Traders in their towns: they saved these two Virginians, and
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 179
in July sent them in hither with ye King of the Saraws to beg a Peace 1715
of this Government, and to testify their willingness to renew a friendship
with Carolina. This I thought was by no means to be slighted, and
therefore gave them hopes of succeeding, provided they would imme-
diately cease all hostilitys against Carolina, and send in, some of the
Cheif men of each of their Towns to treat with me. In October
severall of the great men of that nation returned, but the account I re- General dUpo-
ceived about the same time, of your Indians designing to march against •*^®° ^® "*{^*
those very Indians, made me avoid, entring into any other terms with ^Vy ^ob«
them, than barely to keep them in hopes, left while we were treating ol>serred
here, the Senecas might give some blow to their own towns, which
would have given them but a bad impression of our publick faith, k in-
stead of making them our friends, would undoubtedly have occasioned
their becoming irreconcilable Enemys — About the middle of this month,
another Deputation from them arrived here, upon ye same Errand of
SoUiciting a Peace They promise in behalf of Fourteen Towns (being Propuutions to
all that ly between us and South Carolina) in a short time to bring in <*«lj^« children
Two Children of the Great men of each Town to remain here as hos- ** **^8««
tages for the performance of whatever Treaty shall be made with them.
And that these Children shall be instructed in y* Christian Religion at To be educated
ye School lately erected among our own Tributary s: After all thefe *"^^*^''"*^*'*
steps made on their part, and the assurances I have that they have acted '^ ^^^^
nothing agt: S^ Carolina since their first application hither, I cannot
doubt but that they are seriously inclined to Peace, — and that when thofe
Hostages are once delivered, there will be little reason to apprehend any
future Rupture. By this means also a foundation will be laid, of con-
verting those Indians: which is a matter of such consequence, that I am
persuaded you will rather incline to establish a peace on such Conditions, Importance of
than by encouraging yr: Indians to cutt them off : but neverthelelT, I n^aintaimng a
would not be understood so as that I depended entirely on Indian pro- ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^
mifes, & look'd upon this as a Work already done : All I defire is, that
seeing there is a prospect of making a Peace upon such good Terms,
any Expedition your Indians intend against these, may be suspended for
some time, 'till it can be known whether their profeiEons are sincere,
and I shall be sure to inform you, if I find they are no longer to be re-
lyed on. Tho I have no reason of late to complain of ye behaviour of
the Senecas, yet as they frequently paflT along our Frontiers, I cannot
but be apprehensive of their giving disturbance to our Indians; especially
to the Saponis, a nation of all our Tributarys, the best disposed to the The SaponU
English, and which I am the more concerned to protect, in regard of ^***/*"p°**^
their readinefs to let their Children be bred up Christians, and.'that in Ina ,^nd"fheir'
order thereto, there are now 100 of them at a school, I have lately set children to a
up at their Town: but as there has been for a long time an Enmity be- *chooi Utdy
tween them k ye Senecas, I should be glad if by your good offices they ^^^^^
might be now reconciled, for which purpose, I desire you would be
pleased to let the Senecas know, that if they will send some of their
Great men hither, they shall be kindly received. * * * •
We have now settled our Indian Trade in a Company, and upon such
an equitable footing, that we are in no apprehension of any disturbance
from our neighboring Indians, since ye only provocation of imposing
upon them in their commerce is removed. And it would be no small
satisfaction to the Company to prosecute their Trade, without being dis-
182 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 7 15 & that those persons had carried Twenty horses and Thirty Indians
Loaded with Skins to Virginia, which Skins wee have good reafon to be*
leive Belonged to one Titmarsh, an Indian Trader who was Amongst the
Cuttabaws, when this warr broke out & now Supposed to be Killed —
Your Excellencvs' Humble Serv^ —
ROfiT DANIELL
SAM EVELEIGH
NICHOLAS TROTT
CHA: HART—
The Southern Indian Nations, the Enves, Saras, and Catawbas having
July 19th signified their desire to treat for peace with S° Carolina, and with Vir-
Wmiburgh gi^^J^? ^^^ '^ send their Cheif men to confer with Gov: Spotswood, on
these subjects, the following Order, or Pafsport was isfued by the Gov-
ernor of Virginia — vizt
Paitport to the These are therefore to Signify and Declare to all the Towns of the
Soothern In- sd: nations of Cuttabaws, Cherokees and all other Indians as well thofe
to*VirRiiiia°to ^^ ^ctual war with South Carolina (excepting the Temafsas k Corvetons)
treat for peace as the Saraws who have hitherto preserved an exact neutrality, that I do
and commerce hereby give free liberty to their Cheif men, not exceeding the number of
40 in all, to come into this Government to treat of a peace with this
Government, and also of reasonable terms for accommodating the differ-
ences between them and the Government of S® Carolina — Provided
always that such Indians do immediately upon receipt hereof ceafe all
hostility s ag*^ the people of S^ Carolina and all other subjects of his
Maty: of Great Brittain, and that as an earnest of their intentions to
Continue in friendship with the English, they bring with them & deliver
to me, all Captives taken in this war, from the Govern™^ of S^ Carolina,
which they shal have amongst them ; and more particularly that they
deliver up to me Pompey an Appalatchee Indian Slave, and Pope a negro
slave, belonging to S^ Carolina, who I understand have been very active
in doing mischief, to the English — I do exprefsly forbid the Indians who
come to treat of this Peace, to bring with them for trade or otherwise,
above six skins each man, w^^ they may difpose of for supplying them-
selves with necefsary provifions for their Journey j and that they come
directly to Christanna, and there leave their arms, and from thence pro-
ceed to W"**burg, with the Convoy which I shall appoint for them — And
I do hereby engage the faith of this Government that all said Indians
sent to treat of this Peace shal be safe in their persons, during their abode
in this Government, and shall have free Liberty to depart k return home,
whether the Terms of Peace & Commerce be agreed upon or not — Given
under my hand & the Seal of the Colony at Williamsburgh this 19^ day
of July 1715.
(No Signature &; no Seal.)
July lilt * Charter Party made between Gov: Spotswood for the Gov; of S.
Curiouf Carolina and Wm. Dandridge, for his vefsel to transport twenty men.
Charter Party exclusive of the " mariners " to " Charlestown S* Carolina," and to be
for Tetiel to p^dA twenty shilling pr: head for the said men as soon a? landed at said
carry men to \_ z. _____^__-_^_^_^__«
S. Carolina « 3^^ ^^^ impreiiion of pfivate Seal in wax.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 18S
place — And to bring back as manv slaves as she can reasonably carry, 1715
should the Governor and Council of S^ Carolina, as by Treaty agreed,
desire to send any such to Virginia — The vessel to be releived from all
Dutys & fees for Entering & clearing in S^ Carolina for this special
voyigc— WM DANDRIDGE—
To the Hon**'® Alexander Spotswood his Ma**** Lieut: Governor and
Commander in Cheif of Virginia in Council —
The humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Port and Town of Hampton
Hampton,
Sheweth,
That above two years since, one George Walker obtained a Pattent Pediion of the
for one Thousand Square feet of Ground fronting the street called Kings citizem for a
i_' T^ / • \ 1 • • 1 r 11T 1 r • Patent for land
street in this Town (to wit) beginning twelve feet Westerly from tne o^ ^hich to
East side of the said street, and so South ten degrees East into the River, erect a Wharfc
one hundred feet in length and for breadth of the Wharfe ten feet West-
erly which said Wharfe he hath but very lately built on the said Granted
premises —
That the said George Walker obtained such Patent by the Subscrip-
tions and Intercefsions of the Inhabitants of this Town, he afsureing
them, that what goods, merchandizes, or provisions should be unladen or
brought on shore for their use should be free from all charge, which is
expressly provided for in his said Patent, but in words, so Ambiguous,
That he pretends to demand Wharfage of the Inhabitants for all things
unladen at his said wharfe, that are not immediately made use of in their
Familys, which your Petitioners think a very great hardship, as well as a
Discouragement to Trade and Commerce — That at the end of the said
street there ly's a convenient place, containing Two Thousand five Hun-
dred and twenty square feet (to wit) beginning twenty-two feet Westerly
from the East side of the said street, runing into the said River one Hun-
dred and forty feet. South ten degrees Easterly, and Eighteen feet in
Width Westerly, on which your Petitioners are willing and desirous to
Erect a Wharfe, for the use and benefit of their Familys, and the En-
couragement of all persons trading here, if a Patent might be obtained
by the Trustees or FeofFees of this Port and Town for the uses afore-
said—
Your Petitioners, Therefore humbly intreat your Hon^ That a Patent
may be granted them for the Uses aforesaid, and the rather for that the
Ground or Beach for which a Patent is desired, is part of the Common
Key or landing place formerly laid out for this Port and Town« and the
only part on that side Unusurped.
And Your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray —
John King J. Roscow
Jo: JuviN Albxr: McKenzie
Joseph Curlb John Wallis, Sn^
Saml: Swbny Jno: Wallis, Jnr
Joseph Banister Christian MacKeny
Joseph Selden William Lattimer
John Selden John Henry Rambough
W. Roscow William
Wm: Loyall Abraham Mitchell
RicHD: Adams and others
184
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1715
Petition of the
master of ship
Mermaid to
clear for certain
good reasons
Legislation in
regard to pitch
and ur
Bounty, the
chief profit
To the Hon**^® Alexander Spotswood &c &c —
Enoch Robertfon, Master of the Ship Mermaid, of Liverpool —
Humbly Sheweth,
That his said Ship is now laden with Pitch and Tarr, bound for Liver-
pool, and should have been ready to clear before the embargo, had he not
had the misfortune to run aground in his passage from Nansemond River
where he laded — That since laing the said Ship, he is advised, that an
Act of Parliament is lately pafsd: in Great Ikittain, whereby no Bounty
money is to be allowed for Pitch & Tarr after the 29*^ of Septem^', Ex-
cept such as shal be packt up in barrells of 31^ Gallons neat & fitt for
Cordage — That y°' Pet' has been obliged to take on board the greater
part of his Lading in barrells of a lefs Gage, it being very unusual to
purchase such as are of the Contents aforesaid. That if yo' Peti' shal
stay for the departure of the Convoy he may in all probability lofe the
advantage of the Bounty money w*^^ is the greatest encouragement the mer-
chants have to purchase that Commodity, and if lost, will be the ruin of
his voyage — That besides, yr: Pet" Ship is unsheathed, and having layn
already a long time in the Country is become Leaky by means of the
Worme, and is daily like to be in more danger thereby &c &c
Wherefore yr: pet' prays Leave to clear his
ship and proceed on his voyage, without waiting
for the Convoy &c
Henrico Co Thomas Jones* Petitioner, to take up Five Thousand acres of land in
Fighting Creek Henrico County — within the following bounds viz — Beginning at the
mouth of Fighting Creek on the North Side of Appomattock River,
down the said River to Jeneto Creek, taking in the said Creek, running
Northly to John Prides, Halcot Prides & John Towns' Lines, takeing in
the heads of fiutterwoods and Swifts Creeks to a place knowne by the
name of Tabers Path, running Westerly along the said Path to the Head
of Fighting Creek, and down the said Creek to the place begun, inclu-
ding all the Kings Land within thofe Bounds —
Pamunky
Town
Petition of
Ann, Queen of
the Pamunkys,
for redress and
protection
against tres-
passes upon the
territory of her
nation
To the Hon**^* Alexander Spotswood his Maj***' Lieut. Governor of Vir-
ginia, Ac —
Ann the Queen of Pamunky
In behalfe of herselfe
& her nation of Pa-
munky Indians
Humbly* Sheweth,
That whereas prr: the Consent of the Government wee sold unto M^
Bob^ Napier fifty acres of Land, who transiFered the same unto M' J no
PettifFer, he unto M' Hugh Owen, who pr: the pretence of that, did ob-
tain a Pattern for Three hundred and ten acres (as they say) & wee like-
wife did sell and aflent that a Pattent might Iflue unto Philip Southerland
& George Southerland for three hundred acres, both which are in the
bounds of our Indian Town, how fo it is may it pleafe yo^ Hon^ that
when they obtained a pattent (or Surveyed the fame in order for a pat-
tent) Wee had no notice of the Survey, or laying of it out, and fince
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
18S
when other people pofFefEon their bound (as wee are informed is custo-
mary once in four years) yo' Petition" never had no notice of the same,
or ever was warned to any pofsefEoning —
And they as well as several! others, takeing the advantage of our Ig-
norance, doe every year clear, build k occupy our Land w^^ is beyond
their bounds, that wee fold them, or that they have pattents for as wee
conceive — Therefore wee humbly pray that yo' Hono" would not grant
any pattents for any more Land thats adjoynmg to our town (as wee are
Informed Petitions^for some are now being before you) and that you
would protect in our Rights, having no one els to apply our selfs unto
for Justice, and wee being a fmall poor nation are willing, if it suits with
yo' Hon'* Leave & permiflion to Lett them the land for yearly rent, and
not otherwife. Wee wholly leave our felfs to yo' Hon*** Justice, Coun-
cil k favour, which was always found to be Hon^^*' & Just, & wee as in
Duty bound shall for ever pray fFor yo' Hon" Health and Continuance
&c—
^7^S
Publick Store Houses & wharf for Tobacco built at Bates' Landing Public Score-
York County — One at Western Branch of Nansemund River — One at *'*'?^ *"**,
Christophers* Point, same County — Two, at Queens' Creek Landing, ^"™ ^^^
York C*»— Two, at Buckners' Landing York C*» and Two, at W« Roes'
Landing York C^ &c—
• List of Rebel Prifoners Imported by Capt: Edw* TrafFord, in the 1716
Elizabeth & Anne, from Liverpole- ^^^ ^^
The following 29 are under Indentures —
John Macintosh
Jno: Mackintosh
James Macintosh
Duncan Clark
Owen McPherfon
Donald Shaw
Angus Shaw
Rob^ Bruce
John Dunbar
Ro*" Smith
Tho* Foster
Christ' Carus
James Blackwood
Rob^ Stewart
Rob' Stewart
Will" Turner
James Nisbet
Fergus Graham
James Mackintosh
Frances Hume
The Following Eighty Three
Jno: Wite
Will" Mackilway
Alex: Mackenzie
Will" Donaldfon
Frances Betty
Frederick Abbot
AJ^x"" Bruce
Rcbb^ Capland
Jnto: Peter
Alex' Wite
Owen Davidfon
Malcom Macknaugh
tan
James Robertfon
David Mitchel
Silvester Prophet
Jno: Glendening
Oeo: Marjoribanks
George Dickenibn
Arch^ Menzies
Danl: Thompfon
Jno: Robertfon
Jno: Stewart
Malcom Stewart
n** Stewart
n® Stewart
n** Kennedy —
NOT Indented
Tho* Allen
Alex' Watt
- James Wood
Will" Martin
Donald Mackgilsoray
Dan^ Macquin
Will" Wright
Jno: Pitello
Patrick Ferguson
WnMbargk
Lilt of rebel
priaonen-
landed at
Yorktown ua-
der Indentures
Thoie not un-
der Indentures
^ These prisoners were probably some of the followers of the Pretender captured at Preston,
and conde lined to be transported to the Colony in Virginia, after having been carried to Lon-
don for trial.
24
186
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1716
N
March id
Wmsburgh
no: Jhonfton
ames Malcum
William Stroak
Jno: Michy
Lawrence Ferguson
Jno: Donaldson
W°^ Noble
Rob^ Grant
Rob' Anderfon
Rob* Duncan
James Ray
Rob* Robertson
Jno: Mundell
Hugh Cane
Charles Henderfon
Alexander Stewart
Donald Stewart
Alex*" Stewart
James Stewart
Jno: Harris
Adam Chisholm
W-^ Finlay
James Paterson
David Arnot
James Peter
Jno: Ogilvy
James Watson
Alex' Kid
James Lindsey
James Johnson
Jno Shaw
Jno: Abercromby
Rob* Stewart
Pat Stewart
Jno: Stewart
Will°* Cruster
Jno: Rutherford
James Watson
Will™ Maxwell
Jno: Finny
Alex' Ferguson
ames Ferguson
ames McKimosb
Will*" Mackruther
David Mackintosh^
Alex' Kerr
Rob* Menzies
ames Urqhuart
o: Brown
Geo: Lowder
James Murray
W°> Lyon
Jno: Burns
Alex' Carr
Jno: Mackintosh
Will"* Dun
Rob* Carr —
Virginia —
By his Majestys' Lieutenant Governor & Commander in Cheifof this-
Dominion —
These are to certify that the above Lift of one hundred & Twelve
Rebel Prisoners, Imported into this Colony in the Ship Elizabeth &
Anne, of Liverpool, Edward TrafFord Mafter, was taken (by my order)
upon the arrival of the faid Ship in York River by the officer of the-
Cuftoms there, and contains the Names of all the Prifoners Imported in
the s** ship & that besides the said one hundred & twelve persons, the
Mafter did Report that one other Prisoner by name Duncan Mackfale
died at sea, which upon Examination of the other Prisoners appeared to
be true —
Given under my hand at Williamsburgh this 14*^ day of January
1716—
Notice addrefled to Major John Boulding, to the effect, that Those
persons interested in the Indian Trade, but not included in the Act of
Aifembly, creating the Indian Company, will be heard before the Coun*
cil, as to what they may have to urge against that Law: and desireing
him to send in to Coll: Harrifon at once, the names of each Counsel as
shall appear in their behalf &c
June 15th
Wmsburgh
Certain initruc'
tions CO Capt.
Harry Bevedy
in regard to a
certain tui-
pecied Josiah
Forbes of
Philadelphia
Additional Instructions to Capt: Harry Beverley, Com^' of the Sloop.
Virgin of Virginia —
(Copy)
If you shall happen in yr: Cruise to meet w*^ any Comm^ from ye
Crown of spain appointed for examining into y* afFair of y* Wrecks oi^
y* Coast of Florida, you are to acq' them y^ one Josiah Forbes, Master
of a sloop belonging to Philadelphia having come into this Colony & be-
ing suspected of taking away by force plate & other goods from y* Spaiv-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 187
iards on that Coast, is under Confinement here untill he fhall give bail 1716
to answer w' ihall be laid to his charge on that account, and to make re-
paration for all damages the Spania-ds have suffered by his means, hoping
that this Justice to their Nation will incline them to treat you with^ the
more favour —
Given under my hand at W^'burgh this 15*^ day of June 17 16
(no signature)
Daniel Bloiiett, a French settler, prays for redress against one Dupins, August 14th
-who had unlawfully surveyed and seized upon a tract of 133 acres of w«>«*>o'«l»
land at Manicantown belonging to the said Bloiiett: being the amount of ^"<* allowed
land that had been allowed to each family of French Refugees by the J^t*jeJ^"t*^
<5overnment — Manican Town
Deposition of James Urquhart, one of the prisoners brought to Vir- Nov. 2d
ginia in the ship Elizabeth & Anne from Liverpool : giving account of p^ .^.^^ -
the means by which a number of fellow prisoners were allowed, by the jamct Urqo-
Master of the vefTcl, to escape at the Cove of Cork and elsewhere — Hart
That he himself had bargained for his liberty by agreeing to give the
oiEcers of the ship a certain sum of money in guineas, a watch and a
^^ stone-ring " but being in Irons, the Captain was afraid the noise inci*
dent to striking them uiF, might excite suspicion on the part of the other
officers &c &c
This is sworn to before
Nash: Harrison k Ed:
Berkley
Deposition of Thomas Forster, giving same account as the above: Nor.
also of W"* Lyon to the same effect &c &c —
••
Unto his Excellencie Coll Spotiswood Governour of Virginia—
The humble representation of the Gentlemen, and others. Prisoners
transported aboard the Elizabeth & Ann of Liverpoole from Brittain to
York in Virginia —
Whereas, purfuant to the orders of the Government wee are brought
to this place, which as is humblie conceited is all that in Law wee are
obleidged to perform — Notwithstanding to our great surprife wee were
not only before our comeing off from Liverpoole, but ever Since our ar-
rivall in this Country, are menaced and threatened to be bound in a fer-
vitude of a certain number of years, yea and a good many of us already
actuallie dispofed oiF. And all this to make up a Summ of money for
S' Thomas Johnston, Parliament man for Liverpool (who pretends a
right to us) and some other Merch" concerned with him in this mat-
ter—
Wherefore wee are obleidged to apply ourfelves in all submffivenes to **«/'»t»on ©^ i^e
your Excellencie for Justice, seeing wee humblie imagine that upon our J*"'®"*" __ .
1 . j^L'i 1®- p % r> ^ .-. landed at York
being transported to this place, the intent of the Goverment to be ful- from the ihip
filled, and no more lyable to any furder punifliment, since by the known BHzabecb and
laws of Brittain, not only in the reign of the late King Charles, but ^ "^jiJ'^V^**""
more particularlie extended, ratified and aproven in the eight year of the wUhouccausT
188 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 716 iate King William, that even in cafes of treafon and Rebellion, no man can
be transported out of the Kingdome, unles he be first Judiciallie convict
ofythe crime, and likewife give his free confent to the transportation in
open Court. Fare leflf can any British Subject, without consenting
thereto, be sold or obleidged to ferve for any space of years unles the
former Laws were either altogether abrogate or the effect of them sus-
pended for a certain time — neither of which as wee conceive can here be
pretended — Wee are all of us now taken from aboard the Ship, and the
remaining part of us imprifoned in York town (where our entertainment
is but verry ordinary) except seven or eight of our number, who each of
them payed the Mafter of the ship, five guineas for their pafsage, who are
still detained aboard, upon what designe wee conceive not, only two of
that number excepted, John Stewart and William Maxwell, who upon
Sunday laft were carried from aboard, and taken up the river upon what
defigne wee know not.
It is therefore hoped your Excellencie will
consider our prefent circumstances and ^ve
fuch orders for our liberation as in Justice
you shall see fitt, or be pleafed to call one
or two of our number before you and hear
us upon the subject —
Letter, sup- The argum^ that I shall make ufe of, if ever I have any trvall will
poied ?J ^ be that all the advantage we expected from wrecks, was to find dome on
Bevcriy^m* re- ^^^ Bahamas in the King of Englands' Dom°, where we had the news in
gard to hb Virginia, of wrecked goods .being found — And that the Arms were put
imnion to the ^^ board to Secure us from Pyrates, who were likely to spoyl y* Virginia
4he*IioopvlMin ^'^ trade, and would equally be dangerous to the Spanish Merc* Ships —
And what I guess y^ Covetous Don expects to Shelter himself under 1$,
what Ser^^ and Indian Slaves I had on board for the sake of their free-
dom, have told them — that I was bound to fDorida to join y* Jamaica
men, w^ was never my Intent & wholly Contrary to my Instructions as
Taken for t my approach being * * * in y® main Ocean nearest Bermudas of
Pirate ^ny land — they fired three Shott at us, y® Englifh Enfigns being spread
on board us, before they Comanded us on board them, w^'^ came very
near, but did us no harm: w^^ together w'^ their other injuriys, how fiu*
it may make them guilty of Piracy, I submit to your Hono'' Judgem^ —
The Cheif Comander is a frenchman born, has a wife and fiimily m Ma-
drid and Intends to go home from La Vera Crux. — being forced to write
in hast, and in a crowd of Mulattas, hope yo' goodness will pardon the
Scribble and rudenefs of these from
Yo' Hon^" ever mofl obedient Ser^ &c
Antidote for AH that I Can be certain of gaining by y* voyage, is a Certain Anti-
Popery dote ag** Popery. We have ridiculous prayers to 8* Ignatius, and y* rest
of their S** twice a day, and a General Swearing, lying, Curfing, Stealing,
Cheating and all manner almost of vice all y* refl of y* day & night —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 189
Alexander Spotswood, His Majestys' Lt: Governor &c &c ^1^7
To Captain Robert Hix — June 7th
Whereas you have intimated to me that divers of the Senequa Indians Wmsbnrg
now at the Tufcarora Towns have signified their desire to be admitted ^y^^ scncci
into the friendship of this Government and to treat of a Peace & good and Tuscaron
Correspondence with the Inhabitants of the same, and the Indians Tri- Indians solicit-
butary thereto, I being desirous to secure the Frontiers of this Colony *** .*° ^®"* '"
from any disturbances or alarms which may be occasioned by such of the peace
Senequa Indians as usually pafs to & fro on y^ sd: frontiers, have thought
fitt to empower and require you with all Convenient Speed to repair to the
Tufcaroro Towns, and there to ufe yo' best endeavours to persuade the
Senequa Indians there, to come in to Williamsbur^h in Order to treat of
renewing a good Correspondence between this Government and their
nation : Afsuring them of the safe Conduct of this Govern"* for their
coming & returning And you arc also to ufe yo' endeavours to
persuade some of the Cheif men of the Tufcarouro nation to come in at
the same time, that by giving me an opportunity to discourse with them,
all misunderstanding between this Government & them may be removed.
Given under my hand & Seal of the Colony at Williamsburg this 7^ day
of June 1 7 17 — (No Signature or Seal)
Gentlemen,
I received by the bearer hereof a petition signed by thirty-three hands, June loch
and am sorry to find thereby, the apprehensions you are under from the ^„„^„, j^
Senequas— I have some time since taken measures for preventing their '
coming on our flrontiers, and securing you against their Alarms, by send- Gof^Spoti-
ing a Messenger to New York to demand of that Government the keep- J^tidon^f the
ing of them to the observance of the Peace, made with us in the Year inbabiunti on
1686, And at the same time writt home for his Maj*^** Order to the Gov- ^*>« fronriers
ernor of that Province, to obliee those Indians to forbear Coming any ^^p^munky*
more on our {Frontiers. And f doubt not in a short time to obtain what riven, author-
I have thus insisted on. Or at least to know what it is we have to trust »«> <*»«» ^
to, that I may take further measures for the protection of his Maj'J^* Sub- |i,^"j[*|^,
jects — In the mean time I have, according to vo' desire, sent a Commif- their protection
tion to M' John Hughes to Command such ot you, as shaN be willing to
Range with him, for yo' own Security — But its fitt, you should know,
that it is not in my power to eftablish conftant Rangers, nor to promise
him or you any certain pay — that being properly the businefs of a Gene-
ral! Assembly, to whom I can only recommend your Services for a
Suitable reward — And this you may be afsured I shall not fail to do when
an Afsembly meets —
Whereas, at the Request of the fFrontier Inhab^' between James
River and Pamunkv, I have given you a Commifsion to be Captain
of Such of the said Inhab^'as shall voluntary undertake to Range
for the Security of the Inha^ between the s* Rivers. You are for yo'
best guidance in the S^ Service, to observe the following Instructions —
Tou are to understand that as the appointment of Standing Rangers, Instmctioni as
and ascertaining their pay does properly belong to the General Afsembly, ^^ <*"*>«• *•
you are not to expect either for yr: sdf, or the men under yo' Command Ranie«*'
any other gratification for yo' Service than such as the next General!
Afsembly shall think fitt — And th^ I can only promise you my recom-
mendation to the Representatives of the People —
190 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
17 1 7 * As you are not by virtue of this Commifsion to afsume an authority
over any person, but such as shal voluntarily engage in this Service, so
you are to suit and Regulate yo' ranging as shall be most agreeable to the
inclinations of those who thus voluntarily enter therein — and for the Se-
curity of their and others the Plantations between the said two Rivers —
June 19th William Dandridge being desirous of building "a House and Wharf
Hampton, Va ^^^ Conveniency of Storidge & Landing " prays for leave to " take up the
Beach or Ground lying; within the hisrh-water mark from the East side of
drirVtpefUion ^'"6^ Street, & SO extending Easterly to the outermost bounds of Wil-
for lot on son Curles' Lotts, and that he may also make such walls & improvements
which to erect as to make the same fit for building thereon, & that he may have a pat*
wharf and ^^^^ ^^ confirm the s*^ Ground & improvem^ to him & heirs, as has been
usual in Like Cases &c —
August 5th The Petition of Robert Hubbard of Warwick County, for Warrant,
to enquh'e into the Escheate of the- lands of W'" Bedford late of the Pa-
rish of Merchants Hundred in James City County, who died without
heir &c 4 c —
Naniemond Co To the Hon^^® Alexander Spotswood, His Maj'^'^ Lieut: Goven &c and
the Hon^*® Counsel of State &c —
Joseph Meredeth, Sheriff of Nansemond County humbly Sheweth,
That the County of Nansemond is of late so far & Remote Seated
and Inhabited, that the Quit Rents of the said County, in thefe remote
parts being generally paid in Tobacco, and that the Transportations and
ihakeing the same Convenient is so great and exceilive a Charge, that the
4 pr: cent, which the officers of the Revenue allows, will not make the
fourth part of it convenient. Your Petitioner therefore prayes that your
Honours will take it into your Serious Consideration, and Sett some Rule
that the Quitrents may either be paid by the Sheriff when they are col-
lected, or that there may be a suitable alldwance, which m^y make the
Same Convenient, and your Pett' shall pray &c &c
JO^ MEREDETH Sherr
1718 * My Lords';
Remongtrance The great Diligence which your Lord p' employ to rectify whatever
E ^t™ tluf *^**' y®" '^"^ amiss in the Plantations, encourages me to lay before you an
Lord! Comniii- unhappy difference betwixt the Governor and the Council of Virginia,
aloncrt of Trade oa occasion, of his haveing joined several Persons with the Council in a
and Plantations Commifion of Oyer &' Teminer, which I humbly conceive he could not
jictlon*of the ^ regularly do, for the following Reasons —
^irlna^db^to '* ^^^ '^^^ ^^ ^^^^ Colony, and particularly the 24'^ in the Printed
Thenumber^of Book have most exprcfsly limited the Tryals of life and Limb to the
•the General Generral Court, and 'til laws shall be repeal'd either by subsequent acts,
Coortjorinsti- ^j. jjy jjjg Majistvs' Proclamation* I humbly conceive they are binding:
tuting Courts of •Aiii^*'' i_ "^ ^ ^
Oyer and Ter- agamft all Cjovernours whatever.
■miner, contftry •— ' ■
•to the authority * No other document has been found beaming upon the dispute herein so ably set forth and
<of the Royal discussed by the complainant; it is therefore spread in full upon the record, not only on this
•Charter and the account, but because of* its intrinsic merit as illustrating the great ability of the author, and the
Laws of the vigilance with which he endeavors to guard aeainst the encroachments of arbitrary power on the
•Colony part of the Colonial Governor.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 191
2. King Charles the 2""* by His Roial Charter, bearing date the lO^ 1718
day of October 1676, was graciously pleas'd to grant, amongft other . «
Priviledges, to that Colony, that the Governour and Council for the time
being should have full power and Authority to hear and determine (the
very English of Oyer and Terminer) all Treasons, Murthers, Felonys
Ac to be Committed within that Government. Now if they were to
hear and determine all Pleas of the Crown, there can be no room for the
Lieutenant Governour to Constitute any other Judges of Oyer and Ter-
miner for that purpose —
3 All Criminal Cases, have by the constant usage of that Colony ever 3d Reason
since its first Settlement, been heard and determined b} the Governour
and Council for the time being. A custome therefore establisht by so
long practice, and to which no manner of Inconvenience has ever been
objected, ought not in reas n or justice to be overturned, to gratify the
humour, or perhaps the paifions of any Governour —
4. The Custome Coniineing all Tryals in Criminal Cases to the 4th Reuon
Governour and Council, hath been founded on reason and justice, because
as no body must doubt of the Governours' being well qualify ed, so like-
wise the Council is by His Majestys' express Instruction, to be appointed
out of the Gentlemen of the greatest itbilitys and best Estates in the
Country, ^ho are certainly most capable, and most likely to do impartial
justice betwixt His Majesty, and all His Subjects. Besides the Council
are always appointed by the King himself, whereas the persons join'd to
them in these Commiffions of Oyer and Terminer, are only nam'd by
the Lieu' Governour, without the advice of any body, for a particular
time and, (it may easily happen) for a particular purpose.
5 To the foregoing Reasons, may be added the very fatal inconveni- 5th Reason
ence that may follow upon the putting it into the Sole power of a Gover-
nour, to try any person by what Judges he may think most proper: who
ever has had the fortune to live in the Plantations, has abundant reason to
know, that Governours are not in the least exempt from humane frailtys.
Such as a pafsionate love for money, Refentment against such as presume
to oppose their Designes, partiality to their < features and Favorites, and
many other Pafsions, to which men in power are more Subject than other
people Now supposeing this to be true, I most humbly submit it to
your Lord*P" whether a Governour will not have it too much, in his
power, either to condemn the Innocent, or acquit the guilty, if he have
the sole authority of appointing his Judges: or whether it be reasonable,
that a Governour, who by a most exprefs Instruction, can^t appoint so
much as a Justice of the Peace, to decide the smallest property, without
the advice of the Council, Should yet take upon him, by his own absolute
will and pleasure, without any advice in the world, to appoint Judges,
who without appeal are to determine not only concerning the Lives and
Libertys, but also concerning the whole Estates of all those unhappy
persons who shall be brought before them —
6. Another great Inconvenience is the bad understanding, this Inno- 6th Reaio»
vation must needs create betwixt the Governour and Council, for his en-
deavouring to take from them a Jurisdiction which they have held from
the first >ettlement of that Colony, not to mention the unhappy Disquiet
it must needs beget in the minds of His Majestys subjects then, when
they find their lives and fortunes left so entirely at the mercy of this
Lieut: Governor, and of all the Governours that may hereafter be ap-
19^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1718 pointed to succeed him — Tis poffible, my Lords, that 2 objections may
be raisM to justify this extraordinary proceeding of the Lieut: Governour,
which I beg leave to lay before your Lord^, and to answer in the follow-
ing manner —
Objectioni, Obj: ist — That the Governour of Virginia is by His Majestys' Com*
which may be miffion, authorized to appoint Courts of Oyer and Terminer for the Tryal
urged againit r n • • 1
hi.po.Uion., of Cnmmals.—
with tntwen to Ans: The Council of Virginia are very far from presumeing to dis-
the lame pyte His Majestys' Prerogative of erecting what Courts he pleases in
His Colonys and Plantations: they only intreat your Lord^ to obsetve,
that altho' the Governours Commiffion doth authorize him to appoint
Courts of Oyer and Terminer, yet it doth not empower him to Consti-
tute such. Judges in those Courts, as are excluded by the Roil Charter^
as well as by the laws and constant practice of that Colony: it is a kno^vfl
maxim in law, that all grants and Commiffions issued by the King must
ever be constant in such a manner, as to make them consist with law and
justice. Such a construction as this, the Commiffion to the Governour
of Virginia, may naturally receive, for the Governour may doubtlefs ap-
point Courts of Oyer and Terminer, and name the Judges of those
Courts out of the Council (which ought to consist of Twelve of the
best qualifyed Gentlemen of that Country) from amongft whom he may
appoint a competent number, without transgressing any law, or incurring
any inconvenience whatever, by which means, both His Majestys Com-
miffion on the one hand, and the Royal Charter, as well as the laws of
the Colony, on the other, will remain in their full force and virtue.
BacoiM* Rebel- Obj 2^^^ — Just after Bacons' Rebellion » there was a Commiffion of
lion Oyer and Terminer, wherein S*' John Berry, Col® Jeffreys, and Colo:
Morrison were join'd to the Council, and since that there have been other
Commiffions iilued, wherein the respective Governours have nam'd other
persons for Judges, besides the Council, for the Tryal of Pyrates and
Indians.
Ans: As to the first of these Commiffions, it was iffued just after a
Rebellion, wherein severall of the Council were suspected to be involved,
which I thank God, is now very far from being the case, all the Council!
being as firm to the Intrest of His Majesty, as any the most loyal of His
Subjects. There was in that case, a neceffity of chooseing other Judges ;
which might justify the stepping out of the common road for that time ;
but it can never be drawn into Precedent to countenance the doeing it in
ordinary cases, and then My Lords, as to the few Instances of Commis-
Spirit of the fions granted for the Tryal of Pyrates and Indians, your Lord^>^ will
^?*^ ^hMb" ***^'y discern, that neither of these Kind of Criminals cou'd with any
Courtilre%- propricty be accounted Inhabitants of that Colony, and consequently were
fointed not entitled to the benefit of the Roial Charter, which was grant^^d in ex-
preff terms only to His Majestys Subjects Inhabitants within the Colony
of Virginia — but whether even these Courts of Oyer and Terminer^
were consistent with the laws of that Country, I must submit to your
Lord''*, if they were not, 'tis certain that the violation of any law in
times past, can't excuse the Transgreffing of it now, but supposeing the
best, that these Commiffions were not contrary to law, yet such extraor-
dinary cases can never be set up as Precedent to justify the joining other
persons with the Council in a Regular Court, that by His Majestys In-
structions, is to have its returns twice every year, and which taketn cog-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. I9S
nizance of Breaches of the Pieaiee, ae well as of pleas, that concern life i/iS
and member—
Upon the whole matter, in regard that this step of the Lieut: Gover*
noor has been made, contrary to the Bxpress terms of the- Royal Charter,
in violation of the laws of that Colony, and against a constant usage*,
founded on reason and justice, and since such ratal Inconveniences may
attend the Governours being invested with so absolute power, from which
no advantage can accrue to His Majestys, I make no doubt, but your
Lord^ will please to give such directions, as may put a stop to this Inno-
vation and prevent its being drawn into precedent for the future, lest that
which was graciously intended by His Majesty for a priviledge and advan-
tage to the good Inhabitants of that Colony, may be turned to their ap-
parent danger and oppressions-^
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect in the world
My Lords, your Lord^
Most obedient and most humble Servant
W. BYRD
The Kiiig^ Order in Council, for Repealing the Act passed in the April i5tk
Colony of Virginia in 1663, ** Prohibiting the Aflembling of Quakers" —
also repealing an Act concerning ** Foreign Debts *' —
Betition of Benjamin Clifton for Warrant of Enquiry^ as to whether April %A
the lands of Josiah' Draper late of York County, be found to esrheate-
Ac —
At a Council held at the Capitol, the 15^^ day of April 17 18 April 15th
Present—* Wmibvfii '
The Hon^^* the Governor
Edmund Jenings Philip Ludwell
Wm Bassbtt Nath^ Harrison—
The Governor acquainted the Council that sundry Pirates from y* Pintea coming
Island of Providence were come in hither and had made application for the ^^\ ^"^^ ^^
liberty of surrendering themselves up to His Maty* mercey, pur^ to his mldon ^^
Mat^ proclamacon. The Sd: Pirates were called in, & examined, who
confefled that they took a Dutch Ship ab^ December, and thereupon they
withdrew — And for as much as it appears that the benefit of the S^ Pro-
clamation is not extended to any piracys committed after ■
the consideration of the proper measures to be taken on this head is re-
ferred *till a fuller Council—:
Richard Tucker of Hampshire
Ed: Walls of Surry
John Jackson of Surry
James Carr of Liverpool
Bethana Leeds New Jersey
Edw^ Lee Shropshire
Peter Oliver, M' Kent—
The above six give Information that their Company consisted of 145
25
194
I7I8
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
men commanded by Capt: Benj. Hornego, their Ship called the Ranger
of 36 guns: ab^ 50 surrendered upon his Majestys proclamation to the
Gov' of Jamaica, ab^ 20 to Rhode Island & New York — Others went
to New Enelan^, others to Bermuda^ S^ Carolina k other places and some
continue Inhabitants of Providence —
Mty3<
Robert Goodrich, prays for a Patent for the escheated lands of John
Smith (Dec'd) late of James City County ; he having paid the ^* Com*
punction for the same, according to Law "
May 15U1
Naatcmoiid Co
Concerniiig a
Negro SUtc
accuaed of
murder) trans-
ferred to
NanMmondCo
Ya, from N*
Carolina
Letter of Tho' Jordan, Sheriff of Nansemond C^ to the Lieut: Gov-
ernor, giving as reasons why the negro Pompey had not been tried as
ordered by a Special Court of Oyer k Terminer, that through careleff-
ness, and illnefs, those Summoned to serve upon the said Court had not
attended ; and praying that a new Commiffion be ifsued for another
Court &c — He encloses the proceedings of a Special Court held at
Chowan in N. Carolina for the trial of this Slave, with the decision
thereof as follows viz^
^^ Upon hearing the Depositions k other Papers Relating to the Mur-
ther of the said W" k Examination made thereof, the
Court understanding that the f&ct for which the said Slave stands charged
was Done k Committed in the County of Nansemond, in the Govern"^*
of Virginia Cited that the body of the sd: W" — — — was found
within the County af^ and a View was had k an Inquest taken Con-
cerning the Same before Coroner of the aP^ County, And the sd: Slave
is pursued by writt of hue & cry into this Commonwealth,
This Court Therefore, and for want of proper Evidences doth not
think fitt to Proceed any farther therein. But Ordered, that the said Slave
Pompey be by the Marshall or his Dep'ty: Carry' from hence to the
County of Nansemond within the Govern''^ of Virginia, And then De-
livered to the Marshall of that County or his Depty: and that this Pre-
cept, together with the Depositions and Examination Relating to the
fact aforesaid be Delivered to Some one of his Maj*'** Justices for the
County afore**
By Or^ of the Court—
R. HICKS Clk
Oct« %4t]i
I719
January 8 th
Court at
St. Jamei
Rob* Beverley Prays in behalf of Jno: Levingston Jn' for Warrant
for the Escheated Lands of Sarah Makoine, late of King & Queen C^
Deceased, without heir &c —
At the Court at S' James' the 8^ of January I719.
Present —
• The Kings' Most ExcelP Majesty-
Arch. Bp: of Canterbury, Duke of Montrose Earl Coningesby
Lord Chancellor Duke of Roxburghe M' Sec^ Crasgs
Lord President, Marqs: of Anandale — M' Chance^^of Ex-
chequer
* Beart beantifiil iinpre«ion of the Privy Seal.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 196
Lord Privy Seale Etrl of Lincoln M' Chance'' of ye 17 19
Dutch
Lord Steward Earl of Sunderland Ckneral Erie
Duke of Bolton Earl of London M' Hampden
General Wills—
Upon reading this day at the Board, a Report from the Riebt Hono^^* ProcMdiogi
the Lords of the Committee for hearing Appeals from the Plantations, !f ' ^^^ '"
dated the 28^ of October last, in the words following viz' " Their Ex- S^'JJSJ"
cellencys, the Lords Justices, having been pleased, by Order of Councill Esq to the
of the 25**^ of June last, to Refer unto this Comittee, a Represenution ^"?*^|* *^
from the Lords Commissi" of Trade, relating to the Removal of William ^^
Byrd Esq% from the Councill of Virginia, in regard to his long Absence,
without leave, as the Lieutenant Governor then hath Represented, And
humbly, recommending Peter Beverly Esq' as a fitt person to succeed
him, in the said Councill, As also to Referr unto this Comittee, a peti-
tion of the said M' Byrd, Setting forth his being many years a member of
the Councill in Virginia, and that about Three Years agoe He Obtained
leave from the ComiiF" of the Treasury to come to England, being then
Receiver Generall of His Maj'^* Revenue in that Colonv. Which leave
was seen & approved by the Lieut: Governor then \ andf that His Deten-
tion here was occasioned by Severall Accidents, and praying his said Ab-
sence may be Dispenced with: Their Lord^' having this day Examined
the same and heard M' Byrd thereon with the Severall reasons of his ab-
sence. Doe (upon Consideration of his long services in that Station, and
that he hath engaged to Return with the first Shipping to Virginia) Agree
humblv to Recomend him to His Majestys' favor for his Continuance in
the faid Councill, and that if the Lieut: Governor of Virgina shall have
Suspended or Dismift him from his Said place, he be required, imediately
to Restore him, as likewife to his former Rank therein —
His Majesty in Councill taking the said Report into Consideration, is
Pleased to approve thereof. And to Order, as it is hereby Ordered, that
the said William Byrd Esq' Be Continued in the Said Councill of Vir-
ginia— And that if he be suspended or Dismift therefrom. He be imedi-
ately Restored as likewife to his former Rank therein — Whereof the
Governor or Commander in Cheif of His Maj^^ said Colony, And All
others whom, it may Concern, Are to take Notice, And yield due Obe-
dience to His Majestys pleafure herein Signified —
EDWARD SOUTHWELL—
Charles Citty County fs**', Oct. nth
May it please Your Honour — Charles Citf
Persuant to your Hon" Precept dated at Williamsburg the 28"* of Aprill °""^
I, Drury Stith, SherifF of ye County above said, doe hereby Cer- Adminbtrttion
tifie to your Hon', that the administration of Justice in the said County ®J ij*^" ^*"
Court is greatly delayed, And whereas your Hon' is desirous to be In- f^ l^T^
formed from whose fault such delays do proceed, that you may be the oftboiewho
better enabled to distinguish such persons as out of a due re^rd to the *^^^
Service of their Country, do regularly attend the Adminiftration of Jus-
tice in their County Courts, I do hereby Certifie to your Honour, that
196 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
i 1 7 19 Samuel Harwood, George Hunt, and Samuel Harwood Jnr: Gents were
WcttoTcr at Westopher, on the last Court day, and as for the rest of the Gentle-
men which are sworne by the last Commiffion from your Hono', I un-
derstand designes to transmitt their Reasons for their Refusal! to Sett and
act as Justices forthwith to your Hon% that Justice may not through their
neglect, be any longer delayd, which reasons some of them oiFered to the
last Court Setting, that they might have been transmitted to your Hono'
from that Court, but they were not Received k Certified by
Yo* Hon" most dutiful! Hum^** Servant —
DRURY STITH—
Prince Ocorfc WiUiam Hennon, prays for leave to talce up ^^ in one Tract " two
^ tliousand, four hundred acres of land, ^^ he being ready to cultivate the
same according to Law."
* Articles exhibited before the Hon"" his Maj^* Comm", appointed
under the Great Seal, in Pursuance of an Act of Parliament made in the
Eleventh and twelfth years of the Reign of King WilKam the thirds
Entituled, an Act for the more Effectual Suppreffion of
Pyracy,
Againft,
Indictment and William Howard^ For Pyracy and Robbery committed by him on the
trial for Piracy Hjg^ geas—
^^^'rm^ First — That the said Will Howard not having the fear of God before
kwrd'i crew ' ^ Eyes, nor Regarding the Allegiance due to his Majesty, nor the Just
Obedience he ow'd to the Laws of the Land, did Sometime in the year
of our Lord 171 7 Join and Afsociate himself with one Edward Tach
(Teach— Blackbeard), and other Wicked and disolute Persons, & with
them did Combine to fit out in Hostile manner, a Certain Sloop or Vef-
sell called the Revenge, to Committ Pyracys and depredations upon the
High Seas, on the Subjects of our Lord the King and of other Princes^
& States in Amity with his Majesty trading in America, &c
And in pursuance of the said F eloniouj and Pyratica! Combination
the said Will: Howard did, together with his Afsociates and Confede-
rates, on or about the 29^^ day of Sept' in the year AfForesaid, in an Hos-
tile manner with force and arms, on the high seas, near Cape Charles in
this Colony, within the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty and of this Courts
attack & seize a Sloop called the Betty of Virginia, belonging to the
Subjects of our said Lord the King, ana the said Sloop did then and
their Rob and Plunder of Certain Pypes of Medera Wine, and other
goods and Merchandizes, and thereafter the said Will: Howard did Sink
and destroy the said Sloop, &c &c —
- — - — *-! 1
* Then follow leveral other indictmeott, sacceeded by the deciaon. That inaimuch ai How-
ard willfully failed to take advantage of the King's Proclamation of pardon to all Pirates who
shoald surrender themselves before the 5th day of January, 1719, and continued with orhen
his unlawful and criminal depredations, frc, was on this account adjudged worthy " to snflor
such pains, penalties and forfeitures, as by the laws of Great Britain are inflicted upon pirates
and robbers on the high seas.** This document bears the names of Edward Hyde, of the '* Lynx
Sloop/* and of Oeorge Maynard, of the '* Pearl Sloop.** The latter was the conqueror of the
famous Keach, or Blackbeard,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 197
North Car^"* i o^'* 28*^ 1 7 1 9— 1 7 19
S'
Not having been able, by reason of the weather, and Charltons being Dec. 18th
out of the way, to get King Blunt to me until! the day before Christmas, ^^^^ ^^^^
is the reason you have not heard from me, according to promise**— Since Oot. Eden of
then until! now have not been able to get other answer to what your N- Caroiiiu to
letter demanded, then what accompartyes this — I rather cbuse to make King SJuiir*^
the Secretary Transcribe chat — — — as delivered, then give you or
mifelfe other trouble— CoU^ Pollock) with myfelfe used all the arguments
^ee were masters off to persuade him to a reconciliation with his Indy-
ans, and ye Tributarys, but he is not to be moved & sticks to his text —
Yet I thinke in my Concyence he has noe ill intentions againft any of
his Ma^^ Subjects of either Government, and whilft those of them that
are lahabitants here, apprehend noe danger from him but on the Con-
trarye are unwilling he should be disturbed at this time. Of myfelfe I
cannot obleidge him to doe more then I have. If I could I should be
very ready, for I doe afsure you, none desires more to contribute to the
peace & satisfaction of Virginia, Then
S' y' moft humble k Obdyt Servt—
CHARLES EDEN—
To the Hon*^* the Qoven' and Councill —
Robert Beverly humbly prays leave to take up 1200 acres of Land in
the upper parts ot £fsex County being able (as he humbly conceives,) to
cultivate and improve the same as ye Laws directs —
And shall pray &c —
ROB. BEVERLY—
1720
George Robertfons' petition to enter 3000 acres of Land in iPrince January i6th
George C° on Knibbs' Creek &c &c — Pr George Co
To the Hon**^* Alexander Spotswood, his Majestys Lieut: Governor &c J«»uary 26th
The humble Petition of Joseph Banister & William Loyall — Shewetb,
That your Pet" have for many yej^s past acted by lawfuU authority, and f*****^'l°^.
been known Pilots to ships arrivmg within the Capes of this Colony, {^^^ Loyal?'
and have bad the care and Coiiduct of all such men of War and other pilotiy for pro-
great Ships, within & without the Capes, as have from time to time ar- «««««« *8»».n«t
rived here, and discharged their Duty with all care and Dilegence — norant and'uii-
That divers persons entirely ignorant of the Rivers, have presumed to authorized pcr-
act as Pilots, and have insinuated their skill and knowledge to the Co- •on* claming
manders of Severall ships & veflells, and thereby been accepted on Board ' " "' ^
Severall middling ships and other small vefsells, not daring, for want of
skill to undertake the charge of the Men of War, or large ships arriving
here, which your Pet" think a great hardship, as well as discouragem' to
them —
Your Pet" therefore most humbly beseech
your Hon" That no persons may for the
future presume to act as Pilots, within the
Capes of this Colony, without your Hon"
Lycence or pcrmiffion —
And your Pet" as in Duty bound shall pray &c —
JOSEPH BANISTER
WILLIAM LOYALL.
198
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1720
March itt
Sarveyor
Oenenl
Chaplain paid
£1 for each
aermon
Pcdtions for
land read and
granted
At a Council held at the Capitol y^ i*^ Day of March 1720 —
Present —
The Governor —
E. Jenings W* Byro
Jas: Blair N. Harrison
P. LuDWELL C. D1GG8 Esq'
The minits of the Council ware read as ufal—
The Governor acquainted the Council that the greatest part of the
Justices of Northampton County being lately deed: together with the
Sherif, whereby it came necessary for the dispatch of justice to Com-
miffionate a new Sherif, and likewife to appoint new Justices, without
waiting of the meeting of a Council be had upon application of the Jus-
tices there, Ifsued a new Comiffion &c — and also had appointed M'
Ralph Pigot to be Sherif &c —
Peter Beverley Esq' present —
The accounts of Capt: John Martin of the Sloop ^^ Ranger " were
examined k approved— He had been sent to S^ Augustine on some special
business —
« * ** 4( ♦ * * •
On the Recommendation of the Surveyor General, the following per-
sons were approved of as Surveyors, in the Several Counties for wh: they
are Com°*viz — Jno: Syme — James Taylor — Aug^ Smith Charles Barber,
Benj" , and Drury Stith Gent: —
Ord** that there be pd: to the Minister attending ye Genl: Courts k
Afsemblys <£i of Curr^ money for each Sermon.
Sundry petitions for Leave to take up Land, were this day read in
Council k granted, as follows —
To Hugh Jones, Clerk — five thousand acres Lying in Efsex County
Adjoining to the Entry of Ric^ Hickman for — 20,000 Acres —
To Richard Herbert — fifteen hundred acres in Prince George C^ on
the upper or North side of Flatt Creek, begining at the mouth of the
Rocky branch &c —
To Richard Kennon, Three Thousand acres in Prince George C** be-
gining at a small branch at the upper horse pen &c to Flatt Creek &c
To Stith Boiling one thousand acres including his former Entrys on
Buckskin Creek in P. George County —
To Dury Boiling — Three thousand acres in P. George County, near
Hoods' Land &c
To John Boiling — fifteen hundred acres, &c on back line of the Pet"
and Jacob Micheaux's Lines &c —
T o Robert Boiling, John Hamilton k John Fitzgerald, Eight thousand
acres Lying on both sides Namuzeen Creek in Prince George County —
a mile and a half above Tally's horse-pen &c
To Robert Boiling — Three thousand acres in P. Gkorge C^ kc kc —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 199
To Robert Boiling — Five thousand two hundred fifty-seven acres ftc 1720
on Namuzeen Creek —
To Henry Harrison, John Mason W"* Cocke, k Thos: Hollingshurst, Chrittaiiaa
Five thousand acres, Beginning upon the West Side of the third great ^<^
Creek above Christanna Fort, where an Indian Path crofses the sd;
Creek &c &c—
To George Robertson, Clerk, Three thousand, three hundred acres in
P. George County — begining two miles below the main fork of Knibbs'
Cre^ Ac betwen north fork thereof & the Beaver-ponds of Flatt Creek—
To Alexander Marshall — Two thousand Acres in Henrico County
begining on the lower side of Buttcrwood Creek, up the River including
Genito Creek &c—
To Nathaniell Harrison k John Allen — Three thousand acres, near
GrifEns School on a Greek six miles above ffbrt Christanna in
Brunswick County —
To Robert Hicks & Tho* Avert Two Thousand acres on Roanoke
river
To William Edwards Two thousand acres in P. George County be-
tween Fort Christanna & Roanoke, along the Trading Path, round a Red
Dogwood —
To Charles Hudson — One thousand acres in New Kent County
lying upon both sides of Stagg Creek —
Rob^ Munfords' letter to M' W°* Robertfon in regard to certain lands March i4xh
On Aoiioak in Brunswick C% and in P. Geoge County &c —
To Collo Bafsett.
. ^' — ^- Sy an Exprefs this morning from Richmond County, I have ad- Sept. 4th
^^ ^Hst'a Party of Northern Indians have lately committed divers Rob- «- u l
r^fr^ & hostilitys on the upper Inhabitants & being apprehended k "^ "^
broia^)^^ before a Justice of the Peace, have since, made their Escape,
and cfca *^y5 Qf ^ijg Militia are now out in pursuit of them: And seeing it
!^)^ ^>^ justly suspected that greater numbers of thofe Indians are hover-
% ^l>ciut the frontiers,'' for preventing the dangers w*^ may happen to
the Inl^ab% I think it necefsary that you give immediate Orders to the
^"^vr&anding Officers of the Militia in the Several Cantons of the
p ^^>^s under yr: Command, that they take care the men under their
^'^vr&and do furnish themselves with arms & ammunicon according to
y^ ^Od hold themselves in a readiness to draw together whenever they
*"^C2eive further orders for that purpose — And that you in the mean-
]^?> ^ve orders to the Frontier Cantons upon the firft Alarm of any
I ^^*>s appearing there to take to their arms, & observe their motions.
vice of such alarms, With what intelligence can be attained of the
*^^«>s & designes of the Indians, be forthwith dispatched to me, that I
iT ^ive Orders for a General Rendevouze of the rest of the militia, at
^*^ 1 designe to be present if there be occasion — And if there be in
*" ^^ounty, any Powder or ball belonging to his Maty: you are to take
^00 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1720 measures for having it conveyed to Some convenient place on the ffixHi-
tiers, & committing the Same to ye Care of some proper Officer there,
that it may be in readinefs for the use of the^ Militia if neceffity re*
quire &c —
Sept. 15th Tho" Crook, Merchant, prays for Caveat, against Harry Beverley,
King Wm Co ^^ W^ claim for Patent for his tract of five thousand acres of land in
King W*" County, called ^^ Hambledon Heath " &c—
Dec. 23d Petition of CoU^ Diggs, Peter Randolph Esq' and William Robertfon
Gent: for Leave to take up twelve thousand acres of land on the River
Rappidann, begining at the mouth of Robertson River, and running up
three miles in the fork, between the two Rivers — & on both sides said
Rivers &c — '' They being ready to Cultivate the same according to Law."
SpottyWiniaCo Will: Todd, John Battaile, and John Talliferros' petition for Twenty
thousand Acres of land, in that County, on the South West line of m'
John Baylor k Coll: James Taylors' line, & above ye Mountain run
&C&C—
Sundry petitions for land, without dates, already recorded as having
been granted in the Proceedings of the Council entered above —
To the Hon**** the Lieut Gov: k Council &c —
The Petition of Henry Irwin
Humbly Sheweth,
Petition for pay That your Petitioner was at the Charge of supplying the Government
for two honei ^j^jj horfes, particularly for one Bell and his Son, Evidences against
l^^ng ^y Blackbeards' Crew of Pirates, taken in North Carolina, who were tryed
neitei in the here, by a Court of Admiralty, in which Service your Petitioner lost two
trill of BUck- Horfes which cost him twenty pounds current money, and hath received
beard'i men ^^ Satisfaction for the Same.
Yo^ Petitioner theref(>re humbly prays &c
* * • * ♦ ♦
1721
Feb. a6th Ballance vs. Whiting — for Caveat, against entering certain Escheat
lands belonging to Anne Ballance in Gloucester C^
March 19th Augustini Washington, John ffitzhugh, George Turberville : gents :
WeitmoreUnd recommended by the Court according to Law, as being suitable men.
County from whence to select a Sherif for the ensuing year kc —
Sundry Petitions from. Boiling, Epes, Harrison and Steth in regard to
patents tor lands &c —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. f&i
To the Hon^* Alexander Spotswood, His Majesties Lieut: Governor tjtt
of Vifgiiria—
The Respective Members of Vestrv of ye upper Parish of the Isle of Miy 9th
Wight County — humbly petitioning Sheweth —
That whereas the extent of this Countv from James River, to its The Vettrjr of
utmost confine over the Nottoway and Menerrin, is so tedious a length yf^J^5r*h**^
of ground, the Roads att most seasons, so impassible, and the Rivers cVpny fof ^
more difficult, that it becomes very chargeable and burthensome to the diTiiion of nid
inward Inhabitants, who for some time have been largely taxed for the ^*"*^
Importation of those remote dues to convenient landings, and the Vestry
putt to great difficulty to procure undertakers to collect the same upon
reasonable terms —
And whereas the Parish Church (which ever heretofore has been
greatly happy in the constant supply of a Minister) is lately become va*
cant and destitute thro' our late Teachers' leaving it purely by means of
the many hardships and difficulties he was oblig'd to undergo to perform
his Duty att so remote distance, Wherefore Wee humbly pray your
Honours favourable Consideration and Reieif in this Affiiir, that our
Parish may be reduced to more convenient limits, by w^^ means, not onlv
the hardships and difficulties w^^ the Inhabitants now labour under will
be removed, but wee brought under a probability (thro' your Honours
never wanted favour) of again being restored to the enjoyment of Some
good Teacher. And Wee as in Duty bound Shall ever pray —
William Crumpter W. Bridget
Saml: Davis — Thom: Waltok
Richard Gray. Reuben Procttor.
David Baker W*' Kinchen
George Riddick
Petition of the Vestry, for division of New Port Parish, on account Miy 14th
of its great extent, and " the remotenefs of divers of the Inhabitants re- ^^^ p^^
moveing over Nottoway & Meherin Rivers" and ^^ So farr distant from Pariib, Isie of
bothe Church & Chappell, that it is not pofsible that the Inhabitants their Wyght Co
can, without great inconvenience, come to either of the places to hear
the word of God preached " &c &c —
James ^— Fra: Smith
Jos: Bridget Hen: Applewhaite
Jos: Godwin Th: Applewhaite
Thos: Pitt — Chri^ Norsworthy
Geo: Norsworthy
Thos: Brewer
At a Court held for Middlesex County the 3^ day of July 1722. July 3d
Present — John Grymes Middiwei-Co
Oliver Se|2;ar, ]ohn Price
and Mathew Henrys —
Gents: Justices.
It is the unanimous opinion of this Court that M' Richard Walker and
26
f09 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1722 M' Thomas Smith be Represented to the Hon**^* the Lieut: Governor,
as persons very fit to be^ Added to the Comifsion of the Peace for this
Countyr —
M' Wormley to be put in the Copia Test W. Stanard Clk —
Quorum —
Oct. 2id
Virg* fs: To the Hon*^« the Lt: Governor —
Augusteni Smith most humbly
Prays —
That no patent may be granted to Larkin Chew, for any land joyning
or bounding upon Warner, Matt, or the Iron Mine land till he is heard
before yo' Hon' in Council — &c &c —
Masters of
ships pr«y for %m t r^
reUef from the To the Hon"* Alexander Spotswood His Majestys' Lieutenant Gover-
consequences of ^^^ yj^g Admiral and Commander in Cheif of the Colony and Do-
want of dlS- . . r <i7* • •
cipiine among ^mion of Virgmia—
seamen ^^^ petition of thc Subscribers in behalf of themselves and other
Masters of Ships trading to this Colony —
Humbly Sheweth,
That it is frequently the misfortune of Masters of Ships at their fitting
out in England, to be obliged to ship men for forreign Voyages of whose
disposition and character, they have no knowledge ; whereby it happens
that the turbulent and refractory Tempers of Some of their sailors comes
too late to be discovered, and proves often of very bad example to the
rest of the Crew, and of Evil consequence to their Voyages, more espe-
cially in This Country, where the nature of the trade obliges us to send
Caoset of mis- ^"^ "^^" ^^ Sloops and Boats, far remote from our Ships, and only under
understandings the direction of Some of our Under Officers— In these short voyages it
with their men is, that quarrells arise between the officers and men, w^^ are greatly pro-
moted, by the opportunitys they then have of getting drunk That as
no Society can be long kept in Order, without discipline, so it is but too
well known that common sailors are of all men least Capable of Sub-
mitting to the authority of their Commanders, when they find them-
selves under no fear of correction — And indeed, such has of late years,
been the pernicious practice of some persons at home, pretending to be
Sollicitors & Attorneys for Sailors, that many Masters of Ships have been
prosecuted and put to great trouble & expence for giving their Sailors
moderate Correction, even lefs than their offences deserved ; besides the
far greater hazard, which we run, in case of meeting with Pyrates, where
we are fure to suffer all the tortures w^ such an abandoned Crew can in-
vent, upon the least intimation of our Striking any of our men. As we
are therefore concerned that some certain method may be established
here for punishing mutinous & disobedient Seamen, So we are no lefs
desirous that their just Complaints ag^ their Commanders, either with
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $08
respect to their allowance, their labour, or other unjust uiage should be 1722
redrefsed in the most Speedy manner that can be^-
Wherefore vo' Peti" humbly apply to yo' Hon'
that you will be pleased, either by yo' authority
as Vice Admiral, or in such other manner as you
shal judge most proper, to appoint such Gourfe
for the hearing & determining the Complaints of
Masters of Ships ag^ their Sailors, and awarding
such punish"^^ thereon, as may Serve to keep
their Ships Companys in due obedience, which
will not only prove of great benefit to the Mer-
chants & owners of Ships, but to the people of
this Colony, whose Tobacco will be more care-
fully and speedily brought on board, if such
wholesome discipline were once established
amongst those employed in that service —
ISHAM RANDOLPH—
CONSTANTINE CANE
W'f HALLADAY
Petitions to the Hon^^* Hugh Drysdale, his Majestys Lieut: Governor in
Council — &c —
Henry Anderson, for lands on Swan Creek and on the branche of PadtioM for
Dogs Creek, on Appamatock River, in Henrico County ^lUlLff*^'
Covin Corbin — for 3000 acres on the River Po, in Spotsylvania C^ — tiM and Umitt
Rob' Boiling — for 2000 acres, on Naminifseen Creek, in P. George ^;^ ^ate
County —
Edward Booker — for 2000 acres, on Nibbs Creek k Blackwells Island
on fllatt creek in Henrico County —
To his Hon' Hugh Drifdale, Gov' Commander in Cheife of the Colonia
of Virg* & the Hon"* the Councilj The Outward Inhabitance of the
County of Isle of Wyght — Humbly,
Shewethy That whereas yo' Petitioners Live Agrat Diftance from Pecidon of the
whare Vefsells comes for iradeing, and haveing water navigable for people of Iiie
Vcfsells to Come Very Convenient to us in the outward part of ye f ^^^^ ^ f
County, and Several other places, thereunto Adjoining the rivers are the customs to
called by name Blackwater and Nottoway River — Thay Ifsue out of be located on
North-Carolina Inlett, and haveing every faire profpect of these coming ^^j^*^^^"**^
to us ; Comeing as neare as the Limited Bounds Between Carolina and ^r ^ ^^*^
Virg* would allow them : By Reafon noe Officers plaft in that part of
Colonia, Dare not Come further. Now Soe it is, may it Pleafe Yo' Hon'
to Grant us the favorer of haveing Officers plaft Convenient for that
part of the Colonia, that we may have the Same Liberty & Conveniency
of other parts of the Colonia, and be in great meafure eafed of the Bur-
rivers
§04
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
172a
den we now Lie under — And we defire Yo' Hon" wellfiure and shall
forever be bound for Yo* Hon' to Pray &c &c—
Thos: Drake
Nicholas Williams
John Drake
hlfl
Tho* X Athey
mark
W» Hickman
Jno: Barnes
Jos: Burr
Kath: Jones
Geo! Washington
Rob^ Scott
Jno: Barnes Jnr:
David Burr
no: Mayoe
no: Seller
no: Drake Jnr:
Christ' Reynolds
Jno: Carter
W» Harris
Ric'** Drake Jnr
Jno: Davis
James Edwards
and others —
Naascmoad Co Andrew Meade, John Milner and James Riddick, recommended to be
Justices by the Court of sd: County ftc
1723
Feb. 26th
* A true list of the Prisoners taken from Neweate, and shipp'd on
board the Anne, Capt: Tho' Wrangham, Commander, bound for Caro-
lina or Virginia, which were delivered this 2i** day of Feby. 1723-4 by
Jonathan Howard of London, Merchant — vizt :
1. Thomas Baily
2. John Dixon
3. Ruth Arnold
4. William Baldwin
5. Marv Smith
6. William Frazicr
7. Mary Parker
8. Elizabeth Phillips
9. James Charnock
10. Elizabeth Banks
11. Lottice Hopkins
12. Edward Gunnis
13. Mary Jarvis
i4, Joseph Glade
15. Mary Eller
16. Margaret Hall
17. John Taylor
18. Martha Townes
19. Elizabeth Bushell
20. Sarah Chapman
21.
22.
^3
^5
William Welch
Elizabeth Tucker
John Yarwood
Edward Barrett
Richard Wyers
26. George Fisher
27. Elizabeth Stibb
28. Hannah Hy field
29 Elizabeth Upston
30. James Bristow
31. Gertard Stanbury
William Ford
Elizabeth Williams
Benjamin Allridge
William Barter
36. S^irah Hopkins
37. Robert Reeves
38. Thomas Kent.
39. Elizabeth Morden als:
Sheilds
32
33
34
35
^ The obserTint reader will discover, npon icrutinising this list, that comparatively few of
the names here recorded are now known in Virginia. Those recognised, are such as are com-
mon, wherever natives of Great Britain are to be found. This document was ibaad in Phila-
delphia j and there is 00 evidence that those prisoners were ever landed in Virginia j whatever
may have been the design of the Home Government. A large proportion of these names are
most common in other parts of the United States, This paper Is to be found among the files
of the State Library purchases.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
SOS
40
41
42
43
44
45
Gresian Milson
Nicholas Whitehoane
Anne Gadbury
John Hankcy
Archibald Olive
Elizabeth Bushell
46. John Farquhar
47. Elizabeth Mansfield
48. William Caycr
49. Thomas Edge
Sarah Baker
Robert Mapbnd
Elizabeth Dawson
John Bunworth
50
52
53
54» William Faulkner
55. Sarah Mathews
56. William Cedar
57. Alice Wilkinson
58. Thomas Severn
59. Richard Davis
60. John Bennett
6 1. Henry Adkins
62. Mary Eastlick
63. Elizabeth Roberts als:
Harrison
64. Thomas Lawton
65. Joseph Ledgett
66. Anne Searritt —
1723
These are to Certifie whom it may Concern, that the Prisoners above
Named, being in Number Sixty*Six: are received by me, on board of the
Ship Anne, from M' Jonathan Howard of London, Merchant, to be
Transported to Carolina or Virginia, dated this 21'* day, February
1723-4—
TH08 WRANGHAM.
Witness : —
John Parry,
John Bittler.
(endorsed)
Cl
These are Most Humbly to Certifie that M' Jonathan Howard of
London, Merchant, hath given Security for his effectual Transportation
of the within mentioned Sixty-Six fFelons to Carolina or Virginia, dated
the 26'** day of fFebruary 1723 —
Sim Harcourt of Goal Del &c" —
Petftions and letters of Rob' Beverley, Larkin Chew, and Jer: Clowdes june
for bnds in Spotsylvania County &c
to the most onrable Govner of vergeny, a petshen from the mehren sept. 9th
Engyes to your moft onrable hiness and exelency, wee pore Engns have
kneed for to Complain to your most onrable hiness, for our Land is all the°MeherHn
taken from us and the Englelh do say that thay will come and t'ke our indUnt
corn from ous, that wee have made in our corn felds, and wee cannot
Live at rest, Except your most onrable hiness do order Sumthing to the
Contray, for Wee ar your moft oblein Subgetes and Will bee to His
Most Raill Magasty, and under your most onrable Comand, and in hope
;pf Sum Releif by your most onrable hinefs —
September the 9 day 1723 —
To the most onrable Govner of verginy — A Complaint to your most Sept. 12th
onrable hiness and Exlenci, that wee poore Ingnes of Nancymum town p^ lu t f
have great need, for Except your most onrable Excelenci will help us, theNansemond
wee Canot Live, for all the Land that wee have. Corn feels and Cabens Indians
is Survai'd by the order of North Carolina, and now the Englesh do send
their creatuers upon us and eat up our Corn, and say the Land is thares,
and thay ar Going to bilding of thare houses at our Corn fildes —
»06
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
'7^3 "Fragment" of Instructions in regard to passing Acts in the Colo-
nies &c
Inttructioas as That no Law shall be enacted for so short a time, as that it may Ex-
to pasiing laws pj^g^ before the Royal assent can be obtained thereto : — No law to be
in t e 0 omes ^^^^^^^ ^q \^^ \^ force for a shorter time than two years : &c — ^and that
no law shall be re-enacted, to which the Royal Afsent has ever been re-
fused, unless a clause be therein inserted, suspending the execution
thereof, until such assent shall have been given &c —
Biilf of extra- That no bills of unusual or Extraordinary Nature, or any affecting the
ordinary nature Royal Prerogative, or the Property of Subjects, or the Trade or Shipping
of the Kingdom, be pafsed and put in force, until a draught of said Bill,
or Bills be firft transmitted to the Commiflioners for Trade k Plantations,
in order to obtain the Royal approval thereof, unlefs a Clause be inserted
ill such Bills, suspending their Execution until such afsent be gained —
No private Act, affecting the property of any person, to be put in
Exection without the Royal afsent &c — And the Afsent of the Governor
not to be given to any such Act, until it be entered on the Books of the
Council, that due notice was given by the Parties interested, of their In-
tention to apply for such Act, in the several Parish Churches, where the
premises in question lie ^^ for three Sundays at least " in succeffion, be-
fore the Act be brought into the Afsembly, — A certificate under the
Governors' hand to be transmitted to the Royal Government, testifying,
^' that the same has pafsed thro' all the Towns above mentioned " —
Private acta
Notice to be
given at the
Parish
Churches
1724
April 17th
White HaU
Pallet
At the Councill Chamber White hall —
the 17*^ day of Aprill 1724 —
Present
Lord President
Earl of Westmoreland
Lord, Visco' Townshead
Lord Bp: of London
Lord Carteret —
M* Walpole
j^BTR Qp yg Rolls.
By a Committee of the Lords of
His Majestys Most Honourable Privy
Councill —
Repeal of the
Act laying a
Daty on Liquor
and Slaves,
considered, and
recommended
to be repealed
The eiTect upon
the Negro trade
In obedience to an order in Coun-
cill of the 2 1** of February last, Re-
ferring to this Committee, a Repre-
sentation form the Lords Commiss"
of Trade and Plantations, relating to yo*^ Majestys' Disallowance of an
Act past in the Colony of Virginia in 1723 Intituled, " An Act for
laying a duty on Liquors and Slaves " — Their Lordships this day, took
the same into Consideration, and do find that Three Acts of the like
kind were formerly past in that Colony, Laying a Duty of $£ pr: Head
on all negroes imported there — Which Duty continued from the years
ijioto 171 8, and tho' no Considerable objections were made at that
time to the said Acts, yet it appears that by the price the negroes, then
bore, and by the smallneflT of the number that were imported in those
years, in proportion to what have been imported since those Acts ex-
pired, and the numbers that are neceflarily wanted annually in ye Colony—
This Duty must have been a great hindrance to the Negroe Trade^ as
well as a Burthen upon the Poore Planters — And altho' the Duty Laid
by this Act is much less than the former, The Same must be attended
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 207
with ill Consequences at this time, and Discourage the Planting and 1724
Cultivating Naval Stores, especially in the two new Counties where
great numbers of negroes will be wanting, and where your Majesty hath
been pleased to Remitt the payment of any Quitt Rent for seven years,
to encourage the Settling and Planting the same —
And it further appears, That this Act Lays the Duty on the Importer,
whereby the Trade of Great Brittain will be affected, and there is no
Clause inserted therein (pursuant to yo** Majestys' Instructions) to sus-
pend its taking effect, 'till Your Majestys' Pleasure shall be known —
For which Reasons, and that there does not appear any immediate occa-
fton for the said supplies, and that no Damage can arise from Repealing
the said Act, since, the Afsembly may have time to paff another Law to
raise the neceffary supplys, for which this act was defigned nor lyable to
the said objections — Their Lordships Do agree hunibly to offer their
opinion to Yo^ Majesty, that the said Act ought to be Repealed, and
made null and void, And in regard the Governor of the said Colony
hath acted contrary to Your Majestys' Instructions, by not inserting a
Clause to prevent its taking effect 'till your Majes*^* Pleasure should be
known thereupon : Their Lordships, are further of opinion that yo*"
Majestys' Pleasure should be Signified to him. That he do not on any
preience whatsoever, presume to give his affent to any Act of this kind
for the future, without inserting such a Clause as is before mentioned —
Geo: Robertson prays for an order to take up " 1500 acres near Flat April tSch
Creek & Apomatock " in P. George C** k 1000 acres, in the forks of
Smacks Creek —
S', I desire you wou'd furvey the order of Council I Entered w*^ you May loth
for Sixteen thoufand acres of Land, Beginning at the upper End of my
fathers patent on Pamunkey River and Running up the River for length, Bew^toVoV
and a mile and a half back, for breadth — I desire you would divide it James Taylor/
into thoufand acres, and return the plats, in the following names : the Surveyor, in
2 regard to laying
Lowest thoufand for my self, the next for my sister Mary, ye next Mar- **"^ • '*'««
t ^ i ^ ^V body of land
garet Beverley, the next Susanna Beverly, the next Catherine Beverley . . c \^
6, Judith Beverley, 7 Agatha Beverley, 8, Will"* Stanard, 9, Elizabeth to*be**l«nefic!a!
Stanard, 10, Beverley Stanard, 11. Sarah Stanard, 12, Ann Stanard, 13 ries thereby
Will™ Wily, 14 John Wily, 15, Hariy Gains — 16, Bartholomew Yates
Jnr: — If you can, by Surveying the wnole, and afterwards platt it of, in
thoufand acres, it will save a great deal of charge, and I shall take it as
a very great favour. I desire you would make this Survey, as soon as
you can. I will be paymaster for the whole —
I am y' very humble ferv*
ROBT. BEVERLEY
To Coll** James Taylor
Thcfe
R. Napier enters a Caveat against Capt: Rene Seaforces' <' having a Oct. loth
Patent for any land in Henrico County, by grant or otherwise " Henrico Co
^as
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1724
Qct. aoth
Richmond Co
Richmond County
Number of T/tbablet
«55»
No: of TythablM employed
in Tobacco
1419
No of those that are
Intituled to Tend
3000 pUflCl
236
No of Plant! Re-
ported bj the
▼iewon
7f4^7i77S
The above is a True Report according to
the several Lists to me Returned— 'Given
under my hand the 20*** day of October
1724—
BECKWITH CC. R. Cur:
King George
County
Spotsylvania
County
Complaint
against the
Hon. Alex.
Spotiwood
Had com-
menced a
church at
Oermina
Spoawood*s
tenants
Fitted up a
room in his
own house for
a Courthouse
No; of Tythables
1 1 30
No of Tythables employed
in Tobacco
9fti
No of Those that tend
3000 plants
148
No of Tobacco plants
Tended i n the County
4.9i9f79S
This is a just account of the number of Tithables, &c ic fcc — ac-
cording to the Viewers Report in King George County for the year
Test.
TH08 TURNER CI: Cur:
To the Hon^^* Hugh Drysdale Esq' his Maj^^" Lieut: Governour &
Command' in Cheif of the Colony & Dominion of Virginia &c &c —
That whereas, at a Genii: Aflfembly holden at the Royal Capitol at
Williamsburgh the 2°** day of Nov' Anno 1720, in the Seventh year of
His Maj^^' Reign, it was enacted that 500^, should be placed in the
hands of the Hon^^* ColF Alex: Spotswood, the then Lieut Governour
of this Dominion, to be appropriated for the building a Church & Court
house in the above said County: which Pains and good Inclination of
both the Upper and Lower houses of Aflfembly, hath not as Yett
answer'd the Intentions of that Act —
first, the Hon^^* Coll® Alex' Spotswood has^ laid the foundation of a
Church at Germana, in a place so remote that few or none other his
Menial Servants (and they allways Decreasing) can Ever frequent it :
and by One claufe in the afore cited Act, foreign Protestants are Ex-
empted for ten^ears from paying the Ministers' Dues, and their being
the cheifest of the Inhabitants in that part of the County (and likewise
Tenants to the Hon^^® Coll** Alex' Spotswood) have sent for a Minister
of their own Nation : so that few or none will resort to that Place of
Publick Worship — which is a greivance we humbly hope your Hon*"
will redress.
2ondiy 'pijg Hon^^* Coll** Alex' Spotswood hath not proceeded to build a
Court Houfe, but hath fitted a room of- his own houfe for that purpofe,
being placed at the fore recited place, is a very great inconveniency to
four fifths of the Inhabitants of the County, and the land for allmost
Eight or ten miles round the said houfe (Except a fmall Quantity in the
fork of Rappahannock River) belongs to the Hon^** Coll** Alex' Spots-
wood, as may now fully appear to y' Hon'*
The Inconveniences we labour under exceed the bounds of a Peti-
tion, by reason of the distance of our Court creating great Delay in our
Publick affairs —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $09
3^7 We are Ukewife peMSMM Chat the loooA givea by ibtf taM Af- 1714
^mblv for Arms, Ammunition, Church and Court house has ifot been
Distriouted accordii^ to the good Intentions of the said Afsemb^— -
these we complain of as Greivances &c—
(no signature)
Mutilated record of a Suit, Hubbard r.s. Wills— , P^^
Beoord of the compbunt madie against, arrest of^ and ftthscxfutnt trial 1716
before the County Court of Richmond C% of Jasper Parsons for Piracy^
and murder of Capt: John Heard, of the Ship " Tayloe "—Upon en- J*"' ^^
amination, it was ordered by the Court ^* that the said Parsons be re- Rtchmond c*
manded to the prison of this County, under the Custody of the Sheriff,
and from thence to be Conveyed to the publique goal at Williamsburg,
as the Law in such cases directs.
Copy Test
M. BECKWITH C. C C<*
J. Tavloe, Justice of
the Peace —
James Naylor 2
6
Ric* Milby
Charles Caspin 2
6
Edw^ Lattimer
'
[ohn Parrish
006
'
fohn Robertson
2 6
Fohn Ralls
X 6
[ohn Chain
ners
5-^
Know all men by these presents that wee, the fubscribers under writ- April iSth
ten Do acknowledge to pay to Capt: Simon Hollier and Charles Jenings, . ^^ ^
their heirs fcc, the several sums of money hereafter set down for and parish
towards Imploying Lawyers in order to obtain an Order for a due Elec-
tion of a Legal Vestry in Eliz: City Parish, As Witnefe our hands this ^^^^fl^
li^ day of April 1726— . ^^ ^J^
I Joseph Skinner 7 J •«:««■ LegU
5 Tho: Baylie 2 | 6 ^^
W« Cuningham t*"
fohn House i | 3
W* Lattimer i
Th* Latimer i I 6
Th* Michell 2 | 6
At a Court held for the proof of publick chlims on thtf ^ of May May 9th
1726 in King W"' County &c the following ckiim was submitted under ^^^ ^^ ^
oath &c —
King W"^ County fs: — I do hereby certify that Martin Slaughter, of
tUs County brougjht before me four runaway Slaves, named — James,
Roger, Guy & Sampson, belonging to M' Lewis Burwei of York County^
which sd: slaves he took up att his own Plantation in this Countey which
pr; my Judgement is above forty miles from ye french town, ye place Fnaeh tvmm
where ye sd: Sbves were kept —
Given under my hand this 23* day of Sept: 1724
* Wilfiatn Robertson Gent: Appointed " Receiver of all the Rates, Jttii« lotfc
Dutvs and Impositions on Liquors &c for the Distria of York River wmabvck
*€?-- HUGH DRYSDALE ^
■ ' - I ■_]! iiiii ■- ■ ^mm^mm^m^m^im^mim^mm^t*
* Bean bandtome imprenioa of PrWats Stal la wai.
27
mo CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
ijtb To the Hon*^ Rob* Carter Esq' his Maj*!^ Prefedent, and Comander in
^^^^^ Chcif of Virginia &c—
(Mary Orifhham, prays for a patent for a certain body of land,
cheated to her deceased husband, by the decision of Col° John Robin-
fon Esq' Escheator, but now claimed by Edmund Bagg son of Rev:
John Bagg deceased &c —
1727 Sundry Caveats entered and recorded, as addrefsed to ♦Hon'*** W"
Feb th-a th Gooch Esq' Lieut: Gov' & Com*' in Cheif &c— by Chas: Chiswell of
« • 7t -a?' Hanover C** — Bailey Himman, of Accomac C® — ^John Henry of W"^-
burgh, John Wall of Brunswick, and John Hamlin, of P« Geoi^ge
C^'&c
Feb. To the Com** of the Customs,
Letter of Prefti- Hon^*^ — Since the death of the late Gov', and the administration de-
dent Carter, volving on me, nothing has happened in relation to y* Customs, to give
appo"n°me5t of an occafxon of trouble Yo'« Uoard: but now the Naval Office of Rapp*
hU ion as Col- Diftrict becoming vacant by the death of M' Charles Robinson I lay hold
lector for Rap- q{ (his Opportunity to notify to Yo' Hon" that I have (with the approba*
DUtricT^*' tion of the Council) appointed Rob* Carter ju"', to fucceed in that office^
he lives more convenient for the Trade & for discharging that trust, than
any other person, I could have found, capable of that Imployment, and
I could say more to recommend him to Yo' Favour, if he was not mj
Son— "however as he will forthwith offer very Substantial Security at Yo'
Board, and has given the like here, in the meantime, I doubt not, this^
appointment will deserve Yo' Hon" approbation — I am —
(no signature)
AprU 4tb North Carolina fs: —
At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Eden-
ton, the 4*** day of April 1727 —
Present :
The Hon^' Sir Richard Everard, Bant: Gov: &c —
RicH^ F1TZWILLIAM8 RicH^ Sandersok
William Reed Tho^ Pollock
Christopher Pals Eom^ Gales
J. LovicK John Worlby
£• MosBLEY
Proceediogi in The HonoUe, the Governour acquainting this Board that he had lateljr
{•** Co^*'*r f **^^*^*^ * Letter from the President of Virginia, Informing him, that the
State In regani Tusktrooroes had lately killed several of the Saponi Indians, who are
to the com- Tributaries to that Government, and demanded satisfaction of the afbre*^
'i*' p* "m^* ^^ Tuskarooroes — And Blunt, Cheif man of the Tuskarooroes, being or-
•f Vil^nJ*"* ^^^ ^^ attend this day. The Gov' thereupon directed M' President Car-
against the ters' Letter, should be read in Council to Blount, which haveing been
TMcaiora Interpreted by a Sworn Interpreter, Blunt absolutely denyed the Chaige,
indMoi ^^ cither be or any of his people were concerned in the Murther of the
Sapontes— And allouiges it was done by the Northern Indians that had
*Heiiinf and otben ttate that Ooocb did not become Oorernar until after Av^uft Ijtb^
]7fl7. Tbe'official docsmcntt raise a dovbt ai to tbtt chronology.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 211
Revolted from bim, and now lived as Pirates & Robbers — ^It being De- xjaj
nianded what Reason he had to believe those Indians had committed
the fiact — Answered, That there was at present an Indian in his town,
named York, who was formerlv of the Tuskarooroe Nation, who on his
way to his Town, met some of the party that had been at Warr with the
Saponies, who told the sd: York that the rest of the Party which had
lately separated from them, had a Prisone' of the Saponies with them.
And that the whole Party was Comanded by an Indian named Conau-
hauritzhuh, and consisted of Northern Indians and Revolted Tuskaroo-
roes — And added he was sure the Northern Indians would not deny the
action if they were Examined upon it —
RT: FORSTER
Depty: Secrey —
Copy—
Opinion of the Attorney General and Solicitor General on the Fines Aaguc i^tk
& Forfeitures arising in the Northern neck, under the Charters granted (Copy)
by King Charles the Second ft King James the Second, with certain
queries ftc — cheifly relating to the Pardoning power in felonies and mis- ^[J"* q •! *!
demeanors, and the remitting of Forfeitures by the Governor — ^To this as to povren of
question they reply *' that nothing contained in the Said Letters Patent t^e Oorernor
restrains him, from exercising the Authority of Pardoning &c — ft if the '" ««'*»«" c*^
Pardon be granted before any Forfeiture incurred by Judgement in cases
of Misdemeanour, or by Flight, Conviction or Judgement in cases of
Felony, the Pardon will prevent any forfeiture, but if the Pardon be
Granted after the Forfeiture actually incurred by any of the means
aforesaid, tho* the offence will be thereby discharged, the Right of the
Grantees to the Thing Forfeited will Continue "-^
All which is humbly Submitted &c —
P. YORKE
C. TALBOT.
May it please Your Hon^, Aogoit |ir
^ T he Dolefull and most miferable state that I now am under makes wmtbttrKk
me with a heavy heart write to your Hon' in this lamentable case which Priaoa
must overwhelm mv poor parents and friends with greif, when they shall
hear of my being Drought to so an untimely end. The many misfor- P'J«on« «■*«
tunes which happened to me and tenderness of youth in beine overtaken allJloT for Pin-
by the temptations of the world together with the late lols i sustained cy, pnji for a
by the master of my vessel, who run away with her from Potomack in fi»t^er ref|Jt»
Maryland, with her load of Tobacco put me quite out of ever seeing
my Dear parents, which threw me in Dispair and melanchoUy — this is
well known by Several! Gentlemen in Maryland, likewife by M' Fitz*
Williams Survevor Generall — this finishing stroke of my misfortunes al-
most bereaved me of my senses, which God forgive me for it, but I
never intended to go a pirating, which was declared by Edward Coleman
at his Dying minute — Yo' hon' was so good to me, as to give me longer
time of Repentance than the Rest, which God blefs you and yours for ;
but however Dear S' with a weeping heart, I crave, and for the love of
God, I beg your hon' will be so good as to give me such a time longer
- — - — — - —~
* A maa of tliit oame lived at ** Sweet Hall,** la fCiog William Cotuifyy oa PamMkjr RWcr,
jcaif after tliie datt~Co«!d ht bave Wea tk§ msm fardoacd i
gig CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1727 of Rq>efitance as your hon' in your Difcretion shall judge proper — ^this
will be a gnte benefit to my poor soul which muft answer biefbre the
great tribunal of heaven, for all my Sins Done in the Body — What a
comfortable thing it is for a Dying man to have a little time to make his
peace with God — in hopes whereof that the Almighty God may Reward
you and yours at the last Day shall be the prayers of a poor miferable
and unhappy wretch —
JOHN VIDAL
The Petition of Henry Willis for Patent for certain lands, being part
Oct. 15th of 1 2000 acres granted in 1722 to Cole Digges and Peter Beverley in the
• ^ 1 I /^ fork of Rapid^n in S^ Georges' Parish but which lapsed, by their failure
to culuv^ or Improve the same &c &c —
Sundry entries of Caveats granted &c
OcL a I It
Sir,
The Meherin Indians being at no verv great distance from me, when
Oct. 30th J fgceived your £ivour of the 23* past, I detained your Mefenger 'till I
fdeatofi, N.C. got them to me, and this morning I have bad a Conference with all their
peat men upon the subject of Your Letter. They all in General utterly
Ib regard to deny that they have any quarrel with the Nottoway Indians, or ever
diiputa among ^gpected them of having any hand in the attack that was lately made
tribttt°ry*^ upoKi their nation & Captain Rogers who is their Cheif man says that he
Tirginia an4 faas no doubt of the Nottoways friendship, having his Mothers Sister and
H. Carolina 3everal of her Children grown up, now living with these people. They
lay the whole blame upon the old Occoneechy Kine & the Saponi In-^
dians, who as they are your Tributaries, they ask Justice from you oo
the OiFenders. They had twelve persons Killed, and a Boy belonging
to one of their Great men, named Robin King taken Pnsoner, wha
they desire m^y be restored to them, and the like number of Sapponies^
as they have lost, delivered to them to be put to death — Whether this is
practicable, I must leave to you, but I think some Recompcnce shouU
^ thought on, to prevent all these Dangers you seem to apprehend from
the Savages taking their own Revenge one upon the other — On thursdav
n^ my Coiincill and I meet and as soon as poi&ble afterwvds { shatt
send your SxceUy: an Acc^ of our ComiEoners —
Vm S'
Your most Ob^
Humble ierv^
R. KVERARD
To the Honourable William Qooch Esq' his Majestys' Lieutenant Gov-
ernour and Commander in Cheif of the Colony and Dominion of
Virginia —
Petition of jj^y it please your Honour,
■nndry ciOsent ^^^ ' •^^{^^•^c
!• remoTc the
•fficc of Cnt- consequence to us, being at present under consideration, we beg leave in
lomi from the ju the Bumblest manner, to lay our Thoughts before Your Honour on
R|clrte?jL^I"^'»« Subject. We mean the fixing of the Offices of Rappahannock
tt'urbanna ' District at the Town of Urbanna, by far, the most proper k Conve-
nient place for them, for not to iniist upon the natural advantages of the
place & the Act of the Legislature Establishing it a Town, There are
CALENDAR 'OF STATE PAPERS. jJiJT
other Considerations we think of the greatest weight k which particu- 1727
hrlj affect many of us. The hr greater part of the Tobacco Exported
from this River, is purchased in the Country for Merch^ at home, in
consequence of which, their masters k Factors have accounts which
cannot be finished 'till after the ships are cleared out : How improper
any private houfe is for such bufinefs is easily seen, so the ships are
cither obliged to stop at Urbanna ft again at the office, or the masters
return from thence to finish what businefs may be left undone — This
frequently occasions the loss of much time, attended with great ft trouble-
some **♦*•*•*• from
the present Juncture, The Laft and necefsary war in which his Majesty
& the nation are Engaged, a Day, an Hour may occasion the lofs of the
whole — And as it is not to be expected that Convoys can wait for every
particular ship, it is their businefs to be in readinefs, ft for that purpose
every thing that may occasion the least delay is to be prevented— -Be-
sides all this there is a very material objection against an officers Houfe—
There every body is obnoxious to him ft at his discretion: disputes may Reasou why
arife ft have arifen, & masters of ships want frequently afsistance ft ad- it ■hovid be
vice both at entering & clearing. We are further of opinion Sir, that ^^^
by keeping the offices at a private houfe a real detriment is done to the
whole Country ft this we think will appear from narrat^ing a few Facts.
The County of Middlesex, in which Urbanna is Situate, is the first on
Rappahannock River towards the Sea. That River is of easy accefs
from the Bay — The number of whites in that County is very small, the Small number
proportion to Blacks, hardly as one to three, and much lefs in the lowest °^ ^^^ *f
ft first exposed part — The meaner sort of the people (in whom consists ^rsuckt^
the strength of all Countrys) are daily moving higher up, so that there is
some danger of this £xtreaiD part of the Country being entirely aban-
4on'd by them: the evil consequences of which are easily discovered &
■nay be in great meafure prevented by encouraging people to settle in a
Town, who would take from the Planters the produce of tbeir Hus-
bandry, and encourage them ia other branches of it, besides making To*
bacco, which in the present situation of affairs, we have great raafon to
apprehend may much decline in its value
You were pleased lately Sir, wifelv to recommend to the Afsembly to
provide powder ft Shott for our defence ft much better know than we
can exprefs, how necefiu-y it is to have hands to use them. Thus Sir^
we have laid our thoughts on this af&ir before you, ft expect from your
Known Goodnefs & Capacity that you will not only Order the officer
more immediately under your direction to attend his duty at Urbanna,
but will also, by your Counteneance get it past into a Law to prevent all
future disputes — We are Your Honours
Most obt ft most humble fervants —
John Allen James Reid
Benj Hubbard Jas: Cheap
Chas: Dick Patt: Barclay
John Graham James Bowib
And^ Rosse Sam: Smith
Geo: Chapman Tho: Ward
Rob* Shedden Rob* Gilchrist
Andrew Anderson W* Dick
Alex: Frazier John Graham Jnr:
John Walker Dav: McCulloch —
iU
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1727
Letter to Sir Richard Everard from President Carter at length in re-
gard to the Indian disturbances on the frontiers of N. Corolina and Vir*
ginia, cheifly between the Saponies and Meherines, with the Gatawbas»
on account of the Murder of many of the former during the past win-
ter— Attack made by the Catawbas on Blounts' Town — The Saponies
peaceably inclined towards these latter— ^^ Coll Harrifon " sent with a
militia force, to arrange the diiSculties and protect the Tributary In-
dians—
To the Honourable the Governour in Council —
Robert Lewis, W"' Lynn, Rob' Brooke ju^ Jas: Mills William Lewis
k Beverly Robinson — '
Humbly Shew —
Settlementt on That your Petitioners have been at great Trouble & Charges in making
head waten of Discoveries of Lands among the Mountains, and are desirous of takeing
Jimei river ^^ some of those Lands they have discove^'d — Wherefore your peti-
tioners humbly pray your Honours to grant him an order to take up
Fifty Thousand Acres, in one or more tracts on the head branches of
James River to the West and Northwestward of the Cow Pasture, on
seating thereon one Family for every Thousand Acres, and as the faid
Lands are very remote and lying among the great North Mountains,
being about Two Hundred Miles at least from any landing — Your Peti-
tioners humbly pray Your Honours will grant them fix years time to feat
the fame and your petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray —
1728
Jsae lit
CaroUne Co
Petitions for locating lands in the feveral Counties from, Woodson,
Rocketts, Coles, Power, Kenny, Chiswell, Randolphs, Fitzwilliam,
Robertson, Chew, Brunskill, Anderson, Vaughan, Jones, Dunnifant,
Price, Ferguson, Byrd, Vanderhood, HoUoway, Smith, Baker, Syme^
Ward, Winston, Craddock, Russel, Cosby, Barrett, Kerby, Walker,
Carr, Jackson, & Epes — &c
Augustini Smith, Surveyor of Essex and Spotsylvania Counties for
twenty years past, to the Governor, vindicating himself against certaiB
charges of malfeasance in office; that he had employed negroes as chain-
bearers ; had given Plats for Lands he had never furveyed, &c &c
June tjth
Petition of Thos. Jones to take up Six Thousand Acres of Land kc
on Oolden Creek, south side of Northanna River, and on hicory
Creek &c
* W" Gooch £sq% his Maj^ Lieut: Governour, vice Admiral k Com-
mander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia —
To Lewis Burwell Gent: Greeting —
•PP®*"^ ^f*" ^7 v**^"* of ^^^ power and authoritv to me jriven by his Maj^» as
STuppCT Dif- Commander in Chief of this Colony, I do hereby Constitute and appoint
Wmiburg
Lewis Burwell
trice of J«met
RWer
* Bean handiome ImprctiioB of teal In wac.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. BIS
{ou the faid, to be Naval Officer within the Upper District of James 1728
Uver, with all ye Rights ft lawful Powers thereunto belonging — &c &c
and I do further grant unto you the faid Lewis Burwell, that you (hall
enjoy the iaid office during Pleafure —
Qiven under my hand and feal,at W'^'burgh the third day of July 1728
in the fecond year of his Maj^^ Reign —
WILLIAM GOOCH.
Sir—
The 27th of September, John Carter brought negro Cofey to my chtncterMdc
hous, as he fays by your orders for me to examine concerning what the letter, !a regard
Saponys have told him about the white people which I have don, and he j° j.^* Sapony
fells me that great george tould him that John Sauano and a fellow called
ben harrison was gon to the Cotobers to fetch one hundred of them to
come and fee why their Indians was put in prison and if cap'^° tom was
hanged they would carry their wives and children over roanoake river
and then they would drive the white peopel and negros as far as James
river, and he says that tony mack tould him that if pyah was hanged, he
and the Cotobers would com and take revenge of the english, and he
fays that Sapony tom tould him If his son harry ervin was hanged they
would kill you and three or four more gentlemen and then goe of, and
fays that Dick tould him that we had no busnes to com to the fort armed
to concern ourselves about their killing one another, but we were like a
fow that had lost her pigs, would ralley for a little time and then have
don, but when they began a war with the english they never would have
don — this from y' humble fervt: to comand —
THOMAS ARENT.
Rob^ Carter Esq' in behalf of the Proprietors of the Northern Neck, Ocr. itcb
enters a Caveat ag^ granting a patent for ten thousand acres of land, on
both fides of Happy Creek joining on the great Mountains ftc ftc — to
Larkin Chew & others.
Sundry Caveats entered, by Green, Syme, Taliaferro, Chastain, Cosby,
Willis, Eidy, Ogilsby, Pope, &c.
At a Vestry held for S^ Johns' Parish at the lower Church 1729
December ye 22^ 1 729. ^^ ^^^
Present — Ye Rbv: Dan^ Taylor, Minister.
The Hon^^* Coll® William Danoridgb
Coll: Phill: Whitehead Capt: Henry Webber
Coll® Aug' Moore M' Thos: King
Capt: John Quarlbs Capt: Will Cradock—
We the Vestry having viewed the decays of this Church, We find it Acdoa con-
to be so bad, that it is unanimously agreed not to expend any money 3^'*^ '][^.
towards the Repairing of it, but we order that the workmen vis^ Mr Parbjlt towe r
Thomas Palmer and Mr Charles Palmer close up ye Breaches they have Chwch
made in it and leave it. It is likewife ordered that Two new Churches
be built of equal Dimensions and goodness in this Parish and that Publick
$16 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1730 notice be given for Workmen to meet at the next Vestry wbich is ap-
pointed to be held on the 8^ day of Jamiary next, to agree with •■
Undertaker to build the lower Church.
DAN^ TAYLOR, M'
HENRY WEBBER W. DANDRIDGE
WILL: CRADDOCK. PHIL: WHITEHEAD
AUG. MOORE
Cop. Test) THOS. KING
ViNC» Inge— Clk Vcs: JNO. QUARLES
Jane Richd: Deans* petition (with plat) for a certain parcel of land ott
Licking Hole Creek in Henrico, now Goochland Co ftc ftc
BcTcriy*! Peti- Roh^ Beverly, William Beverly & John Corrie, pray for leave to take
don for lindi |,p Fifty thousand Acres of land lying upon Shenando River, &c — ^and
Vi^hiU**"*^ ™x^ above the grant to Col. W« Beverly for the land called the Massa-
nutting Town —
Caveats entered against patents for lands on Beaver-dam Creek and
Contrary river in Hanover Co —
1 73 1 Caveats entered by Edloe, Dabbs, and Bassett &c
Mar loth At a Vestry held for St. Johns Parish, May ye loth 1731.
St. Tohiu* Prest: — The Rev. Daniel Taylor, Minister.
Pariih CoU: WiLLiAM Dandridge Colh Phill: Whitehead
Coll: W*^ Aylett CoU* Aug: Moore
Capt: Henry Webber Capt: Jno: Quarlbs
Captr W" Craddock Capt: James Macon
Capt: Thos: Clayborne Capt: Martin Palmer
ProcM^ Bgi of Capt. James Macon being by a former order chosen a Vestry Man in
the Vetciy of the room of M' Henry Fox, virho hath left the Parish, was this day, ac-
Pardh^^' cordingly sworne — Francis Crump, showing that John Thompson being
in a very fick & weak condition and not able to get his living. The
Vestry doth exempt him from Paying his Parish Levy this year-^*
Whereas the Vestry, at ye Layfng of the last Parish Levy, thought it
Convenient to raise some Tobacco towards the buildine of two Churches
in this Parish, and accordingly levied nineteen thousand and fifty pounds
of Tobacco, for the said Use, which said sum of 19050 lbs of Tobacco,
which beine collected by (he Church Wardens and Collector, it is or-
dered by this Vestry, that the faid (iim of Tobacco be expefed to lale,
and Coir W°^ Aylett doth this day agree to discharge the lame at 10 f:
pn Ct: Currant Uash, after all charges for Cask & Sallary deducted, it is
agreed on by the Vestry —
Memoran^ Capt. Leonard Clayborne is D^ for Capt. Beales fine 15C
Capt. H^nry Webber D"* for Ricafd Lowelb — isf.
AUG. MOORE DAN^ TAYLOR
THOS. KING W. DANDRIDGi:
HEN. WEBBER MARTIN PALMER
JNO. QUARLES THOS. CLAIBORNE
WILL CRADDOCK PHIL. WHITEHEAD
JAMES MA90N ^^ . ^^jj. W*^ AYLETT
Vinc't Inoe Clk. Vest.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. mf
John Quvles gives Bond, requiring him to buiM a Puhlick Ware- 1731
house for Tobacco &c on his land in King W°^ Countj &c juae ut
M' Patrick Spence, and Andrew Monroe Jnr"' Bond for building Ware- July 30th
houses &c at Nomini in Westmoreland C^
Robert BoHuigs' Bond, requiring hiw to build Warehouses in Prince Sept. loth
George County, at the Peine, on nid Boilings Land &;c
John Parntlls' Pattent for four hundred acres of Land, with Plat &c Oct. a6th
in Isle of Wyght Co —
JNO: ALLEN— Surveyor
It being considered with Reguard to the difference of the charge and Not. 19th
expence of building one or two Churches in this Parish, that one will be s^ johiuPariih
more fuitable, Easie & convenient to the Inhabitants thereof. Therefore n. Keat Co
it is Concluded and accordingly ordered that one Church and no more q q^^ j^
be built for the use of this Parish, and that it be erected at the place only tp be built
where the Vestry (hall hereafter agree upon —
Jno; QuABLES W, DAHDBIDaB
Hbn: Wsbbkb Phil: Wm^BHftAJ)
Will: Cbadpook W" Aylbtt
Jam: Mabon Tho'. Kufg
Cop Test)
Vikct: Inqb
Clk. V^a:
Tlie Petition of John Smith k wife — John Daricoate k wife James & Little Bjrd
John Mafly and others for Patent for 4,000 Acres of land on (aid Creek, ^"*^
in Goochland G% as pr: right of Thomas Mafly Testator &c &c
W" Ayletts* Bond, requiring him to erect a Publick Warehouse on ^P"^ ^^^
his Land, in addition to the one already built at that Place — &c ^'' }i^^^'
Paruh
King Wm Co
April 30*^ 1732-
Dear Sir,
I am peisuaded that I can get a number of people from April 30th
Pensilvania to settle on Shenoodore, if I can obtain an order of Council |^^^^ ^^ ^^
for fome Land there, and I beg y® favour of you to get me an order at Bererij to
the first Council held after you receive this, for fifteen thousand acres of ia rcprd to
Land, lying on both aides of ye main River of Shenondore to include an Jf "^' ^. '^
old field, called and known by y® name of. Massanutting Town, and iiver
running back k above k below the same on y^ faid river to include
the Quantity ; ye fil; main river being y^ which runs at ye foot of the
great ridge of mountains comonly cafled the blue ridge and being those
we know in this Colony by ye name of ye high mountains \ and because
I would not have a dispute with any body, or endeavour to supplant
28
$1S CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1732 them, I defire you will please to fearch in ye Council Office, whether
any order, now in force has been granted for the faid Mafiannutting, and
if there has not, then I hope I (hall obtain my defire ; for y® northern
men are fond of buying land there, because they can buy it, for six or
/even pounds pr: hundred acres, cheaper than they can take up land in
pensilvania and thev don't care to go as far as W""burg. I hope that
Col: Henry Willis nas not employed you ag"^ W"^ RuflTel, about his
mountain Land^ because I am concerned with RuiTel in it, tho' my name
is not mentioned in it, and if he loses it, my part, besides charges, will
be upwards of sixty pounds, which I shall lose — Now I earnestly entreat
you, that you will take our cause in hand, which I think is very just,
being ye first discoverers and we surveyed as soon as ye Sufveyor would
go out ; for last September by y* Surveyors* own and our appoint™**, we
mett at Elkwood in order to go out k survey ye fd: Land, but after we
had been at all that pains and trouble he told us y* he could not survey
y^ Land, and if he went he could only make a begining k so return
(w^^ we thought would do us no good) we having appointed Colonel
Spotswood and Co^^ Grymes to make a furvey for them at Maflapomux.
Now it will be very hard for us to loose ye land which it was ye Sur-
veyors' fault & not ours — however rather than we should have any
trouble or stop to our patent, I offered to pay to Col^ Willis all the cx-
pences he had been at, but he refused it because he said he had not been
at any — The truth is we have made y® furvey & now have sold y^ Land
Price of land to a pensilvania man for 3 lbs of their money pr: hundred, which is what
lold the Penn- he wants from us, tho' he was not at y^ least trouble or charge about it,
•ylTaniaiM ^^ut he is resolved to get it if pofEble — but I hope he will be balkt, & not
take our money k labour from us, y^ have so dearly ear°^ it by exposing
ourselves te all manner of hardships for y* discovery of y* frontiers —
I hope we shall reap y* benefit of y* fame and I referr you for further
information to M' RufTell who will wait on you with this. I have been
very fick y* most part of last week but I thank God I am now a little
better, tho' yesterday morning I could hardly hold up my head — I heartily
wish you & yours perfect health and all other bleiEngs you can desire.
I am
M' RufTell can inform you. Dear Sir, your most obedient
ab^ the road I went & I humble servant
defire / Capt. At fFeild W. BEVERLEY.
one of*^ y* pet" may be
app^ Surveyor
Oct. 9th * Edwin Conway writes to Qov. Gooch, in regard to the complaints
made against M' Joseph Carter, Inspector of ToCocco at Corotoman, by
the people of that neighborhood, with their request that he be removed
UnpopuUrity ^^ — ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^ pacified the People last tuesday at the muster, by
of Mr. Joseph telling them that the Secretary had promifed to hear their complaints, for
^k**V°* feveral were ready to strike M' Carter, for he had been very Partial and
tonofT^cco unjust, as the people say, and it may be proved that the other two were,
for the most part govern'd bv him. Circumstances are very plain that
he spightfuUy burnt James rollands Tobacco, Tho he might have burnt
bis whole crop without giving him' the opportunity to prove be did it
, \ , m .,_ I ■-|--i ■ ■— ■ — 1 ^^ " ir
* Bean handioiDt imprcwion of PrtTtit S«a] !n wai.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 219
spitefully" &c. M^ Carter threatened to split Peter Rivers' head, and
oiFer'd to turn him out of Doors &c * * * * They
(the Inspectors) passed very bad Tobacco for some people, and often
burnt good Tobacco, and made the people pick it over k over again
&c — M' Carter has declared in the prefence of several men, that he
will be more severe in burning Tobacco if he Continues Inspector an-
other year: and this year they burnt 800 out of 900 Large Tobacco,
such as the Merchants would be glad to buy &c — • « »
many people were desirous to give their evidence before the Secretary,
but it is so far to W""burg ft two great rivers to croiT, the people so
poor and money so scarce, that unlefs the Evidences could be examined
here, 'tis better to carry our Tobacco to some other Inspection, for by
M' Carters' Character, he is a man of Implacable temper, and we dare
not carry our Tobacco to him, for if he rul'd Two, he certainly will
one &c &c — "
Then follow two other letters of subsequent dates, very strongly
complaining of M' Carter, and expressing great apprehension of his being
retained as Inspector for another year &c £c—
Philip Smith Jnr: to the Hon: John Carter, Secretary of V*, in be- Oct. 3111
half of Joseph Carter, M' Ball k M' Brent the Inspectors of Tobacco NorthnmM Co
in that District ; thinks " them all very honest men and as far as ever I £^^^^5^ j^
See very cearfuU in their office, not to pafs any Tob* but what was ^Tor of the
good, and in my opinion have done equall Justis to all " &c kc Impecton
Simon Stubblefields' Petition for Patent for 500 acres *of land in
Spotsylvania County lapsed from one Tho^ Dimmock
Dec.
W"* Robertson Esq' appointed by Gov: Gooch, Collector of ^^ Rates Wm.Robcrt-
& Dutys k Impositions " to be levied on Liquors and Slaves imported ^^^ •ppointed
&c for the District of York River &c S!!!??L!!f
York RiTer
To the Hon^** William Gooch Esq' Lieutenant Governor &c 4c — 1733
The petition of the Subscribers humbly shew —
That about four years past, they purchased five thousand acres Petition of the
of land, of one Jacob Stover, and paid him a great Sum of Money for ^"'^^J' Mttleri
the same. Amounting to Upwards of four hundred pounds: that y': pe- ""da?^"***
titioners were informed k beleived the sd; Stover had a good right k agtimt the luit
title in the said land — that immediately after the sd: * * • ofWmBeTeriy
all their lands k sev" other things in the County of Lancaster & Pro- ["d^ureh^
vince of Pensylvania, wh6re they then lived, & came k seated on the from Jacob
land they had bought of the s^ Stover; and cleared sev^ Plantations k ^^^^^^
made great Improvements thereon — Since which, they have been In-
formed that the sd: land (known by the name of Massannutting) is
Claimed by one W°* Beverly Gent — k that the sd: Beverly hath brought
suit ags^ the sd: Stover for the same, in the Hon^^* the Generall Court —
Y' Petitioners further shew that should the sd: Beverley recover the sd:
^20 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1733 land, that he will turn yr: Pet" out of Doors, or oblige them to give much
more for their lands & plantations then they are wof th, Which will entirely
ruin y' Pet" — And yo' Pet" cannot recover any thing of the s* Stover^ to
make them amends for the Lofs of their sd: lands, plantations ftc, he
being very poor, and is Daily Expected to Run away. Wherefore y*^
Petitioners humbly hope that as they are not Privy to any fraud done by
the sd: Stover in obtaining the sd: Land & yo' pet" being Dutchmen &
not acquainted with the laws here concerning lands k Imagined the sd:
Stovers' right to be good & have Run the hazard of their lives k estates
in removing from Pensylvania to the sd: land, being above two hundred
miles & at a time when there was very few Inhabitants in them parts of
Shenando, & they frequently visited by the Indians. And at this time
y' pet" have nine Plantations, fifty one people, old & young, thereon k
Expect to have two more familys to seat on the sd: land this spring,
(none of which are any of the persons the sd: Stover swore was on the
sd: land when he obtained the sd: Patent as y' pet" have been informed)
nor did y' pet" hear of the sd: Beverleys' claiming the said land 'till
they had made plantations thereon — And y' pet" have also paid his Ma-
jesties Quit rents for the said land, ever since they bought the sd: land
of the sd: Jacob Stover, that Your Hon" taking all i Singular, the pre-
mifses into yr: Consideration, will be pleased to make such order or De-
cree thereon, that yr: pet" may Quietly Injoy the said land.
And yr: pet' will every pray &c
MILHART RANGDMANN
ABRAHAM
MATHEW FOLK
ADAM MULLER
M CRIMSART:
Land lease of Pitillo against Archer — Deposition Sworn to before
John Banister, and signed by Geo: Williams &c
Not, 28tii Sir, This is to Inform you that I was at the great mountains k saw
several dutchmen that Came from Pencelvania and they told me they
had agreed with Stover for Land on Sherando, but since they came they
heard that Col: W° Beverley was at Law for it, therefore they would
not settle it, unlefs Stover could make them a right to it, which if he did
they would settle it directly — Which is the needfull frpm
S' y' Humble ferv*
To Comm*
FRA: THORNTON
To M' William Robertson
at Williamsburg &c .
1^34 Smrvey U Plot of Land^^for Josbph Hawldiis, lying in B^ Matins'
Parish in Spotsylvania, above the littte mountains, k on both site vhe
May a4th j^fl^ Run— Jamcs Cok: Survcyo'
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 221
John Martin summoned to appear before the Gov: & Council in the 1734
Capitol at W°"burc: — to defend his title to a tract of land on South River ,
ir- ¥mTm r^ June J4tn
King W"» County — -^ ^
Ed: Cocke & Thomas Ballard of Chas: City County, summoned be- Dec. 4th
fore Gov: & Council to anfwer the Complaint of Doucy Southall &c
Rob' Napiers' Petition for redress against W*" Mayo Surveyor of Goochland Co
Goochland C*', who although frequently applied to, and proffered the ^ ^
lawful fees, not only refuses to deliver to the sd: Napier the Plots & survevor of *
certificates of his land surveyed, but had " contrary to all Justice and Goochland
honesty" delivered the same to Miles Cary in his name; thereby redu- Napiers petition
cing the " Petitioner & his poor wife and children " to ruin &c &c —
Summons to John Foster, to shew cause why land formerly granted to 1735
him may not now be granted to Henry Willis &c Pcb nth
To the Honble William Gooch Esq' his Majestys' Lieutenant Gover- April id
nor & Com**' in cheif of the Colony & Dominion of Virg* Norfolk
Wee, the Merchants, owners of Vefsells, and Principall Inhabitants Petition of the
-of the Town of Norfolk, Begg leave to lay before your Hon' what we merchants and
conceive a Burthen, and hardship on us. And the Merchants and owners Norfolk askine
of Vefsels in the Countys of Princefl' Anne and Nanseoiond, in our the removal of
Trade — the Collector's
The Port of Hampton, being the Lower District of James River, Hfm*^ton u>
claims all vefsells entering and tradeing on the north side of James River that Place
from Point Comfort, the mouth of James River, along the north shore
to Archers' Hope Creek — on w*^^ side of James River are not more than J-'""*" ^^}^^,
^—m, Lower Oiatiict
Three Sloops or Vefsells belonging to Virginia owners, that we know or of James Rirer
have heard of — and no British Ships for many years past has Loaded
Tobacco on that side James River within the said District —
On the South side of James River, the Port of Hampton includes all Porc of Hamp-
the Rivers and Creeks from Cape Henry to Hog Island, opposite to *<»"
Archers* Hope Creek, viz^ Lynhaven River, Elizabeth River on w^** our
Town is Seated, and w^^ has above Thirty Sail of Sloops, Briggantines
and Vefsells belonging to the Inhabitants, and that annually make about
Three Voyages Each, to the Islands in the West Indias, and is resorted
to by very many Sloops and Vefsells from the Islands, and from the
Continent of America ; as well as Several! British Ships, that annually
come here to Load, or fill up with Lumber — Nansemond River, where
many British Ships every year Load Tobacco and Tarr, and Small Vef-
sells provisions for the West Indias. — P^ggan Creek, and other Places of
small Trade. It is S' — from Norfolk Town to Hampton, about eigh- Distances &c
teen miles by water, and from Nansemond to Hampton about Twenty
five or thirty miles — a Difficult and Troublesom Navigation Crofs the
mooth of Janics River, atidl usually requires two Days ttme, and Expellee
of boat U men (oftenthncs more occasioned by bad weatkier and Coi>
tfary MinIs) wheitewr we have occasion to enter or dear out Veftelte
from a^ of tke Places' aiforena(iited»«^
An^, trbat is Still harder upoD vs^ is that notwithstanding the Act of
tiz
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1735 Afsembly of this Province the VIIP^ G. 2"^ Chap: 11"^ Sec' III.
Enacting that on our importing Liquors, and then transporting them from
one District to another, it shall be lawfuU for the importer to make Oath
before Some Justice of the Peace of the County where he lives, that he
Duly Entered such Liquors, w^^ the Collector of the Dutys, and paid or
Secured all the Dutys &c — which Oath, Such Justice shall certifie &c,
and such Certificate being produced to the Collectoi* of the Dutys in
the District to w^^ the said Liquors shall be transported, shall be a
Sufficient Warrant for the owners thereof to sell the same in such other
District ; any thing, or former Acts to the Contrary hereof, notwith-
standing—
The Collectors of the other Districts in Virginia, do refuse to admitt
such Certificate, alledging they are restrained by Acts of Parliament —
and thereby, as often as we have occasion to send to any other District,
a single cask of Rum or more, We are obliged again to undergo the same
Expence and Fatigue of going to Hampton to procure such Certificate,
to the great Detriment of our Trade, and Fatigue to ourselves —
This S' Wee complain of, as a Greivanse and hardship on oar Trade,
and a matter, proper to be releived, and humbly Pray your Hon" to En-
quire into the Truth of the Premifses, and represent the san.e to the
Hon^^^ the Commifsioners of his Majestys' Customes for Great Brittain,
with an humble request &c To them that they will Please to direct the
Custom House Officers for the Lower District of James River to reside
at Norfolk, or to appoint a Deputy, to reside at Norfolk, for the same
Purposes, or such other Releif in the Premises as they in their wisdom
shall think fitt —
May it Please your Hon'
Norfolk April 2* 1735
Wee are with utmost regard and sincere wishes
for the long Continuance of Yo' Hon" Govern-
ment over us —
Your Hon" moft Obedient ft
moft humble Serv** —
Gbo; Newton
William Godfrey
Abel Lbwelling
Jno: Tucker
Jno: Watkins:
Bdw'* Thurston
Antho: Walke
Saml: Boush Jnr
Jno Hutchinos
Jno: Taylor
Cornelius Calvert
Jno: Tucker Jnr:
Jno: Brown
Jno: Sanders
Edward Puqh
Chr: Gardner
Habijah Savaqe
Simon Hancoceb
Band*^ Sharman
Alex* Campbell
BoB^ Tucker
Sam: Sjaith Jnr:
Sa: Bous
Saml: Smith
Th«^ Pugh
Lemuel Biddle
John Elleoood
Da: M M^Clenahak
John Fitz —
May —
Norfolk, Va
Petition of Masters of British Vessels, on the same subject as the pre-
ceeding. After the usual Preamble, they state ^^ Upon our Arrival in
James River, Wee your Hon'* Pef* have little or no Businefs at Hamp-
ton, only to enter our Yeflells, but for most part are all either obliged , or
incline to goe to Norfolk, for provisions. Rum, Lumber &c, which is a
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
228
Tr
K
at
of
m-B.l)Ie and Loss of time — Besides being obliged to ride in a Dangerous
and Deep water, Whereas if your Hon" thought fitt to have offices
rfolk, Wee could ride in four or five Fathom Water in the mouth
Hzabeth River — &c &c
1 735
John Tate
Saml: Spilman
Saml: Boreman
Hugh Crawford
Jno: McCunn
COLip DUNLOP
John Jenings
John Lyon
RoBT Hall
Jno: Turner
Saml: Burnes
Geo Griffin
David Single
a
C
th
Hi
L
a Council held at the Capitol the ii*^ day of June 1735 &c —
the Petition of W™ Byrd Esq' sett forth that he speedily Expects
mber of Switzers, and other fForeign Protestants to come over to this
ty & praying that 100 000 Acres of Land may be granted him for
Accommodation & Settlement, to be taken up in one or more
:s on both Sides the South Branch of Roanoke River, Between
«s' Creek A; the River Irvine, free & Discharged from the Pur-
^ of rights & upon the terms on which other Remote Frontier
s have been granted — It is Ordered the Petitioner have leave to
up 1 00000 acres of land at the place above described, on Condition
'^tling one fFamily at least upon every 1000 acres, within the space
o years from Si after the last Day of October next enfuing the
hereof —
June nth
Wmsburgh
Grant of
100,000 teres
of Land &c
to Proteitaat
Forcigsert,
upon petition
of Wm Byrd
^^"^ Clemment granted leave to take up land in Amelia on Bent
Creek, beginning on Appomattox River &c
Petition of Chris: Clark, Ambrose Joshua Smith k John Henry, Tor
Survey of 3000 acres of land, on South fork of North fork of James
River above dry Creek, & running up to the Lines of Lynch, Hudson
k Lewis, towards the great mountain, kc kc to the piney mountain in
Hanover County, &c
Instructions for M' James Thomas Surveyor.
Having seen your Plot and Feild notes, relating to your late Survey of
the South Branch of Rappahanock River, We have Cfonsider'd your Re-
port made us thereon, And are of Opinion (That as the South Stream
or Branch of the lask Fork call'd k known by the Name of Conaway
River appear'd to You to be Greater than the North Branch which you
went up and Surveyd, after M' Graeme had refused to trace up s^ Branch
the' you often insisted on it) That is Absolutely neceflary for the better
Discovery of the Several Branches of Rappahanock, You should survey
and measure the s^ Conaway River and insert it in your Plot, We do
therefore Order and Direct you to prepare your Self with all pofBble
Dispatch in order to go on your s' Survey the first good Season of
Weather, And that you hire two or more Cnain Carriers, as the Service
1736
Feb. 5th
King George
County
Imtructioot In
regard to lurTcy
of the head
waters of Rap-
pahannock
$u
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1736
Feb. a lit
Ezpeniei of
SurTey
may require and at the cuftomary Wages — We defire You to send M""
Grseme Notice of these, our Orders, that in case the Kings Commis-
sioners direct Him, he may accordingly attend and aifist you therein.
We expect you will apply yourself and men, with all Dilegence in the
Execution of this further Truft, and give us account thereof —
We are your loving Friends—
CH: CARTER
W. BEVERLEY
W. FAIRFAX.
To this is appended further instructions to th^ same person, '^ To
survey and measure the North Branch of the little Fork of Rappahanock
comonly called HSdgemans' River " kc &c.
Sir,
Pay unto Henry flitzhugh Efq' or Order, the fum of Eighteen pounds
Eight Shillings and Eleven pence Curr° and place the same to acco^ of
Sir
Your humble Serv*
JN<> WARNER—
To W» Fairfax Efq'
Accepted —
W. Fairfax —
March 7 th
Eipenies in
Surveying
Willitmibarg
(i
cc
C(
cc
cc
cc
**An Acct: of the Charge & Disburf** in the Surveying y* Water
Courcefs of Rapp: bay and Potomack River-^
To Merryman Payn ' . 25 Days £» 0 3.:2-02 — 06.
To John Taylor
To Tho" Lew
To a man to attend and stand as an object \
upon the shore &c 25 days service j
To Thomas George, for y® use of his
Perriauger — &c
To a padlock to secure y® perriauger
To one q' of paper — Edwards 1
To two qu' of paper of Col: Grymcs j
To two GalJ: and 3 qts. of Rum at
Sf pr: Qa"
&c &c kc
£ I. 17. . 6
o .15
iV9
}
00 — 13 — 09.
W" BALL.
»737—
August nth Sir,
In regard co the
Survey of Lord
Fair&x*! Terri-
tory in the
N. Neck
Last night I received a Copy of the Comm^' Instructions, which I
send inclosed. You wil observe they are very general and fo can need
no Comment of mine — I have likewise had a sight of the Commifsion,
The purport of which is That the Comm" have full power & authority
by all lawful ways k means to examine, fettle k determine all matters
k things touching the boundaries of his Lordships Territory according to
the true intent, meaning & construction of his Grants. And they have
power to take the Depositions of Witnefses, To search all Records and
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. H$
to employ Surveiors, Chain Carriers &c. And they are to make report rjji
of their proceedings to the Governor — They are stiled Comm'* on be*
half of his Majestie and no notice is taken oif their being nominated by
Lord Fair&x — His approbation St confent is expected in a writing by it-
self— I veas defined oy tbe Governor to draw up a form, which I ha^e
accordii^y done & fend herewith — fibr my part I can fee nothing ex-
ceptionable either in the Commifsion or Inftniction, however if bis
Lordship likes them not he is ftil at liberty to name his own Comm™— *
The Governor gave me to underftand that it was a matter of favor & not
of right to have a sight of the Commifsion and Copy of the Instructions*
The Comm" talk of seting out in September so as to be ready to enter
upon businefs by the 20^ of that month — They feem very desirous to fee
either his Lordship or you before they set out as well to fettle prelimina-
ries as to the dnEie k place of meeting & other previous matters as to bt
made acquainted with what his Lordship intends to require them to do.
You tel me I know his demands very well — It is true I am no stranger
to what they are in general, but I am realy at a lofs to defcend to particit^
lars, his Lordship having never communicated to me what it was ht
Ihould require of the Comm" — As to the (ketch I drew up k fent fome
time ago under the name of Instructions to the Comm", I was never
told it was approved of — It can never be satisfactary to the Comm'' to
say you desire them to perform the Kings' Order — Particulars (hould be
mentioned as well with respect to what his Lordship apprehends to be
his boundaries as also whatever he expects or requires the Comm" to do
on his behalf — Therefore it you come not down Pray let me have very
full Instructions what I am to propofe and desire of the Cmttm" for fm
Lordship —
The Governor fiiys he will give orders to the Surveiors of Spotsylvaniit
and Orange not to survey any more land within the disputed bounds.
It is his Mefsenger brings this and wil wkrt for an answer if you con
^patch him in a reafonable time^-His Lordship may always depend
upon my best fervices for his interest-^
I am Sir
Tour most Ohti k humble SerV*
HDW: BARRADALE.
W"»burg, Aug: 11. 1736.
Enclosed with the above is the following —
Sir»
Laft Night the Mefsenger brought your Paquet enclosing an Instru* Aagwt i5tk
ment for me to sign and Seal^ also a copy of the Instructions intended ^e,tnioreUnd
the CommifEoners. On perusal thereof I canot avoid remarking that
if I should afsent in the Manner Expreft, to have the N^ern Neck which
I claim, run out, markt and afcertained, imediately after the Survey of
the (ame by the Comnfi'* I should give up the Benefit which I rave
always expected of having their S^ Survey reported first to the Governor
amd to be by Him transmitted Home to his Majesty, for as the Main
Dispute is conceived in the construction of the words in the feveral
Oittnts, what is there nveatit and understood to be the first Heads or Springs
of the two Rivers Rappahanock k Potomack — It ieems most equitaUe to
have the (ame determined by his Majisty in Council, before whom the
case may be fairly argued on both sides. And this step will not in anv
29
$$6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1736 ways lefsen the Service, but I think, be the best Direction to the Comm'*
in their future marking & afcertaining the Boundarys — The affair is of
too great Consequence to have it Ended here w^ut reserving the Lib-
erty of Appeal— -The last Clause of the Instruction is rightly made,
wherein the Survevors are to prepare correct maps of the Rivers Rapp^
& Potomack and tne Branches thereof to the first Heads or Springs in
order to be laid before his Majesty, which would be uselefs after the
former Part which directs the Comm'' to mark k settle the Boundarys,
is excuted. I have all the just Confidence in the Honor k Integrity of
the Comm" appointed, But can't submit that They should finally deter*
mine till his Maj^ Pleafure be further Known — To obviate all Difficultys
I propofe being at W°"burg the first week of next month, where I hope
I shall meet w^ all pofsible Dispatch. In the mean time what I have
offered need not hinder the Comm" in their Preparations for setting out
on their Survey — If any Points of Law should arife, there will be Time
eno^ to have the same determined at Home before the Surveys can be
compleated, unlefs from hence obftructed, which is very far from being
the defire of
yr: humble Ser^
(also the following) F.
Sir, I reed: your Favor of the 11^ inst: by M' Fleming whom you
say is the Governors Mefsenger. As such, my Lord being unacquainted
w^ the Dignity of Such an Exprefs defires you'l pay Him what Compli-
ment You think proper — His Lordsp: has answered you himself — I have
only to apologize for the neglect of not lettipg you know his Lordsp*
approval of the Sketch you drew up and fent under the Name of In-
structions to y* Comm'* ( But by the present Draft no notice is taken of
his Lordsps' Acceptance of the S^ Gen^ for his own ) It has been my
Fault w^ I will endeavour to repair by a better Obfervance in future—
His Lordp: takes very Kindly the Trouble You give Your Self in his
Service, and you may be afsur'd of his Gratitude. If my Lord thinks it
necefsary I shall be glad to accompany Him to W°"burg, where I hope
to see ail manner of Jealoufies k Difficulties removed. Be so Kind as
to recomend the Care of the enclosed* to Col^ Diggs
I am w^ unalterable Efteem
Y' W. F.
Aug: is^ 1736.
{
Sept. iSth By the Commiifioners appointed on behalf of the Right Hon^^
Thomas Lord Fairfax — Proprietor of the Northern Neck —
iBict Thomu By virtue of the Powers and Authorities to us given. We do hereby
r, made Sw- nominate and appoint you James Thomas jun'. Surveyor, in conjunction
f2[2%x° ^*'** ^^^^ ^^^^ Surveyor as Ihall be appointed on the part of Bis Majesty to
furvey and trace the north branch of the River Tappahannock, alias
Rappahannock, from the first Great Fork of faid River, next above the
falls thereof &c &c — to take the Indian names, Inhabitants, variations of
Chain bcaren the Compafs, the Latitude &c — To take three Chain-bearers, U be dufy
H U iwarn sworn according to the Laws of this Country iic &c
* Letter for Mr. AmUer Cole at York.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
^rf
The Hon"' John Grimes Esq'
Sept: To %x Bottles of Clarett
25th To 20 Bottles of Madera wine
26th To 36 Bottles of strong Beer
27th To 10 Dishes — Victualls
To 8 Dishes D«
To 6 Dishes D
To 6 Breakftsts Gentlemen
To II « «
* • « •
• • • •
To 14 IxM^ings
To Stableage 19 Hones Saturrfaf nisbt
D'
28
29
@4f
@2f
@ Ift
@4r
@4f
@4f
@if
@6f
• # • « « # «
To punch : Oaidemeii
To Tea : Gentlemen
To Sundry Liquors, Woodsmen and Survqrours
To Liquor Esq'' Fairfaxs' man
To Liquor y* Surveyours
To 7 breakftsts Servants % ^A\
To 6 barrels & i buftl: Corn at lof pr: barr^
X4:
2.
2:
2:
I
i:
o
o
o
o
%
o:
o;
o:
o:
o*
o
X3-
12:
12:
S-
o:
12:
¥
6:
11:
o
0
o
o-
o
o
o
o
I7j6
Sept. ft9tk
SpecloieB aee^
•koirlaf files
of aiticki-^
Filr&i*inmf
I7-
11:
•
2:
II:
S-
o:
4
2:
o
9—
6—
6
9
9
4J
o
N. B. Your horses have had 6 Barrells i bushell of Corn 1 q. •
which your honour may charge as you please J ^' ' ^
This account is thus endorsed —
Sept: 29**^ 1736 —
Then rec^d of the Honble John Orymes Esq' twelve pistoles, and of
¥rilliam Fairfax Esq' twelve pistoles in full of the within account — I
say rec'" pr: me
JOHN GORDON
John Longs' account as Chain-bearer, paid by James Thomas — Sur- Nav. loU
vcyor ftc __
Oenf^ — We cannot doubt your Receiving our Letter of the 5^ inst: n«t. tpk
last, wherein, we let you know our Thoughts of Your Dilatorinefs at
first settii^ out, on the Supposal that you were to be paid a Pistole pr:
day, and tnen afsured you, that your services would be rather considered,
than the time you tooK for your Progress-
It is not without a just concern, that we are obliged to acquaint you utter t»
that we have seen M' Ashby, whom we had engaged as your Pilot & Sunrefoit
Steward and the Chain men he had hired by our l)irections, who sav
they left you on the 18^ of sd: inst: about four miles above the Moutn
of Shanandoah, and have presented too plausible reasons for their so do-
ing, so that if you don't accomplish the work you undertook, this season
(and we apprehend you have had very good weather) We shall have too
much cause to think Those men have told us nothing but truth — You
may perhaps Contemn our Exhortations, as not needing our good opinions,
but you will surely be acc^^* to us who are to be your Paymasters, shall
only add that if you return, with the Pretence of the Impracticability of
Executing those Instructions, you voluntarily took upon your oath, to
perform, there are Gentlemen and Surveyors at Hand who resolve to
make Tryal of such Impoffibility— >We heartily wish you may finish
$^$ CAL£NOAK OF STATS PAPERS.
1736 your Survey, as Those employed 00 Rappahannock, have long since
done, without any Complaints of ill usage to their Pilots and Chaimnen^
The Surveyors app<Hnted on Rappahannock compleated their Wt^rk al*
most as SQon as you began —
We are &c
CH: CARTER
W. FAIRFAX
■
Dtc; i^h Accounts paid to Joseph Carter and Will Perry as Chain bearers, on
Sucveyi of Potomack and South River, at two shillgs k six pence pr:
day kc
BENJ: WINSLOW
JNO: SAVAGE
-^•^ CHA« CARTER
W* Beverly to
jtaoary 20th . The days being very short when I was al Shtnnondeah, and being
iMez Co apprehensive of bad weather occasioned my rdf ura sooner than I in-
tendedi and for ths^ reason I niuAt agAtn pafl* the^ mountains ia March —
I vifasiat W^burg in December, and never heard a word of the Kings
Com^* sending us a copy of their report, aod was not a litde surprised
by. my Uncle Byrd the other day, who asfc'4 me why we did not let
the^ hav^ % copy of our report, and I told him thftt we had been de-
qyed a copy of theirs, and I thought it not reasonable to send them ours^
but he said that Barrad^iU Iqi^ before had « copy, iitow ainoe thev
did not think proper to give us a copy when we bad occasion of it — Jt
would not be amiiT to delay as long as they did before they have ^ copy
of outs, for I hope His Lgi^ship is ^ot sale homt, suul will do his busi-
i|cff before Mi^cr arrives — Corn bcmg very scarce viitb me;, I did not
Fatteniog Brcf put uf^my^ bfl^ves to fi^len, that I intended for sale and Ibftvc but two I
can depend on, indeed I am trying if I can fatten two with hay, but
wjip^her they wijj b? fetorno, I c^;i't ss^y^ and my Wife- says she can-
not spare any, for if we could, I afliire you they should be at your ser*
vice —
My Wif(p would, ^l^dly w;ait on M" Fairfs^x and the good Company,
l)Vlt our d^ug^er Ursula is. in a bad state of beajtb, and^takes one kind
of physick or other every day, and for my part, I haivc been at home hut
Ftmiiy Matten three nights^ th^sc three weeks, and now expect a mil wrigh^ this day to
go with me to King and Queen County to build a mill, and I can't pro*
mise myself the pleasure of waiting on you 'till Sunday evening before
W' Mor** Court, but pray do not expect me till you see me, lor next
Tuesday Doct' Barns has obliged me to send for him, and he Is to stay
with me 2 or 3 days on a visit, and if you have liesure from your office^
I shall be extreamly glad of your good company — As for Dice I have
none, neither do I know where to get any. Pompey brings you Salmon.
We all join in our very best services to your self, your Lady, M" Green,
the young Lady unknown, and the Young Ladys your Daughters, with
Master Bryan —
I am with great truth
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient Servant 5(c &c
. Qrass. beef I think is top poor ^ kill,
tAtf>' I b^ve 4 <pret<ty ma^iy of tharn her^ "
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. JB$9
Sir, 1737
Pay unto M' Charles Lewis or order the sum of fifty shillings Curr^ m k th
HMney and place the fiime to the Acc^ of *^^ '
Sir
Your bumble Serv^
JNO: WARNER.
To W» flfairfax Esq'
the above is tor a man and Canoe zo Days on the Survey of King
Geo: County —
Accepted
W. Fairfax
Accounts rendered and paid for Surveys on North River, and Middle, March loth
or Conway River &c —
Whereas by a late Complaint to the Hoa^^^ the Lieutenant Governor, April 5th
s^ilist William Balf Jun' Gent: the said William Ball hath been left out Lancuter Co
of the Commission of y^ Peace ffor this County, We the subscribers
think it our duty to certifie that moreover the said William Ball hath vindication of
been misrepresented^ we have observed him ye space of nine years in William BaU
that Commission, and alfo in his office of Sherif, Inspector, and^Capf^
of ye Militia, Constantly to have behaved himself with dilligence, sobriety.
Honesty & altogether firee from Partiality.
Henry Cartbr
Hugh Brxnt
RoB^ Mitchell Nich: Mariyk
Henry Lawson
Tm>*' Siyw»at3>« John Heases
Joseph Hease
W. Taylo»
]o8f: CaktbR'
WltL.- STErrOft'
Commiffiencrs for his MajefTtie, and ike Right Hon^^ Thomas Lord April 15111
Fairfax, fior Sumlry Expenses in Surveying Potomack River from ye mo^
of Sbenendo to Chapawamsick —
J737-
^ o paid JohcR Wikoxen for ye ufe of his )
Canoe from Cape: Awbreys to Shen- > 10: 8.
endo & down to Snigav )
To paid CapC: Aubrey for Liquors and \ -,
provisions J "^
To paid M** Bell fdr his son and Horse to ^
Bring our Things from Sinegar to Ma- > i: 2: 11 —
gees j
To paid McGee for Victuals k Drink o: 7: 6
To paid a Sloop man for 2 gals of rum 8: o-«
To M" Morton for Bread & Bacon 7; la
4c&c * * . * •
altoHrMt^: RO: BROOKE—
$80 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
'737 ^X ^^'^»
I am indebted to M' Charles Green, Seventeen pounds thirteen, and
'^ seven pence Currency, which I am informed by his Lady Tour Lordship
is so good as to say you'l answer my draft for — I acknowledee I have no
right to make any such Demand, out if Your Lord sp: will favour oie
so, I shall think myself bound to use my uttmost Endeavour to meritt
the kindnefs, And shall always retain a grateful sense of it —
I am,
Your Lordships
Most obliged Ac kc
JAMES THOMAS
To the Riffht Hon^
Thomas Lord Fairfax
Sir,
Mftf t4tb I hsLve lofl no time that I could pofEbly apply Co mv finishinff the Sur-
vey of Prince William, but whether I can get a fair Plan of it oefore je
Court of Oyer, is what I cannot promise, confidering that y* Duty
of my office will oblige me to be (if I am able) in Caroline all next
week — I have had a feav' every afternoon Since EfTex Court, which it
sometimes very severe, and mv Tasks are Such as will allow me no time
to take proper remedys — I wiu health to you and yours, and Sir,
Your moft humble
Servant
RO: BROOKE
May ye 24"* 1737.
To Col. Beverly —
to which is the following reply —
Sir,
Max t7tb I am very sorrv for your so great in disposition— I heartily wish you a
speedy recovery ci pfect health — We should be very glad to have a plot
of potomack as soon as poffible, and I was in hopes we might have had
it this week or the begining of next, and Zh the duties of your offices in-
terfere with each other, I think that of least consequence ought to give
way to the greater, but this I leave to your own Judgement—
I am S' y' m* hb'^ Serv*
To Maj' Brooke W. B.
jwi« »9th Received of the R^ Hon: the Lord Fair&x, One hundred Pounds
curr^ on Acc^ of his Service as Surveyor from the mouth of Shannen-
doah to the first Head or Spring of Potomack
JNO: SAVAGE—
W* Fairfax Esq' D'
To my Survey on North Branch of Rappahanock ) ^ ^ ^ ^ r
October Ri/er ;3^- ^- 0.— 1736—
ifoT. '^^ °^y Survey on the Brent Town Tract (Containing 30,000 Acres) in
Conjunction with M' Savage, for which he Received of Meflirs Brent,
Date of ccrttiD p^ot k C* 20 Lb: )- 10, O O
•"^•^ Errors Excepted—
pr: JAMES THOMAS Jtra:
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
isi
Received from William Fairfax Esq' the Sum of Twenty-one Pounds, 1737
one Shilling and Eight Pence per Acc**^ of my Survey of the North no?. a6th
Branch or River or Fork of Rappahanock — Certain lorTcji
pr: me
JAMES THOMAS Jnr:
Test, Jno: Warnbr
List of men Employ'd for the Service of his Majistie An the Right
Hon**^* Thomas Lord Fair Fax, Affisting on the Survey of Potomack
River from the Mouth of Shenendo down to Chapawamfick — &c &c —
Names —
John Wilcoxen Jn*
John Tarp
Benj^ Halinge
Account Curr^ of Expenses incident to Survey of Westmoreland 173^
County in 1737, by James Thomas Jnr: Surveyor &c Februar) 9th
M' Jno: Warners' and others' accounts for surveying, with items en- April aift
tered, and necefsary charges &c
To his Excellency the Governor of Virginia-— August 4th
The people acquaints. That the Governor of Virginia would make Alieganey
Pease between the Cattawpas and the Northerly Indians, which they
heard it from Thomas Penn k James Logan, who said it was good news Metiafe of the
if true — but they doubted it, who Immediately sent the Letter with a King of the
Belt of Wampon about it, to the Five Nations, Likewise he sent a Let- go*7^^'2
ter to the Shawana King & Some Powder & Lead and Tobaccp, Desiring
he would not let his men go to war, but guard themselves as well as they
could in their Towns — as soon as they received the Letter, they thought
that their Bretheren the white people, was for their Good k would not
let their people go to war, which is well known by the white people that
lives in their town — and that neither they nor any that Lives between
there and the five nations went over the Hills to war. As for the Scalps,
that was brought through their town, was Brought by the Chepoays,
Living on the other side of the falls of the Layke Avey, which Peter
Shortee & Cuttapeto, as soon as they Saw the ocalps, washed them, and
was very angry, telling them they had Killed their Brethren, which put
them in a great fright so that they never put their armes out of their
hands, while they was in their town, and said if they had known of the
last murder committed, They would have acquainted it to his Brother, as
well as the first — and the aforesaid Peter Shortee hath lately been at the
French Settlements, and acquaints you, that they take such a disliking
to the Indians, for Killing the English, that they were forced to fly from
that Part — and they Depended that pease was making, so that they was
in no fear — So the Cattowpas Came upon them and Killed one woman
and a man, and took two prisoners, about the middle of April, and
another Company was persued about 40 days ago^ by the Shawanas, so
mr:'
UM
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1738 that they left their Packs, & there was found in them a very fine Coat,
and Several Silk Handkercheifs — Brethren, would not have you think
hard upon us, for we afsure you that it was neither us, nor our people,
that would offer to do such a Barberous action to any of our Brethren,
and they would not have you to think hard of your Brethren, for they
gett their living by the English, for without them they could do nothing—^
And they are but few in number to offer any such mischeif — So they imma-
gine the Cattawpas has done this mischeif, that they may bare the blame,
thinking to get the Christian's on their Side against them — it is Three
Years ago, since the Cattawpas Killed five of our Northerly Indians^,
Douthect and ^nd at their returning back. Killed two white men named Douthett and
Baldwin killed Baldin, which is very well Known by Garrat Pendergrafs & Charles Polke,
and the year before that, Wendohays' brother was Killed by the Cattawpas
and two boys took prisoners & Lazarus Lowry was robbed at the Same
time by the Same Company, being a white man — We are very thankful!
that you were so carefull of us to send to acquaint us, not to go over
the Hill, lest we may fall in the hands of Some that may do us mis-
cheif— And ril order my men to keep to Westward of the mountain,
and not to come over the Allaganey Hill to interrupt your people — And
that none of our people will come on the South side of Praxton road to
Hunt, and that none of your People may'nt Come on the North side of
the Said Bounds — if there comes any traders along the Said road, they
will not be hurt, but not to bring Rum, if our people go to war against
the Cattawpas, they will not go over the Hill until! they Come against
their town —
This is my Letter, Being I don't understand writing — Being Seven
Spans of Wompon — Given from under my hand this 4^^ Day of August,
Anno: Dom: 1738 —
King of the
NUCKEGUNNAH X SHAWANAS.
Hiimark
Living at AUaganey —
Dec. iich Amendments to the Tobacco Bi!!, and Bills for establishing nwr
Ferrys kc— -fragment
1739
Jane I5tli
Ettex Co
Dear Sir,
Next Court I will move our Court to record my Lords' power of At-
torney, and you slul! liave it as soon afterwards as may be — ^I have l>eca
wtxw unwell ever since I've had the pleasure of your Company, being
seldom 2 days clear of a fever. We heartily wish you with your lady
and family perfect health —
I am with great truth
Dear Sir
Tour most obedient
humble fervant
W. BEVERLEY—
To W» Fairfax Esq' at his
house in King George
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
AcGOHvti curr' for expenses «f turreys by Jno: Bxngc md jamm
Tkomm jar: tie
AccouM cuiV* or ^bn Savage with the Kings' Comnwflionerj, for the Ji
&tpeiises of survey of BnaSorS C* fee
To the HoiKMiiable WjIUmi Gooch Esq' Hu Majtyj Gtwctwir 4c Ac —
The bumble Petition of ye Inhabiunts of Frederics County —
Humbly Shewcth,
That whereas your Hon" Petitioncis Have Laboured under very great ^
Hardships for some time past by being obliged to attend Orrange Coun ^
for justice, fome of us having one hundred St some of us Lcfs than
ffifty miles to travail thereto, And the exteniivenefs of ye sd: County oc-
casions so much Bufmels, that we are obliged to waite Three days and of-
tentimes return without doing anything —
This Difficulty of obtaining Justice, has not only been very Expensive
to us, Out has been the Caufe of Many Crimes going unpunished, and
has been a means of Encouraging Perions of a Scandalous life and con-
versation to feat among us to our no fmall Trouble — Yet under all these
Hardships we are a flourishing fettlement — And were they removed we
hope that by our Industry and introducing more manufactures we may
become with a fmall Encouragement a benelict to this Colony — We
therefore bumbl) pray that your Hon' will take our cafe into your Con-
fideration and grant that ye sd: County of Frederica may immediately
take place and your Hon" Petitioners, as in Duty bound will ever |fray
&c —
HENRY FUNK
JOHN LITTLE
(and fifty others) —
WiUwD Short, William Roofciogs, Tbo* Cocke and Park* Nichalwn, s.
recommended to ^ Governor, 1^ the Court, a* " lit and Able Persons "
** skilful in Tobacco " to execute the office of Inspectors at Cabbin '
Point Ware House tc—
William Clinch, Tbo* Holt, and William Scrvaxd, and William Ed-
wards, recommended for the same office, at Grays' Creek Warehouse Jn
same County —
James Petillo, prays for leave to enter for a Survey of looo acres of
land in Prince George County fcc &c
Sir,
* The death of Christopher Smith late Inspector at Pages* Warehouse Fc
in this County, has caused a vacancy at that House, which we under-
stand is filled up with Thomas Anderson, one of the Persons Recom-
mended by the Court of the said County — But as the Court was Sur- p,
prised into that recommendation, without considering the Inconven- th
iencyi that would attend it — We therefore beg leave to object to the said "'
Anderson being an Inspector at that Inspection &r the ft^owing rca- j)
f Oonraar Ooech wm at «kli dua abMai in (Munuri atiht ttitm «■! fa; Vinlnii inlnc '^
30
J?^^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1740 sons — First — the multiplicity of businefs at that House, requires a per-
son skilled in writing and expert in accounts, for the Expediting the bufi-
ness thereof, in both which, we now find the said Anderson entirely
Deficient — Secondly, — that the said Anderson is very much Involved in
debt, and that the Transferr Tobacco will be subject to the Discharge
thereof, and may he attached or taken in Execution, and notwithstand-
ing he has given Sufficient Security for the due Execution of that office.
And those Sureties will be liable to the Persons, to whom the notes are
payable. Yet 'tv/ill be a great Delay to the carrying on the Trade & bufi-
nefs of this County; — for which reasons, and the avoiding the many law^
suits which will Certainly ensue, without your Honour will interpose,
and remove the said Anderson from that office — We therefore humbly
Recommend William Taylor now Inspector at Merriwethers Ware-
house, as a Person in all respects well Qualified to Supply the office of
Inspector at the Said Pages Ware House, of whose Honesty, Diligence^
and ability, for these several years past in that office, we have had ample
Demonstration, to the great satisfaction of the whole County, And par-
ticularly.
Your Honours
most obedient & most
humble fervants
JNO: CHI8WELL
CHAS: BARRETT
WILL*' WINSTON
JAMES OVERTON—
To the Rev* M' James Blair
President of Virginia
jWy9tb
David Walker applies for Entry of Land in Prince George County —
Account of the Lofs of the Ship ** Lucy & Nancy ** of Liverpool on
the Eastern shore of Virginia — with protest for Insurance —
1741 Petition of Rob* Green, John Blair Jun' &; John Newport for 1200
acres of Land, &c in Orange County Ac —
At a Court held for Richmond County the Third Day of May 1742 —
The Grand Jury, John Tarpley Foreman ic, " they having Received
their charges were sent out '* returned — The Rev: M*^ Blewitt of North
farnham Parish, and County aforesaid. For a Common Swearer — also
Preiemment of the "Presentment** of Luke Millner, one of the Church Wardens,
agst: the said Tho* Bluitt for Swearing also — Presentment of Grand
Jury, of which W°* Diggs was Foreman, against Rev: Tho* Bluitt &c,
" for Being Drunk &c — also — enclosed proceedings of the Grand
Jury of Nov: 5*** 1739 —
George Glascock, Foreman, William Barber, William Diggs, Henry
Siifons, William Baiiy, Arjalon Price, John Raynolds, William Broken-
brough, George Glascock, Jeremiah Greenham, William Davinport^
J 742
May 3(i
Richmond Co
Re?. Tbomai
Bloitt for
Drunk enneii
aii4 Swearing
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
9SS
James Oldham, John Hammond, Charles Dobbins, Thomas Dodson,
Travers Tarpley, Henry MishcU, John Williams, Charles Jones, Dud*
ley Benneham, and John Smith, were sworne &c-— went out and re*
turned,
^^ Wee present the Rev: M' Tho"^ Bluitt kc for being Drunk within
six months Last year — &c
I74t
To the Honorable, William Gooch Esq' His Majestys' Lieut: Go ver- July 30th
nor &c kc —
S'
We your pittionours humbly sheweth that we your Honours Loly Petition of the
and Dutifull Subganckes hath ventred our Lives k all that we have In Frontier in-
fettling ye back parts of Virginia which was a veri Great Hassirt k Den- appi^inlment of
grous, for it is the Hathins (^heathens) Road to ware, which has proved Proper officen
hortfuU to fevcril of ous that were ye first fettlers of these back woods *« ^^' ^^
& wee your Honibill pittionors fome time a goo pittioned your Honnour ***'*°"
for to have Commisioned men amungst ous which we your Honnours moft
Duttifull fubjects thought properist men k men that had Hart and
Curidg to hed us yn time of &; to defend your Contray k your
poor Sobgacks Intrist from ye voilince of ye Haithen — But yet agine we
Humbly perfume to poot your Honnour yn mind of our Great want of
them in hopes that your Honner will Grant a Captins' Commission to
John McDowell, with follring ofishers, and your Honnours' Complyence
in this will be Great fettisfiction to your molt Duttifull and Humbil pit-
tioners — ^and we as in Duty bond shall Ever pray —
Andrew Moore James Milo
David Moore James McDowell
James Eikins John Anderson
George Marfit Joabe Anderson
John Goof ~ James Anderson
James Sutherland Mathew Lyel
Mathew Patrar John Gray
and many others.
William Gooch Esq' His Majestys' Lieutenant Governor and Com- Avgwc ijtk
mander in Cheif of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia —
To Edward Barradale Esq' Judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty in
the Said Colony —
Whereas I am empowered by the Lords Commifsioners for Executing Form of Letiw
the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, Pursu- ?^ Mirqae ftc
ant to an Act of Parliament, made in the tenth year of his present Jhe^CommoiU
Majesties reign, to Ifsue forth and Grant Commifsions, or Letters of of Spain
marque, at the request of any British vefsel, to any perfon or perfons,
whom fuch owner or owners (Ihll nominate to be Commander or in
cafe of death fuccefsively Commanders of fuch (hip or vefsel, for the
apprehending, seizing and taking the Ships vefsells and Goods belonging
to Spain or the Vafsals and Subjects of the King of Spain, or others Inhabit-
ing within any of his Counties, Territories and Dominions, and Such other
Ships, vefsells and Goods as are or shall be Ivable to Confiscation pur-
suant to the respective Treaties between his Majesty and other princes,
States and potentates, and to bring the Same to Judgm^ in bis Majestys'
M
9S4
CALENDAR OF STATB PAPERS.
tf4i
in
•cpt; ^
i5«^
CartliMGo
high GoUpt of Aldminiky itil Eii|gkdid of soeb other Court of Adniiiiiy
a^ sball be lawfiiUf authorize on that bdhiilf for protf^edinj^ a*d adjifdi*
cattoft and condemnation, to bo thereupoii had, aitcordiiig to the Courte
of Admiralty and Laws of nations — These are therefore to will sudt
Acquire you, forthwith to cause a Commifsion or Letter of marque to be
Ifsued out of the Court of Vice Admiralty of this Colony, unto John
Copeland Commander of the Ship Called the Happy, Burthen about
Two hundred Tons, mounted with Ten Carryage and Six Swivel Guns,
and navigated with twenty-five men, to Set forth in Warlike manner
the said Ship called the Happy, whereof, the (aid John Copeland is
Commander and to apprehend, seize and take the Ships Vefsels and
Goods belonging to Spain, or the Vafsals and Subjects of the King of
Spain or others Inhabiting within any of his Countries, Territories and
Dominions, and such other Ships Veisells and Goods as are or shall be
lyable to Confiscation, pursuant to the respective Treatys between His
Majesty and other princes, States and potentates, according to His Ma^
jestys' Commifsion and Instructions aforesaid — And you are to insert
therein a Clause enjoyning tbe said John Copeland to keep an exact
Journal of His proceedings and therein particularly to take notice of al(
prizes which shall be taken by him, the Nature of such prizes, the time
and place of their being taken and the value of them so near as he can
Judge : as also of the station, motion^ and strength of tl^ Enemy as well
as he can discover by the best intelligence he can get ; of which he froai
dme to time, as he shall have opportunity to transmit an account to the
Secretary of the Admiralty, and to keep Correspondence with him by alt
opportunities that shall present — Provided, always that before you Ifsue
such Comifiibn, Security be given thereupon ^CCcording^asT directed by His
Majiistys hi^thJCtfonsto the Lords Commifsi6ih)e^^ of fhe Admiralty, a copy
whereof retn^fns vHtft you. The said Comif^i6n to Continue in force
'till further dtdkr ; For which this shall htytiur WiriPi^rt^—
Giij^ uttdfer My hattd and Seal of the Colony^ at Williamsburg this
13^ daf 6f Aupiii fit the Sixteenth ye^ of his Maje^ys' Reign— anno
a Dom: ij4i —
WILLIAM GOOCH—
Plot of Survey of land on ^^Thorntbn alias Rappadan kiver'' bjc
James Thomas Jnr: — including the ^^ Octavian Orant " and Thorntons
Quarter *^ He—
Carolitte C" ft :
On the Fifteeittb day of November 1 74a
We the Subscribers mett at the house of M' Etorotby Roy to Exaiti*
Comphunt [j^ witnefties upon a Complaint made by Col: William Woodson against
iSp^^w^*^^^ WilBam Alcocke one of the Inspectors at Conways Warehouse ; the sub-
stance of wliose complaint is, as FoUoils, vras^ for his being guilty of
I^ntiaiity in his Office for Passing Cutt Tobacco for Lawrence Ba;tail
Gent when he refused to pafs the same sort of Tobacco for the si'
Woodfon before. &c — ( Then follow the Depositions taken, of Christ:
Demon and Joseph Sanderson)
JNO: TALIAFERRO
RICH^ TALIAFERRO
RICH^ BUCKNER
CALENDAR OfP STATE PAPERS. tiff
Dee^ to eertttn Tfacts of LdUld in (he Northern Neck 6f Vii^'nh, 1741
from Thoinas Lord Fairfax, Baron of Cameron Ac and Proprietor of ^ .
the Nonbern Neck of Vit^ inia, To James Bland Jn** for 27 1 acres, in °^' *^
Mnee William Co«nty
tflTerdin Pope
John Robertson
Philimon Walters
Philimon Walters (the younger)
Philimon Walters
Frances Searren
Dennis Connyers
WiHiam Bland
Jacob Holtzelaw
M' Saml: Earl
467 acres in
235 *• "
300 « "
178 acres in
172 " "
P.
«
County Lord Fairy's
(( Deedi, of Land
P.
(( to certain per-
loni in
County Northern Neck
ii of Va.
396 acres in
236 acres "
P.
. W»
County
it
298 " ♦'
312 " "
11
11
ii
357 " "
682 " "
li
it
11
George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, ffrance, Dec. 15th
and Ireland, King, Defendfer of the (faith Ac — To the Sheriff of New wmiborgh Va
Kent County, Greeting, We Comand yow, that yow Summon WiHiam
Citey Gent, to appear before omr Lieutenant Governor and Council, at Stepe taken
tfefe Capitol in WHliamsburg on the sixteenth day of April next, being J®^"^* '^^W-
the Second Day in the General Court, Then and there to Testifye and cJfurcfcTiii
tile tj»ach to say in a certain matter Depending before the ^ Governor ft Sany Count/
GoiHiei} ffpon the f'etkiofi of Sevtfal of the Irthabrtants 6f the Parish
of Albetyiarle, in the County of Surry in relation to appointing a Conve-
nient Place for buildrng^ » M# Chufcti in (he said* parish and this, b^ \i
in no wise to omitt at his peril, and vou are to make due return hereof
to the Council office — Witnefs William Gooch Esq' our Lieutenant
Governor at Williamsburg aforesaid, the 15**^ day of December in the
Hi* yWir of oor Reign.
ROIT BTAONTON—
The Dividing Lmos beM«m Surtjr- €<" 4^ ble of Wight Q" Plo#--
prtseiM4 in refeir^Uce to prapoatd diviaite of Pariahes in Su^ Couaiy^-*
* Writt — SummoAm JohaPitzgmiAd of Henrico C® to appear before 1744
the Genenl^ Cotfffy aC tieit next Session at Williamsburg &c a ^« ..^
N. WALTHOE ^ ^
At a Court held for Spotsylvania County on Tuesday June ye 5^ June 5th
1744—
4c ^m Johnston Gent,, being asked whether he would accept & swear to Reasons why
the Commiffion of the Peace; now Produced, Answered, That he would Gentlemen
not. Accept and Swear to the sd: Commission because Anthony Strother, ^^^^^^^
Willikm Hunter ancF William Lyneare put in the Commiffion trithout and duties of*
a Recommendation from the Court " — Justices of cU
T)f* Kobinston Gent, bring asked whether he would accept to the ***■*•
^- —■'.'- ■ », — ■ ■ ■■ ..,. . .1. .
* Fine priiifcd f4»ni AUAd^td tlih dtt«.
YTM^',
^J;
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
?5;:^
>744
Commiffion of the Peace, refused for the same Reason as Willtam John-
ston Gent, had given —
Francis Thornton Gent, being asked whether he would accept kc re-
fused, " by reason he believes Doctor W° Lyne has begged himself
into the Comm: being not Recommended by the Court, which he takes
to be slighting the Court &c —
Larkin Chew, Ric** Tutt Gent: W" Waller & Tho» Turner Jnr:
Gent, all refused on the same grounds &c —
'f-
^:i
J>-.:;:
W'
H- :
H.i:-^
?|:
0
«
••. 4
ff ?
. 1 •
t' I.'
Tbos. Lee, Esq Whereas of late some misunderstandings and Differences have arisen
fu T^p between His Majestys' Subjects of this Dominion and the Six United
appointed com- Nations of Indians, and being induced by several Representations and
miuioners to Mefsages interchanged, to believe that they are desirous to enter into
treat with the Treaty with this Government &c 4c
Six Nations i|c:|c *••#•««;
Enow ye that I reposing special trust &c in the experience. Loyalty,
Integrity and Abilities of Thomas Lee Esq*" a member in Ordinary of
His Majestys* hon***® Council of State, and one of the Judges of the
Supreme Court of Judication in this Colony — and of W" Beverley Esq'
Col: and County Lieutenant of the County of Orange and one of the.
Representatives of the People in the Houfe of Burgesses of this Colony
and Dominion of Virginia &c * * * * *
have &c nominated k constituted the said Thomas Lee and W°^ Bever*
ley CommiiEoners &c to meet the Six Nations or Such Sachems &c as*
shall be deputed by them &c * * * at New-
town in Lancaster C Province of Pensylvania kc —
1 745
Jan. 11th
Staflbrd Co
Care mani-
May it please your Honour,
The last Commission of the Peace, your Honour, was pleased to iflue
for this County^ wherein James Scot, John Grant & William Fitzhugh,
Gent: are continued, as they are not residents in this County, we think
ftatcd in organ- it our duty to inform your Honour therewith, in Order to have that
Court!^* ^®* remedied, and therefore nave refused to conform, according to that Com-
mission, until your Honours' pleasure be known— We are with the
greatest respect —
Your Honours most
Obedient H.ble Serv^
Peter Hedgbmam
To — John Hooe
The Hon**** William Gooch Esq' Philip Alexander
Henry Washington
Ric° Bernard
March 4'*^ Ric** Foote
Read k Postponed John Peyton
Peter Daniel
March iiit Deposition of John Bates, in regard to his claim for lands in Eflex
^ County ftc —
ALEXANDER PARKER
JOHN BATES and
JOHN ROBINSON
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 2S9
Complaint of ■ against Thomas Pinckard Gent of that County, 1745
as having been "presented by the Grand Jury, for Profane Swearing, April 24th
has also been proved a Sycophant " ^^ a vile Slanderer," & he hath be- Lincaster Co
come a Libeller " &c —
(Mutilated fragment)
Account of expences against Lord Fairfax, to W° Beverley, ** for 1746
money Expended on the Line " ftc Jan. 30th
Signed by
W. BEVERLEY
Sir,
I am defired by the King of the Catawbas & the whole Nation, to ac- May loth
quaint you with the following particulars, vl^^^ — That you signifie to his
Hon' the Gov' that they once more thank him for the timely notice fent Letter from
to them by you of their Enemies' dedgnes jpon yem, which in fact is J°**" ^^*" *®
really so, they being now incamp'd within 100 miles of the Town & MomiTiPre-
have solicited the Cherokees to build a fort within their Town, so that gard to Indian
they may the better carry on their projects, in Order to subdue the whole «fla« .»» So,
Colony of South Carolina, & to utterly Exterminate that Small nation ^*^®'*"*
k to prevent the approaching Danger, the Gov of South Carolina is to
meet with the heads of the Cherokee Nation at "96" —
His Excellency has been so good (knowing our present needy Condi-
tion) to help us with powder & ball, together with two Pattarrasas, that
we may be able to stand the shock of so formidable an Enemy — And
we dedre that his Hon' the Gov' of Virginia, our very good friend, will
also contribute to our aflistance with the like Amunition that we may be
the better able to stand the brunt of Peter Chatie & his 500 men & the
other Troops which he expects to assist him — We expected his, Hono*"
would have comply'd with our defires before this time. Seeing our Case
is so dangerous k that there is no making a defence without fomething
to defend with —
• 4t • • • 4c •
I wish you well k am yr: very humble ser^
JOHN ± ELLIS Jn*
To M' Henry Morris.
Henry Downes' Account with Coll: Lunsford Lomax, ^^ for the ufesept. i5tii
of His Majesty and Lord Fairfax " &c —
* Necefaries to be provided for Running the Line — the beginning of September
September 1746 as Estimated <£. S. D.
Persons desired to
get ready —
Major Champq 100 Galls: Rum 19.
M' Taliafero 500'*^ Bread or 1000^^. 3,
Col: Carter 30 4-gallon Runlets 5.
M' Taliafero or looo"^' Bacon i6.
10.
0 —
2.
6.
0.
0.
^3-
4-
* For rbnning the line of lord Fairfaz't grant in the Northfern ?^eck.
$40
^t >>i.:
Jr. .i:
'«»J' .
»74^
CC
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Maj' Ch^mpe 12 Sacic Bgggs
Col: Carter or ^ Cask Madeira Wine
Maj' Champe D'^ 4 Kushells of Salt.
D*» I*** Pepper 2**^
D"" 6 Kettles
D*» 6 Tinpots
W. Fx: pd: 20**« Chocolate
Col^ Lomax, 10 Tents of Duck, at Least
M' N. Chapman ) 6 axes
to be of the best k proof j 6 Hatchets
Col^ Frye— Physick
Col^ Carter 23 Bells k Straps
D^ Spare Girths & Sturup Leathers
j)o ^^ib. Gunpowder —
D^ ioo^*»* shot & Ball
D** 200 Gun Flints
Maj' Champe — 10 Loaves of Sugar
D^ 4 frying Pans
Maj' Campbell 20 Horses at ^8, agreed for £6
14 Men 6b Days at 2 | 6 p: Day
Meal, Beaves, Corn and other incidents — Awls
k Ends.
}
4-
4-
0.
6.
10.
0.
I.
0.
0.
0.
3-
Q
3-
0.
0
0.
10
0 —
2«
10,
0 —
10.
IS-
0
I.
10.
0 —
0.
18.
0 —
I.
0.
0.
7-
10.
0
2.
0.
0.
3-
0.
0.
3-
6.
8
0.
4-
0
5-
0.
0.
I.
10.
0.
160.
0:
0—
112:
10.
0
60:
00
a—
43»-
6.
6.
N«f. i6di
Invoice of Goods k Provisions, used — and lost, on the Survey of the
Shenandoah Valley — ^^ brought from Capt: Downesons' " with n^mes of
men enlisted and discharged in that service <kc Horses, Rum in large
qgantity. Wine — All kinds of Implements, Chocolate ! Wafers ! ^^ Drop
fliott *'— Candles, Pipes— * Stone Chissels" "Tomahawks" (Bkck
Jacks "?) &c &c—
An Account of the Expenses of Runing the Boundary Line of the
Northern Neck, paid by the Commissioners — and the Mens' Wages,
paid by Coll** Fairfax and W" Beverley Com' for sd: F —
1747
April 25rk
^^ An Account of Sundry Expenses on running die Boundary Line«
between his Majesty and Lord Fairfax *' — Paid by His Majestys' Com-
m" (Then follows a List of Names of Persons to whom sums of money
have been paid) — among them are — Henry Downs, Andrew Campbell,
Feilding Lewis — ^John Gordon, William Nelson, L. Lomax. Charles
Carter, D' George Gilmer, Brooke & Jefferson *^ to the Barbers at
Fredericksburg ** — Some of the articles and Prices thereof —
Kettle k pewter Bason
for a Bagg
for a horse
for two hor^s
19.
3-
4-
S.
s;
6
6—
10.
10.
i.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
tM
for an Ax —
** " Tent
" 7 horses
I
21
4
3
5-
i8.
7-
5.
o.
6
o
o
«747
Barrel of Sugar
Horse bell and pack saddle
&c 4c &c —
iusHUA Fry Examined by
rUNSFORD LOMAX JOHN BlAIR D. Aud'
PfiI£R HfiDGEMAN
(Copy)
W. FAIRFAX
Blanfi?Id May ii**» 1748 — 1748
Received of the Honble William Fair&x Esqrthe sum of Two hun« Maj iitii
dred & fifty Pounds Sterling, on account of my being one of the Com" Blaafieid
for yc Lord Fairfax, for running the Boundary Line — I say recev^ hf
mc —
W. BEVERLEY
It is Ordered by the Council, that the following Representation and > 749
Resolutions made and agreed to this Day, with respect to the Resolves March i7tli
of the House of Burgefses, in relation to their pretended Right of
Searching the Journals of the Upper Houie of Afsembly, be printed in chamber
the next Virginia Gazette —
N. WALTHCE, 0. G. A—
As the Council have often demonstrated the sincerest Disposition to Right of the
preserve a good Correspondence with the Houfe of Burgefses, and al- H.ofBargtttes
ways paid a due* Regard to their just Rights, they are the more astonish 'd j^^^, of the
at the resolves in their Printed Journals, of the 10^^ k 14^^ of this In- Council deniei
stant ; by which the Council Stand Accused, without the least shadow ■•*<* 5*** P"*
of Reason, or Justice of having violated an undoubted Right and Privi- ^^^"^
lege of their House —
Had the Burgefses, agreably to the Parliamentary method, before they
made these hasty Resolves, vouchsafed to desire the Reasons' of the
Councils' Conduct, they could not have had any Thing to object to it
and would have receiv'd the fullest satisfaction — Whenever either Houfe
has been difsatisfy'd with the other ; Conferences have been usually
desir'd, and the subject matter of Dispute amicably Debated, and thereby
misunderstandings commonly rectify'd and that harmony and good agree-
ment, which ought always to subsist between them, cultivated and main^
tain'd —
But since the Burgefses have presum'd to run counter, to this ancient
decent, and established m^hod, having probably had nothing lefs in their
Thoughts, than a becoming Respect, and perhaps conscious that they
had aaed in Opposition to Reason and Precedent : the Council find
themselves under the unpleasing necefsity of publickly vindicating the
Legallity of their Proceedings, which has been reflected upon with sii^
misuken Heat, and onparaUeled Severitir —
The Question is whether the Burgefses have an undoubted Right, to
ftarch the Journals of the upper Houfe without their Leave—
81
9j^z calendar of state papers.
1749 The Council say, that the Constant and uninterrupted Practice, is the
Law of Parliament : that this pretended Right, now claimed by the Bur-
gefses, was unknown to any preceding Afsembly : that the regular course
to obtain a knowledge of their Proceedings in any matters, transacted in
their Houfe, is by a mefsage to desire to be informed thereof: and insist
upon this method being agreeable to the Proceedings of Afsembly, well
warranted by Precedent : and what the Burgefses could never have
doubted of, had they consulted their own Journals — The Council to
confine their Afsertion, and prevent all future Controversy, have thought
proper, to exhibit the following Copies of Entries upon their Journals —
In their Journal of the 20'^ June 1730, there is enter'd **a mefsage
from the Houfe of Burgefses, by M' Kemp and others, —
" May it please Your Honours,
Precedcntt es- The Houfe of Burgefses being informed that a Paper was enter'd in
taUithing the y^uj Journal on Thursday last, by Richard FitKwilliam Esq' containing
anumed by the Several unjust and Injurious Reflections and Calumnies upon them and
Council their proceedings, highly derogatory to the Honour of the House, and in
open breach and violation of their undoubted Rights and Privileges have
ordered us to desire your Honour to send them a copy of that raper as
it is entered upon your Journals '' — The Council immediately took the
mefeage into Consideration : and after debate thereon, the Question was
put — -That the Copy of the Journal of Thursday last, so far as it relates
to Richard Fitzwilliam, Esq' be sent to the Houfe of Burgesses — It
pafsed in the Affirmative, and a copy was accordingly sent to the Houfe of
Burgefses by the Clerk of the General Afsembly " —
This Precedent was made, when M' HoIIoway was Speaker, and M'
John Randolph (who drew the Mefsage) Clerk, both Eminent Lawyers,
well acquainted with Parliamentary affairs, zealous and careful of the
Privileges of the Houfe of Burgefses —
The next Precedent is on the Councils Journal of the 25^ of August
1736, when Sir John Randolph, was Speaker, as follows —
"A mefsage from the Houfe of Burgefses by M' Willis and others — **
** That they defir'd to Know what their Honours had done with the
Bill sent up from their Houfe ; Entitled An Act for repealing the Act,
entitled An Act for Amending the Staple of Tobacco and for Prevent-
ing Frauds in His Majesty Customs &c "
"Ordered
^' That the Clerk of the General Afsembly, go to the Houfe of Bur-
gefses, and acquaint them, in Answer to the said mefsage, that the Coun-
cil have had under consideration the Bill, entitled An Act for Repealing
the Act for amending the Staple of Tobacco, and for preventing Frauds
in His Majestjs' Customs, and two other Acts, to amend and explain
and for continuing and further amending that act, and having read the
same twice, upon a question put, for reading it the third time it pafsed in
the negative " These Instances, incontescably prove whose Rights have
been invaded ; unanswerably then, what the present Houfe of Burgefses
ought to have done, and sufficiently justify the Proceedings of the Coun-
cil, and these their Resolves —
Resolved, That the Privilege claimed by the Houfe of Burgefses in
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
i»^>
■iTiTe
their Resolve of the 14^ of this Instant March, is new, unknown to their 1749
Predecefsors, and inconsistent with the Constitution —
Resolved, That it is the Right of the Council, to Keep the Posses- Coaciution, to
sion of their own Journals, and the Demanding their Journals, by the ^^^ ^^^
mefsengers of the Houfe of Bureefies, as they report to their Houfe the "* "'
10^ of this Instant March, is a Breach of the Privilege of the Council,
and that the Resolve of the Houfe of Burgefses of the 14^ also of this
Instant March, without asking a Conference, is injurious to the Coun-
<^il, unparliamentary, and a notorious Infringement of their indubitable
Rights—
N. WALTHCE C. G. A—
^
he
hi
said
u
*no
B
in
the
a
t:Hi
t'
i>
1^
^ the Honourable the Council —
'William Parks, Printer humbly begs Leave to lay before your Honours,
^xeat concern and affliction he laoours under, by having inadvertantly
under Your Difpleasure, for not Printing Your Orders in the
tte. Had he been fensible it was a Duty enjoin'd in his Contract,
^ the Legislative Body, as Printer for the Colony, he would not have
i^ated one moment in the cheerful Disfcharge of it : But as on one
he apprehended the Observance of that Order, was not enjoin'd
^y his Contract, and on the other, that the matter contained in the
C3rder would give great Offence to one of the Branches of the
~ ^lature, with whom he contracted, and thereby greatly prejudice, if
uin himself and Family, he confefses with the greatest Humility his
of judgment in what manner to act, in this nice and Critical Point.
lierefore most humbly prays. Your Honours will be pleafed to take
your Consideration the above Circumftances, the Infirmities of
in nature, and the Difficulties a man mufl naturally meet with, in
truggle with himself, when compelled to be an InflrumenX towards
^vrn Ruin — And he with the greatefl Submifsion hopes, from thence,
^our Honours, in Your Known Goodnefs and Chriflian Compaf-
will be pleas'd to put the mofl favourable Construction on him, for
involuntary Offence : for which he moil humbly asks Pardon ; and
Cor the future take the greatefl care to avoid doing any thing that
give Offence to Your Honours, and always be ready to act and
^e in fuch manner in his Station, as will, he numbly hopes give your
^urs Satisfaction of his Willingnefs to oblige Your Honours as far
in his Power—
'. W» PARKS—
fs:
Apology of the
Public Printer
for apptreat
neglect of duty
k
Vk
lie Examination of Henry Lenard of this County, taken before me
iam Harbison, one of his Majesties' Justices of the peace for fd
&c —
Ills Exeminant faith that about the Last week of April 1 749 there
5 feven indiens to the houfe of Adam Herman of this County, and
Rob the fd houfe of nine Deer Skins & one Elk Skin — the next
Came Six indiens & Did Rob the fd houfe of fourteen Deer Skint
e Elk Skin — ^ and the next Day following there came a number of
iis to the fd : houfe and Did Rob, or take out of it feventy three
Skins & iix Elk Skins & twenty seven Pounds of Leather and Two
Skins in Parchment &c —
WILL HARBISON—
1750
Maj iSth
Avfoitt Co
IndUni rob a
hotiie of Deer
and Ilk Skint
§^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS,
1750 ^A Stated account of the Bill of Charges of the Indian Warriors, on
^ . their travells to Warr in 1747."
***^ ^"^ Then follow the items.
Avfoita €• ^^Augusta C® to wit:
This day came Archibald Armstrong, before me John Lewis, one of hi»
Matt*" Juftices for y* peace, of the fiiid County, and made oath, that he
bad received no fatisfiaction for y" above accounts, Certified under my
hand this 30 day of may 1750
JOHN LEWIS
Oct. khJi Petition of Commander of Ship ^^ Nostra Seniora ;" with warrant for
survey of said ship ; she having been disabled at sea, and declared to be
unseaworthy by
(JNO: STEPHENS J. PHRIPP
Board of ] UY: ADKINS MAX: CALVERT
Inspectors (A. LAMBERT
Sir,
Dec. i3tli A few days ago, I came acrofs a Letter, Directed to the County Lieu-
CMnberiaodCo ^^'i^'^^) ^^ Commander in Cheif of Cumberland County, and as I know
of no such Person, but that myself had born the highest Military Com-
miffion of any Person, now amongst us, I opened it, and found the con-
tents, to be Defiring the Number of Troops and Companies, with the
Officers' names, as low as Captain, k the number of Common Soldiers
in our County — and as I have open'd it I think I must Anfwer it — and
inform you that we have neither County Lieutenant, nor any other
Military Officer amongst us & Consequently no Soldiers, for no Com-
mission has ever appeared amongst us, Since we were in the County of
Cumberland —
I am
Sir, your moft humble ferv^
GEO: CARRINGTON—
To
N. Walthce Esq;
* A List of Surveys made in Orange County since June 1739 and
Caveated by M' William Rufsell—
1751 " The 6/>vernment of Virginia to James Patton of Augusta D'— For
Supporting the Indians from Williamsburg to Reed Creek in Augusta '* —
acpt. 16CI1 ^-j-jj^y ^^^^ yp ^^ j^ j^^^^ ^o House, to Hanover C« House, & Pages
AwM Cww Warehouse, by M' Tho» Lankfords' and Winstons* Ordinary, to £K
KV^Trtitll! ^^* Walkers in Albemarle, by Ferrels' Ordinary to W Woods 4c)
Hb| Indiaat The accouHt Contains the usual items nece&ary on such a journey —
vw — lodging for the night — Liquors, Butter, salt— Corn Meal, beef k
Tobacco, Brown Linnen, and pay for an Interpreter &c — Joumcjr
lasted from Aug: 9^ to 18*^ September —
* This lilt coBttiM more than one hwidrcd ntmct now hmXtMj kaowa la Virftaia*
CALENDAR Ol
^(^^^ol Thomas Cresaps Account
•wished him, in the Indian Servi
,-'\::^ -■ «cms mentioned — White W
*^',;;^*-»myhawk, Tobacco, Tent, L
Bread^Black Waoipum — &c
i^^r_J^anuel Marttnes y Aeuiat, M
X"^*! called «S' Peter --drivci
V^^^-edrcss s^inst one Capt: Kell
^^cr veflel, in which to transport
Shcrif of Accomacs' Account i
of Virginia Ac &c
Thomas Cresap to
May it please your Hone
Having just now received the
MuDtour, who is on his journey h
proper person to be our Interpr
amongst White people and Indian!
I thought proper to communicate
which is ai follows ; that a few
there came Seven French Traders
(he Indians to a Council. Accort
to hear what they had to say to i
Town at that time, the Indians re
him, tho' the French were very ui
tcr, but finding the Indians would
admit him — They produced a Strii
brought from the Governor of Cai
to invite the Shannah Indians to a
early in the Spring, when sundry n
municated to them from the said C
livercd from him to them —
M' Montour informs me that h
between the French and the Indii
Fort called Detroit on Lake Fare,
to the Ohio, and gives the foltowii
new Fort at a Place call'd Kyhogo
that there was a great number of .
order to cutt of a Nation of India
the French about fours year aeo &
but the Tawayt and Chipos mterj
Council wkuch was caJled and a 1
ibey understood that cbey were :
the Picks, which if they did, they si
upot which the French desisted go
^""g, but tho' they did not thenj
dl^s tvhich they had brought with
Seventy called Adarundacks, sent 1
i4^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1751
Difficulties be-
tween the
French and
Indian!
The Adarun-
dacka tcalp
tome of the
Twingtweei
French scalped
Interpreter! not
to be relied
open
Indians in their way to the Picks, called at th: Ottawas all painted
for war the Ottawas enquired where they were going, on which they
shew'd them the Belt of Wampum and Hatchet they had received from
the French & told them they was going to war against the Twingtwees.
the Ottawas told them that the Twingtwees were married and intermar-
ried among them, and the Ottawana King, upon the Cap^ of the Arun-
dacks insisting to go on, threw down his Tomhawk on the Ground, and
told them that if they moved one Step further he would have their
Scalps or elfe they his while they were partying three of the Adarun-
dacks stole oiF unperceived & went to the Twingtwees and Scalpt an old
Man & Woman in the Corn Fields & carried them oiF, but the rest did
not proceed — the Twingtwees followed them on their Tracts till they
came near the French Fort, which made them imagine that it was the
Ottawanas that had struck them, and were preparing to revenge it, till
the Fianguisha Kings' Son, who was married to an Ottawana Wo-
man, came and told them who it was that had done it, and that it was
the French that had set them on. upon which the Twingtwees sent out
three men, who brought in two French Scalps & they now wait to see
how the French will take it before they proceed any further — M' Mon-
tour informs me that the Indians at the Ohio, did not rightly understand
the purport of the Meflage sent p: Col*' Patton for them, for the Inter-
preter which he had to deliver it did not do it right, or others since have
Interpreted it otherwise: some telling them one thing and others another,
so that they are confused about it, and I beleive what M' Muntour says
is true, for I was informed of the same by others that came from thence
before, and as the Persons, employ'd as Interpreters by the Col® were
Pensylvanians Sc disaflfected to us, it was in their Power to deceive him
and the Indians also, therefore my Opinion is that it would be neceflary
for your Honour to send out M' Montour to the several Towns and
Nations settled on the Ohio in Amity with us & in particular to the
Picks and Twingtwees who are all as one, and live together, to send some
of their Cheifs to the Council, they having great faith in what he says to
them. I dare Engage for everything Your Honour puts under his direc-
tion to be faithfully and honestly done, being thoroughly convinced of
his integrity. I am certain from my own knowledge that the Indians
put very little faith in any of the Traders, some telling them one thing
& some another, therefore I really beleive the Indians are under some
concern to know the Right. What induces me to give Your Honour
the trouble of reading so long an Epistle, is, Your Honours' and the
Gentlemen of Virginias' being Strangers to the Indian Ail&trs, therefore,
I thought it proper to inform you so fully, the proper way to invite the
Indians to a Treaty is, to fend a Belt of Wampum, which signfies that
you have something of Importance to Communicate at a Council^ the
time of w^ (hould be then agreed on: and not to mention the Business
till the time of that Council is come, the Remarks the Indians made
on the Mefsage from the Hon^^* Lewis Burwell Esq' by Col^ Patton,
was that he had told them his Business then, and therefore they had no
occafion to come to a Council to hear the same thing over again—
Importance of M' Muntour likewise informs me, that it will be in Your Hon**
i^tkdnwing Power to Reconcile to our Interest the greatest Body of Indians, that
fiwB^T** *^^ '^^^ ^° ^^^ Continent ft to draw them from the French, which will
Pmch be a matter of great Confequence to his Majesty, as well as much
Mr. Muntour
to be trusted
Proper way to
amngc for a
Conndl
J
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
U7
Credit to Your Honour, for doing so great a Piece of Service to the 1751
Government —
One James Finley and another are fuspected to be taken and carried
off by the French, who make a practice of taking ofF our men every
Year, therefore I think it highly neccfsary to take the French that are Repriuli
at the Loggs Town & detain them *till thofe of Ours taken last Year, ^^^oM be made
as well as thofe suspected to be taken this year are Restored and Rcstitu- F*gn*^'^*
tion made for the Goods taken with them. M' Muntour tells me the
Indians on the Ohio would be very glad if the French Traders were
taken, for they have as great a dislike to them as we have, and think we
are afraid of them, because we patiently suffer our men to be taken by
them, without making Reprisals of them the same way. I am of
opinion, if it would not be too fatiguing. Your Honours Personal
sonal Prcfcnce at the Treaty would* be of great Consequence — I am with
^he Respect —
Your Honours' moft humble Ser^*
THOMAS CRESAP.
^^anish Wreck on the Sea Side of Northampton, In account with 1752
^^ m Hog — &c &c — For Ferriage acrofs the Bay to Communicate with April zoth
Council, Lawyers' fees, saving cargo, rigging. Clerks & Sherifs fees Northampton
County
Regulation proposed for the County of Stafford^ ^^.^ ^^^
illiam Fitzhugh — County Lieutenant — Henry Fitzhugh Jn' Colo- Suflbrd Co
f the Militia — Francis Thornton Lieuten' : Col : & W" Fitzhugh
^>r of Horse — Bcnj Strother Major of Foot — Gcrrard Fowkes i*^
"C &c &c —
ilson Cary, County Lieut : of Elizabeth City — sends return of the Nov, nd
[^Officers of said County viz: "John Hunter Col** — John Tabb ^^^^ ^
j or of Horse, & Rob* Armstcad, Maj: of Foot — " The whole Militia *°^ °°*
sists of One Troop and Two Companies, — I mention the Captains lUt: city
rding to y* Dates of their Comifsions — Cary Selden, Capt of 100 MilWa
—Charles King Capt of Troop 66 men — Westwood Armstead —
: of Troop 60 men —
WILSON CARY
1753
April 9th
List of Officers and Common Soldiers in Efsex County, under the
CoTOinand of the Hon: Richard Corbin Esq'—
JPHI^ CORBIN, Col: of Militia Capts:
Thoiwi^s Waring 1 ^ , Horse Forest Upshaw
W
}
Col:
Foot
p, C>AKGERFIELD
«?-^»»: Smith \ .. . Horse
Roan | '^^J"" Foot
W
James Jones
W" Covington
Fra: Waring
Rich^ Tyler
Thos: Edmundfon
W" Garnett
Saml: Hipkins
Simon Miller
no of men
65 Bwex Milida
59
43
70
59
51
69
73
70
R. CORBIN.
559
Bj^8 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1753 The Deposition of John Finley of the Province of Pensylvania, fiiitii
that he was at Shenoppini Indian Town about the fourteenth or fif-
teenth of June 1753) where W'^ Rulsel, was, by a Commifsion from
under the hand of the Hon^^** William Fairfax Esq' to negotiate afllairt
with the Indians, relating to the troubles with the French. That the
said W"^ Ruflel informs me, that there is some person hath spread &lse
reports of his behaviour, as being drunk and misbehaved, and affronted
the Indians in Council — I declare on my Corporal Oath that I was in
Company with the faid W*" Rufsel the fifteenth & sixteenth of the fkid
June when Barnabee Corrain offered the said Russells' motion* to the
said Council, that the said Russell was Sober all the time he was in his
Company, and behaved as civil as any man could doe, and that the
Ind'ans behaved civilly to the said Rufsell ; and that he beleives the said
Corrain came there to circumvent him in the aflfair, he was sent out
upon —
Sworn, to, before me —
JAMES PATTON
July a6th The King, Headmen and Warriors of the Catawbaws — to their Loving
Broth' the Governor of Virginia —
Menage of the We are very much oblig'd to you for the advice you gave us by M'
'f*"' *^^'^^ Morrice (Morris) and the care you take to preserve us from our Enemy,
bawi to the ' ^^^ ^^ Y^^ h2LV^ acqu'^ us that the French, with their Indians have
Gov. of Va taken up the Hatchet against you, and disturbed your Settlement, you
may depend on our doing our utmost to drive them back & Kill them —
But we are in a Low Condition at present, — many of our people dying
daily of the Flux, and the Enemy has been about and lately Killed Four-
teen— We are in great hopes that its non of Five Nations, that made
Peace with us, wee cannot think of these Brave nations, nor the old
white headed man that shuct hands with me, would break his word, and
likewife his pledge that I now have, and shall keep forever —
Our ears have been always open to your Talk, and we shall ever be
ready, at all times, to afsist you, and all our good Friends ye white peo-
ple— We shall want to see our Friends the Cherokees and Consult wt
them and you may depend on our doing our uttermost to Drive those
people from our Lands, and prevent their settling there — We desire you
will send us some Powder and Bulletts and Weapons, for we are at pre-
sent very poor and unable to buy any— -Your ans' we expect by M'
Morrice, as he is to return, to go along with the Cherokees, We like^
wise desire you to writte to the Governor of New York that he may
acq^ the Five Nations, how much we are opprefsed by the French Indians
and that they have killed Fourteen of us*- We have been after them
often, but never come up with any of them, but one gang of Eight, and
we killed four of them, and wounded one more ; and as we have made
Brothers with the Five Nations, and are now One People, we hope they
will afsist us to get (atisfaction, as we have given our Pledge to one
another, to stand by other, as long as one of us is alive — We shall wait
the return of M' Morrice, and we shall then Join our Friends, the Che-
rokees, and go with them to the place appointed, with what men we can
Spare, and drive the woods, and Kill or take all we come acrofs^but we
must leave some of our people at home to guard the Towns and the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 249
women k children — We expect you will send directly to the Five Na- 1753
tions, for them to meet us, and we will Join, and go all together. This
is all we have to say 'til we see the bearer M' Morrice return, from your
Friends k Brothers
mark mark
CAPT: X NEWCOMER KING X HAGLER
Ms his
mark mark
CAPT: X JEMY CAPT: X DICK
his his
This day came before me James Patton, one of his Majesties Justices 1754
for the County of Augusta, George Hoopaugh, being sworn, saith that ^^^^ ^^
about the 7'^ day of May Last sixty Norward Indians, came to his
house, on Sinking Creek, a Branch of Woods' River, and Burned Auguita Co
down his House and Stable, and in the house there was fifteen bushels Indian Depre-
of wheat — at sundry times before, that they Indians Threatened him, ^»t*on« »»
Burned his Corn k Killed his best Dogs, so that he was obliged to remove "'"'** ^
for fear of further Damage, and Leave his winter Crop in the Ground
which was Lost — ^and that there was three Creatures Killed in his Field,
he beleives was Jacob Harmans', and further this Deponent Saith not —
Ac &c —
JAMES PATTON— &c
The Government of Virginia to William Trent — D' April 8th
For Carriage of Fourteen Horses Loaded with Powder, Lead, and Some of tlie
Flints, from Col. Cresaps' to Ohio River, at 2 Pistoles a Load is 28 *""* °^ *^?'^
PUfnli« hr ^""*"^ *«**"*
riStOiCS «C— jj,^ GoTern-
To 12 Deer Skins — For 9 Doe Bear Skins — 3500, Blaek and White ment&c
Wampum — For Piece of match coat (?) to wrap powder in — Indian Agent
I Gun, I Pistol and Match Coat, gave to me of the Six Chiefs of the
Six Nations, who came down from the Upper Towns, — as he came upon
Businefs he brought no armes with him, he said it was hard for him to go
home without arms, as he should run a great Risque, as he was obliged
to go tlirough the French to warn their People 'from amongst them —
One Cafe of neat Pistols "gave to the Half King and Monecatootha,
and 2 fine Ruffled Shirts and 2 plain fhirts for themselves and Wives —
These given as a particular Present, sent by the Governor to them —
&c &c * * * * * ♦
N. B. — There is no carrying out Powder without Skin Wrappers &c —
there is no such thing as Carrying Powder, without damaging without.
WILLIAM TRENT—
Account Current — Government of Virginia with C. Gist — Giifi account
... ^^ — Waihing-
Containing Items of Same Character with those above — He was with ton
Major George Washington at the time this account was made, as shown
by one item viz : To i horse Killed, helping in, the Indians by Col:
Washingtons* ord*" )-£$* 0- 0. —
32
$60
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 754 " The answer returned by the Big Kettle to a Speech, sent by him
from the Six Nations to the Vendates, Leting them Know how near the
Danger was, and what they intended to do " —
Meuage of the We heartily thank you Our Brothers, the Six Nations, Deliawares,
«Big Kettle" and English for your care in Letting us Know how near the Danger is —
In Forty days, we intend to meet at our Canoe place and there, we shall
all conclude how to manage our affairs — ^and one to go to our Towns in
Ten Days more after our Fathers may call us to Councill — But we shall
not mind anything they will say, you may depend on it. Last Fall
the French sent strict Orders to all their Commanders down to Mifsif-
sippi, and ordered them, on sight, to call all the great Plain Indians
together, and to bring them along, in order to meet Somewhere on the
River to Cut ofF all the Indians and English of all nations Early in the
Spring —
The above Speech was Delivered to the " Big Kettle " to be sent to
the Six Nations, English and Delawares —
1755
March loth
Virg*a
WiUiamiburg
Gov: Dinwiddie to Gov' Morris —
"Sir
Your Favour of the 26^^ ult°: I received Yesterday — I am very glad
You prevailed with Your Committee for the Flour of 14000 bush* of
wheat, to be delivered at Conogacheek : this is a very Seasonable Supply,
as that quantity with what I have purchased, I hope will answer the
Breadkind, & I hope I have Salt Proviiions sufficient, but must entreat
You to direct the delivery of the Flour with all imaginable Expedition :
as the Transports are mostly arrived, I hope the General will take the
Field soon & I would gladly hope that no Delay should be on account of
Provifions —
I hope You will see it necefsary to call y^ Afsembly immediately now
the Forces from Britain are arrived, to enaeavour with them to raise a
considerable Sum of Money : for if it please God to give the General
succefs in taking the Fort on the Ohio, it will be necefsary that a Gari-
son of 250 men be left in it (at the charge of different Colonies) not to
prevent his further Defigns & this charge I think should be bore by the
Colonies, otherway his taking the Fort & leaving it without a Garifbni
Trill encourage the French next Year to retake it & in course, keep the
Colonies in continual war : whereas strengthen^ ourselves on the Ohio
as above, I am in hopes may prevent any further attempts from the
French & protect our Frontiers — and as a great deal of money will be
wanted for that Service, I have called on our Afsembly to meet the first
of May, in hopes to prevail with them for a further supply, for 100,000
now will be of more Service, than a million some Years hence.
The General goes for Alexandria the Beginning of next Week & ex-
pects Gov : Shirley to meet him at Annapolis, & I propose to wait upon
him to that Place —
I remain with very great respect
Sir, Your most obed* hblc Serv* "
*Gen: Braddock.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
£61
I and Tho* Forster Esq% M' John Harris, M?" McKee, with upwards
of forty men, went up the river y® 23d Inst: to Capt. McKees' at New
Providence, In ord' to bury y® dead lately murdered on Makanai Creek :
but understanding that the Corps were buried, we determined then to re-
turn Immediately hence; but being urged by John & y® Old Belt
of Wampum, to go up to See the Indians at Shamokin & Know their
Minds, we went on the 24^^ and Stayed there all night : & in the night
I heard Some Delewares talking, about twelve in number, to this pur-
pose— What are the English come here for ? — Bays another — to kill us
I suppose, says another. Cant we then send oS three of our nimble young
men, to give our Friends notice, that can soon be near'' — Then soon
after, they sung the War Song, and four Indians went off in Two Ca-
noes, well armed — the one canoe went down the River & the other
acrofs — On the morning of the 25*^ day, we took our Leave of the In-
dians and sett ofF homewards, and were advised to go down the East side
of the river — Snare might be laid on that side, we marched off peaceably
down the West side (of the river) haveing behaved in the most civil &
Friendly manner toward them while with them ; and when we came to
the mouthe of Mekanai Creek, we were fired on by a good Number of
Indians that lay among the Bu(hes ; on which we were obliged to retreat
with the lofs of several men ; the particular number, I cannot exactly
mention, but I am positive I saw four fall & one man Struck on the
head with a hatchett in his (light acrofs the river — As I understand the
Deleware Tongue, I heard feveral of the Indians that were against us.
Speak a good many words in that Tongue, during the Action —
AD°» TERANCE—
The above Declaration was Attested by the Authors Voluntary Quali-
fication, No Majistrate being present at Paxton, this 26*** of Oct : 1755
before us —
JOHN ELDER
and nine Persons
CHRIST^ GIST—
^755
Oct. 26th
Paxton
Account of the
murder of
English at the
mouth of
Mehanai Creek
1756
Capt : Arbuthnot, of the Ship Guarland, gives his reasons to the Coun- April nth
cill why he cannot break his orders, and remain with his Ship in Virginia; Norfolk, Va
notwithstanding his earnest wish to give all the aid he can to the
Colony —
Thomas Moore, Robert Campbell and William Cowne Gent: re- juiy 15th
commended as fit Persons for Sherif of said County, for the ensuing King Wm Co
year — &c
An account of Expenses on the Treatys with the Catawbas & Chero- juiy 10th
kces; finished by the Hon**** the Comifsioners from Virginia — in 1756. ^^^jj^^^
(Then follow the Items in order &c) amounting to £1649.14.7
Virginia Currency which reduced to Sterling at 25 pr: ct. amounts to
Williamsburg July 20* 1756 —
I have examined the above account amounting to £1649.14.7. Vir-
ginia Currency & have Compared it with the vouchers produced to me.
25$
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1756
1757
Oct. i2d
New Poit,
SpotsylvaniaCo
Letter of Col.
Jno. Spotawood
to Gov, Din-
widdle, in re-
gard to com-
plainti made
against him
and find it rightly stated : so that being reduced to Sterling as above : the
Expenses of said Treaties & in soothing the Indians, amount to One
Thousand Three hundred and nineteen rounds, fifteen Shillings & eight
pence Sterling : besides what the Governor paid himself out of monev
in his hands : and the Reward to the Commifsioners in a difficult h
chargeable negotiation, being still due and unpaid —
JOHN BLAIR, D. Aud'
Sir,
I am very sorry to trouble your Honour so often : but Excuse me
good Sir, when I tell you I am under an indispensable necefsity to clear
up my Character & Conduct.
I understand there is or will be a Petition, prefered to your Honour
to make a Revolution in the Militia Commifsions of Spotsylvania, which
seems by what I can learn, cheifly to be levyed at me, therefore beg leave
to represent the matt' to Your Honour in a Cleer Light.
They (i e — The Petitioners and their Agent) are Enemies to all
Military Duty & the officer that puts it in Practice is odious in their sight,
so think that nothing will Content them but your Honours' giving every
one of them a Comifsion (that they may be called Coll° Majr: — Capt:
&c ) and order them to do no Duty — They suspect your Honor is going
home & that when another Gentleman succeeds you, there will be a
feneral election & as there are some of them Ambitious to p;ett into the
loufe of Burgefses, they have thought no scheme could be so takeing
with the Commonality to make themselves popular, as to cry down Mili-
tary Difcipline, tho their Country, their Lives & Liberty are at Stake
This S' is the Foundation on which their whole Complaint is founded.
Tho perhaps they may Gloss it over with other Pretences. So Knowing
your Honors' wisdom & Integrity in doing Justice to every Individual,
hope you'll not give any Countenance to their fiilse, Erroneous, & unjust
Petition — if your Honor thinks me unworthy to be continued in my
office, you'll very much oblige me, if you'll give Capt: Cha' Lewis late
of the Virg: Regiment a Maj" Commifsion — Pardon me S' for giving
you so much Trouble, and beleive me to be
Your Honors
most Ob^ k Obliged Humble fervant
JOHN SPOTS WOOD—
Oct. 19th
Wmiburg
Col. John
Thornton's
charges against
Col. J« spots-
wood
Hon^i* Sir,
Agreeable to your honors' Instruction have made out a few com-
plaints against Col: John Spotswood, in the following manner—-
i'^ Col^ Spotswood hath given a Captains' Comifsion to Thomas
Estis, a person returned by the Collector, Insolvent for his Levy —
2^ The sd: Spotswood hath likewise given a Captaines Comifsion to
Aaron Bledsoe, a person that hath neither Land or Slave in the County,
and tho' he has lived for three years in Spotsylvania in all that time hath
followed no just Calling, or so much as given in his Tyth —
3^ The sd; Spotswood hath filled up a Majors' Comission for M'
Chas: Lewis, who has qualifyed to the same, when there was no vacancy
in the County for such an Officer—
4^ The sd: Spotswood hath also fill'd up a Colonels' Comission for
M' Benjamin Pendleton, a person who I have no objection to his char-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS..
263
I
\0
actcr: Excepting he has no Estate in the County & Keeps an Ordinary, 1757
when there are many Gent: in the County of good Estates, that never
had any of the above Comissions offered them.
5*^ That the sd: Col'' Spotswood gets often in Liquor & Acts much
out of Character, which is notoriously known, and particularly at the
Musters & Twice when the Militia was draughted for marching to Win-
chester, he put every thing into the greatest disorder & confusion by
abusing both ofBcers & soldiers with the most Scandalous Language,
when every one did their utmost to conform to his (uncommon) direc-
tions, as must have appear'd to all present — The march of the Militia to
Winchester was greatly retarded thereby & I am Confident if the above
Complaints are not enough to remove the sd: gent: from his Comission
(to the speedy releif of a much injured people) I can bring undoubted
authority not only to prove the above facts, but sundry others, which
must appear to the discredit of that Gent —
This, Sir, I have done, as knowing the Militia to be greatly Injured,
and at their request, who would scarcely be Restrained from sending
your Honjur a Petition — & humbly beg in their behalf you will be
pleased to remove the cause of their Just Complaint & before I con-
clude, must desire your Honor will not take it amifs, when I inform
you that M' Feilding Lewis a Gent: of fortune & Character in that Fielding Lewis
bounty & much esteemed by the people, who I make no doubt would
^adily Exert them selves, under such a gent: in case of a sudden call
^«e defence of our Frontier —
I am Sir
your Honours' most
obedient hble ferv^
JNO: THORNTON
P. S. As some other Comiffions may
be eiven out, unknown to your honour,
shzn here insert all the Field Officers'
ijames, in the County viz' —
John Spotswood Esq' County Lieut:
Jno: Thornton Col° in Spotsylvania—
Ric* Tutt " *' "
Rice Curtis •' " *'
JV^ Lynn Major
^nj* !rendleton Major
has: Lewis Major
;^^pt: John Craine — N. B. a proper man.
W» Muller—
2ipt: Bledsoe
^pt: Estis —
^pt: Allen N. B a fitt man.
' Lewis Willis was Cap' for the Town, but he gave his Comission
ol^ Spotswood, rather than serve with such officers as Bledsoe &
Officers of the
County of
Spo'iylTtnia
264- CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1758 Hon* Sir,
July 6th Had opportunities offered, as frequently as Inclination would have in*
duced me to write to you, you might have read a Letter from every en-
CumbcrUnd"'^ caupment — After being delayed at Winchester, five or six weeks longer
th m Expected (in which Time I was ordered Exprefs to Williamsburgh
Charactcriific & allow'd but a day after my return to prepare) we push'd off into the
Letter from wide Ocean — I was permitted to walk every step of the Way to this
^*hil Uncle''''* humble Fort, to eat little, to lay hard, over Mountain, thro' Mud k
Col. Thoi. Water, yet as merry & hearty as ever. Our Flankers & Sentrys pre-
Blaod of tend they saw the Enemy daily, but they never approached us — A De-
Pnnce George tachment is this moment ordered off to clear a Road thirty miles, and
^""^^ our Companies to cover the Working Party — We arc in nne scalping
ground I assure you, the guns pop about us, & you may see the fellows
prick up their Ears like Deer every moment. Our *Colonel is an Ex-
ample of Fortitude, in either Danger or Hardship, and by his easy, polite
Behaviour, has gained not only the Regard but affection, of both officers
and soldiers — He has kindly invited me to his Table, for the Campaign,
offer'd me any sum of money, I may have occasion for, without charg-
ing either Principal or Interest, and signified his approbation of my con-
duct hitherto, in such a manner, as is to my advantage — In passing my
recruiting Acct: I was allow'd i8f pr: man, you may judge how much I
was Looser when several officers had 40s. — Col Charles Carter jun*^ has
a horse of mine in keeping 'till my Return: where he may remain if you
think proper — The Batt: Money and Forage Money allow'd me amounts
to £66 — In everything poffible, I shall be upon the frugal scheme. You
may depend upon hearing by all opportunities from
D^ Sir,
y' truly Affect: & ever
obliged Nephew
ROT MUNFORD—
Camp near Fort Cumberland
July 6"^ 1758
To M" Bland,
Hon** Mad°^
Aflectionate Tho' I've hardly a moment, at my own^ Disposal, I can't omit send-
Posticript ing a few words to my dear Aunt, Employed from Sun to Sunset from
Light to Night, I am mindful of my dear distant Friends — That you
and yours may enjoy Every Blessing that Heaven can bestow, is the
Tribute of a Heart sincerely
yrs:
ROB^ MUNFORD
P. S. My Love to the Laffes
To Col: The^ Bland in
Prince George
August nth " An Extract of a journal — ** Concerning a March That Capt: Rob*
Wade took to the New River" — in search of Indians.
Saturday the 12^ day of August 1758.
Course taken Capt: Rob' Wade Marc* from Mayo fort, with 35 men, in order to
by the Rangeri take a Range to the New River in Search of our Enemy Indians. We
* Col. Wm. Byrd.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
inarcht about three miles that Day to a Plantation, where Peter Rentfro i
formerly Lived & took up Camp, where we continued safe that night —
Next morning IJeing Sunday, we continued our march about 3 or 4.
miles, and one Francis New returned back to the Pert, then we had 34.
men Beside the Capt — We marc'^ along to a place Called Gobleing
Town, where we Eat our Brakefasc— & so continued our march till late
in the afternoon & took up Camp at the Foot of the Blew Ledge where
we continued safe that night — Next morning being Monday the 14"'
Inst: We started early & Croft the Blew Ledge & fell upon a Branch of
the Little River, Called pine Creek —
We followed the sd: Creek down to the Little River & Croft the Lit-
tle River k went to Francis Easons Plantation, where we continued that
night. Our hunters brought a plentifull supply of Venison — Next
morning being tuesday the 15"' Inst we marct down to Richard Ratt-
leiffs plantation on the Meadow Creek, where we continued that Night —
Next morning being Wednesday the 16"" Inst. We Sent out Spyes and
hunters to Spy for Enemy Signs & to hunt for provision, But the Body
of the Company Tarryed there — At night they came in with a plenty of
Venison, but could not discover any fresh sign of Enemy— Next morn-
ing thursday the 17"' inst; We Sent out hunters as usual, k in the after-
noon Some of them came in & informed us that they had seen Sign of sign* c
Indians at Drapers' Meadow, that had been a Catching of horses that '"'^""'
Day k that they had gone a Streight course for Blackwater — upon that
we began to get in Readyness to Persue them next morning — But one
of our men not coming in that night, disappointed us — next morning
Being fryday the 18"" Inst: Some of the men were sent to Look for the
man that was Lost — k the Rest remained there, for we counted it im-
prudent to Leave the Place before we knew what had become of the
Lost man — so we tarryed there Till the Day was so far Spent that we
could not make any thing of a march that Day. So the Capt: said that
he k some more men would go to viev^ the Sign, & See what they could
Discover — The Captain k W" Hall k Adam hermon, & 2 or 3 more,
went off k Left the men under my Command, and ordered that we
should be in Readynefs for a march as soon as he returned — Soon after
the Captain was Gone, the man that was Lost Came in & inform^ us
that he had been Laust in a crook of the Little River — But when the
Captain came to the place where the sign was Seen, he Tels us that he
saw a Shew track among them, which caused them to beleive that it had
been white men after their horses — So the Captain, nor none of the
men, that was with him. Returned that night, But went a hunting —
Next morning Being Saturday 19"* Inst: the Capt: not coming, gave us
a great deal of Uneafyncss — tho we Bor it with so much patience as we
could 'till about noon, for we Lay under great apprehensions of Danger — .
I ordered the men to keep a Verry Sharp Look out, and Likewise to Be
in order to march next morning By Sun rise — I was Determined to stay
that night & the Capt: did not come, to march off after him — Soon ater
we had come to a conclusion about it, Some of the men Spyed 5 In- Sudden
dians Very near to us, for the place where we was, was grown up weeds *"" "'
so that we could not Se them, nor they see us 'till they came Verry
near— I was a Lying down in the house when I heard the news —
I Rased up k presented my Gun at one of the Indians, But I hea"*
some of our Company that was in another house Cry out Don't Shoot —
^66
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1758
Sentence of
death pasted
upon them by
the Captain
The Ambuf-
cade
I Stopt at that & askt them what they were, k I beleive they said Che-
roke, But Stood in amaise & Reason they had, for I suppose there was
20 Guns presented at them, We went up to them & Examined them —
they said they were Cherokees, I made Signs to them to show me their
Pais But they had none — They had with them 5 head of horse Kind, k
Skelps, that appeared to be white mens — 4 of the horses appeared as tho'
they had been Lately taken up, but the other was Very poor — the Indians
Begun to make Readv to go oiF, but I made Signs to them that they
must not Go that night, But they seemed very Intent to go — But we
would not agree to it — Some of the Company insisted to fall upon them
ft Kill them for they said, they Beleived they were Shaunees & that they
Spyes — & was Doubtfull that they had a Superior number Some where
nigh — But I said I was determined to keep them 'till the Capt : came,
without they would go by forse, & if they would we would fire upon
them — 2 of the men went off after the Capt, who soon met some of the
Company, who told him, that they had been a hunting ft that the Capt;
would soon be in ; who accordingly came soon after ft we informed him,
how things had hapned in his absence ft in what manner the Indians
appeared ; that they had no pass, & that they had white Skelps — after the
Capt: heard the opinion of the people, he past sentence of Death upon
Them ; but there was one Aoraham Dunkleberry, a hunter that we let
off, who Said they were Cherokees, yet he agreed that they were Rogues :
which seemed to put the Capt to a Stand, But we had their Guns taken
from them & a guard kept over them that night — next morning. Being
Sunday the 20^ Inst: upon what Dunkleberry had Said, the Capt: Let
them have their Guns ft Let them go off — which Displeased some of
the Carolina men — so much that they swore if they were not allowed to
Kill them, that they never would go a Ranging again, for they said it was
to no purpose to Bang after the Enemy & when they had found them,
not to be alllowed to Kill them — which you must think is very hard for
us to Be compel^ to Rang & then let the Enemy have Liberty to Kill
some of us, before we Dare Kill them — at that Rate we may all be
Killd, and never Kill an Indian : for if there is enough of them to over
come us then they are Enemy, But if we are too numerous for them
then they are friends.
Upon consideration of their having no pass, nor white man, & by
their Steal of horses, they did not appear any waise Like friends, so the
Capt told them to Be Easy ft after Dunkleberry was gone, we would go
after them and Kill them. So Dunkleberry packt up his skins to go off
ft we marcht after the Indians — We overtook them and past them.
Because the Capt: said that they were in such order that we could
not kill them all. But would wate for a better opportunity — They
were a going toward the New River — So the men that had been ac-
quaintd there Knew of 2 fords ft they Emagined they would Crofs at one
of them, But they expected that they would crofs at the uper Ford —
But we laid an ambushkaid at each ford — the Capt; and my Self, & a
partie of men at the upper Ford & a party of men at the Loer ford ft
the Capts' orders were to fire at them, as they Croft the River — But
after we had placed ourselves ft Sat a while, 2 or 3 of the men came
from the Loer ford ft informed us that 2 of the Indians had croft at the
Loer ford & they Did not fire at them Because they were not altogether —
So the Capt : ft men went down toward the Loer ford ft as we went
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. gS7
along we saw 4 of the Indians ; we did not fire at them, the Capt: Con- 1758
eluded to ly by a while & let them all Get together & then follow them
& Kill them — Soon after the other Indians follow'^ them, The Capt*
orders was for 12 of the Best men to follow them & Kill them & the
Remainer of the Company to Go to the Dunker fort, which was about
half a mile Below us, &c the Capt: took such men as he I^ik^ and sat
down to conclude how we should follow them — the way the Capt: pro-
posed was to Dog them 'till night & then ly By 'till the Brake of Day
and then fall upon them & Kill them — he said if we fired upon them
in the Day Some would get away — But we did not approve of his Skeems
k told him the III Consequence that attended it. But he still insisted upon
that way of proceeding — At length we Desired him to go down to the
fort, with the Rest of the men &c let us go after the Indians, to which he
consented, and went oiF to the fort and we after the Indians —
The men that followed them were Adam hermon, Daiyel hermon Names of thoie
W"» Hall, Ric^ Hall, Ric^ hall Jun' Tobias Clapp, Philip Clap— Joseph who followed
Clap Benj» Angel, David Currie, Ric^ Hines, James Lyon, & my Self— '^' ^"^»*"*
13 of us — We followed them and overtook them at a peach orchard —
Jest as they were a leaving it & we wated our opertunity, and fired at
them & followed them up 'till we Kiled 4 of them, and wounded the
other — We skelpt them that we Kiled, & then followed the other-
he bled verry much, he went in to the River and to an Island —
But we could not find where he went out — Some of the men Left
looking for him & went down to the fort & some went after the Indians
horse — But my Self & 4 or 5 more, we Sercht the Island 'till late in the
afternoon & when we came to the fort, the Capt & men were a handling
the Indian goods & after a while the Captain teld me we were all to be
sworn — So we tarryed there that night — Next morning, being Monday
the 21'* Inst: we packt up in order to march homeward, for Signs of In- Return of the
dians was plenty & we had but little ammunition — But before we left ^"^
the fort, we were sworn — the words of the oath, Do not remember ex-
actly, but the Intent of the thing was, not to tell that we Ever heard
them say that they were Cherokees, without required to swere — so Left
the Fort and marcht 'till dark & took up Camp at a Plantation upon a
Branch of the Little River — We continued there that night, next morn-
ing being Tuesday the 22** Inst: We marcht from that Place to Black-
water — We Eat Diner with them, marcht ofF again to Rob' Joneses
Plantation on the head of pig River, and Tarryed there that night, next
morning, being Wednesday 23*^ Inst: they Delayed time in the morning,
and we had nothing to Eat — the Company had some Rum to drink, but
my Self & 4 more left the Company & went cross by Goblingtown k
came to Mayo fort that night — The Capt: & the Rest of the men tels
us that they came to Hickeys' fort that night & next day to Mayo
fort — I remember no more worth making a Remark of, so Courteous
Reader I Rem"*
Y"ftc
JOHN ECHOLS.
October 26*** 1758
Jcdin Ecbols this Day came before me and swore that the Facts
within contained are true —
ABRAHAM MAUEY
33
gS8 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1760 The Petition of James Pitillo against Coll^ Robt. Boiling (Surveyor)
who keeps him out of his right to a piece of Land in Prince George
County —
1762 Petition of Saml: Klug to Gov; k Council, for Renewal of his Order
for Land, and for Leave to sell Two Negroes &c to pay his debts &c
April 15th Capt: W" Main waring of the ship " Arundel " writes to the Gov: k
"Arindei" Council in regard to the reward of i620, offered for the arrest and return
of Deserters from his Majestys' Ships, suggesting a modification of the
HiBopton Road Proclamation, so as more clearly to entitle the apprehender to the said
reward Ac-
1763 Petition of Capt; Yueill Will"* Astoburn, John Skelton and Alex:
McCaul to Geo: Fauquier for leave to sail from Hampton Roads without
Convoy &c — giving reasons why they should be allowed to depart, be-
fore the winter sets in —
1764 The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the County of Bruns-
wick, to The Hon^^* Francis Fauquier, Complainings That they, *' for
^ many years past ** had been labouring under great disadvantages, in that
Brunswick Co County, by reason of the *' Illegal, Arbitrary, Partial and unjust pro-
ceedings of part of the Court of Brunswick County — Enumerating the
Complaint of members of the Court, M' John Clark & M' William Thornton, who
die people of j^^^j j^^^^^ guiltv of extraordinary conduct, in releasing notoriously bad
againit mem- Characters, and in consenting to appear on the bench in trials in which
ben of the Co they themselves werie personally interested &c &c — And in refusing to
^"" hear evidence in certain cases, whereby innocent persons had been un-
justly required to pay costs in Tobacco &c —
Signed by more than sixty persons,
among them appear the names of
Malone,
Cook
Jeter
Tim: Rives
Peterson
Peebles
WOMACK
Byrd and others
Tobacco Saiee Account Current, of Sales of Tobacco Shipped on the Wm. k Mary
made in London by Meflrs Ed: & Saml: Athawes, on account of ancl
for W* Dangerfield Esq' of V* Ac — Showing costs of transportation,
CommifEons s charges, price pr: lb: of Tobacco &c, at this date to have
been about 3^}.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. gS9
We have already made our acknowledgements to you for the icind 1765
ai&stance intended giving the Madiera Packet, towards her dispatch, and ^^^ ^
that in consequence of your Directions infured JS150 — on 15 Hdds:
Tob* in her, Your very obliging and Friendly letter of the 2^ August is I^"^*"
now before us Ac * * * * * *
We are sorry the ace' we gave you of the Quality of the Tob* you con- Spccimea letter
siened us was not altogether agreeable to you. Our motive &; only mo- ©» c«n«e«|«l
•• *u -. • L^ L -.u J -u • JJ ^ *n4 other tfliUi-
tive was, that you might change the seed as the species did not seem ex-
traordinary— We must do your overseer the justice to say that they were
well managed & in good condition, for tho' they w^re black k great
Vferights, they were not matted or sticky — 4c • • *
**♦•♦*»»♦
Tobacco now bears an improved Aspect, tho' the advance at present is
confined to the lowest class * * * T he current prices
are from 2*^^ to 3*^ for Export, and from 9^ to 10^ for home consump-
tion— Next year we Expect a scarcity will be fdt & then a general ft
Significant Amendment will be Effected, & if therefore you cannot get
a great price in the Country, it may answer very well to ship your
Crop — '
• * • « * * ^
We sincerely lament the distrefsful situation of Virginia, the low price
Tob^ has been for fome years past — upon this a great scarcity of corn &
a very Heavy imposition of Taxes: however as Tobacco is getting up
& as the quantity will be reduced by many going on Hemp Flax &c, the
price may constantly be maintained, we are not without hopes that the
Country may soon extricate itself from the Difficulty it now labours
under — All our Family join us in most Affectionate Compl°*^ to your*
self & Lady —
We are Sir
your Sincere friends & Servants
ED: k SAML: ATHAWES
To W"> Dangerfeild Esq' )
New Kent C° V*
Bill of Exchange for j£ioo, at sixty days, drawn by W™ Dangerfeild, 1767
on Meifrs Ed: & Saml: Athawes London — ^, .
Not. 4tli
with __. . .
Virginia
Protest of the same by Notary & Witnesses, bearing good impression of
Notarial Seal and signed by
ABRA*« OGIER, Not: Pub:
Another letter to M' W™ Dangerfield from M' Saml Athawes, on 17^^
businefs afiairs, and explaining the cause of the above Protest — and j^^rch loth
recommending ^^ to Keep a Book yourself debiting me with the Tob^
you consign & giving me credit for any Bills you may draw, or any goods ^'*"**'*"
which may be put to you^this will be a good guide & may prevent any
further accident of this Kind" — He trusts he ( Dangerfield ) will not be better to Mr.
displeased with him, and adds, "my money is my Fortune & at my time commerclii S^
of life ought to be circulating for Improvement and not to be locked up other sabjecti
uo
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1768
Oentlemen will
live up to their
incomes in
Virginia
Condition of
Virginia, and
to what due
•
Advice &c
Newi
Clover ! !
in Virginia at 5 pr ct &c " — He regrets the want of punctuality in remit-
tances from Virginia, and although Short Crops may be a plea for inability
to pay, gentlemen there, in general ^^ over value their incomes, k live up
to their suppositions without providing against Calamities accidents " &c
^^ In England, you must be sensible it is otherwise & indeed must neces-
sarily be so, unlefs a man is determined to be in a goal." If a man here,
of a Landed Estate lives to the Extent of his Rents, what is to become
of him, if his Tenants run ofF, if his Houses want repairing, or the
Land tax is raised ? &c — and if a merchant or any Trader does not lay
up a Proportion of his Gain, what is to become of him, if he makes a bad
Debt ? &c &c — ^^ I can afsure you my friend, from my own observation
many good Familys have been reduced by this unthinking Conduct, aSid
wish, when it was too late they had adopted what I am now recommend-
ing— " From your account & indeed from every ones ace* Virginia is at
this time greatly distrefsed, but as the distrefs has arose from the cause, I
have afsigned, 1 hope the present Generation will take warning & not be
the means of reducing*their Familys to such Extremitys," &c * *
^^ The watchman reminding me that it is \ an hour past twelve o-clock,
having many more letters to write k anxious to get the ships away &c &c
must plead an Excuse for my not giving you a little tittle tattle — how-
ever it occurs to me, for misfortunes are often uppermost, that my friends
M' Burgefs k M' Giles, who were our opposite neighbors & whom you
must remember, are both dead — &c
All my family Join me in Sincerely wishing you &
M" Dangerfield every happiness k 1 profess myself.
Dear Sir —
Your affectionate Friend k fervant
SAML: ATHAWES— .
N. B — I truly beg your pardon for not Sending the
Clover &c — being in the middle of the Letter it
was omitted to be taken note of &c — However I
will Send some in the Fall, if you do not con-
tradict it —
1769 To the Right Honourable Norbonne Baron de Bottatourt, His Ma-
January jestys Lieutenant & Governour General of Virginia & vice Admiral of
the same &c the Honourable Council thereof —
Petition to take The Petition of Walker Taliaferro Gent: James Taliaferro W™
"he^ileT" °^ Taliaferro & others, W°^ Jones, Tho" Jones Cha» Robinson & others—
«gany humbly sheweth,
That your Petitioners being desirous of settling in the new Country
beyond the Alleghany Mountains lately ceded to his Majesty by the In-
dians,
Humbly pray that they may have leave to take up & Survey Twenty
Thousand Acres of Land within that Territory, to begin at the mouth
of Cumberland River, so as to include that quantity in one or more sur-
veys, upon such terms, as to this Honble Board shall seem Equitable —
And they s'^all ever pray kc
WALKER TALIAFERRO—
Mountains
Endorsed by
G. Wythe
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
$61
Justices of Dinwiddie County — John Jones, Boiling Stark, Rob^ 1760
'Walker, William Withers, W» Wat kins— Abraham Smith, David WaU April 15th
kcr, James Walker — Edward Wyatt & Thomas Scott Gents — Dinwiddie Co
Justices of Warwick C° — W" Dudley, Harwood Jones, Francis Leigh, April
Rob' Lucas, James Roscow, John Wills, Hinde Russell, Thos: Haynes Warwick Co
RIC» GARY C. W. Co:
Justices of Charlotte County — Thos: Spencer, Joseph Morton, Henry April
Isbell, James Venable Josiah Morton, David Caldwell & John White, chariotte Co
Gentlemen — William Price, Nath: Marable, W™ Goode, Gents: Thos:
Bedford-
Justices for P. W™ County — Henry Lee, James Nisbett, Cuthbert April
Harrison, Henry Peyton, James Scott, Clerk — Howson Hooe, Foushee prince Wm Co
Tebbs, William Tebbs, Thomas Lawson, Lewis Renoe, W™ Carr,
John Hooe, Lynaugh Helm, Archibald Henderson, Daniel Payne Thomas
Blackburn, Mathew Whiting, Spencer Grayson, and George Skinker,
Gentlemen —
Test
JOHN GRAHAM Clk Cor*
Justices for Surry County — Hartwell Cocke, W°* Brown, John White, April —
Tho* Bailey, and John Watkins, James Rodwell Bradly, Nicholas Surry Co
Faulcon jnr: Carter CrafFord
Justices for Stafford C*"— Baily Washington, Jojin Brown, Will Adie April
k Will- Hooe, Yelverton Peyton, Town**^ Dade, Chas: Alexander John
James, Gentlemen.
HENRY TYLER C. C«
Justices for Sussex C** — John Mason, Nicholas MaiTenburg, David April -
Mason, Henry Gee, John Walker, William Parham, and James Bell, Sutiex
W°» Blunt
Test
A. CLAIBORNE C. S C^
Justices for Charles City County — John Minge, Littlebury Hardyman, April
W°* Hardyman, William Aerill & Ed: Cocke, Benjamin Harrison, chas. City Co
John Jacob, Corgnan Danzie, Littlebury Cocke, W™ Kennon, George
Minge, W°* Green Munford, Gentlemen.
Justices for L of Wyght C^ — James Bridger, Dolphin Drew, Nich- April
olas Parker, John Eley Jnr: Thomas Pierce, Brauer Godwin, John i,ie of Wyght
Lawrence, Danl: Herring, Gentlemen. County
$69 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS,
1769 Justices for Culpeper C^ — William Green, William Williams, Geoi]ge
^ ^.| Witherall, Joseph Wood, Benj: Roberts, Henry Feild, William Ball *
Rob^ Throkmorton Gents: John Strother, James Pendleton, Saml:
Culpeper Co Clayton Jnr: John Slaughter, W» Kirtley
ROGER DIXON Cllc. C. C*
Not. 8th By Virtue of a didimus potestatem, to us directed, we do hereby cer-
Bttrcetset ^^^Y^ ^^^^ ^^® Following Gentlemen, elected to serve as Burgesses, for
•worn this Present General Afsembly this day took the oaths appointed by Act
of Parliament, to be taken and Repeated & subscribed the Test — viz^
Thomas Whiting, William Aerill and Alexander Trent.
THO^ NELSON
ROB^ CARTER.
December The Petition of Joseph Cabell, Jos: Cabell Jnr; Nich: Cabell, W"
Petidons for Megginson, W°» Horsley, and others, Burks, Thomas, Aliens, Hopson,
land in the Hughs, Hornsbv, Harris, David, Warburton, Wilkinson, Taylor, Tur-
Bewiy wquired ^er, Landon UabcU, Innes, Buchanan, Bcal, Hite, Harman, Hains,
twr" ' ^^'^^ Sevmour, McDowel, Randle & Van Meter, for leave to take up &
Survey 00,000 Acres of Land, in the Territory lately ceded by the Six
Nations to his Majesty &c to begin at the Falls of Cumberland River &
to extend down the said River Sec &c
Petition of George Rogers, John Winston, Phillip Pendleton & others
viz — Blumer, Hawkins, Todd, Rice, Moore, Overton, Lewis Webb,
John Page Jnr: Warner Lewis Jn' Thomas Jefferson, Thos: Strachan,
Walker, Donald, Johnson, Mortare, Surls, Coleman, Powel Boyd,
Green, W™ Dandridge, Isaac Davis, Mordicai k others, for leave to take
up, '& survey forty five Thousand (45,000) Acres of Land on the Lower
side of little Kanawha at its Confluence with the River Ohio &c
Petition of John ' Lewis, John Pulliam, Thos: Madison and others,
for leave to take up & survey fifteen thousand Acres of Land, to begin
below the mouth of Great Guyandott &c —
Petition of the Hon: Thos: Nelson Esq' John Blair Jnr: Patrick
Henry Jn' Thomas Jefferson, Chas: Lewis, W™ Christian, W™ Preston
k others, for fifty thousand Acres of Land, east of the Ohio, twenty
miles below the mouth of New River, thence down the Ohio, to moutn
of Arbuckles River kc
Petition to Lord Botetourt, from Joseph Harper, Francis Jerdone,-
Taylors, Randolphs, Douglafs, Copeland, Lewis, Fleming, Ward, Bur-
wells & others for Forty Thousand Acres of Land, on the East Side of
the River Ohio, of that lately ceded to His Majesty by the Indians &c,
to begin at a Cycamore Tree marked T. W. between the Road leading
through Cave Gap extending up k down Powells' River &c —
PK,I»
0*
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
i6S
'fi;
Petition of Edmund Rogers, Jos: Winston, Hawkins, Moore, Sims,
Ferguson, Davis, and John Rtpito kc for Ten Thousand Acres of Land
Ac — on the Lower Side of little Guyandor, Ac
List of Justices of Stafford that have taken the Oaths and of those
that have refused — (among many others appear the names of Morson,
Lee, Danville, Fitzhugh, Thornton, Stuart, Stith, Baily Washington,
John Washington, Selden, Brent, Rob' Washington, Law: Washington,
8aml: Washington, Edrington, Bronaugh, Grant —
1769
Prince W"* County —
Acting Magistrates — Dead or not Qualified
Henry Lee
James Nisbett
Henry Peyton
James Scott Clk.
Howson Hooe
Foushee Tebbs
W"^ Tebbs
Thomas Lawson
Lewis Keno
W" Carr
John Hooe
Lynaugh Helm
IJanel: Payne
The Blackburn
Spence Grayson —
Dead—
Cuthbert Harrison^
John Bay lis (
Allan Macrae
James Douglas
Archibald Henderson lives in G. Britain.
Mathew Whiting, not qualified
George Skinker, Dead
1770
August
P. Wm County
Pint called
Magistratct
Test
JOHN GRAHAM Clk C
List of Justices &c — Jacob Hite Thomas Rutherford, Angus Mc- August —
Donald — John McDonald, John Hite, Adam Stephen, Charles Smith, p . . . ^
James Wood, Mathew Harrison, (Tho* Swearingen, Van Swearingen
refused to qualify in open Court) Isaac Hite Sheriff — & John Neavill
Deputv — all Gents:
JAS: KEITH Clk. Fr. Ct.
List of Justices &c — John West, George Mason, Daniel McCarty, October
John Carlyle, W" Ramsay, Charles Broadwater, Cha' West Ju"', ^^j^^^ ^^
Bryan Fairfax, Sampson Darrell, Henry Gunnell, Rob' Adam, W™*
Payne, W" Adams, Hector Ross, Alex: Henderson, George Washing-
ton, Edward Layne —
Teste
P. WAGENERS—
List of Justices &c — Nicholas Minor, Josias Clapham, Francis Pey- October
ton, W™ Carr Lane, W° Douglas, Fleming Patterson, Simon Triplett, t j r
Stephen Donaldson, George West, Craven Peyton, Jas: Hamilton,
Philip Noland, Jas: Lane, Leven Powell, Elijah Chinn, George Sum-
mers, John Minor, Gents —
- Test—
CHA« BINNS CI: Cot:
t64
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1770 The Court recommend Jno: Mayo, W"™ Smith & Richard James as
Oct. 17th fit persons to act as Sheriff &c — Certificates from D. Mosby, Geo:
Cumberland Co Carrington, that Mayo declined in favour of Smith &c
Oct. 20tb
In Council
Oct. 23d
In Council
Tho" Rutherford, Adajn Stephen, & Burr Harrison, recommended by
the County Co of Frederick, for the office of Sheriff for said County
&c—
The Recommendation of Capt: Isreal Christian, James Trimble &
Benjamin Hawkins, for the office of Sheriff of Botetourt C° by the Court
of that C^ Rob' Breckenridge, W°^ Preston, John Bowyer — Israel
Christian, James Trimble, Benj: Hawkins, W™ Fleming, John Howard,
Philip Love, W°* Christian, W™ Herbert, John Montgomery — Stephen
Trigg, Francis Smith, John Bowman & W™ McRae Gents: — enclosing,
a Communication to Lord Botetourt from Israel Christian, asking for the
Commission \ giving at length reasons why the businefs of the County
had been so neglected in the past, and enclosing certificate, that only two
of the Court voted against his recommendation &c &c
Oct. 25th The Court of Augusta C*^ — James Lockhart, John Christian, Felix
Gilbert,
Sampson Mathews Elijah McClenachan Daniel Smith
John Hays John Bowyer Abraham Smith
Tho' Hugart Geo: Herman George Mathews
John Grattan Saml: McDowell John Dickinson
Gentlemen — Justices — recommending W™ Lewis, Jas: Ewing,
John Frog, Josiah Davidson, W*" Tees, John Skidmore, to be added to
the Commission — and Andrew Lewis, S. Mathews, John Bowgcr and
John Stewart, who are residents of Botetourt C^ to be left out &c —
Oct. 25th
In Council
Oct. 25th
In Council
Oct. 25th
Warwick Co
Not. 6th
la Council
Northumberland County —
of Sheriff, in favour of M' Rodham Kenner —
Ball resigns his right to the Office
Tho' Turks' Petition for Land Surveyed &c — but by neglect of M'
Lewis the Surveyor, he has not succeeded in securing his plot kc
List of Justices — W™ Dudley, W"* Langhorne, Tho' Haynes k Hinde
Rufsell — £d: Harwood, Bic^ Mcintosh, Math: Langston, Francis Leigh,
Leist: Jones, Rob^ Lucas, Gents.
Charles City C^ — Philip Par Edmonson, William Kennon, John
Minge, and William Hardy man Gents; recommended as proper persons
to Execute the Office of Shcrif—
CALENDAl OF STATE PAPERS.
Justices for said County — George Wythe, Wtlton Cary, Ra
stead, Gary Selden, Wilson Miles Gary, George Wsilker, Qcoree
Jii\ Geoige Wray, John T»bb, James Wallace, Walter M
James Balfour, William Armstead, Joseph Selden, James Wi
Henry Kiiw, Gabriel Gary, James McCaw, Nicholas Wilao,
Augustine Moore, Francis Mallory, Warlick Westirood, Mil<
W" MailorT— W" Armstead Sherif—
W. WAGER C
Justices for Lunenburg G" — Lyddal Bacon, Jag: Williams, D
borne, Tho* Tabb, David Garland, Abram Maury, Hen Blagrai
Jennings, Ghrist: Billups, Tho*- Chambers, Tho' Winn, Ric*^Cl
Will Gordon, John Ragsdale, Jno"^ Patterson Ju", Chas:
Jerem** Glean, Everard Dowsing —
Justices for Said County — Richard Randolph, W" Lewis,
Duval, Bowler Cocke Jn', Ryland Randolph, Joseph Lewis,
Adams, Daniel Price Jn' George Cox (now ShenfF) and Nathl:
ion, Gentlemen — W" Randolph, Peter Winston, Turner Soutb
Powell Coclce & John Hailes, Gents:
Test
THO* ADAMS C. H.
Justices for Bedford C"— John Phelps, Rob' Ewing, Chas; Tall
Mead, Samuel Hairston, Richard Stith, Joseph Rentfro, Jeremia
Francis Callaway, W" Triggs, John Fitz Patrick, Tho* Watlci
Smith, James Calloway, Charles Lynch, Hugh Challis, Francis
Joel Meador, John Pate, Grofs Scruggs, Roben Owan, James
Petition of Richard Corbin, and ten other Corbins, Carter
and eight other of same name, Saml: Thompson, John Blair
Blairs, Denelsons, Henrys, Burwell, Everard, Gilmer, Eustace
Walker Gilmer, Cocke &c &c— to the Right Hon"' John,
Dunmore, 4c — for Fifty nine Thousand acres of Land, beginnii
mouth of Louisa River, along said River to Ohio River for
4c ftc
To the Hon''" W" Nelson Esq' President of His Majestys'
and the rest of that Honorable Board &c —
The Petition of W" Byrd, Saml: Meredith, James Walker, :
Christian, Humbly Shewctb,
That your Petitioner W" Byrd, Served his Majesty, during
war, as Col° of the Second Virginia Regiment ; and that your 1
en Samuel Meredith, James Walker and W" Christiaa at tl
34
tee CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1772 time served as Captains in the said Regiment — That by the Royal Pro-
clamation, dated at S* James the 7*** day of October 1763, your petition-
ers conceive themselves entitled to take up and obtain Grants for the
respective quantitys of Land, proportioned to their rank as officers, as
by the said Proclamation, reference thereunto had, may appear — That
your Petitioners have not been able to locate the Lands so designed for
them as aforesaid, by reason of the restriction in the said Proclamation
Contained, on the several Governors on this Continent from giving Patents
or Warrants of Survey for any unceded lands reserved for the Indians —
By which means the Koyal bounty intended your petitioners, hath been
withheld from them. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray, that out of
the lands lately ceded by the Indians &;c &c they may be permitted to
take up and obtain warrants for the respective quantitys of land follow-
ing— W" Byrd 5000 acres Saml: Meredith & James Walker &
Hk River W^ Christian 3000 acres each— K)n the Eastern Bank of Ohio River at
the mouth of little Kanawha, otherwise called Elk River &c &c —
1773 Deposition of ^^ Guy Smith, Gentleman,'' sworn to before six Justices
-, ^ . of the Peace, proving W" Mead, former Sherif of Bedford County to
^^ ' have been a Defaulter, in the sum of upwards of Twenty Thousand
Bedford Co Pounds of Tobacco, and to have returned to the office of the County
Wm Mead, Court a false report of the number of Insolvents &c &c —
sheriff of Bed- ,
ford, a defaulter *'*°
Deposition of James Callaway to the same effect — and to the said
Meads' having defrauded Callaway in other transactions ftc kc
1774 Hoge k others' Petition for certain tracts of Land on Chisties Creek,
March jiit near " Cat Fish Camp " kc
AfrU 1st Petition of Fred: Dunfield for one thousand acres, land lying on the
West Side of Monongahela River,- opposite Fort Pitt, to begin at the
old Lime- House —
April 2d Petition of George Munro, for grant of One Thousand Acres of Land
in Augusta County, on the West Side of the Ohio River, and adjoining
the Improvement & Claim of Alexander Rofs — &c
Maf 3xit Petition of John Swan, C. Johnson, DanI: Hughes, Saml: 'Hughes, to
Earl Dunmore kc for Grant for a ** parcel of uncultivated Land to the
wgrund and ^Vestward of the Original Division Line " between the Colony of Vir-
Dividing Line ginia and Maryland, which ** under pretence of a subsequent line run
by Col: Cresap," the Gov: of Maryland has taken upon himself to grant
a Warrant &c and praying for Warrant for One Thousand acres of the
same —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $ef
(Copy) . 1775
George Mason to Martin Cockburn Esq', Springfield^ Fairfax C^ jaiy «4tk
-Dear Sir, Richard
^.Having an opportunity pr; M' £d^^ Bbckburn(who promi$es to drop
^ts at Colchester) I snatch a moment to let you know that I am well
^ ^^sire to be kindly remembered to my dear children k the family at
&^^ l^save not since I came to this place, except the Ast-day & Sunday,
Jj^ ^« hour which I cou'd call my own — The Committee (of which I
''* t^^^ ^member) appointed to prepare an Ordinance for raising our arm'd
fi^ ^^^ for the Defence k protection of this Colony, meet every morning
^JJ^^ ^^'^ o'clock, sit 'til the Convention meets, which seldom rises be-
of the
Committee
^^^ ^ve in the afternoon: 8c immediately after Dinner & a little Re- Dntiet u
V ^v^^ent, the Committee sits again 'til nine or ten at night: this is hard »««^'<
V^IS^aT^ and yet we have hitherto made but little progrefs: & I think shall *""""
^ ^^e able to bring in the Ordinance 'til late next week, if then: this
^^ not be wondered at, when the Extent ic Importance of the Businefs
before us is reflected on — to raise Forces for imediate Service — to new
model the whole militia — to render about one fifth of it fit for the
Field at the shortest warning — to melt down all the Volunteers & inde-
pendent Companies into this great establishment — to provide arms, am-
munition &c, and to point out ways k means of raising money. These
are Difficultys indeed ! Besides tempering the powers of a CommUtee of
safety to superintend the execution — Such are the great outlines of the
plans in contemplation — I think I may venture to afsert (tho' nothing is
/ yet fixed on) that in jvhatever way the troops are raised, or the militia
regulated, the staff officers only will be appointed by convention, k the
appointment of all the others devolve upon the County Committees — If
the Colonelcys are to be parcei'd into different Districts, for raising a
Battalion in each, I have proposed that the Committees of each County
in the District, appoint Deputies of their own members, for the pur-
pose: so that every County may have an equal share in the choice of
Officers for the Battalion: which seems to be generally approved —
On Wednesday last, I gave notice in Convention, that on Monday, I
shou'd move for the inclosed Resolve: which was accordingly done this
day, & after a long Debate, carried by a great majority.
The Convention, will to-morrow appoint a Delegate to the Congrefs,
in the Boom of General Washington: when I belive M' Wythe will be
almost unanimously chosen. As there will be other Vacancys, I have
been a good deal press'd by some of Friends, to serve at the Congrefs:
but shall firmly persist in a refusal, and thereby, I hope prevent their
making any such proposal in Convention —
I inclose a letter for my Son George, (tho' I suppose He is before this
time sett off for the springs) which by some strange mistake came to me
from Alexandria pr: post. We have no news but what is contain'd in the
public papers: which you generally get sooner than we can here.
I am D' Sir, yr: affect: Friend & Sevt:
kc kc
9€8
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
J 775
George Mason to Martin Cockburn Esq'
" Dear Sir,
Col"" Blackburn telling me he shall set out for P' W'' to day, I take the
opportumty of informing you, that I am now prettv well, tho* I was
exceedingly indisposed for Several Days, some of which I was confined
to my ded: but a little fresh air, good water k exceeding kind k hospital
ble Treatment from a neighbouring County Gentleman, has recovered
me —
lar«etUy
itAxti to go
to CongreM
I have found my apprehensions, in being sent to this Convention but
too well verified — Before the choice of Delegates for the ensuing Con-
grefs, I was personally applied to, by more than two thirds of the Mem-
bers insisting upon my serving at the Congrefs, but by afsuring them
that I couM not possibly attend, I prevailed on them, not to name me,
except abt: twenty who wou*d take no excuse — A Day or two after,
upon Col^ Blands' resignation, a strong party was form'd, at the Head
of which were Col** Henry, M' Jefferson & Col Carrineton, for send-
ing me to Congrefs at all Events, laying it down as a Rule that I wou'd
not refuse, if ordered by my Country: in consequence of this, just be-
fore the Ballot, I was publicly called upon in Convention, k obliged to
make a public Excuse, & give my Reasons for refusal: in doing which, I
felt myself more distrefs'd, than ever I was in my Life, especially when
I saw tears run down the presidents' cheeks: I took occasion, at the same
time te recommend Col*^ Francis Lee: who was accordingly chosen, in
the room of Col** Bland — But my getting clear of this appointment has
availed me little, as I have been since, in spite of every thing I couM do
to the Contrary, put upon the Committee of Safety: which is even more
inconvenient k disagreeable to me than going to the Congrefs — I en-
deavour'd to excuse myself, & beg'd the Convention wou'd permit me to
resign: but was answered by an universal No —
The 3000 Troops (exclusive of the Western frontier Garrisons) first
proposed to be raised, are reduced to 1000, to be form'd into two regi-
Railing Troopi ments, one of eight, the other of seven Compys: — These 15 Compys:
are to be raised in the 15 Western-Shoar Dirtricts, the Captains k sub-
altern Officers to be appointed by the Committee of the respective Dis-
tricts, fbrm'd by a Deputation of three members from the Committee of
each County in the District — The first Regiment is commanded by Col^
Henry, Lieut: Col^ Christian & Major Eppes — the Second Regiment,
by Col^ W"» Woodford, Lieut: Col: Cha' Scott k Major Spots wood —
A Regiment of Minute Men of 680, Rank k file, is to be raised in the
Eastern Shoar District, k a Regiment of 500, rank k file, in each of the
fifteen Districts on the Western Shoar, with the same Field k StaiF
Officers, Chaplain, Surgeon kc as the regiments of regulars & w^ the
same pay, when upon duty in the District, or drawn into actual ser-
vice— The officers to be appointed by the District Committees, & Com-
miffioned by the Committee of Safety — The Militia officers are all to
^ve up their present Commissions, k to be nominated by the respective
Committees of the Counties, the Militia Companys to be exercised once
a Fortnight, except the three Winter months, k general County musters
twice a year. Arms, Tents, kc to be provided for the Minute men at
the public charge. These are the great out lines of our plan of De-
fence, which I think a good, tho' a very expensive one: the particulars
wou'd take up too much room for a common Letter ; particular rules
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $^
we dnwn up for the better regaktion & Oovernment of the Anny, to 1775
whsdi both the Minute Men atid Militia are subjected, when drawn oat
imo actoad scnrtce; the vohinteor Companies are all dkcharged ft melted
down in the plan for the regfflicnts of Minute men— These laformar
tioBS you may rely on^ as the Ordinance received its final fiat*p— There
are several Ordinances under the consideration of the Committee of the
whole House, h nearly compleated: viz — one for the raising of money suadry ordi-
& Imposing Taxes, one for furnishing Arms k encouraging the making aaaca
Salt-petre, oulphur. Powder & Lead, one for appointing a Committee of
Safety Sl deiiniiig its powers, which are very extensive, one for regulating
the Election of Delegates and County Committees, and one for estab-
lishing a general Test — The Maryland Convention, not concurring in
the Resolve for imediately stopping the Export of Provision, it became
necessary to rescind ours: that our ports as well as theirs, might be kept
open 'til the 10^ of Sepr: — A very sensible petition from the Merchants,
who are natives of Great Brittain has been put into my Hands, ic will
be presented to-day or to-morrow, praying that some certain Line of
Conduct may be prescribed to them, and a recommendation to the peo-
ple, from the Convention, respecting them — As I drew the Ordinance
for a general Test, I have endeavoured to make it such as no good man Aotkor of the
wou*a object to — the Merchants here, declare themselves well pleased ^«* *«th
with it —
Pray excuse me to M' Mafsy, M"^ McCarty, M^ Henderson, & all en-
quiring Friends for not writing to them, tc tell them I consider all pub-
lic news wrote to you, as to be communicated to them, k such of my
constituents as desire Information. I expect the Convention will rise
aV the end of this, or the Begining of next week — The Members of
the Committee of safety (of which I send you a list) meet next Fri-
day— how long I shall be detained on that Businefs God only knows —
My kind regard to my dear Family, & to the Family at Springfield, con-
clude m^ D' Sir,
Yr; affect: Friend & Servt —
&c 4c —
^^ P. S. Every Ordinance goes thro' all the Formalities of a Bill, in
the House of Burgefses, has three Readings &c, before it is pafsed, and
in every respect wears the Face of Law — Resolves, as recommenda-
tions being no longer trusted to, in matters of Importance"
♦ " The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia. Sept. gotb
Sebastian Cropper Gent" WiUiamibui;!
By Virtue of the Power and Authority invested in us by the Dele- Sebaitiaa
gtes and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in Cropper com-
eneral Convention Afsembled, We, reposing especial Trust and Con- " **"*
fidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, do bv
these Presents, Constitute and appoint you to be Captain of the Mili-
tia of the County of Accomac — and you are therefore carefully and
diligently to discharge the Trust reposed in you, by disciplining all offi-
cers and Soldiers under your Command —
And we do hereby require them to obey you as their Captain — And
•Pitated.
IPIO
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
«77S
jrou are to observe and follow all Such Orders and Directions, as you
shall from Time to Time receive from the Convention, the Committee
of Safety for the Time being, or any Superior Officers, according to the
Rules and Regulations established bv the Convention —
Given under our Hands, at Williamsburg, this 30^ Day of Septem*
ber, Anno Domini 1775.
Eo: Pekolbtok
John Pace
P. Carungton
Tho' Luowbll Lee
Dudley Digges
Jas: Mercer"
County
rPriate4] to
JM. Barooor
October id " The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia
WiUiamiburg To James Barbour Esq'
Commitfioa of By Virtue of the Power and Authority invested in us, by the Dele-
n!!?i!?"**^*P^^^ *^^ Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in
""" General Convention afsembled, we, reposing especial Trust and Confi-
dence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, do, by
these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Lieutenant and Com-
mander \xi Cheit of the Militia of the County of Culpeper: and you
are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Trust reposed in
you, by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers, under your Command —
And we do hereby require them to obey vou as their County Lieuten-
ant— And vou are to observe and follow ail such Orders and Directions
as you shall from time to time receive from the Convention, the Com-
mittee of Safety for the Time being, or any Superior Officers, accord-
ing to the Rules and Rugulations established by the Convention —
Given under our hands at Williamsburg this 2"^ Day of October —
Anno Domini 1775
Ed" Pekdleton
John Page
Dudley Digges
P. Carrikgton
Jas: Mercer
W. Cabell" —
1776
February 2d
WiUitmtbarg
J. H Norton, to Nath^ Littleton Savage Esq'
" Dear Sir,
I wish it was in my power to advise you of the arrival of the ^^ Lon-
don & Prospect," but I have no Letter of later date from London, than
the 5^ Sept: last. Tobacco was then selling at about 11. to 12. & 12^, &
likely to rise, if no change in the Parliamentary measures shou'd take
Foreign letter place soon — I am Expectations that the unhappy Differences
may be finally settled in the course of the approaching Summer : The
Ministry are now aware of the Strength ft Consequence of America —
M' Burke the Member for Bristol, in a letter to his Friends there, of
which extracts have been sent to a gentleman in this Colonv, giving i(
as his opinion that Lord N. intends to send out a powerful Fleet and
\
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. f71
Army in the Spring, k Commissioners who are to have full authority to 1776
Set on foot a negotiation and offer terms of recommendation: which are
in effect, that the Colonies, upon laying down their arms and returning
to their Allegiance, shall be placed in the situation they were in 1763: I
hope if these are the Terms, that the Colonies will accept of them, k let
us enjoy a little Happinefs. I have myself such Expectations of a change
in fiivour of the Colonies, that I should like to speculate with you in a
Purchase of Tobacco, on the Eastern shore, if it cou'd be purchased for price of
about 10, or even 12 s. 6^ Curry: pr: cwt: on Credit, to be delivered as Tobacco
soon as the Inspection is renewed — I would venture to be concerned in
a parcel of lOO or 200 Hhd* with you." * » •
— — your Situation at this time very ■ as I am informed you
are upon a River k within reach of the cursed Tenders " • * • *
^^^
• " The Committee of Safety for the Colony of Virginia — Ftbriuiy 5th
John Cropper, Gent: Wmiborg
By Virtue of the Power and Authority to us given hy an Ordinance John Cropper
of the General Convention, We, reposing especial Trust in your Pa- o^Accomtc Co
triotism. Courage, and good Conduct, do, by these Presents appoint (^^i^ia '^iht
you, the said John Cropper, to be Captain of the first Company in the Rcfvlar Fotcm
Ninth Regiment of Regular Forces, raised for the Defence, and Pro- o^ VlrglaU
tection of this Colony, whereof Thomas Flemine Esquire is Colonel —
You are therefore to Act as Captain of the said Regiment, by duly Bx-
Seising the Officers and Soldiers under your Command, taking particu*
lar care they be provided with Arms and Ammunition as the Ordinances
"'d Resolutions of the Convention direct — And you are to observe all
jtj^** Orders and Directions, from Time to Time, as you shall receive
^^ the Convention, for the better Government of the regular Forces,
^/ven under our Hands at Williamsburg this 5*** Day of February —
^ Domini 1776.
John Page
Dudley Digges
P. Carrington
Jas: Mercer
Thos: Lud: Lee
W: Cabell"
^^hereas disputes have arisen respecting the Title of the proprietors jaae 16U1
x^nfylvania to the Soil of that Country and as some short time will
^ before thev may be fully and satisfactorily determined (being anx- TnuiajWinia
'-J^^ ^o avoid all cause of complaint) the said proprietors earnestly de- ^^••^
* Z^'* ^ liat no person may in the mean time take poflession of any en- *"*''* ^
'^l^*\ or furveyed lands m said Country, with expectation of procuring a
^ ^^^^ ^^ consequence thereof, as such lands ought, of right, to be granted
y. ^^ respective persons in whose names those entries were made: and
^^^^ the absolute title be adjudged in favour of the Subscribers on the
^» ^^ *^t dispute, (as they have no doubt will be the case) they hereby de-
1. ^ ^heir intention of granting such lands, on application to the proper
*^^ nts, according to the rules of their office — And the proprietors
i
f 7* CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1776 have hitherto reserved the lands hclow Green river, and as high up Cum-
berland on both sides as Manskors' Lick^ for themselves, until thef
could lay .ofF a small quantity therein for their sepcrate ufe, they hope
that no person will make improvement within the said bounds before
such surveys shall be made, as such improvement may possibly interfeft
with choice of some of the copartners, and consequently, not be granted.
And as it is unsafe at this time to settle the Country in small detached
parties, and the alarming reports with respect to the hostile intention of
the Cherokee Indians, on the frontiers, will no doubt prevent emigni*
tion for some time, to that Country, care will be taken to caufe thofe
lands to be laid off as soon as convenientlv may be: fo that when, from
the more pacific difpofition of thofe people, a removal to that Country
may be thought safe, every person on Application to the books of the
land office at Boonfborough, may be informed of the entered and re-
ferved lands as aforefaid, and direct their choice accordingly —
John Luttrell Thomas Hart
James Hogg Nathaniex, Hart
David Hart John Williams
Lenaro H. Bullock William Johnston "
Richard Henderson
July 4th Resolution appointing, WilUam Bufsell, Arthur Campbell Tho* Madi
In Coa?ention ^^ £s<l" of Fincastle, r^dmund Winston Esq' of Bedford, John Bowver
and John May Esq'% of Boutetourt — Saml: McDowell Bsq' of Au-
gusta, John Harvie Esq' of Albemarle, Abraham Hite Esq' of Hamp-
shire, Charles Simms Esq' of West Augusta, James Wood Esq' of
Frederick, Hugh Innes Esq' of Pittsylvania, Paul Carrineton Esq' of
Charlotte, Bennett Goode and Joseph Speed Esq" of Meckleaburgf
Commiffioners or any two or more of them to take and collect evidence
in behalf of Virginia against persons pretending to have claims for lands
within the territory thereof, under deeds & purchases from the Indians:
& for such purpose giving power to summon and examine witnefses un-
der oath, upon due notice of twenty days being given &c. In Pursuance
of said Resolution, the Deposition of W"^ Farrar, was taken by Paul
Carrington, Bennet Goode, and Joseph Speed, at Mecklenburg C^
House, twenty days notice having been given to Richard Henderson &
others claiming lands under purchase from the Cheokees & John Wil-
Claim of RicM liams Gent — as follows — ^^ That the Deponant in the month of March
Hendenonand 1775 was present at a Fort at Watauga, at a time when a Treatie was
^ *'* held between the said Richard Henderson k others on the one part and
the Cheifs of the Cherokee Nation, Consisting of Occonostoto the
Little Carpenter and all the other Cheifs, as this Deponant understood,
at which Treaty about twelve hundred of the said nation attended, and
in the Course of the Treaty, which continued several Days, that the
said Treaty was conducted with the greatest regularity, order & Sobriety —
that the Deponant was not actually present during the whole Consulta-
tion, being engaged as a drover of Beeves for the support of the s^ In-
dians— but at the Conclusion of the Treaty, the deponant understood
that, in Consideration of a Large quantity of goods then delivered by
the s^ Richard Henders(fh k others (the value whereof the deponant
knows not) they, the said Indian Cheifs did agree to sell to the said
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Richard Henderson and others a quantity of Land, but how much or by 17^7^
what particular Bounds, the dep^ doth not remember — only that the
River Louisa was to be one part of the boundary, but cannot be particu-
lar as to the description, but understood it was several hundred miles in
Extent: That in consequence of such agreement the deponant under-
stood deeds were Executed — that he saw the goods delivered to the said
Indians, who divided the same gave Henderson & Company a peaceable
pofTeffion, and the whole appeared to be well satisfied and depart'd in a
peaceable manner — The deponant further saith, that at the said Treaty,
the said Richard Henderson & C° were at great expence in accommoda-
ting the said Indians having furnish 'd a great Quantity of Beeves, flour.
Corn, Rum & other necefsarys to a very great amount — Further the de-
ponant Saith not "
October lit
" To the Representatives of the Freemen of the State of Virginia, in
General Afsembly met —
The Memorial of the Proprietors of a Tract of Land on the Ohio Philadelphia
called ^^ Indiana"
Respectfully shc«veth,
That in the year 1763, the Shawanese Delaware and Huron Tribes
of Indians, Dependants, and Tributaries of the Six United Nations,
Contrary to the Faith of Treaties k in violation of their repeated Pro-
mises of Protection to the Servants & Effects of such Traders as should
supply them, in their own Country, with Merchandize, did without the
least cause, most unjustly and violently seize upon and appropriate to
their own use the Merchandize & Effects of Several of your Memo- Origin of the
rialists, and others under whom the Rest of your Memorialists legally J^^^^^eHt *^
claim now known u
That upon application made to the Six united nations, by Sir William Indiana, then
Johnson, Baronet, at the request of the said Traders, for a Reparation PV^ !*^.
of the Damages, Sustained by the Depredations and violences committed, "^^
they did agree to make a Compensation to the said Traders, and in Rati-
fication of said agreement, at a Treaty held at Fort Stanwix"*" in the year
1768, In consideration of the sum of £85916, 10-8 — the amount of the
value of the Damages, so sustained, for which the most authentick
Documents were produced, and the Justice of them allowed, and were
deposited in the hands of Sir William Johnson, at the Request of the
Granters, they the said Six United Nations, the true and absolute owners
and Proprietors of the Lands hereafter mentioned, did grant to the said
Traders, as a Retribution for the Damages aforesaid all that Tract of
Land, Beginning at the Southerly side of the mouth of the Little
Kanawha Creek, where it empties itself into the River Ohio, and run-
ing from thence South East to theLaurell Hill, thence along the Laurell Bounda of
Hill, until its strikes the River Monongahela, thence down the stream ''Indiana**
of the said River Monongahela, according to the several courses thereof
to the Southern Boundary Line of the Province of Pennsylvania, thence
Westerly along the Course of the said Province Boundary Line as far
as the same shall extend, and from thence, by the same course to the
River Ohio — Thence down the said River Ohio according to the several
courses thereof to the place of Beginning —
' -^.1.. ■.1,1 -■■,»■ I . ■■■■ MIMII^I III.! .
• Mqw Udct, New York.
35
iJ74 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1776 The said grant was obtained after mature consideration of the Grantors
under the immediate Superintendence of Sir W'" Johnson, and executed
in the presence of the Governor of New Jersey and others, among
whom were the Commissioners then attending the Treaty in behalf of
the Colony of Virginia — All which will appear manifest, by a Reference
to a Copy of the Deed annexed to this Memorial. That your Memo-
rialists having these Facts before them, could not but observe with con-
cern, that the late Convention of Virginia, had by their Resolve of the
24^ of June last, laid a Foundation for calling in question among others
the Validity of the Title of your Memorialists, to the Lands, so fairly
and with so much Justice granted to them, and for Obstructing them in
the sale and disposition of their own Property — (Then follows a reca-
pitulation of the facts connected with the Treaty above mentioned by
way of Argument &c) — • * * * ♦
Under these circumstances your Memorialists confide, that the Legisla-
ture of the State of Virginia, will not by any Act or proceeding what-
soever, impeach, or in any Respect prejudice the Title of your Memo-
rialists, so well Established on the Principles of Reason, Equity and
Sound Policy —
by Order, and in Behalf of the Proprietors
of Indiana,
pr:
THOMAS WHARTON, V. P—
Philadelphia Oct: 1** 1776
(Copy)
To the Gentlemen Inhabitants in & about Harrodsburg —
Gentlemen,
Ttmmfifu^ By the hands of Mess** Col^ Abraham Hite, Jas: Bowman, Jn*^
Wharton k W McAfee, we received an Instrument of writing, pur-
porting to be an addrefs to us directed, for the releif of Grievances sub^
sisting in the Colony of Transylvania, Respecting the letting our Lands
within the said Colony. — Nothing could have astonished us more than
a Remonftrance of this Kind, at a time when we were Endeavouring to
pursue every practicable measure to prevent any dispute or disquietude
in the minds of the Inhabitants of this Young and yet feeble Colony ^
and for that End, had Established rules for the purpose of granting the
Lands within the same, upon as favourable Terms as we can well afford,
from the large price which we purchased them at, the numberlefs Ex-
penses which has, and still must accrue uppon the Occasion: and the
many disadvantages we have put Ourselves to, without mentioning the
many dangers resulting from such hazardous Enterprizes — Conscious to
ourselves of the integrity of our Intentions, and the uprightnefs of our
Conduct in purchasing more Lands, and fully satisfied with the Right
we have Acquired from the Aborigines first and Sole Occupants thereof,
the Cherokee Indians — From the Cheifs of whom, by & with the Con-
sent of the whole Nation in fair & open Treaty, for a large & valuable
Consideration, we obuined a Deed of F'eofment with actual livery and
Seasiii, in due form of Law, with Quiet and Peacable pofsession, which
we still Retain, and than which rigtit we know of no better — the pre-
mises acceded to — We flattered ourselves that the modes and Terms
I
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ffJS
on which we proposed on letting our Lands within said Colony would 1776
liave met the approbation of every reasonable, honest and well disposed
person, who wished to become a purchaser under us, and an Inhabitant
of Said Colony. A nd it is with surprise we find persons now Expecting
Lands on the Inferior Terms which we let them Last Spring to such
Persons who ventured out with us to take Pofsession of the Country &
Defend us against our Savage Enemies, untill we Could build Forts,
make Corn &c, and thereby give Encouragement to others to Emigrate
•hither, as many since have done & more about to do. To whom we
Propofed letting Lands (on what we think reasonable Terms) To every .
Person who shall remove here to reside before the year 1777, for him-
self 640 Acres - of Land, and for Each Taxable Person he shall bring
with him & Employ in cultivating land or other businefs within said
Colony 320 Acres, at 50. S. Sterling pr: hundred, exclusive of the office
fees & an Annual quit rent of 2. S. like money pr: hundred acres, to
commence in the year 1780. For which we make an indefeasible Right
in Fee Simple with a General Warranty. This being the lowest price
we can take, we conceive it can never be considered as Exorbitant, when
in fact all who see the lands, and their situation, the fertility of the soil,
the Luxuriance 6f the range, the purity of the air, and healthiness of the
Climate, with every Promising prospect of a rapid population, and of
course in a very short time, a flourishing Country, must know the lands,
even at this Time to be of Infinite more Value, Exclusive of the money
advantages needless here to mention. The above being our Right^
which well understood we hope will give satisfaction to all. Yet if any
Doubt, we wish them to satisfy themselves of a right so generally ac-
knowledged, and of which we entertain not the least Scruple, before
they pretend to become inhabitants of this Country; as it is highly expe-
dient that each and Every Person inhabiting this new, and at present
weak Country should unanimously Join in one general Cause for the
safety and protection of the whole, which I am Convinced Every Gen-
tleman, every honest man, and every good citizen would desire to do.
And when ever any person comes in otherwise disposed, they thereby
raise difsentions and Animosities by which they loose and Weaken the
the bands of Society and of course must render us an Easy prey to our
Savage Enemies, whenever they may see cause to take the advantage of our
disunited situation; to prevent which we not only wish to see every per-
son in this Colony lending his aid, but alsure you Gentlemen, that no-
thing within our power shall be wanting to Accomplish so Good and
End "—
A True Copy
JN^ WILLIAMS Ag» for f Com^
"The Delegates of the United States, of New Hampshire, Mafachu- 1777
setts-Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Penn- jj^„„j|„ ^tj^
sylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
and Georgia, To John Cropper Esquire — We, repofing efpecial Trust ^^ Congrot
and Confidence in your Patriotifm, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, Do, Major John
by thefe Prefents, Constitute and appoint you to be, Major of the Seventh ?*J'*7]j
Regiment from the ftate of Virginia.
in the Army of the United States, raifed for the Defence of Ameri-
-can Liberty, and for repelling every — — -— — — — by
igfe CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 doing and performing all manner of Things, thereunto belonging — And
we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your
Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Major — And you are to
observe and follow Such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as
you shall receive from this or any future Congrefs of the United States,
or Committee of Congrefs, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander
in Cheif for the Time being of the Army of the United States, or any
other your Superiour Officers, according to the Rules and Difcipline of
War, in Purfuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to
t continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress —
Dated, the fourth day of Jany. Anno domini, one Thousand Seven
hundred and feventy feven — by Order of Congrefs.
JOHN HANCOCK President"
Attest:
Chas: Thomson Secy.
February ayih " The Deposition of George Croghan Esquire, taken before Abra-
ham Hite and James Wood, in Pursuance of a Resolution of the Con-
vention of the Commonwealth of Virginia, respecting the Title to the
Lands on the Ohio and Branches thereof. Claimed by Richard Hender-
son, Gentleman, and Company — The Deponent being first Sworn, &c
Deposeth — That in the year 1750 or 1751, he then being Trading
among the Shawanese at the mouth of Scioto, he saw several Shawanese
and Cherokees who had just come over the Allegheny Mountain from
the Cherokee Country, on which a Council was Called of all the In-
dians thereabouts, when the Shawanese Informed the Cheifs of their na-
tion who resided at Scioto, that they were returned from the Cherokee
Nation, and had left their women and children, with several of their
young men at the Blue Licks on Kentucke River, where they intended
to reside and Hunt that Season: then added, pointing to the Cherokees:
those Cherokees are about fifty or fixty in number and have come over
with us to solicit you to make up a difference — subsisting between them
and the Wiandots, — there were at the Council Several Wiandots, Dela-
wares and Six Nations — the Cherokees then addrefsed themselves to the
Six Nations, and requested they might have liberty to Hunt between the
Allegheny Mountain and the Ohio for that Season, as they knew the
Country Belonged to them.
At a Treaty held at Fort Stanwix in November 1768, the Six Nations
in General Council Afsembled, did sell to Sir William Johnston, then
Superintendent for Indian Affairs, all the Lands lying between the Moun-
tains and the Ohio, as Jow down as the mouth of the Cherokecf River,
for the King of Great Britains' use, when they declared that Country
Belonged to them, they having conquered the Nations who formerly re-
sided thereon — for further Particulars of that Transaction this deponent
refers to the aforesaid Treaty of Fort Stanwix. the Deponant further
saith that he never heard the Title of the Six Nations to the aforesaid
Country Disputed by any Nation of Indians, untill a few years ago,
when a Deputation of the Six Nations going to the Cherokee Country,
Informed him that the Cherokees had Set up a claim to it, and said that
they, the Six Nations had no right to sell it, and that they were then go*
ing to the Cherokee Country in order to settle that matter, that some of
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. fJI
the said Deputation returned by water to New York— others returned ^777
by Pitsburg the Spring following and Informed him, that the Cherokees
acknowledged in Public Council the right of the Six Nations to the
aforesaid Country to have been good, and the Deponent further saith
that about thirty or thirty one years ago, a party of Shawanese, headed
by One Charlie a Shawanese, who had received permission from Mona-
galootha and the Half King, who were fully Impowered by the Cheif
of the Six Nations for that Purpose, took pofsession of and formed a
settlement on a large river which falls into the Ohio, between the
mouths of Oubache on the West, and the Tennisee or Cherokee River
on the East Side of the Ohio, which river was afterwards called and
known by the name of the Shawanese River, and that the Distance
from Fort Pitt, to the mouth of the Shawanese ^iver is computed to
be upwards of one thousand miles and further this Deponent
saith not"
" The Deposition of the following Persons taken at the House of M^ March loth
John Ormsby in Pittsburgh, &c, — agreeable to Notice given to Col: pj^j^jj^, j^
George Morgan, Agent for the Indiania Company, before James Wood
and Charles Simms, pursuant to a Resolution of the Hon^^** the Conven-
tion of Virginia appointing them CommiiEoners for Collecting Evidence
on behalf of the Comm mwealth of Virginia, against the several Per-
sons pretending to claim Lands within the Territory and Limits thereof
under Deeds or Purchases from Indians — The deponent being sworn &c
in presence of said Morgan, M' John Gibson and M^ Thomas Small-
man, Members of the Indiania Company — Previous to the taking of the
Depositions M^ George Morgan acknowledged himself to be a Member
of the Indiania Company, and that he was appointed Agent to that
Company, but that he did not think himself authorized as the Represen-
tative of the Proprietors, to appear in defence of their Title, and at the
same time informed the Commissioners that he had put an authentica-
ted Copy of their Grant from the Six Nations into the Hands of John
Harvie Esq*^ — One of the Commiffioners appointed to take Depositions
respecting the Said Grant, sometime in the Fall of the year 1776 desir-
ing that the same should be admitted to record in the State ot Virginia,
which M*" Harvie promised should be done, Thomas Walker Esq' (one
of the subscribing Witnefses to the Grant, and who was one of the
Commissioners on behalf of Virginia at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix)
then being in Pittsburg."
Major Edward Ward Deposeth and saith, that in the beginning of the
year 1754, William Trent Esquire, was appointed by Governour Din-
widdie of Virginia, Captain of a Company to be raised, of which this
deponent was appointed Ensign, by the said Trent: Who afsembled the
Cheifs & Deputies of the Six Nations and requested of them permission Fimiettlemeot
to Erect a Trading House at the Junction of the Allegheny and Mo- *^ Piwsburg
nongahale Rivers, to carry on a Free and open Trade with the Six Na-
tions and their dependants: which was granted by the said deputies with
this restriction, that he was to form no Settlements or improvements on
the said Land, but on the Contrary to Evacuate the same when required
by the Six Nations —
After which the said Capt; Trent inlisted a number of men not ex-
978 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 ceeding thirty three, and proceeded to erect a Fort at the place before-
mentioned — That on the 17*** of April following, and before the Fort
was nearly completed, this Deponent, who commanded in the absence
of Capt: Trent, was put to the neceflity of surrendering the possession to
a Superior number of Troops, Commanded by a French OflBcer, who
Taken by the demanded it in the name of the King of France — at which time the
fVench, Md by jj^jf King, and a number of thp Six Nations, in the English Interests
Fort Doquesae were present. This deponent further saith that in the year 1752, and
before his surrender to the French, there was a small Village Inhabited
by the Delawares, on the South East side of the Allegheny River, in
the neighborhood of that place, and that old Kittanning on the same side
of the said River, was then Inhabited by the Delawares, that about one
third of the Shawanese Inhabited Loggo Town, on the West Side of
the Ohio, and tended Corn on the East Side of the River — and the
other part of the Nation lived on the Scioto River — That the Deputies
of the Six Nations after the surrender Joined the Vit]ginia Forces, Com-
manded by Cololonel George Washington, who was then on his march,
at the Little Meadows, and continued with him, in the service of Vir-
ginia till after the defeat of Monfieur La Force, and a party of French
Troops under his Command — And the deponent further saitn, that sub-
sequent to the defeat of Colo: Washington at the great Meadows, The
Shawanese, Delawares, many of the Western Tribes of Indians, and an
inconsiderable number of Renegades of the Seneca T ribe, one of the
Six Nations, Joined the French, and Prosecuted a War against the Fron-
tiers of the States of Virginia, Maryland and Pensylvania, till the con-
clusion of the Peace with the Indians in the year 1759; but that he ever
understood the Body of the Six Nations continued the firm Friends of
the English —
That in the year 1756 an Expedition was prosecuted from Pensyl-
vania against the Kittanning a Town Inhabited by the Delawares on the
South East Side of the AUeghene River, which was destroyed, a small
number of Indians killed, and the remaining part drove from this side of
the River, where they never after took poffeiSon by renewing their
settlements, to his knowledge, but on the contrary he understood they
removed further to the Westward. The Deponent further faith, that
upon the Evacuation of Fort Duquesne by the French, on the approach
of the Brittish Army in the year 1758, General Forbes by one of the
deputy agents for Indian affairs, made a requifition to the Cheifs of the
Six Nations for PermiiEon to re-establish a Fort at the same place, for
the purposes aforesaid, and to prevent the French from returning, which
was Granted, a Fort Executed and Garrisoned, which continued in the
poffefEon of the British Troups 'til the year 1772, when it was evacua-
ted by them and taken pofleiEon of by the Deponent, who occupied the
lame 'till taken poffefEon of by Major Connelly in 1774, with the Vir-
ginia Militia; that in the year 1759, General Stanwix called a Council
of the Six Nations, Shawanese, Delawares & other western Indians,
when the General by the Deputy Agent Informed the Indians Affembled
that he was then going to erect a strong Fort, and asked the permifEon
of the Six Nations, for that purpose, which was granted upon a promise
of a fair and open Trade, and a reservation of the right of the Lands to
the Six Nations, and that it should be abandoned at any time when re-
quired by them — after which and in the year 1762 several settlements
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^79
were formed by Emigrants from the different parts of America, by Per- 1777
miffion of the Commanding Officer, for the purpose of accomofiating
Travellers on the Public Roads. That a Settlement and Improvement
was formed about four miles above the Fort, on the South East side of
the Allegene River by Col^ Croghan, in consequence of a Grant from
the Six Nations.
The deponent, being asked by M' Morgan, whether the Representa-
tives of the Crown, have not on all occasions acknowledged the Six
Nations to be the sole proprietors of the Lands on the Ohio, Previous
to the Treaty at Fort Stanwix in 1768,
Answers, that as well the Representatives of the Crown, as the Super-
intendants and Commiffions from the Colonies, for Indian aflfairs, have
always uniformly acknowledged it : and being further ask'd what Com-
miffion he bore at the reduction cf Kittanning, and whether it would
have been in the power of the Detachment who destroyed it, to have
retained the poflefEon at that time ? Answers, that he commanded a
Company, and that he does not conceive it to have been practicable to
keep the pofleffion — that it was judged expedient, by the Commanding
officer, to retreat in a few Hours, which was precipitately complied with.
And being further asked, whether he ever knew of any Engagement be-
tween the Six Nations and the Brittish or American Forces on or near
cbe Lands in question, or whether the Six Nations were ever conquered
by either of them ? Answers, not to his knowledge. — And being fur-
ther ask'd by the Commiffioners, if he was acquainted what Indians
composed the Party which attack'd and were defeated by Col^ Boquet in
the year 1763? Answers, — that he has heard, that a few of the Six
Nations of the Senca Tribe Joined the Delawares and Shawanese, but
does not know it of his own knowledge — and being further ask'd by
M' Morgan, whether the Six Nations ever surrendered or Transfer'd
their right to the Lands in question, except at Fort Stanwix in 1 768 ?
Answers, that he never understood that they had — Except their Grants
to Col: Croghan and himself — And the deponent being further ask'd,
whether he knows of any settlements being formed within the Bounds
of the Indiania Grant before the year 1768? Answers, that he does
not, he being an Inhabitant of Pensylvania at that time.
The Deponent being further ask'd by M' Morgan, what Troops they
were who took the Kittanning at the time before mentioned ? Answers,
^Hhey were part of the first Pensylvania Regiment, under the command of
Col** Armstrong and no other."
Reinhard Andes deposeth and faith, that in May 1767, he settled and
Improved a Plantation on the Monongahela River two miles below the
mouth of Turtle Creek, by permifsion of the Commanding Officer at
Fort Pitt, that he has continued, and now is in Pcfsession of the same \
and that his settlement was Distant from the Pensylvania Road about
two miles, and on Braddocks road— being ask'd by M'^ Morgan, if he
knew of any settlements made betweep Grave Creek and the Little
Kanawa, answers, that he does not, that he never was there in his life —
being farther ask'd, if he knew oi any settlements made on the west sids
of Monongahala, before that time, answers, he was not acquainted with
that Country at that time, and does not know of any.
The deponent farther iays that Conrod Winemiller and Philip Whit-
t80 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 zell, Peter Balliter, settled lands near him at the same time he made his
settlement."
William Powell, deposed, that he had settled and Improved a Planta-
tion on Turtle Creek, by permifsion of the Commanding Officer at Fort
Pitt, before November 1768, and was still in pofsefsion of it — He knew
of no Settlements being made between the Monongahela and Little Ka-
nahwa Rivers, prior to Nov: 1768.
William Elliot deposed, that he settled and improved a plantation about
seven miles from Fort Pitt on the Public Road at a Place called '* the
Bullock Pens" in the year 1776, by permifsion of Col® Reed, the Officer
Commanding at that place, dated August 29^^ 17^5^ and is now in pof-
sefsion of the same. He knows the following persons to have settled in
his neighborhood before the year 1768 viz: Tho" Small, Eneas M*Whay,
Alexander McGregoe, James RoyaL Devereuax Smith & Jasper Tabbs,
by the same authority — that the Improvements above mentioned are
faid to be within the bounds of a grant from the Indians to Col** Crog-
han, and are claimed by him —
" Simon Girty Desposeth and faith, that while the French were in
Pofsefsion of Fort Duquesne, he was made prisoner by a party of Dela-
wares, Shawanese and French that he was carried to Kittaning, which
was then inhabited by Dela wares or Mahsys ; after which he was
delivered to the Senecas, one of the Six Nation Tribes, where he con-
tinued a considerable time, that he always understood that the Party who
Defeated Col° Grant, consisted of French Wiandots, Senecas, Dela-
wares, Shawanese & Ottowas, and that he heard that Keashota was with
them — the Deponent Further faith, that the Party which defeated Cap-
tain Bullit consisted of about fifty-iive Indians and French, a majority of
which were of the Seneca tribe — and the deponent further faith that he
heard Kiashota acknowledge that he was in the Engagement, and com-
manded, when the attack was made of Col° Bouquet — The Deponent
further faith, that he never understood, the Indians returned to this side
the AUeghane River, or formed any settlements after the Kittaning being
Destroyed; and that he has been Informed it is not Customary for In-
dians to Re settle a Town, after being Destroyed by an Enemy, or
Deserted on any other Occafion — The Deponent further faith, that he
does not know of any Settlements being made between the mouth of
Monongahela and the Little Kanawha, 'till after opening the Pennsyl-
vania Land Office —
" Thomas Girty, deposeth and faith, that he was made a Prisoner by
a Party of Indians, most of whom were Delawares, that he continued
at the Kittaning 'till it was destroyed by the English, that the Delawares
removed to the other side of the river, and never Returned, after the
Kittaning was Destroyed, to his knowledge — that he does not know of
any settlements being made within the Indiana Grant, before the year
1768."
'^ Colonel William Crawford, Deposeth and faith, that his first ac-
quaintance with the Country on the Ohio was in the year 1758, he then
being an officer in the Virginia Service — That between that time and the
year 1765, a number of Settlements were made on the Public Roads in
that Country by Permiffion of the Several Commanding Officers at Fort
Pitt. That in the Fall of the Year 1765 he made some Improvements
on the West Side of the Alleghany Mountains, in the Spring of the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $81
year following he setled and has continued to live out here ever since — 1777
That, before that time, and in that year, a Considerable number of Set-
tlements were made, he thinks near three hundred, without PermiiEon
from any Commanding Officer, some of which settlements were made
within the Limits of the Indiania Company's Claim, and some others
within Col: Croghan's — From that time to the present, the people con-
tinued to emigrate to this Country very fast — The Deponent being ask'd
by M' Morgan, if he knows the names of those who settled on the
Lndiania Claim, in the year 1 766 ? and on what Waters ? Answers—
that Zachel Morgan, James Chew, and Jacob Prickett, came out in that
year, and was inform'd by them, that they settled up the Monongahala,
that he has since seen Zachel Morgans plantation, which is on the South
side of the line, run by Mason and Dixon, and that he believes that to
be the first settlement he made in this Country, and always understood
the before mentioned Persons lived in his Neighborhood — but that he
himself was never within the Limits of the Indiania Claim, untill the
year 1 771, or about that time — the Deponant being asked by M' Mor-
gan, if he knew or ever heard of any Settlements besides those before
mentioned being made in the Indiania Claim, prior to the Treaty at Fort
Stanwix ? Answers, that he understood James Booth setled there before
that time, but does not know of any others —
being farther ask'd if those settlements were not made contrary to
orders of Government ? Answers, that all the Settlements made to the
westward of the Allegheny Mountains at that time, were contrary to the
Orders of Government.
The Deponent being farther ask'd oy Col: Morgan, if he knows what
Troops took the Kittanning, in the year 1756, Answers that he always
understood they were Pensylvania Troops, commanded by Col: Arm-
strong—
The Deponent being asked bv the Commiffioners, if he is acquainted
with the setlements made in tne Indiania, and Col^ George Croghans'
Grants, and if any surveys have been made therein, by virtue of ^War-
rants or Orders of Council, and whether there has not been many
Transferences made, of Lands, within said Grants ? Answers, that the
Lands within the limits of Col^ Croghan's Grants are thickly settled,
"but except on the Monongahala River & Middle Island Creek, there are
but few Settlements on the Indiania Claim that he knows of. That he
knows but of three surveys made by Warants or Orders of Council of the
Government of Virginia within Col^ Croghan's Grants, but a number
were made by virtue of Warants from the Government of Pensylvania —
that two Warants under the Proclamation of the year 1763, are laid
within the Limits of the Indiania Claim, but no surveys that he knows
of were ever made, and that many Transferences have been made of
Lands within said Grants — The deponent being asked by M' Morgan
if he was acquainted with the quality of the Lands in the Indiania
Claim ? Answers, that he is well acquainted with the Lands k he thinks
nineteen twentieths of it is very bad.
The Deponent being asked if any entries were made with the Sur-
veyor of Augusta for Lands Westward of the Alleghany Mountains,
Answers that upwards of two thousand were made with him and Col:
Dorsey , a number of them for Lands within the before-men-
tioned Grants, which entries he transmitted to M' Thomas Lewis Sur-
36
f82
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 veyor of Augusta County, pursuant to his directions; none of which
Entries were made before the year 1775 or in the month of december
1774 — The deponent being further ask'd by the Commiffioners, if he
knows that the Indiania Company or Col^ Croghan ever ascertained their
Boundaries, by surveys ? Answers, that he does not know that the
Indiania Company ever made any Survey of their Lands. — that Col^
Croghan made a Survey of his Lands on Raccoon Creek in the year —
Joseph Nicholas, Deposeth and saith, that the year after Braddock's
Defeat, he was made Prisoner by a Party of Indians Consisting of
Shawanese, and Delawares, by whom he was Delivered to the Cayugas,
one of the Six Nation Tribes, where he continued seven years and up-
wards, that within the said time, he knew several of the said Tribe to
fo with other Parties against* the Settlements, & that he saw several small,
^arties of the Seneca Tribe, on their way to war against the Inhabi-
tants— that it was always denied by the Cheifs of the Six Nations that
they were at war with the white people, but that he knows the Con-
trary, in the Instances above mentioned — The Deponent being asked
whether he ever knew any number of real Cayugas go to war ag^ the
white People ? — Answers, that the Cayugas were greatly mixed with
other nations, but that the Parties above mentioned spoke the Kayuga
Language and Resided in that Nation."
April 9th
la Congress
April 15
Wuhington
Court House
Resolution passed, that the two Hundred men, ordered by Congress
to be raised for the defence of the Western Frontiers of Virginia a^inst
the Indian Incursions, & to garrison Forts Pitt and Randolph, Janu-
ary 8^ 1777) shall not be required to perform any other service, without
their Consent.
Headenon*s
The Deposition of Samuel Wilson &c — taken before Arthur Camp-
bell and William Campbell Gent. Commiffioners Ac relative to a pur-
chase of Land by Richard Henderson & Co &c —
" Saith, That he purchased a Tract of Land lying on the North Side
of Holstein River, on the Big Creek, in a place called Carters' Valley
from Col^ Richard Henderson, for which the deponent has paid twenty
pounds ten shillings — But in case the s^ Henderson & Co should not be
able to make a Title to s^ Land, the deponent does not doubt but they
purchueof the will repay him the money, and would be satisfied therewith." * •
" The deponent farther saith he was present at all the public Con-
ferences, during the Treaty with Henderson & Co and the Cherokees at
Wattago, in March 1775, concerning the purchase of certain Lands
lying upon the South Side of Kentucky, but does not know the other
boundary lines. The deponent saith that at the commencement of the
Treaty the Cherokees proposed to sell the Lands upon the North side of
Kentucky, which s* Henderson & C° refused to purchase, alleging that
the Colony of Virginia had already bought them. The Deponent far-
ther saith that after the Cherokees sold the s^ Henderson the Land,
below Kentucky, they sold the Land from where they then stood, unto
the former purchase — ^The Deponent also saith, that the Indian Cheifs
appeared to be perfectly sober, during the treaty, and that he did not see
any spirituous Liquors given to them, during the Conferences: and that
the Cheifs appeared to be satisfied upon the receipt of the Goods given
them for the Lands which they sold to the sd: Henderson & C^ — The
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $8S
deponent farther saith, that he saw Occonaftota, and the Raven War- 1777
Hour, sign a Deed to s^ Henderson k C^ for the Lands aforementioned,
and believes it was also signed by others of the Cheifs — The Deponent
also saith, that when the sd: Henderson & C^ propofed purchasing
the lands below the Kentuckey, the Dragging Canoe told them it was
the bloody Ground, and would be dark, and difficult to settle it — The The dtrk and
deponent also faith that he did not understand the Cherokee Indians ^^^^"^ ^^^^
alledged the sd: Lands were claimed by other nations : and that they
sold them as the proprietors thereof — The deponent farther faith that he
can neither write nor read writing, and anything that he knows of the
Indians Talks in the Conferences, was by The Interpreter John Vann —
The deponent also faith, that sundry Indian Traders, Ellis Harlin, Isaac
Thomas, Edward Rogers, Tom , Richard Paris and Thomas
Price, who appeared to understand the Cherokee Tongue, were present
at the Conferences, and that the Indians seemed to design them as a Check
upon Vann, in case he should not interpret their Talks justly, and this
deponent farther faith not " —
" The Deposition of John Lowry &c — on behalf of the Common- April i6tk
wealth, '* Saith, That he was at the Treaty held by Richard Henderson waihiagtoji
& C° with the Cherokees in March 1775 — at the beginning of the Treaty Court House
heard the Indians propose to sell s^ Company, lands upon the North
East Side, or above the New Biver, which s^ Henderson Refused to
purchafe but does not remember his reasons for doing so. The Indians
^^^ proposed selling some lands between Kentuckey and the New
^^ver^ which s^ Henderson also refused to purchase, saying that Vir-
a*^i^ns had already bought it — S*^ Henderson then informed the Indians
llfbcT^ the land lay which he wanted to purchase, which was from the
fg90U^^^ of Kentucky some distance down the Ohio, but s'^ Deponent
^^^s not remember how far. The Deponent saith the Indians appeared
^fm^rilling to sell the lands, which s^ Henderson told them he wanted to
p^^chsse, & desired s*' Henderson to return home, & they would look to
^^''Sitiians for the price of land, which they sold them above Kan-
tuclcery — Abo telling s* Henderson, the Country which he wanted, was
^^ jgfeat Service to them as hunting Ground k that they looked upon
tncir- Cattle or game in it, to be as beneficial to them as the Tame Cattle
^^'■^ ^o the white people. The deponent saith the Indians agreed to sell
^^ J^«id to s* Henderson k C** which they wanted to buy, but does not
Moi^r the Boundarys thereof, nor is he certain whether he heard them,
J* lie thinks its Probable he did as he was present at the Treaty — The
v|**^*icnt does not recollect any other thing of consequence, that occur-
f^> vaxitill the Deeds came to be signed, which was done publickly, when
Jf ^^€ds were produced for Signing Vann, the Interpreter said some-
''^"^ Xo the Indians which s^ Henderson objected to, desiring the s*
, . '^ might not say anything^ but what he s*^ Henderson Understood : to
^ *^^lx s** Vann Reply 'd he came there to oppose the s*^ Henderson & he
^***^ do it : s** Henderson then told s^ Vann, he did not regard any
^'^^^^ition he could make him, Vann then told s* Henderson that he had
^^^^^ to the Indians, to clear him to their Father Stewart, that he might
?° ^^ blamed for their Selling the Land. After the Deeds were signed
J_^^^ Indians for the Kantucky Country, said Henderson then told the
*^ "^s, he had bought the land on Kentuckey from them ; and he had
gS4 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 yet no path to it — The Dragging Canoe then told s* Henderson, he had
all the Country from there to the Kentucky purchase, for a Path, but
does not recollect that a Deed was given by the Indians for it ^ nor any
valuable consideration Given to them in lieu thereof — The deponent also
thinks the Goods of the s^ Henderson & C** had at the Treaty, were to
be given the Indians for the Kentucky purchase — The deponent saith
he does not remember to hear any thine said during the Conference, of
an Eastern Boundary to the Kantucky Purchase, and further saith not **
Afril x6th *^The Deposition of M' John Reid on behalf of the Commonwealth
WtthiDgton &c— Saycth—
Coort H«ofe ci yjjat he was at the Treaty held by Col: Rich^ Henderson & C<^
with the Cherokees Indians at Wataugah in March 17759 and heard the
Dragging Canoe, propose to sell the land above Kantucky to Col: Hen-
derson and C% which s^ Henderson refused to purchase alledging the
State of Virginia had already bought it, and said it was not that land he
wanted; that the land he wished to purchase was on the South side of
the Kentucky — upon which the Dragging Canoe withdrew from the
Conference, which was stop^ for the day. the Deponent does not recol-
lect anything of Consequence that occur^ untill the day the Deeds vrcre
signed by the Indians; which was two or three days after the Dragging
Canoe propos* to Sell the land Above Kantucky — When Col° Hender-
son produced the Deeds to be signed by the Indians: They appeared to
be uneasey on Account of the Number — Col: Henderson informed the
Indians there ware eight or nine Partners in the Purchase; and he chose
that each should have k Deed, least they should be destroyed by fire or
Water; upon which the Indians Appeared to be more satisfied — When
s^ Henderson presented the first Deed to Oconastota, to be signed, the
Deponent desired said Henderson to read the Boundarys of the land
mentioned in it to him, which s^ Henderson refused to do, untill the
Deeds were signed — The Deponent then Observed that it was not
generous to get a people to sign a Deed, who did not know what vns in
it — Upon which, s^ Henderson bes'd the Deponent not to be A Means
of breaking the Treaty, as he had been at great deal of Expence, and
said after that Deed was signed it should be read. And declared the
other Deeds were like that one — The Deponent did not see the Deeds
signed, tho' he thinks it was, And then saw Jefse Benton read some In*
strument of writing to the Indians, which he beleives to be the Deed
Signed by them, but was at too great a distance to hear what it con-
tamed, nor does he know whether the Deeds was Interpreted to the In-
dians, And thinks the Interpreter was present while the Deed or writing
was read. On the Night after the Deeds should have been signed, the De-
ponent went with Richard Paris to whare the Indians were encamped &
was told by s^ Paris that he understood Col: Henderson had got a Deed
for the lands Upon this River, which the Indians knew nothing of and
would inform them of it. When the Deponent and s^ Paris came to
the Indians Camps, they found the Cheifs almost all drunk, and s^ Paris
informed Oconostotas' Wife that the Cheifs had given a Deed for the
Lands upon this River, upon which she appeared to be very Uneasy ft
went away (as s^ Paris told the Deponent) to acquaint some of the
Cheifs with it — Next morning the deponent and s* Paris met at Oco-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 286
nastotas Tent, and found a Number of Cheifs at it, who the Deponent 1777
saw (as be apprehended) marking out sundry Water Courses, which he
took to be the main branch of Holstein River, seeing the Great Island
laid down, And the North Fork, with sundry others, which the Depo-
nent does not recollect, and thinks they were the branches of Holstein —
Said Paris then asked the Indian Cheifs if they had sold Col: Hen-
derson the lands upon them waters — The Indians repFy'd (as the said
Paris informed the Deponent) they had not, nor would not — The same
day sundry of Cheifs met at the place where the Conference had been
held, and then informed s^ Henderson (as the deponent was told by some
of the Traders) that they had not sold the Lands upon these waters ft
had only allowed him a path through them to pass to the Kentucky,
Xhat s^ Henderson then apply'd to the Indians, to allow him a small
Distance on each side of the Path for Hunting, to support the People,
on their way to and from the Kentucky, but does not know whether the
Indians agreed to it. The Deponent further saith that he did not see
any of the Indian Cheifs intoxicated, untill s^ Henderson paid them the
Goods for the Lands, & he understood the Deeds were executed. The
deponent also saith he did not constantly attend at all the Conferences
during the Treaty, nor does he know that s^ Henderson & C° had any
private talks with the Indian Cheifs during the Treaty. The deponent
saith that he does not know the Dragging Canoe withdrew himself or
Absented himself from any of the Conferences during the Treaty ex-
cepting the time aforementioned — The Deponent also saith that many
of the Young Indian Men appeared to be much difsatisfied upon the
Division of the Goods, and set off home the same night the Deeds
should have been signed. And that he was informed, one of the War-
riours received only one Shirt for his part, who said he had sold the land,
And he could have Killed more Deer in one day upon it, then would
have bought such a shirt — That Col: Thomas Hart, one of the C^ took
the Deponent into a House where the Goods designed for the Indians
lay^ and shewed them to him — The Deponent asked s*^ Hart if the In-
dians had seen the Gk>ods, who, he thinks, told him, they had, and were
well enough pleafed with them — And further sayeth not — "
^^ The Deposition of James Robinson, in behalf of Richard Hender- April i€th
son i C*^ — ^saith — Widiiagtwi
** That he was present at the public Conference durine the Treaty ^®"* **•"••
Richard Henderson and C^ held with the Cherokees on March 1775.
That at the opening of the Treaty, s^ Efenderson proposed to the In-
dians to purchase from them, the lands lying from the Mouth of the
Great Kanawa, down the Ohio to the Mouth of Tenesee, but does not
recollect the other Boundaries then proposed — S^ Henderson then asked .
the Indians if the lands within the bounds he had mentioned, were
theirs, the Indians then had some private, or low talk among themselves,
k afterwards told s^ Henderson that the lands were theirs. S^ Hender-
son then told them if the lands were theirs, he had Goods there to give
them for it: this concluded the first days* Conference.
Upon the Second Day of the Treaty the Indians proposed to sell s*
Henderson the land upon the North side of the Kentucky, to which s*
Henderson replied, he would not have that land, as it was already
t86 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
ijjj claimed by the Virginians, and if he cottld not get the lands he asked for,
he would keep his Goods — Upon which the Dragging Canoe got angry
and withdrew himself from the Conference — And the other Indians
immediately followed him and broke up the Conference for that day —
Some person, in hearing of the Deponent told John Williams one of the
Copartners, not to pay any Regard to the Dragging Canoe's going ofF in
a pafsion, as the head men might still be got to sign a Deed privately.
Col: Williams replyed, he would not give any thing for Every Indian
there to sign a Deed, unlefs it was done in open Treaty. — When the
Indians met s^ Henderson the third Day of the Treaty, s^ Henderson
told them the lands he had mentioned before, were the lands he had
brought his goods for — The Indians, then by their Talk seemed inclined
to let the s^ Henderson have some land, but complained the goods were
too few for the number of Persons who were there, and if they gave
him up land, they hoped he would consider them at another time — S^
Henderson answered they had seen the Goods, and if they gave him the
Land, he would give them the Keys of the House in which they lay,
and he could promise them no more. The Indians then agreed to sell
the land as far as Cumberland River, and s^ Henderson insisted to have
Cumberland River, and the Waters of Cumberland River — Which the
Indians agreed to, after telling s^ Henderson them were their Hunting
Grounds, And their children who were then growing up might have
reason to complain, if they sold that land, which argument they fre-
quently made use of, from the time they offered to sell the land below
Kentucky — Also observing it was a bloody Country, and if he went to
it they would not hold him by the hand any longer, and must do it at
his own Risque, and must not blame them if any thing happened to
him —
On the Fourth Day of the Treaty, a Deed was produced, and read,
and Interpreted Sentence by Sentence to the Indians, which was Signed
by them. Also feveral others which the Indians were told were exactly
the fame with that which they first signed —
The Deponent saith when Oconostota, and the Raven Warrior were
about to sign the first deed, that John Vann, alias Joseph Vann, took
them by the hand and stop'd them from signing — And (as the deponent
was informed) told them to take care of what they were about — And it
was what they would to sign, but to clear him of it k not blaim him
afterwards for it, which caution the Deponent thinks was given the In-
dians by (^ Vann, in order to exonerate himself, as he was their Inter-
preter for the Crown, and not on account of any fraud or Collusion on
(^ Henderson's part, in his bargain with the Indians — S^ Deponent thinks
the Boundarys mentioned in the deed first read to, and signed by the
Indians were from the mouth of Kentucky, up to the same to Donald-
, sons' Line, thence along (^ line to perhaps Cumberland Mountain, thence
to the South Branch of Cumberland River, including Cumberland and
the waters of Cumberland to the Ohio, thence up the Ohio to the Be-
ginning. Some time in the winter after the Treaty, the Deponent saw
the f^ Vann, who told the Deponent he understood Henderson & C^
claimed more lands, than the Indians had given a Deed for; he under-
stood I^ Comp^ claimed the land up the Tenese, to within ten miles of
the Cherokee Towns. Richard Henderson asked the Deponent, if
when he heard John Vann Complain about the Claim made by the C^ fo
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 287
near the Cherokee Towns, if he understood the Indians also Complained 1777
of a Settlement being made in Powell's Valley — The Deponent an-
swered, he did not hear Vann, or any other Person say whether the In-
dians were Satisfied or Diflatisfied about the Settlement. The Deponent
also saith that Isaac Thomas told him the Cherokees deny'd altogether,
their selling any Lands to John Carter, below the north Fork of Hol-
stein.
And further saith he knew Oconoftota to deny, in conversation with
Col^ Christian, the sale of land, which the Indians had actually sold, and
for which he knew him to Sign a Deed —
The Deponent also saith, the Little Carpenter told Col: Henderson
that they (the Indians) sold (^ Henderson, the land from where they then
stood, to the Kentucky purchase for a Path; but docs not recollect what
extent of Country s^ Henderson was to have on each side of the path,
for which the Inclians signed some Instrument of Writing^, but does not
recollect whether it was Read or interpreted to them. The Deponent
saith the Deeds from the Indians to Henderson and Comp^, were signed
by Oconoftota, the Raven, and he thinks the Little Carpenter, the other
Cheifs being present — The Deponent also saith, he understood the
Cherokee Indians were considerably indebted to John Carter for Goods,
which the (^ Carter had formerly sold them, and for which he had no
prospect of being paid, unless he could purchase a certain Tract of
Country from them; and that he had promised Goods to pay the Indians
for it, over and above what they were indebted to him: that the Indians
refused to sell f*^ Carter the lands which he wanted. That Richard
Henderson proposed to the Indians to have (^ Carters books spoiled, and
he would give them goods to the value of Two Thousand weight of
leather, on Condition they would give him the land he asked for, for a
path to the Kentucky purchase, which the Indians agreed to k, Received
from f^ Henderson the goods provided by Carter for them; that the In-
dians made a Deed to (^ Henderson & C° for the i^ pathway to the Ken-
tucky purchase, the bounds of which is not known to the (^ Deponent,
who has since been informed by f* Carter, that he f* Carter, had a Deed
made to him by f^ Henderson, out of the Indian Deed for the path way;
The Deponent thinks, for all the lands ^ Carter wanted to purchase
from the Indians ; and further saith not.
MoaaoDgalia
James Chew to Col: " George Morgan, Fort Pitt '* May i8th
"Sir
I should ere now, have been as good, as my Promise, in Letting you
know the Exact Time of my first makeing any Improvements on this Settled
River, above the Mouth of Cheat, but my Papers being below, Pre-
vented me. However as I am now in Pofsession of ihcfe Papers, I can
with a certainty inform you, that in April 1772, I first Crofsed Cheat,
and made several Improvements on the West side of the Monnongalia,
and that I never Enter^ or ever apply'd to any office, to secure these
lands, which I was always of Opinion belonged to the Company of
Traders, which had suffered so largely, having seen the Copy of their
Rights ftom the Indians, who at that time undoubtedly were the sole
Proprietors of the said Lands, I also now inform you, that about Ten
days agoe, I Rec*^ a Maj" Commifsion ftom his Excellency the Governor
of Virginia, to go in Quest of the Powder, with a Draught on you for
L.
t88 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 the Boats necefsary for that Voyage. Which Capt Lyons' Return has
$0 luckily put a stop to — I was at Winchester when I met the Express
Returning from W^burg — And as I have been at some Expence in
Getting ready for the aforesaid Journey, should be glad of being em-
ploy'd in the Militia, which I understand is now to be Embodied on this
side the Mountain, I do not know that I should have mention this to
you, but as you will see Genl: Hand much sooner than myself, should be
glad of your Interest (If as I Hear you are informed by some Person,
that I cannot be depended on, should not make your opinion lefs, of my
abilities) provided it coincides with your own Good Judgement —
I am Sir, with Esteem,
Your Hble: Serv*
&c &c
liaj ft6eli ^^ Depositions of Thomas Pierce &c, taken in a certain matter of
lalc of Wif ht controversy between Mefsrs: Baker & Hardy, Late Commifsarys, & the
Co State of Virginia &c" — "-^ Saith," that the deponent, about the i*^ May
1776, sold to Ric^ Hardy '^9338^^' Bakin in hams, midlings, shoulders
&c" for the use of the Troops of this State — ^that Hardy paid him at
Prico of BtcoB the rate of 7^^ pr: pound, which he did not consider a large price, or
more than it was worth — He had been oiFered about the same price three
weeks before by M' Hawkins, but being under a previous agreement
with M' Benald of the Eastern Shore, could not sell it until he had
heard from him — Had heard M' Hardy say he did not want to purchase
provisions for the Troops, and that about the time of making this bar-
gain, he heard him say he was obliged to furnish ^' the Poor of Princefs
Ann County with provisions by authority " —
j«Bc 3d ^' William Christian of Lawful Age, being first sworn on the Holy
Wmskvc Evangelist of Almighty God, deposeth & saith, that as to his being inte-
rested in the Event of the dispute between the Common Wealth of Vir-
ginia and Richard Henderson & Company, he has only to say that he
had three Warrants from Lord Dunmore for Three Thousand Acres of
Land, or thereabouts, actually located near the Falls of Ohio &; on Salt
River in the County of Kentucky as appears by the Platts — That be-
fore Donaldson's Line was run, he does not remember to have formed
any opinion upon the Property of the disputed Land, but upon the run-
ning of that Line, he thought that it, in effect, ceded the land lyine be-
low the said Line upon the waters of Clinch, & Holftons river & row-
ells' Valley to the Cherokees. That, as well as he now remembers,
early in the year 1774, it was agreed between the Honble — William
Byrd, and John Page Esq" dec^ and Patrick Henry Esq Inhabitants of
this ^Common- Wealth & this Deponent, to propose contracting for
some of the Lands so lying on Holfton & Clinch Rivers & Powells'
Valley, with the Cherokees — That one William Kennedy, was accord-
ingly appointed to go to that Country k sound the Temper of the Chero-
kees, whether they were willing to bring about a meeting & Treaty for such
lands. That the said Kennedy was sent to the Cherokee Nation for that
purpose, but this Deponent does not recollect what answer he brought
back — That this Deponent does not certainly know whether this scheme
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. g89
of purchasing the said Lands, would have been continued, but it so hap- 1777
pened, that he and the other partners never met again upon the sub-
** Sworn to before —
Jos: Prentis
R. Kello"
^* The Deposition of Patrick Henry Esquire; who being first duly junt 4th
sworn, deposeth & saith," .
'^ That early in the year one thousand seven hundred & Seventy four,
as well as he remembers, the Hon^^® W™ Byrd Esq^ dec^ having said
that the Cherokee Indians had ofFer'd to give him a Tract of Land
fome years before, & falling into Conversation on that Subject, with this
deponent. He, the said W™ Byrd, together with the HonrV® John Page
Esq** dec^ & this deponent, agreed to send a certain M' Kennedy to the
Cherokee Nation, to see if they were willing to part with some of their
Land, on the Waters their own Rivers in Virginia, to Convey the same
to them & not for the State — Col^ Christian was to be a partner, if the
scheme succeeded — Upon M** Kennedvs' return he Informed this Depo-
nent that he had been to Col: Byrds' a had let him know the answer of
Some of the Indian Cheifs; k communicated the same to this Deponent,
which was, that they were willing to treat on the Subject — Not long
after this k before any treaty was Refolved on, the Troubles with great
Britain feemed to Threaten Serious Consequences, & this Deponent be-
came a member of the first Virginia Convention k a member of the
first Continental Congrefs, upon which, he determined with himself to
disclaim all Concern and Connecion with Indian Purchases, for the
Reafons, following, that is to say — He was Informed shortly after his Patriotic con-
arrival at Congrefs, of many Purchases of Indian Lands, shares in most, J"^* ®^ **'•
or all of which were ofFer'd to this Deponent, k Constantly refused by ^"'^
him, because of the Enormity in the Extent to which the Bounds of
those purchases were Carry'd — Another Reason for this Refusal was,
that Disputes had arisen on the Subject of these purchases, k this De-
ponent, being a member of both Congrefs k Convention, conceived it
improper for him to be concerned as a party in any of these partnerships:
on which it was probable he might decide as a Judge — T he Deponent
says he was further fixed in his Determination not to be concerned in
any Indian Purchase whatever, on the prospect of the Present War, by
which the Sovereignty & Right of Disposal in the soil of America would
probably be claimed by the American States —
After conversing with the s* W°^ Byrd k Communicating his Senti-
ments freely on the Subject, the Deponent saith that the scheme dropt:
nor did it proceed further than is above related.
The Deponent further says, that M' Henderson k his Partners very
soon after their supposed Purchase, joined in a Letter to this Deponent:
in which was Contained, as this Deponent thinks, a Distant though
plain Hint, that he the Deponent might be a partner with them —
The Deponent also says he rec^ a great number of Mefsages from
Mefs" Henderson k C\ inviting him to be a partner: That M' Hen-
derson, in his own Person k M' Allen Jones (a Partner in the Purchase)
both apply'd to the Deponent to join them in their scheme, but the De-
37
290 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 ponent uniformly refused & plainly Declared his Strongest Disapproba-
tion of their whole proceedings; giving as a Reason, that the People of
Virginia had a right to the back Country derived from their Charter k
the Blood & Treasure they expended on that account —
The Deponent says that he is not now, nor ever has been concerned
directly or indirectly in any Indian Purchase of Lands & that he knoweth
nothing of M' Hendersons' contract —
The Deponent being asked whether application to the Legislature or
the Crown, was made for leave to Purchase Lands of the Cherokees by
the said W™ Byrd or any other Person in the Matter aforesaid. He an-
swereth, that no such application was made that he knows of, that the
only proposal to the Indians, was to know if they would treat on the
Subject & further saith not "
Sworn to before
Jo: Prentis
R. Kello"
Oct« li
^^ The Deposition of Thomas Houghton relative to a certain claim^
by virtue of an Indian Purchase of Richard Henderson and Company
to a certain Tract of Country, accounted to be within the charter Limits
of the Commonwealth of Virginia — He, the faid Thomas Houghton
deposeth and saith, that he was at the Treaty held by the said Richard
Henderson and Company with the Cherokee Indians at Watauga in March
1775, though he did not constantly attend the Conferences — From the
Interpretation of the Indian Discourses the Deponent beleived the s^
Company did purchase a Tract of Country of these Indians, the bounds
of which he does not well remember, though he thinks it bordered on
the Ohio and the Kentuckie. That in the course of the Treaty Col*
Henderson told the Indians he did not want to walk upon their Land,
to his Country — That he had got more goods and Ammunition — That
he wanted a path to his Country, and that from the manner of the In-
dians Pointing, he understood they gave up the Path Col^ Henderson
asked for — That he heard one Deed read, at the request of the Indians,
as far as the end of the Boundary Lines of the Land, that then he step-
ped off, and never knew that the latter part of the Deed, or any other
Deed, was read. That he was a Subfcribing witness to the Deeds, and
saw Oconoftota, the Raven & Little Carpenter sign them, and that he
understood they were to sign in fiehalf of their Nation. That when-
ever he was present, he obferved there was more men by, that under-
stood the Indian Language, than Vann, the Interpreter, whom he under-
stood were to take notice, that what either party said was fairly Trans-
lated. That he faw the Goods distributed k that the Indians appeared
to be satisfied — That he is no ways Intcrefted in the s* Companys Pur-
chase: and has no reason to judge it was held any otherwise, than fairly
and openly. That he remembers there were several fubfcribing Wit-
nefses, among whom were Tilman Dixon & Castleton Brooks — and
further saith not — "
Sworn to before —
Dan: Smith
W** Edmistok
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. g91
*'Thc Deposition of Charles Robertfon, relative to a certain claim, (by '777
virtue of an Indian Purchase) of Richd: Henderson and C^ to a certain
Tract of Country, accounted to be within the Chartered Boundary of ^ ' '
the Commonwealth of Virginia —
He, the said Charles Robertson, deposeth, and saith. That he was at
the Treaty held at Watauga, between the said Richard Henderfon and
Company and the Cherokee Indians, in March 1775, and beleives he
heard every Public Talk, that was delivered by the Parties — That as to
the Treaty Conferences being held fairly and openly, the Deponent fre-
quently took Notice that both Col^ Henderson and the Indians would al-
ways cause to be present the white men and Indian Half Breeds who
understood both Languages, as a check upon the Cheif Interpreter, left
he should miftranslate, or leave out, through Forgetfulnefs any Part of
what either Party should speak; and faith that he beleives the Treaty
was held fairly and openly, but does not remember the whole of the
Boundary, altho' he beleives the Indians underftood all that was iaid by
the s^ Henderson — That he does not remember the Bounds of the
Lands, proposed to be bought, only that it joined the Ohio, and in them
was mentioned fomething about the Head Springs of Kentuckie, and he be-
leives of Cumberland, and that 'tis his opinion it was to keep the dividing
Ridge between Cumberland and Tenafe. That there was eight or nine
different Pieces of writing signed by the Indians, who were told that
the Reason of their being fo many, was that there was fo many diffe-
rent Partners in the Company, and that each must have one for fear
one fhould be destroyed, and that every one might know where his
Land was — That none but one of them was read to the Indians — Col®
Henderson told the Indians, these Writings were all alike word for word
(and no one was hindered trom reading them, but does not know that
any Person did read them) and that they might have them all read if
they chose it: to which they faid they did not want them read. He
does not know how many Indians signed thefe Papers, but he under-
stood it was done by Consent of the whole, as he did not hear any Par-
ticular one make an objection — The deponent frequently tried to count
the number of Indians, which he could not do exactly, but from his
best observations, there was about one thousand in all counting big and
little: and about one half of them were men — He did not understand
there was any more than one principal man behind called Judges Friend,
who he understood had sent word that V^hat the other Cheifs agreed to
he would abide by — On the second day of the Treaty, the Dragging
Canoe went out displeased on hearing the Proposals of the said Hender-
son as to what Lands he wanted to purchase, because (as the said Indian
said) the white people wanted too much of their Hunting Grounds —
On the first Day of the Treaty the Indians offered to give up Some
Lands which they said Col: Donelfon had agreed to give them five hun-
dred Pounds for, and had not paid them, but Colo: Henderson said it
would not be worth his while to talk about buying that only, as he had
a Houfse full of Goods for them, and should be at yet greater Expence
for Beares and Rum to entertain them upon —
That towards the close of the Treaty, when the Indians feemed like
complying with Col® Hendersons Proposals, the said Henderson told the
Indians there was Land between them and his Country — He did not
love to walk upon their land. That he had more Goods, Guns and
ggg CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 Ammunition which they had not yet seen — After this fomething was
(aid concerning Carters' Books being destroyed —
The Dragging Canoe in Some Part of the Treaty said there was bad
People both of his Nation and the Whites — that there was a dark cloud
over that Country — He could vouch that his own Countrymen would
not hurt him, but was afraid the Northern Indians would — that it was
good to have the path clear and clean, but on hearing what Col: Hen-
derson faid about the Land between them and his, the s^ Hendersons'
Country he (the Dragging Conoe) faid ftamping his foot on the Ground,
we give you from this place, pointing towards the Kentuckie — at which
the deponent was displeased, because he was acting as a Trustee to pur-
chase the Lands on Watauga, (in Conjunction with the iaid Henderson
as to the Expence of the Treaty) of the Said Indians, as he thought
the Said Company were then getting the Watauga Lands, which he then
had a promise of from the Indians, and had the Goods ready to pay for
it. The Deponent (aith he in no ways Interfered in the faid Hender-
sons' Purchase — his Bufiness at the Treaty was as a Trustee from the
Watauga People, to buy that Country of them Indians — When the
Dragging Canoe stampt his foot on the Ground, and said he gave up all
the Land from that Place, the Deponent understood that not only the
Lands at Watauga which he was about purchasing, but the Lands in
Carters' Valley which borders on Clinch Mountain, quite to the Ohio,
was then given up, and that if he ever obtained them, it must be, of the
said Henderson, which was the cause of his being displeafed — He knew
nothing of any Deed being signed for these laft mentioned Lands, tho'
he has understood since, that the said Henderson did take a Deed
for the Land from Watauga quite to the Ohio — The Deponent heard
no Difcourse about a Boundary for the Lands Northward of Holfton,
and on this side Cumberland Mountain, except only what the Dragging
Canoe faid, when he ftampt on the ground, as he was then speaking of
the Nation — The Deponant never heard Col° Henderson promise them
any more goods — the Indians appeared to be fatisfied with what he had
given them, and that previously he told them, if they did not choose to
take them, they would still be friends.
The Deponent saith he saw these last mentioned Goods as well as all
the others delivered and divided, and faw Papers destroyed, faid to be
Carters Book of Accounts against the Indians which he was informed
by Col° Carter, amounted to more than j£6oo — The Deponent never
heard there was any other bounds read to the Indians, than what was in
the Deed — The Deponent heard there had been some Claim to this
Country, by the Northward Indians, but that these Indians (aid it was
their Land and what they would so fell it " — And further saith not — "
Sworn to before us &c
Arthur Campbell
Dan Smith "
October 10th Genl: J. Burgoine to Col; Phillipson —
Albany ^^ If my letter of the beginning of September peached you, the events
which succeeded will not appear to you extraordinary, tnough unfortu-
nate. I foresaw and I beleive exprefsed to you, that pafsing Hudsons'
River was putting the fate of the Army upon a chance, but that the
precision of my orders, the season of the year and other circumstances
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS 293
of the time, made the steps unavoidable: I enclose to Lord Derby a 1777
copy of my Dispatches to Ld: George, in order that it may be published
by him in case that Ministry should mangle or curtail any part of it in
their Gazette. I desire him also to communicate it to you in the first
instance, and I refer you to that public account, trusting indeed that the
fairnefs of the Ministers will make the manuscript unnecessary for the
detail of as difficult, as dangerous, as diversified and as bloody a progress
as the space of time in any campaign has produced — I shall subjoin
thereto, extracts of Paragraphs of my private letters to Ld: George and
Ld: North: and I do it to furnish you with the means of defending your
friend against the attacks that necefsarily follow unsuccessful events. I
expect ministerial ingratitude will be displayed as in all Countrys and all
times, as usual, to remove the blame from the orders to the Execution ;
and the first Trumpeters of my accusation, will be the Cunninghams,
the Smyths, and the Keens: Should such a return be made, for the zeal
with which I have pursued their purposes, it will be the part of my
friends to place the foundation of my defence on the principle and let-
ter of my orders — It was the will of the State, to risque corps of Troops
to afsist the general arrangement of the campaign. If the State thought
it necessary to devote a Corps of Troops for general purposes it was no
more the Generals' duty to decline proceeding upon motives of prudence,
and upon motives of speculation of consequences, than it would be jus-
tifiable in a sergeant who heads a forlorn hope at the storm of a Breech
to recede, because his destruction was probable — Mine was a forlorn
hope, with -the difference that it was not supported. This Army has
been diminished by scandalous desertion, in the Collateral parts by heavy
drain of the Garrison at Ticonderoga, and by great loss of blood: it has
been totally unsupported by Sir W™ Howe. When my conduct for Burgoyne cx-
proceeding so far as to leave my communication with Canada, is ar- «"•«• *>" »»•-
raigned, to face the accusation with the winding of my instructions, and slro"to*/'
to ask the accusers what they would have said, had I remained supine in
my Camp at Fort Edward, is there a man that would have held me de-
fensible, had I left exertions untried in the circumstances I then was —
At Hubberton, at Ticonderoga, at Skeensburg, at Fort Anne the ascen-
dency of British Troops had been apparent, against superior numbers.
The junction of large corps of Loyalists had been engaged for us as the
army should advance — Schuyler who then commanded the Enemys'
Army, was retreating, and no pofsibility was suggested by either friends
or foes, of the collection of a quarter of the Force, which has since
appeared — The contempt of my own army, the condemnation of Gov-
ernment and the world, would have been inevitable, and deserved con-
sequences of inaction: my head would have been answerable for it, and
I should have left my friends, had any such remained, the painful task
of defending a Disobedience of Orders upon cowardly principles, in
which I thank God, it will be now their only trouble to vindicate a
spirited exertion of Orders —
The utmost that malevolence can say will be that I have been too
bold. Upon the whole, my friend, if I do not deceive myself, my friends
may maintain the following grounds:
A principle of duty engaged me to accept a Command, of which I
foresaw the difficultys and dangers respecting the Public service, and
personal representation — Orders, in the Construction of which, there
was neither latitude nor alternative, compelled me to lay by (of conse-
294 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 quence) the general maxims of a military reasoning upon securing a re-
treat— I twice fought, and once conquered double my numbers — I af-
terwards courted an action from more than quadruple my numbers with
which I was invested, and at the last, with only three days provision for
the men upon a short allowance, and not a particle of forage, the troops
galled with the cannonading into all parts of their position, and ex-
hausted with watchfulnefs of many days and nights under arms: the Ger-
mans dispirited and ready to clubb their arms at the first lire. Under all
these circumstances of distrefs, amongst all the causes of despair, I dic-
tated terms of a Convention which saves the Army to the State for the
next Campaign: The Consolation I have receivea from a public view
of Gates' Army, is I confess extreme — I have now the stubborn fact,
witnefsed by every officer and soldier of my army, that I was not much
deceived by Intelligence, and that I have not overrated his numbers in
calling them 16000. Sorry I am to add, that a better disciplined, a more
alert, or better prepared Army in all Essentials is hardly to be found —
On one side the question, when all those facts are notorious, I am clear,
I shall receive honor, not disgrace, from the Public — I am impatient,
you may imagine, to be at home, to undertake my own cause: but I
think it is indispensable to be directed by Sir W°^ Howe —
I shall certainly wish to precede the embarcation, if he approves it —
As to myself, I am exhausted in mind and body: the agitations of the
one, and the Fatigues of the other are too much for me — An American
Winter, should that be my fate, will be decisive of my health, possibly
of my Life — to its last moments, be afsured of the inviolable affection
of, dear Phillipson, in yours
J. BURGOINE
Not. »4th Richard Henry Lee to
York '' My dear Sir
I am just favoured with yours of the 14^, and thank you for it —
Every attempt to clothe the army is commendable, upon principles,
both of humanity and policy. As there is great Trade at Charles Town,
you have some chance for the woolenf you want, altho' this is the worst
season for application, on account of the many negroes they have to
clothe in that Country — Either the Havannah or New Orleans are
places where you may get Woolens and Military stores. Doctor Lees'
letters have repeatedlv assured us that at these places would be lodg'd
the above articles for N. America in general, and Virginia in particular.
Small swift sailing Vefsels sent to the former of these places from Vir-
ginia or North Carolina, freighted with fine flour or Tobacco would not
fail to return loaded with necefsaries, and by pushing into some of the
Inlets in the Sea-Cost of North Carolina, might avoid the British
Cruisers that infest our Bay, and the goods be safely brought over land.
This appears to me the most expeditious and the most certain way. By
this method the blankets & cloaths might yet be in Season to help the
Soldiers before the winter is over. With respect to the loan of money,
at the Havannah or N. Orleans, I am not able to form a judgment,
whether it can be effected or not: the latter most probably, because
D' Lee was able to get but a small sum immediately from Spain for
Congress, although he expected a larger Credit from Holland thro' the
mediation and security of Spain — ^Add to this, the great probability of
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $95
immediate war In Europe from which Spain will not be detached. I re- 1777
member D' Lee in many of his letters to me, previous to his visit to
Spain said he should endeavor to negotiate a loan from that Court for
Virginia k South Carolina, to support (as he said) the credit of our pa-
per money. Since his return from Spain, he only mentions cloathes ic
military stores, that w^ be lodged at Ilavannah & Orleans for our use.
For the purpose of securing the credit of our money in a great emer-
gence, it were to be wished a credit could be obtained as you propose,
and therefore I think it will not be amiss to make the experiment. As
for the goods, they may be had, in the way of Barter. Indeed, I under-
stood IK Lee, that the military stores and cloathing would be delivered
.with* immediate pay of any kind — We formerly sent you the extract of
a letter to Congrefs, which is all that has been received, unlefs it be a
Spanish letter feom the Governor of N. Orleans which M' Morris took
away to get translated, and it has not yet been returned. You shall have
it when we get it.
Mons. Loyeaute declines the Rectorship of the Academy — He is a
young Gentleman of high family, of fortune, and ardent in pursuit of
military glory. His father, who is a General in the Artillery of France,
has taken pains to instruct this his son from his earliest youth and he is
you may be afsured, a Proficient — He is sober, temperate as a soldier
should be, and seems to have none of the fashionable vices. He says he
came not here for money, but to search for military honor, to afsist
America in establishing her freedom, but since he cannot be employed
in that way, he shall return to his own Country, the businefe of an Acade-
mician better suiting Age and infirmity, with views of distant good, than
youth, strength, and prospect of present action ; and immediate benefit
to the public. I am concerned we have lost this Gentleman, on many
accounts. I am sure my Country will suffer, for want of the knowledge
he posfesfes — And the rejection of him happened at our unlucky crisis.
All the rest of his Corps had just set out on their return to France, be-
cause Congrefs would not comply with the contract iVl' Deane had firmly
made with them in France, and which had disgusted them greatly. This
Gentleman remained at our request, and although an engagement was not
absolute, it was very strong, kept him from returning with his compan-
ions, and will, I fear imprefs on all their minds, bad ideas of the Ameri-
cans, and do us no service in France — This is well known here & the
Delegates look rather small in the eyes of their brethren. I am sure we
acted for the best, well knowing the utter deficiency of knowledge in
this branch with us, its necessity, and having the best grounds for beleiv-
ing this Gentleman an Adept — It is certain we went rather too far. I
am sorry for it, but we shall be lefs forward in future. Since I last wrote,
the Enemy have taken Fort Island, after a most gallant defence on the
part of the Garrison, which retreated from the Ifland in the night after
all but two of their Guns were dismounted : and not more than a rod & an
half of the works left. The Enemy brought their Culdown Indiaman
between Province Ifland & them, from which they poured a most dread-
ful cannonade from 24 & 32 pounders, and from their Tops the fire of
Coherns & musketry drove the men from their guns in the Fort — The
better opinion yet is, that the Enemy cannot get their Fleet up to the
City, until they first remove the Gallies, the Chevaux de Frise and re-
duce Red Bank. To effect this latter purpose, we hear that Cornwallis
gge CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
ijjj with men has crofsed into the Jersies, and that our Army is gone
down to attack their lines now weakened by such a powerful reinforce-
ment sent away — If so, we may expect important Tiews in a day or two —
One Brigade from the Eaftern Army with Morgan's Corps have lately
joined Gen: Washington — 20 Regiments are ordered from Gates' Army.
The Rhode Island expedition went no further than Providence, by the
misconduct 'tis said, of old Spencer — There will be an enquiry — Our
last intelligence from the West Indies, which covers news from France
the 4th Sept' gives us abundant reason to think that a War between
France and 6. Britain is on the verge of taking place, if it has not al-
ready done so. The F. Amb' is ordered to demand all F. Vessels taken
by Ibngland with' the limits prescribed by the Treaty, and to retire from
the Court, if the demand was not complied with. The Governors in
the F. Islands are ordered to be in readinefs for war, and to lay an Em-
bargo on all vefsels bound to Europe, to prevent their falling into the
enemies hands — 5000 additional Troops are to be immediately sent to
Martinique and Guadalupe — Portugal has acceeded to the Family com-
pact. D' Lee is returning from Prufsia, hav*^ finished his businefs suc-
cessfully at that Court — The King of Prufsia has opened his Ports to
the Vefsels of the United States, and M' Carmichael writes that a Ship
loaded with Tobacco to Embden would be attended with : conse-
quences. The cargo would be returned in manufactures very useful to
us, and 15 or 20 pr: cent cheaper than from France — Can't we try this
experiment at the proper season, which may be known by the Commer-
cial Dictionaries — We expect daily to receive important news from Eu-
rope. My ill state of health produced by bad water, bad air, and exces-
sive businefs, will compel me to return home for a few days for the
severity of the winter season.
I am, with sentiments of affectionate
esteem & respect, dear Sir, yours
&c., &c —
Dec'r 3d Deposition of Isaac Shelby &c,— who being sworn &c,
^^ Deposeth and saith, that this Deponent has made several Entries for
Lands in M' Henderson's Office, but does not conceive himself to be
in any manner interested in the Event of the dispute, between the Com-
monwealth of Virginia and the said Henderson. That in March 1775
this Deponent was present at a Treaty held at Wattaugha between the
said Henderson and the Cherokee Indians : that the Deponent then heard
the said Henderson call the Indians, when the Deed by which the said
Henderson now claims, was going to be signed, and desired that they
would attend to what was going to be done : that the deponent beleives
the courses in the said Deed contained, to be the very Courses which
the said Henderson read therefrom to the Indians and were interpreted
to them. That the said Henderson took the said Deed from among
several others lying on a Table, all of which appeared to the Deponent
to be of the same Tenor with that which he read — That at the time of
this Treaty, one Read who was there and suspected that the said Hen-
derson intended to purchase some Lands which He himself had his Eye
on, desired the said Deed to be read before it was signed, which was ac-
cordingly done, and the said Read objected not thereto — That being pre-
sent at the late Treaty at Long Island, this deponent remembers to have
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. M7
heard Occunostota or the Tafsel, (but which he does not recollect) say ^777
that ever since he had signed the Paper to M' Henderson, He was afraid
to sign one, and that M' Henderson ever since he had signed the Paper,
deprived Him of the priviledge of catching even Craw fish on the land.
That this Deponent was present at the Time of signing the said Deed
at Wattaugha, when everything was conducted fairly on the part of the
said Henderson, who after signing, desired the Indians to go and take the
Goods which he designed for them — And further saith not."
Taken before —
Edmund Randolph
Jo: Prentis '*
^^ M'' Innes sworn says — That he is well acquaint w*^ Limits of Ind^ Indiana cUims
Claim — from supposition, not calculation ; supposes claim includes frtgmentarf
2,500,000 acres — has heard of no Survey made by Ind* Comp* — re- "****
moved into the Country in 1768 — knows only of a few enumerated
families, then settled there — Lands lie in part in Monon^ Augu^ & Ohio \
part only of each — not acq* w*** country men^"* in Act of '53 on Mifs^
Settl'^ — Laurel hill boundary of In* Claim — not more than 12 or 15 miles
from Alleghany Moun*" — as far as it respects Ind* claim. If Sou**^ boun-
dary of Pen* if sett** at 40*** degr® Lat. will greatly increase Ind* Claim —
would add a tract to claim 19 miles wide & 43 long — Laurel hill no part
of Alleghany — may be so blended as to be mistaken, the one for the
other — never saw y® first act of 1753 — Claim of Ind* matter of Gen^
notoriety in 1768 — people there settled new of the claim — Many Ejec**
brought by Col^ Craughan in his claim ags* Settlers — in Virg* only be-
lieves Craughan's claim probably part in Pens*" — M^ Duval sworn,
says, no patents for Lands within Ind* claim — no settlers now — ^all fled
for safety to inner Inhab^ — about 40 Inhab^ at other times — knows noth-
ing of notoriety of treaty of Fort Stanwix — frequent sales of settlements
within Ind* claim — Lands inhabited before he knew county — ^knew in
1772 — then county seemed lately settled — Saw no improvements which
appeared to be made before 1768. If pen* line Established as above,
Ind* claim will include upwards of 1000 families "
(( M*" Walker being sworn — says — That he was app'*^ a Com' & at- Oepoiition of
tended at F: Stanwix — Genl: Lewis, other Com^was called off — Sir W™ Walker— frag-
Johnston had a state, of Virg* claim — who said the Indians acknow"^ Vir* "^"'"'T notei
claim — refused a copy of minutes — promised auth''^ documents — gave
deed of cefsion —deferred giving any other papers — got a copy of Treaty
from Gents at bar — Com^ of any State only asked Questions ab^ respec-
tive claims — No Com' held any conference with Indians — Considered
himself in signing In* claim — ^not as Com' but as witnefs — beleives if he
had been called in as Com', he should have signed it in that character as
he was informed the Lands could only be had on those terms. In F^:
Stanwix treaty, Indians complied with V* claim — Pamphlet of India*
claim a perfect record of the transaction" — * • *
^^ Nothing said of any land lying west of Ohio — On £x^^ of deed, thinks
Indians were called to table & acknowledged it, and believes marked it —
Custom for Indians to treat by cheifs — one cheif generally signing for
his nation — Saw Indians who s^ they lived at Squirrel Hill, hath heard
38
$98 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1777 that Delawares lived on Monotigahala — Shawanese had towns opposite
Mouth Scioto in year 1756 — at this purchase, considered territory as de-
livered up on Ex°° of Deed, as far as Deed went — Letters from M*^
Stewart claimed part of this land for Cherokees — Indians always bound
lands sold by natural boundaries — Remembers North^* Indians with Brad-
dock, supposes they were invited by him. Had Conver**° with Sir W"
on treaty of Lancaster — thought in finishing treaty at fort Stanwix that
the affair was concluded."
1778 Thos: Smith, "State Agent, to John Bowdoin Esq"'
Mareh 3d cc gi|.
Williamtburg By direction of his Excellency, the Governor and his Honble Coun-
cil, you are appointed Afsistant Agent for this State, upon the Eastern
Shore of Virginia" — " the business you will have to conduct, appears to
me as follows \ first you must endeavor to procure two or three vefsels,
such as have been described by Col^ Starke — these vefsels are intended
for the purpose of Transporting Tobacco from the western shore, to
such places as may be judged most safe an the Eastern shore, and they
are to be employed in a regular rotation of businefs of this kind, except
circumstances may make it necefsary to order them upon a difF^ destina-
tion— after you have made a purchase of one of these, you will direct
the Skipper to proceed to the mouth of Queens' Creek, and come to this
place for orders from the peculiarity of your situation in the pur-
chase of Goods, I must entirely depend upon your prudence and p;ood
Judgement y but by way of guide for the necefsary articles wanting I re-
fer you to the Inclosed list — but should you be under the necefsity of
purchasing others that are not efsential for the public ufe, you must retain
them in your hands till further orders — those wanted for the Grand Army
are to be forwarded to Duncan Rose Esq' at Head Quarters, taking a
particular account and Transmit copies of the same to me with your other
Accounts as often as pofsible that I may make regular entries on my
Books — Your Engagements for goods may be made either for cash or
Tobacco, as will be most for the Interest of the State, but prefer for the
present Engagements for Cash, as it will take up a certain time to get
Tobacco to the Eastern Shore ; but in this you will consult the probable
circumstances of your being furnished with Tobacco, which I shall en-
deavor to keep you fully supplied with — the Four Thousand you are now
furnished with, i hope is a sufficient sum for the present purpose" * *
You will please to take care of all Tobacco that may be sent to you from
the Western Shore, and have it waggoned or carried acrofs to some se-
cure Post on the sea-side, to be shipped in the State Vesfels as Opportu-
nities may occur, or to be disposed of in the purchase of Goods as be-
fore mentioned — I am of Opinion, you should purchase a waggon or
more, as may be really necefsary for the purpose of getting the Tobacco
to the several places when it may be wanting9 which waggon or waggons
should be Drove by a trusty White man, as it occasionally may happen
that there will be a prefsing necefsity for the waggons to go to the Grand
Army with Goods, especially when they are in great want, and the Pas-
sage up the Bay stopped by the Enemies Vefsels*"
Your mo : Obedient fervant
&c &c —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. £99
"N. B. 1778
Tou will observe those Vessels mentioned are intended to carry Goods
up to the Head of Elk, as Occasions make necefsary &c"
Some of the Articles on the List referred to above, ordered by M' W.
Armstead —
^^ White Linens for Officers & Soldiers* Shirts: ready made shirts pre-
ferred"—
Sagothys Fustins or Duroys of Military Colors, or something as pro-
per for Soldiers & Officers Coats k Jackets, with proper regimental Butt°*,
Threads & linings for Ditto :
Coarse Thread Stockings for Soldiers or good Oznaburgs for Leggings.
Thread Stockings for Officers.
Shoes k hats for Soldiers &; some of better sort for Officers —
Shoe & Knee Buckles, Knives, Razors & needles for the Soldiers —
Thread & Buttons — Blanketts — light duck, or anything proper for Tents —
Cloth, with proper trimmings for Officers k Soldiers —
Rum — Sugar — Molasses k bome Coffee, Paper, Silk k Twist —
Mem. M^ Bowdoin will forward to this place the Goods arrived on
his shore in the Schooner Rambler — they were sent from Martinique by
M' Harrison, for the State of Virginia."
Autograph Order —
** The Uomander of the Sloop Congrefs is defired to deliver to M' Stew- ^""^ ^th
art Holt, two good Swivel Guns for public use — Let him not be detained
k have four musquets."
P. HENRY."
Thomas Smith, State Agent, to John Stringer Esq' — March aSth
A short time before, the Executive had appointed Jno : Bowdoin Esq' \7iuumtburi
Asfistant Agent on the Eastern Shore, but he has been informed by that
gentleman, that on account of the ^^ situation of his own Affairs" he will
not be able to undertake the duties of that office — M' Bowdoin having
recommended him as a person eminently fitted for the place, and as being
willing to serve the State, he is requested to receive from M*^ Bowdoin to
whom he has written the instructions sent to — Trusts the terms made
with M' Bowdoin \^ill be equally agreable to him —
Letter to M. le Count de Clonard, dated at "Nantes" from M' Lynch, April ijd^
giving account of his having been threatened with violence, by reason of
false reports, circulated by one Capt : David, that he (Lynch) was a spy
&;c — But the matter, fully explained, by his name having been, con-
founded with that of one " Peter Liege," who had been in the employ
of the English at this place &c — also reply of the C. de Clonard, con-
soling and sympathising with him in his troubles &c.
'* Division orders at Valley forge Camp" April 29th
the 29* April 1778. VtUcy Forge
♦"Colonel Cropper will Command the eleventh Virginia regiment in Camp
gen woodfords' brigade, till farther orders,"
^^^ M de lafaytte m. g."
*Tlut order to Col. John Cropper, of Accomac, appeara on. a very small slip of paper, in the
autograph of the Marquis.
SOO CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1778 Ralph Wormely Jnr: to Mann Page jnr: Esq' of Mansfield —
May nth "Sir;
After a very long, inconvenient and expensive confinement I have my
hopes of once more regaining that liberty, which every freeman pants for
when deprived of. I ground my hopes on a resolution of Congrefs of
the 23^ April, recommending to the legislatures of the several states to
pafs laws, offering pardon, with such exceptions k under such limitations
& restrictions" as they shall think expedient to such of the inhabitants or
subjects as have levied war against any of these States, or adhered to,
aided or abetted the enemy and shall surrender themselves to any civil
or military Officer of any of these States k Shall return to the state to
which they may belong before the 10^ day of June next. I come not un-
der the discription : I have neither levied war, nor adhered to, aided nor
abetted the enemy : I want no act of grace, I only ask for those of Jus-
tice. I am desirous if such an Act should pafs, to take every benefit,
it may in its comprehensive view, extend to any person, k that I may
not be included in any of the Clauses of exception. If this act should
pafs, k I cannot but suppose it will, for I conclude our State ^^ to be
ever ready to reclaim, than abandon, to pardon than punish offenders,"
and should still be kept in confinement and a state of punishment, the
description not touching me, indeed no criminal description can effect me,
there not being a legally defined crime in existence that I have committed,
it will be my punishment not to have been guilty, my innocence will be
my crime, how will this tally with Justice .? how with mercy ? that they
who have taken up arms againfl the State, who have aided, adhered to &
abetted the enemy criminals of the highest order which law recognizes^
should receive pardons & liberty, while those who require no pardon, be-
cause they have acted no crime, are treated with a rigor, which the law has
remitted to the most offensive criminals.
I have often reflected upon my own hard fate k Reasoning on the
principles of liberty, I never could discover, wherefore I was confined
(what was the species of my guilt ? ) upon what view of policy or what
principle of law — I can conscientiously declare that I never entertained
an idea, since the commencement of the contestation hostile to what I
deemed the true Interest of my Country, the happinefs and prosperity of
the people aggregately : if the event, and all deciding time shall prove
my Opinions to be erroneous, I shall candidly conftfs them, and hope
that the cool, impartially-judging part of the community will not impute
that to the pravity of the heart, which has resulted from the error of the
head. It may be remarked by some gentlemen, that if anything should
be moved that might operate in my favor, that I have not taken the oath of
abjuration :
The Gentlemen should advert, that I was exempted by the law as a
prisoner : it is sufficiently severe against me to pay as a non-juror double
taxes, where it is not known that I would have incurred the penalty if
the act had not exempted me as a prisoner, that should not be construed
disposition which is an operation of law. I am willing when laws de-
fine penalties, to pay them if I voluntarily incur them, I should always
wish to know them first, to have law precede penalty. A man trained
in the school of Adversity and misfortune, is apt to anticipate every
pofsible evil that may arise against him, it is greatly out of the verge of
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. SOI
probability, because it would be the greatest of Injuries & quite repug- 1778
nam to the principles of liberty that the Afsembly who have offered a
penalty for non-juring, should by an abrupt law agravate the penalty, ^*^ "*^
nay deprive the non-jurors of fire and water without any advertisement
that this was to be their fate : if any such law should take place, surely,
I, who am excepted by the present act, will not be exposed to the penal-
ties of the future one.
Such hideous injustice is not to be expected from men of morality &
virtue : but should I be mistaken, I should be obliged to you if you will
remember any particular case k not let me suffer for obedience to law.
I have written this long letter to ask the favour of you to urge for me
any arguments that you may think proper, & to do what is in your power,
first, that I who am in no sense a criminal may not be excluded from
there indulgences that an act of Indemnity may grant to the most offen-
sive criminals 3 and secondly, that I may not be obnoxious to any clause
of exception, that the animosities and violence of party may precipetately
suggest. I shall esteem it as a particular obligation, if you should think
my property or person in any danger, that you would acquaint me with
it — while I am expecting lenity, perhaps I may meet with severity ; this
in the meantime is my shield and my support, that I am Innocent.
I am dear Sir,
your faithful and obliged servant.
*" When I read the treaty of Alliance between France and America
I considered it as the seal of our independance, I therefore wrote the
inclosed letter of the 11*^ of May 1778 to M' Inann Page, who married
my (Wormely's) Sister and who was my particular friend : he made the
motion for my releasement, and I was released after two years confine-
ment, which was attended with an expense to my father & me, amount-
ing at least to five hundred pounds.
I have lived ever since here (at Resegill) in privacy, never having solici-
ted any public employment, and too unpopular to succeed, if it had been my
aim — on the 4 & 5 of June 1781, a privateer came to our door, landed
thirty or forty men, robbed us of our plate, watches, wearing apparel &c :
loises that were irreparable then, and carried off thirty six as fine and
valuable servants, tradesmen, and laborers, as were in the County : Some
were returned to me, and some were not — Ld: Chewton, & Col® Da-
rner, Genl: Leslie & Major Shelby know the truth of what I hear relate.
RALPH WORMELY JUN^— ''
* The date of this letter and to whom written, does not appear within the enrelope en-
closing it are these words: "Most of the original papers relative to Mr. Wornicle]r*s captivity
and confinement^to be delivered by Mr. Thomas Corbin to the Rt: Honorable Charles James
Foi.-
gO$ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
May 29th
In CongretK
1778 "A Roster of the Officers of the 1 1*^ Virg* Regim* as they now stand,
the 29*^ May 1778 —
Capt°* — Sheperd i"^ Parole.
Long — w*** Col: Morgan.
Bruin
Finley - - Prisoner
George
Porterficld
Johnston
Rice
i"* Lieut" — Pendleton
Piles
Marshall
Warman
Davies
Slaughter
Powel
2^ Lieuts: Wright
Porterfield
Young
2^ Lieut: presence not known
Ransdel
Ensigns — Feely
Barns
Long
Williams
Towns.
Sept. asth Resolutions, calling upon the Executives of Virginia and North Caro-
lina "to give all possible aid" to States of So: Carolina & Georgia — by
marching one thousand men, all the Continental troops in the former
State, and three thousand Continentals in the latter, into these States,
each body of such troops when levied to be officered by the State in
which they are embodied. The militia of these States to continue in
the Service & pay of the United States for five months from the tiuie of
their marching from each State : the whole to be commanded by proper
Continental Officers — Gov: Henry and Gov: Caswell urged to give aid
in executing the resolution.
Should Gov: Caswell find it consistent with his Execution, and feel in-
clined to take Command of the troops from N. Carolina, he should
"while on this Expedition have the Rank & pay of Major Genl in the
Army of the Uuited States" —
Major Genl: Rob* Howe, ordered to repair, without delay to General
Washington's Head Quarters —
Major Genl. Lincoln ordered to take Command in the Southern De-
partment, " & repair immediately to Charles Town, South Carolina."
S€pt.26tli Fragment^ ^^ An attack by an Army of 10,000 Troops & a suffi-
cient number of Ships if ye Line intended upon S® Carolina.*'
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 303
A. Ross, Aid de Camp to Lord Cornwa'lis, to Colonel Baylor. ^778
** Sir Sept. 3«th
I am directed by Lord Cornwallis to request the acceptance of some
Tea, Sugar and Wine, which I have sent by a Flag of Truce — At pre-
sent we have no Limes or Lemons, but when any can be procured from
New York, they shall be sent to you.
Inclosed is a protection for your Surgeon, but it is not in my power to
give you a Copy of your parole, the original having been sent to our
Commifsary of Prisoners, from I presume your Commifsary may have the
Copy, by application — Lord Cornwallis was glad to hear from our Sur-
geon, that you arc in a fair way of recovery. If there is any thing here,
that you think will contribute to your convenience. His Lordship has de-
sired me to tell you that it shall be sent to you with pleasure.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient &
Most humble Servant"
Saml. Rust Inspector to Rob' C. Nicholas Treasurer of V*, endorsing October 13th
Acct. of Tobacco, shipped from " Yeocomoco & Rusts Warehouses for Westmoreland
the year 1775 — viz 284 Hhds. from the former, 4 258 Hhds from the
latter.
Deposition of Arthur Campbell, before Saml: Hardy and Edw'^Charl- Octo^^mt
ton, in regard to purchase of Lands by Rich"^ Henderson & C from the WiUiamibarg
Indians —
"Arthur Campbell being sworn &c, deposeth & saith " That as well
as he recollects, that in the Spring or Summer of one thousand seven
hundred k seventy four, he received a letter from Col. Christian, and
another from M' Henry (now Governor) exprefsing a desire to make a
purchafe of some of the lands belonging to the Cherokee Indians ; and
in Order to Know the mind of the Indians on that head, a person was
employed to go to the Towns, which perfon was a certain William Ken-
nedy— the Cheif purport of M' Henry's Letter, as well as this deponent
remembers was recommending M' Kennedy as a person of worth and
desiring said deponents friendly offices to him, and his afsistance, if ne-
cefsary, in the businefs he was going on, mentioning also, that he with
some other Gentlemen proposed in partnership, to make a snug little
purchase of some of the Cherokees land, to which they had a claim that
was not disputed, mentioning particularly the land adjoining the Ministe-
rial or Donelsons' line on this side Cumberland Mountain — That Col.
Christians letter mentioned the scheme more particularly, also the names
of all or most of the proposed partners — Amongst whom are the follow-
ing Gentlemen Vig*— the Hon^^'^ W™ Byrd, John Page, Ralph Wormly
& Samuel Overton Esq" —
This Deponent further saith, that he was informed by M' W™ Ken-
nedy, that he went to the Cherokee Towns, altho' not so soon as ex-
pected, on account of some threats of hostilities, from that people \ that
when there he thought it his duty to mention the subject & to endeavour
to know the mind of the Indians, whether they could sell part of their
Country or not ; that from the Linguister he employed, who was a Tra-
der, he was informed the Indians was in want of Goods, and he did not
304 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1778 doubt but he might get them to sell the land he proposed to purchase,
provided a proper quantity of goods was produced to their sight, when
met to treat of the purchase — This deponent further faith, that Col.
Williiinsburg Christian either by letter or in Conversation seemed agreed to make a
small purchase, saying if it succeded it might be an introduction to one
more ext2nsive — -
This deponent, being interrogated by Col : Henderson, whether ver-
bally or by mesiage he had any intimation of Mr^ Henry's desire to be-
come a partner of the Transylvania Company ?
Answer — He had an intimation to that purpose from Col: Christian,
Inte'* Whether Col. Campbell did not apply on that head to some of the
Concern ? Ans. He did mention the matter to several of them. Int*^
Whether you did not give us reason to beleive that you were authorized
by M*^ Henry and his proposed Company to negotiate with us further ?
An'** I did in some measure Consider myself authorized to negotiate
as my first trust was not then countermanded ; but my zeal for the inte-
rest of the proposed Company, and my anxiety to have the back coun-
try settled might have induced me to go farther lengths than any instruc-
tions I hjid, strictly justified.
Inte*" Whether do you know that any Lawyer gave it as his opinion
that it was doubtful to lay officers warrants below, or on the south side
of Kentuckv river.
An^' That I believe such an opinion was communicated to me by Col.
Christian, as that of M*^ Henry's — but the time when, do not recollect.
Inte' What do you know of Capt. Connelly's patent at the Falls of
the Ohio, and what have you heard Col. Preston say on the subject ?
Answ' I am unacquainted with the circumstances of Connelly's obtain-
ing his patent, as to my own knowldge — I have heard some of the Sur-
veyors say, that he obtained his first patent of 1773 as a matter of favour
from Lord Dunmore — And have heard Col. Preston complain of it as
illegal, as the works did not regularly proceed from his office. ''And
further this deponent saith not."
October a3d Deposition of Abraham Hite, "That he was not at the Treaty with
Williimsbur ^^^ Cherokees by M'" Henderson k C" nor does he know anything about
the purchase made by the s'^ M'' Henderson" — He knew of a petition
addrefsed to the " Hon^''' Convention of V% by the Inhabitants of, and
some intended settlers of Transylvania, dra\vn by Capt. Peter Hogg of
Augusta C% who was a "skilled Lawyer," & which was in March 1776
presented to the Hon^^^ Convention, based upon Complaints of a " dif-
ference being made in the Land Ofiice of the said M'' Henderson &
Company, but not anything with respect of persons of different persua-
sions of Religion."
" The deponent being asked what was the cause of the complaint
touching the said land office. Answers — he had been informed that some
who applied to Enter lands had been refused, while others who had after-
wards applied for the same lands, had obtained an entry for them.
Another cause of the clamour, this deponent sayeth, was that the peo-
ple were invited there by a promise of having Lands at twenty shillings
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S05
pr: hund'' acres, and were afterwards told they must all pay fifty shill% 1778
except those who had planted Corn the first year, who said they were al-
lowed 500 acres at the price of twenty shillings * * *
" Being asked by Col. Campbell in behalf of the Commonwealth what Indian
was the distance by water from the Mouth of the Tenese or Cherokee ^*"/^
River to the Mouth of the Shawanese or Cumberland River ? An-
swered, thirteen miles, as by the mensuration taken by Morgan & Hutch-
ins; and what was the distance from the mouth of Cumberland River
aforesaid, to the Falls of the Ohio River ? Answered, four hundred and
twelve miles ; and from the Falls of Ohio to the mouth of Kentucky
river ? Answered, Seventy eight miles by the same mensuration — and
further saith not."
Deposition of Nathaniel Henderson, before Saml: Hardy & Ed: Charl- October 27tli
ton, " That he is not interested in the dispute between the Common- wiirumiburg
wealth of Virginia and Ric^ Henderson & Co^, farther than that he was
for some time appointed Entry taker under the said Richard Henderson
Jc C**, and that he never did properly Enter upon the Execution of the
said office : nor ever, as he remembers receive any fees for the Company
or himself on that account.*' *****
*' This deponent being asked, says that he attended the Treaty be-
tween Richard Henderson and C% and the Cherokee Indians at Watau-
ih in March 1775 ; That he was present at the Talks between the said
[enderson & C^ and the said Indians, and that at the close of the said
Treaty the Indians seemed pleased with their Bargain, and received the
Goods offered them by said Henderson & C^ in consideration for the
Lands granted at said Treaty, and that before signing grants to said Hen-
derson & C^, the deeds were read and interpreted, particularly the courses
and descriptions of the Country they were about to convey. The depo-
nent being asked, whether he was present at the time the deeds were
about to be sign'd, and heard what the Indian Cheifs said, with respect
to their manner of signing Deeds, or making Conveyances of Land ?
Says that he remembers the Deeds were sign'd by three of their Cheifs
only, to wit, Oconistoto (their King), the Little Carpenter, and the Ra-
ven, in presence of, and as this Deponent bcleived, with the Consent of
all their Cheifjs, who by their Interpreters informed said Henderson, that
it was their usual manner of Conveying Lands, and that whatever these
men did, they would abide by. Interrogatory — Do you recollect the
Courses of the Deed or grant for that part of the Country now called
Transylvania ?
Answer — To the best of this Deponents remembrance, the Courses Bounds of
are as follows (to wit) Beginning on the Ohio River at the mouth of '^"nsyivama
Kentuckey, thence up the said River Kentuckey, and the most north-
wardly Branch of the same, to the head spring thereof, thence a South
East course to the Top ridge of Powels' Mountain, Thence westwardly
along the ridge of said mountain, to a point from which a Northward
Course will hit or strike the head spring of the most Southwardly branch
of Cumberland river, thence down the said river including all its waters
to the Ohio River, thence up the said Ohio River to the beginning —
Inter* — Do you repeat the courses from memory only, or have you
often seen the deeds, and read the Courses ? — Answer, I have several
39
306 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
i^yS times seen the deeds and their courses, but remember the courses were
so described at the Treaty & at several public talks on that occasion^
cto er lyt ^hjch this deponent says he recollects, from the circumstance of his
having been previously acquainted with the design of said Richard Hen-
derson & C^ as to what Lands they intended to purchase.
Interrog' — Did the Cherokees sell any other Lands at the said Treaty
to the said Rich^ Henderson k C° ? Answer — The said Deponent &itb,
he well remembers, that during the Treaty, and as Soon as the Indians
agreed to part with their Lands on the Ohio, contain 'd within the before
recited grant or courses, faid Richard Henderson spoke to the Chiefs and
said, he had a further talk for them, to which they attended — In which
discourse or talk, faid Henderson informed them, that the Lands which
they had agreed to fell him lay over or beyond the mountains and was
divided, or separated from the white peoples' country already settled, by a
fmall tract of Country which lay between and ftill belonged to the Red
People, and that he did not wish to be separated from the white People,
nor was willing to pafs over Cherokee Lands in his path to Kentuckey,
and therefore proposed to make a further purchase of all the lands lying
down Holston, and between the Wataugah purchase, Col : Donel-
sons' s Line and Powels' mountain, or the line of the Land they had
just agreed to sell, that as the game was almost destroyed in that Quarter,
the land was of little value to the Cherokees, and would be of great
service to him s^ Henderson, and his Company, and that he would give
them more, and other valuable goods which he had not shewed them,
and would also undertake, before their faces, to spoil and destroy a book
of accounts, which a Certain John Carter had against them for goods
sold, and for which the Indians acknowledged themselves indebted to
the amount of about seven hundred pounds ( as well as this deponent
remembers ) That after the said Henderson Delivered his talk or dis-
course on that subject, and the Indians had some talk among themselves,
and also viewed the goodf proposed, they agreed to sell the land, and as
it was interpreted, faid they were willing to sell to the faid Hendersoh,
all the Lands, which he had asked or desired to buy of them. This
deponent, faith, that the above is in substance the talks and agreement
on that occasion, tho' perhaps in different words. This deponent further
saith, that the Treaty ended in manner aforesaid and the Indians imme-
diately proceeded to sign the grants or deeds, at which time there was
great crowding, so that he could not distinctly see all they did, but under-
stood & beleives thev signed a grant for the second purchase as well as
for that part now called Transylvania. This deponent fays, that he does
not understand the Cherokee Tongue, and all that he has related in this
deposition, with respect to his knowledge of their talks, he learned from
the Interpreter, chosen and appointed on that occasion — This deponent
being asked, further fays, that with Respect to the Proprietors or claim-
ants inviting persons to become settlers under a pretence of having lands
at twenty Shillings pr : hundred acres, and afterwards altering their price,
he is well acquainted : and of his own knowledge says, that they by
writing k speaking, seemed to take every method in their power during
the Treaty (to which a great number of people resorted from different
parts ) to make their terms known and well understood, which were :
that provided they succeeded in their purchase, to such as would go ou^
k settle the Country and make Corn, the first year, they would grant
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $07
500 acres of land for five pound sterling, clear of all charges, but that 1778
they would not agree to grant Lands, at so " low a price to any who did ^
not afsist them in their first Settlement. That immediately after the pur- ^*** *' *^^
chafe was confirmed, the faid Henderson h, Company published their terms
as aforesaid, which he beleives were generally known to the then
settlers —
This deponent, being further aske^ fays, he believes that every person
who had a risht to Lands at said price, were admitted to make entries for
the £ime, and a number of others, who did not attempt to make Corn,
but infisted as they had been most of the summer in that Country &
helped to protect k defend the settlers, that they came in some measure
within the equity of the proposed terms, which said Henderson in behalf
of his Company agreed to : and this deponent says that he beleives more
than fifty persons who were not justly entitled to that indulgence were
admitted to take Lands, as if they had fulfilled their part of the Con-
tract—
The said deponent being asked on the part of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, if he knows, or hath ever heard, that any person within this
Commonwealth is in any wise concerned or interested directly or indi •
rectly in the faid purchase made by Rich*^ Henderson & Company ? An-
swers, he does not know, nor ever heard of any person residing within
the Commonwealth being in any manner concerned or connected with the
said Rich* Henderson & Co — in their said purchase, except that he has been
informed that a certain William Hendrie who formerly resided in North
Carolina, now living in Virginia hath a small share in their purchase —
And further this deponent fayeth : being asked, whether the said Pro-
prietors or any of them attempted to use any jurisdiction in Transylva-
nia, before it was delegated to them by the people ?
Answers, that he remembers, on fome of the people applying to (aid
Richard Henderson, signifying that it would be necefsary to have some
Laws, by which their community might be regulated, who gave for an-
swer that all power was derived from the people : and at their reques the
recommended it to the inhabitants to appoint delegates for that purpose :
and that neither the Company nor any person for them, ever attempted
to exercise any jurisdiction or authority until empowered by the settlers
in Convention : So far as he knows or beleives —
Do you know the reason why the Company reserved a Negative on
any laws which might be made by the People in Transylvania ? yr^Prrricton
The Deponent answers, that he was for the most part, with the said ^^ * ^"
Rich* Henderson from his first settlement in that Country 'till about the
beginning of January 1776, and so far as he understood, the Company s'
principal reason for insisting to have a Negative on the Laws of the set-
tlers, was because, if they gave up that right, the Delegates of any Con-
vention, that might be thereafter held, would have it in their power to
destroy the claim of the Proprietors — And further this deponent saith
not.
Deposition of James Douglas, before Saml: Hardye and Ed: Charlton, October 28th
"That he was not at the Treaty held in March 1775 between Rich** ^^j.^^^j^^^
Henderson & Company &; the Cherokee Indians : but that he arrived in "*^'
Transylvania about the end of April & about the month of June or July
following, departed from that place in order to return to Williamsburg —
808 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
i--g That he was acquainted with Rich^ Henderson whilst at Transylvania
& thought he treated those, exceeding well, who intended to become
October i8th g^ttlers — Except, in conferring large Grants on fome & refusing to others —
As a confirmation of this Afsertion, this deponent sayeth that he saw an
Instrument of writing in the pofsefsion of Col: Thos Slaughter, which
the said Slaughter informed him was a contract from Rich^ Henderson,
containing as he beleives, one hundred thousand acres. And this depo-
nent, being asked what were the terms of the contract ? answered, that
the faid Slaughter was to have the tract of Land aforesaid, provided he
seated it with a certain number of families within a limited time, but
what that limited time was, this deponent knows not, tho' he beleives
the limitation was one year, nor does he beleive that the Contract with
Col: Slaughter interfered with any other location — But he recollects that
if Col: Slaughter did not come with families by . the Time specified, the
contract was to be void. And this deponent further sayeth, that about
the Spring of the Year 1773, in going down the River Ohio, from Pitts-
burg in company with Col"^ Thos: Bullit as his deputy Surveyor, the faid
Bullit left the Company about 100 miles above the Great Canawah, in
order as he averred, to visit the Shawanese Towns, to acquaint the In-
dians with his design of going down that River — The faid Bullit, with
Boiiit ^'' 2l>ou( fifteen or twenty Indians returned & joined his company opposite
the mouth of Scioto — He informed his company on his return, that he
had free liberty of passing down that River to survey the Lands below
the Falls of the Ohio, and from thence the faid Bullit & Company pro-
ceeded to the mouth of the Kentucky River — They there met with a
large Body of Indians which this deponent beleives to be Delawares,
who said they had been down the River hunting, for twelve months.
Bullit desired them to call a council, that he might inform them what
was his design in coming; down the river Ohio — They accordingly called
a Council & after long debates among the Indians, one of the Chiefs,
pointing his hand to that country, being on the East side of Ohio^ de-
sired the King not to interrupt Bullit, but to let him proceed on. The
reason he gave for his request was, that by the Treaty at Fort Stanwix,
the Six Nations had ceded all that tract of country to the White People.
Upon which) the King told Bullit that he might proceed on his Business
& that he would not molest him-^They then proceeded on their Journey
and at the great Falls of the Ohio, met with another party of Indians,
which this deponent understood were Eickapoos k Shawanese, whom
they likewise acquainted with their intentions & appeared to be friendly.
This deponent sayeth, that they made sundry & large surveys, including
the country, from ten miles above the Falls to twenty miles below.
These surveys, this deponent returned to Bullit, k. was informed that
they were of no effect, because Bullit had no warrant from the Gover-
nor to survey, except the Surveys made for Connelly & Campbell of Fort
Pit — And the reason which this deponent alledges why the furvcys for
Connelly & Campbell were declared valid, was that he was appointed a
deputy surveyor under Co^° Preston in the Year 1773 or 1774 : & pre-
vious to granting the patents : this deponent further fayeth that he sent
down the surveys signed by himself as deputy to Bullit : but that he
understands, that after his appointment as deputy to Preston, the said
Preston figned them — And that Patents were refused to Connelly &
Campbell until they were signed by the said Preston — And this deponent
. further faith, that after the patents were granted to the faid Connelly &
J
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 309
Campbell, he returned to the Ohio in company with fundry other deputy 1778
furveyors viz*- John Floyd & Isaac Hite, and resurveyed the faid tract of .
Connellys' & Campbells', containing in the whole four thousand acres.
And this deponent saith, that there were about sixty thousand acre sur-
veyed under proper warrants from the Governor for Officers claims —
This deponent being asked whether at the time he surveyed under
Col^ Preston in the year 1774, his warrants were located to any particu-
lar spot of ground ? Answer, that to the best of his remembrance, he
acted under several warrants, fpecifying the Lands on the south side of
Eentuckey.
This deponent, being further asked, whether, whilst he was surveying
in the year 1774, there were not several Improvements made in that
part of the Country ? Answered, that he was informed, that there were
Improvements made there by a Certain James Harrod & Company, who
he understood were drove off by the Indians — This deponent being asked
whether M' Harrod, M' Isaacc Hite & M' John Floyd were not present
at the time that Livery of Seisin was made to Col : Henderson in May
1775 ? Answered, that he beleives they were present — that he himself
was present & heard no one object to the Livery of Seisin — Being asked,
whether they the said Harrod & his Company did not enter, under the
said Henderson & Company as Proprietors of that Country ? Answered,
that he beleived, they did — &c
This deponent being asked whether there was not an oath of Fealty, oath required
tendered to him, which tended to acknowledge the said Henderson &
Company Soverigns of the Country ? as well as Lords of the Soil ?
Answered, that there was an oath tendered to him, the words he does
not recollect, but he thought it ^as wrong & refused to take it until pei-
mitted to alter it— and being asked bv whom the oath was tendered?
Answered, that it was by a certain M' Grifsum, who informed this de-
ponent that he was a magistrate — ^^ Being questioned," further deposeth
that he lived a considerable distance from Col^ Henderson, and that
neither he or any of his Company had ever tendered him an oath, — ^and
that he is ^^ so far interested in this dispute, that should Col^ Henderson
& Company obtain a grant for the fd: Lands, a very great number of
People may suffer, who have claims for a large quantity of the Transyl-
nania Tract, surveyed by me & others, under Lord Dunmeres warrants,
as they will be thereby excluded from what I think is their proper
Right — And further this deponent sayeth not "
Deposition of John Floyd, taken before Saml: Hardye & Ed"^ Charl- October 18th
ton — He was not at the " Treaty held by Rich^ Henderson & C*^ with v^niiamibur
the Cherokee Indians at Wataugah in March 1775, nor does he know ' **™' "^'
anything of their purchase — Is interested only in that " he has made en-
tries for Lands with them " and if they hold their claim, he expects to
have the said entries on the same terms with others \ in case Henderson
k C^ should fail in this, he hopes to obtain grants for these entries, over
any other claimants —
He was appointed Surveyor of the Northern District in Transylvania, Floyd lurveyor
for faid Company about the first of January 1776, fubject to their plea- o^Transylvania
sure — had never received any benefit from (aid office, except " one half
Johannas," which was paid to him by Capt: Isaac Shelby — The Southern
boundary of his District was Green River, and should Henderson k C^
310 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
October 28ch
1778 ho\A their claim north of said River k he should continue their Surveyor
expects to receive some advantages therefrom, but on no other consid-
erations—
To questions by Richd: Henderson, he replies — That he was "at the
Kentuckey in the Spring of 1775, about the i" of May — his chief resi-
dence being at Boonsborough, at which place he had constant acce(s to
the Entry Sooks of the Company, which were alike open to him & all
other persons — he had acted as Entry Clerk at the request of Hender-
son, and under his inftructions he was required to consult the wishes &
interests of settlers & that Heuderson's conduct appeared to be fair and
open — He, and those living on the frontiers well know the te^ms & prices
fixed by Henderson & C° before they made their Settlement, and knew
of no effort to raise them subsequently — He had never heard or known
of any attempt on the part of Henderson k C° to exercise any power or
Authority " until delegated to them by the people —
Does not "know the manner of Connelly's obtaining his grant at the
Falls of Ohio, but heard Col. Preston say, that he was directed by Lord
Dunmore to sign a plot for said Land, which he thought illegal ; as no
Surveyor under him had ever been in that country since their srppoint-
ment, and that he did not think himself justifiable in surveying Lands to
the Southward of what is called Donelson's Line."
Upon being asked whether he had rec** any instructions from Col:
Preston in 1774, before going to the Ohio, to Survey lands for the Offi-
cers & soldiers, replied " that in April 1774, he received Instructions
from Col: Preston, to proceed to the Ohio Country, in order to make
Surveys for Sundry Officers by virtue of warrants then lodged in the
office, & that he was directed to stay at the mouth of the Kentuckey &
thereabouts till Col: Preston should send some power to trace Donel-
son's Line to where it was first supposed to strike the waters of that
River & then to proceed down the same, and inform said deponent,
whether it ended on the waters of Kentuckey or of some other River
further to the Southward, which was then doubtful —
This deponent further says that in case the Kentucky should piove
the Line, he was directed not to make a return of any Lands surveyed
below the said River, 'till further Instructions, as Col: Preston did not
know that they would be received or could be lawfully made. — That
he waited at the mouth of Kentuckey River eight or ten days k
receiving no information ; proceeded down to the Falls of Ohio, and
made several surveys, which were afterwards admitted to record, altho'
the Kentuckey was really found to be the Line " —
Inter® Did you ever enquire, whether the said Company's purchafe of
faid Lands, were thought to be good in Law, as you wished to regulate
your conduct accordingly in procuring a settlem* of Land in the Coun-
try, k of whom did you make such enquiry ? Ans: — As this deponent
was going from Williamsburg in March 1775, he happened in Company
with Col*^ Christain, who after some conversation, which this deponent
does not remember, asked Col® Christain his opinion relative to Col^Hen-
derson,s purchafe, who answered, that it seem'd to be M*" Henry's opin-
ion, that the purchafe would stand good, k at the same time advised him
the deponent to make a purchafe of Land from Col® Henderson k
Company " —
Being questioned &c — ^replied " He docs not know, nor ever heard of
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 311
any Person residing in this Commonwealth, being in any manner con- ^77^
cerned or connected with the said Richard Henderson & C% in the faid October iSth
purchafe, except that he was informed sometime ago by faid Henderson
that a certain William Hendrie, who formerly resided in North Carolina
& now living in Virginia has a small share in the faid purchafe, and further
this deponent saith not "
M. Clements to Col: John Cropper, Accomac. ill%
" Dear Col% „„, ,^
It gives me the greatest pleasure amaginable to hear that you arrived ^ ^
safe at home, and M" Cropper and family are well, I am sorry that you Pompton
should herber such a thought as to think I should amagin'd you had car- Plaina
ricd the linnen through design : fare from it, for it would been the last of **• J*"*y»
my thoughts if you had never mentioned it — I should immediately
thought of the reson you gave. I am sure the happinefs you enjoyed in
the thought of going home, was a matter of more importance to you then
of thinking to leve a half piece of linen for me — therefore I willingly
forgive you —
lam satisfied it would give you great pleasure to hear that our Brigade
had agreable station, and I sure you old fellow, we are happy at present,
as men can be— we are now stationed at Pompton Plains, in sight of the
Fort, in as fine a naberwhod for the Females, as any in the world non
acceptd — we can in one half hour, colect upward of Thirty, and as good
GAME as ever fluttur'd. that you must think will make great satisfaction
for our former hardships and long sufFerings. You may depend if Pomp-
ton should be our winter Quarters, I should not see the old Dominion
this winter, but as we expect not stay long, I shall try to obtain a fur-
lough as soone as posable —
but-halt for awhile, and let me give you a short detaile of your old
friend Wallace —
He is now one of the first men in the Parish, next to the Minister —
He lives in a house, whare there is a fine little Dutch girl, and he is de-
termined to lay close seage to her, he says he thinks he shall be able to
ftarve her out, in four or five days — But if he should fall through in that
maneuver, he is detetmined to raise a light apron, and harrass her parties
in that way, which he thinks will most ceruinly complete his designs.
I think such a manoenuver as that, would do honour to any Gen^ in our
line, and with a small recommendation to Congress, he would at best git
a Brig'^'* commif&on. The Enemy are avaccuating new York, as fast as
they can : within this ten davs, there is upwards of a hundred and thirty
transports failed out of the Hoock, with feventeen ships of the line —
Lord Starling, who is at Eliz: Town, fays he has it from the best inttlli-
gence, there is upwards of ten or twelve thousand gorne of in them —
whare they intend, no one knows — we have the greatest resones to be-
leive, they are for the Westindies — Count De Asteaing failed from Boston
the 4 of this month, and we are in great hopes he will overtake them, if
that be the case, I hope to give you some good news in my next —
I think in my next, I shall have the pleasure of informing you they
have left the Continent intirely — this is the opinion of the most sensible
part of the army —
Give my compliments to your lady, and my old friend Snead. Tell
S12 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1778 Snead I have wrote to him one or two letters, and am determined not to
write again, 'till I receive one, and you'll much oblige your affectionate
^"- '♦"* friend"-&c &c
*' Capt: Porterfields compliments
To Colo' Cropper & Snead — "
Willitmtburg
Decemkcriith Governor P. Henrys's Instructions to Col : John Todd —
" To John Todd Esq
By virtue of the Act of General Afsembly which establishes the
County of illinois, you are appointed County Lieutenant or Command-
ant there. And for the general of your conduct I refer to the
law^
The grand objects which are disclosed to the view of your country-
men will prove beneficial or otherwise according to the virtue and abili-
ties of those who are called to direct the affairs of that remote Country.
The present crisis rendered fo favourable by the good disposition of the
French and Indians may be improved to great purposes : But if unhap-
pily it should be lost, a return of the fame attatchments to us may never
happen. Considering therefore that early prejudices are so hard to wear
out you will take care to cultivate and conciliate the affections of the
French and Indians —
Although great reliance is placed on your prudence in managing the
people you are to reside among, yet considering you as unacquainted in
fome degree with their generous usages and manners, as well as the
geography of the country, I recommend it to you to consult and advise
with the most intelligent and upright persons who may fall in your way.
You are to give particular attention to Col: Clarke and his corps, to
whom the State has great obligations. You are to cooperate with him
in any military undertaking when necefsary, and to give the military every
aid which the circumstances of the people will admit of. The Inhabi-
tants of Illinois must not expect settled peace and safety while their, and
our Enemies have footing at Detroit, and can interrupt or stop the trade of
the Mifsifsippi — If the English have not the strength or courage to come
to war againft us themselves, their practice has been, and will be, to hire
the Savages to commit murders and depredations
lUinios must expect to pay in these, a large price for her Freedom,
unlefs the English can be expelled from Detroit. The means for affect-
ing this will not perhaps be found in your or Col: Clarkes power. But
the French inhabiting the neighborhood of that place, it is presumed,
may be brought to see it done with indifference, or perhaps join in the
enterprize with pleasure. This is but conjecture. When you are on
the spot, you and Col^ Clarke may discover its fallacy or reality. If the
former appears, defence only is to be the object — If the latter or a good
prospect of it, I hope the Frenchmen and Indians at your disposal will
shew a zeal for the affair equal to the benefits to be derived from estab-
lished liberty and permanent peace —
One great good expected from holding the Illinois, is to over awe the
Indians from warring on our Settlers on this side Ohio. A close atten-
tion to the disposition, character and movements of the hostile Tribes is
therefore necefsary for you. The Forces and militia at Illinois by being
placed on the back of them may inflict timely chastisement in those
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 813
Enemies whose Towns are an easy prey in the absence of their War- I77^
nors— December I ath
You perceive by these hints that something in the Military line may
be expected from you. So far>as the occasion calls for the ailistance of
the people comprising the militia, it will be necefsary to co-operate with
the Troops sent from hence. And I know n« better general direction ^.
to give than this, that you consider yourself as at the Head of the civil inttmctioni to
department, and as such having the Command of the Militia, who are Col Todd
not to be under the command of the military, until ordered out by the
civil authority and act in conjunction with them —
You are on ail occasions to inculcate on the people the value of liberty
and the difierence between the state of free citizens of this Common-
wealth, and that Slavery to which Illinois was destined — A free and
equal representation may be expected by them in a little time, together
with all the Improvements in Jurisprudence and policy which the other
parts of the State enjoy.
It is necefsary for the happinefs, increase and prosperity of that Coun-
try that the Greivances which obstruct these bleflings be known, in order
to their removal. Let it be therefore your care to obtain information
on that subject, that proper plans may be formed for the general utility.
Let it be your constant attention to see that the Inhabitants have Justice
administered to them, for any Injury rececived from the Troops. The
omiffion of this may be fatal. Col^ Clarke has instructions on this
head, and will I doubt not exert himself to curb all licentious parties of
the Soldiery, which if unrestrained will produce the most baneful ef-
fects—
You will also discourage and punish every attempt to violate the pro-
perty of the Indians, particularly in their lands. Our enemys have
alarmed them much on that score. But I hope from your prudence
and justice, that no ground of complaint will be administered on this sub-
ject—
You will embrace every opportunity to manifest the high regard and
friendly sentiments of this Commonwealth towards all the subjects of
his Catholic Majesty, for whose safety, prosperity and advantage, you
will give every poisible advantage. You will make a tender of the
Friendships and services of your people to the Spanish Commandant
near Kaskaskias, and cultivate the strictest connection with him and his
people. I deliver you a letter which you will hand him in person.
The detail of your duty in the civil department, I need not give you.
Its best direction will be found in your innate love of Justice and zeal to
be extensively useful to your fellow men. A general direction to act
according to the best of your Judgement in cases where those instruc-
tions are silent, and the laws have not otherwise directed, is given to
you, from the neceflity of the case: for your great distance from Gov-
ernment will not permit you to wait for orders in many cases of great
importance.
In your negociations with the Indians, confine the stipulations as much
as pofsible to the single object of obtaining peace from them. Touch
not the subject of lands or boundaries till particular orders are received.
When necefsity requires it, presents may be made: but be as frugal in that
matter as pofsible & let them know that goods at present, are scarce with
40
31J^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1778 us, but we expect soon to trade freely with all the World, and they shall
«, , ^. not want goods when we can get them.
The matters given you m charge are singular in their nature & weighty
in their consequences to the people immediately concerned, and to the
whole state They require the fullest exertion of your abilities, and un-
wearied diligence.
From matters of general concern you must turn occasionally to others
of lefs consequence. M*^ Rocheblaves' Wife and Family must not suf-
fer for want of that property of which they were bereft by our Troops.
It is to be restored to them if pofsible. If this cannot be done, the
public must support them —
I think it proper for you to send me an ExpreiT once in three months,
with a general account of affairs with you, and any particulars you wish
to communicate —
It is contemplated to appoint an Agent to manage Trade on Public
account, to supply Illinois and the Indians with goods. If such an ap-
pointment takes place you will give it every poffible aid. The people
with you should not intermit their indeavours to procure supplies on the
expectation of this, and you may act accordingly — "
December 26tli To His Excellency Patrick Henry Esq' Governor and Commander in
Williamsburg Cheif of the State of Virginia, The Honorable The Council, The Hon-
orable The Senate and the Honorable, The House of Burgeflfes of the
said State."
The Memorial of William Murray on behalf of himself and others.
Proprietors, Purchasers and owners of Lands situated upon both sides of
the Ouabache River in the Illinois Country — Sheweth — That on the 18"*
day of October 1775, the Cheifs and Sachems of the several Tribes of
the Piankashaw Nation of Indians in Public Councils held at Post Vin-
cennes and Vermillion Villages in the Illinois Country, by their Deed
dated the same day, did in the usual and most solemn manner. Grant,
cinto the several Persons, therein named, and to their Heirs and Affigns
for ever Two Several Tracts or Parcells of Lands therein bounded and
discribed —
That Since the Purchase the Public affairs of America have prevented
the Company from settling and improving the (aid Lands — That the
Freedom and Independency of the State of Virginia and her fister States,
being now gloriously and fully establilhed, the (aid Company think it
necefsary ( upon a supposition that the (aid Lands may be within the
Limits and Boundarys claimed as within the State and Dominion of Vir-
ginia ) to notify the Governor, Council & Legislature of that State, of
their Purchase and that it is the determination of the Proprietors, when-
ever the Political ftate of ailairs shall induce them to think of forming a
fettlement of that Country, not to dispute the Jurisdiction of the State of
Virginia, or any other State, rightly claiming Jurisdiction over any part
of the Land purchase in Question, provided they chose to excercise the
same."
^* I hope to have the pleasure to see to morrow Colonel Crooper and
then we'll speak together about those Coats."
the m. de. 1. f.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $15
" The farther Depo: of Nathaniel Henderson, at request of M' Camp- lyyg
bell and M' Hite — *' Upon being questioned, replied that no oath of
Treaty to Henderson & Company as fovereigns of the Country had ever
been tendered to him, he had never heard of any such oath — Had been
a Justice of the Peace for the District of Boonlborough, and had taken
an Oath of Office prescribed by the Convention ; in which there was no
reference to the Proprietors vested Rights of foil or fovereignty — nor
did he ever hear they claimed any such power, &c —
*' Being interrg** by Rich* Henderson —What did you understand by
the Exprefsion of the Indians at the Treaty "'that a black cloud hung
over the Country they were selling faid Henderson, and Company, and
if he went to settle in that Country they would not Longer hold him,
faid Henderson by the hand ?
Answer — The Indians seemed very fond of Richard Henderson, and
often faid they did not want him hurt, and that the Northward and
Westward Indians were bad people, and when they came to war, would
kill white people as well as red, and that if they did, faid Henderson
must not blame them, the Cherokees, who had advised him not to settle
in that Country —
Was the Metaphor, Black Cloud ever interpreted to relate to the
Cherokees* right to the foil in that Country ? Answer, No — the right
in the foil the Indians Constantly claimed, and faid they had a right to
sell, but that their enemies come over the ground, on their way to war
with them, and would perhaps kill some white people, which they feared
would be laid on them, the Cherokees, as the Indians were all red
people."
Col° Geo: Rogers Clarke to the Governor of Virginia
" Sir
As it is now near twelve months since I have had the least Intelli-
gence from you, I almost despair of any relcif sent to me. I have for FebniZy ?d
many months past had Reports of An Army Marching against De Troit,
but no certainty. A Late Menuv"" of the Famous Hair Buyer General, imjJSi^^
Henry Hamilton Esq' Lieut: Governor of De Troit, hath allarmed us
much : on the i6**^ of December last, he with a Body of Six Hundred
men, Compofcd of Regulars, French Volunteers and Indians Took pos-
seffion of S^ Vincent on the Waubash, & what few men that compofed
the Grarrison, not being able to make the least Defence. He is Influ-
encing all the Indians he poffibly can to join him. I learn that those
that have treated with me, have as yet Refused his offers. I have for
some time expected an attact from him, he has Block^ up the Ohio R.
with a party of French and Indians.
Yesterday I fortunately got every peace of Intelligence that I could
wish for, by a Spanish Gen^ that made his escape from M' Hamilton.
No attact to be made on the Garison at Kaskaskias until the Spring.
The paflfage is too difficult at present, his sent to war against Dif-
ferent parts of the Especially Kentucky. Belts, presents and
speeches sent to all the Nations South of the Ohio Amediately to meet
at a General Council at the Mouth of the Tennefse R. to lay the Best
plans for Cuting of the Rebels at Illinois and Kentucky &c — the Grand
Kite and his Nation living at Port S^ Vincent told M' Hamilton that he
316
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779
Febraary 3d
O. Rogers
Clarke*!
Expedition
and his people was Big Knives and would not give their hands anymore
^ o the English^ for he would shortly see his Father that was at Kaskas-
kias. Ninety Regulars in Garison, a few Volunteers and about fifty
Sawanay Indians that is shortly to go to war, they are very Busy in Re*
pairing the Fort, which will shortly be very Strong. One brass six-
pounder, two Iron four-pounde'* and two swivels mounted in the Baftians,
plenty of ammunition and provitions, and all kind of Warlike stores,
making preparation for the Reduction of the Illinois &c. — has no suspi-
tion of a Visit from the americans — this was M' Hamiltons' circum-
stances when M' Vigo left him.
Being sensible that without a Reinforcement, which at present I have
hardly a right to Expect, that I shall be obliged to give up the Country
to M*^ Hamilton without a turn of Fortune in my favour, I am Resolved
to take advantage of his present situation and Risque the whole in a sin-
gle Battle. I shall set out in a few Days, with all the Force I can
Raise of my own Troups and a few militia that I can Depend on,
Amounting in the whole to only one Hundred a Seventy ■■ men,
of which goes on Board a small Gaily — — * out some
time ago, mounting two four pounders and four large Swivels, one nine-
pounder on board. This boat is to make her way good if po(sible, and
take her Station Tenn Leagues below S^ Vincent untill further orders, if
I am Defeated she is to join Col: Rogers on the Mifsifsippi. She has
Sreat stores of amunition on Board. Com* by Lieut: Jno: Rogers. I
aall march acrofs by Land my self with the Rest of my Boys, the prin-
cipal persons that follow me on this forlorn hope is Cap^ Joseph Bow-
man, John Williams, Ed'' Worthing — Rich* M^Carty AFian* Charlo-
vielle— Lieu^l Rich* Brashear, W« Kellar, Ab"» Chaplin, Jn*' Jerault, End
Jn^ Bayley and feveral other Brave subalterns. You must be sensible
of the Feeling that I have for those Brave officers and soldiers that are
Determined to share my Fate let it be what it will. I know the case is
Desperate^ but sir we must Either quit the Country or attact M' Hamil-
ton. No time is to be lost, was I shoar of a Reinforcement I should
not attempt it. Who knows what fortune will do for us : Great things
have been effected by a few men well conducted. Perhaps we may be
fortunate. We have this Consolation that our cause is Just, and that
our Country will be grateful and not condemn our Conduct, in case we
fall through, if fo this Country as well as Kentuckey I beleive is lost I
have wrote to Col: Rogers Desiring of him not to Enter the Ohio River
untill further Intelligence from me. I learn that by^a noble stroke of
Policy that he has Got his Cargo above the Britifh Ports in Floriday, if
I have Succefs I shall amediately send Despatches to him. The Ex*
prefses that you have sent I expect has fallen into the hands of Governor
Hamilton —
I have the Honour to be Sir,
Your very Humble Serv* — "
March 6th Thomas Smith, State Agent, to Jno: Stringer Esq' — instructing him,
Wiiliamtburg by authority of the Executive, to retain in his pofTefsion the tobacco be-
longing to the State until a vefsel can be fent for it, which should be as
soon as the situation of the Bay would allow — He is also to retain the
balance of funds in his hands until further orders, but in the mean time
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S17
as he is about to leav€ the State, should be glad to have a settlement of 1779
matters between them — Enquires what "* TaiHa & W^ Indian Rum may
be Bought for " on the Eastern Shore ?
Col: Arthur Campbell to Gov*^ Henry —
"Sir
The number of Militia of this county, as returned to me by the oiB- March i5ih
cers, is 965, in this is included those engaged for the Ilinois Service, and wwhington
that of Chickamogga — I expect Col: Shelby will write by this opportu- Co
nity, concerning the steps taken in that businefs — Great ardor appears
among the Militia in this County in turning out, notwithstanding appa-
rent discouragements, and many obstacles to surmount. N® Carolina
gives 50 dollars bounty, and one dollar pr: day, by means of which
they have recruited a number of Men out of our companies, and the
Confidence in, and affection for their Government seems to be much in-
creafed —
By Isaac Thomas lately from the nation, I find Cameron and his
Deputies is straining every nerve to engage the whole of the Cherokees
to commence hostilities : however by the apparent dispofition of the Old
Towns, I think then he will be unsuccefsful, altho* it is likely they will
show their willingness to attend his Treaty, and receive the propofed
prefents. The scheme it is said is, to prevail with the Inhabitants of
the Old Towns, to remove to Chickamogga — From this reprefentation,
your Excellency may confider whether it would not anfwer a good pur-
pose (suppofing Col^ Shelby succefsful) to establiih a Garrifon at Chick-
amogga, or somewhere on the bank of the River, between that and the
Old Towns — I am told the Mouth of Clinch is an advantageous place:
perhaps it would be best this should be made a Continental Expence, as
it will be in the limits of Carolina —
The Indians have lately Killed one Man, and another is missing in
Kentucky near Fort Boone, from which, and News lately from Fort
Laurens, I conclude we will be diftrefsed by a Northward Indian War,
the enfuing Sumber alfo —
I am Sir
Your most Obedient Hbl fervt.
&c kz
t Commifsion, in Parchment, of John Cropper of Accomac C** Vir- Macrh aoth
ginia, appointing him Lieut: Colonel of the Seventh Virginia Regiment, phjij^^gi j^j^
Continental Line, — to take- rank from the 27**^ day of October 1777 —
Signed by John Jay, President of Congrefs —
Gen: W™ Woodford to Col: John Cropper on the Eastern Shore —
•' ^^ April 24tli
Dear Col°, Yours of the 1®* of March was only delivered me a few
days ago, I am very truly sorry for your Loss and could wish you had * * "*^
mustePd a few of your neighbours in time to attack those plunderers-^-
*Aa inferior vtriety of ram, made from molaitei.
f Bears Seal of War Office.
S18
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779
Reference to
Col. Cropper*!
loit by the
Bnenijr at
home &c
The Enemy
embarking &c
Failure to
arrange for
Exchange of
Priionen
May 1 2 th
Philadelphia
if a single musket could effect so much, what might not been expected
from a doz" hearty fellows — I immediately waited upon His Excellency,
who was touched with your miflbrtune & desired I would write you that
had permifsion to be absent 'till the first of June, but hopes you will then
return prepared to resume your Office in the Army ; let me add my
wishes that this may be the case. You know our Line is considerably
thin'd of some of its best Field Officers — & I mean not to flatter, when
I say that your lofs would be materially fealt — even should your aflfairs
require a Months' longer absence, I have no doubt upon your writeing
but our good Gen^ would still prolong your indulgence & provided no-
thing active is going on, & beleive it will not be the case on this quarter
'till late if at all — at least you may rely upon this ; that my endeavours
to procure you this indulgence or any other service in my power shall
not be wanting —
I have communicated your Letter to many of your Brother Officers,
who all exprefs their concern for your Lofs J: will chearfuUy acquiesce
in your absence, & think with me, that no. pofsible reflection would lay
upon you if this extraordinary circumstance in your affairs has oblig'd
you to leave the Army, but we all hope it may be otherways —
The Enemy have made a late Embarkation of nine more Reg% as
they carry all their baggage, we suppose they are for Georgia, the West
Inaias, or some distant post.
Commifs" from both armys have been setting for twelve Days at Atn-
boy, on the subject of an Exchange of prisoners \ but broke up the con-
ference yesterday, without coming to any conclusion, so that no exchange
is likely to take place this Spring — they were unreasonable in their de-
mands— wanted the Convention Troops upon very cheap terms. On
our part we were willing to give up some points to Liberate our Officers
who have been so long in captivity upon long Island — Irksome as their
imprisonment is, they surely coul4 never wish to be exchanged upon
such Ignominious terms as (notwithstanding all their disasters,) was
offer'd by the still Haughty, Imperious & overbearing Britons — with my
Compliments to M" Cropper, beleive me to be with much esteem
D'Sir
Your Most ob*^' humble Ser^*
Lieut Col: John Cropper
Accomack County &c
W^ WOODFORD.
Col^ Gust: B. Wallace to Lieut: Col: John Cropper —
" D' Col^
I received yours' by Maj' Ridley, and am very sorry to hear of your*
Mifsfortunes. Genl: Woodford informed me of the particulars. I
think you were very lucky in escaping imprisonment, as it must have
been very distreffing to your Lady and family — ^the Genl: presented your
letter to bis Excellency, and from what I underftand from him, he wouM
not wish you to retire from the Army, but remain with your family un-
* Refen to atuck of a Tory Privateer, mentioned in a tnbiequent letter from Col. Cropper
to John Jay.
J
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 319
till you cou'd put your affairs in a better posture than they appear to be 1779
at present.
there are a Brigade of officers to go to Georgia, one of whom is your *^
friend, and there is ten to one against my returning, as the Country is
so sickly: but it was my choice — the Brigade to be comm** by Brig^'
Genl: Scott — 3 Batt"* officer'd in the field w|iy as follows — i*' Parker,
Hopkins, Anderson — 2°** Heth, who has lost his Wife, Wallace who
never had one, Lucas — 3* Buford, Ballard, Ridley — a fine Choir — you
may guefs what times — ^you or Hawes were voted for, and you had a
very strong vote to go Southward — but I ofFerM my service, rather than
either of you should go against your inclinations, or lather against the
Inclination of Hawes, for I knew if you were irclined to go, it must be
to you, and your familys' disadvantage, as they were situated when you
wrote to the Genl: I am this far on my way, and have but little time to
spare, so you must excuse my short Letter — My beft wiihes attend you
and your family, You'l please present my most respectfull Comp** to
yoixT Lady.
I am, my dear Colo:
Your most obed^
& ever obliged humble fervt:
&c &c
j^ VA/e whose names are hereunto Subscribed, do promise to appear May 17th
^ ^^■'^^ver we may be called for by Genl: Mathew, or any other officer h^^ Qutrten
K5^^»:r-M ending His Majestys' Forces, & and do further engage, on our Namemond Co
'^'"^^ and honor, 'till then, to remain peaceably at home — "
^^J'*
, *ili;
Joseph Taylor
James Wilder
> ^^^ — wi L ivu * I1V/UIA9 Axattvi Zorobabel Northam
\ W^^\\^^^T^y White Thos: Pitt Jefsee Marshall
^ T\,^ T^'^^ni Wright Nicholas Noyall James Ward
^ ^ ^ ' " ■ Tho' Bafs
W" Jordan
>h
Thomas Radwell
Praiter
Thomas Howard
«n Pitt
Thomas Hafler
i^ny White
Thos: Pitt
^m Wright
3 Aswel
Nicholas Noyall
James Edwards
^ives
Samuel Cruchnell
Jacob Archer."
-vi p. Henry to the Hon^^® the Speaker of the H. of Delegates of Maay i8th
ave enclosed a Letter for the perusal of the AfTembly, from Col°
e at the Illinois. This Letter among other things informs me of
cpedition which he had plann'd and was determined to Execute, in
to recover Fort S' Vincent, which had been formerly taken from
ritish Troops, and garrisoned by those under the Colonels' Com-
This Enterprise has succeeded to our utmost wishes, for the
ison commanded by Henry Hamilton, Lieutenant Governor of De-
^) and consisting of British Regulars and a number of Volunteers
'C'e made Prisoners of war. Col° Clark has sent the Governor, with
^"^^ral officers and privates under a proper Guard, who have by this time
^^^Ivcd at New London, in the County of Bedford.
Proper measures will be adopted by the Executive for their confine-
390 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779 ment & security — Unfortunately the Letters from Col° Clark, contain-
ing no doubt particular accounts of this affair were in the Pofseffion of
an Exprefs, who was murdered by a party of Indians on his way through
Kentuckey to this Place : the Letters, as I am informed were destroyed.
As the facts which I have mentioned, are sufficiently authenticated, I
thought it material that ^hey should be communicated to the Afsembly.
I have the Honor to be
Sir,
yr: most obedient servant."
May %^A ^''^ ^^ ^^ Exchange drawn by Genl: G R. Clarke for $300, in favor
of M' Rapicault, or order, on the Treasurer of Virginia or Oliver Pol-
lock Esq' at New Orleans, for supplies &c furnished Garrifon at that
Place.
Kaikaikias
June 9th * Resolutions, afserting the Commonwealth of Virginias' Right of
H of Dele atei Preemption to all lands purchased from the Indians, within the limits of
its Chartered Territory, as declared by the act and Constitution of the
year 1776, &c
" Resolved, therefore that the Deed from the Six United Nations of
Indians, bearing date on the third day of November in the year, one
Thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight, for certain lands between the
Alleghany Mountains and the River Ohio, above the mouth of the little
Kanhaway Creek, to and for the use and Benefit of a certain William
Trent Gent:, in his own right, and as attorney for sundry persons in the
said deed named: as well as all other deeds which have been or shall be
made by any Indians, or any Indian Nation or Nations, for Lands within
the Limits of the Charter and Territory of Virginia as aforesaid, to or
for the use or Benefit of any private person or persons, shall be, and the
same are hereby declared utterly void and of no effect.
Teste
E. RANDOLPH, C. h. D.
Agreed to by the Senate
John Beckely, C. S.
June 13d Bill of Exchange, drawn by Genl: G. R, Clarke, $617 — , in favor of
M' Rapicault or Order on the Treasurer of Virginia, for sundries fur-
Kaskaikiu nished, " for the use of the Commonwealth ice-
Sight Draft for one hundred and twenty three dollars, on the Trea-
surer of Virginia, for Sundries, wood, Cartage &c — furnished Troops
stationed at " the Illinois " —
J**y5^ and Signed by
"Fort Clark- WILLIAM SHANNON
Cpm^^ General,
* To be found in Hennings* Statutes at Urge, with the exception of the following retoluttoo,
which refers particularly to William Trent, a Virginian, the original builder of a Fort at the
Junction of Monongahela and Alleghany Rif ers, afterwards Fort Pitt, and upon which fact, in
part was based Virginia's claim to that Territory.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 3$1
Gov: JefFerson to the Governor of Detroit — '779
*' Sir July i2d
Your letter on the subject of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton's con- Wiliiamtbur^
finement came safely to hand. I shall with great chearfulness explain
to you the Reasons on which the advice of Council was founded, since,
after the satisfaction of doing what is right the greatest Is that of having
what we do approved by those whose opinions deserve esteem.
We think ourselves justified in Governor Hamilton's strict confine-
ment, on the general principle of national retaliation. To state to you
the particular facts of British Cruelty to American prisoners, would be
to give a melancholy history from the Capture of Col^ Ethan Allen at
the beginning of the war to the present day: a history which I will avoid,
as equally disagreeable to you & to me. I with pleasure, do you the
justice to say that I believe those facts to be very much unknown to you,
as Canada has been the only scene of your service in America, and in
that quarter we have reason to beleive that S' Guy Carleton and the
other officers commanding there, have treated our prisoners (since the
instance of Col^ Allen) with considerable lenity. What has been done
in England, k what in New York and Philadelphia, you are probably
uninformed ; as it would hardly be made the subject of epistolary cor-
respondence. I will only observe to you Sir, that the confinement and
treatment of your officers soldiers & seamen have been so vigorous and
cruel, as that a very great proportion of the wole of those captured in Trcitmcntof
the course of this war k carried to Philadelphia while in pofsession of the PriioaotT
British army, and to New York, have perished miserably from that cause
only, and that this fact is as well established with us, as any historical
fact which has happened in the course of the war. A gentleman of this
Commonwealth in public office, and of known & established character,
who was taken on sea, carried to New York and exchanged, has given
us lately a particular information of the treatment of our prisoners
there.
Officers taken by land, it seems, are permitted to go on parole within
certain limits on Long Island, till suggestions shall be made to their pre-
judice by some Tory refugee, or other equally worthlefs person, when
they are hurried to the Provot in New York, without enquiring whether
they be founded upon positive facts, be matter of heresay, or taken from
the reports of interested men The example of enquiring into the truth
of charges of this nature accoiuiag to legal principles of evidence has
surely not been set us by our Enemies. We enquired what these Pr-o
vots were, and were told they were the common miserable jails, built for
the confinement of malefactors, officers and men taken by sea, and kept
in prison ships infested with ' been on by
the crowd from five to ten a day.
When therefore we are desired to advert to the possible consequences
of treating prisoners with rigour, I need only ask when did these rigours
begin } not with us assuredly. I think you Sir, who have had as good
opportunities as any British officer of learning in what manner we treat
those whom the fortune of war has put into our hands can clear us from
the charge of rigours, as far as your Knowlege or informatian has ex-
tended. I can afsert that Governor Hamilton's is the first instance
which has occurred in my own Country, and if there has been another
in any of the United State, it is unknown to me. these instances must
41
329
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779
Jan*y 22d
have been extremely rare; if they have ever existed at all, as they could
not have been altogether unheard of by me. When a uniform exercise
of kindnefs to prisoners on our part, has been returned by as uniform
severity on the part of our enemies, you must excuse me for saying it is
high time, by other lessons, to teach respect to the dictates of humanity,
in such a case retaliation becomes an act of benevolence.
But suppose Sir, we were willing, still longer to decline the drugery
of general retaliation: yet Governor Hamilton's conduct has been such
as to call for exemplary punishment on him personally. In saying this I
have not so much in view his particular cruelties to our Citizens, pri-
soners with him (which, tho, they have been great, were of neceffity con-
fined to a small scale) as the general nature of the service he undertook
at Detroit, and the extensive exercise of cruelties which that involved —
Those who act together in war are answerable to each other. No dis-
tinction can be made between the principal and ally by those ags' whom
the war is waged — He who employes another to do a deed makes the
Gov Hamilton Deed his own. If he calls in the hand of the afsassion or murderer,
rttponsible
Cniel
ProcUmatioii
himself becomes the afsassin or murderer. The known rule of warfare
with the Indian Savages is an indiscriminate butchery of men women
and children. These Savages under this well known character are em-
ployed by the Britibh Nation as allies in the War against the Americans.
Governor Hamilton undertakes to be the conductor of the war. In the
execution of that undertaking he afsociates small parties of whites under
his immediate command with large parties of the Savages, & sends them to
act, sometimes jointly, sometimes separately, not ags^ our Forts or
armies in the field, but the farming settlements on our frontiers. Gov-
ernor Hamilton then is himself the butcher of men women and chil-
dren. I will not say to what length the fair rules of war would extend
the right of punishment against him: but I am sure that confinement un-
der its strictest circumstances as a retaliation for Indian devastation &
Mafsacree must be deemed Lenity, I apprehend you had not suffi-
ciently adverted to the expreffion in the advice of the Council, when you
suppose the proclamation there alluded to, to be the one addressed to
the Inhabitants of the Illinois, afterwards printed in the public papers &
to be affirmed to contain denunciations — — ^— — ^— ^— .
Proclamation then alluded to, contained nothing
more than an invitation to our officers and Soldiers to join the British
arms against those whom he is pleased to call Rebels and Traitors. In
order to introduce these among our people they were put into the hands
of the Indians, and in every house where they murdered or carried away
the family they left one 01 these proclamations. Some of them were
found sticking in the breasts of the persons murdered, one under the
hand and seal of Governor Hamilton came to our hands. The Indians
being the bearer of proclamations under the hand and seal of Governor
Hamilton (no matter what was the subject of them) there can be no
doubt they were acting under his direction: and as including this proof,
the fact was cited on the advice of the Council. But if you will be so
good as to recur to the addrefs of the Illinois, which you refer to, you
will find that tho' it does not in exprefs terms threaten vengence blood
k mafsacre, yet it proves that the Governor had made for us the most
ample provision of all these calamities. He then gives in detail the
horrid Catalogue of Savage nations, extending from South to North,
whom he had leaged with himself to wage combined war on our fron-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 323
tiers: and it is well known, that that war would of course to be made up ^779
of blood, and general mafsacre of men, women & children. Other pa- , . ^^^
pers of Governor Hamilton have come to our hands, containing instruc-
tions to Officers going out with scalping parties of Indians & whites &
proving that that kind of war was waged under his exprefs orders. —
further proof in abundance might be added, but I suppose the fact two
notorious to need them.
Your letter seems to admit an inference, that whatever may have been
the general conduct of our enemies towards their prisoners, or whatever
the personal conduct of Governor Hamilton, yet, as a prisoner by capitu-
lation, you consider him as priviledged from strict confinement. I do
not pretend to an intimate knowledge of this subject. My idea is that
the term " prisoner of war *' is a generic one, the specification of which
is I*' Prisoners at discretion : & 2*^** prisoners in convention or capitulation.
Thus in the debate in the House of Commons of the 27"^ november
last, on the address, the minister speaking of General Burgoyne (and in
his presence) says he is a ** prisoner," and General Burgoyne calls him-
self a *' prisoner under the terms of the Convention of Saratoga," inti-
mating that tho* a prisoner, he was a prisoner of particular species en-
titled to certain terms. The treatment of the first clafs ought to be such
as is approved by the usage of polished nations : gentle and humane, un-
less a contrary conduct in an enemy or individual, render a strict treat-
ment necefsary. The prisoners of the 2"** Clafs have nothing to exempt
them from a like treatment with those of the i^' except so far as they
shall have been able to make better terms by articles of capitulation So
hi then as these shall have provided for an exemption from strict treat-
ment, so prisoners on C have a right to be distinguished
from those at discretion. I do not propose history furnishes,
where certain causes anticedent thereto : tho' such instances might be
produced from English history too ; and in one case when the King him-
self commanded in person, Marshall BoufHers after the takmg of the
Castle of Namur, was arrested and detained prisoner of war, by King
William, tho' by an Article in the Capitulation, it was stipulated that the
Officers k Soldiers of the Garrison in General, and Marshall BoufSers
by name, should be at liberty. However we waive reasoning on this
head, because no article in the Capitulation of Governor Hamliton is
violated by his confinement.
perhaps not having seen the Capitulation, you were led to suppu«^ 't a
thing of course that, being able to obtain terms of surrender, they would
nrst provide for their own treatment, I inclose you a copy of the Capitu-
lation, by which you will see that the 2^ Article declares them prisoners
of war, and nothing is faid as to the treatment they were to be entitled to.
When Governor Hamilton signs indeed, he adds a flourish, containing
the motives inducing him to capitulate, one of which was confidence in
a generous enemy. He should have reflected that generosity on a large
scale would take side against him. However these were only his private
motives & did not enter into the contract with Co^^ Clarke — Being pris-
oners of war then, with only such privileges as their Capitulation has
provided, and that having provided nothing on the subject of their treat-
ment, they are liable to be treated as other prisoners. We have not
extended our order as we might justifiably have done ; to the whole of
this Corps. Governor Hamilton and Captain Lamothe alone, as leading
offenders, are in confinement. The other officers & men are treated as
3U
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779
July 2id
if they had been taken in justifiable war : the officers being at large on
their parole, and the men also having their liberty to a certain extent.
Dejean was not included in the capitulation being taken 8 Days after, on
the Wabache 150 miles from S' Vincennes.
I hope Sir, that being made more fully acquainted with the facts on
which the advice of Council was grounded, and exercising your own
good sense in cool and candid deliberation on these facts, & the conse-
quences deducted from them according to the usage & sentiments of
civilized nations, you will see the transaction in a very diiFerent light
from that in which it appeared at the time of writing your Letter, and
ascribe the advice of the Council, not to want of attention to the sacred
nature of public Conventions, of which I hope we shall never in any
circumstances, lose sight, but to a desire of stopping the effusion of y^
unoffending blood of, women & children, and the unjustifiable severities
exercised on our captive officers & soldiers in general, by proper severi-
ties on our part.
I have the honor to be, with much personal respect.
Sir,
your most obed* & most h**^* Servant."
Attguat sih " Return " of the 7**^ Reg* of Foot, Commd* by Col° Daniel Mor-
Cnmp K*" — Strength 316 Rank & File with "nine drums & Fifes," — Col;
Bammapottgh Morgan, in Virginia on Furlough — ^also Capt: Bruin acting Aid to Gen:
Sullivan — Lieuts, Marks, Feeley, Asby & Long absent on detached
duty — Capts: Finley, Pendleton and George, Lieuts: Warmer, Burdin-
ger and Smith, Prisoners of War in New York, since 1776— Special
details — i. waiting on Lord Sterling, i, on Genl: Woodford — i on
Capt: Bruin to Viig* — 22 guarding B. Prisoners to Lancaster— others,
as Commifsarv to Gnl: Muhlenberg, Forage Masters, Waggoners, Com-
mifsary Guardf, & waiter on Doctor to Philadelphia — Only twenty sick
and since last " Return " none dead, and only seven discharged —
Aaguat 5th " G. O."
Head Q^arten Lieut: Col^ John Montgomery of the Illinois Battalion to proceed
Fort Patrick with the following Detachments under his Command to the Illinois.
Detachment for Fort Clark —
Capt: John Williams, to be joined by Capt: Worthington's Company
Lieut: Brashear
Lieut: Gerault
Capt: Lieut: Harrison, of Artillery, now at F. Clark.
Detachment for Cohos —
Capt Richard McCarty, to be joined by Capt: Quirks Company.
Lieut: Perrault
Lieut: Clark —
The Garrison of Fort Patrick Henry
Capt Shelby, to be joined by Capt: Taylors & Capt: Kellars Companies.
Lieut Wilson
Ensign Williams
Capt: Robert Todd, to be joined by Capt Evans' Company
Lieut: Dalton, of Artillery
Ensign Slaughter —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. SgS
The Officers of the Artillery at the different Posts and Garrisons are 1779
to take charge of the Artillery Stores &c belonging to that Department —
Major Joseph Bowman to proceed with the recruiting Parties and to
have the direction thereof — The Gen' Officers, out recruiting are to
make reports to him & receive orders and instructions from him —
Officers for the recruiting Service —
Capts.
Quirk
Lieut. Roberts
IC
£vans
" Crockett
((
Taylor
Ramsay
ic
Worthington
Calvit
cc
Kellar
Ensign Montgomery
General Orders ifsued by Gen: G. R. Clark AogMt 5th
" Capt Robert George of the Artillery, Lieut: Robertson of the same,
with their Company, to go to the Falls of Ohio, with the Commander FOTt^^tridT*
in Cheif, where Head Quarters are to be Established" — Henry
" Capt: Leonard Helm, Indian Agent for Fort Patrick Henry & the
Dept" of Wabache "
Mens: Gamilian of Ouyas, to fall under his Dep', to make report to
Head Quarters at the Falls of Ohio, or to Kaskaskias, to Lieut: Col^
Montgomery, or other officer Commanding for the time being, and follow
such instructions as he shall receive from myself, or any other his Supe-
rior officer.
^^ Capt: Linitot, Indian Agent for the Illinois River & all the western
side of said River to the East of the Mifsifsippi, to make his report to,
and receive orders from Col^ Montgomery, Commanding the Illinois &c,
at Kaskaskias, or other officer for the time being Commanding there."
Capt: Linitot will appoint an Afsistant for the upper part of the
Mifsifsippi, in the Indian Department, near the Dogs plains, provided the
appointment be approved of by Col° Montgomery or the Commanding
officer for the time being.
(A copy) Signed
GEO: R. CLARK.
Lieut: Col: John Cropper Jnr: to " His Excellency John Jay Esq' Augutt i6cli
President of Congress "— PhiLdelphia
*'Sir
Necefsity obliges me to interrupt the precious time of your Excellency
k Congrefs, on the following subject —
Early in the present controversy, I had the honor to be appointed a Col. Cropper
Captain in the Virginia line of the Continental army, and have served ^^^i'^
until I have attained the rank of Lt: Col:, but my affairs at home together
with the present establishment of the army, absolutely demand that I
should quit that service, in which I have spent the most happy & honor-
ble part of my life : therefore I humbly k earnestly request permiffion
to resign my commiffion Sc afsign the following reasons — .
First, that I have a young and increasing family, whose situation k
circumstances require my presence at home, to improve the remainig part
of my patrimony for their maintenance —
Second — That my pay is not one tenth part adequate to the necefsary
expenses, in supporting the dignity of my Commiffion.
S»6
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779
August 16th
RenooB
therefor
Attguit 1 6th
Williamtburg
Ib Conncil
September 4.th
OatACock
Acc»mack Co
Third — The high taxes in Virginia, which fall very heavy on me,
being obliged to pay for the present year, four hundred pounds or up-
wards, for over cultivated lands, that do not yield me one single sixpence
profit per annum : nor does profit arise from any part of my property
in my absence^—
Fourth — That a New York Privateer in February last, at night landed
her crew at my plantation on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, destroyed and
carried ofF great part of my property —
Fifth — That my Regiment, (the Seventh Virginia) is nighly reduced
to a Captain's Command, by expiration of enlistments, deaths &c — ^and
that for the good of the service, it will probably soon be incorporated
with some other regiment, when great part of its officers become super-
numerary of course —
I hope your Excellency & Congrefs will pardon this intrusion j and
beleive me to be with all poflible admiration, respect and esteem.
Your Excellency's
mo: obedient
Humb: Servant — "
John Page Lieut: Gov% to John Todd, C° Lieut: &c Illinois C**
" Sir
Your several Letters of the !•* & 2"** ultimo, by Col: Slaughter,
this day were handed to me in the Governors absence — I laid them before
the Board, who were pleased with their contents & exprefsed their ap-
probation of your Conduct & of your plan for supporting the Credit of
the paper money, but this must be submitted to the consideration of the
Afsembly, who alone can determine on, or gire Efficacy to that mea-
• • 4r * * ^
sure
" It is to be wished that more Troops had been sent into the Illinois
at first, however so much has been done by the few there, as to redound
greatly to their Credit & that of their gallant Commander — We hope
that the favourable Disposition of the Canadians, & our late succefses to
the Northward & Southward will pave the way for Col° Clarke to JDe-
troit & make the acquisition of it easy — and that the Battalion which
we are now raising to be marched into your Country will enable him to
surmount any obstacle which, may be thrown into his way.
The Board approve of your erecting the small Fort you propose &
giving the Command to Col: Slaughter— Being in haste I can only add
that I am,
yr: mo: ob* humble Servannt •'
Col: George Corbin to the Governor —
"Sir
As I presume the important and weighty affairs of State, have alto-
gether sngrofTed your Excellency's attention, pardon me for calling to
your recollection the exposed situarion of this County — Since my last
to your Excellenc) (fav** by M' J** Henry) which irnope you rec* — I
have had convincing proof that my fears were not imaginary —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 327
On the 15^^ ult** a british privateer anchored ofF WoUops Island a few 1779
miles to the Southard of the Fort, sent a Boat on shore with four french hm h
men who were personally known to the Islanders, the french men under *P *" ' ^^
the character of trading friends invites an Island man, who was a good
pilot, on board to receive some small presents, the invitation being
cheerfully accepted of, the Islander went on board, and he says, the
Cap*" of the privateer drew from him every circumstance concerning the
Fort, and two vefsels which lay near the fort, before he undeceived him —
that night they landed 30 men, marched to the back of the Island, and
surprised the fort, having pafsed the centinels without interruption, being
guided by the Islander, they then maned two crafts, and under the cha-
racter of fishermen rowed along side of the Slfop, being the only one of
the two, that was armed, and boarded without opposition — made prize
of both, and proceeded immediately down to the bar j but geting aground ibe^enem^ on
with the Sloop. I went on the Island the next day with a party of the Baitern Shore
Militia, took pofsession of the Fort, which the enemy left (upon being
informed by the Islander, as he says, that we were well armed with field
pieces) after spiking up the Guns — this was a very unlucky circumstance
on our side, the Sloop & Schooner then lay within musket shot of the
Fort, with a strong tide ahead, the wind also ahead but very light — We
proceeded to unspike the Cannon as far as possible, which the Enemy
perceiving, immediately began to warp their vefsels down, by their An-
chors and Cables, and before we got one of the cannon open, they were
near a mile distant from the fort — many guns were fired at them, but did
them little damage except cuting some of their small riging — when the
tide favoured them, they went safe over the bar, took the load out of the
schooner, being chcifly flour, set her on fire & turned her adrift — the
sloop they carried off, tho' they got no booty with the sloop, she having
just discharged her inward cargo —
They took eight of the Substitutes in the fort, one of which made his
escape — I pafsed a receipt to the Cap*" for the other seven, which he
accepted of, and discharged them —
If I have done wrong in this particular please advise me — Altho' we
were worsted as I have above mentioned, together with the lofs of a con-
siderable quantity of Stock: Yet the Enemy suffered a small lofs —
the boat they landed in, with one Swivell, 2 Muskets, a brafs blun-
derbus and several other small articles being left at a distance down
the Island 6 men cheifly Islanders, took and carried into the next Inlet to
the Southward — the effects sold for upwards of three hundred pounds,
which I agreed should be divided amongst the captors — The Substitutes
are very bare of clothes, and desire to know when they are to receive
their wages. Clothes, and Blanketts — you may depend they suffer much —
Your Obed* Serv*
&c &c
Arthur Lee to the Governor of Virginia— September 4th
" Dear Sir, p^.,
It was not until the 7*^ of July 1779, that I received your favor of
the 9*^ of July 1778. It was open, without any seal nor was the me-
moriindum you mention, inclosed. All this I suppose arose from M"^
Anderson & his vefsel having been captured by the Enemy.
It gives me very singular concern that I was thus deprived of an op-
S28
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779 portunity of seeing you, which would have given me the greatest pleas-
ure. You will have heard of the declaration of Spain against our Enemy.
September 4th ^j^^ combined fleets of France & Spain have been some time in the
British Channel, Searching in vain for that of G. Britain, which has
slipt out of the Channel & escaped. As it is not thought prudent to in-
vade England till their fleet is beaten the troops which were ready for
that enterprise are not embarked. Two French frigates have taken the
Ardent of 64 Guns off^ Plymouth, after a very feeble resistance.
I am waiting here for the orders of Congrefs, after the very strange
& unaccountable proceedings at Philadelphia. Your Letter relative to
M' Ford, my former Secretary, has been transmitted to me. By this
time he must be with you to answer what he is charged with. I can
only afsure you, that I never had, nor heard before, the smallest reason
for suspecting him : & that it is impofllble any mans' conduct, both
public and private cou'd have been more exemplary & improachable
while he was here.
WUe advice The face of the war at present, is favorable : but I entreat you to u^e
your influence to prevent this from lulling our Countrymen into a secu-
rity that may be fatal, or of relaxing their endeavors for putting our
Country into the best pofsible posture of defence. The events of war
is always uncertain : but it is most sure, that they who are best prepared
for war, make peace upon the most advantageous terms In my letter to
you of the 23^ of May, I mentioned that I had then disbursed for the State
86009^^' 12' 12^. Upon casting up the account again, I find I made
a great mistake against the State, for in fact, what I have advanced is
75176^^ 18" only : of which 71549*^^ 3' was out of the public money in
my hands, & 3627^^ 15" out of my own Pocket. I shall take care to
rectify this mistake, if payment should have been ordered here, before
this reaches you. I have besides, as I have often written, engaged for
the payment of the Artillery, mortars, Bombs &c, &c, the freight of
them, or interest at 6 pr: cent, till the payment can be made. The
Seal gfcat Seal I have paid for & it is now in my pofsefsion. But it was fin-
ished too late to go by the french minister, k have had no opportunity
since, that I could trust.
I shall be very happy to hear from you, & beg you will be afsured that
you cannot do me a greater pleasure than putting it in my power to serve
you —
I have the honor to be, with the greatest Esteem
Dear Sir,
your most ob* hW* Servant " —
Septft4th
Frankfort !■
Germany
W. Lee to Gov: Jefferson —
" Sir,
His Excellency Governour Henry, was pleased in 1777, with the ad-
vice of the Council, to appoint me Agent in France, for the State of
Virginia, & in 1778, by the same authority, he sent me a power under
the otate Seal, to obtain Arms, Artillery, Ammunition &c, of his most
X-tian Majesty, Ministers, or any other persons, to the am' of 2.000.000
of Livres— or to borrow money to that amount to purchase these arti-
cles with : Invoices for which were sent by the Governor for the Artil-
lery, Arms & Ammunition, by M' Smith the State Agent in Virginia,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. SS9
for the linens, Woolens, k other merchandize; &by M' Webb, the Trea- 1779
surer for paper & printing materials — These Documents came to me « ,
last year when I was at Vienna in the Public Service, where I was fortu-
nate enough to prevail with the French Ambafsador at that Court, to Frankfort !■
folicit the Court of Versailles to grant us the Artillery, arms and ammu- ^'^^^^
nition, & I also sent a power to my B' M' Arthur Lee, who was then at
Paris to solicit the businefs for me at the Court of Versailles ; & to try
what cou'd be done in France towards procuring the other articles — In
consequence of these measures, there was obtained from the French
ministry, cannons, mortars. Ball, Bombs &c, to the amt: of ^2 19489,7,4, ^"„*I""* ^^ ^
k my B' advanced the money for the purchase of swords, pick axes, war purchawi
hatchets &c, which w*** Capt. Le Maires' k other expenses amounts to
about the sum of 45000 Livres — My Brother Chartered Vefscls to carry
these articles to Virginia, k I beleive they all were ship'd in the " Gov-
ernor Livingston," Capt: Gale k the " Hunter " Capt: Robinson, — He
also made a contract with Mefsrs Penet, D'Acosta, frercs & Co of
Nantes, for several thousand ftand of arms k some other articles, which
they contracted to ship from France, by the last of Sept: 1778, on the
same terms which M' John King had agreed to, in Oct: 1777 with these
Gentlemen, under the firm of James Gruel k C^ for sundrie articles
for the State. No part of the contract made with M' King was ever
comply'd with, por was any part of the contract made with my B' com-
ply'd with, which I now think a fortunate circumstance, having lately had
authentic information, that several thousand muskets, were in the course
of the last year sent from Leige to Nantes, addressed to a clerk of that
house, which were of such a base quality as to cost no more than £%
apiece — I hope none of these guns will ever reach Virginia — Truth
obliges me to say, that I have always found this house extremely ready to
engage, but never so to execute — My B"^ has given Governor Henry ad-
vice, from time to time of his proceedings & now he writes me that he
has no more money to advance, k the owners of the ships in which the
goods were ship'd are in extreme want of the money for the freight
which amounts to about 27000 Livres —
Having no money myself to pay this freight with, we shall be greatly
B' has before advised Gov*" Henry viz— that the French Ministry did last
Spring demand payment for the cannon &c furnished by them, but on its
being represented to them, that we were utterly unable to make this pay-
ment & that the State had not had time to make the necefsary remit-
tances, they agreed to wait some time longer.
I have not rec^ any letters from Congrefs for a long time, but there
are some private letters in Europe, as I am informed, which say that
Congrefs has dispensed with my services, therfore my stay in this country
will not be long, k when you are pleased to write to me, be so good as to
put your letter under cover, directed A Monsieur, Grand Banquier, a
Paris — if the conveyance is to anv part of Spain, Portugal or France :
ii if the conveyance is by Holland, put your Letters under cover,
directed a Mefsieurs Jean De Neufville & fils negociants, Ams-
terdam— If you remit any Produce, the Capt: should be directed to
make the first Port in Europe, that he can get to & let him addrefs his
42
SSO CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779 cargoe as follows, giving me notice of his arrival, under cover to M**
Grand. At Cadiz to Mefsrs. Rey & Brandebourg, at Lisbon to M'
Sept »4th Jqjjj^ Henry Dohrman : at Bilboa to Mefsrs Ouardoqui & fiis : at Bor-
deau to M** John Bondfield : at Nantes, to Mefsrs: Schweighauser &
Dobrux : at Amsterdam to Mefsrs: Jean De Neufville A; ms — As the
Enemies Cruizers & Privateers have the Ports of Portugal to run into,
they, very greatly infest all the Bay of Biscay from Gibraltar, to the
English Channel, so that it is very dif&cult indeed to escape them, there-
fore, I think the risk of being taken wou'd be much lefs to come round
the North of Scotland to Holland or Einbein in the Prufsian Dominions,
where they wou'd be well rec** & find a better market for Tob% than in
France or Spain, & cou'd get woollen &; linnen goods better in quality
& much cheaper — The want of money has prevented the Articles or-
dered by M' Smith State Agent, from being purchased, as well as the
paper a printing materials order'd by M' Webb the Treasurer, which
can only be got in London ; for the types he orders cannot be purchased
any where else in Europe — The first cost of M' Webbs' Order, will
amount to about £1500 SteH^ —
I was last year flatter'd with the hopes of obtaining a loan in France
R ons wh ^°^ ^^ 2000.000 Livres, but the large sums borrowed by their our Gov-
loant could not emm\ from which the lender draws ab^ 9 pr: c^ interest, disappointed my
be gotten expectations: tho' if this had not been the case, it cou'd not have been
accomplishd under my power, which only exprefses the Governors' au-
thority, by Advice of the Privy Council, without any Act of that Coun-
cil, to show its Consent : & besides, they conceiv'd that the State cou'd
not be bound without some formal Act, a resolution of the whole Legis-
lature— I apply'd also in Holland, where money abounds & the terms
were all agreed upon, but when the power was sent, the same objections
were made to it, that had been made in France & farther — i*' as it spe-
cified that the money was to purchase Arm% £5f Ammunition such a loan
could not be negotiated, without engaging their Government in a dispute
with G. Britain, therefore the power should only have exprefsed that it
was to borrow so much money generally, without naming to whom ap-
plication was to be made for the loan, & after the borrowers had got the
money they wou'd be at Liberty to lay it out as they tho't proper. 2"*"^,
they desir'd some clear &; certain information, by some public Act, how
far any particular state was authorized bv the terms & articles of the
General Afsociation or Union of the 13 United States, to borrow money
on its own single security — But they rather wished to have the guaranty
of Congrefs added to that of the particular state, for which the money
was borrowed as one State might be conquer' by, or make some accom-
modations with 6. Britain & the rest remain Independent —
They think themselves justified in this reflection by the history of
their own country, where their first afsociation or Union against Spain,
consisted of 17 Provinces, but 10 of them being conquer'd or seduced
by Bribes & Solemn Contracts & promises, which were never Kept, sub-
mited to the Tyianny of their old Masters & are slaves to this moment,
while the other Provinces that were steadv & true to themselves, re-
mained free, independent & happy —
Added to this, they look upon the State of Georgia, as swerv'd from
the General American Confederacy, & our Enemies spare no pains to per-
suade them, that it will be the same case with the Carolinas, Virginia and
Maryland—
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 331
I have thus given you fully the objections, which have been made to ^779
the power sent me, that you may take the proper measures to remove « .
them, if the State still continues disposed to attempt a loan in Europe —
I am so far removed from the Port, from whence this is to take its
departure, that I cannot send you any new publications, or the public
papers &c, as the Gentleman who is so good as to take charge of this
letter is so fully inform'd of the state of Politics in Europe, 'tis unne-
cefsary for me to say a word on that subject : I will therefore only add,
that next to a speedy, honorable & happy Peace, my most ardent wish
is t o hear that discord, intrigue & confusion are totally banish'd from
America, & that union harmony & good order prevail in full vigor —
I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect respect,
your Excellencies
most obliged k obedient, Hbl^
Servant — &c &c.
G R. Clarke to Capt: Silas Martin &c Com** of militia Se t oth
" By George Rogers Clark Esq' Col: of the Ilinois Battalion, Com- ^ . ouirten
mander in Cheif of the Virginia Forces in the Western Department paiii of Ohio
&C&C —
Whereas a Fort is Intended amediately to be built near the mouth of Fort at tke
Ohio, and a number of artificers wanting to carry on the Works, as well "><>«* of Ohio
other inhabitants.
I do by the Virtue of the power and authority to me given, authorize
you to Raise any number of Persons that you can get to become settlers
at said Post, the whole to be under pay as militia as long as necefsary,
you are to Rendezvous at this place by the First Day of December next,
given from under my hand.''
"The Board of Trade are requested to purchase, on the earliest
opportunity, one hundred and thirty pair of Leather breeches, for Major October 8th
Nelsons' Corps of Cavalry
By order of the Board wSi'alLturg
JAS: INNES. P. B. W— "
" Board of Trade &c
The within Requisition is submitted to His Excellency in Council
J. AMBLER Deertldiu
DUNC: ROSE ^°' ^'^^'''^^
endorsed-^ln Council Oct 9*^ 1779.
" There being a sufficiency of dear Skins in Richmond for the pur-
pose of this requisition from the board of war it is disapproved — "
TH: JEFFERSON"
Account of Disbursements made by Arthur Lee Esq' on behalf of October 30th
the State of Virginia — with receipt appended for the sum total, as pr: Nantet
Drafts &c ; amounting to " Ten Thousand one hundred & Seventy
Eight Livres, five Sols,"
Signed by
J. D. SCHWEIGHAUSER.
332
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1779 Resolutions pafsed by both houses, empowering the Executive "to
. . grant to Captain Le Mair, such Brevet Commifsion as they may think
his Services have entitled him to.
Genl Asfcmbly
1700
. 1780
January lit
William Poythrcfs C° Lieut:
John Banister Col: of Horse
Rob' Boiling Col: of Foot
Isham Eppes Major of Horse
Anthony Haynes Major of Troop—
The above Gentlemen are the most Proper for the OfEcers of the
militia, in the County of Dinwiddie —
A List of the Field Officers and Soldiers in the County of Frederick,
whereof the Righ Hon^'® Lord Fairfax is County Lieutenant — George
W°* Fairfax Collo: Morgan Morgan Lieut: Col^, Samuel Earl Major,
Marquis Calmes Major Horse.
Litt of Officers
and men, in
Frederick Co
Capo & Lieuti: Em:
Thomas Leveringham i
George Hopson i
Meredith Helms i
John Lindsey i
John Hite i
Thomas Rutherford -
Richard Morgan i
John Funk i
William Vance i
Thomas Chester i
Thomas Ashby i
George Johnson i
Thomas Barwick -
Jeremiah Smith i
Benjamin Foreman i
Jonathan Cocburn i
Solomon Hedges i
or Carta: Sary'o
2^ Master
2^ Master
2* Master
2
Corporals. PrWet men.
100
iC
2
I
2
3
2
2
2
2
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
I
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
72
62
77
61
32
64
50
75
74
30
45
N®904
D' Pope (Surgeon) decides, that ^^ Orderlies and their wives who act
as nurses shall be allowed, from this date. Twenty five dollars p' week
currency, with the usual advantages heretofore allowed up to the last
payment &c " — ** in future, so long as they shall be thought necefsary,
five shillings hard money pr: day, and for this salary shall be excluded all
Privileges and advantages whatever, but such as sick men are allowed ;
and are left discretionary in the power of the difP Surgeons to admit, as
experience may require "
January 6th
Tuckahoe
Cha' Fleming to the Governor —
"Sir
I left the enemies lines at West Ham yesterday evening a little before
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 3S3
sun-set. their proceedings there you no doubt are well acquainted with. 1780
There will be a very considerable Body of Militia will be collected be-
tween this & Westham in the course of the day — It appears to be wish of
all parties, that Col° Nicholas & my self shall take command of them as Enemy at
field officers, & as I am informed by M' Webb, it is your determination, Weitham
with advice of Council, that the Militia, on the present alarming occa-
sion, will be officered as before, with respect to the field officer^ —
I am ready and will at all times Sir, to render any and every service
to my country in my power. As I have no commifsion of any sort,
don't doubt but you will think with me, that it is necefsary I should have
a commifsion, or some writing under your signature for my taking com-
mand with propriety. I am, Sir, Yr: most ob* hble Servt
&c &c
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor in reply. He will send the gen- January 7th
tleman wished for, but is entirely alone and unable to act for want of Richmond
afsistants. Capt: Spiller was despatched to save the arms in Isle of
Wyght and Southampton, and Capt: Boush is ordered to take care of
these at Westham. Has heard nothing of M*" Anderson, and does not
know where any of the gentlemen aie, his Excellency desires to see.
Richmond in the greatest confusion, and " plunderers of our own have ?*»»« in
been very mischeivous, perhaps more so than the enemy." Considerable ^**^***"<>n<*
public stores will be recovered, but it is difficult " to secure them" — He
will exert every eflFort " for the benefit of the State," but urges the im-
portance of the return of his Excellency if pofsible, as ** it will be of
signal service."
rranslation from the French, of J*""*'^
" Extract from '^ La Gazette " de France " of Jany: 1780 " — enclosed
by M. P. Ma^zie to ,
Every one who is well informed of the details of the seige of Savan-
nah on the 9^ October, and of the particulars which preceded the de-
parture of the Kings' Fleet from these parts, will read with much aston-
ishment some statements from a letter of General Prevosts' recorded in
the " Courrier de L'Europe*' No: 52, and in other public journals —
Amongst other afsertions, devoid of truth, or even of probability there False lutement
is one to which the exact fact can be opposed &c — from the enemy him-
self—In this letter we read ** On the 6"* inst. at i i-o-clock in the morn- ^ ^
ing I sent to ask permifsion of the Counte d'Estaing, for the women & thewomen*and
children to leave the town, to go on board the vefsels. After three children be ai-
hours I received, in reply an insulting refusal, on the part of Mefsrs: ^^^^ *® '«*^«
Lincoln and D'Estaing" Further on Genl: Prevost adds " They then charioitown
made me in a very pressing manner, an ofFer to have M" Prevost, her
children & attendants received by the Chevalier du Prumain, on board
the " Chiniere" — I replied that what had been once refused to perempto-
rily could not then be accepted" The conjunction of these two sen-
tences, expressed with a plausible air of truth, presents a contrast too
striking, between the severity of the French General before the affair of
the 9^ inst, and his accommodating spirit after his withdrawal, not to
discover the recklefsnefs w''b which the facts have been distorted.
334
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 I will not stop to justify the first refusal of the Count d'Estaing; which
, contained nothing harsh, and which is authorized bv the laws of war,
and after demanded by its necessities —
Fact of the case The truth is, that after the affair of the 9^^ inst, and the truce agreed
upon for the burial of the dead, and the exchange of the wounded, the
Counte (le Dillon, who after the wounding of the Count d'Estaing had
command of the French forces, informed this General, that Genl: Pre-
vost had made verbal application to him to allow his wife k children to
leave the town — The Count d'Estaing required a written request from
the English Commander. This was complied with in evey detail by
Genl: Prevost and was sent by a Flag of truce officer — The Count de
Dillon, being ordered to reply, announced in writing the consent of the
Count d'Estaing, who thought to grant this favour in consideration of
the treatment which the wounded French had received at the hands of
the Enemy. Genl: Prevost expressed his thanks to the Count de Dillon
in the two following letters in his own hand —
Preroit*! letters Oct 10*** 1 779. Sir, I have received the very polite letter which you
were so kind as to write me this morning, giving the consent of the
Count d'Estaing to the departure of my family from Savannah, &c —
also stating that you would be very glad to know at what time the *'Eo-
lus" would leave. It will be about lo-o-clock to-morrow morning. I
will take care that there is a flag of truce, and I beg you to give orders
to M — le Chevalier du Prumain, that the said vessel shall not, in any
event, be placed within range of the guns of any of our batteries — I
have forgotten to mention
January
Conclusion
The Chest of Capt: Knowles — please mention it to the Chevalier, to
whom I shall have the honor to write by the " Eolus " —
I have the honor to be with respect. Sir, yours &c —
A. PREVOST—
Second Letter
Oct; 11^** 1779- — Sir, Just as I was about to make use of the Flag of
truce, in order to put on board M*"* Prevost, the Captain reported to me,
his inability to leave on this tide, in such a wind, which will oblige me to
delay twenty four hours — I am the more disturbed, because the health of
my wife is nearly exhausted from having been so long a time under
ground — I trust your intention is to carry out this plan, if pofsible, to-
morrow morning —
I have the honor to be with respect Sir, yours &c
A. PREVOST
It is evident that it could not have been the French General, who had
made the pressing offers, but that, on the contrary, the demand had been
urgently renewed to him — that he had given his consent, wishing thus to
recgonize by this special kindness the care which had been bestowed
upon the French wounded — especially as could in no way affect the re-
sults, or the duration of the seige — Such kind offices between oppo-
nents one would suppose a generous foe would duly appreciate, for in
truth it was a favor granted at a moment when the temper of the times
might have excused a refusal —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 386
Paris, Jany, 178c — 1780
It is with the greatest indignation, that it has appeared in a long ac-
count of the affair of Savannah, translated into No: 52 of the Courrier p^^ chirge
de L'Europe, that a parley with GenI: Prevost, an officer of distinction agaimt General
in the French Army had cast blame upon Genl: Lincoln, denouncing Lincoln
him as a scoundrel —
From whatever source this afsertion comes, it should be regarded as
false ; the person referred to, or any other, of the French army, being
totally unable, under any circumstances, to apply so odious an epithet,
and one so inapplicable to a General, who, according to the opinion of
all French officers, has exhibited the highest virtues of a soldier —
J. Watkins to Col. John Syme at New Castle — januty 15111
Is at a lofs to know what to do, in regard to the public stores at that ''Cumberland
place — The Governor decided they should be removed upato New Castle, " '^•n* Co
but the expence will be as great as if they were carried t once to Rich-
mond only four miles farther by land, and wagons can make a trip to the
latter place almost as soon as to the former — The grain he has will soon
be required for the troops below, and he has already sent 1200 bushels
to them by Order of Genl: Nelson — Is very uneasy lest the stores re-
maining there may attract the enemy, in which event more damage would
result than he could repair. Three vefsels are there awaiting loads, but
he must delay them for further orders. " The balance of the Cannon
& Bomb shells" he thinks ought to be removed at once ,
John HoUoway, in account with the United States — for Pay i** as Febrvary ut
Clerk to Genl: Hospital at Reading from July 20"* 1777, to June 8"*
1778 — 2^^ As Commifsary for Genl: Hospital at Fort Pitt — from June
9* 1778 to June 3^ 1779 — as Clerk to Auditors of Accts: at Fort Pitt,
from June 12"* 1779 to Jan^ 3i*' 1780 — and as Afsistant Auditor of
Accts: from Feby i"* 1780, to April 30"* 1781 "
Philip Mazzie, to " His Excellency Tho* Jefferson Esq Gov: of February Sth
"Sir
I am here still, and have at last been obliged to beg affistance from
Tuscany — As soon as I am able to proceed on my journey I will write
you fully on the subject — I must now give you the bad news we have
rec** to day from Spain : but in order that you may judge properly of the
fact, and make your conjectures in regard to the consequences which are
likely to follow, I must begin a little further back —
Some time after the great combined fleet returned to Brest, having
done nothing, besides obliging the 36 Endish ships of the line, to run
into Harbour, M"" de Cordova (one of the Spanish Commanders) was or-
dered out with 12 men of war, to go about Cadiz and Gibraltar : where
Langara was already cruizing with 11, Barcelo with 2 more at the mouth
of the Bay to support the Fregates, and other smaller vefsels employed
for the purpose of intercepting those of the Enemy, or of any other na-
tion, intended to carry provisions &c, to be beseiged — As soon as it was
persfieved that a large fleet, and a good number of transports were pre-
336 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 paring in England, with intention (it was thought) of rising the Seige of
Gibraltar, then some of the men of war to return to England, and the
others to proceed to the Islands with the Convoy, 20 Spanish men of
war and 4 French were ordered to be ready to fight Rodney, Bigby and
Rofs (the 3 English Admirals) before they got there. Owing to the
mismanagement complained of in letter 3, the said 24 vessels were not
ready to sail before the 13^^ ult** and consequently they were 8 or 9 days
behind Rodney. A few days since, we saw in the Spanish Gazette,
that Cordovas' Squadron had been forced into harbour by bad weather
much out of order — And to day, the following news from Cadiz have
been rec** by several, and may be depended upon. The 17*** ultimo, in
Disasters to the ^^^ morning Langara discovered towards the Cape S* Mary, a great
Spanish Fleets number of Sails, which the great fog prevented him from knowing : at 3
o-clock, they were near enough to distinguish 21 men of war, 12 fregates
and the Convoy. Three ships of Langaras' Squadron had been sepa*
rated 2 days before, by bad weather. The Commander thought proper,
to make the signal for every vessel to escape as they could, not to expose
others for his sake, as his vessel was a good sailer — Two succeeded, and
entered in Cadiz — The other 6 were each of them obliged to fight
against 3 or 4. One blew up, and 3 of the remaining surrendered after
a fight of 14 hours, not being able to hold it any longer. The other 2
kept up a running fight about fopr hours longer : and did not give up
until they were reduced to such extremities, that the English, who were
put in them, resolved to give up their liberty and pray, entreating the
Spaniards on board to conduct them into Cadiz, which was done — This
was not the only loss — A number of about 20 or 30 Merchant men, in
going to Cadiz from another Spanish port, fell in with Rodneys' fleet in
the night, and were all taken, as well as a ship of 64, and 5 fregates un-
der whose Convoy they were. I am so low spirited that I cannot go
on — I will not close the letter 'till Saturday next, the I9*\ in hope that
we may here some thing in our favour, as the wind is good for M*^ Gas-
ton, (the Spanish Commander of the said 24 ships) and it is beleived in
Cadiz, that Rodneys' Convoy has been driven by the weather into the
Mediterranean — "
i^tb
" I have heard with uncommon delight the account of the activity
and bravery of M' La Motte Piquet before Martinico, which you must
know as well as we do — It is to be wished that he may be able to pro-
tect the Islands 'till the arrival of the fleet, which failed from Brest the
2^ inftant, consisting of 17 ships of the line, 4 fregates, 2 cutters, and
130 vessels between merchant-men and transports having on board no
lefs than 6000 troops, but probably more — The Commander, (M' Gui-
chen ) is above La Motte Piquet, but likewise a very clever fellow —
There would be now a good opportunity for undertaking something
effectual for us, and certain it is that I will work hard for it, as soon
as I get to Paris, which epoch is very near, having been supplied
with money within 3 days past — I wrote this morning to M. D'Costa,
desiring that in case he should not have resolved to pay the whole
amount of my letter of credit, he would send for the trifling sum he
advanced me upon it, and return me the said letter with my receits —
As soon as I have an answer and settled with him, I shall write as I
have promised in the beginning of this — We have no letters from
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. SS7
Cadiz to day — It is said, and I beleive it a fact, that they have been 1780
ordered to Madrid, probably to search after spies. Consequently they
won't be here for some days. It is however reported from other parts, ^ '"*^
in a manner as to leave hardly room for a doubt, that in the fight of the
5 Spanish men of war against 21 English, 4 of the last suffered so much,
that they won't be fit for fervice for long time — Two t>f them put into
Lisbon in a very bad order. A vessel of Barcellos' division took, after
the battle, one of Rodneys' transports, the Cap^ of which had been sepa-
rated by the weather, and seemed to be much concerned at hearing that
the convoy had not yet appeared before Gibraltar — There is room to
hope that Gaston may meet with Rodney, in which cafe I am confident
that the lofs of the Enemy would be greatly overbalanced by the advan*
tage they got against the few Spanish heroes — After the first shock of
the news ( which made me lose a dinner and a nights' rest ) was over,
I have endeavoured to comfort myself with reflections, which I think
very well founded — It is undeniable that the extraordinary courage, by
which the English Baylors have been hitherto animated, was cheifly ow-
ing to their persuasion of being invincible upon the water. Since the
beginning of this war, they have experienced the contrary in almost every
engagement of equal force with the French \ but the Spaniards still
continue to be in their opinion incapable of fighting —
This first specimen, in which the Spanish valour has been great be-
yond description \ will be apt, in my opinion, to strike the English say-
lors with a panick, as well as it has acquired the admiration and confidence
of their allies, and increased the natural courage of their countrimen,
which joined to their very great desire of revenge may produce wonder-
ful effects — It is likewise to be hoped that such an event is likely to
hasten the much desired information in the marine : in which case the
lofs would be a trifle in comparison to its advantageous consequences —
This evening I have seen, in the French Gazette the account of the
battle, as received from Madrid, which corresponds to what I have said —
I have often admired the scrupulous regard p^ to truth in the Gazette of
both Nations, as well as the decenc) of their expressions, and the dignity
preser.ved in confuting the low, mean, dirty, impudent false assertions of
the Enemy. I think it would not be amifs to let our people, every now
and then, see the monstrous contrast ; and it is cheifly with that view,
that I take the Liberty of sending you the enclosed ^extracts from the
French Gazette —
As I shall write again in a few days, I will trouble you no longer at
present, and I am most respectfully
Sir,
Your Excellency's most Obe**
and most humble servant,
&c &c
Resolution authorising the Deputy Commifsary General's accounts February nth
against Col. Bland for supplies furnished him while in command at i^ concrett
Charlottesville, to be subjected to the scrutiny of the Executive of Vir-
ginia, who may make such allowances in his favor as they may deem
uist &c
* Kot found.
43
SS8 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 Genl: Geo: Rogers Clark to Col* John Todd
March jy Col**
Lottiiville By the Ac^' from Every Post in the Illinois so nearly corres-
ponding, I make no doubt of the English Regaining the Interest of many
Tribes of Indians, and their designs ag*^ the Illinois (Perhaps on Gov:
Clark't reasons Hamiltons' plan), and vtrithout some speady check may prove fatal to
^" bSS!? *^ Kentucky and the Total lofs of the West"* Country on the Mifsifsippi,
Jeflefson I ^^ ^^^ ^'^^^ ^"^ ^^^ Spaniards would fondly suffer their Settlements in
the Illinois to fall with ours for the Sake of having the opertunity of Re-
taking Both. I doubt they are too fond (of) Territory to think of Re-
storing it again. Although there is but few British Troops on the Lakes,
defitiency is fully Replaced by the Immence quantity of goods they have,
the Effects of which among the Savages you well know, not being apre-
hensive of a visit, I make no doubt of their having planed some Expe-
dition of Importance against our Posts, which if they gain, may be
attended with greater consequences than I have Hinted at, they have
greater opertunities of knowing our cituation, than we have of theirs,
which you know they could not deprive us of. you well know the diffi-
culties we have laboured under with our Joint EfFerts to maintain our
Ground, and support our Interest among the Savages in that Dep^, and
the Reasons why, which is now greater than Ever, as the bad Crops and
the severity of the Winter hath Rendered it Impofsible for the Towns
in the Illinois to make any further supplies untill next Harvest, the
Troops being Intituled to a Discharge in a few weeks. Except those that
have Reinlisted when Joined by Capt: Rogers, when armed will not
amount to more than one hundred and fifty, which is too few under our
present circumstances to think of DefFending the diferent post we now
occupy. Letters from his Excellency, and a promifsing ac' from our
Recruting Officers may perhaps soon alter our apparent Circumstances,
but as yet Receiving no advice from Either, already meeting with many
disappointments in my Expectations much to the disadvantage of the
Dep^, a few weaks Hesitation may be productive of long future disad-
vantage. I think it best to act as though we had no Expectation of
being afsisted Either with men or provitions. Your Councell not only
necefsary, but which you know I prize, is what I want
If we ware Tolerably formadable at any one post that we could sub-
sist at, it might have a great and good Effect.
As I Hinted, to lay afside all Expection of a Reinforcement, I see but
the one probable method of maintan' our Authority in the Illinois, which
PUn for is this, by Amediately Evacuating our present posts, and let our whole
hoidini the force Center at or near the Mouth of Ohio, which will be too Contem-
Oountry i^^A^ to answer the good effect proposed, without we fall upon some
method to draw of a Considerable Reinforcement from Kentuck of Mili-
tia. Families would be of the greatest service, as they are always fol-
lowed by two or three times their numbers of young men. they would
with their store of provitions be able to Victual great part of our Troops
in proportion to their number, which if only one Hundred, by the Ensuing
fall would be able to Victual a Ridgment, besides Establishing a post that
his Excellency is very Anctious for (the Reason I imagine we are boat
Acq* with) and the Interests of all the Western Countrey call for. One
Hund'^ Families, their followers, the Troops we have already Ingaged,
those whose time of service is or shortly will Expire, that would Remain
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 339
at the place, when Join'd, would be considerable, the Report of which 1780
by the time it Reach our Enemies would be augmented perhaps to Trible w .
our numbers, as such Intelligence is always agravated by the Indians,
and I don't doubt but that it would put a stop for some time to their
proceedings, as I know it would greatly Confuse the Indians they are
like to win from us, as our temporary force, with the French Militia,
probably counting the Spaniards, would be too Considerable for them to
Temper with, our only chance at present to save that Countrey is by
Incouraging the Families, but I am sensible nothing but land will do it.
I should be exceedingly Cautious in doing any thing that would displease
government, but their present Interest, in many Respects obvious to us
boath, call so loud for it, that I think Sir, that you might even Venture
to give a Deed for Forty or Fifty Thousand Acres of Land at said place,
at the price that government may demand for it« it Interfears with no
Claim of our friendly Indians, the greatest Barriour to the Inhabitants of
the Illinois against the Southern Indians, Security of the Genl : Com*
merce and perhaps the saving of the Countrey to the State, and proba-
bly in a few months enable us to act again on the offensive.
I should be against suffering Families to settle promis^^ in any part of
the Illinois at present, but the Establishment of the said Post is so necef-
sary, and as it Cannot be Compleeat without the Families, I think it
your Duty to give the aforesaid Incouragement and such Instructions as
would confine the people for some time to a Fort, before you could
consult Government it might be too late. Sustenance for some time
will be procured with difficulty, but I cannot think of the consequences
of losing poiTeffion of the Countrey without a more determined Resolu-
tion to Risque every point Rather than suffer it (for they the English,
cannot execute any matter of very great importance among the Savages
without it. I know your concern to be Eaqual to mine, if you Concur
with me in sentiment, let me know Amediately, or such Amendment as
you might think more advantageous.
I am Sir, with Real Esteem,
Your very Humble Serv' "
Philip Mazzie to Gov: Jefferson —
*' Sir, March 4th
From Rappahannock, or York River, I wrote to Col: Madison, that .
the season so far advanced, I had a mind not to wait untill I got to Italy ""
to propose the exchange of goods, in the terms exprefsed in my Instruc-
tions, and that least I should be taken, and of course be obliged to throw
my papers overboard, I had interlined in some of my private old papers
the cifer an the substance of the businefs intrusted to me ( so as to give .
no suspicion ) in order that I might ( in case I should make my escape )
prepare things as far as pofsible by the time I should receive the dupli-
cates of my commifsions —
So long time being past when I arrived at nantes, and knowing that
M' Smith had not come to Europe, my desire of purchasing the goods
wanting for our army was very great — I proposed the bargain to many,
several of whom declared it impracticable for reasons which appeared to
me well founded. Four of them made each a calculation, and gave it
me, of which the most advantagious for us is inclosed \ the other 3 fix-
ing the freight more or less higher, and the insurance at 60 pr : ct : —
You will observe that I was not empowered to agree on such terms, and
SJ^O CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 it was Impoffible for me to obtain any better. According to the inclosed
-- . . plan, the adventurer has about 25 pr : ct : profit for his trouble and the
interest of his money, but he must run several risks, as the freight and
insurance may be higher, and the sale of the tobacco lower : he cannot
recover the total from the Insurers in case of loss — the Treasurer may
brcck, and the result of the profit is not extraordinary considering how
small the capital sum, which cannot be increased, unlefs the Adventurer
would leave part of his effects in Virginia : and I even think that the
supposed 300 hogsheads of Tobacco could not go in a vessel of 200
tons — I am convinced that such a thing cannot be undertaken but by
people, who would reduce the freight by sending valuable cargoes, and
leave the greater part of their effects in our funds : which I think may
be obtained in Italy sooner than in France I am sure about proposing
a plan here to encourage the people of the several States of Italy to be-
come adventurers. I have only mentioned it to D*" Franklin, who ap-
proves of it, and has promised me his assistance in it
In letter 6 — the 8'^ February, I said that I had been obliged at last to
ask relief from Tuscany, and the 12***, that I had found it in this place,
and prepared for my journey to Paris. I shall now tell you how that
came about. M' Mark Lynch, Merchant in Nantes came to me with a
Bill I had drawn in Ireland on Penet & C% D'Acosta having refused to
accept it — My noble creditor M' John Cotter of Corke had ordered that
in case of not payment, the bill should be returned without protest or
molestation — M' Cotters generous and delicate behaviour had probably
prepared M' Lynch in my favour, and the sight of my situation com-
pleated the businefs — His counteneance exprefed his Sensibility at the
bad usage I had met with in that Town, and in the most genteel manner
offered me the assistance I was in so great need of, on the security I had
proposed to others — As he had not the whole sum at the time, he ad-
vanced me enough for my present exigencies \ one of which was the
recovering of my baggage, and took 10 or 12 days to collect the rest.
During that time I made a point to frequent and study the man, because
I had imagined that he could be of service to my friends and the State :
and some people had described him to me as a man of suspicious princi-
ples. I found in him, intelligence, attention and the utmost integrity —
As I flatter myself that you have frequently observed that I am not
easily mistaken in judgeing of men, I dare to propose him to you, as the
only man to my knowledge in that place, capable of doing you justice \
and as such I shall recommend him to all my Virginian Friends, con-
scious that I serve them, while I perform my auties of gratitude to him.
I hope that he will in time be your corrispondent for the affairs of the
State, but will not descend to particulars on that head, untill I have seen
M' Penet — As I apprehend from certain people in Nantes, every thing
that is roguish and infamous, I send you the inclosed 3 letters as an anti-
dote to what could be written to the disadvantage of M' Lynch — Our
Capt : R** Barron is acquainted with him — My letters must be put under
cover to M' Lynch or 1)' Franklin — It is a matter of fjct, that a letter
to me at Nantes, from the Minister of Tascany is disappeared, and that
I have been robed of many here, and more there, cannot be doubted.
I have the honor to be most lespectfdily. Sir- -
your Excellencys' Most Humble
and most obedient Servant "
&c &c
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 341
Saml : Huntington Prcs : of Congrefs to Governor of Virginia 1780
" Sir March 6tli
You will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congrefs of this Day,
requesting the Governors of Virginia, North & South Carolina, to use ** *P *■
their utmost Exertions in filling up their Continental Battallions, and in
the mean Time, to raise a Body of Militia to supply the Places of the
Battalions.
From the Intelligence your Excellency must have received from the
Southern Department, it is presumed the necefsit)' of reinforcing the
Southern Army hath called forth the Exertions of Virginia, and the more
Southern States.
Your Excellencys' Dispatches of the 9**^ ult** have been received and
laid before Congrefs —
I have the honor to be with great respect,
your Excellencys' hble fervant "
&c &c &c
M^ J. P. Penet, to Gov : Jefferson, announcing his safe arrival at March 17th
that place — As he is about to set out to Paris and Versailles to confer ^
with the Ministry respecting the plans and operations he is entrusted
with bv Virginia, his Excellency shall soon hear he trusts, of his suc-
cefs &c
The " Board of Treasury " to whom was referred, the Resolutions Mvrch 27th
of the Genl: Afsembly of Virginia, in regard to relief for the widow & » p
children of the late Lieut: Col: John Seayer, give their opinion, that " ®"»'*«*
Congrefs had provided for all such cases, by their action of Aug: 17^*^
1779
Resolution requesting the State of Virginia to provide food for the March 30th
" Convention prisoners " at Charlottesville V* and for their guards, the
State to be credited therefore in the quota required by the resolution of ^ o"»«"
Feby: 25*** last.
John Hay Cont: Agent to Gov: Jefferson, applying, to borrow from ^prii ist
the State five hundred pounds of powder " wanted for an armed vefsel
now lying at four Mile Creek k will be ready to sail in about 8 days." — '^ "*°"
the like amount " to be replaced in a reasonable Time" on the 6^^ the
Executive in Council grant the request, taking receipt therefor —
G. R. Clark " Comd: Chf: W. Dept. Virginia" to Capt: T. F. More— April 3d
" This is Your Appointment and Instructions, as Deputy Commifsary " Lewiiviiie "
of Purchases for the Department of the Illinois. You will Reside at "'*** ^""^*"
this post, until further Orders. Make what purchases you can of Corn, Price of cord
Flour, peas and Beans, not Exceeding four Thousand Bushels of Corn,
paying due attention to the prices you give having them as low as pofsi*
Ue, its thought that Corn will shortly fall to thirty Dollars pr: Bushell —
By no means give more than sixty. (Capt: Sullivans Corn being pre-
viousl)^ Bought you will receive it) always keep a sufficient number of
34^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
April 3d
Stringent
ioitnictiont
April loth
Paris
Action of
Rutiii
good Casks, not larger than common Flour Barrels, ready to receive
your Grain, and ten Gallons Cags for Fine Flour, making weekly Re-
turns to me if opportunity offers — By no means suffer an ounce of Flour
that you purchase, to be made use of by an officer without special order
from the Commanding Officer of the Illinois Department. Spare no
pains to have your Corn as dry as pofsible for the more safe Transpor-
tation ; paying due Regard to such orders, as you may Receive from the
Commander in Cheif of the Department, his Superiors, or the pur-
chasing Commifsary Genl: who is commanded to pay due Respect to
these, my Instructions to You —
Imploy a fufficient number of Artificers to make one hundred, neat,
small Barges, to be ready in two Months, Avaridging five Men each &
four Months Provision — Maj"* Slaughter will give all necefsary Afsistance
of his Troops —Conduct Yourself in Boat Expences, as much to the
Interest of Your Country a^ Posible — More Sir, may depend on your
diligence and Patromism then Your are aware of, but the Confidence
that is reposed in you is fuch that your fully Answering the Expectation,
will do honor to yourself, and much advantage to Your Country — If any
of the Troops of the Different Cores should anfwer your purpose as
Boat Builders, the Officers will let you have them — '*
Philip Mazzie to Governor Jefferson.
" Sir
The 9*^ of January in letter 4, I signified the very great probability of
Rufsia preserving a perfect neutrality, for powerful! reasons, which hardly
admitted of a doubt.
The English have constantly prefsed (and as late as by the last post)
that the Rufsian fleets & armies were at their disposal. We Just now re-
ceive a spirited Manifest from Ruffia, in which the Emprefs notifies to
the belligerent Powers, her firm determination, not only to keep the
strict neutrality, but likewise to protect her trade: insisting that her
trading vessels shall not be visited or disturbed by any means, this al-
most entirely points at England, as the English are the generous, humain.
Sweet fellows, \^ho with their piratical & brutal Insolence, have injured
and nauseated the whole Globe — She has sent a Copy of it to Den-
mark, Sweden, Holland & Portugal, with an invitation to arm, as she
does, to protect the liberty of the Sea — It has been received with accla-
mations of Joy, by the Dutch, & indeed a little encouragement from
abroad seemed to be rather wanting, as they must soon give an answer
to the peremtory demand of England : who pretends to have a Right to
the Subsidies by the treaties. I had some strong hints of this plan about
a month since, & have reason to beleive that it has been concerted with
the hearty concurrence of all the Northern Powers, but cannot pro-
nounce as yet on the sentiments of the insignificant Count of Portugal —
I hope however soon to see the friends & allies of Great Britain; limited
to the inhabitants of the Coast of Barbary, with whom they can't help
sympathizing from a similitude of sentiments & trade. I think I can see
in th^ behaviour of the Northern powers a silent intimation to England,
that America shall be independent^ k a salutary advice to make peace on
the best terms she can, which to me does not seem practicable, before
the next Campaign is over — I long to hear how the English Court & the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 348
royall Exchange, will relish the resolution of the Said powers : and how 1780
those powers will be affected by the intelligence (which by this time they
must have received) of the attrocious murders lately committed in the ***
Mediterranean, by a Brittish afsasin, commanding a Privateer of 28 guns,
against the Capt : & Crew of a Swedish frcgate of 34 — After having
spoken to the fregate, they both went on very quietly about half an hour, fh^^Engliih
when the villians turning suddenly round, poured 2 broadsides into her,
through the stern, before she could be put in a state of defence — the
fregate had met with a severe storm in the Gulf of Lion, the preceed*
ing night, her guns had been driven in & not yet replaced — as those un-
fortunate people were under no apprehensions, & being in the night,
they felt the effects of the villainy, by the time they could perceive it —
by the activity of the ofEcers, however they Got themselves ready soon
enough to return the fire, before the villain could make his Escape, k it
is hoped that his vefsel has been sufficiently damaged, as to oblige him to
go to some harbour to refix, by which he must be known, three of the
fregates crew were killed, a Lieut k many sailors wounded, & the Cap^°
(Count Ankarloo) dieo a few days after at Malaga, of the wounds he
received as soon as he appeared on the deck, where he was called, by
the first unexpected fire from the Pirate —
" 19**» april —
Having promised in the letter 2, that you should " find me very atten-
tive in distinguishing between certainty and reports, & likewise in my
endeavours to point out the various degrees of probability in dubious
matters " I think myself obliged to trouble you with the Corrections of
mistakes of any kind, whether material or not, as it will likewise answer
the purpose of confirming whatever I do not contradict — And this I
mean not only in matters of fact, but even respecting conjectures &
opinions — In said letter I say to have heard ^Hhat the King of france
would probably continue to object to a general exchange of prisoners, to
distrefs England, where men so scarce *' — the fact is that he objected to
unreasonable conditions, and the English being prepofse^sed with the
notion, that all propositions founded on principles of equality Csf justice^ are
presumptuous & inadmifsible, took in their heads, that he meant to have
no exchange — their Ministry at last thought proper to be complaisant^ &
the exchange is now Going on very regularly. As to the interest of the
money, it is certain that they have borrowed it on the same terms they
did, last year : but while I was a writing letter 2 in Nantes, one M'
Williams, who is now going to America in the Sally, Capt : Cogshall,
Uncle to M' Jonathan Williams, nephew to D' Franklin, afsured me
that he had seen the scheme of the Ministry, & found by a very accu-
rate calculation that the advantages offered to the lenders rised the inte-
rest to 12 pr ■ Cent, the scheme he mentioned has not taken place —
Perhaps the succefs they had since, against the Spaniards, procured
them better terms, as every thing there goes on Credit, which is subject
to prodigious falls and rises from th^ news of the day — however 7 pr :
cent is interest enough to announce the Bankruptcy approaching, with
gigantic steps, — the affairs of Ireland are now more likely to come to a Ireland
crisis, and if it should be the case, it will be owing entirely to the most
egregious folly of the British Ministry, as I foretold in said letter 2,
Since they have in their behaviour with Ireland constantly & too plainly
shown, both timidity & deceit, no good however, can come to us from
SJi^Jf CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 that quarter, unlefs they are forced into a seperation, which I don't ex-
pect, and if their demands are satisfied, they will rather give a lift to
pn lot England during the storm — Not the least intimation has been offered to
france or spain, that they would even accept the offer of a foreign aflis-
tance : on the contrary, their begotted repugnance to a separation is very
clear, but let us not dare to blame them ; we have done exactly the
same, & it may be said with Justice, that we behaved like a most stub-
born lover, who will not part from his proud insolent mistrefs, until she
kicks him out of door —
The almost general discontentment in England must have lately disturbed
the ministry & master George, much more than the Irish Commotions ;
as the opposition in the house of Commons got by it the 16*^ inst : the
majority in 3 points, tending to lessen the influence of the Crown — the
Lords have sent their negative to the first ; it is supposed they will do
the same with the others : & the ministry have since rccovcrd by a few
votes the majority in the lower house
Matters are just as I wish them to be — I don't want to see the opposi-
tion triumphant — I only want them strong enough to keep up confusion
& to harrafs the ministry —
If the Irish were satisfied in their claims & the English had a popular
ministry, they would make wonderful efforts — I love mankind & would
be glad to see the world free, England inclusive, but as long as the
present war lasts, I want the British helm to remain in the same hands
it now is —
In letter 7,* I said that it was supposed that Rodney was agoing to the
Islands with 12 ships of the line, but he went only with 4. the french
therefore must have continued to have the superiority acquired by the
arrival of M. Quichen, although the other fleet, which according to faid
letter ought to have sailed, about the middle of march, is ftill at orest —
in a few days I hope I shall be able to inform you of the departure of
that fleet, as well as of 12 Spanish ships of the line & 12000 men, from
Cadiz — I shall conclude my conection of what I have written hitherto,
by contradicting the going of the Spaniards to attack Rodney, as men-
ioncd in faid letter 7. I had that wrong intelligence from the marquis
Caraccioli ; who had it of the Spanish Ambassabor — the mistake arose
from the Courier Coming away Just when they were a taking up the
anchors, having determined to go : & about 2 hours after they changed
opinion for reasons, which if they were all publickly known, I suppose
• they would be approved —
I have the honour to be most respectfuly,
Sir,
You Excellencys most obedient
& most humble Servant "
&c &c
^^ P. S. the said peremptory demand of England, made the 22"^ of
march insisted on an answer within 2 weeks. The Dutch hegedloi time
as the nature of the businefs required the votes of several states, which
could not be collected so soon —
The 17*^ instant George, with the advice of his wise Council, declared
all the treaties between him & their high mightinesses reduced to nothing
as his proclamation orders the British Subjects alias Pirates, to treat the
Dutch like all other neutral powers, specifying the practical liberties to
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $46
be exercised, which implies a disregard of the Declaration of the Rufsian 1780
Emprefs, who insists on the right of the whole world to enjoy the liberty ^ .j ^^^
of the sea — I long to see how she will relish it. She certainly is not a lady to
trifle with — It was clear that the answer of the Dutch would be unsatisfac-
tory for George ; especially as some of the States had already pronounced ;
& be has resolved to play a desperate game. I should not wonder if his
heavy head was at last to fall on the Ground —
2°* P. S. the first & this 2"* P. S, with the inclosed paper, contain-
ing matters which relate entirely to the contents of the above letter 11.
I have thought proper to give them room in it, rather than in others
written on the interim, I shall always follow this method, when I have
it in my power — I have kept the above . open, because our brave Paul
Jones, by whom I shall send it, is here still, by the inclosed (copied
from the Leiden Gazette) you will see how the Dutch are thankfull to p^yj j^^nes
the Emprefs of Rufsia, for the courage she sent them in her manifest &
invitation, since they have made a public Decree of receiving it ova
Reconnaissance Without that, I am confident that their denial of the
subsidies to Great Britain would have been exprefsed in the most suppli-
cating pusillanimous language, and that they would have taken longer
time to consider, their phlegmatic conduct in the affair of Count Ry-
land, has really been without scandalously shameful: On the contrary
now you will observe in the resolution of the States of Holland & west
fiase, on the same subject, decorum & Boldness, which will no doubt be
followed by the others — I never troubled you with an account of that
affair : because it was so notorious & made so great a noise, that you
could not but hearing it from many quarters. An anecdote, which I
think of consequence, though not so much noticed, is that of the funds
in England falling only ^ P. cent, in consequence of Georges' proclama-
tion of the 17^ £ 1^1 in consequence of the Prufsian Minister having
not been at his Levee, after a conference he had with him in his Cabinet
the day before —
Permit me Sir, to congratulate you, on the General prospect of things,
it cannot be better for us we have not much longer to suffer, & our
sufferings form the most shining part of our merits. I can afsure you
Sir, from good Authorities, that our perseverance in enduring so many „ .
i_ J !_• 1/1 i_ i_ ° 11 Sentiment la
severe hardships, not only reilects as much honour on us, as our noble favor of
determination of Resistance & our martial courage, but it has also created America
almost all over Europe, a kind of Sympathetic affection in our favour,
which is not a little increased by the unaccountable insolence of Great
Britain — the present policy of the British Ministry is certainly very
strange — it appears to me, that seeing the approaching necefsity of mak-
ing a dishonorable peace, they intend by multiplying the evils, to induce
the nation to call loudly for it, & by that means avoid the blame of being
the authors. Perhaps they flatter themselves with the vain satisfaction
of puffing, that they have had the whole world against them, & that
nothing else could ever have obliged them to it — or rather they can no
more form a plan, and depend entirely on chance —
Will: Harrison to Philip Burk at Winchester, enclosing claim for ^^J *^
j£iooo worth, provisions furnished Maj*^ Geo: Slaughter, for State Yohogui Co
Troops " over the mountains" &c
44
846 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 Philip Mazzie to Gov: Jefferson —
In letter 7 the first of which I gave to Marquis de la fayette, I took
^^' the liberty to propose to you the sending to Leghorn if pofsible, under
french colours a cargo of the best tobacco — I have since been informed
by the Tuscan Minister (who is Ametican in the heart & is of service
to me) that good Indigo would likewise be a very profitable article there
& especially at present. I was not acquainted with it before, but he has
proved it to me very clear & is so sanguine in it, that he would, if prac-
ticable, take some interest in the cargo, himself — I therefore wish that
you could & would make a tryal —
You will lemember that one of the points I always had in v^ew for
the good of our country, in these difficult times, was the persuading the
Italians to send us on their account, & at their risk, such goods as we are
in most need of I have observed to the said Gentleman, Marquis Carac.
ciola, & other Italian ministers & travellers, the advantages which would
result to the States of Italy from there entering early in a commercial
correspondence with America — I have seen already, from various symp-
toms, that seeds scattered in such a manner are apt to vegetate A
Cousin to the present first minister of the King of Naples, came pur-
posely to converse with me on the subject, & before we parted from this
place, made me promise that I would write my notions about it, as soon
as I have leisure & send them to him. he & another person of higb
rank & abilities engaged me much to go to Naples myself, which I in-
tend to do if my purse will bear it. that King may become a useful
Effort! to inter- ^^icnd to US, particularly on account of the barbarians, as he intends to
est the Italitni have soon, a respectable Marine, consisting of 1 2 ships of the line, fre-
gates & othes vefsels, sufficient to protect a free navigatioji in the xV4edi-
terranean : but at present the States of Italy cannot act openly for
several reasons. I will mention one, which is not perhaps so very obvi-
ous— they cannot, prudently take the lead of Prussia, Rufsia & the Em-
peror— The only way for the Italian Adventurers would be, after having
their Cargoes ready for America, to take their dispatches for France,
where they ought to be furnished with French pass-ports, letters of mark
& every thing requisite. I mentioned it early, to D^ Franklin, desiring
that he would procure me an interview with the minister, as I wanted to
carry with me the certainty of having executed here what I might pro-
pose to them. He undertook to do it, & the week after, told me that he
had not been at Versailles — the foreign ministers go there only on tues-
day, unless there are particular reasons^ as prefsing businefs &c — the next
time, he could not mention it, having had too much to do — the 3^ week
^ ... it had gone quite out of his mind : and as he exprefsed not remembering
Dr Franklin well what it was that I wanted to propose, I repeated it. he then pro-
pofed that I would write it & he would give it to the minister — I ob-
served that the point in question could probably be well digested & de-
termined in one conversation ; that the writing upon it would be too
tedious & too difficuh a task, & in short that it could not bo done with
any propriety, without being thoroughly acquainted with their maritime
laws & regulations & some of their treaties j especially with the barba-
rians he advised me to go to one M. Chaumont, a good friend of his
At a Gentleman from whom I could have, he said, all the informations I
might wish, relative to the French national affairs. I eould get none
however, but was favoured an advice to persuade the Italians to what
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $47
they probably would not & prudently should not do. I had made many 1780
trips & lost many days after the desired informations, when I returned to
the Doctor, mentioned the impropriety of the advice, & repeated my de- *^ ^
sire of having something done in an af&iir, which I conceived might be
of great utility to us. the day before yesterday I spoke again to him on
the subject, said that the only way to do something was the going to the
fountain at once ft exprefsed again a desire of his afsistance to enable
me to serve our Country — he had often complained, in our conversations
of the multiplicity of business ; he repeated the same on this occasion,
ft said that the best then, the Italians could do was, in his opinion, to
follow M. Chaumonts advice. I therefore determined to go to work
some other way ft not to trouble him any more on thst score. I asked
him if he had tound certain papers relative to the money, which Con-
grefs want to borrow ft others, all which I was to peruse, ft to take
copies of such, I thought might be of use to me —
He had had no time to look, he said, but he would do it ft send them to
me — In my last letters before I leave Paris, I shall perhaps be more
explicit, 'till then I intend to say nothing more than what is necefsary
to convince you that I am as I have always been ft shall be as active &
as zealous as pofsible in my endeavours to promote the good of our
Country through every means —
I am most respectfully,
Sir,
Your Excellencys' most obed^
ft most Humble Servant "
ftc &c
Oliver Pollock to John Todd County Lieut : of Illinois, acknowledge
ing receipt of his, without date by the hands of mons : Perrault — *^ *^
By this he had received a bill on France for j£65.8i4f for his ad- New OileMt
vances made to Virginia, but is unable to negotiate it at that place, on
account of the great scarcity of specie, which would continue until
a supply be gotten from Havana. This gives him great concern, be-
cause it prevents his using the bills of Gen : Clarke and other officers,
and therefore from procuring the supplies of Clothing so much needed
by them.
Gov : Galvez had captured Mobile, and is beseiging Pensacola — had
been created a Field Marshall — (hould he be succefsful at Pensacola,
and return to New Orleans, he should exert himself to make use of
him —
By Post Script of the 26*** he regrets to say — Gov : Galvez has re-
turned to New Orleans : not hav'g been supported in time by the ex-
pected fleet from Havana, had abandoned the Seige of Pensacola — He
has made application to Galvez for pecuniary ailistance but without suc-
cess, as that officer required all his funds for his own purposes — had
managed however, to negotiate Clarkes & Montgomerys' bills, and earn-
estly begs, that those officers will be as frugal as poiHble with the pur-
chases made.
Rofs, Shore ft C% pay to the State three barrels of Gun Povraer, May ^
^^ containing five hundred ft five pounds nett," being the amount bor- jtichmond
rowed by them —
348
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
Mty 9th
Monongalia
S9;John Evans County Lieut : to Philip Bush at Winchester, applying to
him for the means of purchasing Provisions for the N . Western Dept :
and for the Militia when called out for defence of the same. He had
advanced all the money he could, and can no longer get credit, ^^the
people having been so disappointed in gtting their cash for articles they
have spared, they will part with nothing more " — The enemy so trouble-
some that unlefs men are constantly kept on duty, *^ the fronteirs would
break up " &c
May lath
Pwit
Sailing of
Rochambeau
Rite of the
French nary
Capt Royer
Philip Mazzie to Governor Jefferson.
" Sir
The fleet of M' de Ternay, consisting of 7 ships of the line, one 64,
ditto armed as a flute (which means having no guns in the lower bat-
tery) fregates & other smaller vefsels, with 6300 men, commanded by
lieut : General Rochambeau, sailed at last from Brest the 2^ instant :
they carry arms & cloathing for our men & cash for their use. It is ex-
pected that the 2^ Division will sail in about 3 weeks, & that it will con-
sist in 2 or 3 ships of the line & 3 or 4000 men. The Spanish fleet,
consisting of 12 (hips of the line & some smaller vefsels with 11,460
men sailed from Cadiz the 28*^ ult°. The English have put back into
harbour for the 3^ time, some of their men of war not being fit for the
voyage, though they give out other reasons. They will be extremely
puzzled to resist the power of France & Spain, notwithstanding the lo(s
of 10 Spanish ships of the line in the winter, between taken, burnt h
shipwreck. I beg leave to make some observations which may bring us
to a clear view of things. The Spanish Marine was never in good
order : the french a few years past was not even in existence : & the
English has been on the best footing since near 2 centuries — It is ob-
vious that the 2 first, must have been subject to many inconveniences,
derived from bad management, for want of experience & foresight in
evenr department. But those evils are easily cured by degrees, where
gooa will & courage are not wanting : & indeed in France they seem to
heal very fast. The English Marine on the contrary, went on by itself
mechanically: long use and repeated experience has kept the various parts
in tolerable good order, notwithstanding their ignorance, indolence &
blunders of the moving Springs — But now a general disorder creeps in
them, & courage diminishes, while the dayly improvements are amazing
here : and courage exists to the highest pitch. The English seem to be
still something superior in the maneuvres at Sea, but it won't be long
the case. The French have now a number of good, experienced offi-
cers, the intelligence of whom has lately shined, no less than their
bravery. As to bravery, I hardly think that the English impudence
would go so far as to deny, that they have been worsted in almost every
encounter where the powers have been equal.
There remains not a doubt about this, the proves having been so many.
I will mention one, really surprising, which must cover those pufliing
sea-bears with confusion and shame — Cap^ Royer, commanding 3 fre-
gates of 28 guns each, after a fight of one hour & half the 27^ ult®
against 4 English from 30 to 36 guns, having been mortally wounded,
left things in such a condition to the next in command, that the enemy,
a little while after, were obliged to go ofl\ It is time that Cap*" Royer
had already given many proves of his extraordinary skill & bravery, but
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 349
his last appears tj me the greatest. The 3 fregates, with a prize, which 1780
tbef took after the battle came to Dunkerque, where the Hero has been
buried with the honours of a Lieut : Genh leaving to the King, the mel- *^ '*
ancholy satisfaction of showing his humanity to the widow —
To return to our observations on the present situation of affairs in
Europe : France alone will soon have a marine at least equal to Eng-
hnd, ft France k Spain joined have it now much superior — The 2
nations are on the best terms with all Europe : the English are either
hated or despised — The inclosed answer of the King of France to the
Emprefs of Rufsia exprefses the real sentiments of the monarch, heartily
adopted by his Council k spreading very fast through the nation. The
answer of Sp&in it conceived in terms, signifying the same : & that if
the British Kin^ shows disappointment, & an unsuccefsfull attempt to
keep up dignity — It is ambiguous & evasive, while that of France is Feeling tgaintt
clear geometry. While the world sees an insatiable avarice & an im- England
moderate thirst of Empire in England, joined to an unbearable insolence,
France is admired for disinterested nefs, moderation k the exemplary
regard paid to the rights of nations. No nation now mistrusts what
France says, no kind of faith is given to the other.
And in this situation of things, the English have the daring impudence
to break our ears with their old fong in the pretended aspiring ambition
& duplicity or the house of Bourbon — What a strange revolution of
things ! What a happy circumstance for us to have divided in time
from these wretches ! In this Country it is surprising to see the rapid
progrefs of libeial fentiments in all ranks of people : it seems as if the
whole nation were turned true citizens of the world — In England every
thing is selfish and clanish — Here the King, his ministers k the nation
seem to form one family. These not only they are divided in parties ;
but those parties are subdivided in infinitum. The lefs disunited is the
Court party, because it is cemented with gold — That metal has been
lately of great service to the minister, k must have been used with great
profusion, since he has so suddenly recovered k afsured his majority both
in England k Ireland — I intended to send you the patriotic speeches of
M** Grattan k others, but as I could not get the originals, k they have
produced nothing, I shall decline it. In England they are constantly
driving from all places on board the men of war, poor people, who . .
hardly know the difference betwixt an anchor k 2l cable : & with all that i„°EnglUh "*"
they will find it yevy difficult to man 70 ships of the line for their fleet lervice
in the channel. In France they could man double that number, by
taking a small proportion of the rivers water-men : & if there is a prefs,
it must be very insignificant fince we hear nothing of it, ic I have seen
no such a thing in those Sea-ports where I have been —
All persons coming from London, bring the most dismal accounts of
the distrefses of that town, occasioned by the War. In Paris, they
speak of the War, as if it were between Tartary k China — We now oc
then hear some complaints, but they come from those who cannot ob-
tian permiffion to go to fight, & especially in America — Eight grenadiers
who were on furlough, seeing by the papers that their Regiment was
agoing with M. de Rochambeau, & fearing of being left behind if they
did not go very quick, they made a purse between them, k went post — French seal in
When they arrived at Brest, they had no more than 12 Sous left in all, behalf of
& they were as happy as Kings, since they were in time to embark with A"»«"«"
their Companions. Count de Custine, having a Regiment of Dragoons
360 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 of his own name, which is esteemed a great honour in this country, ex-
-^^ . changed it for a regiment of infantry to go with M. de Rochambeau —
The King having observed it to him, when he went to ask leave, he an-
swered, ^^ I know not a Service more honorable than that where one
can fight the Enemies of your Majesty " — Another Colonel, the cheva^
Her de Choisy^ a person of high rank, has given up his regiment, to go
with M. de Rochambeau as Volunteer — out as it would be an endlefs
work to tell you all the anecdotes of this kind, I will conclude by in-
forming you that this expedition is made up of the best troops in the
world.
In my next I intend to tell you something of the plan I have endea-
voured to have executed : about which, when I have been in want of ad-
vice, I have thought proper to consult only M' John Adams I have
the honour to be most respectfuily,
Sir •
your Excellencys' most obd^ & most
t Humble Servant."
kc &c
P. S.
The French Gov' having wifely determined to carry on the war in-
distant parts, their Fleet in Europe will not be so considerable as it was
thought — It will at any rate be superior to the english — They have at
last adopted a good plan : that of watching the merchant-fleets of the
Enemy. For this reason perhaps^ they seem now determined to give
the Command of it to M. 'BuchafFault, and to keep Count d'Estaing at
home —
The English are going on Capturing the Dutch vefsels in direct oppo-
sition to the Manifest of Rufsia — I expect soon to hear the thunder, k
am confident that their temerity proceeds from despair : unlefs they hope
to mend matters like Harlequin Shoemaker. The French Troops are
6300, including those of the Marine, k the Spanish are above 12000,
including ab* 800 recruits, who were not in the first list I saw."
May 15th Resolution, desiring the Executive, to furnish the State of North
Hoiue of Dele- Carolina, with such number of Arms, as can be safely spared from the
gates of Vt Public Magazines of the State —
May 10th Philip Mazzie to Governor Jefferson —
ParU " Sir,
As soon as I got to Paris, I was very industrious in endeavouring to
confute & destroy the injurious prevailing reports of our inclining to
"e"otartodii- unite again with Great Britain, at the same time insinuating that the
abuie the public french government ought to send us an effectual afsistance to defeat en-
I o( faiie report! tjrely our Enemies in this Campaign, (a thing easy to them k absolutely
^ necefsary according to sound poiicy) I shall now tell you, agreable to my
promise in letter 15, Something of the plan of operations I have recom-
mended.
Tou must consider that in february & march we knew nothing certain
Moyemeatsof jj^^Qyt Clintons expedition to the Southward, we knew that New York
^hu^T'''' & long Island had been reinforced with Naval & Land forces by Ad-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 361
miral Arbuthnot (who entered the Hook, the day I got out of it, the 1780
27* of August) & with the strong garrison from Rhode Island. ^ .
Some vague reports of Cornwallis having gone to South Carolina with cornwaiiii'
5000 men & Clinton & Arbuthnot to the Islands with 6000 k 6 men of movementi
war, were not beleived: I gave notice of the fortifications they had
made & were a making there, when I came away ; the most important
of which must be a fort on the heights of Long Island opposite to the
Market place, where the first fascines were carted to the 23'* August —
Marquis la Fayette remained here a few days after I had written letter Lafayette in
7 : he was very desirous of knowing the strength of the enemy in ca- '*'^* **
valry ; in which I was sorry not to have in my power to satisfy him— I
found that Govern' intended to send immediately over to America a per-
son to purchase 1200 horses, & upon the whole, I thought I could see
that Canada or Halifax would be their object rather than New York. I
therefore undertook to prove that nothing effectual could be done, with-
out a superiority on the water: that with such a superiority Long Island Pianfbrcaptor-
k New York might be as easily taken, considering all circumstances, as 1?^^''*^, Y^^
any other petty British establishment on the Continent ; that the taking ^^ *^"'
of any other place could not afford a sufficient relief to America & in the
mean time the opportunity of completing the businefs might be lost,
that New Yotk was not onlj the head quarters of the Enemies, but
likewise thfir general repository of all kinds of stores, provisions, am-
munitions tVc ; that the lofs of New York would be their fatal blow ;
that that place ought to be considered as a real trap for the Enemy, that
not a man nor a vessel, nor any thing coud escape us, if the affair was
properly conducted ; that nothing more was required than a sufficient
number of ships of the Line to blok those of the Enemy within the
Hook, frigates k smaller vefsels to protect the crofsing of our men
through the Sounds over long Island (which at the same time would hin-
der theirs from running away) muskets k ammunition for our Militia &
good artillery to attack the forts of the heights : that after the lofs of
their forts, the enemy must surrender at discretion ; for which reason
they ought to be told immediately, that no quarter will be given, if they
should destroy anything after that time: & that the Americans could
afterwards complete the businefs by themselves everywhere on the
Continent. Canada inclusive, provided the Allies would prevent
the Enemy Shipping themselves off, from one place to another.
I think I proved that they can Easily be taken or destroyed where they
are, without allowing them time to recollect themselves, k run to the
protection of their Islands, if the plan is maturely dijested between the
French Commander & General Washington only^ which I observed, to
be the only method to keep it secret — I said that the French fleet & army Neccsiit/ of
must not appear there, before every point is fixed k everything ready & Secrecy
gave what I think very good reasons, founded cheifly on what I have
seen. On that account, I recommended their going forth to the Islands,
at the same time despatching from hence a frigate with letters to Genl :
Washington only, I described candidly the fable (?) of our *Commander:
I afsured that he is too modest, diffident of his own opinion & that it is Imbecility
to be apprehended from him too great a propensity to leave the direction of °^*^*
the undertaking to the french Commander, which is necefsary that thib °"*"*" "
last should guard against — I recommended above all things the frigates &
* It teems impossibie to conjecture to whom he refers.
852
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
Miy aoth
smaller vessels to protect the Sounds : without which I demonftrated
the difficulty of taking the forts on the heights — I proved by many pow-
erful reasons, the inexpediency of going directly from hence to the Con-
tinent, and the advantages of going first to the Islands * I had the satis-
faction to find that my plan was approved & to hear some flattering ex-
pressions about it, but had it ever been adopted ad Utteram^ posterior
events may probably have occasioned some alterations —
Clinton*! disas- The accounts of Clintons' bad treatment by Eolus^ joined to the in-
h ' *L^* d"^ telligence sent by Marquis de Lafayette, certainly hastened the sailing of
parture of fleet ^^^ ^^^^ uncompleted ; some of the forces for want of transports having
from Brett been left at Brest to form a second division, as mentioned in letter 15.
It is likewise to be considered that the whole had been intended to have
sailed in March ^ the event must prove if I have been so happy as to
contribute something to the suppon of our Cause, which I have the
satisfection to afsure you brings on us every day more & more the love
esteem & admiration of the Europeans k especially of our good Allies —
It wound be too tedious to repeat all I have said ft written on the sub-
ject, you may heleive me when I tell you I have spared no time or trou-
ble, and I hope that you will agree that while it was not in my power to
proceed on the businefs I have been sent upon, I could make no better
use of my time. Succefs in the General affair will even facilitate the
businefs I have been intrusted with. I shall not mention the respecta-
ble Persons, by whom I have been Greatly & heartly afsisted. discre-
tion forbids it, since it is unnecefsary, it cou'd be of prejudice to some &
I have been afsured that the most intricated cipher can be deciphered. I
shall finish by acquainting you, that I sent a sketch of my plan to
Lieutenant GenI : de Rochambeauy by Count W'" de deux pontSy who is
under his command & to whom I gave a letter of recommendation for
you, dated March 27^, which you will probably receive before this —
I have the honour to be most Respectfully
Sir
Your Excellencys' most Obed^ and most
Humble Servant
Policy of
secrecy
Mr Adami &c
<'P. S. — Since written the above I have found that the first & strong
motion towards sending us effectual afsistance, was made by M' Adams,
& put in good hands, just before he sailed for Boston. & that he has
been warmly seconded in his absence by Marquis de la Fayette — I no
more wonder then at any eafy succefs & rapid progrefs — I feel a great
pleasure in the zeal of those 2 noble patriots, and am satisfied with what-
ever little share I may have had in it."
May aoth
Resolutions, empowering the Executive to imprefs wagons and teams,
b! "^^ ^^'^ critical juncture,'* for the purpose of transporting the baggage
•tem y ^ provisions of the Maryland Troops to South Carolina : also to im-
prefs saddles and bridles, and all other necefsaries to be employed in
giving greater celerity to their march — the value of all articles imprefsed
to be appraised by two free-holders before taken —
Nantei
M. p. Penet, to the Governor and Council of Virginia —
Gentlemen,
You have no doubt been informed of the misfortunes that have be-
fallen us in the Confederacy, and of the retard occasioned by them* — We
J
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 363
left Philadelphia on the 25"* Oct: ult: I arriv'd at Nantes only in march. 1780
From this place I sat off immediately to execute without delay the ^^ '.
orders I received from you, that I might at the same time negotiate a
loan, according to the Instructions & Powers which were delegated to
me by your Honourable Council. I apply'd directly to the Gentlemen
deputed by the different Cantons of Switzerland to the Court of France \
but before I enter into discourse with them concerning that negotiation,
I try'd to know their sentiments about your actual circumstances : they
appeared not to consider them in a favourable light — The miscarriage of
the Count Destaings' Expedition in Georgia, the Discredit k under-vaiue
of your paper money, the Commotions in Philadelphia about salt & other
objects, having been communicated by Public news-papers, all those
things, and the immenfe lofses the Europeans had sustained in their
Trade, with your Continent stopt on a sudden all Businefs — When I Lots of
faw the Merchants of this Country were disheartened ; that for all I confidence
could plead against their prevention, Financeers would no longer specu-
late ; in that dilemma, I thought it was best to propose the proposal of
the Loan. A conversation on that subject pafs'd between me & the
Hon^^^ Doctor Franklin : I was told by him that a great number of peo-
ple having been Commifsion*d by different States to raise such Loans,
fiar from succeeding happily in their negotiations, they prevented other
Gentlemen to obtain succefs, on account of the prejudices they had ex-
cited in being importunate —
By this time several men of war with transports, & six thousand land
forces must be near the Coasts of America. In about two months, a re*
inforcement is to be embark'd, in order to Joyn the first Army — I do
not in the least, question but that fleet landing the Troops on your Con-
tinent, your affairs will wear another face, and the Credit of your paper
money will be re-establish'd — The Super — Intendent General of the
Fleet &; Army bound to your parts, being a Nobleman concerned in my
Company, whom the King has promoted to that Post ; I had many con«
ferences at Paris with him relative to the affairs of America, and Cheifly
to the power, Riches & Resources of your Common — wealth, the Har-
mony in your Councils, good order in your General Meetings & Strict
Equity in your Dealings.
I caus'd to be recommended to the Commifsioners & other Gentlemen
named to provide supplies for the French Army in America, to take
from the State of Virginia, the corn, flower, fodder, Horses & salt meat
they shall want. The Treasurer of the army is directed to pay every
thing with good Bills on France : and as that Gentleman is one of my
Friends if you have a mind to procure fome Bills either for yourselves
or others, please to write to him : he was so obliging as to promise me the
preference for your State — In case you treat with him, the Exchange is
to be in Proportion of your currency. I think it should be an impor-
tant Businefs, if you could contract to furnish all the supplies to the
French army, which consists in Provisions only : your Province is abun-
dantly stock'd with them —
My House at nantes, in Conformity to my advice, has Just dispatch'd
a vefsel call'd the Committee, loaded with an assortment of Goods &
ammunitions as pr : your Order — At present it is impofsible to provide
ships & still lefs Sailors — I have employed my friends at Court near the
ministers : but notwithstanding my Influence & Expostulations to get
some ships that are detain'd in Harbours for Transports releas'd — I met
45
8B4 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 with no succefs — They say the Royal navy is in want of them, & for
that Reason none can be expedited — As a special favour I obtained only
*y *°^ five and twenty men for the Committee — You may depend Gentlemen,
that no opportunities shall be neglected by me, to perform my engage-
ments with the State of Virginia — I expect in a short space of time, to
see our Commerce more free & active — I am about to prepare adventures
for you, suitable to the feason — From this month to September, I will
foward the articles that are fit for winter. I am on the point of conclud-
ing a Treaty for eight hundred thousand livers Tournois : it respects the
cloathing of your troops, and all their accoutrements : also the arma-
ments, with all the necefsaries for the fitting out of your vesfsels — I
earnestly wish I may be able to perform such a Treaty for the Best of
your Interest. The payment of s** eight hundred thousand livres is propos'd
to be made in following manner — Twelve thousand Guineas ready money.
The remainder to be paid in six, nine, & twelve months — Our House
wants no Credit, we might afford several millions if we could depend on
exact remittances, every nine or twelve months — I fay I expect remit-
tances, because in France, had any body the misfortune not to pay due
honor to his engagements, which are held sacred, in a moment His repu-
tation. His Credit are lost. As we shall be considerably in advance, it
is then highly necefsary that you should make remittances on all occa-
sions to j£urope — I paid to M** Mazzie in Paris, three hundred Louis
d'or agreeable to the Order, I receiv'd from the Council of State whilst
I was in Williamsburg — I spoke many times with him and got him intro-
duced to fome Gentlemen, that may be serviceable to him at Court. I
wish with all my heart, his Projects may meet with a favourable Ifsue ;
but I must own freely in the conversation I had with several great men
on that Topick, I was ascertained such Projects were not Practicable —
However, M' Mazzie is a man of parts —if his Projects miscarry it shall
not be for want of good zeal in the service of the State : Consequently
his conduct cannot be blamable —
During the time I staid in Paris, I had frequent Opportunities to dis-
course with Several Farmers General, touching Tobacco Trade, which
in Peace, will become most Considerable— None have more facilities
Importtnce of ^^^^ ^^^ State of Virginia, to undertake supplying them with that com-
the Tobacco modity — The TrafEck of Tobacco might produce four millions at least
trade annually. Many Persons of Virginia k Maryland design to have staples
at L'Orient & at Dunquerque. Should the State venture on that Plan,
I will be answerable on account of the Great Connections I have found
with the Farmers General, theirs will be prefer'd to others — In France
the best Tobacco is not fought for : that of your second quality sells as
well as the first : but In future they well know the difference, and I shall
endeavour to obtain the most advantageous price in the distinction of
them.
When peace is come, it will be an easy matter for the State to procure
ships & load them with great quantities of Tobacco. By these means
large sums might be held at their disposal in Europe. You might even
establish a Bank between Virginia & France to improve the Stocks —
I have the Honour to Inform You Gentlemen, that next place you
Ordnance '"^X ^^ supply'd with one to thirty six-pounders cast in a Royal Foundry
well finilh'd & try'd before the delivery — It is requir'd I should give four
pounds of unwrought Iron, for one transmuted into a Cannon : so that
CALENDA^R OF STATE PAPERS. 356
with sixteen hundred pounds of Iron, you can have a Gun well made &; 1780
prov'd weighing four hundred pounds wt : — ^ ^^^^
The Foundry is established on the river Loire two Leagues from
Nantes. As soon as peace is proclaim'd, if you be willing to expedite
some ships to this place, you might have them Ballast with Iron, and in
return ship the Cannons that are necefsary for your Armories, Coasts &
fields. The Manufacture of small arms, hand guns &c, which was in-
tended to be established in Virginia, cannot be founded in time of the
war between France & England— The pain is capital, at the peril of one's -
life, it is forbidden to give passage to any workmen employed in such
manufactories — By that Prohibition, we suiter a great lofs, on adcount of
the Dispositions that were already taken for that Establishment : Above
all we regret to be compelled to suspend it —
I flatter'd myself on my departure from America, to be able coming
back, after the Expiration of one year : but when I consider the state of
things, it is a duty incumbent upon me to prolong my sojourn in France.
My Presence is indispensable to discharge faithfully the trust you were
so good as to repose in me : and to conduct at the same time your bufl-
nesswith good Order 4 dispatch. Would you be pleas'd to communi-
cate my letter to the Honorable Members of the Board of Trade — You
have herewith some Public news papers for your persusal —
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient &
devoted, humble fervant —
&c &c
Philip Boush, Depty : Com : to Mefsrs : Eaten & Brown, Dep : **•/ *3*
Com"" at Williamsburg. Winchettw
" Gentlemen
Incloust I have Sunte you Sum latters I rec^ frotn Monongalia and
Yoho gen^. thes ar not all, for Sund" of Ace** for provesion on the
Roote on tar March over the Moundens wich ar werry hie at Tavern
Rates tar for.
I shall be werry Glade to have Yorn Orders to Know wath I am to Quaint letter '
tou with the Acc'% if I am to pay tham or not — the Lattell monny I
Rec^ from you, I have lath out for provesions for this post, wich will not
last lopge, and than the troops t^at Comes this way will Suffer, without
I am Sublite with Cash — I finde by his Excellencys latters to the County
Lieut^ of thefran Countys, I shall have all tham on my Back with tar
Ace** for paymand, as he Writhes in his latters, that I am furnicht with
Monny to Surpley all the troops for the West" Dept. I have Wroth
you the prisees of provesion in my last, but ta Rifs averey Day hier, so
that a Small Sum is not worth santing Ac " * * ♦
• • * * I am Gam^ your Werry H. S*
&c &c
Gcnl : Andrew Lewis, Gev : Webb and Jacqueline Amber Esq", ap- i^^- ^.^j^
pointed by joint Resolution, Members of the Privy Council, in place of
John Page Tho' Blackbourne Esq" and David Meade Esquires, re- f/vituu*"^^
signed — Also appointing Leighton Wood jnr: & Harrison Randolph Es- *'^
quires Auditors, to succeed Tho* Everard and James Cocke Esq'* re-
signed—
366 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 The Executive authorized and desired to appoint proper persons
Ma a6tk whose duty it shall be to purchase horses and accoutrements to mount
and equip the Light Dragoons raised in the State for the Continental
Genl Auembly ^fmy
May 3otii The Executive desired to suspend the foregoing resolution, in regard
Oeni Aiiembiy ^^ purchasing horses &c, for the present : on account of the ioW^ state of
the Treasury —
Parole of "I promise on the Faith of a Gentleman, that I will not leave the
Harmer Commonwealth, without licence from the Governor, that if he should
think proper at any time to restrain me within certain limits, I will re-
main within such limits, that I will neither say nor do any thing directly
nor indirectly to the prejudice of the faid Commonwealth, or any of the
United States of America, and that this parole shall be binding on me
until I shall be recognized by the Laws of the said Commonwealth, as
a citizen thereof, or otherwise discharged by the Governor —
GEO: HARMER"
June lit Resolutions, declaring the Field Officers, chosen to command the
Genl A'lembiy ^^^^^^^ about to march to the afsistance of South Carolina, shall take
of yirginia rank, in accordance with their priority of rank in the regular Army :
that of those not previously in the Service, to be fixed by majority of
votes by ballot.
In the House of Delegates —
Thursday i** June 1780 —
June lat Congress, having by Exprefs informed his Excellency the Governour
that they have received authentic intelligence that a powerful Land
DcicgatM Force, and Naval Armament, is speedily expected to Arrive in North
America, to act in conjunction with our Force against the Common
Preamble, grf- gn^my ^ ^nd having also represented the exhausted state of the Conti-
neccMary and nental Treasury, whereby they are rendered unable to act with Vigour
urgent meu- on this Critical occasion ; and to use with sufficient energy the Army
"•^** ^®y*"'°* under the Command of his Excellency General Washington ; which if
Va"^^ properly employed might put an happy period to the war ; and having
required from this Commonwealth, an immediate supply of i 953. 200
Dollars, to be paid into the Continental Treasury before the 15'^ of
June : which if withheld, will produce an immediate stagnation in all
the departments of the war, and render the Army an Expensive, but
useless body. And as it is evident, that in an Extended State like this,
it is impofsible by the slow collection of Taxes, to comply with the
prefsing and instant demands of Congress —
Resolved^ that it be recommended to the members of both Houses of
Appeal to the General Afsembly, and to the Gentlemen in the Country and Towns
of*Delcgate8 adjacent, for the purpose of complying with the above requisitions of
and gentlemen Congress, to advance for the public use so much Tobacco, and such
generally sums of money as they can possibly spare.
Resolved^ that on this urgent occasion the General Afsembly will, on
n -..!-.- or before the first day of December next, with Interest thereon, equal in
Remuneration ^i • / 1 1 1 l • o 1 • •
proTUed far value, at the time of payment to the sum advanced on this Dubscription
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. $57
to be ascertained by the prices of Tobacco, fixt on by the Grand Jury 1780
in the Courts of June and October next — .
Resolved, that any Person his Executors, or Administrators advancing
money agreeable to the foregoing Resolutions, and paying the same either
into to the Treasury, or into the hands of Thomas Nelson jun' Edmund Pw»o«w ap-
Pendleton, Fielding Lewis, William Armstead, Garland Anderson, Bart- Jg("]*jjj^°f„'*J,
let Anderson or William Call Esq^% shall be allowed to discount the and Tobacco
same out of their first Taxes, with Interest thereon, at the rate of six
per centum, upon producing to the Collector of the Taxes for his
County, the Auditors Certificate for such payment, and such Collector
making such discount, where it shall not amount to the whole Sum men-
tioned in the Certificate, shall endorse the same on the back thereof, and
the person to whom it was granted, or his Afsignee, may either receive
the Balance from the Treasury, or discount it in like manner out of his
next Taxes —
Resolved — that any Person advancing Tobacco, agreeable to the above Tobacco to be
Resolutions, which shall have been inspected since the first day of J^^^'L *°
January 1779, shall be repaid the same in good merchantable Tobacco
equal in quality to that advanced, with an Interest at the rate of six per
centum, on or before the first day of April, which shall b^ in the year
1781.
Resolved — that the Auditor be desired to send Exprefses at the public ln«r«ction to
charge, to the Sheriff of the County of Lancaster, and to such other -ard'lo'VaxM'
Sheriffs and Escheaters, as are within one hundred miles of Richmond, and Eicheate
and have not paid the money due for Taxes, and for the Sales of the prop«rty &c
Estates of British Subjects, to require from them, immediate payment
at the Treasury, and that they, in the speediest manner compell payment
from all delinquent Sheriffs and Escheaters in this Commonwealth —
Resolved, that six hundred thousand pounds of the public Tobacco,
collected by " An Act laying a Tax, payable in certain enumerated
commodities " to be sold in aid of the supplies herein before directed,
for the purpose of raising the money called for by Congrefs— and that
the Governor, with the advice of Council take speedy order therein —
Resolved^ that so soon as any considerable sum of money shall be ob-
tained on these Resolutions, that the Governour transmit the same ex-
peditiously to the Treasury of the United States, and continue so doing
untill the whole sum desired by Congrefs in their Resolutions of May
the 19'** shall have been remitted —
Resolved — that a Subscription be immediately opened at the Treasury, subicription
for the purpose of borrowing money and Tobacco, according to the LUt opened at
above Resolutions: And that the Auditors be desired forthwith to for- theTreitury
ward by express, or otherwise. Copies of these Resolutions, with the
form of a Subscription, annexed with Thomas Nelson jnr : Edmund
Pendleton, Fielding Lewis, William Armstead, Garland Anderson, Bart-
let Anderson and William Call Esquires —
Test—
JOHN BECKLEY C. h. D.
June i'^ 1870
Agreed to by the Senate
Will: Drew C. S.
A Copy —
JOHN BECKLEY, C. h. D.
S68
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1780
June ad
Richmond
Reaioni for
fortifying the
month of the
Ohio
Loeiei b/ the
Indiana
II
Col: John Todd jnr: to Governor Jefferson —
May it please your Excellency,
On consulting with Cul^ Clark, we found it impracticable to maintain
so many posts in the Illinois with so few men & concluded it better to
draw them all to one post. The Land at the Junction of the Ohio &
Mifsifsippi was judged best situated for the purpose as it would command
the Trade of an extensive Country on both sides of each River & might
serve as a check to any Incroachments from our present Allies the
Spaniards whose growing power might justly put us upon our guard &
whose fondnefs for engrofsing Territory might otherwise urge them
higher up the River upon our side than we would wish. The Expenses
in erecting this new post & victualing the men would have been obsta-
cles insurmountable without a settlement contiguous to the Garrison to
support it, where adventurers would afsist the Soldiers in the heavy work
of Building their fortifications — I therefore granted to a certain number
of families four hundred acres to each Family, at a price to be fettled by
the General Afsembly, with Commifsions for Civil & Military Officers
& the necefsary Instructions. Copies of the principal of which I here-
with send you. The others being agreable to the printed forms heretofore
delivered me by the G )vernor & Council —
Lest the withdrawing our Troops from S' Vincenne might raise sus-
picions among the Citi2ens» to our disadvantage, I have sent to Major
Bofseron the then District Commandant, blank Commifsions, with pow-
ers to raise one Company & put them in pofsefsion of the Garrison, with
afsurance that pay & rations sh* be allowed them by the Govemj""*."
" When Col** Clark left the Falls, his Officers & Men to the amount
of perhaps 120, were all well Cloathed except in the article of Lin-
nens — *' # ♦ *
^^ M' Isaac Bowman, with 7 or 8 men & one family set off from Kas-
kaskia the 15^^ nov : last in a Batteau, attended by another Batteau with
12 men & 3 or 4 families in it, bound to the falls of Ohio. I judged it
safer to send to the Falls many articles belonging to the Commonwealth,
by Bowman than to bring them myself by land — Bowman's Batteau fell
into the hands of the Chickasaw Indians, & the other arrived in March
or April at the French Lick on Cumberland, with the account that Bow-
man and all the men except one Riddle were killed & taken —
I inclose your Excellency a List of such articles as belonged to the
State, as well as I can make out from my detached memorandums. My
Books and many necefsary papers being also lost—"
Many necefsary Articles of Intelligence yet remain unmentioned. I
will enjoy no Leisure until I shall have fully acquainted your Excellency
with the Situation of the Illinois.
I have the Honor to be, with the greatest respect
Yr : Excellencys' most obt k humble servant
June 5th Resolution passed, requesting the Executives of Virginia and Mary-
\tk Congreii '^"^ '' ^^ engage trusty persons " within their respective States to act as
cxprefs riders along the main road from Cape Henry to Philadelphia, to
Exoreif riden g»ve intelligence of the first appearance of the French Fleet expected
off that Cape : also any dispatches that may be intended by them for
Congrefs &c —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S69
Resolution requiring the Public Arms to be repaired without delay: i^go
for which purpose Workmen to be called from the Public Factory or j^^^ ^^j,
elsewhere : and that the Executive provide supply of Cartridge Boxes & q^^^ Aaem.
cartridge paper — ^ biy of Vi
Mefsts : Pcnet, D'Acosta, freres & C** to Board of Trade of V% June 6ih
enclosing Invoices of goods omitted in their general invoice of goods by ^
the Schooner Committee — They direct the Captain, then at Brest and
ready to sail under Convoy, to procure in that town " one of the best
copies of the American Atlas " they can wish to have — The schooner
is a very fast sailer, and they expect soon to hear of her safe arrival.
The Genl : Afsembly by resolutions, approve the Proposal of the Ex- June 8th
ecutive, to dispose of a certian portion of Public Tobacco, in accordance
with their action of June i'' —
lor't
Resolution of Genl : Afsembly authorizing the Executive to appoint
proper persons to purchase horses and accoutrements for Baylors light
Dragoons, raised within the State for the Contmental service — owners of
such horses to be credited by amount of purchase money against any
future taxes, six months from the date of purchase, or to receive " loan
office certificates from the Treasurer to the amount of such sales " —
Endorsed — Upon the Governors' having laid before the Board the
foregoing resolution, a " return " of the number of these Dragoons was Bayk
ordered — Capt : Jones reported Seventy, whereupon the Board ordered trmgconi
Capt : Jones to be furnished with 70 pair of pistols — authorized him to
^^ purchase saddles, bridles, holsters, sword belts and spurs " — request
the Governor to appoint W™ k HerBfert Claiborne Esq™ to purchase
40 horsiS, and W™ Randolph of Chester?* to purchase 30 others, not
to cost more than .£2000 each, & to allow them for their trouble £60
for each horse purchased, k the expences of feeding the s^ horses &c
• ♦ — " neither mares nor white horses are to be purchased
nor any others above the age of eight years "
Refolution of Genl : Afssembly recommending the Executive to au- June loeh
thorize " Colonel Edward Carrington of the Artillery (who voluntarily Saturday
offers his services at this critical conjunction of affairs (to supervise and
direct the repairs of Arms " — order manufacture of military accoutre-
ments, and to accelerate the equipment of the forces ordered from this
State &c
Saml : Huntington, Prest : of Congrefs to Gov : Jefferson, enclosing -I""* '5^*^
Act of Congrefs of this date ordering Major Gen : Horatio Gates to the Philadelphia
Command of the Southern Department — and adding — " This order is in
Consequence of Intelligence received, that seems to place it beyond a
Doubt the Enemy are in Pofsession of Charles town, and the Garrison
there made Prisoners, although the Intelligence received is not official."
Orders, supplying Genl : Gates with Thirty thousand dollars for his J""* '***'
personal expenses, on his way to join the Southern Army, for which he '" Congrcu
360
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
June 14th
In Council
is to be responsible — Also drawing a Warrant on the Treasuries of Vir-
ginia and N. Carolina for one hundred thousand dollars each, in favor of
Genl : Gates ^' toward forming a military chest for the Southern
Army" — Authorising him to call on the States of Virginia, N. Carolina
and Georgia for the necefsary mil : supplies, and requesting the Execu-
tives thereof to comply with his requisitions — authorizing him to organize
his personal staff — appoint a " Deputy Adjutant Genl : and Dept : Pay-
master Genl : " and all other Staff Officers he may think necefsary —
the faid Officers to remain in Service, ^^ until the pleasure of Congrefs
is known " — and empowering him ^^ to take such measures from time to
time for the defence of the Southern States as he shall think most
proper." The governments of said States earnestly desired to give all
aid in their power to carry inti execution these measures —
June 14th
Resolutions of the Genl : Afsembly requiring the Officers of the
" Convention Troops " prisoners of war at the Barracks in Albemarle
Qo ya ^i^Q )^^^ purchased a considrable number of horses, to dispose of
said horses, except such as they may be entitled to under the articles of
the surrender at Saratoga, within twenty days, on pain of their being
seized and sold at public auction, for the benefit of ^^ the respective
proprietors."
June 14th
In Council
Thos : Jefferson to the Hon : the Speaker of the H. of Delegates —
" Sir
In a Letter which I had the Honor of addrefsing you on the meeting
of the present General Afsembly, I informed you of the necefsities
which had led the Executive to withdraw our Western troops to the
Ohio— Since the date of this letter, I have received the inclosed of the
Second instant from Coll : Todd, communicating the measures he had
adopted in conjunction with Colo : Clarke to procure such a Settlement
contiguous to the Post which shall be taken as may not onl) strengthen
the garrison occasionally, but be able to raise provisions for them, as
the confirmation of these measures is beyond the powers of the Execu-
tive, it is my duty to refer them to the General Afsembly. it may be
Western affairs proper to observe that the grant of Lands to Col** Todd was made on a
supposition that the post would be taken on the North side of the Ohio,
whereas I think it more probable it will be on the north side in the Lands
lying between the Tanessee, Ohio, Mifiiffippi and Carolina boundary.
These lands belong to the Chickasaw Indians, who from intelligence
which we think may be relied on, have entered into a war with us.
The expenditures of the Illinois have been deemed from some expref-
sions in the act establishing that county not subject to the examination
of the board of Auditors as the auditing these accounts is very foreign
to the ordinary office of the Council of State, would employ much of
that time and attention which at present is called to objects of more
general importance, and as their powers would not enable them to take
into consideration the justice and expediency of indemnifying Col Todd
for his lofses and services, as desired in the enclosed Letter from Him,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S61
of the thirteenth instant, they beg leave to submit the whole to the con- ij^go
sideration of the General Assembly —
I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem, ^^^^ '**
Sir, Your most obedient,
& most humble servant
Col : James Wood to Gov : Jefferson — june 15111
" Sir, Charlottesnl
I am Honoured with your Letter of the 9^ Instant, with the several
Inclosures, and shall think myself Happy if I am able to carry your Ideas
into Execution. I have ifsued Peremptory Oders for all the officers,
without distinction, to repair within five Days to the Barracks, and shall
certainly enforce them with strictnefs : at the same time I must beg
leave to suggest it as my opinion, that in case it should be necefsar} to
remove the Troops, it wou'd have greatly Facilitated their march, for the
Officers to have remained at their Quarters : they will certainly, when
confined to the Limits of the Barracks, conceive themselves discharged
from their Paroles — will encourge desertion among the foldiers — and in
case of being obliged to remain, will throw every obstruction in the
way — It will be altogether Impofsible to secure the Troops, and Prevent
Desertion, with the Guards I have : and the flate of the Provisions, and
the Prospect of securing supplies will not admit of my calling in any of
the militia at present —
From the state of the Post, which I have frequently made to your Remowlof
Excellency, you will please to observe, that the waggons which are em- pmonen
ployed, are not more than half sufficient to Transport Provisions and
Forage, and that unlefs my hands are strengthened by Government, it
will be morally impofsible for me to remove such a Body of men, thro'
a country remarkably scarce of Provisions and Forage, without a Days' Difficultiei
Provision before hand, without money to Purchase, and without authority
to imprefs either Provisions, Horses or Carriages —
I am well afsured had the Afsembly extended their resolutions no
farther than to have restricted the Officers to the Limits of the County,
and called in all their Supernumerary Servants, it wou'd have answered a
much Better Purpose — I hope I shall be excused for giving my opinion
thus freely, as your Excellency may be afsured it proceeds from my zeal
for the Service —
I shall immediately order Two Hundred Militia from each of the
Counties of Albemarle, and Augusta, to be appointed, armed and held
in the most perfect readinefs to march at the shortest notice, at present
I am inclinable to think in case of the rapid approach of the Enemy, it
would be better to march the Troops through Orange and Culpeper & Route
Crofs the Blue Ridge at Chesters Gap : my reason for this opinion is, "uggeitcd
that if the Convention Troops shou'd be the object of the Enemy, they
will most certainly keep the upper Road, as far as Pofsible above the
Blue Ridge, and there will be a much better Prospect of my being sup-
plied that route than the other —
I shall be extremely Glad to be informed by the return of the Dra-
goon, whether the Officers are to be closely confined to the Barracks :
whether fome of them who have built Huts, within the distance of four
miles are to be removed ? and whether I am to demand other Paroles of
them, and what the Terms of the new ones are to be ? I must again
46
S69
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
Jane I4tk
Jnae i6th
In Coancil
June 1 6th
Jane i6tk
In Council
repeat that without the most ample supplies of money to the Different
Staff Departments, the Troops ( when they are all collected ) cannot be
supplied at the Barracks —
I have been closely confined for five Days past, with a violent fever,
it is with the Greatest Difficulty — I set up to write, therefore hope you
will Excuse the imperfections in this Letter.
I have the Honor to be with the Greatest respect
yr: Excellencys'
Very Ob' Serv» "
P. S. General Hamilton requests to know,
whether the General Officers, their Aid-de-
camps, Brigade Majors & Servants are meant
to be included — he says they will willing give
any Parole th^t may be thought necefsary.
Resolution calling into service in the Southern Army Brieadeer Genl-
Weedon, and Col : Danl : Morgan subject to the orders of Major Genl :
Gates —
The General Afsembly of Virginia requests the Executive of the State
'^ to take such measures for the preventing a rescue of the Convention
Troops as they shall judge " proper without regard to the mode indicated
by resolution of the 9'^ inst :
Resolutions, earnestly requesting the Executive of Virginia to order
at once a Reinforcement of Five thousand militia, to join the Southern
Army —
The Executive of North Carolina urged to order four thousand men
to same army — The States of Virginia and N. Carolina, recommended
to hold in reserve, respectively an additional force of three thousand, and
two thousand militia for the same destination —
That no supplies of men nor Provisions," except Bacon and so much
Grain as the Executive of Virginia conceive can be spared from the
Southern Army, they bearing in mind that the wants of the Grand
Army are at this Time extremely pressing " be carried north of Virginia
until ordered by Congress —
That the money raised for the use of the United States in the State of
Maryland and all the States south thereof, be appropriated to meet the
wants of the Southern Army until further orders of Congrefs —
Jane 19th
In CongreH
June 2 lit
Philadelphia
Resolutions, urgently requesting the States of Virginia and N. Caro-
lina, " to recruit & remount & equip Baylors' & Whites' Regiments of
light Dragoons, so as to compleat them to at least one Hundred and fifty
rank and file in each Regiment"
isfaml : Huntington to Gov : Jefferson, refering to the late measures
taken in regard to the Southern Army by Congrefs, and adding *' I make
doubt the State of Virginia will avail itself of its numerous and
no
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 363
Spirited Militia, as well as great resources, at this important crisis, when 1780
her own immediate Interest is so intimately connected with that of the
Union "
Circular addrefsed to Gov : Jefferson, from Saml : Huntington, call- J***** »«•*
ing his attention to the measures adopted by Congrefs at different periods
tending to the public good : to certain resolutions pafsed by that body
June 17^ 1780 setting forth the imperative necefsity that these measures
should be carried into effect \ and to this end, ^^ that the United States
from New Hampshire to South Carolina inclusive, except such of them
as have made returns of their transactions " be requested at once to
inform Congrefs what they had severally done, in order that ^^the Superin-
tending power " may be made aware of the real causes of the ^^ public
embarrafsment " at this critical juncture in the affairs of the Country.
^^ The General Afsembly of Virginia have had under their considera- June 13d
tion, the argument entered into between the Commifsioners of this Com- j„ ^y^^ Hoote
monwealth and those of Pennsylvania at Baltimore, on the 31'' day of of Deiegatei
August in the year 1779, respecting the disputed Territory and boundary
lines between the two States, together with the papers and proceedings
therefor : and although the General Afsembly of Virginia are far from
thinking the reasoning of the Pennsylvania Commifsioners in support of
their Claim conclusive, or that the Commonwealth is bound by the
Agency of Commifsioners where Powers were restrained to an argument
for ascertaing Boundaries to be referred to their respective Afsemblies
for their Ratification or Rejection , yet actuated by the same principles
and motives which induced the Convention of Virginia in that Act, which
formed our new Government, to make a Cefsion and release of the
Territory contained within their respective Charters to the neighbouring
States to promote the Common Cause of America to prevent — as far as
in their power, future dispute and animosity, and to prove the sincerity
of their profefsions and Desire to cultivate and maintain the most cordial
Harmony with their Sister State of Pensylvania, united with us by the
most sacred Ties in the Defence of our Common rights and Liberty, the
General Assembly of Virginia are willing to ratify the aforesaid Agree-
ment, on the condition exprefsed in the following Resolve, corresponding
with the reservation in their offer of December 18"* 1776.
Resolved, therefore that the agreement, made on the 31"' day of Au-
gust I779> between James Madison and Robert Andrews Commission-
ers for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and George Bryan, John Ewing
and David Rittenhouse Commissioners for the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania, be ratified and finally confirmed, to wit — that the Line com-
monly called Masons & Dixons Line, be extended due west, five degrees ^ . j^. ^
of Longitude, to be computed from the River Delaware, for the Southern on 1 Uoe
Boundary of Pennsylvania, and that a Meridian, drawn from the Western
Extremity thereof to the Northern Limits of the said States respectively,
be the Western Boundary of Pennsylvania forever, on condition that the
private property and rights of all persons acquired under, founded on, or
recognized by the Laws of either Country, previous to the date hereof,
be faved and confirmed to them altho' they should be found to fall within
the other : And that in the Decision of Disputes thereupon, preference
364
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 shall be given to the elder or prior right, which ever of the &id States,
Tone lid ^^^ (2iVCit shall have been acquired under : such persons paying to that
State, within whose Boundary their Lands shall be included, the same
purchase or Consideration money which would have been due from them
to the State, under which they claimed the Right : and when any such
purchase or consideration money hath, since the Declaration of Ameri-
can Independence, been received by either State for Lands which accord-
Boundary line jj^g jQ ^jjg before recited Agreement, shall fall within the territory of the
and Va Other, the same shall be reciprocally refunded and repaid. And that the
Inhabitants of the disputed Territory now ceded to the State of Penn-
sylvania, shall not before the first Day of December, in the present year,
be subject to the payment of any tax, nor at any time to the payment
of Arrears or taxes, or impositions heretofore laid by either State.
Resolved — that upon the acceptance and full Ratification of this Con-
dition and Agreement on the Part of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, the Governor be empowered with the advice of the Council to
appoint two Commissioners on Behalf of this Commonwealth in con-
i 'unction with Commissioners to be appointed by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania to extend the Line commonly called Masons & Dixons
Line five Degrees of Longitude from Delaware River as aforesaid and
from the Western Termination thereof, to run and mark a Meridian Line
to the Ohio River, which is as far as the General Afsembly conceives
the same can at present be extended and marked without Danger of um-
brage to the Indians, giving to the said Commissioners on the part of
Virginia sueh instructions therein as the Governer with the advice of the
Council shall judge proper —
Teste
JOHN BECKLEY C. H. D.
1780 — July I"*
Agreed to by the Senate
Will: Drew C. S.*'
A Copy —
JOHN BECKLEY C. H. D— "
June 24tli
June 30{h
Philadelphia
Expresses
July 3d
War Office
The Genl: Afsembly of V^ desire the Executive to appoint three
other persons, in addition to those already appointed, to settle the ac-
counts of the Commonwealth with John Ballendine in regard to the
works & canal at Westham : and with faid Ballendine and John Reveley,
respecting the Buckingham Furnace &c — and any three of whom may
act, and upon notice of five days being given to (aid Ballendine and
Reveley —
Saml: Huntington Prest; of Congress to Gov: Jefferson, enclosing
Resolution of June 29**^, approving the '' Line of communication by
Exprefses Southward & northward " establishing by him ; and containing
the same until "farther order of Congress."
Tim: Pickering to Gov' Jefferson —
"Sir
We did ourselves the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 20*
ult: when we expected to be able to send you 2000 cartridge boxes ;
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 366
but wc have been disappointed : and iMajor Pierce has received at present 1780
but between fix andfeven hundred ; nor are we certain how foon the reft
can be furnished — But as the whole number will be incompetent to the •'"^ ^
demands of your State we beg leave to suggest to your Excellency the
expediency of getting a quantity made in Virginia \ and as the time is
prefsing, a slighter kind may be provided — The Brittish have for feveral
years paft, furnished their new levies with cartridge boxes made of close ^JJ^*P ^ ^^^
wood (as maple or beech) with no other covering than a good leathern
flap, nailed at the back near the upper edge, and of sufficient breadth to
cover the top k whole front of the box ; they are fixed to the body by a
waiftbelt, which pafses through two ftraps that are nailed to the front of
the box — Cartruch boxes of this kind will anfwer very well & may be
made at fmall expence & with great dispatch —
An additional quantity of cartridge paper & a supply of pack thread
are gone with the cartridge boxes now fent —
VVe are taking meafures for establishing a contmental laboratory for
supplying the Southern Aimy with ammunition —
We propofe also to Send a fit person to take charge of the whole de-
partment of military ftores, in which will be included the repairs of arms
k the repairing and making of carriages for field pieces, as well as the
laboratory : and to furnish a few experienced workmen In thefe branches
of business — As much dispatch as pofsible will be given to a matter so
essential to the operations of the Southern Army —
We have the honour to be
with the greateft respect
Your Excellency's
mosft obedient fervants
In behalf & bv order of Ye board "
^
&C
Sight Draft on the Treasurer of VitjB;inia, in favor of M' Daniel Mur- ■'" ^
ray, for " Fifteen Hundred & Ninety Dollars," by Fo^ curk
JNO: MONTGOMERY Lieut: Col^'
To which is added
" N. B " — the other Bills Referred to in the memorial to the amt: of
6484^ Dolls: was sent to Virginia by Capt: Philip Barbour lately from the
Mifsifsippi "
" Don B**« de Galvez to S*^ D° Tho» fJelFcrson, Gov : of Virginia ^^^ ^'>""
" Dear Sir,
M*^ Lewis Towtant Beauregard — inhabitant & merchant of this town*
leaves this post in the idea of going in your State to procure the payment
of Several Sums due to him by the United States — the services rendered
by this individual to the troops quartered at the Illinois, in letting their
commanding officers have everything they asked of him, for bills of
Exchange only, are laudable enough, since he could have sold his goods
to the inhabitants, for the commodities that land furnishes, which have a
certain Sale in this city — this supposed, I beg you will grant him your
protection for y® recovery of the faid bills, as well as for y** other busi-
366
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1780
July 9th
nefs in which he might want it, afsuring you that whatever you may do
in favor of M"" Lewis Towtant Beauregard, shall be gratefully acknowl-
edged by me.
1 desire to find occasions in which I can prove you my wishes of
employing me in any thing that may contribute to your satisfaction, k I
beg God to preserve your life many years —
Your most Sincere Servant
Kifses your hands "
From y^ original Lacoste. Ac &c —
July
Wettham
July list
HUlfborough
Report of M^ Carrington from the Committee appointed to settle the
accounts of Mefsrs Ballendine k Reveley with the State. The Com-
mittee have had several meetings to settle the acct^ of the Common-
wealth with John Ballendine & John Reveley respecting the Bucking-
ham furnace & the Dam & Canal at Westham —
By the settlement made for the Buckingham Furnace, they find the
quantity of Pig Iron due the State to be " 760 Tun, 6 quarters, 118
pounds." no settlement can be made of the affairs of the Dam and
Canal and Westham during the present session of the Afsembly. It is
therefore recommended that the Afsembly take further action in this
matter, the Commifsioners heretofore acting not having settled their accts:
with faid Ballendine since July 13'** 17 79 — at which time there was a
ballance due the State of £2051-2* 5 J** —
The Executive desired to take such steps as they shall judge best for
the recovery of the balance due from said Ballendine & Revely &c
Genl : Horatio Gates to Gov' Jefferson —
"Sir
I had the honor of addrefsing your Excellency yesterday, upon a
variety of important subjects — one has since arofse which may properly
fall within your Excellencys' notice — The mark'd lines of the enclosed
letter from Baron D'Kalb — have induced me to order the remains of
Bufords,' Gibsons' k Brents' Regiments to join the army under my
command as early as pofsible. No objection can arise in complying with
this order, if it be not a want of arms k cloathing — an objection which
I hope the present state of your public stoies, will be as far from jus-
tifying, as I am persuaded it is difstant from your Excellencys' wishes to
countenance —
In the already fmall k decreafing number of the Maryland divifion
&c, I need not point out the neceflity of gaining every accef&on of re-
gular force,
with much Esteem, I am Sir
your Excellencys' most ob* Humble
Servant "
&c &c
The enclofed report was this moment put into my hands. It is so
extraordinary in itself that your Excellency will be necefsarily lead into
an enquiry of the State in which they left Virginia & to whom en-
trusted •, as it carries exceedingly the appearance of neglect or fraud —
"(Copy) " Sir, The 300 Cartouch Boxes, that I informed you I un-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S67
derstood were on the Road, coming from Virginia, are just come in. I 1780
have reviewed them and can afsure you they are not deserving of the , . ^^^^
name. Numbers of them are without any Straps, others without Flaps,
and scarce one of them would preserve the cartridges, in a moderate
Shower of Rain — What straps that are to the Boxes are of Linen
I have the Honor to be Sir
your very hble Serv*
EDWARD STEVENS"
Genl : Gates "
Circular from the President of Congrefs to Gov ; Jefferson, calling J ^^ * *
his attention to the Act of Congrefs of July 25*** authorizing the States PhiUdelphU
furnishing Transportation for the United States, to charge such am^ for
the hire of Wagons as they shall think adequate, until Deputy Q. Mas-
ters be appointed for them : which will be soon
Capt : E. Moody to Col : Geo : Muter, enclosing " Return " of the July %i%x.
Staff of Garrison «c — viz: Mathew Pope Reg^ Surgeon, pay 76 Dolls : y^^i^ Oarriion
pr : Month, Subsist : 300.00 — Roger Williams Garr : Commifsary &
Purveyor to Hospital, Rhoderick Frayzer Q^ M Serg^, John May Stew-
ard of Hospital — at 15 shills : pr : day — two Rations — one Gall : Rum
pr : Month — He is " exceedingly glad " there is a prospect of getting
the clothing, as nothing could be more acceptable — Is anxious to pro-
cure a ^^ little Rum for the use of the Garrison " to add somewhat to
the comfort of the men — He can borrow 40 or 50 gallons at the Post — Wmii
There had of late been collected from the Inhabitants of the place,
'* about 700 wt : of Bacon for public use — is desirous of an order to get
some of it, as they have not had an ounce of salt provision for more
than three weeks '* — On this accout the Commifsary had put the County
to great expence in purchasing fresh meats, ^^ by no means agreeable to
the health of the men " — Desires to include Capt : Robertfon hereafter
on the ^^ Staff Return," as the Garrison is greatly indebted to his exer-
tions in procuring supplies &c
John Dodge, Indian Agent, to Gov' Jefferson Auguit nt
** ^^^ Fort Jeflerton
I think it my indispensable duty to lay before you a true state of our
situation in this Country since my arrival, which probably may throw
some lights on the various reports, which may reach you through chan-
nels not so well acquainted with its real wants as I am —
On my arrival at the Falls of the Ohio, CoF John Todd gave me
instructions to proceed to Kaskaskies, in order to take charge of the
goods when arrived, which were purchased by M^ Lindsay for this de-
partment, with farther orders to divide them into two parcels, one of
which for the troops, and the other to be disposed of to our friendly In-
dian allies : considering it better to sell them on reasonable (terms) than
dispose of them in gifts — Horses and ammunition, being articles much
wanted for the Troops, I contracted for and received a quantity of lead
and some horses, before the arrival of the goods, and having discretionary
powers, wa$ constrained to accept of orders drawn on me for provisions
S68
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
August itt
Spirit of the
people and
troops
Precariouc state
of the country
Policy of the
Spaniards
which could not otherwise be obtained — Since the goods came into my
hands, the troops and Inhabitants at this place not having received the
expected supplies from Government, and being well afsured that without
some timely relief, the post and settlement must be evacuated, I was
also constrained at divers times to ifsue quantities of the goods intended
to be disposed of to our Indian allies, in order to furnish them with the
means of subsistence —
The few troops that are now here are too inconsiderable to guard
themselves : nor are the inhabitants much better, notwithstanding they
remain in great spirits in expection of releif from Government, and
have with great bravery defeated a very large party of Savages who made
a regular attack on the village, at day break on the morning of the 17*^
ult^—
Col^ Clark has divided his few men in the best manner poffible so as
to preserve the Country, the apprehension of a large body of the enemy
in motion from detroit towards the falls of Ohio, has called him there
with what men he could well spare from this Country, before he had
well breathed after the fatigues of an expedition up the Mifsifsippi — and
Col^ Crockett not arriving with either men or provisions, as was ex-
pected, has really involved both the troops and settlers in much distrefs,
and greatly damped the spirits of industry in the latter, which till lately
was so conspicuous — I see no other alternative, from the present ap-
pearance of our affairs, but that the few goods I have left, after supply-
ing the troops, must all go for the purchase of provisions to keep this
settlement from breaking up : and how I shall ever support my credit,
or acquit myself of the obligations I have bound myself under, to those
of whom I have made purchases for the troops before the arrival of the
Goods, I know not — Our Credit is become so weak among the Fn nch
inhabitants, our own, and the Spaniards on the opposite side of the Mifs-
ifsippi, that one dollars' worth of provision or other supplies cannot be
had from them without prompt payment, were it to save the whole
Country — by which you will perceive, that without a constant and full
supply of Goods in this quarter to answer the exigencies of Govern-
ment, nothing can ever be well affected but in a very contracted man-
ner—
I observe that the distance the settlers, who come in general, to this
Country, have to travel, impoverishes them in a great degree. They
come at the expence of their all, in full hopes and expectations of being
afsisted by Government. Were these hopes cherished and supplies of
necefsaries of all kinds furnished them in the manner of the neighbouring
Spaniards, to be paid in produce such as might answer for the troops
or for exportation, many good consequences would be attendant, emi-
grants, on such encouragement, would flock to us in numbers instead of
submitting to the Spanish Yoke — the principal part of their new settle-
ments would join us. all those from the Natchez in particular, only
wait the encouraging invitation to remove themselves and their proper-
ties to our settlement, preferring the mildnefs of our laws to the rigours
of the Spanish, which they detest, notwithstanding their great offers —
Such encouragement would be a spur to industry which would never
die — The troops would in a little time, be solely furnished in provisions
by our settlers, and in procefs of time, a valuable trade might be opened
with the overplus —
These hints I beg leave to offer to your own better judgement con-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 369
scious, that if they are worthy of notice you will direct their proper 1780
uses — ^^
I have got a party of the friendly savages of the Kaskaskie tribe to
hunt and scout for us — they are of singular service, as the provisions in
store, are totally exhausted, and indeed their hunting tho', it may afford
an useful, yet it is a very precarious supply —
As to the general disposition of these Indians in alliance with us, it
appears at present to be very peaceable ; but as poverty is always subject
to temptation, I fear their good intentions may be seduced by those who
have it more in their power to supply their wants, being well convinced
of the necefsity of having proper supplys for them, which will not only
keep them in our interest, but even afford us a very beneficial traffic.
The bearer of this travels to the falls of Ohio, thro' the wood — I am
uncertain what the fate of my letter will be, as I know he has a danger-
ous and tedious journey before him — however, by the next opportunity I
shall do myself the honor of writing to your Excellency a few more
of my observations, begging leave once more, to remark the necefsity of
keeping at all times, full supplies of goods in this remote quarter, in
order to foward the service of Government encourage the settlement of
the frontiers, supply our troops with necefsaries, provisions &c, and
finally open a very profitable and extensive trade in little time —
Forgive the freedom of my remarks, which you will please to do me
the honor to correct,
I have the honor to be
Your Excellencys'
most obedient and most humble
fervjnt 4 c &c —
D' Mathew Pope to CoF Geo : Muter— Auguit itt
Dear Sir,
I have the pleasure to inform you that M' Jameson has once more
raised the spirits of this almost expiring Garrison, he tells us we are
very shortly to be supplied with clothing, money and Rum, but without
irour kind afsistance in fowarding the matter, I am afraid it will arrive to
ate. I do not speak on my own account, but this I am certain of, that
had those necefsary supplys arrived a few weeks ago, almost every man
in this Garrison would have reinlisted for the warr, now there is such a
talk of bounties to fill up the men that would be otherwise draughted, I
am afraid there is a poor chance —
If Jameson talks of a cask of Rum — if that cask is not a Hogshead,
it will very soon be gone, you will please to consider no Rum has been
ifsued here since last February, or the beginning of March, which will
run deep into a Hogshead — that you will endeavour to do equal justice
to all I have the fullest afsurance of, and I flatter myself as speedily as
pofsible —
I am your most Ob* Serv* "
&c &c
Saml ; Huntington encloses to Gov : Jefferson, the Act of Congrefs Atigmt sth
of this date, ordering the recruits raised in Virginia for her quota of Philadelphia
troops in the Continental, to join the Southern Army without delay.
47
870
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 Saml : Huntington to Gov : Jefferson, calling his attention to the Act
^ oi Congrefs of the 7*^ inst : wherein is set forth that they " having been
^' informed that many persons in the Southern departments, from Virginia
PhiUdelphit (q Georgia inclusive have shewn a willingnefs to serve as volunteer
horsemen, finding their own horses and accoutrements, during the present
campaign, and being also fully convinced of the necefsity of having a
body of horse in the field to serve in that department" had pafsed resolu-
Volunteer Cai- tions recommending the Executive of these States to encourage the rais*
▼airy ing of these troops to the number of not more than Five hundred.
Submitting to Genl : Gates the number to be raised from each State —
they to be entitled to the rank pay & rations of Officers & privates of
the Continental Dragoons, with the addition of ^^ one sixth of a dollar in
Specie " or its equivalent for the use of their horses — to serve at least
four months unlefs sooner discharged — horses belonging to them killed
or lost in the fervice to be credited to the State from which the owner
comes, provided the (aid horse shall have been previously valued accord-
ing to the laws of that State, and at not more than one hundred dollars
in Specie — The balance of the quota of ten millions required of Virginia
by the Act of 19^ may 1780, to be appropriated to the support of
the Southern Army.
Augutt 25th
Richmond
Cost o{ Ord-
nance
Capt : Daniel Joy to Col : Geo : Muter, enclosing propositions for
furnishing Ordnance and Ordnance stores for the United States :
^^ If M' Rofs can get in Blaft time enough to make it worth his while
to work for these United States, that is he cannot expect to worke
much longer than the 15^^ of October next, he shall be paid for Shot
Twenty five pounds pr: ton Penfylvania Currency, and for shells
Fifty pounds pr: ton in Penfylvania Currency delivered at West Ham:
which is the greatest price that has been given ; this in specie, that the
raifing or falling of the continental money cannot eflFect either party —
One half of the money when the contract is finished & the other half
Twelve Months after the whole is redey for proof, with six pr: cent In-
trest — It will be best for M** Rofs' people to give the shells &c, proof
before they are sent down so as to avoid sending any bad : after which
they must undergo examination by appointment of the Hon^^® the board
of War & Ordnance of these United States — Underneath you have the
demenfions of the perticular parts of the shells & sizes of the shot —
I am with much esteem your
Hb^* Serv«
&c &c
** Demensions of a Ten Inch shell — Diameter
Diameter of the core
Thickness of the metal at the fuse hole
Diameter of the fuse hole
Demenfions of a Eight Inch Shell
Diameter of the core
Thickness of the Metal at fuse hole
Diameter of the fuse hole
Demenfions of Shot Twenty five pounder
Eighteen pounders
9^ Inches
7.
I. 14. "
I. 3. "
7-
•
I
.8 Inches
.6
.93 "
5
5
.54 Inches
04 '^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S71
These are the sizes that are wanted for the ufe of the United States — 1780
The most of the large size shells, & most of the smaller size shot — & .
the number of shot to exceed the number of shells, nearly as 2 to i." "*"*
Demenilons of sundry Bumbfhells & cannon shot, British size-
Ten Inch shells, the Diameter 9^ Inches
Diameter of the core 7 Inches
Thicknefs of the metal at the fuse hole i 14 Inches
Diameter of the fuse hole i 3 " '
Eight Inch shells, the Diameter
Diameter of the Core
Thicknefs of metal at the fuse hole
Diameter of the fuse hole
Cannon Ball Twenty Four Pounders
Eighteen pounders
(I (4
Demensions of sundry other British shot
Diameter of Twelve pound cannon ball—
*' nine pound " "
" six pound *' '*
" four pound ** "
" three pound ** "
N. B. •
You will pleafe to be very particular with regard to the sizes of shot
and shells, that you may cast for the use of these United States —
Your Hb»« Sert &c
7
.8 Inches
•
5
.6 «
•93 "
I.
((
5.
54 Inches
S-
04 "
4-
4 Inches
4-
0 "
3-
49 "
3-
05 "
2.
77 "
Circular enclosing following,
** Resolved, that when the Governors or Presidents of two or more Auguit 15th
States act in the field together, he who has been longest in office shall phiUdelphU
take rank of all other Governors or presidents : except the Governor or
President of the State, in which they are, who in his own State, not-
withstanding he may be youngest in Office alway takes Rank."
Resolved, "hat whenever the Governors or Presidents of States act in
conjunction with continental Troops, they shall for the time they so act
in conjunction, have the rank of Major General in the Line of the
Army.
Provided always, that nothing in the above Resolutions shall exclude
the Governor of any State from a separate Command over the militia of
the State in which he presides, when not inconsistent with the particular
views of the Commander in Chief —
Extract from the minutes
CHAS: THOMSON Sec^"
Registered list of 69 negro slaves, brought into Virginia by James Auguit iSch
Habersham : the property of said Habersham — among them the follow- ^
ing names appear — Toney, Caesar, Cooper London, Little Tony, Hec- y/'^
tor. Boatswain, Pompey — BafFoe, Adam — Lancaster, CufFee Duke,
Sandy &c &c Phillis^ Candace, Venus, Bella, Rose, Cloe, Pender,
Diana, Marote, Peggy, Coelia, Dye, Cella &c &c — Cafsandra, Fatima,
Juda —
87£ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 Col: Geo Muter recommends to the consideration of the Executive,
September lit ^^^ necefsity of a change in certain regulations of the Quarter Masters'
Department ; particularly in regard to pay &c
September id
John Reveley to George Muter, enclosing copy of Col** Harrisons*
oun ry order for ordnance & ordnance stores^— 12 Cannon, 6 pounders — 6 Swi-
vsls I pounder — 5oo Ball 6 pound — 100 double headed — 300 weight
' grape shott — 50^^ grape-shott — to be cast from Ross Iron — He is in want
of Oyster-shells for Lime, say one or two Hogsheads full — Has "proved
five swivels to day, all good, & cast four Guns 6-pounders this week,"
to be bored next week — finds '' John Onions makes his Guns to skin
much better since he has made use or the Sower Cyder."
September 5th (jh^s: Dick to Col: Geo: Muter, Com" of war ic—
Frederickiburg iigjf
I received your favour by Capt: Carter, with the warrant for Six thou-
sand pounds on account of the Gun Factory, as he was not so fortunate
as to receive the money for it — The disappointment is great, and I am
afraid will be an injury to the service, tho' I shall do all I can to prevent
it — A Gentleman travelling your way with a sum of money, wou'd not
let me have it without an order on a private person, which was not in
my power to do — I am sorry to see public credit sink so low —
First opportunity of a good hand shall send the warrant to your ad-
dress ; in the meantime beg you will contrive me the money by any
Gent" coming this way, for to send on purpose and be baulk'd is very
expensive —
I think there might be a correspondence kept up from two or three
faithful watchmen in each County, much to the advantage of the public
service, was it encouraged, for I take it to be impoflible for any Power
Wants of the or Department fix'd to a certain spot, let them be ever so active k will-
Gun Factory jj^g^ ^q fcnow or do every thing that is necefsary to be done — I am led to
this reflection by a want of Lead to prove Gun barrels, which 2 oz-balls
to every barrell, & tho' we endeavour to save them in Butts, yet there
is a very great lofs every time — There is no Lead to be bought, and
none this way belonging to the public — Ever since Dunmore was up
Potow^ I endeavoured to get some sent to this Quarter, and at last,
about 18 months ago there were Six Pigs sent, of 150^^" each : in a
little time after there came an order for them to be carried to the Ohio
& not yet replaced —
Should the Enemy come up Potomack, what would be the conse-
quence, the Leads of our Windows & Shop Weights are already gone,
and in a hurry nothing is done well — Powder keeps better in cartridges,
than in Barrells, and was there a number made with Bullets to fit the
Musket, with two sizes under to fit the Country Guns, it might be of
infinite service — Salt here has already got to £70 pr: Bushell — this Fac-
tory uses about 30 Bush^' pr: annum, in Salting Provisions &c including
case hardening, which consumes a quantity — Please send me an Order
on the Keeper of the public Salt, not exceeding the above quantity, for
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 378
even if we had money, it is too extravagent a Price — Please Excuse this 1780
Trouble, and beleive me to be with great Respect j^p, -j]j
Sir,
your most Obed'
Humble Serv*
&c &c ''
endorsed
"InConcil Sept: 8*^ 1780
A ton of lead should be sent to Fredericksburg, in waggons returning
empty to M' Washington, who has the care of the powder — an order
may be drawn on him also, for 30 bushels of Salt "
THO: JEFFERSON"
Gcnl : Muhlenberg to Col : Muter — g g^l^
Richmond
Some time last spring a detachment Commanded by Major Waters
marched thro' Culpepper «$: Stopt at a Houfe, where they found a British
Muskett & thinking the man was not entitled to her, because he bought
her from a soldier — They carried her ofF — The man had paid £Ao for p^j^.^ ^^^
her, k it now appears that the Soldier who sold her was entitled to do so, Muiket
as it was a muskett that was taken in the Surprise of Powles' hook,
when ^viy man was allowed to carry oiF what he could, besides his own
horse & Accoutrements — I should be exceedingly obliged to you for
information how this man can obtain the money for his muskett — I
make the application partly on his account & part on mine, hx he pesters
me so much about it that I ihould be pleased if I had it in my power
to give him a final Anfwer —
I am Sir
Your most Obed : Serv* "
&c &c
Col : Geo Muter to Gov : Jefferson — enclosing certain letters and ^*?** *^**
papers in regard to the affairs of Mefsrs Ginter Walter Peter and M'
Fornier — The entire pay of M*" Fornier would not pay "for his bre^d " at
M*" Ginters' unlefs he had thrown in his rations, his privilege of drawing
rum &c — this had been "the case with many officers at York last fall "
when he was in command their, " and on these terms they were
boarded " —
The work at Hoods, could have been done in no other way, than by p,^^ ^^ Hoodt
getting M' Peters to hire laborers for the purpose, on the cheapest terms
poflible — He fears he shall not be able to procure the bricks so much
needed — He has written to ** M' Harrison of Brandon (who has a large
quantity he will not probably use foon) to purchase what are wanted
from him " — When his letter arrived, M' Harrison was from home,
and his son could not say whether he would dispose of any of his bricks
or not —
Resolutions, ordering " Magazines of Provisions & Forage " for fif- ^^P^* ^^^
teen thousand men for six months, to be laid up for the Southern Army — in Congreti
374
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1780
Sept. 8th
Two thirds of the Beef and flour required from Maryland, to be retained
in that State for the above purpose at some safe place — North Carolina
to furnish Forage, flour and salted provisions " to the utmost of their
ability " to be stored at such places as the Com*^"^ of the Southern De-
partment may see fit — N. Carolina urged to fill up her quota of Conti-
nental Troops — The Executive of Virginia requested to " equip &
hasten forward " the troops raised and now raising as mentioned in Gov:
Jeff^ersons' letter of the 3* Inst : — Maryland urged to the same ac-
tivity—
s.
Sept loth
Richmond
Sept. nth
In Congresi
Sept. 1 3th
MoDtgomerj
Co—
Jno : Robertfon to Col : W™ Davies at Chesterfield C. House —
He had conferred with the Governor in regard to his department, as
Purveyor to the Hospital — the State Store &c &c — Had applied to him,
for Rum, Tea, Sugar, Coffee, Chocolate &c of which there was none
except the first mentioned article, which might be gotten by an Order
on the Continent from Genl : Muhlenberg to M' Southall — He had
written to M' Archer concerning Bacon and M' Paterfon for live stock —
Has a supply of flour from Capt: Goode — Genl : Muhlenberg set out
for Fredericksburg yesterday and expects to see him there soon him-
self— Begs to be excused for the freedom with which he writes, and
^^ wishes that these may find " him in a better state of health than when
he left.
The State of Virginia urged to furnish her quota of supplies, required
by requisition of Feby: 25^^ last, with an addition of Five thousand Bar-
rels of Flour for the Magazines of the Southern Army — The expe-
diency of dispatching a Corps of Artillery from the regular Army to the
South, referred to the Commander in Cheif.
mn^^
Ballard Smith to Col : Muter — In accordance with Major Quarles'
orders he had collected from the Counties on that side of the Nf oun-
tains, a large number of '* Draughts and Deserters, the rendezyous to be
at Halifax C® House, but the Governors' instructions to the County
Lieuts: require them to be carried to Pitsylvania C° House — These
conflicting orders give him great annoyance— ^He goes to Halifax the
next day, and begs that further orders be sent him there.
Sept; 13th Capt: E.Moody to Col: Muter, — Exprefsing great concern in re-
York GarriioD gard to the prospect of getting clothing and begging for permifsion to
purchase enough to cover his nakedneis — Commodore Barron has on
board the Brig Jefferson a deserter from the army, whom he refuses to
deliver up except by orders of the Governor — Should this irregular pro-
ceedings be allowed, the land oflicers will in vain endeavor to keep up
their commands — Closes with the declaration that unlefs immediate re-
leif be afforded, the Garrison cannot be kept up this winter.
Sept. 15th
Rope Yard
Articles of agreement, entered into between Mathew M*Vey rope-maker
with Charles Thomas on the part of the State to act as Foreman of Rope-
Yard for one year— *at a Salary of Six thousand five hundred pounds paper
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 875
currency of Virg* — with an allowance of Seven hundred pounds of Pork, 1780
thfee hundred pounds of beef — one thousand pounds of merchantable
flour, a house, garden and firewood —
W" Eaton informs Col : Muter he had sent the orders in regard to Sept. i8th
providing for the wants of the Garrison at that place, by Lieut : Walker y^^jj^.
Richardson, who tho' aware of their importance had delivered them to
a negro, by whom they were said to have been lost — Trusts therefore
he may not be charged with negligence in this matter.
The Executive of Virginia recommended to cause preparation to be Scpt. a«th
made for marching the " Convention " prisoners from the Barracks in j^ congreM
Albemarle C** V* to Fort Frederick in Maryland, by way of Winchester
in case the invasion of Virginia should make it neccfsary. The newly
raised Regiment of Maryland troops to march southward by such routes,
and to be halted at such places, as may serve to cover the movements of
the Prisoners — Maryland & Virginia to establish depots of supplies for the
latter — Congrefs will use every eflFort to supply the militia of these States
with tents and arms —
The " Board of Treasury " authorized to deliver to Col : J. Pickering ^*P*' ****
Q. M. Genl : bills of Exchange to the amount of Six thousand five hun- \n Congreti
dred and six dollars to purchase tents for the Southern Army.
^^ The Houfe resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Com- Sept. 13d
mittee, upon the determination of the General Afsembly of Virginia, re- q^^. xsiembly
specting the disputed Boundary, and having maturely considered the fame, of Penntyvaaia
it was unanimously agreed to as follows — viz* —
Resolved, that although the conditions, annexed by the Legislature of
Virginia to the ratification of the boundary Line agreed to, by the Com- B»ondary be-
mifsioners of Pennsylvania and Virginia, on the thirty first day of August ^TnU anTva/
1779, may tend to countenance fome unwarrantable claims, which may
be made under the State of Virginia, in consequence of pretended pur- Pr«*«n*>*«i v^-
chases or settlements, pending the controversy, yet this State determining Iigre^«t" °
to give the world the most unequivocal proof of theii earnest desire to
promote peace and harmony with a fister ftate, so necefsary during the
great contest against the Common Enemy, do agree to the conditions
proposed by the State of Virginia, in their Resolves of the twenty third
of June last — viz* :
That the agreement made on the thirty first day of August 1779
between James Maddison (Madison) and Robert Andrews Commifsion-
crs for the commonwealth of Virginia, and George Bryne and John
Ewing, andi David Rittenfaouse, Commifsioners for the Commonwealth
Pennsylvania, be ratified and confirmed, to wh — That the line common-
ly called Mason & Dixon's line, be extended due West, five degrees of Matom &
longitude to be computed from the River Delaware for the Southern ^'"^"•' ^*°*
Boundary of Pennsylvania, and that a meridian, drawn from the Western
Extremity thereof, to the Northern Limits of the said States respectively,
be the Western boundary of Pennsylvania for ever : On Condition, that
376 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 the private property of either Country, previous to the date hereof, be
Se t 1 d saved and confirmed to them although they should be found to fall within
the other, and that in the decifion of disputes thereon, preference shall
be given to the Elder, or prior right, whichever of the said States, the
same shall have been acquired under, such persons paying, within whose
boundary their laws shall be included, the fame purchase or Considera-
tion money hath since the Declaration of American Independence been
received by either States for lands, which according to the before recited
agreement, shall fall within the Territory of the other ; the same shall
be reciprocally refunded and repaid ; and that the inhabitants of the dis-
puted Territory now ceded to the State of Pennsylvania, shall not, before
the first day of December be subject to the payment of any Tax, nor
at any time, to the payment of arrears of taxes, or impositions heretofore
laid by either State —
And we do 'hereby accept and fully ratify the said recited condition,
and the boundary line formed thereupon —
Resolved — That the President and Council of this State be and they
are hereby empowered to appoint Two Commifsioners on the part of
this State, in conjunction with Commifsioners to be appointed by the
State of Virginia, to extend the line, commonly called Mafon & Dixons'
line, five degrees of Longitude from Delaware River, and from the
Western termination of the line so extended, to run and mark, as foon
as may be, a Meridian line to the Ohio River, the remainder of that line
to be run as soon as the President and Council, taking into their Con-
sideration, the disposition of the Indians, shall think it prudent — And
the President and Council are hereby authorized to give to the said
Commiffioners, such instructions in the premifes as they shall think
fit-
Extract from the Minutes.
SAMUEL STERRETT Clerk.
Sept. 15th CqJ . Edward Carrington, to Col : Geo : Muter — Capt : Irish, with
Tayiori Ferry, the " Hands " for erecting the Laboratory had arrived, and only a house
needed in which to put the men to work &c — He had just returned
from Hilsborough — (N. Carolina) " our little armv is in the most deplo-
rable situation, not only totally destitute of cloatning and the comforts
of life, but of the necelsary means of moving," & They have but one
Travelling Forge and that without tools — is very much in want of
Blacksmiths', Carpenters, and wheelwrights tools,— A dozen covered
Wagons wanted — Genl : Gates had ordered all stores of provisions to
be sent to that place, thence to be transported to his army- — no news —
The enemy lie as they were
Se ! 2 th Resolution of Congress, recommending Each State to pay the pcr-
*^ *^ sonal expenses of their delegates, without drawing on the Treasury of
la Congreu. ^y^^ United States : except under extraordinary circumstances —
October ad Rcsolved &c That the State of Rhode Island take steps to secure
for the use of the Army of the United States, such portion of the cargo
inCongren ^^ ^j^^ Schooner ** Committee " consigned by Mefs Penet, de Costa &
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S77
C^ brothers, of Nantes to Virginia, but lately recaptured from the 1780
Enemy, and carried into the port of Providence &c — also that provision Schooner
be made to send to Virginia such part of her Cargo as shall be adjudged " Committee
to said State.
Saml : Huntington to Gov : Jefferson, enclosing to him Act of Con- October 3d
grefs of the 2** inst : approving the measures taken by him to remount pijUgd^j-iiu
the Calvary of the Southern Army, and requesting a continuation of his
Exertions in the fame direction — adds " Your Excellency will doubtlefs
have received Intelligence of the aggrevated Treason of Genl : Arnold
before this comes to hand."
M. Linitot to Gov : JefFerson ( In French ) — October 7tJi
He had written to his Excellency soon after leaving Williamsburg, Fort Pitt
and subsequently ; giving account of his proceeding upon his arrival at
Fort Pitt — and flatters himself the steps he had taken would be
approved — On his arrival at that Post, the Commander had engaged him
to go with a party of Cheifs of the *'Loups," to get afsurance that peace
should be maintained between them and the whites — that Genl : Clarke
had determined to destroy their towns, seeing it had been impofsible to
coax them into peaceful measures ; but he had determined to spend the
summer with the " Loups " to induce them to take part with us against
the hostile Indians — Apprehends trouble also from the Illinois Nations,
but will try to appease them — Hopes His Excellency will have the good-
nefs to foward him such orders as he may think necefsary —
Parole of Major John May of the Detroit militia, prisoner of war to October loth
the Commonwealth of Virginia — to repair to New York &c &c
Chesterfield Co
D' Jas : M^'Clurg to Gov : JeflFerson — October loth
*' May it please Your Excellency" Hampton
Having received ai) Appointment from the Board of War, First of
last March, to a Marine Hospital at Hampton, and also have gave my
advice and assistance to the small garrison here, in absence of their Sur-
geon, I have wrote Col : Muter Inclosing an Invoice for Medicines and
other necessaries some months past, have received no answer — As seve-
ral patients under my care, are now suffering for want of them I intreat
your Excellency to give the necessary orders to those concerned, to for-
ward them by nrst opportunity, as I know not to whom to apply, having
failed through Col : Muter — Bark, Wine & Vinegar much wanted for
an unfortunate Youth, who received a shott in his Breast, shattered one
of his ribbs and went through his lungs and cutt out, just below his
shoulder blade.
As I have served the State as Surgeon to Sailors and Soldiers ever Dr McCiurg'i
since June 1776 (A small Interval from Your Excellencies dismifsion on Serrke
19th of Jan^ last, to the First of March, excepted) I hope and expect
that Your Excellency and the Honourable Council will consider me
^nd fix my pay on the first footing of ten shillings old money, or Fifty
48
S78
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 pounds of Tobacco pr : day, as I know not at present what I am to re-
. ^ ceivc, with the customary privileges — I am Your Excellencies
Obedient humble ferv'"
&c &c"
ref** to Col Muter
Thos: Jefferson
Octobtr lotb
PhiUdelphii
In Coogrett
Saml : Huntington to Gov : JefFerson, enclosing Act of Congrefs
appointing Charles Fleming and- Forster Webb Esquires, Commifsioners
on the part of the United States ^^ to endorse the Bills that shall be
emitted by the State of Virginia, in pursuance of the resolution of Con-
grefs of 18^*^ March last —
Chesterfield
Court House
Hamiltons*
Parole
October xoth *I, Henry Hamilton, Lieutenant Governor and Superintend' of De-
troit, do hereby acknowledge myself a prisoner of War to the Common-
wealth of Virginia, and having permifsion from his Excellency Thomas
Jefferson, Governor of the said Commonwealth to go to New York,
do pledge my faith and most sacredly promise upon my parole of Honor,
that I will not do, say, write or cause to be done, said or written, di-
rectly or indirectly, in any respect whatsoever, any thing to the prejudice
of the United States of America, or any of them untill I shall be en-
larged from my Captivity by Exchange or otherwise with the consent of
the said Governor of Virginia or his Succefsors, and that I will return
when required by the said Governor or his Succefsors, to such place
within the said Commonwealth as he shall point out and deliver myself
up again to him or the person acting for or under him —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and se^ at Ches-
terfield, this 10^ day of October 1780 —
HENRY HAMILTON "
October iith Major O. Towles to Gov : Jefferson,
" Sir,
« • *
The day before I left New York M"^ Loring requested that if the
legislative authority of the State should consent to Gov : Hamilton, and
fellow prisoners going to that city. The following things should be fur-
nished them by the State (that is to say), a Flag Vessell, also such
money, shoes and other necefsaries that might be wanted for Hamiliton
and fellow prisoners before they set out for New York : that if they
should march by Land, then with the necefsaries aforementioned, pro-
per Pafsports to enable them to proceed through the several States to
New York: he concluded with saying, that he judged it most convenient
for the whole of the prisoners to embark together in a Flag Vefsell, & if
the State would furnish them with the proper necefsaries to enable them
to proceed by land or water (as the case might be) that on the part of
the British, a just and generous return should be made in every respect —
Genl: Phillips spoke to the same effect with Loring. Now if all this
should be complied with, from the conversation that pafsed between
Loring and me, I am of opinion our State may obtain permifsion to
* Impression of seal in wax.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, S79
send Tobacco or other Commodities necefsary for the sustenance of our 1780
Captive Friends, otherwise I suspect the article Tobacco will not be al- October nth
lowed to go from us to New York : and I have to observe that however
whimsical and capricious the enemy may be in general in matters of this
kind, yet on the present occasion, from the afsurances I have received,
I am persuaded a punctual & generous conduct will be held out by them
to us, provided the same kind of conduct is observed on our side, re-
specting the requisitions made in behalf of Gov : Hamilton, which I
have as fully mentioned as appear to me to be any wise necefsary, but
should they prove deficient in perspicuity — I shall be ready to afsist in
explaining them — Should your Excellency apply for a Flag, I judge it
may be proper to write Genl : Phillips as well as M' Loring respecting
it, and to guard against a disappointment it will be necefsary to inform
among other particulars The burthen of the vessel^ the name of the Com-
mander^ the number of Hands to navigate the vessel: the whole of her
lading or cargo^ and to whom consigned — In regard to the latter, it may not
be unnecefsary to mention that Lewis Pintard Esq' has acted as Agent
for American Prisoners at New York, & has discharged that Trust with
great Fidelity — he is I believe at this time in New York and continues
our Agent — if so I should think him the proper person to consign to, or
in his absence &c — therewith Liberty for Col: Geo: Mathews, Majors:
W"* Darke and Tarlton Woodson, & Capt : John Hays, prisoners on
Long Island, or any three of them to nominate k appoint an Agent for
this special purpose, to receive and dispose of the Cargo, and to appro-
priate it to the several officers and Volunteers according to the resolve of
Che State—" *
^^ I sincerely wish you Health and happinefs, and am with great re-
spect and esteem — "
Your most obedient and
most humble Servt — "
Rich* M« Carty "to John Todd Esq'" October i4tli
"Sir CucMklt
When shall I begin to appolagize for the Different light and Oppinion,
I saw and had of You when hear last Year, and now. the Spirit of a
free subject that you inculcated thro' your better knowledge of things
was hid to me — In short. Honour requires of me to render You the
Justice you desarve, and at the same time to inform you the reason of
my altering my notions of things — I then thought the Troops hear would
be duly supported by the State, and the Legal expence for them paid to
the people Justly — I had thought the Duty of an Officer who had any
Command was to see Justice done his Soldiers, and that they had their
Rights without wronging his Country — I then thought it was also his
Duty to fore see and use all manner of occonomie in Laying up Pro-
visions for these Soldiers, to carry on any Opperation that his supperiours
should judge expedient to order him on, without any regard to private
interests whatever, but for the Good of the State he served — I then
never Immagined that an Agent would be sent hear to Trade in con-
nection with a Private Person to Purchase the Certificates from the
people at such rates which must appear scandulous & Dishonorable to the
State —
To the contrary of all which I am now convinced by occular Demon-
880
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
October 14th
October 14th
"War Office
October 14th
October 21st
In CongreM
stration : in short we are become the Hated Beasts of a whole people by
Pressing horses, Boats &c &c, Killing cattle &c &c, for which no
valuable consideration is given : even many not a certificate, which is
hear looked on as next to nothing —
I have sent Col : Clarke, in an Extract from my Journal, the proceed-
ings as far as I know, of one Col : De la Balme, and his raising a Party
to go Against Detriot, Not being a Commander I cannot say whether
he has proper authority so to do or not — " * * The
people have sent by him memorials to Congress or the French envoy at
Philadelphia setting forth all the evils we have done. I think Govern-
ment should be informed of this, as the people are now entirely allinated
Ag*^ us : he has told Indians, french Troops will be hear in the Spring —
I have no Right to find fault, or Blame my Supperiours, yet I have a
right to see plain, and wish for the Credit of the State, that Government
had Eyes to see hear as Plaine as I do.
I am Sir, with Esteem & consideration
Your most obt & Hble fervt
&c &c
October 14th
Kaikaskias
George Muter Com : to the Governor
"Sir
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, an order to the
Comifsary of Stores to deliver D"^ Foushee Linen & Rags & an order
to D' Foushee to put up a fmall box of medicine for Hampton —
I cannot recollect ever having rec'^ from D'' M"^ Clurg fuch a list as
he speaks of, nor is there any fuch letter or list to be found among my
papers —
The board of war the 21" march last wrote to D' M*^ Clurg as follows
" You are appointed one of the Surgeons of the navy, your Station
Hampton, for the purpose of taking care of the feamen at that place —
you are to draw the fame pay & rations of naval furgeons, and enjoy the
same privileges — your appointment to take efFect from the first day of
this month " — No mention is made of any allowance for his care of the
Garrison.
I have the honour to be yr : Excellencys,
most humble fervant —
&c &c
Resolutions approving ^* as wise and prudent " the reasons afsigned
by Gov : JefFerson of Virginia for inviting Oconastota and other war-
riors of the Cherokees, to visit Congrefs and the Commander in Cheif —
The Board of war directed to " take order " for the accommodation of
faid Cheifs &c.
Rich'* Winston to Col: John Todd —
" Dear Sir,
Yours by M' Lindsay was the last I had the Honour of receiving,
since which no favourable Opertunity has offered wherewith you could
Expect to hear from me, untill M^ William Gelaspies' departure, by
whom I wrote you as fully as I could concerning this Country, and in
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 381
Particular all that regarded your Department: all which I must think 1780
you have foreseen before you went off, the disagreeablenefs of which
every thinking man would avoid, and of which I now send you a Dupli- ^ ° *' *^
cate, Together with some additions since that time —
The State of Illinois is far from being in so Easy a Way as might
have been expected from the declarations of the Genl : Afsembly, or
had their OflScers a Little occonomy — Concerning which the majistrates
did remonstrate, which Remonstrance was Treated as Insolence and
Impertinence, for having dared to remonstrate against their ruinous pro-
ceedings— I wish all may be looked into : in the hopes of which, all is
on Record —
As to the Peltries which you left with Colonel Montgomery and me,
they were taken out of my hands, and I am left Behind hand for fifteen
Packs — how I will cr may be Indemnified I know not — Colonel Mont-
gomery says that his Estate is Sufficient to pay a great deal more I
wish it may be so — I was by force obliged to give up, as I could not
Contend with Bayonetts for a thing that is not my Own —
I refer you to M' Lindsay, concerning the Goods purchased by him at
New Orleans, they are now in the Pefefsion of him and the Illustrious
Captain Dodge. I wish Government may gett a satisfactory acc^ of
them, yet I doubt it — this part of the world is too far from Government
to call people to ace' bef re it is too late — there is great Strides Taken
for to make money at any rate — as to our Civil Department 'tis but in
an Indiferem way ever since the Military has refused their Prison, for
which we offered to Pay very handsomely, and since which They Stretch Abuici in the
greatly to bring the Country under the Military rod and throw of. the ^^^**
Civil Authority. So fond they are to be medling with what is not within
their Power — There is strange things carried on in this place — Colonel
Montgomery is gone from here, with Brooks and Family (thank God) —
Capt ; Brashears is Married to Brookes' Daughter, consequently has
quit the service and gone with the rest : Col : Montgomery, on the day
before his Departure did Endeavor to Settle the Peltrie fund with
In which he failed, and Besides the Drafts by him drawn on me, and by
me Accepted to the amount of Fifteen packs, he has Fallen Short
Eleven Packs, and what the rest has been Expended in, is to be looked
into by Higher powers — there is no acc^* — receipts only for so Many
Packs, without saying for why or for what — Such is the Proceedings of
Col : Montgomery, who left this 19*^ Inst and Carried with him Large
Quantities of Provisions, Boats deeply Loaden, besides Five Black
Slaves, for all which the Publick fund has suffered — Since the arrival of
this Captain Bentley, there has been nothing Butt discord and disunion
in the place — he has left no stone unturned to Extinguish the Laws of
the State, and to revive the Heathen Law, being well accustomed to
Bribes and Entertainments — Government ought to regulate the Trade as
there are many abuses Committed under iVIilitary fenction — there Pafsed
this way a Frenchman, called himself Colonell de la Balme, he says, in
the American Service — I look upon him to be a Mai Content, much dis-
gusted at the Virginians, yet I must say he done some good — he pacified
the Indians, he was received by the Inhabitants Just as the Hebrews
vi^ould receive the Mafiah — was Conducted from the Post here, by a large
Detach^ of the Inhabitants as well as different Tribes of Indians — he
went from here against Detroit Being well afsured that the Indians were
on his Side — Gott at this Plase and the Kahos about fifty Volunteers —
382 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 are to randezvous at Ouia — Capt : Duplasi from here, went along with
o t b th ^^^ ^^ Philad", there to Lay before the French Embasader all the Greiv-
ance this Country labours under by the Virginians, which is to be
strongly Backed by Monsieur de la Baime — tis the general Opinion,
that he will take Baubin the Great Partizan at Miamis, and from thence
to Fort Pitt — this is all that I can say, only that he pafsed about one
Month here, without seeing Col : Montgomery, nor did Montgomery
see him —
It Being so long a time Since we had any news from you, we Con-
clude therefrom that Government has given us up to do for Ourselves
the Best we can, untill such time as it pleases Some other State or
Power to take us under their Protection — a few lines from you would
give Some of us great fatisfaction, yett the Generality of the People arc
of Opinion that this Country will be given up to France — Be that as it
will, a Line from you, will add much to the happinefs of —
Dear Sir,
Your Most Humble and Obed'
Servant — "
&c &c
October 24tii Capt : Rob* George, Comm*** to Col : Geo : Rogers Clark
F««Jdr.r..n ♦"D'Colo
Our present distress puts me under the necefsity of informing you by
Express, the absolute necessity of Your presence at this place — we are
Reduced to a very fmall number at present, occasioned by Famine,
Desertion and numbers Daly Dying, we have but a Very Small Quantity
of provisions at present — Col° Montgomery on his way to New Orleans
caird on us — he says that Capt * Dodge has purchased one Thousand
bushells of corn, and Ten Tousand lb' of Flour, which is all that is to
show from a cargoe of Eleven Thousand hard dollars worth of Goods
sent by M"" Pollock to You, together with about five or fix thousand
AflFairi tt jFort Dollars worth from this place — we are Informed they are Intirely Ex-
je enon pended — I Expect Capt : Philip Barbour up every day with a quantity
of Goods for this State, and should be Glad of Directions from you,
that they may not be exhausted in the manner we have no reason to
doubt the first was — Its Rather Tedious to mention the conduct at the
Illinois, since Your Departure ; as nothing But your Presence can Rectify
it — If necelsity detains you from us, pray Send an Express as soon as
possible — the Inhabitants is chiefly gone down the River, and what there
is left is very much diftrefsed — Lieut : Clark Sett of to Kaskaskias this
morning to know the certainty of the provisions being purchased — It
appears there was a Parogue, sent down some time agoe loaded with
Corn and Flour, with eight men, who Deserted with it down the River,
I doubt the Greatest part of this Battali )n will sure Turn Merchants, all
for the want of Your Presence here. If there is not some steps Taking to
prevent it Lieut : Dalton is gone Down the River with Col° M^gomery,
in order, if pofsible to Secure Deserters — Capt: Williams has arrived here
with Col : John Montgomery, And Afsumed the Command, which I
refused to give up, without further orders from you — Major Harlin is
out hunting, but is at a lofs for want of Horses. I have sent for all the
* ThU Fort wu on the Bait bink of the Miiiiuippi, just below the mouth of the Ohio— >
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S8S
State Horses at Kaskaskias, but it appears there is but few — What's 1780
gone with them God knows, but I believe there will be a Very disagre-
able accompt rendered to you of them as well as many other things
when Called for, — The poor distrefsed Remains of this little Borough
Joins in prayers for Your presence Once more at this place —
I am Sir, Your M° Ob** & Very
Humble Servnt — "
Capt : John Williams, III : Battalion, to Col : Geo : Rogers Clark, October 18th
at Falls of Ohio— Camp jefftr.011
"Sir
On the 23^ of this Instant I arrived at this poast by order of Col°
John Montgomery to take the Command, but from the Carracter he at
present bares, Capt : George did not think proper to give him or any
other person the Command at this poast untill he being properly Relieved
by your order — I for my part seeing times so pecarious, and what might
Insue from the least contest or umbridge between Capt : Robert George
and myself, am determined to Remain as Retired as pofsible untill your
Arrival here— I commanded at Cahokias fince the Expedition up the
Mifsifsippi, till ordered to this post, And here I found both, the Soldiers
as well as the Inhabitants in the most defolate Situation Immagenable—
not so much by Reason of Sickness, as for the want of gocd provisions,
there is a quantity of provisions purchased at present, but the difficulty
we labour under here is sickness, and lowness of water prevents us
geting any provisions down at this time, by which Reason, we are kept
constantly Starving. As I am convinced before the Reception of this
you are satisfiea from Government in regard to my majority, I would be
glad you'd give me Instructions by the first opportunity in what manner
toact"&c— ###***
with the Greatest Esteem, Your very"
humble fervant
&c &c
Leo^ Helm to Col : George Slaugter, Falls of Ohio — October a9th
D' Co Fort Jeffenon
Siting by Capt : Georges' fire with a piece of Light wood and two
ribs of an old bufloe, which is all the meat we have seen this many days,
I Congratulate your succefs against the Shawanahs, but there's never
doubts where that brave Col : Clark Commands, we well know
the Lofs of him at Illinois. I Expect he is well acquainted
with the Conduct of fome Gen' at that place by Capt : Georges'
Letter. our situation is melancholy, but has not time at present .
to aquaint — I rec** the agreable Balsam you fent By Maj"^ Harling, jef^non "
which all I have had this summer — the Gen' at Kefkias Could not spare
us above 8 or 10 Gal* out of about 6 or 7 Hogshead, fent by M** Pollock j
to Col : Clarke, the Use it was applie** to, with many other things
Expect Col : Clarke will be made aquainted with if we have the happi-
nefs to see him once more at this place — I wanted lately to come to your
parts, but at Capt : Georges' request waits the return of Exprefs —
Excuse Haste, as the Lightwood's Just out, and mouth watering for
S84
1780
October 3111
Philadelphia
October 3111
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
part of the two ribs — till Capt : Todd Henry Crencher Produce** Acct
against him for more than what he had against him — with Compliments
to Madam Slaughter, and all acquaintance.
Am with Esteem y' odedient
Humbe Serv^
&c. &c —
N. B. Capt : George gives his Compliments, but has neither Light
nor paper ** >
Saml : Huntington Pres : of Congrefs to the Governor of Virginia —
"Sir
By the Act of Congrefs of the 30^^ Instant, herewith enclosed, your
Excellency will observe that Maj* Gen^ Greene is appointed to take the
Command in the Southern Department : & you will also receive the
necefsary Information of the Powers & Instructions given to him by
Congrefs, and that it is earnestly recommended to the Legislatures a
Executives from the Delaware State to Georgia inclusive, to afford him
all necefsary Aid & Afsistance —
with the highest Respect
I have the Honor to be
yr : Excellencys'
most obedient Servant "
&c &c
((
In Congrefs Ocf 30^^ 1780
Congrefs took into consideration the report of the Committee, on the
Letters from Genl : Washington, Major Genl : Greene and Col° Picker-
ing, and thereupon,
Refolved, Thai Congrefs approve the appointment by the Commander
in Cheif, of Major Genl : Greene to the Command of the Southern
Army, agreeably to their refolution of the 5*^ inftant, and adopt his
opinion, that the talents and fervice of Major Genl : the Baron Steuben,
infpecter General will be very useful in the fouthern department to which
he is therefore hereby directed to repair —
That the Army for the faid department do consist of all the regular
regiments and Corps raifed or to be raifed from the ftates of Delaware to
Georgia inclufive until the further orders of Congrefs or the Commander
in Cheif—
That all the powers heretofore given by Congrefs to Major Genl :
Gates fince his appointment to that command, be and hereby are con-
tinued and vested in Major Qenl : Greene, who is alfo to confider as
inftructions all such refolutions as have been entered into by Congrefs,
fince the time aforesaid directing in any general or particular buiinefs
refpecting the faid department —
That he have power alfo to organize & employ the Army under his
command in the manner he {hall judge moft proper, subject to the con-
troul of the Commander in Cheif —
That it be earnestly recommended to the Legislatures and Executives
of the faid states refpectively, to afford every necefsary afsistance and
Support in men, cloathing money, arms, intrenching tools, provifions
and other Aids and Supplies to Major Genl : Greene, who is hereby au-
thorifed to call for the same —
I ^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 386
That the heads of the feveral ftafF department for supplying the main 1780
Army be and hereby are directed to furnish to the order of Major Genl: October iitt
Greene fuch articles as upon enquiry he fhall find cannot be obtained in
the fouthern department. That in case of any operations in the depart-
ment aforefaid on the part of the great Ally of thefe States, or of his
Catholic Majesty tbeir friend, he be and hereby is empowered to co-ope-
rate therewith in the most efFectul manner pofsible — And whereas it has
been reprefented to Congreff, that the Commanding Officer in the fouth-
ern department entertains doubts respecting his powers with regard to
the Exchange of prisoners —
Refolved, That he be and hereby is authorised to negotiate from time
to time a Cartel or exchange of prisoners, with the Commanding Officer
of the British Army, in that department, provided fuch Exchanges be
not contrary to any general directions of Congrefs or the Commander in
Chcif — Ordered That Copies of the foregoing resolutions be imme-
diately transmitted to the Executives of the said States respectively —
Extract from the Minutes
CHAS : THOMSON Secy
»
George Webb, in behalf of the Gov' k Council of V* in ace' No?ember itt
with Carter Braxton — Settlement leaving balance due Carter Braxton
^£23758,12.0, payable in Crop Tobacco @ £65 pr: 100^
.wt
Col: Ric* Elliott to Gov : Jefferson — No?ember 7th
** May it please your Excelency " CiWb Point
I am at this place with Two Hundred 4; Twenty five men from
Brunswick County & only fifteen Guns, without any other accutry-
ments — should be glad you would please to inform me in what manner
the are to be accutered as I do not think it prudent to march any lower
without arms, shall remain here till your Excelencys' Orders k afsis- Want of Arms
tance comes, as my men ware very ancious that I should command
them I have proceeded this fare as their Coll : and as I have on evey
occation heretofore commanded when the men under me has been called
for, I hope your Excellency & Council will not take from me the Com-
mand, unlefs you find reason to take the Commiffion. I confefs I am
not so skilled as those who have Been Continually in the service, but
am Desirous of ganing Experience, that I may be ready at all times to
Serve & Defend my Country —
I am Sir, your Excelencys'
most obe* Hum^^ Servnt "
&c &c
Jno: Allen to Col Muter Not. nth
** Dear Col : Hoods
I Rec* by Capt : Archev 7 barrels of powder, 4 boxes of musket
Cartridges & he says 500 flints, 5000 20^ nails 4000 lo'* Do : 2000 8**
Y)o — I have not had time as yet to count them : the flooring brades is
not come to hand — The brickes is burning for the barracks — the 4000
feet of planke is much wanting without which the barracks Cannot be
49
886
1780
Nov. 13th
Philadelphia
Nov. 13th
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
finished, — Col Womacke being sent for to Richmond, I must refer you
to Ma^ Cockes letter, as well as the howit Carridge, the gentleman is
waiting —
from your most ob*
Hu^^ Ser^^
&c ic"
Saml : Huntington to the Governor of Virginia —
**Sir
Congress having received Information froih the Honorable, the Min-
ister of France, of Inconveniences & Injuries received by our Allies,
resulting from the Abuse the British make of Papers & Clearances they
take in American Prizes, by personating the Officers & Commanders
named in such Papers, being fully acquainted with the Language &
Manners of our Officers & Seamen &^
In Compliance with the request of the Minister of France, Congress
have adopted the enclosed resolution : and I am to request your Excel-
lency's Attention to the necefsary measures for carrying the same with
effectual Executions —
I have the Honor to be
with the highest respect
Your Excellency's
Most obedient Servant
&c &c —
"Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommended to the Governors
or Prefidents of the feveral States who grant Commiflions for private
Vessels of war, that on the back of the Commission there be inferted a
minute defcription of the perfons of the Captain, and his Lieutenant,
with their age, ftature, complexion &c respectively, certified by the Gov-
vernor or Prefident under his Seal of Office —
That when Commifsions commonly called Letters of Marque and
reprifals, are granted to Armed Vefsels going on Mercantile voyages
the Mafter and Chief Mate be required to undersign their clearances in
the prefence of the Naval Officer of the port, who is alfo to insert on
the back of the clearance a minute defcription of the perfons of the
Mafter and his Mate, with their Age, Stature, Complexion &c respec-
tively— and to certify the fame under his fignature & seal of Office —
Extract from the minutes
CHAS: THOMSON Secy"
Nov. 1 6th
War Ofiict,
Col : Geo : Muter to the Governor, informing him of a workman
from the manufactory of fmall arms at Fredericksburg having repre-
sented himself as sent by his colaborers to demand the additional pay
voted by the Afsembly at the last Session — M' Dick refuses to allow the
pay having red : no orders to do so —
The Executive reply, that no such resolution had been passed —
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 887
John Smith Jnr: to Isaac Lane Esq' 1780
**Dear Sir Nov. i6ch
Through your means, I beg leave to renew an application formerly Winchester
made to Governor Jefferson, on a proposed plan, for the more easie and
safe keeping the prisoners of war in the town of Winchester — By the
prisoners of war, You will please to understand that I do not mean to
include the prisioners of the Convention of Saratoga^ as those troops
will be under the imediate inspection of a continental officer — The
irregularity of a militia guard & the want of power in the officers to
compel them to abide by the necefsary regulations of a military arrange-
ment are too notorious to every man who has read the militia laws & Guard for
who has seen the trained bands drawn into service." * ♦ * PHionen
I have recruited a Company as a guard to serve at this post, by the per-
mission of Governor Jefferson, tho' not strictly agreeable to the powers
he allowed of — I have done more than engaged them as militia — I have
engaged them for a twelve month, subject to the continental rules of
war, on a promise of a discharge at the expiration of three months,
unless I procure them the usual clothing of a soldier within that space
of Time." *#»»*•#
* * " A guard house is necefsary — I would recommend
one to be built of loggs, near to the house now applyed to the purpose
of barracks — Four sentry boxes are necefsary — you well know they
can't be dispensed with — in case of any of the guard being sick, I should
be glad to have the power of employing a doctor — I afsure you my
humanity has suffered upon this acc^ already — Inclosed you will receive
an acc^ for ammunition furnished the guard — Guns are of small avail
without this article" — Encloses pay-roll & account for purchase of Ket-
tles and dutch-ovens &c — *'
Circular from Saml: Huntington to Governor of Virginia — ^^^ ^^^
*' ^^^ Philadelphia
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, the Copy of an Act
of Congrefs of the 14*** Instant, representing the criminal Practice car-
ried on by Individuals from some of the States, in supplying the Enemy
with Provision —
And recommending to the Legislatures of the respective States : by Proviiiona
whom it hath not been already done ; to enact Laws inflicting Capital ■^PP**«^ ***«
Punishment, on all such Persons, as shall directly or indirectly supply *"*"*^
the Enemy with Provisions or Military or Naval Stores and adopt the
most rigorous measures for the Execution of such Laws —
I have the Honor, to be with the
hyhest respect
your Excellenys*
most obedient & humble
Servt —
The preamble to the Act of Congrefs referred to, and herewith
enclosed, sets forth that the Commander in Chief had informed Con-
grefs that " the Enemy at New York derive great supplies of provis-
sions from a' trade with the adjacent States, and that the penalty upon
this criminal^commerce by the laws now existing, is either so flight, or so
little attended to that it does not prevent the practice : And that by
888
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
Not. 17th
Halifax Co
Nov. 1 8th
Baker's MUl
these means the Enemy have often been enabled to bear the disappoint-
ments of the arrival of their provifion fleets, and to avoid the distress,
which they must have experienced, had the resources of the Country,
been effectually cut off from them " &c —
At a Public Sale of personal property of Saml : Hoskins dec*,
" Steers " sold at average of more the £300 each, — " one Bull 4 4
hogs " for .£500 — " 4 barrells corn *' ^244 — cow & calf £426, — " one
Heifer 185^," " five sheeps .£125, and "two sheeps" for £100.
Genl : P. Muhlenberg to Gov : Nelson — giving the latest news from
Portsmouth — part of the Brittish fleet still in Hampton Roads, but from
what he hears, believes "they intend to Sea." "upon the Enemys'
moving from Portsmouth " he had requested Genl : Nelson to return to
the North Side of James River " in order to prepare for any event that
might happen " —
Nov. xpth
Nantes
Mtfsrs Penet, D'acosta, freres & C® to Hon : Board of Trade of
Virg»—
They had, on the 24**^ May and 6^ June last written concerning the
sales of Tobacco re* by the " Livingfton " & the Mary Fearon — had
also given advices of the sailing of the schooner " Committee " with
an assorted cargo of the articles now needed, and hope she arrived
safely —
The law suit brought by Mefsrs: Bonfield & Haywood for amount of
freight said to be due them still pending in the Admiralty Court, conse-
quently the funds are detained : on this account they desire further in-
structions— The Tobacco shipped by the " Lucy and "Mount au Ciel "
still unsold, the prices being very low — Sailors and vefsels having for
the most part been pressed into the Kings' Service, they had found it
impoflible to execute the contracts entered into with the State, so as to
forward the goods and arms within the prescribed time — Several Bills of
Exchange had been presented — Some of which were paid, others
refused — The success of their Commercial operations depending very
much upon the action of the Government, due allowance tnust be made
for any disappointments which may occur — No opportunities to serve
the State should escape them. Their " Packets to Doct : Franklin *'
will be forwarded to M' Mazzie, to whose credit also they have placed
the sum of Seven thousand two hundred livres as ordered —
Nov. 10th Col : Ed : Carrington to Col : Muter, informing him, he had for-
Tayiof*! Ferry warded to M' Elliot, Quarter Master at Petersburg " two hundred and
twenty five damaged musquets," to be sent to Richmond for repairs —
three hundred more to be sent as soon as wagons can be gotten— they
all are from Hillsborough —
Nov. aoth Jas : F. Moore to Gov : Jefferson — Finding provisions, especially
MonongahaUa flour to be abundant and cheaper than " below the Mountain " he has
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 889
prevailed upon M' Nath^ Randolph to remain and complete his purchases 1780
there for the Illinois Department — The Situation of the Troops below
makes it necessary that he should go at once with at least ten thousand ^^' ^
weight of flour to their relief —
M' Randolph will have his purchases complete and his boats ready to
proceed down the river early in March —
Saml : Huntington to Gov' JefFerson —
" Sir,
In Answer to that Part of your Exccllencys Letter of the 7^^ Instant No?. %ux
respecting the Prisoners taken at Kings' Mountain, I have enclosed a Philadelphia
Copy of the Act of Congrefs of the 20*** Instant, recommending that
those Prisoners be secured in such iManner and at such Places as your
Excellency may judge proper.
That a List of the Names of the Tory Prisoners be taken, distin Toriet
guishing the State, County or District to which they severally belong,
and transmitted to the Executive of their several States who are requested
to take such Order tespecting them as the public Security and the Laws
of the respective States may require —
I have the honor to be, with the highest
Sentiments of Esteem & respect,
yr : Excellencys'
most obedient humble fervant
&c &c
** Colo : Muter will be pleased to have an account made out, of all the Nov. aath
powder lent or delivered for continentnal use since the establishment of in Council
the board of war, that we may require a return of it : also to call on M'
Maupin for a state of all the powder which has been lent to individuals
& never repaid "
TH: JEFFERSON"
Nathi: Randolph to Gov: Jefferson, informing him that the bearer Nov. aid
M' James Enis is one of the Gentlemen by whom the money is to be ««Monongahiy'
sent, to make purchases in that County for the ensuing Campaign in the
West. Little can be done without cash — he had hoped purchases might
have been made on the credit of some private gentlemen in that County,
and that drafts on the Treasury would be received^ by them, but he has
since been told by one of them that ^^ to bare axidence he would rather
have the money and would not wi(h to take a draft if they could by any
means avoid it " — The cash sent out by Capt : Moore nearly expended —
proceeds — '* I shall leive you to Judge of the neadcefsaty of furnifsh-
ing me with a confiderable Quantity of money to anfwer your deflgns
here — There is a confiderable quantity of wheat in this County, suffi-
cient to supply both Departments " — This he could have secured with
plenty of cash — He is tempted at times to borrow a considerable sum
upon his own credit and make purchases, which plan he is convinced
would save the State considerably : but should ^' anything happen I have
only myself to blame and I am at the hite of my amens " — besides he
should probably suffer ridicule for having more zeal than policy" — con-
S90
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Nov. 22d
1780 tinues ** There is a repoart prevails here that the French has laid Seige
to Quebeck and carried it — if there should be any truth in this repoart,
no doubt but you will be acquaint with the perticulars before this will
come to hand : it niay alter your plan of proceedings in this Department
from this consideration that the conquest Frans has made over the only
Capital poast the Britifh have in that Quarter, will so effectually subdue
the Britifli Power in that whole Country, that the Savage will become
Allies to the French, if what is repoarted be true, there is nothing more
EfTecu of likely, for there is no people that we know, can do more than half as
French Succew much with Indians as the French : which is the very Reafon we (hould
devide the Weftron country with them and of courfe the power: which
will appear more plane in future than at present — You may smile at my
preafent caution for future events, and what you laugh at hear may cauft
you anexiety and care hereafter — Cap*. Moore is impatient to see the
water a little hire^ it rifes but slow and for want of water to the mills his
Flower is not quite ready but will by the time the water is high anoughf
to proceed down the River " —
Col : Clark had made a large purchase of Salt at the Falls, which
looks encouraging — ♦ * * * ♦
'* The small Boats that will be wanting to compleat the Expidition
may be built here at less expence and grater difpatch than any were elfe
as here is Saw mills plenty, and if they do not mifs my expectation they
will anfwer an exceading good purpose to transport the Troops and pro-
visions from this down the Ohio, for they must be under such conftruc-
tion as to carry six men for three months crufe" — He has consulted
experienced Boat-builders, who all agree that the price of the boats,
everything included, twenty pounds is not too much ; and their shape
good, but not of proper size — Suggests a purchase of two hundred and
nfty thousand weight of flour by cash to be sent out at once, so that he
may procure Casks, and use the flat-boats to transport it" —
Nov. 2xd
Providence
R. IiUnd
Ooodi for
Virgioii.
Samuel Nightingale J' to Gov: Jefferson, informing him of the disposal
at public sale of part of the Cargo of the Schooner " Comnlittee,"
owned by Meflrs : Pcnet, D'Acosta, brothers & C**, but laden with sup-
plies belonging to the State of Virginia, for the use of her troops ; and
enclosing the Accounts of Sales, and Invoices of said Cargo &c —
This Vefsel had been captured by the enemy ofF Cape Henry on her
voyage to that State^ and subsequently recaptured by an American Pri-
vateer, the " Randolph" and carried into Providence — The Board of
Admiralt} of Rhode Island condemned and sold the vessel, the cargo
having been equally divided between the Captors, the Agent of the
former owners, and a third person appointed by the Court of Admiralty
to represent Virginia — For this latter their proper invoices had been made
out and forwarded to Virginia — She was laden with. Salt, Shot, powder.
Clothing, Cordage, hard bread, dried beef &c &c. Part of the goods
are now stored and await the orders of the Executive of Virginia — The
Captain of the ^^Randolph" while at sea had taken out of her one hundred
and eighty weight of cordage, four hundred weight of bread and two
barrels of Beef — Some other goods had been taken out at Sea and carried
to New London in Connecticut by the re-captors.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 391
*' By Major Genl : John Campbell Commanding his Majestys' Forces 1780
in the Province of West Florida &c &c — „ r
Nov, 23d~-
To James Colbert Esquire, „ ^ ^
, , Held Quarters
Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Lovalty, Zeal PenucoU—
and Attachment to his Majestys' Person and Government, « by virtue
of the Powers & Authorities in me vested, I do hereby constitute & ap-
point you a Leader & Conductor of Such Volunteer Inhabitants & Leader of
Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek or other Indians as shall join you, for the Torici and
purpose of annoying distrefsing, Attacking or repelling the Kings' muiJoned*'"'
Enemies, when, where and as often as you shall Judge proper for the
food of his Majestys' Service, subject always to fuch further Orders and
nstr actions as you fliall from time to time receive from me or any other
person or Persons duly authorized for the purpose —
Given under my Hand at Head Quarters
in Penfacola the twenty third day of No-
vember in the Year of Our Lord, one
thousand seven Hundred and Eighty —
JOHN CAMPBELL, M. G."
By M. G. Campbells' Command
James Campbell
Secy
Mefsrs Penet, D'Acosta, brothers & C^to the Board of Trade of V* Nov. »5th
informing them of the capture of the schooner " Committee " by the j^jantcs
Enemy, of her re-capture by An American Privateer : Exprefsing their
great concern at this misfortune, but giving hopes of better succefs in
the future, to which their best endeavors are to be directed —
Nath* Randolph to Gov : Jefferson — His Excellency will doubtlefs Nov. 17th
be surprised at his remaining at this place, but as Capt More had deter- ^^ ^ . .
mined to return to his family at the Falls of Ohio, where he is as
much needed as here, he feels obliged to remain and conduct the affairs
of the place — It is absolutely necessary that the " Boat-building busi-
ness" be pushed, to perfect the "designed Expedition — Three hundred Boatbuilding
of these will be wanted, at X20, old money apeice — the timber & plank
can be had on reasonable terms : one half the workmen, and eight or
nine Boatwrights with a sufficient quantity of tools, thirty pounds of
nails and " four Gallons of Tare for each Boat " can be furnished on
that side the Mountain —
Col : Geo : Muter finds it his duty to inform the Governor that Nov. i9!h
" there are only twelve pigs of lead in Richmond, and five at Westham, ^ -.
weighing about 150^*'* each — and urges the necefsity of procuring a con-
siderable quantity of this Article, otherwise no more musket Cartridges wint of !ead
can be made, as there remain only about " 200'^' of ball & buck shot in
the Laboratory "
Resolved —
That there be a Commifsary General of Purchases whose duty shall Nov. 30th
be to purchafe provisions under the directions of Congress, the Com-
mander in Chief, or Board of War : to call on the principal State Agents " ^"^
test
392 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 or Commiffioners for such supplies as their respective Legislatures shall
. make provision for, and to keep up a regular correspondence with them,
ov, 30 ^^ ^j^^ ^^j ^j^^^ ^j^^.^ prospects of furnishing such supplies may be fully
the*^ Commia° known; of which correspondence he (hali keep a fair and correct Regis-
zATj of pur- ter as well as of every other official transactions • to direct the quanti-
chases ties and species of Provisions to be ftored in the magazines of the feveral
Duties of Offi- States, under the Orders of the Commander in Chief, and cause the
cers &c farri^ to be forwarded to the Army as occasion (hall require — for which
purpose he is hereby empowered to call upon the Quarter Master Gene-
ral, and the Deputy Q^ Masters for the means of transportation — to make
monthly Returns to the Commander in Chief and Board of War, of all
perfons employed by him, specifying for what time, and on what terms :
and of all provisions received in each month from whom from what
State, and the quantities delivered to the Issuing Commiflaries, their
names and at what Posts — also of all provisions remaining on hand, at
Rcturna Made ^hat magazines, and in whose care — The Returns to be made up to the
last day of each month, and forwarded as soon after as may be — To
cause all his accounts with the United States to be closed annually on
the first day of January, and laid before the Board of Treasury for set-
tlement by the first day of March ensuing.
Deputy Com- That there be a Deputy Commiflary General of Purchases for the
missary for Southern Army, whose duty shall be the fame with respect to that Army
Southern Vir- ^^ ^j^^^ ^^ Commiflary General with the main Army — He shall make his
^^^^ Returns to the Commanding Officer of the Southern Army, and to the
Commiflary General, to whom he (hall be responsible —
Superintendent The Commiflary General and Deputy Commiflary General fliall each
of Livestock appoint One affistant Commiflary, one Superintendent of Live Stock, two
Clerks, and as many Butchers, Coopers, Drovers and Laborers, as may
be neceflfary for conducting the business of the Department, and fhall
have power to fix the pay of the Butchers, Coopers, Drovers and
Laborers, subject to the Controul of the Board of War —
Pay of Officen That the pay of the several oncers in the Department be in Bills
Emitted in pursuance of the Resolution of the 18^*^ March last as fol
lows —
Commifsary General, 177 Dollars pr : Month, 3 Rations, for himself
and fervants and Forage for two Horses —
The Deputy Commifsary 125 Dollars pr: Month, 2 Rations for himself
and fervant, and Forage for two Horses —
Afsistant Commiflary — 75 Dollars, two Rations, and forage for one
horse —
Superintendent of Live Stock — 50 Dollars, one Ration, and Forage for
one horse —
Clerks, 40 Dollars pr : month, and one Ration —
Resolved, that no Officer, appointed under the aforegoing Regulation,
be entitled to draw pay unless he produces a certificate of his having
taken the oath prescribed by the Resolution of the 3*^ February 1778.
Resolved, that Ephriam Blaine Esq' be continued Commissary Gene-
ral of Purchases —
E. Blaine re- That it be recommended to the several states, immediately to inform
tained u Coai- ^j^^ Commifsary General & the Deputy Commifsary General of the
PulxhasM of Name of their principal Agents or Commissioners, respectively for the
U. S. Army, and to oblige them to give information from time to time to the
Commissary General, or Deputy Commifsary with the fouthern Army,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 393
as the case may be, of their prospects, and how far they shall be able to 1780
comply with their requisitions — .
That the Live Stock to be furnished by the feveral States, be delivered **^' ^°
to fuch ftore keepers within each ftate, at such time, and in fuch quanti-
ties, as the Commiflfary General or Deputy Commiflary shall direct,
under the Regulations, contained in the Act of Congress of the 15^
July last, for the delivering of all other public properly —
That the ftore-keepers appointed by the Deputy Q^ master be subject
to the Orders to the Commifsary General : to whom they are to make
monthly Returns of all their Receipts & deliveries, as far as respects his
Department, and in fuch manner as he fhall direct :
That all the Regulations of Congrefs, heretofore made, concerning
the Department of the Commifsary General of purchases, be, and they
are hereby repealed —
Extract from the minutes,
CH8 THOMSON fecy.
Jno : Todd Jnr : to Gov : Jefferson — jj^y^ -o^jj
*' May it Please your Excellency, Lexingtoi., Ky
^^ We have been for some time past & are still dreading an Invasion
from the neighboring Northern Indians — Intelligence by the way of S'
Vincent, informs us that late in Oct^ a great number of Indians &
English were at the late-destroyed Shawnese Towns waiting the rise of Threatened at-
the water to make a Descent either against the Falls or this place — I tack from in<
have ordered upon Duty part of the militia of this County (Fayette) at ?.*!J"^°^ ?"*'
three of the most exposed forts and are purchasing up a quantity of
Corn — The people seem fond at present to sell to the Country & Corn
will be almost the only article which Government may expect from this
Quarter — I expect to procure between one & two Thousand Bushels by
Afsembly at last fession recommended the plan, laid by the several
County Lieutenants & there is a Certainty of a vigorous attack next Spring,
I conclude that a delay for Orders is unnecefsary. The Indians are
annoying us every Week in fmall parties. Two small detachments of
militia are now in pursuit of fome who ftole Horses two nights ago from
M'^Connells' Station.
A Cargoe of Goods, I have heard is arrived at Fort Jefferson, for the Goods &c.,
use of the State, faid to be consigned by M' Pollock to myself as C® a"»ved.
Lieutenant of Ilinois. I propose writing to Capt Dodge to store them
up untiil further orders from Excellency as foon as I fhall have an oppor-
tunity k the Report shall be authenticated.
I nope to be excused in expressing my Desires that Your Excellency
may have in contemplation an Early Expedition next fpring against our Hopes war may
Savage neighbors. I will venture to afsure you, that any Orders which *>« «>*<*« against
may tend to that purpose will be executed with the gieatest alacrity by ^ *»«!«<*'>"» &c
Officers & men — Capt: Quirk, I hear is on the way with 30 or 40 men
A I can hear nothing from Col: Crockett —
I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys'
most Obed^ k humble Servant"
&c &c
50
S9Jf CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor — As the Quarter Master General's
D c ber 1 1 ^®^^ ^^ '° ^^ removed to Richmond immediately, he desires the necefsary
instructions be given to M' Kemp, who goes to Williamsburg to close
?*h^^d* "P ^^ business of the Department there, as to the disposal of the build-
mon j^gg lately used for that Office —
December lit Capt: E. Moody to Col: Muter, enclosing a " Return of the military
Y«rk— Stores" at that post, and adding " The few men which I have here,
considering their present condition as to cloathing are very insufficient
to guard the Fort & Stores — There is not one of them that has either
Shoes or Stock^' & are miserably ragged in every other respect. I want
much to take a Trip home in about three weeks from the date hereof,
but how to leave the Garrison in its present situation, I know not"
December 5th John Taylor Co: Lieut: to Gov: Jefferson —
Ltncaitcr Co. " Honorable Sir
It gives me great uneaziness that the Militia of this County By their
notorious behaviour have prevented my making a proper return to you.
On the day appointed for the Draft they afsembled in a mob, and dis-
Reiittance to armed the Officers as they came to the field, and took from me the
Law. papers relative to the Draft which prevented my carrying it on. I had a
V Court Martial held according to Law, and many were condemned, but it
has not been in my power to have them taken, except a few who have
since made their escape from the guard, there were also four Deserters
taken, which likewise made their escape except one, which you observe
was taken from John Christopher (who was ordered to take them to
Richmond) by Capt M. Healy. I have since endeavored to have them
retaken without effect, which has prevented my making a return sooner"
Sends receipt for three British prisoners taken m a Vefsel by some of the
Militia of the County — Recommends that a Party of light horse be ordered
to afsist in collecting the drafted men —
December sth John Smith to Col: Muter # * ♦ *
Portsmouth. ^^ I {hall be much oblige to you when you have Occation to write to
me again, that youU be so good as to send your letters free from charges
as I think 36s. very Extravagant to be paid when no Profit arises from
letters
The two Volumns of Sims' Military Guide you had of mine when in
this Garrison, alfo the Book of Directions for Young Officers, I shall
be glade If you'l Contrive by the first safe hand" * *
Your Compliance will greatly oblige
.&c &c
December 6th ^^^' Forsyth, D. C. PurchaflTes, S. Army to Agent of Supplies in
Va. informing him that by a late change in the Purchasing Department,
Philadelphia ^^^ ^ CommiflTary Genl: and one Deputy had been retained in the ser-
vice of the U. States— the former for the Northern and the latter for
Southern Army — The purchases in Virginia, in future to be made by the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 396
©tore-Keepers appointed by the Deputy Q. M. General — He is directed 1780
to call on the State Agents of Virginia and Maryland for their quota of December 6th
supplies for the " Convention" troops at Charlottsville & Fort Frederick
in Maryland — About eleven hundred of these would soon be at the latter
place — For a half months supply 37,000 pds: beef — 30,000 pds: flour or
** Sifted Indian Meal" — a due proportion of *' Rum, Salt, Pease &c"
would therefore be necessary — Beef on the hoof might be supplied
during the months of December, January, Feby & March, but Salt pro-
visions should be supplied in the Spring — In addition, a sufficient supply
of bread — Col: Rawlins to receive and account for the supplies for Fort
Frederick — Urges the importance of prompt attention to this duty, in as
much as the support of these Troops, and requisitions now made by
Congress are only to be derived from these two States — He will be at
Fredericksburg in about eight days, and will expect to hear from him in
reply.
Rich^ Peters, by order, to Gov: Jefferson, — The Board having re- December 6th,
ceived information from Col: Rawlins, Com: of Prisoners at Fort Fred- ^^^ q^^^
erick, of the approach of the first Division of the Convention Troops,
towards that Post, had given orders to Major Forsyth to superintind the
supplying of them, and in as much as they are to be supported soleby
by the States of Maryland and Virginia, the Executive of Virginia is . . .
requested to ifsue the proper Orders to purchasers of provisions in Vir- fce?the ^*
ginia, that they may be enabled to meet the requisitions of Majr: Forsyth prisoners,
accordingly — The United States having no other means of supplying
these prisoners, the provisions furnished on this account are to be charged
to the general quota required of Virginia by Congrefs —
Upon a report made from the Board of War, it was Ordered, by Re- December 6tb,
solution, that " such of the Convention Troops as are not already . ^
removed from the barracks near Charlottesville " in Virginia remain at
that Post until further orders of Congrefs —
James Madison jnr: & Tho* Bland jnr: to Gov: Jefferson — December 6th,
«< Sir Philadelphia.
We have the honor to enclose your Excellency a Resolution of Con-
grefs of the 6^^ instant, relating to the Convention troops, also a copy
of a letter from G. Anderson found among the dead letters in the post
office and communicated to Congrefs by the Post Master. If their
should be occasion for the original of the latter, it shall be transmitted
on the first intimation.
An Irish paper informs us that Henry Laurens Esq' was committed impriaonment
to the Tower on the 6*^ of October by a warrant from the Secretary of ofMr. Laurcm.
State, on suspicion of High Treason. All the despatches entrusted to
the same conveyance unfortunately fell into the hands of the Enemy at
the same time.
A letter from M' Jonathan Williams dated at Nantz Oct: 17*^ con-
firms an account received several days ago of the Ariel Commanded by
P. Jones Esq' & containing cloathing &c for the Army, bein^ dismasted
& obliged to return into port. The effect of this delay will be severely
396 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
December 6th
1780 felt by the troops, who have already but too much reason to complain
of the sufferings they have been exposed to from a want of these necef-
saries.
The same letter from M'^ Williams, as well as some others received
within a few days give us reason to believe that Portugal has at length
yielded to the solicitations of the Neutral Powers & to the remonstrances
of France & Spain, so far as to accede to the general object of the
former, and to exclude the English from the privileges which their ves-
sels of War have heretofore enjoyed into their ports.
We have received payment of the Bill drawn by M' Benj: Harrison.
We are with perfect respect, yr: Excellys' most obe*^'
& very humble Servt* "
December 7th Capt: Jas: Maxwell to the Governor, informing him, that the Lieu^
Navy officers. ^^ ^^^ '' JefFerson " thinks it will take Fourteen Thousand pounds to
pay her up to the present time — There is also due the Workmen of the
ship Yard on the last of October eighteen thousand six hundred &
seventy nine pounds, fourteen shillings & six pence — Clothing wanted
for twenty six Men — 52 shirts, 26 Jackets, & breeches — stockings,
shoes, hats or caps
December 7tk Certificates of Escheated Property signed by Adam Craig Dept: Clk:
G. Court, in the County of Lunenburg, in Inquisitions against John
Patterson, Andrew Johnston, John Graham & Mefsrs Cunningham &
C° — in King W™ County, against Archibald Govan, and in Northumber-
land C against W" Campbell
December I itk Bill of Exchange for <£3000 drawn by Wil: Shannon, on the Trea-
F 11 f Ohi surer of Virginia in favor of James SuUavan, for ^' Beef Corn & Tarr
furnished to the Troops stationed in the Illinoise Department, under the
Command of Col: Geo: Rogers Clark"
December nth Will: Shannon to Gov: JefFerson — desiring to be informed as to the
nature of his Commifsion from Co^** Geo: Rogers Clarke — Finds it
almost Impofsible to procure supplies, a report having gotten out that his
drafts on the Treasury had been protested, and the credit of the State
thereby seriously injured — The Army in that region, destitute of all kinds
of Military supplies and none to be purchased ; provisions scarcjs, and to
be bought at the most extravagant prices — • • *
Has supplied Col: Slaughters' Troops, and shall continue to do so,
• * * — Accounts from the " Mouth of the River "
discouraging, the garrison suffering for want of the necefsaries of life,
consequently many desertions. From New Orleans they have accounts
'^ that the Spaniards have not taken Pesnacola owing to a dispute wh:
arose between Governor Gal vis & the Spanish Admiral, relative to the
Command of the Forces, and neither giving up the point, the Seige
was laid aside, and the land Forces are now at Mobile under the com-
mand of Galvis—" • ♦ *
December 12th Xhe Memorial of Capts: Saml: Finley, and Nathl: Pendleton, and
OenlAisembif Lieiu: Henry Bedinger, having been referred to the Committee of
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 397
Trade, M' Richd: Lee reported from said Committee that the Memo- 1780
rialists had been prisoners of War four Years in New York, during which n u. u
time they had contracted debts to the amount of fifty pounds in Specie,
and had only received supplies to the amount of eighty pounds Virginia
currency : and that they had not received the Tobacco allowed them by
Resolution of the Afsembly — whereupon it was declared that the Me-
morial was reasonable, and the Executive were instructed to take proper
measures for the relief of the Memorialists — ■-
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor — The condition of things at the December 12th
Tan- Yard very bad — he knows not now the evils are to be remedied, in ^ q«.
as much as he has no authority, further than to ifsue orders for Articles
wanted there. The public workmen all idle for want of materials — no
tin, very little *' nail-rod" on hand — The Condition of the Foundry
equally bad — Is at a lofs to know the extent of his Authority there,
especially as to his power to remove a manager appointed by resolutions
ot the Afsembly, — or make such other changes as appear to be de-
manded— Concludes, " I am informed by M*^ Kemp that fome Militia B«d manage-
that were lately quartered in the Capitol at W*"*burg, have stripped the x^" Yar?&c
Cupalo of itb lead, in consequence of which, the clock stands quite ex-
posed to the weather and must soon be ruined — If its preservation is
wished for M** Kemp wou d be glad to receive Orders concerning it."
The Governor appends instructions : viz " Capt Thomas is informed
by letter from me this day, that he may be supplied with money the next
week to put the affairs of the Tan Yard into a proper State — Col°
Muter will be pleased to prepare proper requisitions on M*" Armstead for
nail-rods and tin — the resolution of Afsembly of June i, 80 seems to
the Executive which extends to the removal of a manager, and mentions
any neccfsary arrangement at the foundery, which authority they con-
ceive (tho* the Gov' & Council alone are named in the resolve) to be
exerciseable in the first instance by the Commr: of the War Office,
within whose departments the foundery is. we think orders should be
given to M' Kemp to secure the clock & cupola by stopping up the open
part of the Cupola, or raising a roof over it, or such other measure as
an intelligent workmen shall think best, it must be made absolutely
secure in some way or other "
TH: JEFFERSON
Jno: Floyd to Governor Jefferson — The division of the County had December nth
put a stop to surveying until new Surveyors could be commifsioned — jeffenon Co.
For the same reason there are not Magistrates enough left to form a
Court, he therefore recommends Mefs Richard & W™ May, long acting
Magistrates in Kentucky, and about to remove into JelFerson C**, as fit
persons to these appointments — Suggests in addition to these Col: Geo:
Slaughter, M' Geo: May, M*" W"* Oldham 4; Jas: Francis Moore lately
settled there — Owing to the importance of Keeping the Militia officered,
requests that blank Commissioners be at once sent out by M' Clough
Overton, " who waits on you for the Surveyors' Comm* "
"Sir
Jas: Martin to Gov: Jefferson — December 13th
Long Island
Ob niy return to this place I Immediately Transmitted your Excel-
lencies Dispatches To the Cheifs of the Cherokees, which I seconded
398 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 with some letters of my own — and Divers private mefsages with meddles
December 1 th ^^' ^^^ unfortunately all arrive too late — the Britifh Agents had Suc-
ceea'd in their negociation & the most of their Cheifs & Warriers of the
old Towns had Determined To Take a Decisive part against us — the
Inclosed Depofition will further Explain matters to the Executive —
Great will be the Diftrefs of the frontier Inhabitants soon if fomething
vip;orous are not foon fet on foot To subdue the nation —
I am Sir
your Excellencies mo ob' &
very humble fervant
&c &c
December 1 3th Richard May and W™ May to Gov: Jefferson —
Louitviiie. ''We have served as Justices of the Peace for the County of Ken-
tucky almost ever since it was taken off Fincastle, but upon the late Divi-
sion fall into that Part of that County which is now called Jefferson, where
we have land and intend to reside &c " — * ♦ 44 y^^ presume
the Delegates for Kentucky did not know m which of the Counties we
intended to fettle k without consulting us, had us put in the Commifsion
of the Peace for Fayette : we therefore request your Excellency to order
us out of that Commifsion and inserted in the Jefferson Commifsion in
our proper places.
We are Sir —
yr: very Hum Srv**
Ac &c —
December i4tb Genl; Nath^ Greene to Gov. Jefferson —
Ctmp " Sir
Charlotte. your Exccllencys' favour of the 26*^ ulto, I have had the honor to
receive : but not 'till within a few days —
Lieutenant Read, who commands Major Nelfons' Corps of horfe in
the absence of the Major : and who will have the honor to deliver this,
has orders to proceecl to Virginia with his Command : it being the
opinion of Lt: Colo® Washington, that they are altogether unfit for
further fervice, untill they are clothed.
General Small wood is alfo of the same opinion, who from nesefity has
paid particular attention to their wants, in consequence of daily com-
plaints— Thirteen of them deserted in a body a day or two before I
Condition of arrived at the army — There sufferings and discontent is fo great that
Nelions* Genl: Smallwood and myself are of opinion that they had best be fent
Cavalry. home to be clothed, as they can be of no ufe here and only ferve to con-
fume provifions and forage, already made exceeding fcarce by the amaz-
ing consumption of the numerous militia horfe that have been in the
field this Campaign. Indeed not a man unfit for actual duty for want of
clothing ought to be fent to this army : the difficulty of subfisting them
is great, and the fatigue and hardships excefsive. Besides the earth is so
flat that it is almost under water every rain, and unlefs troops are well
clothed, they cannot exist long in fo disagreeable a fituation — I wish the
Corps to return as foon as they are clothed, which I hope, will be effected
as earlv as pofsible —
In nave nothing new from the enemy fince my former letter. And
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 399
for want of hard money I am afraid it will be exceeding difficult getting 1780
intelligence, if it can be obtained at all — December lAth
Baron Steuben can give your Excellency all the information respecting
the light flat-boats mentioned in Genl: Washington's letter, that may be
neceflary: and to him I beg leave to refer you upon the subject — I have
enclosed a return of the Clothing wanted for the Corps —
I have the honor to be with great respect
Your Excellencys'
most obedient
Humble Servant — "
Bennett Goode to Gov: JefFerson— December isth
ci C||. Mecklenhurg*
The three months the last Guard haa to serve at the Magazine at
Taylor's Ferry is Expired — with difficulty we have furnished a temporary
guard to serve untill your Excellency order in what manner a standing
guard be furnished — The difficulty of furnishing a guard arises from
abuses committed on the soldiares by Continental Oflicers when at that
Station — Col: Ed: Carrington caned a sarjent & ordered two of the Soldiars Cruel treat-
striped, and whiped which was Executed without the formality of a trail. J?"^ °^ ^®*"
If such abuses is suffered to pafs with impunity, it will not be in the power
of your OflScers to furnish a guard at that place. The guard is com-
manded by a Lieutenant & two Sarjents, which is not sufficient to make
a Court, therefore they are deprived of the advantages of the Law under
which they serve" — Desires instructions as to how a Court can be fur-
nished to try those of the guard who tranfgress — He had received in-
structions from the Commiffioners to procure beef for the Army and
should have complyed with them, but had been so ^^ afflicted with Erup-
tions on the Skin" that he could not ride —
Maj' Genl: Baron Steuben to Gov: JefFerson — December 15th
'* Sir Richmond.
I had the honor to write Sometime ago to Your Excellency, enclosing
a memorial of Col*^ Senf, relative to the necefsary fortifications on York
& James River — I have kept this Officer in this State for the sole pur- ^°^* ^"^*
pose of Surveying all the defensibie places, and he has lately by my
Order taken an Exact draught of the Situation of Hood — 1 could wish
this Assembly might come to fome determination on the Subject, 4; in
case they would not approve of Colonel Senf 's project, I would no
longer detain him in this State, but send him immediately to the Army —
I am with the greatest respect —
Sir, Your Excellency's
Most obedient & very humble servant
&c &c
A. & Alexander Long to Gov: JefFerson, in reply to his, concerning December i6th
an Encyclopedia advertised in the Virg" papers ; that the work " consists Alexandria
in 28 Volumes, whose eight are plates, all unbounded. Second edition,
printed in Italia by Octavian Diodati, all the work collected and
J^OO CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780 put in order by M"^ Diderot, member of the French Academy, and the
Mathematical part, by M' D'alembert — the price fifteen Hhds: Tobacco
or £90.000, this edition having been payed 50 guineas in Europa.
December i7tb Mathew Halstead of Elizabeth Town New Jersey, late a prisoner of
war in New York, '' represents and declares. That Charles Williamson
PhiUdelphii. g^^ ^ Lj^^^. j^j^^ g^j^,^^ jj^^^ ^f princefs Ann County V% were con-
fined in the same prison with himself — "That the Subscriber was
Informed by the said Williamson & Smith that they and John Hancock
Esq' of said Princess Ann County had been held in close confine-
ment from the time of their captivation, which was in May 1779, fomc-
times in the Sugar House Prison & Sometimes in the Provost Prison,"
***** That the above named M' Williamson
had applied to the British Commiflary General of Prisoners for a Parole
to Return to Virginia to effect his exchange & the exchanges of the other
Gentlemen above named, to which no Tatisfactory attention had been
paid — That he (M"^ Williamson) had been Informed, that neither of the
above named Gentlemen would be exchanged or liberated, untill a Col:
EUigood in Virginia (hould either be sent into the British Lines, Set at
Liberty in Virginia or fome Treaty Concluded respecting him: that. upon
Treatment of M' Williamfon requesting a propofsal in form Refpecting Col EUigood,
priioneri. j^^ ^^g Informed Propofsals must be made from this fide : That the fore-
going were afsigned as reasons for their not being exchanged for some
perfons sent from Virginia with propoflTals for them. Together with the
following Reason, that the Perfons sent from Virginia were Naval
Prisoners, they citizens, consequently in Diflfcrent Departments — that
from Prisoners who had left the DiflFerent Prisons in New York since
the first of this month, the Subscriber has learned the above named
Gentlemen remain in the Situations before Described — That their Situa-
tion is Truly Distressing : friendleflT, moneyless \ with an allowance
scarcely sufficient to support nature, and too far Diftant from home to
procure any supplies from thence. That in making this Representation,
the Subscriber has no other motive than the feelings of humanity towards
perfons suffering for their attachment to their Country's Interest, whose
distress is increased by the Inattention of their Country to them. That in
defcribing their fituation The Subscriber is reflrained by a Parole from
saying fo much as might with great propriety be urged, and from which
he could be withheld by no other Consideration." &c
'* The above representation is made to the Hon '' the Delegates of
Virginia who are defired to remember that M' Halftead is a Prifoner on
Parole: his name on that ace' it is expected be kept a secret.'*
December iStli Maj: Genl: Baron Steuben to Gov: Jefferson — recommending that
Richmond. some Steps be taken to prevent ^' illegal discharges & Desertion from
the Army — these will depend in part on the action of Congrefs and the
Commander in Chief, to whom he had written — His Excellency would
see the necefsity of doing something to prevent this evil.
December i8th Gen: Johnston to the Executive, giving reasons why he cannot remain
York. i^ ^^^ service, unlefs allowed the privileges due his rank^-He held the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J^Ol
Commifsion of Captain in the State Reg^ of Artillery — but had been 1^80
appointed Brigade Quarter Master, by Col: Porterfield for the Troops u^ o u
who marched from V irginia to the South in May last : and had been *^*"
fent back to foward snpplies to his regt: of Artillery — Being considered
a Continental Officer, he is not allowed to draw forage any where in the
State except at Continental Ports — His pay is inadequate to his expenses —
Capt: Moody, who is about to be absent on leave, desires him to take
Command at York during bis absence — asks the Executives' approba-
tion—
Col: Geo: Muter enclosing to the Executive, certificates, with the December ipth
rival claims of Capts: Quirk and Williams to a majority in Col: Clarkes' ^ _
Regiment — The decision may be made upon the certificates, but as Col: " ***
Clarke is in town, and Capt: Quirk is obliged to leave at once, any
difficulty in the matter may be settled by the former —
Resolutions, empowering the Executive to provide clothing and ]^«cember 19th
blankets for the Army by imprefsment, from Merchants and Trades- House of
men — to appoint proper persons to seize and secure such articles, — for Delegates,
paying the owners of the same an adequate price, to be determined upon
by disinterested persons selected by the Commonwealth and the proprie-
tors severally, to be only sworn before making the appraisements —
ihould any Merchant or Tradesman refuse to exhibit his stock, the
Commifsioners are authorized to '^ break open in the daytime" any
place where the goods are supposed to be kept^ —
The payment of all such goods taken to be made out of the Public
Tobacco, collected under the Tax of '* Thirty pounds per poll," or in
the money paid in lieu thereof, having due regard to any depreciation
that may occur, between the time of seizure and payment —
James Wood to the Governor, — Capt Reads' Troops of the Light December 20th
Dragoons is -in such a situation for want of Clothing and accoutrements, p j • ^
that they being unfit for duty, he is allowed to go to Richmond to get Town,
them equipped — In consequence of his instructions, he has accepted •
Lieut: Brents' resignation, and hopes the vacancy will be filled at once —
Is under the disagreable necefsity of reporting Cornet Graves, who had
been ordered, but has never joined the Troops —
Col: Muter to the Governor, in reference to the case of one Golden December lotb
Ward, and Col: Averys' letter in regard to him — Capt: Maxwell and ^j^^offi
himself had investigated the mans' conduct, and Col Avery consenting
they recommend, he be required to take the oath of allegiance to the
State, and sent back to the Eastern Shore-—
Col: Muter to the Governor, desiring his approbation, in sending a December 20th
hogshead of rum to Chesterfield C. House for the use of the Officers, ^^^ q^^^
" at reduced prices," in as much as their pay in the " new money " was
to date from Augtist last, and the Afsembly are about to make good
51
402
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
(C
the depreciation "— Genl: Muhlenberg informs him that all the hides
on the South side James River had been put into the hands of M' Elliot,
well taken care of —
Accomack.
December lid James Arbuckle to Gov: Jefferson — giving "the condition that the
Galleys now lie in " in that County, which had been deserted by the
Officers and men the summer before—" A gentleman in this County
who was a Continental Officer resigned about two years ago, came
home, and finished a vessel last fall, took the rigging of one of the Galleys
as much as wou'd Compleat her for the Sea. an anchor and cable and
four Guns — Our delegates it is like may more particularly inform your
Excelly: as they must be well acquainted with the matter — She is scut-
tled in several places, so that the water ebbs and flows in her — I am
informed also that the Hull is robed of many things vizt : the Irons
that supported the net-work and nettings, about half a cable & two other
guns — the other Galley is about thirty miles distant from me, but am
informed nothing taken away, but lies in a bad and dangerous situation "
December lid
War Office.
Col: Muter informs the Executive that the time for which the lads
engaged by M' Anderson "to make nails for their victuals & clothes "
for the ftate ends with the present year — ^adds — " As it will be of advan-
tage to the State to engage those nailers for some time longer, on account
of the heavy demand there is at present k likely to continue for nails,
" I beg leave to recomend that \P Anderson mall be agreed with for
them "—
Endorsed — "In Council Dec 22** 1780
Referred to Colo: Muter enter into agreement, recommending to
him to privide himself with an extract from the Act, or bill, which
exempts the public Artificers from drafts & other military duty
TH: JEFFERSON "
December 124
Philadelphia.
Copy of letter
from Oenlt
Waihington.
Volunteer tyi-
tem and fining
not to be relied
upon.
Circular from SamI: Huntington, Prest' of Congress, to Gov: Jeffer-
son, enclosing Act of Congress of this date, together with extract of a
letter from the Commander in Chief to which the Act refers &c — also
Extract of Letter from Europe &c viz —
Extract of a Letter from Genl: Washington, dated Head Quarters
New Windfor Dec 15^^ 1780 —
" A paragraph in the enclosed New York paper confirms that part of
the Letter of the 17^** October from Europe which Your Excellency has
been pleased to transmit to me, which mentions the Intention of the
british Administration, to send further Reinforcements to America.
This is a matter which cannot, in my opinion be too soon communicated
to the several States, with a prefsing sollication to take Meafsures that
will effectually fill up their Regiments in the course of the winter. From
what I can learn, some are putting the matter upon the very precarious
footing of Voluntary Enlistments — And others substituting fines where
the men demanded are not produced in the several Districts — I am very
much mistaken if by the first mode any considerable number of men
are to be raised at this Time of day — And from the Latitude given in
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS J^^QS
the last, Money will in many Instances be paid to excuse personal ser- 1^80
vice — The last hope of the enemy is built upon our inability to raise a
new Army, and they are probably preparing to push us in an enfeebled *"" ^^ ***^
state — The means of re-establishing ourselves with proper & spirited
exertions, are within our reach, and should they in the Spring, instead of imporunce of
only the remnants ot our veteran Regiments meet Battalions filled with filling up Reg-
men, whose Services are permanent, they must either give up their *">««*•
Object, of choice, or with the asfEstance of our Ally we shall be in a
condition to force them to it. r.
The Accefsion of Holland and Portugal to the Northern League of Northern lu-
neutrality will be undoubtedly very embarafsing to Great Britain — But '<>?«•» Uague
this I think may be relied upon, that the more she is insulted and ^^'
oppressed by the European Powers, the more she will endeavour to
revenge herself upon us — She can make no Impression upon them, and
she will therefore bend her whole force against us, in hopes of Pofsefsing
herself of such an Extent of Territory in America, as will enable her to
insist upon Terms, should a negotiation take place \ which may be highly
derogatory to these States — "
" Extract of a Letter from Europe — Oct: 17**^ 1780"
I have given you Notice that your Enemies had determined to make a
Strong Push this Fall and next Spring against North Carolina and
Virginia : and that on receiving a late Demand from Genl: Clinton for a ^**"***"*» **.*-
. *?• c 1 • 1 • • I T mand for rein-
remforcement of 10.000 men, otherwise he msisted on Leave to come forccmentt &c.
home — the King and his Council decided to inform Genl: Clinton that
his conduct was in all Points highly approved, and that he should have
every afsistance in their Power to send him as soon as pofsible — The
Vefsel with this reply to Clinton sailed from England the 10*^ Instant
for New York — So far you may rely on to be true — "
The Act then refers particularly to the " paragraph of the letter from
the Commander in Chief, and points out the necessity of recruiting the
Army to its full complement, calling upon the States and their Execu- up'onlh^Statei
tives not only to urge the levying their quotas of troops but to furnish to supply men
also adequate supplies &c, — in order that with the aid of the French," "<* provUiom,
and " under the divine blefsing," the enemy may be compelled to relin-
quish their object of subjugating these States, and that our honorable and
permanent peace be thereby secured &c &c —
Gov: Wil: Livingston to Gov: JefFerson —
"Sir
I have to thank your Excellency for the copies of the Act of the December 17th
Virginia Afsembly, from the Beginning of the year 1779, which accom-
panied your Favour of the 17*^ Sept: and am obliged to Your Excellency '*"*°"*
for your Intentions of transmittting your future Acts regularly here-
after— We have a standing Refolve in our House of Afsembly for inter-
changing our acts with the other States." &c * *
* * I have the honour to be with every senti-
ment of Respect
Your Excellencys*
most obediant Servant,
&c &c
J^OJ^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
Decenber 18th
Richmond.
In regard to
Enlittmenti.
Maj' Genl: Baron Steuben to Gov: Jefferson.
" Sir
I am informed that the Bill which pafsed the House of Delegates for
compleating their Regiments on the new Establishment has limited the
number to 3000 — by far too small a number for the end proposed — but
even supposing it sufficient to compleat their Regiments in the first
instance, yet from the natural casualties attending every body of Men,
the number will be constantly diminishing from the first moment they
enter the Field, and at the end of the Campaign, without reckoning on
any Lofs by action, the Regiments will be reduced one third. This is
the number generally allowed when the Mens' Inlistment are permanent,
but the Diminution will be much greater in your Line, from the shor t
periods for which many of the men are and will be Engaged —
Experience has sufficiently convinced us of the difficulty of raising a
large number of recruits at one time — These Men who intend entering
into the service, knowing that necefsity will oblige the flate to engage
them at any rate, withold themselves 'till they can obtain an Enormous
Bounty. This has induced the Commander in Chief to propose, &
Congrefs to adopt the wise meafure of appointing a Field Officer & an
Officer of Each Regiment to reside constantly in the State for the
purpose of recruiting —
But that this measure may have its proper Effect, it will be necefsary
that the Legislature (hould determine the fum to be given to each recruit
so Inlisted for the War, and furnish the money necefary for the payment
of the Bounties — this money to be furnished to the Field Officer who
is to be accountable for its expenditure — they should alfo provide cloath-
ing necefsary to equip the Recruits immediately on their Inlisting, which
alone will have a great Effect in inducing Men to Engage —
There are in this, as in every other flate, a great number of young
fellows ftrolling about the Country, out of all manner of Employ, who
with proper management might be Inlisted in this manner for very
moderate sums, but who if left to the time of a genera] Draft, will as I
before observed hold themselves back, 'till the Bounties are raised to an
Enormous height — for my part I am persuaded that if the officers are
properly distributed in the flate & provided with the necefsary money
and cloathing a sufficiant number of Recruits may be picked up in the
course of the year to replace the differences arising in each Reg',
whereby an immense expence will be faved to the flate, and the Inhabi-
tants in a great measure relieved from that great inconvenience of fre-
quent Drafts. I submit the above to your Excellencys' Consideration,
that such measures may be adopted as the Legislature may think neces-
sary to answer the end proposed —
I am with great respect & esteem
Your Excellencys*
most Obed: & very
humble fervant
&c 4c"
December 28th
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor — , enclosing a " return " of the
War Office. State Garrison regiment, received from Major Magill, who will also for-
ward a return of blankets and clothing needed for the men ; Should the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Ji.06
regiment be continued in the Service, they will necefsaril) be much ex- 1780
posed to the hardships of the winter — ^ b 8 Ji
The want of money and workmen had prevented "the finishing the
hospital & rendered it impofsible to provide hutts for the accommodation
of the Soldiers — " When money can be advanced, protection from
military duty to tradesmen employed in the government service, Secured
by Law and published, he begs to receive instructions with respect to
the number of huts required, and the place where they are to be erected.
The return, repots "48 on Furlough — the greater number of these
had Col^ Porterfields' promise for that Indulgence on their return from
the Southward — The situation of the few at present on duty is truly
Distrefsing — obliged to lie in their Tents, without Blanketts and even
without necefsary cloathing — several at present sick and no Hospital for
their Reception " —
Col"* Fra: Taylor to Gov: Jefferson. December 80th
^T, Barracks
The horseman by whom I wrote to you last week on the subject of a**»*""^« ^o
M' Clarkes demand about provisions is not returned — I must further
observe to you that our troops drew the same kind of meal that was
ifsued to the Convention troops without complaining, and as it was
received by their Qiiartermaster, will their soldiers, should any allowance
be made for unsifted meal, receive the money ? Or have they ever paid
our prisoners for any deficiency of provision whilst in captivity ? I never
heard of their doing it, and as we could not serve them fully with pro-
visions, from unforeseen events have they a right to be paid for it ? It
is doubted whether the States will be reimbursed for subsisting the Con-
vention Troops" *******
" The Regiment of Guards was reduced sometime in the year 1 779 from
nine to seven Companies — The subalterns claim their rank respectively,
as vacancies happened, also their pay, which I think they are entitled to."
* * * " M' Hudson Martin, intends to Rich-
mond, for money to pay the Regiment, pray inform him what the
Officers and Soldiers are entitled to receive, as I am at a lofs how the
Pay-Rolls must be made."
With much respect, I am Sir,
Your obedient Serv^ "
Jas: Hawkins to the Governor, complaining that M*^ Clark Commif- December 30th
sary to the Convention Troops has made an extravagant charge for gj^^j^^i^,
meal ifsued to those troops, because it was unsifted — Thinks this should Albemarle Co.
not be allowed, as most of the meal was really sifted, and the part he
says that was not ground very fine our Guard received it and I never
heard the least murmur among them'*
Major G — Linitot to Gov: Jefferson, (translated from French) ^Dece«ber 30th
Upon his leaving Fort Pitt he returned to the Illinois to endeavor to FaiUof Ohio,
alhy the troubles caused by the Indians — He hoped to have met Col:
Clarke at the Falls, to consult with him, in accordance with the instruc-
tions from his Excellency — He had hoped, by his afsistance to have pro-
^06 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1780 cured goods, without which nothing can be done with the Indian nations.
He is much embarassed by Col: Clarke's absence, his Excellency and
December 30th ^j^g Council having given him orders not to advance, unlefs the State
should furnish the means to take Detriot. Whenever there is a want of
goods, trouble with the Indians will occur, that being the only means of
keeping them quiet. He hopes, however their wishes may yet be accom-
plished ; and that the Army will march in the Spring, with which he
should go, to make an attempt upon a place so important to the general
peace.
December 51 it
Cbiriotteiviiie. ^ol: James Wood to Gov: Jefferson—
"Sir
I returned to this Post two Days ago from Maryland, where I left the
British Troops tollerably well Accomodated — I make no doubt you
have Received before this, a requisition from the State of Maryland for
a supply of Beef and Pork for the Troops, as the scarcity of these arti-
cles are so great as to render it impofsible to procure more than three
weeks allowance from this time. On this subject, I wrote your Excel-
lency from Annapolis, and have hopes proper steps have been taken to
secure the Beef and Pork in the upper Counties for this Particular Pur-
pose— The Executive of Maryland were much averse to receiving any
part of the Convention Troops, and had thoughts of sending them back,
Maryland corns but were prevailed on to receive them for a time, upon my afsuring them
fni^hfrroop' ^^^^ ^^^ Troops, were in such a situation for want of shoes, as to render
it impofsible for them to return at such an inclement Season — As to
receiving the German Troops, you may be afsured they will never con-
sent to it, as they have neither shelter or Provisions for them — the situa-
tion of Our Own Guards at Frederick Town, are really Distrefsing —
As there are no apartments for the Officers, they are under the neceffity
of Boarding at Exorbitant rates, are Quite Destitute of money, and no
Allowance of Spirits for either Officers or Men to be Expected — I beg
leave to recommend their situation to your Consideration " * •
* * "In expectation from your former Letters that the
German Troops were to remain at the Barracks this Winter, I dis
charged all the imprefsed teams, as soon as they Arrived at Frederick
Town "
* • "I mean to return to Maryland the first of February " —
I am with great respect & Esteem
Sir, yr: Excellencys'
Very ob* fervant
&c &c
December —
Fayette Co.
W°* Hogan and Rob* Patterson gent: recommended to the Governor
for Captains of Militia —
James McBride, Danl: Wilcockson & W™ McConnell, as Lieu-
tenants— and Michael Warnock — Thos: Herndon and Thos: Stevenson,
as Ensigns &c
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. A07
Current price of Tocacco at the Richmond Warehouses in the Year 1780
' December —
Janv I"' to Feb 8'^ £30 pr: hhd: „. .. ,
r» 1 * oih AC L or Richmond.
Feb 8^*^ to March 4 35
March 4'^ to " 17'^ 40
March 17'** to April 16*** 42.10
April 16^" to " 21" 50
*' 21" to May 5 55
May 5 to II 60
*' II to 20 62 10
" 20'** to fept: 4^" 65
Sept: 4 to Qj^ 67.10
Sept: 9'** to Dec 15"* 70
Dec 15"' to Dec 31*^ 75
List of Ordnance Stores sent to Richmond from the Magazine in
W™*burg by Capts Pelton & Jennings — Guns: Bayonets, Piftols — Buck
Shott, Aludcet Ball — Rifles, Halberts, Blunderbufses —
Whereas by the reduction of Charles Town, and the subsequent December-
movements of the enemy it hath become inexpedient to rendezvous at Gen: Asiembiy
Hillsborough the Militia lately ordered into Service for the defence of
South Corolina —
Be it enacted that the Governor, with the advice of Council or the
General Commanding Such Militia, shall be and they are hereby authorized
and empowered to direct the rendezvous of the said militia at any place
or places whatsoever, that the public Service may require —
A Copy
JOHN BECKLEY C. h. D—
Pafsed both houses of Afsembly
Return of clothing due Robert Brown &c Lieut: V* Artillery — \\ yds: Clothing due
S. fine cloth — 6 Summer vests & breeches — 3 pr: thread stockings, 2 pr: *" °®"'
silk D** Cambrick for three Stocks —
ROBT BROWN D' V. A.—
Gen: Chas: Scott to Gov; JefFerson — December—
"Sir Htdrels Point.
I am unhappy to inform Your Excellency of the Distrefsed Situation
of our troop prisoners at this place for want of Clothing & Necefsarys —
the very long delay I have no doubt has been occasioned by some unfore-
seen circumstances, perhaps the probability of a General Exchange of want of
prisoners — however I hope the latter is not the reason why the supplies clothing,
are not sent on, for wear we Exchanged to morrow we could not move
without much Injury to the Troops w** might probably be charged to
some other cause unjustly — I have not time to write Your Exc^ fully on
this subject as I wish — this- will be handed you by Col** Ball, who will
point out to You our Situation more clearly —
I have the Honor to be. Sir,
Your obt fervant —
&c &c"
408
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1780
* Rob' BulfiU Oarn to
December—
((
My Lord
I have the Honor to inform your lordship, that agreeable to Major
General Leslies orders, I have proceeded up the rapahanak in order to
procure the inclosed letter a safe conveyance to Your lordship, and am so
well afsured of the Bearer fidelity, that I make not the least doubt of its
reaching safe to Your lordships, — I beg leave to inform Your lordship,
if you have any letter for General Leslie and will Dispatch them by the
Bearer, I shall wait in rapahanak River a few days to receive them —
I have the honor my lord to be
Your Lordships most hblle servt —
&c &c —
Fragment of a letter without date, " to the Hon ^V Jones Delegate
of Virginia'* translated from the French —
'' Some letters found on board of Prizes make known to us that the
English show indications of establishing themselves at Portsmouth —
Several refugees have returned to their confiscated pofsefsions — These
circumstances have determined M. Le Comt de Rochambeau and M.
Detouches to undertake a more efficient expedition against Arnold ; and
the greater part of the Squadron was to have sailed the 4^^ or 5*** inst:
with 1 120 men on board, for the Chesapeake Bay — This detachment
carries 4 pound and 12-pound guns but the navy would furnish the
24-pds: if necefsary. The French General asks the cooperation of the
Militia of Virginia: and hopes that Gov; Jefferson will give Coun-
teneance to the operations of M. Detouches, and the Baron de
upon their arrival in January"
Jtnuary itt
Portion outh.
Major Genl: Baron Steuben to Col: Muter.
" Sir,
The present alarm has occasioned my ordering four hundred of the
Troops at Chesterfield to hold themselves in readinefs for marching —
the distrefsed fituations they are in, and the fcantinefs of the Continental
Magazines render it necefsary that the State should afford them the
Wantt of the afsistance in their power, and I must beg you to furnish Col^ Davis with
Troopa. fuch articles as he may be in immediate necefsity for & cannot otherwise
procure — he is particularly in want of some chords to make loops for
the tents he has & which without them are entirely uselefs —
I am
Your very humble Serv^ "
January lit
PhlladelphU.
James Madison Jnr: and Theo: Bland, Delegates to Gov: Jefferson —
in reply, and concerning the safest and best mode of sending the Cargo
of the " Committee " to Virginia — enclosing a statement in the part of
* Leilie wai at thii time occupying Portiraouth ; and hit mesiengen to Lord CornwAUb by
way of N. Carolina and the adjacen: Country, had been lo often captured, it would appear from
this note, that Carn had in hii Employ a Loyalist in the Rappahannock country, through whom
to communicate with Cornwallit — No British Commander ot high rank wai at this date in Vir-
aia except Leilie, hence the ** Lordship'* could only be addressed to Cornwi^lis himself.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J/^OQ
"a Baron D'Arendt" a Colonel in the U. S. Service of his having a 1781
Commifsion from M' W™ Lee to negotiate a purchase of Arms, Linnens
4c for the State, in Prufsia, where he had gone for the benefit of his J""*^ "'
health, — and for which service he was to receive liberal compensation if
succefsful, if not his reward to be twenty five " Louis D'ors " — They
conclude — *' In a letter from his Exc^ Genl: Washington, dated New
Windsor Dec: 27*** 1780, we have the following Intelligence "another
embarkation has taken place at New York supposed to consist of two ^^^kttioa
thousand five hundred land forces whose destination is not known — the ° * °*"'^'
fleet fell down to the Hooke on Wednesday last " our conjecture is that
they are destined to the Southward ; and indeed all the Enemys political
& military manoeuvres seem to indicate their Intention of making a
Vigorous effort against the Southern States this Winter —
We are sorry to inform yr Excellency, that we receive very little
authentic Intelligence of the steps which are taking to counteract these
vigorous operations ; that we are in a great measure uninformed of the
progrefs that has been made in raising the new army, and on what terms, importmce of
of what has been, and will be done in establishing magazines for its the critii.
support — and above all of the measures pursuing to cancell the old
money and give an effectual support to the new, by providing for its
punctual and final redemption with Specie — This is a crisis, at which we
conceive a most afsiduous application to those great objects to be necef-
sary, and (next to the completion of the Confederacy which is the Basis
of the whole) of the first importance to America, therefore highly
importing us to know, as the measures of so large a State as ours cannot
but have considerable effects on the other States in this Union —
We have the honor to be with
^ the greatest respect yr: ob^ & bumble
Servants —
&c: &c:
**Sir
Capt: Jas: Maxwell to the Governor — Jtnuiry nt
State Ship Yard
Yours of Yesterday's date, I received this morning by M' Webb,
and am to inform Your Excellency, that in consequence of the news I
herd of the Enemy's arivial, have fited out the Lewis Gaily, and sent State Navy.
her down the river under the command of the Lieut of the Jefferson,
with twenty Volunteers from the same Vefsel, who have agreed to serve
for the present Invation. the Brig has been totally dismantled of every-
thing she had on board. for heaving down, having been Aground and in
want of Repair, but from the above news have got her Guns on board,
and are puting in the best posture of defence we are able. I have also
sent of the letter vou were pleased to send me, for the Aid of the
Malitia, which am Afeard we shall want much, as all the peoples times,
belonging to the Brig is expired, and cannot get any of them to agree to
continue any longer in the service. Shall therefore be under the dis-
agreeable necefsity of detaining them Against their will — I can only in-
form Your Excellency that I shall do all in my power towards the savmg
k defending the publick propeity at this place —
I have the Honor to be very Respectfully
Sir, Your Excellency's most humble
serv* &c: &c:"
62
410
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Resolution passed, desiring the Executive to retire from actual service
Tanua itt ^^^ numerous Supernumeray Officers of the State Establishment, not-
withstanding their merits, in view pf the ^^ greatly reduced" situation of
Oeni Aaicmbiy ^jj^ Corps and Regiments, for want of men.
Janoary lit
" ARRANGEMENT OF THE VIRGINIA LINE —
I*' Regiment Names,
Col: William Davies,
Lt: Col: Saml: Hopkins,
Maj: Thomas Posey,
Capt: Natham Reed,
Thomas Thweat,
John Overton,
Thomas Holt,
Archibald Denholm,
Nathaniel Terry,
Francis Minnis,
Joseph Scott Jnr:
Jno: Boswell Johnfon,
Lieut: Philip Sanfum,
Thomas Browne,
Samuel Hogg,
Marks Vandervall,
Richard Walker,
Richard Worsham,
David Merri weather,
Ballard Smith,
Samuel Seldon,
Joseph Conway
Thomas Burford,
Elisha King,
Philip Courtney,
Ensign W°» P. Quarles,
ohn Scott,
ohn Harris,
ohn Carr,
Drew,
2°^* Regment —
Col® Christian Febiger,
Lt: Col: Gustavus d. Wallace,
Major Thomas Snead,
Capt: Robert Higgins,
John Stith,
Alexander Parker,
Benj: Taliaferro,
John Stokes,
Josiah Marks,
Colin Cocke,
Date of Commission.
20^^ March,
1778.
19 June,
Ci
30t>> April,
cc
20''» Jany,
1777.
26**^ March,
C(
4*^ October.
12*** March,
1779.
25 June,
((
1$^^ Dec:
(I
25 April,
1780.
3^ June,
CC
15^*^ Feb:
1781.
4 Oct:
1777.
18 Oct:
(C
18'** Dec:
CC
4 Feb:
1778.
2 March,
CC
12 March,
1779.
7^^ May, ♦
CC
12 May,
CC
25^*" June,
CC
15'*^ July,
1780.
1 6^*^ July,
i»
15*^ Feby:
1781.
iS^*' Feb;
(C
6'»> Oct:
1780.
10**^ Feby.
1781.
1 1 Feb.
CC
26^** Sept:
1777.
20^*^ March,
1778.
Q^'^ Dec:
1779.
I*' March,
1777.
12 "
CC
I' June,
do«
23^ Sept:
CC
30*^ Feb:
1778.
10^*" Mav,
1779.
9 Dec:
CC
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
411
Robert Porterficld,
April 1780. 1781
Francis Cowherd,
29'*^ May, " - ^,,_ .
Lieut: Henry Moss,
ii^Muly, 1777. J*""*^''*
Beverly Stubblefield,
7**^ August, "
John Jordan,
3* Septem: "
Thomas Parker,
13*** October, •*
James Mayborn,
23* Dec. "
John Crawford,
1779.
Peter Hi^ins,
1779.
Thomas Miller,
24"* Sept: "
W» Eskridge,
9*** Decern:
James De Laplain,
I*' August, 1780.
Field Archer,
i8'»» Feb: 1781.
Benj: Lawson,
SO*** Aug: 1779.
George Blackman,
i8«^Feb: 1781.
Ensign John Heth,
8"^ March, 1780.
Geo: A. Washington,
John Foster,
i8'>> Feb: 188*1.
3^* Regiment —
Col: George Mathews,
Lt: Col: Thomas Gaskins,
Major William Lewies,
Capt: William Johnston,
Nathaniel Pendleton,
Thomas Edmunds,
John Anderson,
John Blackwell,
William Bentley,
Robert Beale,
James Wright,
Le-roy Edwards,
Lieut: Thomas Warman,
Thomas Ransdale,
Henry Bedinger,
Timothy Fealy,
Beverly Roy,
Robert Livingston,
David Miller,
Benjamin Ashby,
Reuben Long,
William Stevens,
David Williams,
John Roney,
Lipscomb Norvell,
Ensign Preston Powell,
John Eustace,
W°» M^Guire,
John Giles,
Richard Archer,
10'*^ Feb:
16^ May,
12*** May,
9**^ Feb:
13*** March,
18'^ March,
12*^ Aug:
I5**» Sept:
19"* June,
.nd
July,
23^ Sept:
i-*July,
23^ Sept:
6^° Nov em:
28^^ Nov:
!•* May,
18*^ March,
10"' May,
iq"' June,
2^ July,
23^ July,
20*^ Feb:
V' July,
7 October,
October,
24* October
28 Novem —
1777.
1778.
1779.
1777.
(C
({
it
CI
1779.
CI
1777.
(C
(C
C(
1779.
((
u
1779.
1780.
1779.
1780.
((
4l»
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
January lit
4^ Regiment
Col^ John Nevill,
Lt; Col° Richard Campbell,
Major William Croghan,
Capt: Samuel Finley,
Saml: Booker,
Abrah: Kirkpatrick,
Lawrence Butler,
James Currey,
Philip Mallory,
Willis Riddick,
James Crane,
W°» E. Lovelv,
Lieut: Reuben Fields,
John Wilson,
James Morton,
Robert Foster,
Philip Easton,
James Holt,
Luke Cannon,
Albridgton Jones,
Phillip Huffman,
Robert Craddock,
Willis Willson,
Charles Erskine,
John Crute,
Ensing Garvin Miller,
Robert Hays,
William Scott,
Archibald Campbell,
John Spitsfaddon,
Dan^ Bedinger,
5^ Regiment
Col*^ William Rufsell,
Lt: Col: Oliver Towles,
Major John Willis,
Capt: Henry Young,
Joseph Scott, Senior,
William Rogers,
Thomas Parker,
Custis Kendall,
Robert Woodson,
James Culbertson,
Charles Snead,
Severn Teagle,
Capt: Lut: Thomas Payne,
Lieut: Thomas Martin,
Charles Stockley,
Nathaniel Darby,
Robert Brackenridge,
11-^ Dec:
20"* Feb:
16^^ May,
— Decem:
I** August,
10*^ August,
14*^ May,
24*^ Sept:
10*^ March,
5"^ April,
18"^ Feby:
10*^ Jany.
I-' April,
20^^ April,
10* Augt:
12^ Aug*
24"* Sept:
9"» March,
25^ Sept:
29**^ Nov:
5*^ April,
30*** Nov'
4«^ July,
17**^ Oct:
i7"» Dec:
Feb—
25
gth
^ June,
Dec:
1777.
1778.
1778.
1776.
1777.
1779.
a
1780.
1780.
1781.
1778.
1779.
1779.
1780.
1779
1779.
1780.
1780.
1781.
19"" Dec:
1 1* Feb^
12* May,
28"" Dec:
9"* Aug*
I*' April,
23^ April,
26''' May,
27"* May,
I2«' May, 1779.
1776.
1778.
1779.
1776.
1777.
1778.
CC
V^^ Jan^ 1778.
.th
25"" Feb:
9^*^ March,
4"^ April,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
418
Mathew Clay,
Thomas Coverley,
John Robbins,
William Robertson,
John Scarborough,
Benjamin Mofseley,
Jonathan Smith,
John Steel,
Ensign Jacob Brown,
Hercules Perkins,
Zacariah Tatum,
Thomas Sayers,
Andrew Hays,
6*** Regiment,
Col* John Greene,
Lt: Col: Samuel Hawes,
Maj: David Stephenson,
Capt: John Gillison,
John Spot ts wood,
Clough Skelton,
Nathan Lamb,
James Williams,
Mayo Carrington,
John Fitzgerald,
John Nelson,
Thomas Hoard,
Lieut: Thomas Barbee,
John Townes,
Thomas Fox,
bseph Blackwell,
ames Hamilton,
William Evans,
Samuel Baskerville,
Thomas Pearfon,
John Hackley,
Nicholas Taliafero,
John Robertson,
Charles Jones,
William D. O. Kelly,
Ensign William Smith 2^ Lieut:
Thomas Smith,
Edmund Clarke,
John W, Ludiman,
Robert Green,
Gabriel Green,
James Green,
James Barbour,
Francis Gray,
23^* April,
20*'' May,
25'^ Aug:
24*** November, —
26"» Dec:
29*** Aug:
24**^ Sept:
1779.
1781
January ist
1%^^ Feb^
i^^^ Sept:
ii'J> Sept:
13th Dec:
1 2th Fthf
15th Feb^
178L
1778,
1780.
1781.
26*** Jany:
!•* March,
!•* May,
6^^ Feby:
25"" Feby:
24**^ Jan^
16*** Sept:
19*** do.
12*^ May,
10*^ May,
29
18*^ Feby
22* March,
!•* July,
30*^ Oct:
30^ Nov:
13*^ Jany:
10^ Sept:
14
1778.
1778.
1778.
1777.
1778.
1779-
1780.
1779.
1778.
^ do.
18 Feby: 1781.
9 Sept: 1778.
5*^ March, 1780.
2i*i March, 1780.
23* May,
11*^ Oct:
12
13
H
15
th ((
th Ci
th ((
th c(
Col: George Muter to the Governor, calling attention to the necefsity J*n««nr ad
of removing the arms and Stores at Petersburg, the powder at the Pow- War Office.
JtU
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 der Mills and at Manchester, in view of the enemys' threatened approach.
- ^ ^ Capt: Spiller, State Commifsarv of Mil: Stores, who goes off for that
•\ ^ , purpose will attend his Excellency in regard to the execution of this
Alarm from the .
Enemy. duty.
January id
Thos: Everard, to Leighton Wood Esq*" giving his reasons for resign-
ing the office of "Auditor of the Public Accounts "—expressing his
sense of the importance of the Place, and exprefsing the hope it may be
filled by a proper person —
January 3ci
Col: Ed: Carrington to Col: W°* Davies, announcing the arrival of
p t bur I M' Patten with eleven wagons, with 1270 Stand of arms & accoutrc-
o*ciock in' the ments, and 27 Boxes of Cartridges — a large supply of powder and Lead
morning. and Other valuable military Stores, provisions and Spirits at that place —
It will be impossible to get them off without waggons, which he urges
Arms, &c. jjj^y jjg ggj^j ^^ once. —
January 3d
Richmond.
L Wood Jnr: to Gov: Jefferson, exprefsing his regret that M'
Everard declines to accept the place of Auditor — Desires to qualify to
his late appointment so that he may enter at once into his duties, but
should he be required to continue to act as Auditor on account of the
present Invasion, is willing to defer doing so for a few days —
January 3d
Richmond,
W. Armstead to Col: Davies, informing him, he is directed by the
Governor to order the ** Taylors & Shoe-Makers at Warwick " to repair
to Chesterfield C. House, but suggests they may desert unlefs officers
are sent for them — Regrets to hear that the shoes bought by M' George
Elliot ^^ prove so mean as to be uselefs " — hopes they will not be received,
as well as any other clothing for the Soldiers that is unfit —
January 4th
Kai-a-tree.
Indtani.
** Cheifs and Warriors,"
We came into your Country to fight your young men. We have
killed not a few of them and destroyed your Towns — You know you
began the War, by listining to the bad councils of the King of England,
Addren to the and the falsehoods told you by his Agents — We are now satisfied with
what IS done as it may convince your nation, that we can distreis them
much at any time they are so foolish as to engage in a War against us —
If you desire peace as we have understood you do, we out of pity to
your Women and .Children are dispofed to treat with you on that Sub-
ject and take you into friendship once more — We therefore send tbis by
one of vour young men, who is our prisoner, to tell you if you are alfo
dispofed to make peace, for six of your Head-Men to come to our Agent
Major Martin at the Great Island within two Moons — they will have a
safe pafsport, if they will notify their approach by a Runner with a Flag,
so as to give him time to meet them with a guard on Holstein River at
the boundary Line — The wives and children of those men of your Na-
tion that protested against the War, if they are willing to take refuge at
the Great Ifland until peace is restored, we will give them a supply of
provisions to keep them alive. Warriors listen attentively
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^15
If we receive no answer to this mefsage until the time already men- 178'
tioned expires, we shall conclude you intend to continue to be our ene- janoary 4th
mies, which will compell us to send another strong force into your
Country who will come prepared to stay a long time and take pofsefsion
thereof as conquered by us, without making any restitution to you for
your Lands —
Signed at Kai-a-tee the fourth day of January One thousand Seven
Hundred and Eighty one, by
ARTHUR CAMPBELL Col*>
JOHN SEVIER Lieut: Col*'
JOSEPH MARTIN Agent &
Major of Militia "
D' J. Marshall to Col: W™ Davies, Comdt: at Ches: C. House — January 4th
''Dear Col**
Since I could first claim the pleasure of your acquaintance, it has been
my opinion, that it was your wish to conduct yourself in y*" department,
in such a manner as not to touch the feelings of any person, in whatever
station he might be plac*d — of this I am still convinced, and shall think
no more of the matter —
I am certain your present situation must be truly disagreable and har-
rafsing : from the repeated applications, from different quarters — But
was there not some person who was both willing & capable of prosecu-
ting this trust, we should be distrefs'd indeed — I have no doubt you will coi. Dayiet
hereafter be entitled to the reward merit has a right to claim — And for complimented,
your attention to the wants of the Hosp^ department, I think you enti-
tled to the warmest thanks of those engaged therein —
There will be done one dozen of the shirts at M*" Watkinses by
to morrow night ^r-The sick are greatly distrefsed for the want of them —
And if you think proper to give an Order on M' Burfoot for 25 which
are to be made there — I will have them sent to y* Hosp^ as fast as they
are done : which will be a means of adding some little relief to the poor
fellows.
I am D' Col® with great Respt:
your most obt: fervt "
&c &c
Col: Ed: Carrington to Col: Davies at Ches: C. House — January 4th
Peteriburg.
We find that the Town Militia of this place have not ammunition
with the arms which they have had by them — I only reserved ammuni-
tion for such arms as we reserved for Militia so that I should be obliged
to you if you could send down four or five Boxes of Cartridges — The
Militia talk of forming some parties of Horse — I wish you to send us
also forty or fifty of the swords which went from here yesterday — you Preparations to
are not however to expect that we have now any respectable force of '«<^«*^« ^^«
Militia, nor can I suppose it absolutely certain that we shall — Col: Gib- ^"*"^'
son is directed to take the command of them & is now afsembling them
as fast as he can — I think it is time to be the most strictly on our
j^l6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Guard — the Enemy are moving up James River, & it is highly probable
your post may be as much in danger as this —
I am Yr: Mo: ob. P "
&c: &c:
January 4th Receipt for " 60 Round shot — 4 pounders — 2 blls: Gun-powder, 2
Action at City ^''^* Cartridges — 2 Ladles, 2 Worms, 2 Sponges & Rammers, 2 Priming
Point. Horns and Prickers " delivered to Capt R^ Hill of the Artillery, by
order of Col: Gibson, which ammunition was expended at City Point.
January 4th Major Chas*. Dick to the Governor —
Fredericksburg Sir,
I have just time to acquaint you that the Gentlemen of this Town, &
The women as- cven the Ladys have very spiritedly attended at the Gunnery and aiEsted
sist at the to make up already above 20.000 Cartridges with Bullets, from which
Gunnery. ^j^p Spots* Militia and from Caroline have been supplied, as also above
100 Good Guns from this Factory — As I propose to do all the good in
my power in these troublesome times, I (hall continue to direct the Fac-
tory and Keep the Workmen together if pofsible, which I find pretty
difficult to do without money and Provisions.
I shall wait on your- Excellency as soon as I hear the Offices begin to
do Businefs, and have the honor to be with the
greatest Respect,
Your Excellencys,
most Obed* Hb fervant "
&c: &c: —
January 4th Coh Jos: Crockett to the Governor of V* Complaining of the diffi-
Frederick town culties the Officers of his Regiment labor under at that place — They
Maryland. are debarred of the privileges allowed officers in Virginia — can draw
c laintt of °"'y ^^^ pound of beef and one of flour and a gill of liquor per day —
the Virginia have no Sugar, coffee or tea, and being without Barracks, are obliged to
officer!. ** get lodgings on the best terms " they can. Begs Executive interfer-
ence, in accordance with the laws of the State of Virginia
January 5th *' I, David Jones of the County of Henrico, by Trade a Taylor aged
Richmond. thirty One years, do acknowledge myself to be a Prisoner on Parole to
his Majesty the King of Great Britain : and I do hereby engage to
remain as fuch until properly exchanged, or this Parole is altered. And
Parole extend- J Jq folemnly promife not to be aiding or afsisting in any respect to the
citiMM?^*^* Enemies of Great Britain while I continue under this obligation, under
the penalty of forfeiting life and fortune : & I do further acknowledge
that I have voluntarily signed this Parole.
Given under my hand at Richmond this 5'** day of January 1781.
Signed
DAVID JONES-
(Copy)
Thomas Dundas,
Lt: Col: %o^ Regt "
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. A17
The Committee to whom was referred the Letter of Abraham Skin- 1781
ner Commifsary General of Prisoners delivered in, a report as follows. — fa v h
That nothwithstanding every effort of Congress to obtain for our
People Prisoners in the hands of the Enemy, that Treatment which ^° Congrew.
Humanity alone should have dictated, the British Commanders, unmind- 3,^ treatment
ful of the Tenderness exercised toward their men. Prisoners in our of American
hands, and regardlcfs of the practice of civilized nations, have persisted P"jonera by the
in Treating our People prisoners in their Hands, with evcrv Species of m^uret^aldopt-
Insult, Outrage and Cruelty. Officers and men are inaiscriminately ed to prevent
thrown into the Hold of Ships, and into loathsome Dungeons, and there '*>« "™« *«•
deprived of fuel and the common necefsaries of life by which means
many of the Citizens of these States have been compelled to enter into
their service to avoid these distrefses which a conduct so contrary to the
Law of Nations, had brought upon them — Our Seamen taken upon the
American Coast have been sent to Great Britain and other parts beyond
Seas, to prevent their exchanged, or to force them to take arms against
their Country.
That in the opinion of the Committee, our Exercise of the Law of
Retaliation has become necefsary as a Justice due to those Citizens of
America, whom the fortune of War have thrown into the Power of our
Enemy, Whereupon,
Resolved, that Copies of the Letter of M' A. Skinner and the other
papers referred to, be transmitted to the Commander in Chief, and that
he be directed to enquire into the Manner in which our People who are
prisoners, are treated by the Enemy, and that he give immediate orders
to the Commanding Officers of the different Posts to take particular
care that the British Prisoners receive the same Allowance and Treat*
ment in every respect as our People who are Prisoners, receive from the
Enemy—
Resolved, that it be recommended to the respective Executives, to
take effectual measures for carrying into execution the Act of Congress
of the 13^ of January 1780, respecting prisioners taken by the Citizens,
Troops, or Ships of particular States —
That the Board of Admiralty ifsue orders not to exchange any british
Sea Officer or Seamen, until the enemy shall have returned to some of
their Garrisons in America, such Seamen as they have taken on the
American Coast, and have sent to Great Britain, or other parts beyond
Sea, and that the Board of War, and Board of Admiralty give orders
for Continuing the Treatment of Prisoners, as herein directed, until
they receive orders to the Contrary, from Congress or the Commander
in Chief —
Extract from the Minutes,—
CHA» THOMSON, fec^.
Mathew Godfrey to Gov: Jefferson, in regard to exchange of William January 6tlk
Godfrey, Henry Whiting, John Livingston, Richard Lee, & John Norfolk.
Cook, Citizens, who had fallen into the hands of Commodore Symonds
of the British War-Ship, Charon ; and enclosing the following from that
officer to himself —
" Sir, Col^ Mathews has delivered me your letter of this days' date,
and by him I give a Parole to M' Henry Whiting, who is very desirous
of returning to Portsmouth —
53
418 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 I cannot have any wish in detaining other prisioners on board The
_ g . Charon, but merely to get an exchange, if that cannot be complyed with
Letter of Com. ''^^"t ^^^^^ hzvQ no Objection to send them on Parole also, but in the
Symondt, &c. * mean time hope you'll endeavour to collect any of his Brittannicks
Majesties' subjects — who are prisoners in your district —
I am Sir,
your m* obed* Hble Serv' —
THOMAS SYMONDS."
Charon, ofF Newportc Nuse,
January 4^** 1781. —
January 6th David Lambert informs Col: Muter, he had sent the powder stored in
Gold Mine ^^^ Church under guard, to ^^ the Commanding officer of Chesterfield in
Hanover Co. Caroline County — " as directed by M"" G. Anderson —
January 6th D' J. Marshall to Col: Davies at Ches: C^ House. He has just
Green*! Store ^irrived at that place with the Sick and is better provided with houses
Amelia Co. ' than he had expected, '^and being in a wealthy vicinity" hopes they
will not suffer want in other respects — Desires instructions as to whether
he is to move further, how he is to be furnished with provisions, forage
&c, and asks for news —
January 6th Maj: Genl: Baron Steuben to Gov: Jefferson,
Warwick. " Sir,
I have the pleasures to acquaint your Excellency, that the Enemy
left Richmond this afternoon about one o-clock, and proceeded towards
Movemenu of their vefsells ; in consequence of which I immediately ordered a Bat*^ of
the Enemy. Continental Troops & a Bat" of Militia to march to this place, & came
myself as well to oppose any attempts to land here as to be so far on
the way to Petersburg, where it is supposed the Enemy intend to pro-
ceed— Col: Gibson informs me they have near looo militia together,
tho* only 400 of them were then armed — it is faid the Vefsels have
already got up as far as Broadway — should this prove true I shall pro-
Not a gun fired ceed early to-morrow morn^ with the troops here, to Petersburg & make
at them, every pofsible opposition — I have not heard of a Single Gun being fired
at them, either on their March from Westover, or during their Stay at
Richmond, nor have I the least intelligence from Genl: Nelson fince the
inclosed Letters —
As the Militia will be strll arriving at Petersburg & as there are already
600 unarmed, I must beg your Excellency to give immediate Orders to
have 1000 ftand of arms Sent down there with Ammunition. —
I am with respect,
your Excellencys'
most obt Servant '*
&c: &c:
January 6th W™ Rose Dep: Q. M' to Col: Muter —
Goochland Co. '^ Sir,
Andenon J \^2LVt this moment sent on from this place seven Wagons with
Peer t avera. -j^^y^Q^^Qj^ 4 Military Stores and Tools from the Works|at Westham to
Goochland Court House, where Major Pierce is and two field Pieces.
The Waggons with Linnens &c, from the public Store are just below
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. M9
Deep run in the woods, from which place they will start in about two 1781
Hours. I am going down the Hanover road, in Search of Some Stores .
sent out that way by Capt: Profides' Carts. Two Waggon Loads of *l ,
Powder was fafcly conveyed from Hanover Town to a brick Church 8 terecTitwet &c!
miles below Chesterfield in Caroline County and a guard placed over it—
The Foundery & public buildgs: at Westham are destroyed — As soon as Worki at
the scattered stores are safe, I shall write you where they are and the w«thim.
species, and wait on his Excellency the Governor for his Commands,
when I am certain where he is — M' Taylor, who escaped out of Town
between 11 & 12-o-clock last Evening, informs me that their numbers
do not exceed 3 or 600 Infantry and 70 Horse — Arnold Commands, and
the Peoples EiFects as yet unmolested — Col Southall & Major Pierce Narrow escape
very narrowly escaped being taken by the light Horse. of officers.
I am respectfully Sir —
your most ob fervant "
Jas: Ball: to Col: Davies, informing him he had sent o(F nearly all the J»uary 7th
provisions, thirty bis: of beef being left — has just given orders to collect chesterfield
flour and beef for the Hospital, at Greens' Store in Amelia &c. Court House.
R. Lindsay, L. C. to Capt: Michael Wallace, be has just rec*^ a let- January 7th
ter from the Governor ordering the Militia of the County to march chariottesTiUe
directly to Richmond, the near approach of the enemy demanding that
not a moment be lost — he is to send at once twenty of his company Militia ordered
down under command of Lieut: James Read, who is authorized to im- <>"(•
prefs provisions, on the rout, giving receipts for everything seized — Con*
eludes ^^ Im informed that on Wednesday last the Enemy were landing
within Twenty Miles of Richmond, which I am sure will be a sufficient
spur to you & every good man to loose no time in hurriing the Militia
down."
Major R* Claiborne, D. Q. M — to Col: Davies, at Britons' Ferry — January 7th
^^ The irregularity of public measures and the distruction of public Richmond,
property are things which keep me in constant pain. I have ever made
it a point to render my fervices when I could ufeful, but fince this inva-
sion I have acted in a capacity to which I am not appointed, and am oiiBcuities of
sorry to (ay that the little assistance which has be:n given me has ren- his position,
dered my endeavors almost ineffectual — My present appointment is not
for me to take the field : nor any of the Agents appointed under me.
The nature of the bufinefs is fuch that we cannot act at our Stations,
and with the Army. The former is of the greatest importance, and I
wish to proceed to regulating it immediately. By continuing in the field,
we fhould be obliged to make many accounts, which it would be impof-
sible to settle under the new fystem, under which I am obliged to act.
It cannot be expected that I can give but very little alBstance consider-
ing the very short time in which I have been in the Department, and
the naked and confused state in which I have taken it up. Form your
Knowledge of the fervice, you will readily find that I am not to appoint
the Officers in the (^ M" Dep* for the field : nor can I agree to let any
of the Agents, who are already under the new regulations, take upon
420 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
l^^l themselves the charge of any kind of public property except such as
j»nu»ry 7th belong to the Department." • * * * •
'* ror the few Continental Troops which are now under you it is easy
SMtrXraopi. ^^ appoint the necefsary Staff Officers: and I (hall be happy at all times to
give them every assistance, in my power consistent with my present
office. As to the Militia, the Executive must make the appointments
to answer their purposes, as I can do but little for them. I (hall watt
upon the Governor and Baron Ste*iben in the morning and inform them
of my intentions —
Wtnt of disci- I bave not witheld my afsistance night nor day fince I saw you, but I
pUne of Militia, can get no help from the Militia, who are scattered over the town, and
am obliged to see valuable public property of all kinds going fast to
destruction, without having it in my power to prevent it —
I am with the greatest respect & esteem
yr: mo: ob' hble fervt '*
&c &c
jtnuary 7th Maj: Genl Baron Steuben to Gov: Jefferson: v
Oiborni ^^ Sir,
70c oc . . J 1^^^^ ^1^.^ moment the honor of your Excellency's Letter of this
day — the thousand Stand of Arms I desired Col: Davies to send to Col:
Gibson at Petersburg on being advised there were then 400 militia there
unarmed & more arriving, and I must again request that no time may be
Want of Arms, j^^^ j^^ fending as many there as can be collected — the Continental arms
were in the hands of Capt: Irish, I am ignorant where they were removed
to, but they must undoubtedly be delivered out on the prefent occasion,
and I will be obliged to your Excellency to give orders accordingly —
fearfull lest all we can get will not be sufficient I have sent orders to
recall the arms which pafsed thro' Richmond fome days fince for the
fouthern Army.
»
I am exceedingly happy to understand that your Excellency intends
collecting the several Staff Officers of the State. I cannot but say that
No aid from the jjitj^erto I have rec** little or no afsistance from them, on the contrary I
have been obliged to employ Continental officers to do their Business.
I am much distrelsed to provide for the Troops, baring not a single
Quarter Master or Commifsary — let me beg Your Excellency to send
Irregular way 0 ^^ some persons to act in these capacities — the method of suffering
trooM*"* Corps to provide themselves is exceeding distrefsing to Individuals &
ruinous to the State — Some person must also superintend the forage
Department for the same reasons — Capt: Fairlie, who returned this
Evening informs me that Genl: Nelson is in want of ammunition — I sent
off an Exprefs immediately to Maj: Claiborne, not knowing wherelse
to apply, to endeavour to procure 20.000 Cartridges & send them down
with an Escort ; if he meets with any difficulty you will be so obliging
as to afsist him.
Ammunition Ammunition will also be wanting on this fide ; desire Col: Muter to
wanted. fend all he can collect to Petersburg.
I have ordered the militia of Chesterfield, Powhatan, & Amelia to
march with all pofsible expedition to Petersburg — to morrow I march
Military opera- there myself with 400 men I have here, my intention is, at the same
lions. time that I cover Petersburg, to endeavour something at Hoods — if any
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^fj
Cannon can be got & a force sufficient collected to prevent Their Land- 1781
ing I think we may give them fome trouble — Genl: Smallwood is arrived
at Petersburg k will give me his afsistance. jmuary yt
With great esteem & respect —
I am Your Excellency's
Most ob* fervant —
&c: &c:"
J"** Robertfon, A. Com' to Col Davies, begging for instructions as to January 7th
how he is to supply the Troops — he cannot leave the magazine except q^^^^ Fnendi.
at great hazard — The " Pioneers, Waggoners & scattering Soldiers"
apply to him for provisions and liquor, which he ifsues to them — He has
sent out into the Country and gotten supplies of forage and Beef —
Col** J. Nicholas to the Governor, January 7th
" May it please Your Excell^ " "The Foreit."
I have just received an exprefs from Charles City Court-house, who
proves my mistake last night of Genl: Nelson's being there, & informs c^j NichoUi
me of a small party of this County militia being surprised last night, icomlng.
Neighther good intelligence or any manoeuvre of consequence can take
place untill we have more Horse — I just received, the enemy are in
motion on Berkeley plain & for want of fresh horse, I shall be under
the necefsity of retreating to Mauvern hills, where I shall endeavour
to stand,"
*'In haste — *'
&c: &c:
Capt: A Kirkpatrick, to Col: W°^ Davies in regard to moving mili- J*""*n^ 7th
tary stores up to "Judes" on James River, in consequence of the " Friends."
threatened advance of the Enemy from below — He had ordered them
to be stopped at Manchester as the latter had retired : the Powhatan ita*rj^7torc8"for
Militia had arrived at Friends, and at the former Place — Arms had been nfcty See.
sent to Manchester for the Chesterfield Militia, and many stores
had been foworded th Powhatan C. House, and thence to Judes' Ferry.
There were Flour, Rum, Salt, Brandy, Camp Kettles, and Arms to
the number of about fifteen hundred stand —
The Committee to whom was referred the Report of the Committee J*"""y ^'^
on letters from Genl: Washington of Dec 8'** &c, delivered in a report, in Congrcgi.
Whereupon —
Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the States, from New
Hampshire to North Carolina inclusive, to procure & foward to the p^. ^ .
treasurer of the United States, or to their Commifsary of prisoners ap- prorided for.
pointed to reside at New York, by the first day of March next, for the
use of the Officers in Captivity at that place & on Long Island & to be
j^2Z CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 charged to the United States, the following sums respectively, in specie
g . or bills of Exchange on New York viz : —
New Hampshire 2319 Dollars
Mafsachusetts Bay ^3334 ^^
Rhode Island 11 60 Do
Connecticut 9855 D**
New York 4347 ^^
New Jersey . 5217 do
Pensylvania ^3334 ^o
Delaware 987 do
Maryland 9^59 ^^
Virginia 14492 do
North Carolina 579^ D°
Extract from the Minutes
CHAS THOMSON secy"
Brig: Genl: Thos: Nelson inr: to Major Dick —
J"'^"* "Dear Sir,
" ft^'e^P^M " Nothing has offered since I last wrote, which renders it necefsary to
vary the Orders then given — It was my wish to have collected the
Troops on this Side James River to one Point, that if any opportunity
presented itself of gaining an advantage of the Enemy, we might have
Movementi of seized it to the best Effect. For this Reason I should this Night have
Oeni. NeUon. marched the Troops here, towards your Station, but that this would
have thrown our whole Force too far into y® Rear of the Enemy, to give
any Protection to the lower Country, should the Enemy embark in a
short time, which I think not improbable. If they should not, I shall
to morrow draw closer to them, by the Way of Charles City
Court House, & wish you to keep as near them as you prudently can —
In case of their Embarkation & going down the River, you will inarch
your Troops by the most direct Route towards Williamsburg —
I am dear Sir
your very hble Serv' "
&c: &c:
Col* J. Nicholas to Gov: Jefferson —
jaAuary 8th ci Your Excellency, I doubt not is anxious to hear of the enemys'
«<The Forest" cituation : they are from every account at Westover, with some Corps
««i2 o*ciock at advanced on the road leading to this place who appear to be under arms
"** '' as I am — I have about 300 men tolerably well appointed, about 40 the
reporti obf eirva- ^^^^ ^^ which are advanced under the Command of Capt: Selden within
tloni. sight of their advanced poasts — Genl: Nelson I suppose you have late
acct" from, he is at C. City Court-house, his Videts & mine were
together to-day at the Church near J. Byrds' — I should be glad of a
fiew good horsemen — Excuse the want of Wafers, & command as you
think best —
Your devoted
&c: &c:
January 8th c^io Q)^^^. Fleming, to Col: Davies at Britons' Ferry— sending the
KUMkn-town' Governors' letter to Genl Steuben, with a wagon load of Ammunition
Ferry. ftom the Other side to be fowarded by Col: Davies— has just sent a load
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^23
to Richmond also for GenI; Nelson — has with him two hundred and 1781
fifty men, arming by companies, who will march to Westham in due
ofcier as soon as ready —
Col^ W» Davies to Gov: Jefferson— ■^*""'^ ^^^
,, «. "Britonf" 6
2>ir» o'clock p. M.
I am informed a considerable number of Public papers, brimstone and
other articles are lying round the works at Westham many of them very
little damaged I cannot well spare anybody from this fide to collect
them, but think it my duty to give your Excellency the information. -,. ^, .
The number of Hanover Militia on the other side of the river, is so movcmentlTof
considerable as to take the whole of the good arms. I have had them the enemy,
all selected this afternoon and (hall early in the morning fend the bad up
the river, I think there seems to be a greater call for ammunition on
the other side, than on this — I shall therefore send over a quantity of
powder to them to be under care of Capt Grier. I am the more dif-
posed to take this step, as I am informed the enemy have crofsed oppo-
site four-mile creek, and are on their march into the Country." * * *
" Capt: Irish has come over to me, and I am persuaded will soon
arrange the Military stores into more order, so that we may know what
may be had, and when it may be had."
The waggons imprefsed by Capt: Harris can only be used to bring up
flour from Manchester, and to remove Commifsary stores from Col:
Friends higher up. The bad arms to be sent up in boats and the good
given to the " Hano^r men" —
" There is one Cunningham, not far from the falling creek church Gun-Smlth.
that, I am told is a very good Gun-smith, and has everything in order
for that business ; perhaps he might be useful" — Has taken every pre-
caution in regard to removing the public stores in case of alarm from the
enemy — The demand upon him for military stores requires that he should
be kept informed by the State Oflicers where they are lodged — encloses
" a commifsion" — and has promised to lay it before his Excellency and to
enquire whether leave will be granted the officer to resign — concludes —
" He is recommended to me by Capt: Markham and Capt: Patterson as
a very proper person for a resignation, as he takes sick whenever he is
ordered on duty."
I beg to have the earlifest intelligence of any movements of the enemy
towards the stores."
I am your Excellency's
most obed fervant,
&c: &c:"
Alex: Martin to Gov: Jefferson, ** by order of the Board of War." January Sth
" Sir, HaliAx N. C.
Having heard of a Body of British Troops landing in Virginia, the ^" Office.
Board of War of this State beg leave to be informed from your Excel-
lency of their numbers, movements and Intentions, that if necefsary our
militia he employed and act in concert with your Force to repel them.
We make no doubt, but that their principal object at present is the
Ji-U
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
January 8th
Gov Martin
dcsirei to co-
operate with
Reduction of North Carolina, and their landing in Virginia may be either
to plunder, or a Finefse to stop Succours from joining the Southern
Army — However, should they be serious in attempting to form Posts in
Virginia, they will also endeavour to extend a Line of them into this
State, should their numbers give them any pretentions to eflect this.
Va. against the We are desirous to take every early precaution in our power to frustrate
Enemy, &c. their Attempts, and therefore wish that your Excellency would be pleased
to have every important Intelligence on this subject communicated to
our Governor or to us, which not only concerns the mutual Interests,
but every Being of both States. We in turn will gladly give Your
Excellency Information of every momentous concern coming to our
knowledge.
I have the Honor to be most respectfully
By Order '
Your Excellency's most obedient
humble servant —
&c: &c:"
January 8th
Amherit Co.
Hugh Rose to Col: Geo: Muter —
^* Being intrusted by his Excellency with Dispatches for the upland
Counties, was obliged to leave Richmond in such haste as not to bring
away a single article of baggage: This with his * " Chair" he hopes
are at M' Buchanan's — He fears the enemy are in Richmond, but
sends M' Lamont not only to recover the articles referred to, but to
bring such dispatches as the Executive may have occasion to send either
to him or for the Western Counties — concludes — ** Our militia turn out
with great alacrity, I never got up 'till late on Saturday night, & hope to
have one compleat Company with you by Friday next k the Ballance in
a few Days after."
January 8th
New Orleans.
Col^ Jno: Montgomery to Gov: Jefferson.
" Sir,
This is to Represent the distrefsed situation of Fort Jefferson, and
the impofsibility of mentaining said Post without some speedy relief —
First, the Inhabitants in Gen^ are leaving the Settlement for want of
subsistance, and continually Harrafsed by an unmerciful Enemy, the lofs
of their Corn and Stock and we not being able to suport those Adven-
tures, by Reason of our Credit being so far Reduced for want of'Funds.
Secondly the certainty of our Soldiers deserting, as numbers has
already for want of provisions &c : &c :
Thirdly, Experience fully shows me that if the late Attack had held
of*afl^iriV * * ^ f^w days longer all our Stores and Ammunition must fall into the
Fort Jeflfenon. hands of the Enemy, by reason we had nothing but Corn in the Garri-
son, no more than what would support us for Six days longer, it was
impofsible for us to Repulse the Enemy, there Force being Superior to
ours, if they was certain of our Situation, we being 9bove half a mile
from the Mifsifsippi, and that through a Thick Wood. Except where
the channel Run where the Mifsifsippi was high, it's well known the
impofsibility of Transporting provisions that way to the Fort in time of
an Invasion, all these Reasons are Evident to every person, the dif-
* A vehicle on two wheels fur a single person drawn by one hone.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 426
ferent advices Received of this place minaced with Attacks from difT 178 1
Quarters and Nations, and the long time we have had no advice from . ^ ^ .
Government makes me represent to You the inavoidable Lofs that must
happen to this place if continued as it now is, and the great Lofs to
G overnment not only of this place with the Stores, but all the Illinois
Country, was this Post to Fall. I further think it highly necefsary that
this Post may be removed to some place where an Open Communication
may be kept up with the Mifsifsippi ; or to remove all the State stores,
ammunition &C9 with the Troops where they can be provided for, they
establishing a Settlement agreeable to their intention, as the Situation of
this can no ways answer, having no cummunication with the Mifsifsippi
for better than half a mile, for one half the Year. The Bearer hereof,
Capt: Harrison can inform you the Particulars, and had it not been for
the Afsistance of M' Oliver Pollock, with whom I am now present, Oliver Pollock.
we must undoubtedly evacuate that Post. He well knowine that Gov-
ernment having to heart the settling a place of so much Consequence
and from those good principles he hath always Shewed, Sent us Relief
from time to time, both Ammunition and Goods in our Greatest distrefs,
until he has sent his all & is still striving to send us further Supplies.
I am full) convinced it will not be in his Power to send further sup-
plies without Relief. I am in hopes you will take the Speedieft method
of sending him Remittances, or Providing a Fund for our future Relief,
as I can see no other method for the Preservation of the Illinois
Country.
Pray Excuse me for taking such Libertys, it being the true State of
our Situation, and in Colonel Clarks' absence I think it my duty.
I am Sir, with Respect, your Excellencies'
most ob^ Humble Servant "
J**^ Browne to Governor Jefferson — : has just arrived there after a January 9th
fatiguing journey, " being obliged to walk the greater part of the way." pctenburg.
The Baron out of town — finds provisions enough for five days, and
*' expects hourly two hundred & fifty beeves from M*^ James Mason of coUecring pro-
Brunswick" — Has contracted for " upwards of a hundred hogs" and vUiom.
can get five hundred barrels of flour if wanted —
Capt; W°^L. Lovely to Col Davies, informing him he had sent Thomp- January 9th
son with his baggage ; the remainder at Friends twenty miles below, and po^^ji^tan
ten from his present Quarters. The arms are sent to Judes' Ferry, ten
miles distant as ordered. The Stores left are "as follows, 116 Swords,
12 damaged muskets, a number of Belt Straps &c; about 1000^^* of Pow-
der, 8 piggs of Lead, 40 Haversacks, 68 Bayonets, 21 Tents k one Box
of Flints." Nothing else there but Capt: Feytons' baggage.
The divine Providence manifests itself always for our Cause. In mv ,
last of the 26^^ Inst: I have had the Honor to acquaint your Excellency, J^^^^'^ 9«
that our frigates after having been severely beaten by these hard Gales ^'*^ P®"-
of Wind, were entered safe in our Harbor, these same Gales have ,
thrown on shore two British Line of Battle ships and a frigate, that had tmy\^^^it\%T
64
4^6
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
Janutry 9th
put to sea to intercept ours at their coming in. It is said that one of
them is stranded at Montaucke Point — that the other is dismasted in
Gardners' Bay, and that the frigate alone is safely enter'd. the Cheva-
lier des Touches is waiting for more exact intelligence to go out with his
whole fleet. I hope at least that it will enable him to send one man of
war with two frigates to Cruise before Chesapeake bay to break the
Communication from New York to the South."
Signed —
COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU."
"(Copy) to Genl: Washington."
Read in Congrefs.
January 9ih
Chesterfield
Court House,
Jno: Robertson to Col: Davies. He arrived there the evening before
from ^^ the Stores at Friends " in order to look after the supplies for the
Barons' Troops, but these had marched to Petersburg, only twenty
seven barrels of flour & about twenty do: of Bisciut at that place — has
heard nothing from the Hospital, when it is or how supplied. M' Ball
was to have taken charge of it. He is so much needed at the Maga-
zine and at this place, he knows not at which post to remain. Desires
information in regard to the Hospital. Had sent down, the day before
'' one hhd: West India Rum & four barrels of flour " to his Troops.
January lotb
Petersburg.
Wanu of the
Troops.
Col° Ed: Carrington, D. Q. G. South' Army, to Gov: Jefferson —
" Sir,
The Baron Steuben directs that I shall apply to your Excellency for
one hundred & fifty Tents & two hundred Camp Kettles, for the use of
the Militia to be sent to this place immediately. Should your Excel-
lency find it difEcult for the State Q' Master to dispatch them, those of
the Continental Service at Richmond, will be ready to lend their aid.
Your Excellency has wrote the Baron that a Commifsary of provisions
has been sent to him, but he has never yet made his appearance, he is
really much wanted. The Baron has just now moved to Prince George
Court House, where our principal force is."
I have the Honor to be, with
Esteem & Restpect,
" Since writing the above \
M' Brown, Commifsary has arrived." j
Yr: mo: ob servt,
&c: &c:"
January loth
Manchester.
Col^ Charles Fleming to Col: Davies —
" We arrived here last night, & in consequence of the want of house-
room for the men, they had a very disagreable night, seven of them
taken sick. I shall proceed on my march as soon as they are got com-
fortably dried and get their breakfast." Is much in want of wagons
and Camp Kettles. Concludes '^the Governor lodged on this side last
Activity of the "'B*^^' whom I have seen. He informs me the enemy were yesterday
enemy. moming lying still at & about Col° Harrison's Mills, that they sur-
prised & routed ab' 100 foot & 25 horse, at Charles City, the night
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^27
before — he had'nt heard what lofs they suftained. There is a report 1781
that they are intrenching, but by no means authentick. Col: Nicholas ,
is at M' James Cocke's at Malburn Hills with between 3 & 400 men." J*""*'^ '°
He is informed there are forty five Beeves at Richmond, and a large
quantity of flour in Mayo*s Mills in Manchester.
Ja: Fairlie A. De Camp, to Major Claiborne— >""^ '^^
cc g{|. On the road
You will deliver sixteen of those horses you have prefsed, to the fordandPriace
officer who bears this, for Armand's Corps. You will furnish a Bridle George Court
for each Horse — saddles they have sufficient in the Corps. Home.
By order of
MAJOR GEN^ STEUBEN."
&c: &c:
Col: Jno: Nicholas to Gov: Jefferson — January loth
** May it please your Excellency " Malvern HUl.
We have been under arms a great part of the night, from repeated
firing of the out centinals, our patrols report the fire was returned by Col. Nicholaa
some scattering parties of horse on the back of this place. I have to '"*^** "pot*
inform you that from the repeated solicitations of many good & well
affected people of this neighborhood, together with Major Dick's ad-
vice, I permitted a Flag to pafs to the Lines, directed to the Comm' ^^^7' <^®™-
in Cheif of the British Army at Westover, who returned for answer, the iUnoid" ^*
following Letter —
" Sir,
I have this minute received the letters delivered to Col^ Dundas this
morning — ^you have my permifsion to come down to Westover with
your Flag, as I wifh to give every pofsible satisfaction in my power to
the peaceable k innocent inhabitants of this unhappy Country. Such
negroes. Horses &Cy as can be given up, consistant with my duty shall
be delivered to you, if my conditions are agreeable.
I am Sir, your h'ble serv'
B. ARNOLD, B. G."
As it plainly appears in this Letter that this Villian, agreeable to his
pafsed actions, actuated by motives of gain & rascaly pursuits, is deter-
mined to discriminate in what he may think a favour. Maj' Dick wil[
descend in no degree below the spirit of a trew American Son ; or do
anything derogatory to the interest of his patriotick Countrymen, & may
by Arnold's daring confidence of his own power & great contempt of
ours be permitted to such familiar lengths, as to put it into his power to
give you some certain & interesting accounts. My advice to the Maj' is,
that he shall receive no property without an indiscriminate return of pro-
perty shall take place, as anything we receive might tend, not only to
encourage our internal enemies, but to shock k render doubtful the feel-
ings of our friends who may in future come within their power. •
Necefsaries for cooking ac, would be very necefsary if to be had. I
expect to hear from GenT: Nelson every minute. Shall depend on your
correspondence with the Baron."
" I am Sir, with the greatest respect
Yr mo obt sevt:
&c: &c: "
4i8
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Col: George Slaughter to Gov: Jefferson, informing him, the claims
T loth '^*^'y presented and refused, based upon the plank and timber furnished
''* him, when on the Monongahalia, are Just and should be paid.
Lottitville, Ky.
jantttry loth Col: W™ Davies to Governor Jefferson.
" Sir,
"Britont.*
cc
It is improbable Cunningham would be willing to work, and the
shortest method in such times of emergency, is to imprefs the shop and
tools for a while. I am surprised your Excellency could conceive I
Difficulties at- should know where the military stores of this State were dispersed, having
tending hii po- had no kind of connexion with them, either in point of Authority or
lition. information.
I have, it is true done everything to gain intelligence where they have
been hid, and am endeavouring to get them together as well as I can. I was
fearful when I attempted to furnish the Militia with the necefsary equip-
ments for the field, that I might be blamed by them for their very insuffi-
cient state, but I always thought I fhould stand acquitted before the
Executive ; who must I think by this time, be fully sensible that the
former management of the military Stores of this Country was never
adapted to the defence of it. Should it however be desired, T would not
hesitate, with the necefsary tools, to attempt to put the public arms into
a condition, that would not again expose this Country to such disgraces
as it has lately suffered.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully
Your Excellency's most obet fervant
&c: &c:
January nth
"Britoni."
Col: Davies to the Governor, in reply — recommends the arms and
ammunition ready be at once ifsued to the militia as they come in. The
remainder in case of necefsity can be removed in boats. A large quan-
tity of loose ammunition stored in M' O. B Smith's barn should be sent
ofr at once, but there being no Commifsary of military stores or any one
to represent him, and as he has just rec^ orders from Baron Steuben to
repair immediately to Richmond, cannnot give attention to those matters.
He will leave as soon as pofsible, and requests some information in regard
to Genl: Nelson's whereabouts, with whom he is ordered to co-operate.
Since writing the above W Scott has come to take charge of the military
Stores.
January nth
«« Opoat."
The Indiana
friendly, &c.
Godefroy Linitot, to Col^ Slaughter at Falls of Ohio. Setting forth
the " good Disposition " of the Indians in that region, and the manner
in which they had conducted themselves : on which account begs they
be furnished with as much powder and lead as they need, to enable them
to live, this is due them for having risked their lives in defence of the
Americans, and for having refused to receive presents from the British
on account of their attachment to the State, had they chosen, their
towns might have been full of merchandise and ammunition, concludes
^^ I just heard the news that is certain, that the British is making great
preparations to take the Different Stations at the falls and Opost Vincent.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ji29
I believe the only method to Stop them if they have a minde to do, is to 1781
go against Detroit before they could come to you.
I beg of you to Send me as Sone as posible you can what i ask you J*"""^ "'
for, for those Indians being the only fence we have to stop the Ennemy.
Sir when I arrived i was told the news that Col® La balme was gone
to take the Artillery that the British had left at the lick on the River
demie to take the opost and the falls, and he was killed and thirty men
with him, witch gives us and the Indians a great deal of trouble "
Sir, i am your most humble
and obedient Servant.
Col: Muter desired by the Governor to ifsue an order furnishing M' January nth
Eppes, D' Griffin, D"" Foushee M*" Hylton M' Seldcn and others " who Richmond.
are willing to enter into the service," with Cavalry equipments: Voluntwr ctv-
Major R** Claiborne D. Q. M. S. Virg*to Gov: Jefferson : January mh
i>ir, Richmond.
Since the time* your Excellency and Council did me the honor to
approve of my being appointed Deputy Quarter Master for the State of
Virginia, I have acted as such under an appointment from the Quarter
Master General, and approved of by the Deputy Quarter Master Genl:
for the Southern Department.
I sensibly feel the difficulties which are thrown in my way by the late
excursion of the enemy to this place, and sincerely lament that the con-
sequences fall so heavily upon your Excellency. I (hall ever avoid
giving you trouble when the public fervice obliges me, which I make no
doubt will be a jsufficient apology.
The irregular manner in which the businefs of the Quarter Masters ^acewitv for
Department in the Continental Line for this State has been done hereto- reform in the
fore, clearly proves the many disadvantages which have arose to the pub- Q. Maiten de-
lic and to individuals for the want of fystem. To recover from this P*^"*"**
deplorable fituation by giving life to the businefs, and to discover to the
people that we mean to do them justice in the execution of our duty,
a plan has been laid before the Council by Colonel Carrington and
myself, calculated for this purpose. It cannot be decided on too foon ;
and I am persuaded your Excellency will fee the good effects of it, if it
is carried into execution ; and properly afsisted by the civil authority.
The impofsitions upon the public, of which I fee instances daily arc
likewise reasons which urge me to beg your Excellency to aid me in
arranging my businefs under the new fystem established by Congress,
that I may prevent fuch abuses as come within the Line of may Depart-
ment.
Your Excellency cannot be a ftranger to the jealousies which have
prevailed against the Staff Departments ; and I am sorry to fay that the
conduct of fome was a fufficient foundation for the fuspicion. It is J«**o«J«« *"^
imposfsible to prevent abuses totally, but I have guarded against anything remedied*!'^
that might have a tendency that way in future, by appointing none to
office but Gentlemen of undobted veracity, and capable of transacting
the business. Upon this principal I (hall continually act — and hope that
my attention to the public good will be followed by all the Agents ; if it
is not I fhall take care to displace the agrefsor, by putting in his ftead a
more proper perfon.
4S0
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
January iith
Emoluments.
With respect to the emoluments which will arise from the oflSce I fee
of none ; neither was it with any pecuniary view that I entered the
Department. The appointment was proposed when the idea had never
occured to me before, and nothing superior to a desire to ferve my
Country, prevailed on me to accept the Commifsion. Human nature is
fuch that it will not facrifice time and private interest to the public alto*
gether : but I only expect a bare compensation for my fervices and (hall
Deiirei only a not withdraw my afsistance while I can be ufeful. I am too well
bare compenia- acquainted with the low ftate of our finance to make any demands for
money, except when abfolute necefsity obliges me for the good of the
public fervice ; and (hall be careful in the ifsues, that none be paid but
where it is indispensably necefsary. I am at great distance from the
Continental Treasury, which I am afraid is very bare — and expect to be
upon th^Siate obliged to Call on the Treasury of this State for fuch fums of money as
Treasury &c. Hiall be wanted for the purpofe of defraying contingent expenses. As
to the pay of the perfons to be employed, I hope to get money for them
from the Quarter Master General. And the manner of obtaining sup-
plies from the State will require no money from me for that purpofe. I have
to beg therefore, that your Excellency will direct the Treasurer to reserve
a fum of money, to be appropriated particularly to the ufe of the Quarter
Masters Department in the Continental Line of this State, to be ready
whenever I may call for it.
I ihall be happy at all times to receive any information from your
Excellency that may enable me to answer the purpofe of my appointment.
The department is very naked at present \ but I ihall fpare no pains to
get the businefs into a proper channel as foon as pofsible.
, I have the honor to be
with fmcere respect and regard,
Your Excellency's
Most obedient
Humble fervant
&c: &c:
January iftth
Richmond.
Quartered in
the Senate
Chamber.
Condition of
paperi.
Col: W°* Davies to Gov: Jefferson :
*' Sir,
I have taken my quarters in the Senate house, and find in one of the
rooms below, a great variety of public papers scattered about, and open
to every body. This I am told is the case with the papers of the Gene-
ral Court at the lower end of the town." Will order his men to col-
lect them and deliver them to some one authorized to receive them by
the Executive. Upon making enquiries about Camp Kettles, found
eighty in Pofsession of M' Southall. Concludes ^^ I find there is a very
drunken man here of the name of Triplet, that is acting as Commifsary.
I would be glad to know whether he acts by any authority from the
State. If he does not I will dismifs him."
January 11th
Wettham
Walter Scott to Col: Davies, sending him " seventeen boxes of car-
tridges, one box flints, three hundred bayonets, five hundred and twenty
seven muskets, A; as many Cartouch Boxes." * • •
*' The water runs so rapid, that it is impofslble to pafs at this Ferry,
the Amelia Militia apply'd for arms here to day, but was refus'd in Con-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^i
sequence of the Letter I rec** from you yesterday. I think the powder 1781
is unsafe at Capt fmith's Barn as there is a great deal of Fodder at that
place."
I am with the greatest respect &c:
Geo: Elliot, D. Q. M. to the Governor, informing him he had been jinuary nth
directed by Baron Steuben and M' Brown to undertake the businefs of p
supplying the Troops marching from that place down the Country, * *" "'^*
They are now some distance on the way The authority rec^ from the
Executive by him during the last invasion to perform the like duty
having expired he desires instructions as to how he shall procure the sup-
plies so much needed, whether by purchase or impressment The peo- ^^^ «"PPi»e«
1 Ml' • r 1- ■ a t • 1 1 . . ' . rt «»'c to be pro-
pie not wiUmg to part with their corn &c having learned that the laft vided.
Afsembly had fixed a price upon these articles. Encloses a communica-
tion from David Rofs, who has supplied wagons-loads of Corn and one
of fodder, and will " spare more provided the Country allows an ade-
quate price" but " if they have fixed an under price it then becomes a
kind of tax which ought to fall equally upon all*' which however he is
willing to bear &c.
Capt; A; Kirkpatrick to Col: W" Davies at "Britons"— Jinuiry 12th
He had forwarded seventy six camp-kettles all left at the place ^ and « Friends **
sends return of stores as required, one half of which are at a place called 7 o'clock A.M.
" the Glebe" about one mile & half distant. These consist of chests scattered itorei
of tools. Smiths' bellows, axes, tin wares, knives, blank books, bale of
hemp — Military Stores, 100 muskets — 3 wagon loads of powder, in bar-
rels, canisters, cartouch boxes, & bayonets, in large quantities, with slings
to them — flints, lead, screws, brushes, & horse-mans' Swords &c Com-
mifsary Stores — 200 barrels flour, bread, 4 Tierces of Rum, TafFy,
Brandy, &c.
Since the above was written, upon the application of an Officer of u o'clock a.
Armand's corps he had furnished him with accoutrements for the M.
"Horse^*' swords, belts &c: but no pistols — these had been sent off from
Richmond the day before the enemy came in, towards Westham, but
had no holsters with them consequently were useless.
*' We whose names are hereunto subscribed do engage (& pledge our unuary iith
honor) to serve our Country as Cavalry during the present invasion, '
not exceeding six months, provided the Executive approve thereof, &
will supply the necefsary accoutrements : A majority of y* Subscribers ai~""***' *^
to chuse their officers, & such officers to be Commifsioned by y® Gov**,
no pay but for forage & rations is expected for ourselves & servants,
every mefs of 6 to be allowed a Servant —
Jno: Pleasants. Matt: Pleasant.
Sam Plesants Jnr; John Cheadle.
Isaac Pleasants. Phill: Pleasant.
Rob* Crew. Isham Woodson.
Sam Woodson. Pleasant Younghusband.
endorsed.
4S2
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
" The within proposition is approved & we will furnish every accou-
trement which we have, or can procure, horses cannot be found by y*
public. Some of the Gentlemen will be pleased to apply to Col: Muter,
to be informed what accoutrements we have."
TH: JEFFERSON."
cent.
January 13th Godfroy Linitot to the Commanding Office at Falls of Ohio —
« Opoit, Vin- " Sir,
Just as the Pilot was on his way to Return to the falls, news came
that about one hundred and thirty British came to Ohio, with Canon,
mortars and other ammunition: it now is high time if Pofsible to go
before them, the British have burnt fort Viga. all the frenchmen that
was at miami is gone back to Detroit, twenty french men that whent
from the Illinois to go to war against S' Joseph was killed by the Indians,
this news is confirmed for certain."
AfFain in the
liUnoii.
January 13th
Fort Pitt.
Complaint
against Col.
Broidhead.
Capt: H. Heth to Gov: Jefferson. By the late Acts of Congrefs
consolidating certain regiments, the supernumeray officers, and the pri-
vates thereof, were to be incorporated in the Troops of their respective
States. He desires to know of his Excellency, whether his Company
comes under the effect of those ^^ resolves." he believes it does not, as
the men were enlisted for the defence of that Garrison, and not to be
removed without their own Consents. Notwithstanding this fiict, they
had been taken from under his command by Col: Broadhead the Com-
manding OflScer of the Western District : he and his Officers ordered
home, and the men incorporated into the 8'*^ Pensylvania Regiment, not-
withstanding they are Virginia Troops. Although willing to serve on
half pay himself : under the terms of the enlistment of his men, he
feels it incumbent upon him to protect them from this wrong. Begs
Executive interference as soon as practicable.
January 13th
Col: J. Wood desires to know of the Executive whether the Soldiers
of the Regiment of State Guards, can with propriety be enlisted into
the Continental Service ? If so, a considerable part of the Corps will
do so.
January i^ih Col: Sam: Mathews to the Governor — He goes early the next morn-
ing. in accordance with orders, *• With about 250 Militia from Augusta'*
yr r mar). ^^ Fiedericksburg. those of the 2^ Batta^" on the* way, as also ** the
Movcmcnti of ^^i''^*^ ^om Rockbridge & Rocking ** he should order by exprefs to
Militia. march to the same place. Major Posey goes with him and will be of
great service to him. The militia on the way from Augusta will bring
some beef-cattle by his orders.
Jno: Robertson A. C. Purchases & Ifsues to the Governor — sending
M^ James Ball to obtain if pofsible a warrant for twenty or thirty thous-
jjome and pounds, to purchase supplies for the Troops at that Post, and for
Medical stores the Genl: Hospital. The latter greatly in want, of Wine, Tea, Sugar,
needed. CofFee, Rice & Molafses, besides the daily rations of fresh meat, abso*
January 13th
Chest. Court
House.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J^SS
lutely required for the sick. His accounts for Purchases & Ifsues for \'i%\
the past year are ready for Major Forsyth, and will be sent in ^^ as soon
as the Invasion is over."
'* Circular." Saml: Huntington to Governor of Virginia, enclosing
** Resolves of Congrefs" of the 12**^ J^^Z' January 131J1
^^ That the additional pay of Aids de Camps, Brigade Majors, Adju- Philadelphia.
tants and regimental Quarter Master, agreeably to the Act of the 27^
May 1778, be considered as fixed in Specie, and that the fame from and
after the 18^ day of August last be drawn in Bills of the New P«v o^<^fl»€««.
£mifsion.
^' That the pay of a regimental Paymaster and Clothier, in addition
to his pay as an Officer in the Line, be thirty Dollars per month in Bills
of the New Emifsions ; and that the several States in making up the
Depreciations to such officers from the times of their respective Appoint-
ments, calculate upon the additional pay as being thirty-dollars per
month in Specie.
Extract from the Minutes
CHAS THOMSON Jnr:
Col: Ed: Carrington to Gov: Jefferson :
Si|. January 13th
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a return from Col*' Gibson for a ^«^"»^"'i'
number of articles wanted for the accommodation of the Militia under
his Command, those are articles of equipment which those Troops
should have been furnished with before they were put into the Field
which plainly determines, that the Continental Staff are not the proper
Officer for furnishing them. * * * *
I beg leave to observe to your Excellency, that the persons employed
to provide the Magazines of provisions for the Southern Army, accord- Troopi ahould
ing to Generals Greenes's requisition, are now committing these very have been fur-
provisions to the Consumption of the Militia now in service here. I am ""***^ ^**^.
sure I need not point out to your Excellency, the fatal consequences and'wovWon!?
that must result from such a diversion. Our army must really Starve intended for
next summer if these Magazines are not laid in. Even the Hoggs ^^^°^> ***^^ ^x
intended for Bacon are now to be killed & ifsued fresh, this would in [^e ,^io« ' ^°
any case be a misapplication, as Pork ought never to be ifsued to Troops detriment of
in the State. The Oentlemen concerned in this businefs alledge that the Service.
they cannot supply the Militia by any other means, however I conceive
Beef could certainly be got in sufficient quantities to answer the purpose.
I shall be much obliged to your Excellency to acquaint me when the
Executive will be convened for businefs, as I wish to Compleat my
businefs in the State, so as to repair to the army.
I have the Honor to be
with much respect & esteem
yr: m^ ob*
ic: &c:
Col: Muter informs the Governor in reply, that there is a sufficient January 14th
quantity of M' Rofs' pig-iron at the Foundry "to work up into can- ^^^^ ^^^ j^
non," but that it is impofsible to cast cannon, until " a house for mould- Foundry to
ing in is built." If M** Rofs can, it will be very advantageous to cast «*»' Cannon
65
434
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
some "for the Thetis" on the plan of "the field piece cast at the
Foundery." But he is doubtful whether he is prepared for, or inclined
to attempt this.
January 14th Rd; James to Col: Muter, complaining that he had for two weeks
past been awaiting his action on " the plan " and " agreement :" his ten
carpenters idle during this time. If such delay is allowed to occur in
ordinary matters, what is to be expected in graver concerns. He has
accordingly put his " people about his own work."
January 15th
Richmond.
Col; Davies informs the Governor, of considerable number of Militia
arriving, many of whom are not armed, and he knows not how they are
to be supplied, desires instructions as to whether these should be dis-
charged or not.
January 15th
Washington
County.
The Savages
thwarted.
Arthur Campbell to Gov' JefFerson|:
" Sir,
The Militia of this, and they two Western N. Carolina Counties have
been fortunate enough to frustrate the defigns of the Cherokees. On
my reaching the frontiers I found the Indians meant to annoy us by
small parties and carry off Horfes. To resist them effectually, the ap-
parently best measure was to transfer the War without delay to their
own borders. To raife a force sufficient and provide them with provi-
sions and other necefsaries seem'd to be a work of time, that would be
accompanied with uncommon difficulties, especially in the Winter fea-
son : our fituation was critical, and nothing but an extraordinary effort
could save us, and disappoint the views of the enemy : all the miferies
of 1776 came fresh in remembrance, and to avoid a like scene, men flew
to their arms and went to the field. The Wattago men, under Lieut:
Col° Sevier, first marched to the amount of about 300. The Militia of
this, with that of Sullivan County, made 400 more, the place of ren-
dezvous was to be on this side of the French River.* Col: Sevier with
his men got on the path before the others, and by means of some dis-
coveries made by his scouts he was induced to crofs the River in pursuit
Mofementi of ^^ ^ party of Indians that had been coming towards our settlements.
the troops &c. On the 16'^^ of December, he fell in with the party, since found to con-
fist of 70 Indians, mostly from the Town of Chote, out of which was
killed 13, and he took all their Baggage &c; in which were some of
Clinton's Proclamations and other documents exprefsive of their hostile
defigns against us
After this action the Wattago Corps tho't proper to retreat into an
Island of the River. The 22^ I crofsed the French River, and found
the Wattago Men in great want of provisions. We gave them a sup-
ply from our small stock : and the next day made a forced march towards
the Tenafee. The success of the enterprise seemed to rest on our
safely reaching the further bank of that River : as we had information
the Indians had obstructed the common fording places, and had a force
ready there to oppofe our crossing. The morning of the 24*** I made a
* Called also '* French -Broad or the Equoom, properly ye main branch of Cherokee River.*^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J^SB
feint towards the Island Town,* and with the main Body pafs'd the 1781
River without resistance at Timotlee.
We were now discovered — such of the Indians we saw seemed to be
flying in consternation. Here I divided my force, sending a part to PwJ>" *»" op«-
attack the towns below, and with the other, I proceeded towards their ""°°**
principal Town Chote. Just as I pafs'd a defile above Toque, I ob-
served the Indians in force stretching along the Hills below Chote, with
an apparent design to attack our van there without their view : but the
main body too soon came in sight, for me to decoy them from off the
Hills. So they quietly let us pafs on in order, without firing a gun, ex-
cept a few scattering shot at our Rear, at a great distance from the Takes their
Clefts. We soon were in pofsefsion of their beloved Town, in which cWef to^n-
we found a welcome supply of provisions.
The 25*** Major Martin went with a Detachment, to discover the rout
the enemy were flying ofF by : he surprised a party of Indians, took one
scalp, and Seventeen Horfes loaded with clothing, skins and House fur-
niture : he discovered that most of the fugitives w:re making towards
Tclico and the Hiwafee. The same day Capt Crabtree of the Virginia M^.^M^dii"^
Reg* was detached with 60 men to burn the Town of Chilhowec : he ctpt. Cnbtree
succeeded in setting Are to that part of it, situated on the South side the and Maj. Tip-
river, altho' in the time he was attacked by a superior force. He *°"'
made his retreat gd|pd.
The 26"* Major Tipton of the Carolina Corps were detached with
150 Mounted Infantry with orders to crofs the River, dislodge the enemy
on that side, and destroy the Town of Tilafsee : at the same time Major
Gilbert Christian with 150 foot, were to patrol the Hills on the south
side Chilhowee, and burn the remaining part of that Town. This party
did their duty well, kill'd three Indians and took nine prisoners : the
officer of the Horse, by an unmilitary behaviour failed in crofsing the
River. This Trip took two days.
In the time the famous Indian Woman Nancy Ward came to camp, pamoui Indian
she gave us various intelligence, and made an overture in behalf of some woman.
of the Chiefs for peace ; to which I then evaded giving an explicit
answer, as I wished first to visit the vindictive part of the nation, mostly
settled at Hiwafee and Chistowee : and to distress the whole as much as
Doffible, by destroymg their habitations and provisions.
The 28*^, we set fire to Chote, Scitigo, and little Tuskeego, and
«Tioved our whole force to a Town on Telico River called Kai-a-tee,
where I intended a Post, for to secure a Retreat, and to lay up provifsions
in. This evening Major Martin on returning from a patrol, attacked a
party of Indians, killed two, and drove several into the River. The Further opera-
same evening in a skirmish, we lost Capt: James Elliott, a gallant young tiom.
officer, being the first and only man the Enemy had power to hurt, on
the Expedition, the Indians lost three men on the occafion. The 29*^
I set out for Hiwafee, distant about 40 miles, leaving at Kai-a-tee, under
Major Christian a Garriibn of 150 men. The 30*^ we arrived at Hiwa-
fee and found the Town of the same name abandoned, in patroling the
environs, we took a senfible young warrior, who informed us, that a
Body of Indians with McDonald, the British Agent, and some Tories, ^^'^'"^ •?"*
were at Christowce, twelve miles distant, waiting to receive us. I had '"** **"^*'
reafon to believe the enemy had viewed us from the Hills above Hiwafee:
*" Or dragging Canoe Towa, ye lowermoet on je river.**
4S6
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
January 15th
Strategy.
Profpect
Peice.
of
for which reafon, I ordered our Camp to be laid ofF, fires kindled, and
other shews made, as if we intended to stay all night. At dark, we set
out with about 300 men (the Wattago men refusing to go farther) crofs-
ing the River at an unexpected Ford, and that night got near the Town.
Early in the morning of the 31^^ we found that the enemv had fled in
haste the evening before, leaving behind them, as they had done at the
other Towns, allmost all their corn and other provifions, together with
many of their utensils for agriculture, and all their heavy household fur-
niture : with part of their stocks of Horfes, Cattle and Hogs These
Towns, I expected would have been contended for, with obstinacy : as
most of the Chickamogga People had removed hence after their visita-
tion in 1779. Our Troops becoming impatient, and no other object of
importance being in view, it was refolved to return homeward. Major
Martin with a detachment were ordered by Sattoga, and the other Towns
on the Telico River, in his rout he took four prisoners, from whom he
learnt that several of the Chiefs had met a few days before, in order to
consult on means to propofe a Treaty for peace. As I found the Enemy
were humbled, and to gain time, I took the Liberty to send the Chiefs
a mefsage, a copy of which I send herewith, as the fulfilment thereof
will require your Excellencies further Instructions and in which I expect
N. Carolina will afsist, or that Congrefs will take upon themselves the
whole. I believe advantageous promifses of peace may easily be obtained
with a surrender of such an extent of Country, that will defray the
Expences of the war. but such tefms will be best infured by placing a
Garifon of two hundred Men, under an active of&cer, on the banks of
the Tenafee.
Our whole lofs on this Expedition was one man killed by the Indians,
and two wounded by accident. It would have been very pleafing to the
Troops, to have met the whole force of the nation at once on equal
ground : but so great was the panic that seized them, after seeing us in
LoMea on both Order over the Tenafee, that they never ventured themselves in sight of
sides. the Army, but on rocky clefts or other inaccefsable ground to our
mounted Infantry. By the Returns of the Officers of different detach-
ments, we killed 29 men, and took 17 Prifoners, mostly women and
children, the number of wounded is uncertain, befides these, we brought
in the family of Nancy Ward, who for their good offices, we confidered
in another light.
The whole are in Major Martins' care at the Great Island, until the
fense of Government is known how they are to be disposed of. The
Towns burned, Towns of Chote, Scittigo Chilhowee Togue, Micliqua, Kai^-tee,
&«• Sattoogo, Telico, Hiwafee, and Chistowee, all principle Towns, besides
some small ones, and several scattering settlements, in which were
upwards of one thousand Houfes, and not lefs than fifty thoufand Bushels
of Corn, and large quantities of other kinds of provifions, all of which,
after taking sufficient subfistance for the army whilst in the Country,
and on its return, were committed to the flames, or otherwise destroyed.
No place in the Over H. Country remained unvisited, except the small
Town of Telafee, a scattering settlement in the neighborhood of Chicka-
mogga, and the Town of Caloogee, situated on the sources of the
Mobile. We found in Okanastoters Baggage, which he left behind in
his fright, various manuscripts, Copies of Treaties, Commifsions, Letters,
I d' du li- ^"^ other Archives of the nation, some of which shews the double
city. game that people has been carrying on during the present War. There
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J!^7
seemed to be not a man of honor among the Chiefs, except him of 1781
Kai-a-tee, whom I would willingly have discriminated, had it been in my . .
power Never did a people so happily situated, act more foolishly in
looiipg their livings, and their Country, at a time an advantageous neu-
trality was held out to them : but such is the consequence of British
seduction.
The enemy in my absence did some mischief in Powell's Valley, and
on the Kentucky path near Cumberland Gap : besides three children
that they scalped on Holstein : one of the perpetrators of which, we
knock'd up on our return, and retook a number of Horfes. The Bote-
tout and Montgomery Militia were too slow in their movement to do ^ . . .
any service. The Virginia Militia that served with me on the Expedi- Mintia.'"^
tion expects to be paid in the same manner with thofe that served last
year in Carolina.
What*provifions were needed on our seting out, were purchased on
short credit, which I trust will be punctually paid on the first applica
tion. Your Excellency will pleafe to excuse the length of this narra-
tion. I thought it my duty to give a circumstantial detail of facts^ as the
undertaking had something singular in it, and may lead to important con-
sequences.
I am Sir,
your most obedient &
very humble Servant,
&c: &c
Jno: Floyd to Gov: Jefferson : January 15th
" Sir, Jeffenon, Ky.
My want to knowledge & experience in the Military department, will
I fear cause me to be more troublesome to your Excellancy than is
necefsary, or than I would wish to be. And as the County Lieutenant
may probably not come out for some time to take the Command, and
numbers of people are daily removing themselves into the interior parts
of the country for safety, it will be highly necessary to adopt some mea-
sure early in the spring for the protection of our frontier. I would
therefore beg your Excellency to give me a few general Instructions, by
which I may regulate my conduct till Col° Christian comes out. The
inhabited frontier part of this County is about seventy miles in length
on the Ohio. On which if a few small posts were kept up during the
Spring and Summer Seasons, it would be a great means of preventing
the Enemy Indians from many of their mischievous practices, in which J^f"„deV° ^^
they have hitherto been so succefsful as always to escape with impunity.
We have had no Court as yet & of course no regularity with the Militia,
so that I can't give you the exact number, but I imagine we have in this
County about 400 men able to bear arms.
The inhabitants in general seem to have much more dependence on ^
the militia, if they can be legally called upon, & posted along the Ohio, ^onfidencVirT*
than upon any number of regular Troops, they have a right to look for Militia.
here unless Col° Clarke cou'd be enabled to carry on an Expedition
early in the Spring.
If this can't be done, nor the Militia stationed along the river, I
really believe the County will be nearly depopulated next summer.
There will in this County I think be upwards of 100.000 lbs of Beef Proyliioos.
J^SS CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 saved this Winter for public uses, indeed I don't know but what there
th *^ ^^^^ quantity already saved. And Corn & flour is far from being
^ scarce. The bearer Capt: Sullivan is well acquainted with the situation
of the County in general & I cou'd wish your Excellency to ask him a
few questions relative thereto.
I am your Excellency's
most ob' & very hub fervant."
January I sth Coh Geo: Slaughter to Gov: Jefferson — After appointing an ai&stant
Louisville Ky. ^^ Monongahelia to finish the purchases at that place, he started with
about seven thousand weight of flour for this Post — finds he can procure
a sufficient quantity of beef & salt. Has drawn two Bills, in favor of
persons, who had procured supplies from the hunters, who would not
credit the State he hopes those will be promptly paid * *^ * *
He will need two hundred & fifty thousand pounds to enable him to
comply with his contracts. He has appointed M** Nath: Randolph at
Monongahalia, ^^ to com pleat purchases at that place and provide craft
to transport them to Louisville."
January ifih Col: Geo: Slaughter to Gov: JeflFerson — He has been obliged to buy
Louiiviiie Ky. ^^^ Leather, Whiskey, Tobacco & Flour, and a Boat for the Troops
at that Post : has drawn Bills in favor of M*" Simon Triplett for the
amount of purchase money. The articles were furnished at cash prices.
January i6th Col: W°* Davies to the Governor, recommending that the militia,
Richmond. about One hundred in number, left at Manchester, be discharged Col:
All the able- Haskins had informed him they were chiefly old men and boys, he having
bodied men in g^j^j g]) ^^ able-bodied men to the army.
the army. ''
January i6th Col: Arthur Campbell to Col George Muter :
Waihington *' Sir,
Co
Having mentioned it to his Excellency the Governor as a neceflary
meafure for to establish a Post on the Tenafsee, in order to secure our
late advantages in the Cherokee Country, I beg leave to say something
to you Sir, farther on that subject, as I am certain the advantage of the
measure to America is such, that no time ought to be lost, in having it
accomplished.
NeccMity for a The spot I would fix on, is the Point at the Confluence of the Tenaf-
Poitinthc gee and Holftein. There a good Stockade, with some Out- Works can
Tennessee. y^^ conveniently built, and effectually supplied and supported from the
Country above on the Holstein. Part of the Garrifon out to be Regu-
lar Soldiers, and the oflBcer that commands the whole ought to be an
active and intrepid man who could keep up an exact discipline. My
experience of Major Martin, and his acquaintance in that Country
Maj. Martin, makes him the most proper man I know of. The utility of the Post
would be such, that it would be giving us certain pofsefEon of that part of
the Cherokee Country now conquered, or may l^e ceded to us : will keep
that nation always at our mercy, and prevent our enemies from sending
emifsaries among them : be a terror to the British whilst in the Southern
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS J^SQ
States : open a cotntnunication with the Chicachas (a friendly difposed 1781
people) and our posts on the Mifsifsippi : be a security to the South , .
western frontier, and render the travelling to Kentucky safe ; but above
all it would be saving to our prefent funds for carrying on the War in AdTantigw of.
other parts : in short, it only wants the hearty concurrence of Govern-
ment to have the most beneficial effects to this back country. Which I
trust will always be considered as having an equal right to protection
with the other parts in the Union.
I suppose it would be most proper it should originate as a meafure of
Congress ; but I expect if it was left to them, it might be too slow in
Execution, which might prevent the succefs of the measure. So should
Carolina and Virginia begin the work, no doubt it would afterwards
become a general Expence.
Major Martin, whom I expect will be with the Executive shortly after
you receive this can explain every particular, and his good intentions for
his Country's Interest, with me is not doubted,
I am Sir, with Respect
your very Humble Ser^*."
Duncan Rose to Governor Jefferson : lanuary i6th
" ^^^' "Col. Banis-
I promised the Baron Steuben to procure four or five hundred shirts '"'••"
of exceeding good Ozna®\ now in my pofsession & have them made up
immediately" — to be paid for at the convenience of the ** Publick," "I
have been informed that the Present Emisfion of our Currency has been Money burned,
destroyed by the Enemy on their late excursion to Richmond." Should
this be false, asks that the Treasurer may pay the* Auditor's Warrant in
his favor to Capt W™ H. Serjeant for the above purpose, as he would
not draw a cent out of the Treasury at this time for anything but the
clothing and supporting the Troops in the Field.
Col: Anthony Thornton informs the Governor, he has been ordered Janaary i6th
by Genl: Nelson to march his Troops back to Caroline, and hold them Hanover Town
in readinefs, until further orders, he judges from this he will be sent
to " Potomack," anJ begs to be supplied with two hundred and fifty
muskets, as he can do nothing without arms.
Col: Danl: Broadhead Comm"« W. Department, to Gov: Jefferson, January 17th
acknowledging receipt of his favor of the 12^** October last." Has re- „p ^, „
ceived information that the Indians are in grand Council at Detroit, ^ * '
which portends he thinks, a combined attack on his frontier Posts by the Indians in
British and Indians. The Governor's instructions to M' Jas: Francis ^°""^*^*
Moore, in regard to purchasing the large amount of provisions in that
Country, he insists will have the effect of distrefsing the troops under
his command, and greatly disappointing the expectations of the ^^ Com-
mander in Chief," unlefs he has been consulted on this proceeding.
With all due respect to his Excellency, he cannot suffer the provisions Condict of
intended for the troops under his command to be transported down the ■"^*^*'"^*
river unless instructed .to do so by the Commander in Chief. Begs
leave to refer the matter to Col: Gibson the bearer of this Letter for
fuller information in regard to the condition of the Department.
Jl,Jl,0 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Capt: John Peyton to Col: Davies :
January 17th " Dear Col,
3(( « • * 3(( 4(
Court House. " have this morning set the Taylors to work on the Soldiers Coats. I
am afraid it will not be in my Power to prevail on the Women in the
Difficulty of neighborhood of this place, to under take the making of the Shirts, as
getting work t^gy j^ the first place object to the price, being only allowed fifteen
°"** Dollars pr: shirt — their Second Objection is, taking Certificates fol*
pay"'." Desires instructions from M^ Armstead in the premises, as he
has neither authority to act, or money to give.
January i7ih Col: Chas: Fleming to Gov: Jefferson :
Camp, Holti' '* Sir,
^^^^^ I am now with the Troops under my Command at this place, by order
of Genl; Nelson. I have to inform your Excellency, that there is not
a fourth part of the Regt: supplied with ammunition & as I am ordered
Great want of by the Genl: to join the Baron & begin my march early to morrow,
ammunition, unlefs ammunition is fent me, or ordered to follow me, I shall find my-
*^* self in rathtr an awkward fituation. your Excellency will no doubt
consider this matter & inform me by M*^ Bates, who I have dispatched
with this, & who will join me on my march. The situation of the Reg'
being composed of Goochland & Hanover Militia, it may not be amifs to
acquaint you with. The numerous & applications for leave of absence
Discontent of are not uncommon ; but when I reflect that there is fcarce a man left in
the Militia those Counties, that a considerable number have but just returned from
UnTand Hano- ^^^^ ^^"^ ^^ ^"^^ ^ many have now substitutes in actual fervice. that
ver Countiei not more than half having been first called out, the rest were hurried
and thereaioni precipitately from home, totally unprovided for a campaign of any con-
the-efor. tinuance, I cannot think their complaints entirely groundlefs. Your
Excellency may rest afsured I do my utmost endeavours to filence their
murmers & to imprefs them with a fence of the necefsity of their con-
tinuing in fervice, but ftill I can by no means continue a Stranger to their
complaints. Might I have liberty to observe on this occasion, it should
be, that I fear the Militia of these two Counties, will, on any future
emergency, be with infinite difficulty drawn out, unlefs (as they wish for)
those who did their tour of duty in the last invasion, might be discharged,
so soon as the fituation of affairs will admit. & from what I can gather
in W™*burg, there are nearly Militia enough to oppose the Enemies
designs, already in fervice. and more expected from the back countries.
Your Excellency will consider if it may not be necessary to give them
some kind of promise on this head Every exertion, in my power, shall
be used to quiet their minds, & I hope I may stand excused in making
you acquainted with these circumstances.
I have the honour to be with very great respect.
Your Excellencys' mo Ob' fv'
CHAS: FLEMING,
L^- Co^^ Commd**
January 17th Col: George Slaughter, Comm* at Falls of Ohio, to Gov: Jefferson :
LouiiTiiie, Ky. He had with great hesitation, consented to countersign sundry Bills
for purchases made by the Commifsary of the Department Capt: Shan-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^^i
non : but fearing the probable consequences of his refusal, he had been 1781
prevailed upon to do so. Since this was done, he says " I have made .
some little enquiry into the Conduct of the several Commifsar) s at this
Post, and it appearing to me that there is a combination very pernicious Lo»«^»li«> ^f*
to the State, carrying on, between a certain Capt: James Sullivan & this
set of Gentlemen, I think it my duty to give you information. I am
told it can be proved that Capt: Shannon refused Corn at forty Dollars Charges of
pr: bushel when Bills on the Treasury was oiFered to be taken in pay- corruption.
ment, and contracted with Capt; Sullivan for all the Corn he could
purchase at 60 Dollars pr: Bushel, and the rising price to the first of
\lay nexty and among the rest of Capt: Sulli vans' purchases, was this
very Corn that Capt: Shannon had refused* I am also told that it can
be proved that these Gentlemen refused to purchase whiskey, which was
offered to them in this Town at .£45 pr: Gall:, and gave Capt: Sullivan
jC6o for the same whiskey which he bought at the price & took it the
same day Sullivan bought it.
I am further told that it can be proved that Capt: Moore last Spring
purchased some articles of commerce in partnership with Capt: Sullivan
& for payment pafs'd a Bill, which he drew payable to Capt: James
Sullivan, in which he set forth that it was for a quantity of Corn, fur-
nished by the said Sullivan." His information is of such a character,
that he cannot doubt the truth of these statements. Concludes, ^^ I am
Just now informed that a prisoner from the Shawanese has lately come
in. he came with a' party of seven Indians for the purpose of otealing indiau.
Horses, of which they got a good Booty at Bryants' Station, where he
left them, he says the Indians are ilill in the neighbourhood of the
Xowns that were destroyed last fummer, that they mean to continue there
next year, and make an Early attack on this Country in the Spring &
have expectations of driving the people out of it." I am &c: &c:"
George Rogers Clarke to the Governor of Virginia : January i8th
" D' Sir, Richmond.
I have examined your proposed Instructions. I dont Recollect of
anything more that is necefsary Except the mode of paying the Expenses
of the Garison of De Troit, in case of success, as supporting our Credit
among strangers may be attended with great and good consequences, and
my former Experiences Induce me to wish it to be the case where I have
the Honour to Com^. I would also observe to your Excellency that I
could wish to set out on this Expedition free from any Reluctance, which
I doubt I cannot do without a satisfactory Explination of the treatment
of the Virginia Delegates in Congress to me, in objecting to an appoint-
ment designed for me, which your Excellency cannot be a stranger to.
I could wish not to be thought to solicit promotion ; and that my Duty complaint.
to myself did not oblige me to transmit these sentiments to you. The
Treatment I have Genera^^ met with from this State hath prejudiced me
as far as consistant in her Interest and wish not to be distrusted in the
Execution of her Orders by any Continental Col® that may be in the
Countries that I have Businefs in, which I doubt will be the case,
although the orders of the Commander in Chief is very pofsitive.
I am Sir, with the greatest Esteem, y'r Excellencies
very Hble fer^*
P. S. I hope to be Honoured by a line from your Excellency as before.
G. R. C."
56
44»
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
January i8th
War Office.
Col: Muter to Capt: W™ Spiller, Com: of mil: Stores :
"Sir,
The supreme Executive have received information, that tho* you rec*
your orders to goe to Petersburg between ten & eleven o-clock in the
fore noon to endeavor to have the arms &c. carried from thence, & Col®
Carrington did not leave this place till after 2 o-clock in the same day,
yet he (Col: Carrington) got to Petersburg a considerable time before you,
& had actually got all or most of the arms removed out of town before
you arrived there.
Delay in such cases when the utmost expedition is most essentially
necefsary, being frequently attended with the worst consequences, I am
directed to call on you, to know how it happened that you was so late in
getting to Petersburg on that occasion. I wish for your answer in
writing, & am yr: most obt fervt."
January iStb
*• Bon accord.'
James Cocke to Col: George Muter :
'^ Sir,
enemy up
James River
My having an opportunity Yesterday of perusing the news paper, I
observed in the account of the rapid progrefs of the Enemy up the
River, that in respect to their pafsing the post at Hoods,* is different
from what it is there represented. On the morning of the 3* inst, I
ordered an oflScer and two men to Brandon, to give us Intelligence of
Advance of the the enemy, should they land at that Place, and if after landing, form
into a Line to march, or if pafsing by without landing. At six o-clock the
signal was made that the whole Fleet had past, at 8 o-clock a Schooner
was abrest of the Fort, she was often hail'd, the wind and tide being
in her favor she soon past, and gave us a shot, on which we gave her
another, but was under the necefsity to change our embrsfzier which
gave her time to get a considerable distance from us, but I am informed
did them Some Damage, on her geting out of Danger from the Fort,
she made a Signal, on which, the whole Fleet brought to an Anchor, it
being veiy Hazey I judged by their Lights that they must be to far from
us, for us to do any Execution by firing on them. At 10 o-clock the
Haze cleared away, we could see their Hulls very plain, at which time
we began a Fire of Twice every half Hour from One of the Three
Guns that we could make Bare on them, which Fire, I intended to keep
up, during the night, as I had not the least thought of their attempting
to land till near the morning, as the Wind Blew very fresh and made a
large Sea, which must make it very troublesome for them to Land. I
must believe that their shiping must have suffered from our Fire, as I
have reason to believe we fired but few shot, but what did some execu-
tion, as we fired very deliberately. On the Signal being made, that the
Enemy had past Brandon, I ordered a Capt: and Twenty Five Men,
down on the Mouth of Ward's Creek, to keep a look out, should the
Enemy attempt to Land, at Twelve-o-clock, to our great disappoint-
ment, they brought us Intelligence, that between Twenty and Thirty
Boats were land'^ about six hundred yards up the Creek, by their place
of landing I was confident that their Intention was to come Round on
our Backs and cut of our Retreat, as we then had but about 40 men in
The enemy
land.
* Now known as "Fort Powhatan/* opposite Weyanoke, Jamei River.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^^
the Fort, we thought it was in Vain for us to continue, as we had not 1781
the least hopes of defending ourselves, therefore I gave orders for . .
every man to take his arms, and march out of the Foit, which was
accordingly done. I believe the above a true state of the case, as this The Fort
will be handed you by Capt: Allen, he will give you information of many «^*cu«tcd,
things which I may not have recollected.
I am Sir,
your most ob* hbl* Servant."
Robert Andrews (Gcnl: Nelson's Private Secretary,) to James Max- January iStJi
well, Commifsioner of the Navy, at ** Chicahominy," informing him, wiUiamiburf.
that Genl: Nelson '^ has something of consequence to communicate "
and consult him upon, which cannot with propriety be submitted to
writing : and therefore desires to see him at once.
Geo: Elliot, A. Q. M. to the Executive, ureing the payment of January 18th
Twenty two thousand nine hundred and forty .nve pounds to Josiah
Moffitt, for a quantity of Saddles, and bridles, furnished to the army, by
request of Genl: Muhlenbure. He had rendered ^^a singular service "
in supplying the first & third Regiments of Light Dragoons, with sad- *
dies, and therefore hopes this claim will be at once allowed.
Capt: Rd: Claiborne Q. M. to the Governor : Has received his January iStli
Excellency's Warrant for imprefsing boats to be sent to " Hoods " for ni^h^^nj
the purpose of transporting men acrofs the river. His effort shall be to
execute the order without ** distrcfsing the proprietors." He is well inconTcniencct
aware ^^ how liable the public is to be burthened withexpence" when of imprett-
property is taken and subjected to the control of irresponsible persons ; ™*"^'
on this account he cannot be responsible for lofses, nor that the boats
shall be returned to their owners. Concludes ^^ I shall put the businefs
under the direction of an officer, with a party of men to serve with the
Boats, and direct him to act with great care, and to have them returned
safe. I shall leave him no other alternative : but when the boats are
Collected, should the Baron or any officer he may appoint, direct them
contrary to my instructions they consequently become void."
James Hays to the Governor : January iSth
" Sir, Richmond.
When I informed your Excellency, that I intended for Philadelphia
this week, in order to toward the Printing Apparatus tor the use of this Printing Preis
state, I had not the presence of mind to mention, that a Horse to carry for the State.
me there, and a Sum of Money would be requisite to purchase paper and
other articles absolutely necessary for the Public use." * *
• ♦ *' I hope your Excellency will consider of the matter,
that I may immediately set off.
I am Sir, with great respect
your very humble Servant.
U4
I781
January lyth
Ruffins Ferry.
January i9Ch
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Dudley Digges to Gov; Jefferson :
" Sir,
I have this moment received your Letter requiring my attendance at
Richmond. It gives me pain, that some days must elapse before I shall
be able to attend where my duty & Inclination would certainly induce
me to go. I am thus far on my way to Williamsburg to collect the
scattered remains of my property, which was hastily distributed in such
places as were deemed the most secure. When this businefs is effected,
I shall without delay wait upon you at Richmond, and in the mean time,
I have to hope that suflicient number of members may be found, to
prevent any ill consequences.
With great respect & esteem
I am, your Excellency's
most hble & ob fervant.'
99
D*^ Math: Pope to the Executive, enclosing a list (not found) of such
Medical Stores, and Surgical Instruments as he thinks are needed : to be
imported for the use of the State and at the cost of <£6oo. Sterling.
Tanuary loth ^7 ^'^ Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esq Governor of the *Common-
wealth of Virginia.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas the exportation of Provisions from this State will be attended
with manifest injury to the United States by supplying the Enemy and
Embargo ^^ rendering it difficult for the public Agents and Contractors to
declared upon procure Supplies for the American troops, and will moreover give
ProvUions, &c. encouragement to engrofsers and monopolisers to prosecute their baneful
practices, I have therefore thought fit by and with the advice and consent
of the Council of State, to ifsue this my proclamation for laying an
Embargo on Provisions. And I do hereby lay an Embargo on Provisions,
viz — on sU Beef, Pork, Bacon, Wheat, Indian Corn, Pease, or other
Grain, or flour, or meal made of the same ; to continue until the end of
the next sefsion of Afsembly. And I do hereby strictly prohibit all
mariners, masters and Commanders of V efsels and all persons whatsoever
within this State, from loading on board any Vefsel for exportation, and
from exporting all or any of the above species of provisions by Land or
Water, from the date hereof, during the term aforesaid, under pain of
incurring the penalties inflicted by the Act Afsembly entitled " An Act to
empower the Governor and Council to lay an embargo for a limited
time" except as in the said Act is excepted. And I do hereby strictly
charge and command all naval officers and others in their respective
departments, to exert their best endeavors, to the end that this embargo
be strictly observed.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Commonwealth this 19^
day of January 178 1.
TH: JEFFEBSON.
* Bears imptesiion of Seal of the State in wax.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS Jf46
By his Excellency, Thomas JeiFerson Esq' Governor of the Common- 1781
wealth of Virginia : j,„„,^ ^^^
* A PROCLAMATION. Richmond.
Whereas during the incursions which have been made into this and
other of the United States, by the forces of his Britannic Majesty, a
practice hath been introduced by them, unauthorized by the law of Na- Proci«mation
tions, and unattempted in any age, or by any other enemy, of seizing iJi/guUr ^prac-
peaceable citizens while in their beds or employed in domestic occupa- ticesoftheene-
tions, and extorting from them paroles that they will not, on pain of life °?y *** requiring
and fortune, be aiding or afsisting in any respect to the enemies of Great p" ,"" 'L^n,*
Britain \ which paroles such citizens have given sometimes through igno- their wishes,
ranee and other times with wicked design, while they enjoy all the bene- &c«
fits of Government to shift from themselves their just share of its
burthens, and it is even believed that instances have not been wanting
where they have voluntarily gone in to the Enemy and tendered ^uch
paroles ; and the Laws of this Commonwealth not permitting any
Citizen thereof taken under such circumstances, or otherwise than when
in arms by order of a proper officer, to enter into engagements with the
public enemy which may with draw from his country those duties he
owes to it. To the end, therefore, that none may be induced to the
like act hereafter, through ignorance of the Law either real or pretended,
and that all others, whom it may concern, whether friends or foes, may be
apprized of their nullity at the time of giving or taking such paroles or
engagements, I have thought fit, with the advice of the Council of
State, to ifsue this my Proclamation, hereby declaring and making known.
That Citizens taken or yielding themselves in the manner before de-
scribed are incapable by law of contracting engagements which may
cancel or supercede the duties they owe to their Country while remain-
ing in it, and that notwithstanding such paroles or engagements, they
will be held to the performance of every service required by the laws in
like manner as if no such parole or engagement had been entered into.
And whereas some Citizens who may already have entered into such
engagements, may expect to withhould their duties under pretence of
being bound in conscience, notwithstanding their legal disabilities to con-
tract them, and it is inconsistent with the spirit of our Laws and Con-
* This document bears the Seal ot' the State in wax, and is accompanied by a copy of the
tame, dated at Richmond, but printed at Charlottesville, the Government printing press and
other valuable property having been removed to that place for security.
Accompanying these is the original draft of this pioclamation, in Mr. JeiTerson^s autograph,
hastily written and corrected, on the baclc of a letter to him from Archibald Cary, Esq., but
having no reference to this subject. The well known habits of economy of Mr. Jefferson,
even in the use of writing paper, is here illustrated. The note of Mr. Gary is as follows :
Tuckahoe, Tuesday Morn."
« Dear Sir,
I have continued As ill as any Person could well be with a Cold for upwards of 3 Weeks, it
has reduced me so that I can with difliculcy walke up and down Stairs. I thank God it has
Mended greatly for 3 days past, and I have gathered a little strength. I have heard nothing of
the Enemy since their stop at Sandy Point, untill this Morn, a Man camtto press a Waggon,
who says they have landed at Hampton, are Fortifying and have received a reinforcement. I
pray Sir, that you give what news can be depended on. I hope to be at Ampthill the last of
the Week, pray Sir, How can the people furnish a Beef for Each Soldier from a County, if
the Comm*rs as fast as we put them up for that purpose, take them away, this is the case
with many.
Yrt aflft: and obedt Servt,
•ARCHIBALD CARY."
M6
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
Janaaiy 19 th
January I9ch
Botetourt.
January 19th
Botetourt.
The Raven,
chief of the
Cherokees.
stitution to force tender consciences ; I do, therefore farther publish and
declare, That all Citizens taken or yielding themselves in the manner
before described, who conceive themselves under such conscientious
obligation to refuse obedience to the Laws of their Country, are hereby
authorized and required, taking pafsports as hereafter provided, forthwith
to repair to some of the posts, encampments or vefsels of the forces of
his Brittannic Majesty, and by surrender of their persons, to cancel such
their engagements, and thereafter to do, as to themselves and those in
whose power they shall be, shall seem good, save only that they shall not
rejoin this Commonwealth but in a state of perfect emancipation from
its enemies, and of freedom to act as becomes good and zealous Citizens,
and saving also their fidelity to the Commonwealth. And all Officers
Commanding forces i^ither of this State or of the United States, who
shall be nearest in their position to the said posts, encampments or ves-
sels of the enemy, are hereby authorized and required, paying necessary
attention to times, situations and circumstances, to grant pafsports to all
such Citizens for the purposes beforementioned.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the Commonwealth, at Rich-
mond, this nineteenth day of January, in the vear of our Lord, One
thousand seven hundred and eighty one, and of tne Commonwealth the
Fifth.
TH: JEFFERSON.
Joint the Eng-
liih and deter-
mi net to kill
the prisoner!.
W" Fleming to Gov: Jefferson: he had written to his Excellency
from Col^ Moselys ; expressing desire to visjt his family, during the
recefs of Council, had met accidentally ^^ with the enclosed " from
Martin " He hopes Col: Arthur Campbells' progrefs in the Cherokee
nation " may result in good : but the burning of their huts k the
destruction of their corn crop, he thinks, will not only make them impla-
cable enemies, but force them to live by depredation and drive them to
an alliance with " our P'oes." The wagon that took the Salt to Wash-
ington C^ had brought down a Chest of arms, &c: enclosed is the
following
" The deposition of William Springstone, formerly a Trader in the
Cherokee Town called Scitigo, and occasional Interpreter to the Virginia
Agent for Indians Affairs. Saith that on the u^ day of November last
the Raven, Chief of the Cherokees, returned from a Treaty with the Bri-
tish Agent in Georgia, and that said deponent was Informed by one of
the Indians that w^s of the Raven party, that he had received a War
Talk from Col: Brown, and had agreed to go to War immediately with
the Inhabitants of Virginia and Carolina, Settled on the Western waters,
that part of the American Traders in the Towns was to be murdered,
and others made prifoners. that they were to carry to Georgia the prif-
oners and all the horses they might take v^ hen at war, for which they
were to receive pay in Goods in the month of March next. This Depo-
nent further Saith, that the Raven Chief, informed him, that he was
done with the Big Knife, had laid down their Talks and would now only
listen to his Father over the Great Water. This Deponent further
faith, that he was Informed by the Indians, that the British Agent had
nominated the Raven as principal Chief of the Nation, who had
;ft/ceepted of a Customary Medal and was received as such by the War-
t\9V^ in room of Occonostoto. This Deponent further faith, that seve-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. AJjJ
ral small parties had been out from the Town of Chilhowee one 'of which 178 1
had killed a lad on Holftein in Carolina, another had murdered a Young . .
Woman in Powells' Valley and frequently had drove in Gangs of Horses
taken on the Kentucky Path, and elsewhere, also that a party from the
Town of Toka with John Waths, had brought in Horfes and booty
from the Kentucky Path. This Deponent further faith, that when the
Raven set out to Georgia he forbid any of his people, or any of the
Whites to go towards Virginia untill his return, or they should sufier
death, that faid Deponent was informed by some of the Indians that he,
with M*^ John Martin, were to be put to death before they set out to
War. That faid Deponent then with iM' John Martin, Ezikiel BufFen- ^.•',*^„fb'^he
ton, John Hawkins & Francis Budwine, with the advice of some Jf^ ©/friendly
Indian friends and the afsistance of Nancy Ward with other Indian IndUoi.
W^omen, providentially made their escape. And this Deponent further
saith not.
WILLIAM SPRINGSTONE.
Sworn to before 1
David Loony, j
Sullivan County December 11^^ — We John Martin, Francis Budwine,
John Hawkins & Ezikiel BufFenton Traders in the Cherokee old Towns *
do certify that we fled with William Springstone from the Cherokee
Upper Towns the day of November last, being satisfactorily
informed that the Indians intended shortly after to put us to death and
know and believe that the above deposition contains the truth
JOHN MARTIN,
FRANCIS BUDWINE,
fOHN HAWKINS.
Col: W™ Davies to the Governor: The Militia from the counties January 19th
referred to have all arrived : those from Amherst marched to-day. The i^jchmond
military stores have been promptly ifsued by Capts; Spiller and Irish :
many having been brought from Manakin Town and Jude's Ferry. He
will make every effort to recover the secreted public arms and accou-
trements. Takes occason to say, as he is about to leave town, that
there are *' lying open in the Senate house " a number of valuable books jic property!" '
'^ that may be carried off by any body that chuses."
'^ The Board advise that M^ Browne, Commifsioner of the Provision January 19U1
law, be instructed to give orders to his deputies in the different counties,
to call on the owners of all waggons, teams and drivers, and of all ves-
sels for river transportation, with their navigators within the same, to
register with them the said waggons into brigades of ten each, and the
vefsels as may be most expedient, appointing some trusty person to act Wagom an4
as master of the brigade, when called into actual service : that whenever ^^^^^ti &c."'
it shall be necefsary to imprefe within their district any waggons, teams,
and drivers, vefsels and navigators, they call forth the said brigade in
regular rotation, and afsure the people that so long as they continued to
bring in their wagons or vefsels into service, where required, they shall
not be required, but in regular rotation ; that if any owner shall fail to
send his waggon or vefsel when called on, it shall be subject to perform
J^Jl^S CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 a double tour of duty : that the value of every waggon, team and geer,
January loth ^"^ °^ every vefsel be ascertained by appraisement as directed by law,
and a hire of fifty pounds of tobacco per day be allowed for the wag-
Compeniation, gon, team and driver, besides their being found forage and provisions :
&«• and a reasonable hire for the vefsel and navigators: that regular accounts be
kept by each deputy, of the debts to be contracted, and that he apply
for the fame to the Executive once in every six months : that persons
who shall conceal, or fail to register their waggons and vefsels within a
reasonable time, to be fixed and published by the deputy, shall not have
Penalty for dis- the benefit of the publick protection from imprefses, which will accrue
°v^'*d" °^ ^^ those registered, and particularly all distant services be thrown on
such waggons and vefsels without regard to town or proportion : that
M"^ Browne further instruct his deputies to deliver to the continental
store-keeper within his district, the articles of provision and forage
which he shall be directed to procure, using the waggons and vefsels
of his district, for transporting them to the stores : and that when-
ever the deputies of the Continental Quarter Master shall be unable
otherwise to transport the said articles from post to post, he aid them
with the waggons and vefsels of his district, as before directed.
(A Copy)
ARCHIBALD BLAIR, C. C."
January 19th Col: J. Syme to Gov: Jefferson :
« New Ctitle." " Sir,
Our Waggons & Men being chiefly out w*** the Militia, I have met
w*** Great Difficulty in procuring them both, w^^ that Dispatch w*^ which
I would be glad to Execute anything committed to my care by Your
Excellency : However the businefs is now in fome fowardnefs. You
have half a dozen Waggons Loaded w^^ Spirits, with directions to wait
on you, as you Desir'd, and Riders out to get more."
Recommends the- appointment of a Wagon Master, and an officer to
andhwiry'artil- receive and deliver stores at that place, has had numerous applications,
lery. but has furnished no spirits to any one, except Genl: Nelson, by order
of M' W" Claiborne. The flour on hand in bad order, and of bad
quality, deals it out sparingly to the parties of militia passing, who
apply to him for everything. M' Rich"^ Burnley has just made a de-
mand for all the flour and spirits, has allowed the first but refused the
latter, until further instructions from the Executive, as the article is so
scarce > He cannot make up his mind as to the Heavy Artillery at Cum-
berland, but shall do the best he can under all circumstances.
January 19th ' W"* Spiller to Coh Muter, He has received the letter giving the in-
Ri hmond formation of the complaint against him as to the time of his arrival at
Petersburg, under his late orders, explains his conduct as follows, " I set
out from this place about 1 2 o-clock or after, my orders was to proceed
to Chesterfield Court houfe, to call on Col: Davies for his assistance, and
from thence to Petersburg, it was after dark before I arrived at Peters-
berg. I went immediately to the Quarter Masters* office (he having
previous notice from Col** Muter to prepare waggons for the removal of
the Stores) and enquired tor him, was told by his afsistant that he was
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 449
gorn home. I then enquired if he had left no orders to prepare wag- 1781
gons for removing of the Stores, the man informed he had ordered him ^ .
to impress all the waggons that he could find, he had accordingly (as he ^ 9 •
said) impreft several, but having no guard, they had gorn ofF. that he
had fent several men different ways to stop the s^ waggons. I desired
him to send for M' Elliott, the Q. Mafter at that station, informing him
that I was waiting for waggons to remove the Stores, he immediately
sent off a Servant to M' Elliott. Lthen told him I (houldgo to a tavern Spilier*8de-
near, & desired him to send for me when the Q. Master or the waggons ''"" ^^ ***"'
come to the office, having rode a horfe that nearly gave out before I
got to Petersburg I was greatly fatigu'd. when I got to the- above men-
tioned tavern I went to a bed and lay down, and fell asleep and probably
sleep two or three hours, when I awoke I went to the office. Col:
Carrington was there, and had sent off feveral waggons loaded with stores.
I met the s^ waggons as I went to the office. Col^ Carrington told me
he should inform against me. I told him he was very welcome to do
so. he then gave me orders that he had received from you, to proceed
to the Countys of Isle white & South Hamton : which I did & rode the
whole night. Thus Sir, you have all the circumstances relative to that
business that I can remember. The informer (which I suppose to be
Col^ Carrington) is much miilaken about the time of my geting to Peters-
burg. I was there before him." * * * *
^^ The post I now hold as Commifsary of Military Stores seems to
have many directors, more than one man can pofsibly please. I therefore
from this moment resign the said post."
# :|e itc « # 3|e «
" I am with much Efteem Sir,
Your most Ob' & very humble fervant."
David Rofs requests Col: Davies to order " Six muskets and a few Jan«*ry aoth.
rounds of ammunition for the use of a Boat belonging to the State, Petersburg,
ready to sail.'*
W. Armstead giving to the Executive a statement of the shoe-making January aoth.
business under M'Mathew Anderson. No material on hand &;no ready
money — thirteen soldiers standing idle, and M' Andersons wages going
on, with house rent &c — from the high price of leather &c it costs more iifng^hoea."*
to make shoes than to purchase them, he therefore recommends the
discontinuance of the business.
W. Armstead to Col: Davies. Sends him one of the two quires of January aoth.
paper he had purchased for letter writing — has contracted to have soldiers Richmond.
white shirts made at twenty dollars each, which he hopes will satisfy
those who engage to do the work. Would be glad to oblige him \ but
by Act of the last Assembly ** no more clothing, camp furniture &c is
in future to be furnished the Gentlemen of the army from the public ^^"". "**'^ *<*
Stdire; but if this was otherwise, no plunder of that sort has yet come from the Public
in." •**•*** sjo,^^
I am most respectfully D^ fir."
Col: Muter to the Govornor, informing him M' Math: Anderson's January 2xst.
time as conductor of the shoe-manufactory had expired but he is willing __. _ _
rx ,, , / - "^ . . •/• War Oflice.
to engage again. Dwells upon the necessity of appointing a commifsary
57
460
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 of military stores, with proper afsistants, it being impossible to collect the
^ arms and keep them in repair and protect the ammunition unless some
January person be Selected who may be depended upon.
Endorsed.
In Council Jan: 20th 1781.
^^ The Board are of opinion that M*^ Math: Anderson's Shop should be
discontinued — and that he be engaged to work for the public at the old
prices, to be paid in provisions.
The discontinuance of the public store, by Act of Afsembly cuts
short all questions about furnishing clothing.
TH: JEFFERSON."
Janoaiy lotb,
Foandry.
W"* Gilbert to Col: Muter, in behalf of Thos: Holbert, who had suf-
fered greatly by the Enemy's coming to the foundry and burning his
house, he is willing to pay for any assistance by serving the country in
any capacity.
Janaary icth.
Col: Muter to the Executive : He has conferred with Capt: Irish,
who thinks it not incompatible for him to act as Commifsary of Mil:
War Office, Scores, altho' a Continental Commifsary. He requires a good afsistant
Capt. Irish acts with an adequate salary, with power to appoint other afsistants ; will try
^ffi*"*"" this plan for three months, and if poffible continue to act, until a perma-
nent officer be appointed, and at small pay.
Endorsed.
In Council Jan: 20"^ 1781.
" The Board approve of employing Capt: Irish as herein propo^^A,
and will allow five shillings a day old money, to be discharged in t\vt
present money according to the price of tobacco formerly @ 2C>. s* x\i«
hundred, and its price at the time of paiment, as settled by the la-S^t: prc-
ceeding valuation of the grand-jury, they will allow an afsistajrm^^
being of the military line, shall have an additional allowance ^^^
shillings by the day, to be paid in the same way. They are of
thajt Capt Spiller, should for the time he served have the alU
herein before settled for Capt: Irish.
TH: JEFFERSO
Four
pi 17/0/1
nee,
January loth.
Northampton
Co.
KriTateeis In
Chetapeak*
Bay,
Col: John Harmanson to Gov: Jefferson :
** Honoured Sir,
According to your desire I fent of Two Vefsels loaded with co^^. ^
the head of Elk Bound, but was both taken of Tangier Island-* ^^^
Privateer of 10 Guns. They had about 2000 bus: of Corn on ^^^^^^st
for
one they Man"^ of for New York & there springs up a hard Norc
f*
that
wind coming down the bay, they thought proper to Run a shore, tyy • j^
means I have safed the Ureateft part of the Corn in her in Tc^l^^^ ^5
good order, there not being above one hundred & fifty bushels *^^^heir
she made some water, the other Vefsel, the Bobbed them o^ * ^
fales, al but one k order them to follow the Piivateer into a harb<^*^^^L
they fell so far behind, that dark came on & they stud of & mad^ ^
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. j^Sl
efcape & having but the Main fale, & the Boom Broke & in a Hard 1781
Wind at Northwest was obliged to Run on Shore on the Bay side on a .
bad place of ground k Bilged the Vefsel. I went up, got the damaged J"""*^ ^^ '
Corn of, faved all I could for the Country. I did not lofe more than
one hundred bushels, but it was all Damaged & sold it at Publick fale for
about 6 or 7 pound per barrel. There being as much as 7000 bus: corn
on hand and as many oats, would be elad to know what you will have
done with them, you had better order some armed Vessel over to go
with the rest, as to the salt I should have sent it of had the Fleet stayed
but three days longer before they came in. I have a fine new Vefsel
for to send over the salt in & will do it Immediately fhould the Fleet go
out, but have declined sending anything Else away, before I hear from
you. there is 7 or 8 hundred hus: salt.
•* 4e * • • •
I am D^ Sir yr: most &c;
Geo: Rogers Clark to the Governor : januiry 2uc.
*' Sir, , Richmond.
There is some probability of my demands on the Treasury being an-
swered so as to Inable me to set out to morrow if the necefsary papers
from your Excellency do not detain me, which I should be glad to know,
as the Days are pretious.
I am with Esteem,
Your very Hbl® Servant.
Thos: Newton Jnr: to Gov: JefFcrson, in behalf of W" Godfrey, January aitt.
Henry Whiting, Jno: Livingston* Jno: Cocke and Rich* Lee, taken
prisoners by the Enemy ^^ on board a vefsel which was defended with ^^ ^'
the greatest bravery :" hopes an exchange may soon be affected, by
which tnese young gentlemen may again exert themselves in defence of
their Country.
*
Joseph Thomas to Granville Smith Q. M. Genl : in accordance with January luc.
his orders he had proceeded up James River thus far, in search of canoes Albemarle Co
of the kind need, viz ^^ Sound tobacco canoes." There are very few
left in the river of that kind, but he can purchase many old ones, which
with repairs may suit. He intends going further up above M** Edm*'
Winstons, and ^^ take on the Public Lead agreeable to orders." He has
sent the canoes already purchased to Westham, in charge ^^ of Joseph Canoes.
Childrefs & John Ward, who are men that have long run this River &
such as I would recommend to you, as Honest & Trusty " &c. "^ *
Encloses price of three canoes — *' i new Ten hhd: Canoe .£500, i
half worn 8 hhd: Canoe X300 — 2 new 8 hhds: D", £950."
Henry Heth to Honb^* Andrew Lewis : * ♦ * January ant.
• * * ii When Cor David Roggers went «cHcthtburgh;
down the River Ohio on the businefs of the State of Vir% I was informed
Patrick McEllroy (who was married to my Daughter Elizabeth) was ap-
pointed his first Lieut: and died in the Service of the State." Asks if
some provrision has not been made for the widows of those who die in
the service of the state, and refers him to Col: Richard Campbell, who
will give his afsistance in this matter.
j^g CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Col: W°^ Call to the Governor : requesting to be supplied with arms
jinuary 2iit, ^^^ ^^^ Militia of his County, is willing to take any he can get, have
them repaired if necefsary. desires them especially in cases of alarm,
Pnnce George ammunition and cartrouche boxes wanted also.
Co,
January 211C. Col: Samp: Mathews to Gov Jefferson :
Bowring Green " Sir,
Caroline Co. j ^^ advanced v" Far with the Militia from Augusta (after having
been at Fredericksourg four Days) by order of Genl. Muhlenberg.
j\?.?"*^ Qol° John Bowyer, with about 220 Men From Rockbridge has Joined
me this morning. ^^ There is wanting Smiths Vices, Files k some fine
Steel For the repair of the arms of the Militia.'' * • »
I have the Honor to be
with much Esteem & Respect,
your Excellency's
obed* humble fervt."
January 2iit. Jn: Christian Senf, Col^ of Engineers to Gov: Jefferson :
"Cabin Point." On his rctum from below, had rec^ his Excellencys letters, the con-
tents of which he had communicated to the Baron. The latter desires
he should go down with him below, to establish some Posts, which duty
will consume five or six days ; after which, he will wait on his Excel-
lencey for further orders.
January 2iit. Geo: Rogers Clark to the Gov: of Virginia :
Richmond. " D' Sir,
Excuse y® liberty I take in writing to you on a subject that you might
think would not concern me so much as it Really does, as great part of
Hii troopt wiu my forces will be from Kentuckey, the appointment of the County
be from Ken- Lieutenants is an object worthy my attention. I this day Learnt that
*"^ ^' Col: Christy hath resigned the Lieutenancy of Jefferson County I would
beg leave to recommend to you Col^ Jn^ Floyd an Inhabitant of the
County, as a Gen^**^ that I am convinced will do Honour to the appoint-
ment and known to be the most capable in the County, a Soldier,
Gentleman, and a scholar whom the Inhabitants, from his actions have
the greatest confidence in. I hope S' that you will not put any unfa-
vourable Construction on this Let', and beg leave to subscribe myself,
your very Hbl fervant."
January lid. Doct: Math: Pope to Gov: Jefferson :
Richmond. " Hon^^* Sir,
I have taken the liberty to enclose your Excellency Propofals for
establishing and Regulating a Medical Department in this State : which
appears to me at this time absolutely necefsary. it is first intended for
irour own perusal, and afterwards to make such use of as your Excel-
ency shall think fit : thus much I am well afsured of, that for want*of
Neceuity for a some proper regulations, the State is daily and hourly imposed upon :
Medical De- Besides Sir, to my knowledge many of the Servants- of the Public in the
partment. Hospital Department, are suffering for want of pay long since due them:
the orderly, his wife and negro woman at York, who have been in the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 463
fervice ever ftnce July last, have never received one single shilling, but 1781
have lived on the borrow ever since : the same circumstances attends the ^^ ^^^,
orderly ^c at this place, these people (tho' honest) when they find they
are neglected will in time be tempted to help themselves. Negroes are
hired at a very extravagant day pay, which might be hired by the Year
for a fourth part of the money : ^fecefsarys are purchased in Time of
Invasion for the sick, at a much higher rate than they might be, and
when purchased are often misapplied. Should your Excellency think
proper to lay the inclosed proposal before the Hon^^^ Members that com-
pose your Board, and they with you concur in opinion, that such an
appointment is necefsary, and think me capable and deserving of it, I
shall be ready in a few days to proceed on my Duty. Your Excellency
will pardon the method I have taken, in conveying the inclosed, when I
afsure you my only motive (knowing your multiplicity of businefs) was to
give you as little trouble as pofsible.
I have the Honour to be, with the greatest
Esteem & Regard,
your Excellency's
Most Respectful fer^*"
&c: &c:
^^ Proposals for the better regulating & Establishing a Medical Depart- The pUn u
ment in this State, humbly submitted to the consideration of His Excel- ?«•<>?««<*•
lency the Governor and the Hon^^® Members of Council.
That there shall be one Surgeon in Chief, whose duty it shall be to
attend the main army, wherever posted in time of Invasion, and to make
proper provisions for the Sick and Wounded, who shall also be Director
General of all the Hospitals, and have the power of appointing the dif-
ferent Surgeons to the Hospitals, Orderlys, Nurses &c, and shall have
power to displace all such as neglect their duty, and appoint others.
The said Director General shall have the Superintendence and Regula-
tions of all the Hospitals, visiting them as often as occasion may require,
pay all accounts appertaining thereto. Shall have power to purchase
medicines, and all other necefsarys for the support of the said Hospitals,
subject to the controal and directions of the Governor and Council. He
shall also have power to sell such Medicines as may become perishable,
and all others which may be spared. That the Director General shall
keep regular accounts of all the Medicines, Stores, Utensils &c belong-
ing to the faid Hospitals, and state and make proper returns of them at
such periods as the Governor and Council shall direct, by adopting a
mode of this sort, general satisfactions would be given to the Officers
and Soldiers, the sick and wounded would be properly provided for, and
attended to, and if the Director General did his duty, would certainly
save the State a very considerable expence which is now daily going on
for want of some such appointment.
That the Chief Surgeon and Director General shall be allowed
Shillings hard fnoney, pr: day with fora8;e for Two Horses, and a Ration
for himself & Servant.
Col: Muter to the Governor : in regard to the want of cannon ; feve- January *«*.
ral that " were cast at the Fonndry have not been bored," they yf„ office,
are wanted for the ''Jefferson." Capt: Maxwell needs some for the »••
" Thetis," none for her having as yet been cast. These on hand can- fo"he"sutc*
not be used '^ till a boring mill is built & fitted, and no cannon can be nivj.
454
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781 cast 'till a moulding house is built & the Foundry in fome measures
repaired." He therefore submits these facts to the Executive for their
jinuary 23d. ' . , .
"^ consideration.
endorsed.
In Council Jany: 23** 1781.
'* We know not how guns come to be wanting for the Jefferson, as to
the others we consider the repairing the Foundry, rebuilding the mould-
ing house, & the boring mill (on a more simple plan) as works to be
executed as soon as pofsible. are there not some nine pounders on the
Eastern Shore belonging to the State ?
TU: JEFFERSON."
January 22d. Col: George Slaughter to the Governor of V*:
LouiiTille, Ky. " Sir,
I wrote you by Express the 19*'^ ins*^ant giving an account of the news
brought to us by a prisoner that made kis escape from the Shawanese
Indians, to which I refer you — the account brought by him is so well
authenticated by the enclosed * Letters & deposition, that I've thought
proper to dispatch another express, in consequence of which have also
sent another mefsenger to Fort Jefferson to meet Major Linitot, with
orders to the Commanding officer there to supply him with all the ammu-
nition that can be possibly spared from that Post with safety — everything
here seems to be in confusion for want of a Court to swear in the
militia officers, and apprehensive as there are but 4 members in the
Country at present, it will be fometime before there can be a Court — in
the meantime every man seems to do that which he judges best."
I have the honor to be your Excellency's mo:
obt: Humble fervant.
Confuiion in
the Wen.
January 22d. Col: Muter informs the Governor, that MMMilton Ford is ready to
offi ^^^^ carpenters for the works at the " Forks of James River." He and
his brother Samuel will undertake the buildings, at that place, to be
Point of Fork ^f^isted by his father M' M. Ford has already been employed in public
works and has acted ^^ with much industry & punctuality."
January 25d.
Philadelphia.
Policy of
Arnold.
Jas: Madison jr: and The^ Bland (Delegates) to Gov: Jefferson:
« Sir,
It is with much concern that we have learnt from your Excellency's,
and the Baron de Steuben's letters to Congress, the misfortunes our
Country has suffered from the Invasion under the command of the
detestable Arnold, and that he has ventured with impunity even to our
Capitol. We have some reason to Imagine that the same plan of operations
which induced Clinton to send him there will occasion him to remain in
our Bay, and continue that alarm to our State and Maryland, which he
has so successfully begun, in order to Harrafs our Military, increase our
expenses, waste our resources, destroy our Magazines and Stores when
he finds it practicable ; and by thus distracting us, prevent our sending the
*None found.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 46B
necefsary succours to the Southern Armv. This S**, is a game we are 1781
open to at every period of oiir short enlistments, and in a great measure
exposed to, for want of a militia organized to take the field, a few gun- '^ 3 •
boats or Galleys, and some good fortifications in the most advantageous
situations on our Rivers, for defence, but this late event has rendered Neceithy of re-
this so obvious, that we are fully persuaded our Country will now see the ^orm in the de-
necessity of adopting arrangements very different from what have been ^'^""•'
of late trusted to. We have been anxiously expecting to hear that some
steps were taken at Rhode Island, in consequence of our application to
the Minister, but it is more probable you will hear before we do, sh*^ that
event take place, which we have spared no pains to have accomplished ;
and of this we have little doubt sh"* it be found practicable Nothing
new has happened here since we last wrote.
The Judge of the Admiralty of this State has given us notice that
there are three negroes, Tom, Hester & Celia, confined in Joal here, in
consequence of a condemnation of the vefsel in which they were taken.
They say they are the property of a certain Money Godwin of Norfolk
in Virginia ; that their Master went of with the British fleet under Les-
lie, and gave them permifsion to do the same, on which they went on
board the vefsel in which they were taken. If on enquiry your Excel-
lency shall find these facts to be truly stated, we shall with pleasure exe-
cute your instructions for securing the slaves for those to whom shall be
adjudged.
We have the honor to be, with the utmost respect
yr: Excelly's most obt & humble Servants."
Jas: Hays to the Governor : exprefsing his regret he is obliged to in- January 23d.
form his Excellency that the sum delivered him **is by far inadequate " o • l a
to the purchase of a '* Horse, Paper and other Articles necefsary to
compleat the Printing apparatus intended for the use of the State." As Want of print-
such an opportunity for securing a supply may not soon occur, he desires *"* »pp»«tttt.
to have such a stock of material on hand, as will enable him ^^ to carry
on the Public and Private Businefs of the State in an extenfive, accurate
and expeditious manner."
R. Madison to Gov JeflFerson : Having been appointed Q. Master & January 23d.
Commifsar) to the Expedition into the Country beyond the Ohio, he
was supplied with ^^500.000 pounds, with which to purchase supplies.
This sum is already expended, and as the succefs of the enterprise de-
pends upon having every necefsary in his Department supplied, he re
quires 300 GOO pounds additional to fulfil his contracts.
Hugh Rose to Col: Geo: Muter, recommending M' Lamont, the January 23d.
bearer to some easy duty in the service, on account of his recent recov- ^^^ „
ery from illnefs of several months. Begs for news, as they are in a * **'
land of darknefs, having heard nothing since the 11^ inst.
((
Major Charles Dick to Gov: Jefferson by M' Jas: Maury : January 23d.
Sir, Frederickiburg.
I received your Excellency's favour of the 15^^, and shall punctually
M56
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
January 23d.
Spirit of the
people.
The factory.
Pledget hif pri<
vate credit.
observe your Directions in case of appearance of any Danger of the
Enemy. It seems to be the wish of every body they wou'd at this
Time attempt to come this way, and I verily believe they would never
get back again.
I never intended to resign the Businefs of the Factory, as I had such
a considerable share in its formation &c:, and the pleasure of its thriving
to such a Degree for the public Benefit, could I have been, even but
allow'd a bear maintainance for my fidelity and Services: But true it is
such Ingratitude gall'd me, and it was Modesty termed a Resignation,
when the true Cause was our being meanly cheated (pardon the Expres-
sion) out of two years Services, and no Redrefs as Your Excellency will
observe by the inclosed Matter of Fact.
I am now providing and contracting for the proper materials and Pro-
visions for the Factory on my own Credit and Interest, for no body will
trust the Public a farthing : And shall have more Honour to be under
your Excellency and Councils* Appointment and Directions, not doubt-
ing but I shall be supported with money to carry on the Businefs with
pleasure and benefit to the Public : for which purpose I hope to be in
Richmond very soon, and have the Honour to be.
Your Excellency's
most Obed*
Humble Servt,
Statement referred to above.
Col: Feilding Lewis and Cha' Dick were appointed by the Conven-
tion in 1775, Commifsioners, to Form, Establish and Conduct a Manu-
factory of Small Arms at Fredericksburg, without any salary annex'd, as
Origin of the it was unknown the Trouble they might be at. The first Year being
Factory. 1 776, They accomplished the same after much Trouble and Attention,
in puting the Factory on an extraordinary good footing : for which the
Hon^^* House allow'd them 10. S. pr: Day each, then equal to Gold or
Silver, amounting for the year 1776 to. Each <£i82.io although
they thought it not adequte to their Services, they acquiesced.
For the Year 1777, they were allow'd the fame, and as the money
had received no great Depreciation they faid nothing.
The Year 1778, They were allow'd X300 Each, from which, deduct-
ing the Depreciation as settled by Congrefs, amounts only to £54.18
The' Year 1779, allowed £1000 Each, only worth *£43» —
We having done the Businefs effectually with the greatest Dilligence
and Integrity, to the great Benefit of the Public, we think it very hard
to suffer so much, as it has not been in our power to make a bargain for
ourselves^ we hope the Hon House will at least take our Services for
these two last Years into Consideration, and grant us a full Recom-
pence. The subscriber, his whole Time being taken up in that service
only, has greatly injured him.
CHA8 DICK."
Allowancei.
January 23d. Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor: Col; Southall requires that his
offi house, wanted for M"" Andersons' Shop, shall be returned to him inlhe
same condition it now is, when the State shall have done with it ; that
'*"7*^* b?^"' ^^^ P^'^^ °^ '^^ Tobacco paid for rent thereof, shall be the current price
uie.**' ^" *^ at the Warehouse in Richmond, at the date of payment, and not that
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. J^f
settled by the Grand Jury. Under these circumstance he desires instruc- 178 1
tions from the Executive as to what he shall do. lanuw 2 d
Refers also to the case of one Thomas Reynolds, a Bricklayer, who
had a long time been doing work at the Foundry, and who in the late
invasion came down with the Volunteers under Col: Southall, but was
taken by the Enemy on the road to Westham, and ^^ took a parole."
He begs not to be put in the Category of those described in the Gover-
nors' late Proclamation, but be allowed to remain in Virginia. The
poor man, whose services are valuable, is very uneasy, he therefore
solicits Executive favor in his behalf.
Endorsed.
In Council Jan: 23* 1781.
^^ The Board have no objection to fixing the price of tob^ to be paid in
rent, at the market price here, instead of the price settled by the Grand
Jury, only taking care that the values be apprised of the circumstances.
They agree also to leave the house in the Condition it now is. The
case of Thos: Reynolds seems worthy of consideration. Will Col:
Muter be pleased to take k communicate to us, authentic information of
the facts."
TH: JEFFERSON."
By his Excellency, Thomas Jefferson Esq' Governor of the Common-
wealth of Virginia :
* A PROCLAMATION. January 23*1.
^^ Whereas it is become necefsary that the General Afsembly be called Richmond,
together before the time to which they stand adjourned : I have there-
fore thought fit, with the advice of the Council of State, to ifsue this
my proclamation, hereby appointing the first day of March next, for the
meeting of the next General Afsemby at which time their attendance is The General
required at the Capitol in the Town of Richmond. Given under my Auembiy
hand & the Seal of th^ Commonwealth at Richmond aforesaid, this 23* ""*^ together.
Day of Jany: in y® year of our Lord 1781, & of the Commonwealth
the fifth,
TH: JEFFERSON."
Jn** Winston to Gov: Jefferson : The Command of the Militia of January a4th.
that County had devolved on him, in the absence of Lieut: Col: Fon- Hanover Court
taine : but they are in " such a wretched state " for want of ammuni- Houie,
tion and accroutrements : cartridge boxes, and even paper for cartridges,
and both powder & lead, that he begs to know how they are to be fur- ^-5^11 **^ ^***
nished, so as to be able to use the arms, of which they have a good
supply. Ensign Parker, the bearer, will give further particulars. If
these stores are to be gotten in Richmond, he will send a wagon for
them, which can join him in W°^'burg, or on the road, he being ordered
by Genl: Muhlenburg to repair to that place, with all pofsible dispatch.
Col: John Syme to W°» Claiborne Esq' at " Putney " by " Ben :" January i4tb.
"Sir, . "New Caatle.»«
In the two last Conversations I had w^^ Governor & Council on the
subject of Waggoning the Stores to James River, fo warded to my care
* Beart an excellent wax impression of* the Seal of the State.
58
J^8 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 by You, He was Pleased to Refer them to my Managem* I dare say you
will think w^^ me, that it does not quit Cost, to Water Bear Corn, Oats
jaoaary 241 . ^^ „^ ^^j ^^ ^^ ^^^ Expence of tak« out of Craft, Storage, & Loading
r . Wage:' Here for Richmond, it being not much farther by Land from
Cott of tram- ^^ ®r 1 » 1 1 tt ^ 1 /• r» ' •
portation, &c. Cumberland to that place. Here are a parcel of reas sent, that are not
worth anything. I presume you were acquainted w^ the State of the
several kinds of spirits. For the same Reason that govern, as to the
grain, will it not be proper to Carry the Artillery of Every kind froai
Cumberland by land : as the placing them in, k taking out of Craft, I
find both Difficult & very Expensive.
You, Sir, as being first Employed (indeed still so, in the removal of
these things) no Doubt have made up Your mind, on the Disagreeable
k Calamitous Businefs. My only wish is to Contrive it best we can for
the public Advantage.
I should be glad you'd Dine w*^ me to Day or Tomorrow, wanting
much to see you, & being On all Occasions, w^^ Esteem Sir,
Your Mo: Obed: fev*
&c: &c:
Genl: Nath* Greene to Gov: Jefferson:
January 14th.
** Sir,
I congratulate you on the succefs of the detachment under Genl;
Morgan. They were attacked by 1100 British troops, under Lt Col:
Tariton*! defeat Tarlton, on the 17'** Inst J whom they defeated entirely with very little
at the "Cow- j^^g j j^^g^ j^^g y^^ ^jjj p^rniit ^e to refer you to Major Gen^ The
Baron de Steuben for the particulars.
I have appointed Major Hayne of the S Carolina line. Deputy Com:
Genl: of Prisoners, and have directed him to march all the prisoners to
Charlottsville. I beg your Excellency will please to give the necefsary
orders for their reception. Gen^ Stephens has them in charge.
I am, with respect and esteem
Your Excellencv's
most obedient
P. S. Unlefs the State of Virginia
Great want of j^^gjj^jgly begins to collect the
ProTitioni. . r T^ *.u
magazines of provifions on the
Roanoke we shall absolutely starve
in this Country.
N. G.
Humble fervant
&c: &c:
January X4th. ^^
Genl: Edward Stephens to Gov: Jefferson, by " Major Giles:"
Sir,
•*c»inpHkket* Qenl: Greene I make no doubt has by the same hand that this goes
lina!"' *'^ by, informed you of the Glorious Stroke that Genl: Morgan has given
Tarlton. It affords me so much satisfaction, that I can't forbear repeat-
ing to you (what I expect he has done) tho' perhaps not so fully, I not
having y^ same means in my power. Tarlton was Detached with about
Eleven Hundred Men, about Three Hundred of that number was Cav-
d fat at ^''^y* y^ whole of which was British Troops, to attack Morgan. Who
« Cow-Peni." retreated before them for Two or Three Days 'till he got to advantageous
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 469
Ground, near a place called the Cow Pens. And on y* 17"^ Inst: he 1781
Halted & Determined to stand and give Battle, altho' his numbers were , ^^ ^ ^^
not quite so considerable as his antagonist. Tarlton accordingly attacked,
and after some contest, Our people made a charge which immediately
broke y* Enemy and threw them into such confusion, that they were **""**** ®^^^*
never able to rally again and were persued upwards of Seventy Four the^^oMct.
Miles. They had killed on y® Field upwards of One Hundred, among
which was Ten or Twelve Officers, and wounded Between Two and
Three Hundred. Besides Five Hundred and Two Privates, with
Twenty nine Officers were taken Ptisoners, with Two Brafs Field
pices Eight Hundred Stand of'^Arms, a Travelling Forge, Thirty Five
Waggons and all their Baggage which was very Considerable. This
was done with a lofs on our side, of only Ten Men Killed and Fifty
Five Wounded. Among y® latter number were Three subaltern Officers, Ameiicin
all Virginians, and two of them belonging to y^ Militia, one of which is ^^*'
feared will Die of his wounds. In my former Letters I informed you
what Troops Morgan's Command was composed of. They in General
behaved well. Tho' it adds greatly to my satisfaction, that the Detach-
ment of Virginia Militia under y^imediate command of Triplett is spoke Good conduct
of with the greatest applause for their behaviour that day. This I hope ? ^^^ * *'**
will wipe off some of the stain of y® 16th of August. I am truly unfor-
tunate as I could not partake in doing of it. And am rendered now
much more so, as I have not the smallest glimpse of hope left of doing
anything in that way with those men who are here under my imediate
command, as their times are Just about expiring and I am ordered to
march in y* morning to take charge of y® prisoners & conduct them to
Virginia. I must endeavour to reconcil myself to my hard Fate.
Col° Washington of ye Cavalry Distinguished himself in a particular Col. Wm.
manner, he with only Fifty Horse charged the Eenemy's Cavalry and Washington,
drove them. Among the prisoners, are y* noted Major McCarty of y*
71"*, who has done so much mischief in this part of the County by Fire
&c. He and Col^ Tarleton were y*^ only Two Field Officers in y« De- ^oundi *
tachmt — y* Latter got off with a *wound on his arm. If our Army
here was in a Situation to take y® advantage of this stroke. Oh ! it might
be made very glorious. Cornwallis with his main Body are still in y^
neighborhood of Winsborough. With every sentiment of esteem and
respect I have y® honour to be your Excellency's
Most Obed^ and very hum: Sert."
in-
Col; Geo: Muter to Gov: Jefferson : The building the boring Mill jmuiry 24th.
and Moulding house for the Foundry being a separate matter from the .» ^^
other works to be erected, he deems it unnecefsary to await the arrival of
CoP Senf, before contracting for them, especially as the same sites and Boring Mill
walls can be used, and those works will be the first wanted. He is con- and Moulding
fident he can get the work begun at once, and with permifsion of his HouieatWett-
Excellency will arrange with persons on the Saturday following. Sends *'°'
list of M' Harmer's negroes, whom he offers to hire to the State, those
* According to tradition, Tarlton it said to have lost several of his fingers in this action,
which subsequently gave rise to the well known anecdote in regard to Col. Wa-hington having
** at hit made his mark,** when on one occasisn, the latter was falsely accused of not being able
to write his own name. Tarlton, however, lost his fingen at Guilford Court House, in the
c harge made upon his Legion by Lee, as will appear further on.
j^60 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 at Warwick will certainly be wanted. The Women should be hired to
. cook, wash &c, so that the time of the men be not consumed in these
janoary . Qj^^^ypj^j^j^g yij^ Hon: M' JamisoH offers to hire his negroes to work
at the Foundry ; they will certainly be wanted. Should M' Smith suc-
ceed in securing the services of Armorers, some provision for their ac-
commodation will have to be made.
Endorsed.
In Council Jay: 24''' 1781.
^^ The Board approve of building the moulding house' k boring mill on
contract, a water wheel & shaft for boring a single gun at a time will
suffice : the shaft being made capable of having a cog-wheel put to it
whenever we shall carry on the business to such extent as to require
more than one bore. It will be well to avoid agreeing to advance any of
the money, or as little as pofsible. we are of opinion the negroes should
be hired if practical for reasonable hire, as many armourers as can be
received into the shop here should be lodged in log huts to be built
here, all others should have log huts for lodging k working built at the
Foundry. * * • •
TH: JEFFERSON."
January 24ch. John Broaddus to Gov: Jefferson : He had been informed by Col:
. ^^^^^ Thornton, that M' James Warren of Fredericksburg desired all the
ly. Pork, or Stalled Beef that could be gotten, to be sent to him, for v hich
a reasonable price should be paid. He has appl^pd to several persons,
but unless some satisfactary price is fixed, he will not be able to procure
Price of Pro- ^^X* Some of the Commifsaries had given as much as eight dollars pr:
▼Uionf. pound for stalled beef; and some persons have Pork for sale, but hold
it at " three hundred pounds pr: hundred." This is " hearsay " infor-
mation : he cannot vouch for its truth. Desires some fixed price be
established, in which case he will endeavor to comply with instructions
to the utmost of his power.
jaaaary24th. John Todd Jnr: to Gov; Jefferson:
Lexington, Ky. May it please your Excellency,
^* I rec^ the enclosed Letters a few days ago ; as they contain some
matters of Consequence, I transmit them just as I receive them. They
are written with a freedom which spare no Character, & may with
additional Letters which I expect you have rec^, threw light upon our
Situation in the Illinois. Winston is Command' at Kaskaskia. M^Carty
a Captain in the Illinois Reg', who has long since rendered himself dis-
agreeable by endeavouring to enforce Military Law upon the Civil
Ooodi embef- Department at Kohos. 7ne peltry mentioned by Winston as purloined
sled, &c. Qr embezzled by Montgomery, was committed to their joint care by mc
in Nov: 1779, & from the Circumstance of Col: Montgomery's taking
up with an infamous Girl, leaving his wife & flying down the River, I
am inclined to believe the worst that can be said of him. being so far
out of the Road of Businefs I cannot do the State that Justice I wish
by sending down his case immediately to the Spanish Commandants in
the MifsiTsippi.
A late Letter informed your Excellency of my Design of laying some
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^61
Beef & Corn in store for the Expedition planned last year. I expect to 1781
get 30 or 40 thousand Weight of Beef & two or three thousand Bushels
of Corn on Better Terms then will be got anywhere in this Country. J*"""'y *4
A Prisoner, Martin Wistill taken spring was a year, at Wheeling by Accounti from
the Shawanese, two weeks ago left his party being 7 Shawanese, about ^*** Shawmees.
half a mile from Bryants Fort as they were stealing Horses. He says
the Shawanese have built 4 Block Houses at Logan's Town 12 miles
beyond the Pickaway: that they are much Distrefsed for want of pro-
visions and are keen for makmg an attack next Spring, upon the Ken-
tucky settlements — that Blackfish & Logan are dead &c. I am uneasy
lest Crockett should not arrive timeously at Licking, & many of our
settlers seem desirous to fly immediately to the South side of Kentucky
lest he should not."
Hi m * * Hit if. Hf.
I have the Honor to be with Greatest Respect
Your Excellency's Most Obedient & humb fervt.
Phil: Pendleton Col: i*' B. Militia, John Morrow Co^^ 2** Militia, January asth.
Robert Carter Willis L: Col: B M. — William Morgans Lt: Col® B. Bgykgw co
M— G^ Scott Major i"* B. B. M— to the Governor of V*: "
«' Sir.
Col: Swearingen the Lieut: of this County laid before us some time
ago, your Excellency's Orders of the 24*^ December Directing Two
Hundred & Seventy five of the Militia of this County under proper
Officers, to march Immediately to the Falls of the Ohio, to join Col:
Clarke in an Expedition from thence. We beg leave to represent to
your Excellency, that we have seventy men now on duty from this
County, now in the Southern Army, which with the 68, we are to raise
for the Army and the 275 now ordered into service will make near one
half of the Militia of this County fit for duty — from these circumstances M***^'^?[**^ *°
and the immense distance from here to the falls of the Ohio, being by ^°*"
the way of Fort Pitt, little less than a thousand miles, we are sorry to
inform your Excellency that we have the greatest reason to beleive that
those whose Turn it now is from this County will suffer any punishment
rather than obey our orders for their march. So eeneral an Opposi- ^.^"^J*" ©ppoai-
A c r^ c u L® I • 1 *^A tion to ordert of
tion to orders of government from such a number we think of too Oovernmenc.
much consequence at this crisis, for us to proceed without informing
your Excellency of the difficulties with which the execution of those
orders will be attended We beg leave further to inform your Excel-
lency that notwithstanding the great reluctance the People in general
discover in compl}ing with this order of Government, yet there are
many young men in this county who having connections in the Ken-
tucky Country,^ would turn out as Volunteers in such an Expedition,
were they afsured that they have no profpect of enriching themselves
with the substance of a number now called as militia, who would give
everything thejr have to Substitute, rather than undertake such a Tour.
Would your Excellency, therefore dispense with the militia on this occa-
sion, and empower us to raise Volunteers, we think it would be in our
power to procure such a number of men as would render their Country
greater service on such an Expedition, than the Two Hundred and
seventy five taken from the clafses of the militia. We wish your Excel-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
lency to believe, that it is exceedingly disagreeable to us to delay for a
moment, the Execution of your Orders, but we flatter ourselves, your
Excellency will upon examining the Gentleman, who will deliver you
this, fully Justify us "
We have ths Honour to be
Yr: Excellency's mo: Obt Hbl fervants.
W. Armstead to Col: Mluter, sending by M^ Mathews the articles
ordered, thev being all he can procure, being ^^ destitute of Money &
Credit." The Vinegar left " unplundered is adulterated with some of
the Doctors slops & is thought to be intentionally poisoned." Sends
" 206 lbs: Sugar, i Tierce of Rice, 20 ^^* Green Tea, i Hhd: Milafses."
Col; W" Davies to Gov: Jefferson :
" Sir,
I found upon my return hither, that all the troops that marched from
hence upon the arrival of the enemy, had by order of Baron Steuben come
back to this Station, from their uttci inability to keep the field, from the
want of almost every species of Cloathing. Many men have not a
remnant of cloathing larger than a good napkin to cover their nakednefs,
ind a number of these are dependent upon others for a part of a blanket
0 (belter them at night from the cold, Your Excellency if I remem-
)er right, informed me at Westham, that a number of blankets could be
procured from M*^ Rofs. I must solicit your Excellency to direct me by
/hat means, and from what places they may be brought hither. I am
he more anxious on this head, as all the coarsest of the cloth, which we
itely received from M*^ Armstead, was given out among the men as
lanketting, which was the only expedient the late emergency would
Imit for rendering the troops in any degree fit for the field, to oppose
le incursion of the enemy. This coarse cloth is not yet unfit to be
ade up into garments, but soon will be, unlefs the arrival of a supply
' blankets shall enable us to put it into the hands of the taylors for that
irpose. Could this be speedily accomplished, we might do a great deal
wards cloathing our men, as we can easily turn out from 8 to 10 coats
a day. This we are now doing of the best cloth, which we reserved
r this use. The want of shirts and (hoes is another distrefsing circum-
ince : and I must beg your Excellency's attention to it. Unlefs fome
ithod can be adopted for supplying the men, they had much better be
mifsed alt( gether : they are not able to do anything in the field, and
ir 60 of them too naked to do anything in quarters, and every idea of
ining them for actual fervice has long fince been laid aside.
rhefe must be unpleasant truths, but it is my duty to represent them.
ope my conduct is too well known to your Excellency to admit the
I that I have ever neglected any thing in my power to guard against
to remedy the distrefsful situation of the troops who have been
rusted to my command.
jive me leave, however^ to fay that a mistaken fystem has long pre-
ed in the mode of cloathing our men Saving and preserving is
ost as important as supplying in the first instance. A (hoe after
ing will last almost as long as it did before, and a coat properly
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. j^63
patched, is nearly as useful to the foldier as a new one. Yet we have 1781
nothing given to us for these necefsary purposes of repairing, and of rj^ ^^ ^ ^^^
course instead of mending our old cloaths we are always asking for new.
It is out of the power of your officers to remedy these things, without
the afsistance of the State. Another great misfortune is the manner of
ifsing the cloathing. A good pair of Stockings is given to a naked foldier
to-day; he has no shoes, and wears them out by the next week, and in a
fortnight afterwards, when his stockings are gone he get his (hoes. Or
perhaps he gets breeches but no lining to them ; a new coat or a fashion-
able hat, but has no ihirt, or if he has he is without breeches. By this
means the Country runs mto debt, and the foldier is always uncomfort-
able and utterly devoid of that military pride of appearance, so efsentially
necefsary in every army. At present, however fome immediate afsistance
is absolutely necefsary to preserve the lives of these men. Some of Necenity that
them are fo naked that they have refufed furloughs to go home to try to »omething be
get cloaths, being ashamed as well as unable in their Situation, to travel ^"^'
at this feason. There never will be a pofsibility of preventing desertions
'till men find it more comfortable to be foldiers, than has generally been
the case of the Virginia line, aggravated as their reflections must be,
when they observe the comparatively happy circumstances of troops
from other States.
I have of late been endeavouring to draw off descriptive lists of the
deserters, of whom I have had returns; and am now at the 170^^. As
soon as it is properly prepared I (hall forward it to your Excellency. I Deiertcw, other
intend to propofe to the General, to give furlows for a limited time. to all ^^e"deT
the men now here, that will enlist for tne war, pay them a part of their
bounty now, and the remainder when they return. As they can be of
no fervice till they are cloathed, and provision is with difficulty procured,
I hope this propofal will not be thought ineligible.* In the mean time I
would submit it, whether it will not be necefsary to order a quantity of
leather here for the purpose of mending (hoes. We have tools and
fhoemakers of our own. I would also request that fome money might
be fpared to pay the taylors, who have for these five months past made
up almost all the cloatbs our men have had. They are much discour-
aged for want of it, and many of them think they are working for njth-
ing. I hope to be excused for my prolixities, but must persevere in my
applications, as lone as there remains any prospect of succefs. The
extra expence of calling an equal number of militia into the field, would
go far towards fitting these men for service ; who if properly trained,
might have been very useful on the late occasion, but as matters now
ftand, are only a uselefs incumbrance upon the Country.
I have the honor to be fir, with the highest respect
Your Excellency's most obedient
and most humble ferv^"
James Hunter to Gov: Jefferson : He has received his Excellency's January 24th.
letter of the 10'^ ult: intimating the supposed design of the enemy to F,ederickiburg.
approach that place ; with the advice to remove everything of value.
Returns thanks for this interest in his concerns. In consequence of this
intimation, he had transported to a place of safety all the articles belong- Alarm firom the
ing to the State, the " camp kettles axes &c" ordered by Genl: Greene, «"*"y*
and part of his own effects. In accomplishing this he had been much
A6Ji.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 afsisted by the waggons ^'belonging to the Public." This became necef-
sary under the instructions given " to Genl: Weedon to take measures
January 25 . ^^^ ^j^^ protection" of his works. He regrets to inform his Excellency
be is unable to repair any of the arms sent by Col: Muter, his workmen
having all left him. and the manufactory of Small Arms thereby discon-
he cannot re- tinued. The Other orders given by the State in progress. Asks to be
pair arms, &c. paid the amount of a warrant for £50 000 in Tobacco ; also for certifi-
cates from Genl: Gates for sundries from his works, for the army under
his command, to the amount of <£ 130.000. He has on hand a supply
of Woollens ; which he will deliver to the State, for tobacco, at the
Warehouses of Fredericksburg and Falmouth at X50, pr: hundred
weight.
January 25111.
War Office.
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor : desiring to know what action
(if any) had ever been taken by the Genl: Afsembly, in regard to exempt-
ing certain workmen, eight months' men, in the rublic Laboratory from
military service M' Ford desires instructions as to how the people
employed at '' the fork of James River " are to be furnished with pro-
visions ; whether by the State, or by money to be supplied the contrac-
tors.
January 26ih. James Neil and John Pierce Duvall to Gov: Jefferson : complaining
c 1 Pe ton ^^^ ^^'' f^'*^"^^^ Peyton and Capt: George Meriweather, appointed on
andCol. Meri- the Commifsion for adjusting the claims for patented lands in the District
weather. of Monongalia, Youghagania and Ohio had failed to attend ; whereby
freat uneasinefs had seized upon the people lest the time limited by
/aw should expire, when their lands would lapse to the Common-
wealth. On this accobnt they beg that these two gentlemen be removed,
and that Charles Martin and VV°^ Hayman Esq'* be appointed in their
places. They having been obliged to pay an Exprefs to carry this, pray
his Excellency will give him an order on the Treasury for " one thou-
and eight hundred dollars, the sum agreed for."
January 26th •
War Office.
Col: Muter to the Governor : As the armory at the Foundry is to
be built upon a plan different from the one for which M** Bich^ James had
contracted, that gentleman has requested to be relieved from his agree-
ment : and he has consented thereto accordingly. Col: James is willing
however, to undertake work for the Commonwealth, but before doing so
insists upon some afsurance, in what form, and at what rate he is to be
paid, &c:
January 27tb.
Waihingtcn
Co.
Col: Arthur Campbell to Gov' Jefferson :
" Sir,
Since writing my Letter of the 13^^ Instant, I am informed that the
Indians have killed one of the Settlers in Powell's Valley, and carried
off 14 Horfes, belonging to a party of men coming from Kentuckey.
Whether this is done by Indians that had set out to War before our
Depredationi of approach Were known in the towns : or it may be some of the Fugi-
tives that have taken refuge in the adjacent mountains for the conve*
niency of good Hunting to subsist their Families on, is not certain.
Indian*.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, ^65
Which ever may it be, this with their former succefses near the same place, 1781
may encourage them to attempt further depredations, and so render the . .
pafsage to Kentuckey exceeding unsafe. To prevent this, and to seek
satisfaction for what is past, I am raiflng a Company to patrole the
Country adjacent to the Gap, and to begin the building the Fort your
Excellency formerly ordered : and in order that our men may be well
provided for the purfuit, I have taken the liberty to direct one half of the
Company to act as Cavalry until the decifion of the Executive is known J'tP*/*^''*" ^°
respecting them. This Company with two Troops of Horse, now country. *
raising in Carolina to act on that frontier, I hope will be sufficient to
repel any force the Cherokees are now able to embody, should they be
excited to continue y* War.
The method of imprcfsing and apprafing provifions, as directed by the
Invaiion Law, I believe will enhance its price much : could an industri-
ous, trusty man be found that would act as Commifsary, great savings
might be made by having ready money. The Cherokee War and other
occurrences seems to have put an end to the railing men in this and Mont-
gomery County, to go to the Southward with Col: William Campbell.
The Botetourt men are gone on with the Major of the Regiment.
I am Your Excellency's
most Obedient Servant.*'
Rich^ M^'Carty to Col: Geo: Slaughter, Com^ at Falls of Ohio: January ayth.
Takes the opportunity by Capt: Roberts to send him " the Compliments
of the past Season." would do this in person, but is under arrest by
order of Col° Montgomery, and *' longs to be with a sufficient Corps of
Field Officers to be Tryea." Recalls with pleasure the agreeable hours
pafsed with him and other friends at Cahos, and earnestly hopes to be
once again in Company so different from his late afsociates. He had
written several letters by " au-posts " to Col Clarke or Command^ at
the (alls of Ohio, giving account of affairs n that Country ; since which '
time many important changes had occurred, and the Chief wish now is
that Col"" Clarke will again ** Carry on an Expedition to Detroit."
Continues, *'The Great Col** la Balme was defeated, as also a party of Defeat of La
17 men from Cahos to S' Josephs, they took the place. Great quan- ^*^'"*'
tity of Goods, 22 pris''% and behaved as wisely as the others, and were
defeated, all killed or taken Except three have made their Escape. There
now is a party of 30 Spaniards & 20 Cahokians, and 200 Indians to take
revenge on the phople of S' Josephs of whom we have no news as
yet." * * *
am D' Col° Your Most Ob* hb* ferv*.
Col: John Syme to Gov: Jefferson. But for his continued indisposi- January 27th.
tion, should have waited upon his Excellency in person — reflecting upon « 1^ ^^ 1 "
business of removing the stores from that place and Cumberland, he is
the more convinced that water carriage will be the most expensive,
because of the double handling, and the distance being near the same
from the latter place to Richmond by land. Transportation by wagons
expensive enough, the removal of every bbl of Corn costing upwards of transportation
" one hundred pounds." Under the present plan the large Guns at
Cumberland will cost ^^ four hundred" to be moved to N. Castle, and
59
j^66 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 how much more hence to Richmond or Westham he cannot say ; but
. thinks it will cerf^inly cost more than double that sum, to bring them up
January . ^^^ river, and thence to Richmond. Has received an order from Genl:
Nelson to forward one half "the men of this Coty: to Him." Asks if
the Executive did not intend that only a fourth were to remain in fervice,
concludes — " I can scarcely set up to write, w*^^ hope will apologize for
this Scrawl.
I have the Honor to be" &c.
jinuiryiyth. Geo: Elliott D. Q. Master to Col: Davies: He has just received
orders to send to the " Moravian Town" all the stores turned back by
the Baron ; except seven wagon-loads of arms, which are to be stored
Trouble with ^j^j^ j^j,^^ nfj^g sixteen wagoners engaged in this businefs had agreed to
go with loads to the Southern Army at " eight hundred dollars pr: man,"
but nine now refuse to perform this duty. He will take their wagons
from them ; and begs for a good officer to take charge of the seven others
whose wagons will be loaded with Brandy much wanted by the Army.
All the other wagons he can get must go to M** Morris, who is providing
for the troops below, and who delivers supplies from Cabin Point to
Stoner's Mill where the Camp is.
January 18th. Ro: Lawson B. Genl: to Gov: Jefferson :
Camps «Mc- *' Sir,
"* * *' Hearing that the enemy were again in our Country, and had
penetrated as far as Richmond. I considered it my duty to wait on
Baron Steuben, who I was informed was at Petersburg, & receive from
In command of him such Command and orders as he was pleas'* to give. The Baron
advanced poiti. thought proper to give me the command of a Brigade of Militia ; & has
after several previous movements, fixed me as the Officer Commanding
the advanced Posts. As I am informed that he has repaired to Rich-
mond to communicate to the Executive body the fituation of our military
affairs, I doubt not, but that he will fully explain the motives which
induced him to take the positions which the advanced army now occupy.
But lest the Baron, from the multiplicity of businefs which furrounds his
command may not immediately recollect some material things, respecting
the Post, which it becomes my duty more directly to attend to, I beg
leave to trouble your Excellency with a ilate of fuch matters as my
fituation requires me to lay before you.
From its being the fact, that this part of the Country has always been
the scene of the incursive & predatory War, which the Enemy has car-
ried on, in this State, it follows that the Inhabitants have been greatly
distrefsed in the article of provision & forage, and that our Army finds
it a matter of great difficulty to procure the necefsary supplies in this
quarter.
Having no money to purchase necesfsaries for the Army, and the
mode of obtaining them by imprefsment only, renders the undertaking
not only Difficult & Dilatory, but in every point of view, very disagree-
able to the officer, whose authority must sanctifiy, the procedure ^ but as
Neceuity of the exhausted state of our money matters make this mode (disagreeable as it
keeping garri. j^x indispensably necefsary we must prosecute it. I would wish however to
sonimthae ' '^ t? 11 i_ -^ i_ 1 • t-
country. suggest to your iLxcellency, that as Troops must be kept up in this quar-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^^7
ter, to countenance desertion, give protection to the well affected, & pre- 1781
vent the enemy from foraging extensively, that it is proper that we (hould
have magazines of provisions and forage established in fuch parts of ^ '^ ^
the adjacent country, as may be least exposed to the consequences of
a quick movement of the enemy, k so convenient to our Posts below at
the same time, as to enable us to draw from thence the wanted supplies
without great delay or Expence. Major Newton who is kind enough
to be afsisting in this disagreeable business, waits on your Excellency, for
your decision on the occasion, & he will give you such further informa-
tion as you may require, especially as to the places where magazines can
best be fixed on.
The next object which I would wish to trouble your Excellency with want of car-
is the diminished state of our Cavalry. Altho' a number of Gentlemen airy,
turn'd out as Volunteer Cavalry at the Commencement of the Invasion,
& have rendered all the fervice they could while on duty, ftill as they were
mostly from Chesterfield, & the Militia from that County being relieved,
they have claimed the right of being discharg'd also & have gone to their
respective habitations. Those who remain are not bound to stay any
certain fix'd time & may therefore insist whenever they please, to be dis-
charged. I need not comment on the Inconvenince, and pofsibly mis-
chief which the Troops under my command might be expos'd to on this
account.
The enemy are already strong in Cavalry, & they are moreover seiz- The enemy
ing upon the hkely Horses in their reach & augmenting their strength "^^ng in car-
daily. Major Nelson's Horse, which are also under my command, do ^^'
not amount to thirty men fit for duty ; and both the Horses & men are
really in general, objects of distrefs. The men suffering for want of the
Cloths, the Horses being so reduced as scarcely to be able to perform
the duty of carrying their riders in a very moderate pace. To remedy
this, I would wish to suggest, that if the Executive was to authorize
raising of Volunteer Horse, it might in my conception be readily accom-
plished under a plan fomewhat like this.
They should chose their ofHcers (under the Rank of Field Officers) volunteer ca?-
find their own Horses, Saddles, Bridles, Boots &; Caps, if to be procured, airy luggeited.
k be compelled to ferve for the space of fix months at least, should the
Invasion continue fo long, & be subject to the like Rules & Regulations
in War, as govern the Continental Troops.
On behalf of the Public, they will furnish those who can't supply
themselves, with pistols. Holsters, Valeeces, pads, Swords, Caps & Hal-
ters, and pay a generous price for the Horses lost.
Should this plan be carried into effect, I would beg leave to recommend
the officers who are in fervice, as worthy of the confidence of their
Country, and whdse active zeal entitle them to hold military commifsions
in its fervice. I should imagine that this Country could easily subsist a
body of Cavalry amounting to 150 or 200. Confident am I that fuch a
body properly equipt would render the Country efsential fervice — indeed
an Army laying near an Enemy who has a superior force in Cavalry,
must be ever subject to their insults & very frequently to great injury.
I must close this Letter with a representation of the state of the
Troops in this quarter ; which must be distrefsing indeed to everv friend
to the present opposition, whose Heart is not callous to the feelings of
Humanity.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
We have no Tents, and are posted where we cannot have the benefit
?" Houses. The severity of the Season coming on daily. The Baron
der'd us to build Hutts; but this cannot be done, without proper Tools,
those we have not as yet been able to procure, altho' the Quarter
laster has been empower'd to imprefs them for this particular purpose ',
ideed it is a lamentable fact, that we have not as many Axes as are
sentially necefsary for the purpose of cutting wood to make fires for the
len, who are decreasing my strength daily by sicknefs, occasion'd I am
Dnfident from their exposed state, to the severity of the excefsive bad
eather we have had in this quarter. We want exceedingly, ammuni*
on waggons, with proper military Chests, Cartridges, & almost every
'tide of Camp Equipage. I am far from believing or expecting that
le stores on hand will yield ample supplies of those articles, but I trust
Dur Excellency will give the proper orders to supply the militia under
ly command, with whatever may be necefsary to conduce either to their
omfort or defence.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect.
Sir, Your Excellency's
Mo: Obed: Sert."
Major Genl: Steuben to Col: Davies :
^Sir,
As the Militia serving below, are relieved from time to time, these
irho are attached to the Artillery are by that means always ienorant of
heir Duty, this renders it necefsary to furnish 2 Serg^ & 24 Men from
he Troops under your Command if it is pofsible to put fo many in a
ondition to ferve for this purpose.
It was fully my intention to have visited you at Chesterfield, but
ideed my D' Col® I have fo much to do here 4 am fo harrafsed from
11 quarters, that you must make it pofsible to pay me a visit here in a
ay or two : bring with you a return of your troops :
with great Esteem,
D' Uolo: your very hblc ferv*"
\ndrew Donnally, Saml: Brown, and And'' Hamilton, to Gov: Jef-
ferson :
'Sir,
A Letter from your Excellency of the 24"* of December, directing
hat 137 Men of the Militia of this Countv shou'd forthwith be raised
i, sent to the County of Kentucky to join Col° Clarke, and ferve under
lim this ensuing Summer, on an Expedition against the Indians ; in
[Consequence of which, we have given orders to Draft that number
ogether with proper Officers to Command them, amounting to 146
effective men. So large a number out of a Militia scarcely 550 strong,
ying in a County exposed to the daily inroads of the Indians, fill us with
nuch uneasinefs about the dangers we are like to suiFer, from this weak-
ening of our Militia : especially at a time when we cannot expect to be
einforced from any of the ioterior Counties, should any such danger
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^69
arise, how much more then, must our apprehensions of Danger increase, 178 1
when we find that by an Act of Afsembly we are to furnish 34 Men
more for the Continental Army. It is with the utmost reluctance we J*""*'^ *9f •
iddrefs ourselves to your Excellency on this occasion (at a time when
the necefsities of the State require the utmost exertion of its members
in its defence) to request that you will prolong the Term in which we
are to furnish s"* recruits, 'til the return of our Militia from Col'^ Clarke,
or at least 'til such time as they have got into the Indian Country, &
may have drawn their attention to his operations. Afsure yourself Sir,
we wou'd not have made this request, but in consequence of the entrea-
ties of the inhabitants here & the imminent danger to which we think these
frontiers exposed, by drawing away the Militia We shall continue to
use all means to have the Militia ready as speedily as pofsible, shou*d you
think it improper to grant us our request.
We are fir,
your most Obed' Hble Servants.'*
Col:- Samp: Mathews to Gov: Jefferson: On the Monday before January 29th.
while at RuiEns Ferry, he had received an order from Genl: Muhlen- ,.^ w- p ■ •
berg to march to this place by way of Sandy Point, and after a detention
of three days, on account of *' wett & the badnefs of the Boats," he
arrived here this morning — and is ordered to march in the morning to
Smithfield. He had hoped on his arrival at this place, to be supplied
with Tents and ammunition, but has been disappointed in both. He
therefore sends Capt: Rob* Gamble to solicit those articles so necefsary to
his Officers and men, many of whom are now sick from exposure.
Least the " Publick" cannot furnish Tents, he has ifsucd his '' warrant"
to imprefs them or " LInnen to make them," as he is afraid the men Want« of the
will mutiny if not supplied. The marching is so severe, the duty on the ^^^^'
lines so fatiguing and the exposure to the severity of the Season so great,
that soldiers must be expected to grumble at their hardships. He is much
in want of a Surgeon, which would be much more felt, should an action
take place. Requests that his Excellency will order D' Foushee, to
whom he has written, to join the Rifle Corps as foon as pofsible, or on
his refusal, some other good Surgeon. The Smiths vices, & files have
not arrived : hopes they may be fent at once, as many of the rifles are
out of order.
* "The Battery, which is to be errected upon Wind Mill Hill below January 29111.
the Old Battery at Hoods, according to the plan prepared by the Major Richmond.
General Baron de Steuben, will consist of eight 24 or i8-pounders, and
defended in the Rear by a Strong Redoubt for Sixty men, and four or pianoftheFort
two Field pieces, mounted in the Angles, on Parapet. A Barrack in the at Hoodi.
center of the Redoubt, sufficient large for the Garrison. The Magazines
for Ammunition and provision under the Barrack. A good Revettment,
Ditch, Draw Bridge, Glacis, on the Outside, and will be secured by all
kind of Impediments j as Palisades, Abbatties, Wolftraps and Fougafes.
The Time, in which to execute the Worck, will depend on the num-
* Now known u << Fort Powhatan/* at the head of seven mile reach, James River.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
of Labourers, Season, and of furnishing the necefsary Materials,
he Worck is to be completed in two months time, it will require.
Labourers,
, Master Carpenter and ^
. Carpenters.
. M after Bricklayer and )- With their necefsary Tools.
. Assistants
. Blacksmiths
Able Negroes as Pioneers furnished with
40 Spades
20 Hoes
10 Pick Axes
20 Fashine Knifes
10 Wheel borrows
Some tracing Lines and some Nails.
Materiah,
,000 Bricks which may be had near about Hoods from the inhabi-
mts, and the Guarrison may replace them again, next Spring without
ny farther Expenses to the Country.
82 12 Inch Timber 22 feet long,
45 " " 30 " '•
8 10 " " ) May all be procured near Hoo<jls.
0 8 inch Palisades — 12 feet long,
200 Inch Boards *' " J
L few Waggons or Boats and a few necesfsarys for the Plattform,
w-Bridge and Joiner's Worck may be easy furnish'd in time the main
rck is carried on.
in Addition of a Detachment of Soldiers at present in the Field, will
h in proportion the Worck the sooner.
JN: CHRIST; SENF,
Col: Engineers.'
»
'j^eod; Bland to Gov: Jefferson :
'Sir,
. French Officer of the name of Dubuifson, a Col: in our Army b,
lerly aid to the Baron De Kalb, who was wounded in the Action
Cambden & taken Prisoner, has requested me to enclose the con-
s of this to yr: Excellency, which will fully explain his desire. Yr:
ellency will be pleased to do in the affair, what you think. Justice,
nanity, and Policy dictate, and will be so obliging as to give as speedy
nswer as circumstances will permit.
I have the Honor to be
Yr: Excellency's most obt &; very
H. Sevt.
ies of letters enclosed contains the following facts :
'he Chev: Dubuifson to M' Bland sets forth, that all the Surgeons
e to the necefsity of his returning to France for the recovery of his
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 471
health. Proposals to M*^ Loring the British Commifsioner of Prisoners 1781
thro' M^ Skinner the American Commifsioner, to be exchanged for r,„ 1^
Lieut: Gov: Hamilton a prisioner to Virginia then in New York had ^ '
failed \ Genl Washington himself having refused his afsent thereto. to„/
Genl Clinton is willing to allow him to go to France provided Gov: Ham-
ilton be allowed to go to England. It is all-important that he shall go to
France, not only on account of his health, but to Protect the interests of
the orphan children of " the brave De Kalb slain in the cause of Amer-
ica & who are left with no other support, but that of myself and my
family" &c. He does not desire to make any request incompatible wita
the interests of the Countr), and will accept no favor, which will "pre-
judice the United States," and thereby render him unworthy " the name
of Frenchman k friend to America," but hopes the Governor of Vir-
ginia will agree to allow Lieut: Col: Hamilton to go to England on
parole, and thus enable him to return to France on the same conditions.
Col° Archibald Cary to the Governor :
" Honorable Sir,
I have calls on me which I must in a Few days comply with, for
<£ 16000 or thereabouts for my proportions towards raising the 3000 men :
M*" Rubsarnen Informs me he has a warrant on his and my acct: for
about £40.000 he informs me» he has been apply'd to Worke over a
Quantity of Powder taken out of the Canel. this Powder will require a
large Quantity of Salt Peter, which without ready money can not be Powder,
had. I afsure you I have it not in my power to advance it, nor even to
Pay the money for the Soldiers without receiving this Warrant, nor can
we purchase Salt Peter, or even undertake the repreration of the Powder
without it. This money has Great part of it been due a considerable
time : Application has been made at the Treasury without effect. I
hope therefore your board will give order that it be paid, as I shall think
it exceeding hard to sell two or three Slaves to raise the money for the
Publick, when the Publick owes me more than would answer the De-
mand on me. What I have due for Provisions, nigh £18.000 I wifh
now to have paid, as with it I design to pay as far as it will go, my
Taxes." *****
I am Sir, with great Esteem
Your Hble Serv^ "
Rich** Claiborne, Dep^ Q. M. State of V* to Gov: Jefferson : January 19th.
^' Sir, Richmond.
I inclose your Excellency a Copy of the arrangements proposed by
Colonel Carrington and myself, and approved by the Council, for the Q. Master't
Quarter Masters Department in the Continental Line of this State : also Department,
a copy of the prices established in Specie equal to Tobacco, at Twenty
shillings p' hundred weight, or other money equivalent : and a return of
the afsistant Deputy Quarter Master.
Your Excellency will find that the State is now laid off into certain
districts, calculated for the Convenience of transportation both by
Land and Water. Each District Comprehends a Certain number of Districts.
Counties, which are apportioned according to the Situation of the Prin-
cipal Posts, and are to be under the influence of an afsistant Deputy
Quarter Master.
Jfl^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Among the duties of this department transportation is one, and is a
January 29th. ^^^ivy branch of businefs. To enable us to answer the demand of the
Service in this Respect, your Excellency and Council were pleased to
Transporution. say, that the private property, Waggons in the Senatorial Districts, should
be thrown into Brigades, and be under the direction of the Agent of the
State, for collecting the supplies, to be called out to the aid of the Con-
tinental Quarter Masters, when the businefs of their Office should ren-
der it necefsary for them to apply.
By an Extract from the Journals of Congrefs, I find that the Afsistant
Deputy Quarter Masters and Store Keepers are to receive the supplies
from the State Agents, both in the forage and Commifsary line, and to
have store houses provided for their reception.
The arrangements respecting those two points directed by Congrefs,
and the Legislature of Virginia : are so nearly conected that I feel my-
self interested in a very particular manner, that there should be a full
explanation of it between the Officers of my Department, and those of
the line of State Commifsioners. I beg your Excellency therefore for
Copies of all the directions which have been ifsued, or are intended to be
ifsued from the Executive, to the State Agents, which efFect the busi-
nefs to be done between each Department, since it was commenced by
Colonel Carrington and myself.
Upon a faithful discharge of the duties of the State Commifsioners,
in a great measure depend the existence of the businefs under my direc-
tion. Collecting the supplies from the Country, and furnishing the
Necessity of CO- "^^ans for transporting them are great and important objects, and demand
operation be- unwearied diligence in those employed to do the businefs. As a well-
tween the State wisher to the Interest of my Country, and desirous to answer the trust
tai Dc^altmc*^^^ reposed in me, I have to beg your Excellency that you will view me as
acting from a zeal to promote the Public Service : and to imprefs your offi-
cers with an Idea of the Necefsity of meeting me and my Officers in
our endeavors. I hope we shall always be found willing and ready to join
and afsist in any manner that may be calculated to give succefs to the
businefs. One cannot proceed without the other, and from repeated
afsurances of my Afsistants I can venture to say they will perform their
part.
I did myself the honor, the other day, to lay before your Excellency,
a state of the Wages of persons to be employed in this Department
established in Specie or Tobacco, or other Money equivolent, by Colo-
wagcs. nel Carrington and myself, which met with your approbation. As this
matter is to be referred to the Quarter Master General I beg that the
Executive will give their Afsent that it does not exceed strict Justice to
the public, agreable to what is given generally in this Country I have
enquired particularly of several Persons, who are well acquainted with
the different occupations mentioned in the Estimate, and am well assured
that men can not be had for lefs who will work or do the businefs
properly.
In carrying this arrangement into operation, I experience considerable
delays in some points from the late distruction in the prefs at this place.
I have applied frequently to the Printer to have some Copies taken off
the new plan from Congrefs for the Quarter Masters Department, but
he is prevented by businefs from the Executive and the Acts of the late
Afsembly. As the Afsistants cannot pofsibly go on without the System,
I beg your Excellency to give directions to have it printed immediately.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. JflS
I beg your Excellency for a warrant on the Treasurer for half a mil- 1781
lion of Pounds to be delivered to my Draughts as the Service of the . ^^^ ^ ^^^
Department under my direction may render necefsary.
I have the honor to be
with great respect and regard
your Excellency's most obedient &
humble fervant,"
Col; Muter to the Governor : A very large quantity of nails wanted J*nuaiy 30th.
for the public building — nailrod received from Fredericksburg, but nail- wv Office,
makers are wanting. M' Anderson refuses the terms offered him. The
Tradesmen are willing to work for the State, provided they are protected " ° "** **
from militia duty and drafts, and are afsured of being supplied with pro-
visions. M' Price has given certificates for the canoes and canoe-men
imprefsod ; — ^and he desires instructions as to how the latter are to be
paid — concludes. "I have made enquiry concerning Col: Womack, k
have been informed by M"^ Gait, that he heard him petition Genl: Arnold ^"* Womick.
not to carry him with him : but to let him remain on his parole, & that
the Genl: told him, as he was a foreigner (particularly a German, for
whom he faid they had great respect) he would permit him to remain on
parole. M^' Gait cou'd not say with certainty how Womack got the
parole he had figned, into his pofsession."
Col: Ed: Carrington to Gov: Jefferson :
" Sir,
I did myself the Honor to attend at the Door of the Council Cham- January 30th,
ber yesterday, with a view of conferring with the Executive on the subject ojchmond
of purchasing the necefsary Horses, wanted from this State for the South-
ern Army, but as I could not gain Admittance immediately, my businefs
in other respects would not admit of my waiting. I now take the
liberty of troubling your Excellency with my thoughts on the subject &
wish for the Executive to take them under consideration.
The Army being destitute of Horses, must have a supply by some
means or other. The principles on which the Laws of the State direct
these purchases to be made, will evidently ruin us, if we continue to
make the purchases on them, as every Horse will cost three or four times
his value.
I wish for something to be done for obtaining the Horses & exempting
the Pubkck from such abuses. I apprehend that by clafsing the Horses How hones
we shall want & fixing a certain price to each clafs, in Tobacco or Specie »^°"*^ ^ ^^
& having it determined by indifferent People, into which clafs the
Horse purchased shall be estimated would answer our purpose. The
Executive may perhaps be scrupulous about their powers to make such
an Alteration in the execution of the Law, but I apprehend the prefsing
necefsity for such a step must obtain the approbation of the Legislature.
however, I think, should the Executive not choose to risk such a step by
Absolute Authority, the measure might yet be effected by an Application
to the different Counties through the same means the Waggon Act is to
be executed in such a manner as to carry in some measure the weight of
authority, without the real exertion of it. Suppose a request should be
made by the Executive to the Counties, that each shall produce, by the
60
m4
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 same mode pointed out for obtaining waggons, two or three Horses ? I
, really think such a request could not be disregarded. Any Conferences
janotry 3 • necefsarv on the subject may be had with Major Claiborne.
may be naa witn iviajor
I have the Honor to be
with much respect
Yr: Excellency's m® ob^ fervant."
January 30th.
Falmouth.
H. Towles to Col: Muter, enclosing *" return " of the Officers of
the State Regiment of Artillery; but cannot report the number of men ;
of whom not more than thirty are now left under the command of Capt:
Roan, and who are enlisted to serve during the war. The lofs of his
papers and baggage '^ in that unfortunate action near Cambden '* prevents
his giving the information desired.
Wcitern In-
diani.
January 3oih. Major Godcfroy Linitot to Gov: Jefferson : (in French) He had
Au poate Vin- ^^^^ ^ Vaucheret as soon as pofsible after his arrival at Vincennes and
cenne. the Illinois. He found the Indians well disposed towards us, except the
Miami Tribe. He had done all in his power to keep these loyal to us,
but the great distress to which they have been reduced, and the gifts
made them by the English, had foiled his efforts. Unless their wants
are supplied nothing can be done with them. He sends M' Vaucheret
to his Excellency to procure the necefsary aid. He has given in favor
of that gentleman a Bill of Exchange for twenty thousand pounds to
procure the goods, & to maintain peace, as the only means of supporting
the interst of the State with these Indians.
January 30th.
Haddereli*
Point.
^' Extract "—From B. Genl; Scott to Lieut: Col** Balfotir, Comm***of
Charleston.
" I must therefore beg your permifsion, that Tobacco be fent to this
Port in fuch quantity as may be thought neceiTary to pay the debts
already contracted , and make the Prisoners comfortable during Cap-
tivity."
Answer.
Chas' Town Jany: 30*^ '81.
*• Sir,
I am directed by the Commandant to acquaint you, that he has no
kind of objections to the request you make Refpecting Tobacco being
sent here for the purpose you mention, and Gen^ Woodfords h Lieut:
Col^ Balls baggage &c: being sent by the Flag.
I have the honor to be,
yr: mo obed* fervant,
C. ERASER,
Town Major."
Brig: Genl: Scott.
January 30th.
<« Hoods."
Walter Peters to Col: Geo: Muter; Has rec^ the warrant for
£10.000 through the hands of Capt: Allen, but can make no use of it,
the Invasion having thrown everything into confusion. Refers to the
♦ Not found.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^75
inconvenience of his present situation, and concludes ^' I would make 1 781
personal application to his Excellency on the occasion, but my horses .
have been so harrafs'd & arc? so low at pres* that they cou'd not carry " '^ 3°
me to Richm^ in three days I have done no Militia duty this two years
on account of my having the Gout, &; being short-sighted, and am still
willing to pay my of all Publick Charges."
^^ Please take his Excellency's opinion on the matter & advise me what
it is, that I may know what I have to depend on."
Endorsed.
(C
In Council Jan: 31** 1781.
If M*^ Peters means to perform military and other duties required by
the Laws as would have been had he given no parole, he is at liberty to
remain, if he does not mean this, he must deliver himself up to the
enemy."
TH: JEFFERSON."
Major Geo: Walls to Gov: Jefferson : informing him, the times of
the men comprising his regiment will soon expire, but thtfy may all be ^^'^^^^ ^^'
reinlisted for the war for a third of their bounty or lefs If a sufficient
sum of money be sent by the bearer Major Hunter several hundred good
men may be secured for the war : this is the time to enlist them, before
they shall be clear of the service entirely.
Tho: Bee, Isaac Hobbe and Jn^ Mathews, Delegates from S^ Carolina, January 30th.
to Gov: Jefferson of V* introducing William Parker Esq', one of the phiudeiphia
Treasurers of South Carolina, who goes to Virginia for the purpose of
removing ^^the Public Papers under hi$ charge to some place of
Safety," and requesting such aid be given him, as the circumstances may
require.
Jas: Jones, James Madison Jnr: and Th*^ Bland, to Gov: Jefferson: January 30th.
«^ Sir, PhUadelphu.
We were honoured yesterday, with your Excellency's favor of the
13*^ inst: inclosing M' Anderson's explanation of his letter to Capt:
Trott enclosing instructions as to the Mifsifsippi, and that of the 18'^,
requesting sundry military supplies, in promoting which no exertions
shall be omitted on our part.
Your Excellency's letter to Congrefs on the subject of the Convention
Prisoners & the unequal apportionment of the general resources, with
respect to the two great Departments, was also received yesterday and
referred to a Committee. The Resolutions of the General Afsembly
ceding the Territory N. West of the Ohio to the United States, was
laid before Congress at tbe same time. Although nothing has been yet N. Western
done, declaratory of their sense of them, and although they are not pre- Territory.
cisely conformable to the recommendation of Congrefs on the subject,
we flatter ourselves, that the liberal spirit which dictated them will be
approved, & that the public will not be disappointed of the advantages
expected from the measure.
We have pretty good, though unauthenticated information, that Marv-
land has already acceded to the federal Union.
Since the extinguishment of the mutiny in the Pennsylvania line, Mutiny among
some commotions founded on similar complaints, have taken place in that the troops.
476
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781 of New Jersey. But we have the pleasure to inform you that the pru-
^ dent & seasonable remedies applied, have re-established order k discipline
January 30th, ^, rr 7 i-
■' ' among them.
We have the honor to be with the most
perfect esteem & regard,
Yr; Excelly" most ob fervt*."
January 31ft.
Petenburg.
Geo: Elliott, D. Q. M. to Col: Muter: He has at last prevailed on
the wagoners to go South, but had they known, no men were to come
from him, the stores would have remained at that Place. He had informed
M^ Armstead, one hundred pair of shoes could be bought at £45 pr:
pair, but one half of them had been taken by private individuals, before
any reply came from him. One hundred more may be gotten but being
of better quality will cost £75 pr: pair.
Also to the Executive, laying before them, the deprefsed condition of
his Department ; others in the service have the means of paying their
accounts, but he is now forced to discharge all his employees, unlefs allowed
a Warrant for <£4i,525. Not only will the service suffer, but his
"circumstances rendered exceeding unhappy for the Distrefses of his
creditors."
January 31st.
War Office.
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor :
" Sir,
The wagons are ready to start, that are to carry out the nccefsarys for
the forces in the Western Department, and instructions with respect to
the delivery of the g^ods they carry are wanted. I am incapable of even
originating instructions, as I know no more of the matter, than that the
goods are to be carried to Fort Pitt, but am entirely ignorant of anything
further. I am informed that Maj: Quirk has said he cannot give the
necefsary instructions. I beg leave to add, that M' Rose informs me,
the waggoners refuse to move, unlefs fome fpirits are furnished them & a
satisfactory provision made for their being paid. These are matters I do
not know what to do in, therefore have 1 been induced to mention them
to your Excellency.
I have the honor to be,
Yr: most hble fervant."
January — * cc Extract" in French—" to H( n; M' Jones, Del: from Virginia :"
'* Some letters found on board of Prizes, make known to us, that
the English give indications of establishing themselves firmly at Ports-
mouth. Several Exiles have returned to their confiscated pofsessions.
These circumstances have determined M le Comte de Rochambeau, and
M. Destouches, to undertake a more efficient expedition against Arnold,
Expedition and the greater part of the Squadron was to have sailed the 4*^ or 5*** inst:
•gainit Arnold, jj^yj^g on board 1220 men, to proceed to Chesapeake Bay. This
detachment carries guns ot 4 lb: and of 12 lb: but the navy will furnish
those of 24 lb: if necessary. The French General asks the cooperation
of the Militia of Virginia, and that Governor Jefferson will consent to
the operations of M. Destouches, and the Baron de Viomenil, upon
their arrival in January.
* Without date or addreii and tranilanted.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^77
Col: Geo: Muter informs the Governor that Col: Syme is now with 17S1
him, but his militia force is it at Wcstham, and despatches his son to his j4„oj|^_
Excellency for further orders. A letter from M' Rose says Major
Pierce is at Goochland C House with two pieces of Artillery and Stores Richmond.
to a considerable amount. Baron Steuben has ordered Maj: Claiborne j^ovementsof
to send 20.000 Cartridges to Genl: Nelson at once. That quantity and the enemy,
more, is already somewhere above, on that side the river, but the diffi-
culty will be to get it down as required. M*^ Anderson saved most of
his tools, except the bellous; so also with M' Moody. The damage
done by the Enemy at the Palace "hardly worth speaking of " They
are said to have returned to Westover, tho' this is not certain. The brafs
guns that could not be carried off on the approach of the enemy, were
thrown into the river, but they having discerned where they were *' got
them up i carried them off."
* To the Honourable the Governor and the Council of the State of
Virginia :
The Memorial of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Botetouit County
humbly represents, that some Time last April, Jack, a negro Fellow,
the Property of M' Stephen May, was convicted by our Court of two
considerable Robberies, and attempting to procure Rats-Bane to poison
Maj: Quirk. Also of enlisting several negroes to raise in arms and
join Lord Cornwallis, the said Jack to be their Captain. But before the
day fixed for his Execution he made his Escape, and after concealing
himself a few Weeks, he returned to his said Master, wh j is a Sub-
SherifF and Jaylor, by whom he has been employed the greater Part of
the Time ever since : And lately we have been informed that a petition
for his Reprieve has been preferred to his Fxcellency Governor Nelson :
in consequence of which his Execution is suspended until the first of
next January. As we have not seen the Petition, we are at a Lofs to
conceive what Reasons it pleads for extending Mercy to one who is an
attrocious Offender, and who has long been accounted a most dangerous
and pernicious member of Society. We do not learn that there was
any Error in the proceedings on his Trial, nor any Doubt of the cer-
tainty of the Facts for which he was condemned. And it is notorious
that he has been repeatedly guilty of Thefts, Roberies, and of Threat-
ening and attempting the Lives of a number of People both white and
black : as also of being a rebellious Servant and corrupter of other Ser-
vants. Neither has he manifested any Evidences of Reformation since
his late Condemnation : Sometimes going armed with a Gun and at
other times with a Pistol, threatening Revenge upon those who appre-
hended him, and those who were Witnefses against him. requiting the
indulgence of his Master with contempt and Disobedience. And in
several Instances practising his accustomed insolence and vilany in the
neighborhood. As it is probable that a further application will be made
to our honourable Executive on behalf of this Criminal, we think it our
Duty in this way, most respectfully to offer you our opinion, that he is a
dangerous and incorrigible Violater of the Laws and Peace of the Coun-
try, and therefore should be made an Example of Justice and not of
Mercy. And as we are informed that our Court are divided in Opinion
* No ipecial date.
J^T8 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 as to the Legality of Executing a Criminal that has escaped Execution
on the Day first nxed upon by his Judges, we request that you would be
January — pleased to forward such Orders and Directions in the Case, as will induce
the Court to carry their late Sentence against the said Jack into execu-
tion, without further Delay. And as in duty bound we shall ever pray,
&c ;
William Pilchey, John M^^Donald, Jas: Barnett,
W. Ward, James Robinson, Nicholas Carper,
W°»= Kyle, James Rowland, Sam^= Gill,
Rob^- Harvey, Geo: Hutcheson, W: Davidson,
Caleb Wallace, W°»^ M^Cleneehan, W^ Neelly,
And'- Armstrong, John Neelly, Thos: Rowland,
Thos: Madison, Jas: Luney, W: Breckenridge,
Jacob Carper, J°®" Vanmatre, Alex^- Simpson,
Andrew Henry.
January — "Instructions for Major Jones," by Baron Steuben:
" Sir,
You are to stay in this state 'till further Orders, to receive the Re-
cruits, Horses, Equipment for Men & Horses, which the state is to fur-
nish for the two Regts: of Cavalry at the South"^*^.
Your Place of Rendezvous shall be Petersburgh, where you as well
as the other Officers and Men belonging to the two Reg^ have Your
Quarters, Rations & forage. You will receive the Horses which this
State is to furnish, at Rich"*, from a Person appointed by Government
& in the following manner.
When a number of Horses arrive, You will receive notice of it a
day before, & be told how many you are to Receive. You will then
Initructiona re- come to Richmond together with another Officer, Qt: M. Sergt, a good
grading oT»ei, ^^^.^.j^j. ^ ^j^^ neceffary men always reckoning a man for every three
Horses.
The Person who will deliver You the Horses, shall have a farrier
with him, or any other Person, who understands horses, in presence of
whom, you will Inspect all the Horses, one by one All the Horses
you shall receive for the Cavalry must suit the follow^ Description^
Their Age from S to 9 y"old, from 14J to 15 Hands high, well limbed,
trotting well, free from Spavin or Blemish in the Eyes ; no Stallion is to
be received, but the color matters not, provided the Horse is healthy &
in good Order when received. You will give receipts for all the Horses
you shall receive & as soon as the Horse is excepted (accepted) he will
be branded V. C. Virg* Cavalry. In proportion as you receive the
Horses I will cause the men to be delivered you from the recruits for
whom you will receive the neceflary Arms & accoutre"**. When you
have a certain number of horses together, I shall cause them to be
divided by lots, between the 2 Reg*% that each officer may take care of
the men & Horses that belong to him.
As it is my Intention to join to every Detachment I shall send to the
Army, a proportionable number of Cavalry, the Officers must hold
themselves in readiness for the march, the men and horses must be
kept together, that they may be Visited every day by an officer. No
Horseman, under any pretence whatever, is to make use of his Horse, to
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^7P
roam about the Country, & no permiffion must be granted by an officer 1 78 1
to send Horses otherwise than for the Service.
No furloughs must be granted to the non-commis"** officers or men,
while they are at the rendezvous, without my Permission,"
Endorsed,
Jnstruction pour Maj: Johns pour la reception des chcveau."
Rob' Porterfield to Gov: Jefferson: February iit.
(t Sir Charei-Towiiy
I think it my duty to inform Your Excellency, That on the Morn- ^°* Carolina.
ing of the 10*^ ult: I had the miffortunes to loofe my Brother (Lieut: Death of Col.
Col** Porterfield) on his way from Camden, intending to this place. Porterfield.
I have also to beg leave to mention to Your Excellency, That during
my Brother's almost five months extreme illnefs. The consequence of
a wound he receiv** on the 16'** of August near Camden, His necefsary
expenses amounted to a confiderable sum ; for the purpose of defraying
which, he borrowed of Lord Rawden, Thirty Guipeas, which I have Boreowcdmon-
made myself answerable to his Lordship for, as foon as may been in my Sowdcn.
power.
My present situation will point out to your excellency the impofsibility
of raising such a sum. Therefore it is that I take the liberty of ask-
ing your Excellency's afsistance, which I flatter myself my Brother's
services has merited from the Authority of the State, in whose employ
he lost his life.
Should your Excellency conceive an impropriety in the States paying
such debt fo contracted, as before mentioned, I fliould efteem the loan . .
of thirty guineas a particular favour, in order that my faith with a Gen- pay this debt.
tleman (who granted, not only that, but many other favours to my
Brother while in great Distrefs) may not be broken ; and which I (hall
take care to return immediately upon being releas^ or my Parole enlarg^
to Virginia.
Hoping the necefsity of the application I have made, will sufficiently
excuse the trouble I have given your Excellency.
I will beg leave to fubscribe myself
with very great respect,
Your Excellencies
Moft Ob* Humble fervant."
&c: &c:
Col: Muter informs the Executive: he has not been able to find out February iit.
where the Tents, only forty nine in number, belonging to the State ^ q-
Gbrrison regiment, are. Major Magill is obliged to let his men use
what he has, for want of blankets, not one of his Soldiers having these.
endorsed,
" In Council Feby i** 1781.
While troops are in the open field without cover, it is impofsible to ^
permit those under the cover of houses, to use tents as blankets, were such u,cd for biank-
an abuse admissible in any situation, it is therefore the opinion of the ets.
board that the tents within mentioned be immediately delivered to the
State Quarter Master.
' TH: JEFFERSON."
A80
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
February ist.
Petenburg,
Importaace of
collecting pro-
visiona for Gen.
Greene as or-
dered.
Col: Ed Carrington to Gov: Jefferson :
•'Sir,
I flattered myself that by the information I had given your Excel-
lency of the Diversions making of the Provisions destined for Maga-
zines for the Southern Army, I had effectually put a stop to so ruinous
measures, especially as I had been honored with a Letter from you, that
they should be discontinued. However I find now so little regard paid
to your Excellencys Orders, that even a parcel of hogs driven by M'
Mason Southwardly by the advice of Genl: Smallwood k myself, have
been ordered back by M' Brown, for the purpose of supplying the
Militia, & I understand these are called back, by consequence of their
having consumed most of the Hogs collected & which had not been yet
driven outwards. I believe it will not be necefsary to say more to you on
the Subject than amounts to information and Facts. You certainly are
apprised of the fatal consequences that must arise from these Ma^zines
being neglected, on which Genl; Greene is now calculating for the Exis-
tence of his Army the next Campaign. Your Excellency will* excuse
my Solicitations on this subject as the General has confided to me his
own apprehensions on it. And I am just now honoured with a Mefsage
from him, praying that I shall give every attention to having them
formed as early as pofsible.
I have the honor to be
with much respect & Esteem
Your M: Ob"**"
&c: &c:
Removal of
stores.
February xst. Col: J. Symc to the Govemor :
"New Castle." " Sir,
I am favor'd w^^ yours of yesterday. I shall at all times be Happy to
give Satisfaction in what is Committed to my care. I Hear M*^ Wat-
kins (who is very anxious to remove every thing from Cumberland) has
loaded 3 Vefsels, now on their way, with shells, fhott &c. Shall they
be Landed here or Richmond ? I believe Your Excelly: forgets that
part of my L^' Relative to Genl: Nelson's Orders out part of my lower
Batt° of Militia. I have done so Doubting at Same time the propriety
of the Orders. I wifh this point to be ascertained, as I have put the
Recruiting Businefs in proper Train & it must stop again if the men are
not Discharged. It is the more grevious, as all the upper Batt** have
been at Home some time, w^^ induced me to begin as above, soon as
might be.
I feel very Sore under your Excellencv's Observations in your pub-
lick Lt', for neglecting to make return : Believe me these were ordered
before I went to Springs, & Repeatedly since my return. All to no
purpose. The same as to men, under the Act for supplying the
Places of Quakers & Menonites. I know not if to persevere in the
Latter } Such failures in my officers Have long Since Occasioned me
to be Blam'd for their neglect. They shall in future be Dealt with ac-
cord« to their Deserts. Corn is so Very Plenty this year, Waggonage
Corn abundant, So Very Dear & Hard to be procured (indeed all together impressed in
no tr*nif orta- j^y department), that I have been reflecting if it w^ not be best to fatten
tionfonr. ^^^^ Horses &c: w*^ what lyes Here & Elsewhere: in Short, to make
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 481
u^e of as much as Pofsible, where it now is, to prevent this Expensive 1781
Article. No Doubt Fields, & other places propper may be had for the p^j^^^ ,jj
purpose.
YouMl Excuse my Freedom & believe me w^** much Esteem,
Your Exclly's most Obed' &
very hble feavt,
&c: &c:
Col: W°» Da vies to Gov: JefFerson : J^^^'y "'•
cc 3J|. Chesterfield.
Of the hundred pair of fhoes expected from Petersburg, there came
only 53, and these fo bad, that a day's wear will destroy them. If my * * °***
wish could be had, they should be returned. For my part I will never
direct the distribution of any of them to the men, unlefs it be to taylors
and {hoemakers, whose feaentary occupations will not admit of much
walking
There are a number of men belonging to the Continent, among the
taylors & (hoemakers at Warwick I think they would be of more
fervice here, when they would be entirely subject to martial law, and be
employed with our taylors and (hoemakers.
I beg leave to obferve to your Excellency, that the sub-clothiery as he
is styled by Congrefs, is here. If I recollect right, he is the proper
ofEcer thro' whose hands all ifsiues of clothing (hould pafs. He is capa- J^^ lub-doth-
ble of being ferviceable to us, but feems to have been forgot by the *"*
executive, I have often heard M' Armstead complain of the multiplicity
of his businefs^ and I would submit it to your Excellency, whether con-
sidering the infirm state of M*" Armstead's health, it would not be proper
to employ M*" Peyton (the cloathiers' name) in such parts of the businefs
as it is the duty of the sub-cloathier to perform." Nails and nail-rod so ^ .
much wanted, that it will be impofsible to finish the buildings necefsary needed.
to protect the Clothing, military k Quarter Master's Stores. The 1495
yards Cloth, intended for 400 suits, will not make more than 370 coatUes,
The Cloth too narrow — the width as well as the length should have
been reported, so as to have made a proper estimate of the quantity
needed.
Col: John Page to the Governor, suggesting that James Baytop's February nt.
Commifsion as Lieut: Colonel, he having been unanimously recom- q. ^
mended by a full Court of Field Officers for that place. Has served °"^** *'
with credit as a Captain in the Continental Service, and is "esteemed an
excellent ofEcer."
February itt,
Lexington, Ky,
»
Col: John Todd jnr: to Gov: JefFerson :
*' May it please your Excellency,"
Accounts from all Quarters lead us to expect vigorous measures from
our Enemies the next Compaign. I have just received Duplicates of
Letters sent from our Officers of Ilinois to others at Louisville, which
informs that the Spanish k American Ilinois Settlements are preparing Attack threat
defensively for heavy attacks. * The original Letters I hear are sent «n«<^»
forward to your Excellency.
• Not found
61
j^82 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 On conferring with Col: Bowman's & Trigg, We concluded it expe-
dient to fend 150 men to Garrison the mouth of Licking, until Crockett
e ruary 1 . ^^^^jj ^^.^.j^^^ which we shall expect weekly. We apprehended the
expence w"^ be lefs to Government than to wait until the Enemy arrive
at our settlements, & better conduce to the security of the people."
Sends recommenditions for Certain Officers — asks for some Blank
Commifsions, and afsures him no abuses shall follow. There are vacan-
cies for other Officers, whose relative ranks are not yet settled.
rtbruary 3d. * By His Excellency, Thomas Jefferson, Esq' Gov** of the Common-
Richmond, wealth of Virginia :
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas Congrefs considering that it had been the wise policy of these
States to extend the protection of their Laws to all those who should
settle among them of whatsoever nation or religion they might be, and
Proclamation to admit them to a participation of the Benefits of Civil and religious
of Governor freedom, and that the Benevolence of this practice, as well as its salu-
ryingTut'th"" ^^^Y c^^cts had rendered it worthy of being continued in future times r
policy of Con- That his Britannic Majesty in order to destroy our Freedom and Happi-
greii, in grant- ^efs, had Commenced against us, a cruel and unprovoked War, and una-
*"fruTci"io ^'^ ^^ engage Britons sufficient to execute his sanguinary measures, had
Foreigneii in applied for aid to Foreign Princes, who were in the habit of selling the
the Eneroyi blood of their people for money, and from them had procured and trans-
'"iVr* ^^^ ported hither, considerable numbers of Foreigners ; and it was con-
citizens of Vir- ceived that such Foreigners, if apprised of the practice of these States
ginta, &c. would chuse to accept of Lands, Liberty and Safety and a Communion
of good Laws and mild Government, in a Country where many of their
Friends and relations were already happily settled, rather than continue
exposed to the toils and Dangers of a long and bloody War, waged
against a people guilty of no other Crime, than that of refusing to ex-
change freedom for Slavery : And that they would do this the more espe-
cially, when they should reflect they had violated every Christian and
moral precept by invading and attempting to destroy those who had
never injured them or their Country, their only reward, if they escaped
Death and Captivity, would be, a return to the Despotism of their
Prince, to be by him again sold to do the drugery of some other Enemy
to the rights of Mankind : and that our enemies had thought fit, nc t
only to invite our Troops to desert our service, but to compel our citi-
zens falling into their hands to serve against their Country, Did resolve,
that these States would receive all such foreigners who should leave the
armies of his Britannic Majesty, in America and should chuse to become
members of any of these States, and that they should be protected in
the free Exercise of their respective religions, and be invested with the
rights, privileges, and immunities of natives as Established by the Laws
of these States, and moreover that they would provide for every such
Person 50 Acres of un-appropriated Lands in some of these States to be
held by him and his Heirs in Absolute property.
I have therefore thought fit, by and with the advice of the Council
of State, to ifsue this my Proclamation, hereby notifying more generally
* Bears Seal of the State, and is accomprnied with autograph cf the original draft, by the an-
thor, much mutilated.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. A8S
the said Engagement of Congrefs, and further promising to all such 1781
Foreigners who shall leave the armies of his Britannic Majesty while in ^ .
this State, and repair forthwith to me at this place, that they shall receive
from this Commonwealth a further donation of two Cows, and an ex*
emption during the present War, and their continuance in this State,
from all taxes, for the support thereof, and from all Militia and Military
Service. And moreover that they shall receive a full compensation for
any arms or accoutrements which they shall bring with them, and deliver
to the Commanding officer at any of the Posts holden by our Forces,
taking his receipt for the same.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of the Commonwealth, at Rich*
mond, this Second day of February in the year of our Lord 1 781 & of
the Commonwealth the fifth.
THO: JEFFERSON.
Maj' R^ Claiborne to the Governor : February ad.
«( Sir, Richmond.
In establishing manufactures of waggon-harness, I have fixed one at
Charlottesville for the purpose of employing the German Workmen
among the Convention Troops. These men ma) be. had upon reason-
able Terms, and where everything is Convenient for their accommoda- ?"•<>»«« «»-
tion and businefs. When an object of such consequence is before, I P*®y*^*°^°' •
cannot let it pafs unnoticed. From what your Excellency observed the
other day, those troops will probably move in the course of a few
months \ therefore I take this early opportunity to request the Executive
to give me their approbation for engaging as many of them as my busi-
nefs may require, and their Commander may approve of. If the Execu-
tive approve of this plan I beg they will sienify the same to me in writ-
ing, that I may write \o the Commanding Officer of these Troops upon
the subject
Your Excellency will observe in the Act of the last Afsembly, respect-
ing the Waggons to be furnished from the different Counties for the
use of the Southern Army, that it says, ^^ the County Courts shall cause
them to be delivered at such place or places as the Executive shall
direct." This is a matter of such importance to me, that I wish to be N*]^*"."y ®^
informed of it as early as posfsible, that I may make preparations accord- waggonsf
ingly. I should suppose that the principal Post in each District, under
the regulations for the Quarter Master's Department would be the most
proper places, as they would be received by the Continental Quarter
Masters an and provided for in Season.
There is another thing relative to this matter that concerns me much.
I observe that the Drivers are to continue with the Teams but one
month. When this period shall arrive, I would beg leave to ask what
shall I do ? I have not the power of draughting men to serve as Team-
sters, nor have I money to induce persons to enter into the employ. Teamiters.
The Executive should have the one or other, and to them I must look
for aid and information before it is too late. I am left by the Deputy
Quarter Master for the Southern Army to concert with your Excellency
and Council, the most sure measures for answering the demands made
upon the Department under my care, and consider the present object of
the greatest consequence. Had I the means now in my hands, I am
j^84 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 doubtful I should not be able to engage men in time, but as a have noth-
. ing I beg the Executive to consider mv situation ; and to enable me to
do something. I have no dependence on any other Body of men for
afsistance.
I have the honor to be/ with great respect
Your Excellency's most obedient
Humble fervant,
&c: &c."
Febraary 2d. Arthur Campbell to Gov Jefferson :
Washington ^^ This moment I have the intelligence that a Body of Indians (sup-
^^' posed to be Cherokees) attacked Blackman's Fort on Clinch, took four
Indian depre- men prifsoners and has carry'd oiF a confiderable number of Horfes. I
datioBt. must entreat the speedy attention of the Executive to my former pro-
pofals of a Garrifson in Powell's Valley : and on the banks of the
Tenafee, as absolutely necefsary for the prefervation of the South
western frontier, and keeping up the communicaiion to Kentucky."
February ad. Col: V. Brooking to the Executive : In accordance with the Act
Amelia Co. for recruiting the States quota for the Continental Army, he had sum-
moned *^ the Field Officers, four senior Magistrates &> Commifsioners of
the Tax," to meet at the Court House on the last day of January. On
account of the absence of Officers, actually in service, and others fail-
County autori- ^^S ^^ attend, the meeting was postponed until the fifteenth inst. In
ties fail to case the same thing shall occur, he desires instructions as to how he
meet, &c. shall Carry out the orders.
Lieut: Col^ Booker and Capt: Finney, who had been arrested on the
12^^ ult: by order of Genl: Baron Steuben, ^^ hold themselves clear from
all military duty" until they shall have their Trial. Desires the advice
of the Executive in the premises •
'* Sir,
February ad. J Jq myself the pleasure of inclosing your Appointment as Commer-
in Council cial Agent to this State.
David Ross The General Afsembly have by their Act, declared that they, will
appointed State make good all y our engagements, and thereby pledged the faith of the State,
!•""""** ^° supply any deficiency of the Funds, put into your Hands or any acci-
dental Lofses which may occur.
To which I have only to add an afsurance that every aid and facility
shall be furnished you, which are within the power of the Executive.
I am with much respect
Sir,
yr: most obe^^ hble fervant
agent.
(Signed)
David Ross Eq^
TH; JEFFERSON."
February id. Duncan Rose to Geo: Elliott, A. D. Q. M. Genl :
Petersburg. The shirts ordered should have been furnished long since ; he will
send them forwerd as foon as they are made. All his papers & vouchers
were burnt among the Auditor's Papers ; and he is very much astonished
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS ^86
to learn that no entry on their Books, of the 194,023 ^^^ Tobacco, due 1781
him, appears — He had promised Baron Steuben to advance the money to pei^n^^ ^^
pay for " 400 shirts, till the State cou'd repay" him, but the Auditor ^^. .
will not pay him — however he will borrow the money and have the made, &c.
shirts made.
Tim: Pickering Q. M. Genl: to Gov: Jefferson : Febauary id
I am this moment honoured with your Excellency's letter of the 15'^ n!^"'* '
ult: informing of the appomtment of iVIajor Claiburne to be deputy
Quarter Master for the State of Virginia. This was unexpected, and I
fear may produce some difficulty.
In Confequence of your Excellency's letter of November 21'',
informing .ne of your having written to Major Forsythe, offering him -phe appoinc-
the place of D. Q. M. for Virginia, and his own application to me for mentofMaj.
the appointment, I wrote to Major Forsythe afsuring him of my appro- cuirbome,
bation. He was then at Philadelphia. The next day (Dec: 15"') I SlTsUr^forV^rl
wrote also to your Excellency, exprefsing my satisfaction with your ginia
intentions refpecting Major Forsythe. On the 25''* Dec, Col. Pettit, A.
Qi M. G wrote to me, informing of Major Forsythe's having applied to
him for money as D. Q M., in confsequence of your Excellency letter
making him a tender of the Office, of whiceh he declared his acceptance.
Col** Pettit applied to the Treasury Board accordingly, and furnish'd
Major Forfythe with the forms of accounts &c.
An Extract from this letter is enclosed.
I suppofed Major Forfythe was deput)^ Commifsary of purchases for
Virginia at the time your Excellency tendered him the office of D. Q^
M.> but that you deemed him cimpetent to both offices, feeing the sup-
plying proviiions depended almofl folely on the ftate. If there be an
incompatibility in the two offices, the appointment should doubtiefs rest
with Major Claiborne, otherwise, I conceive. Major Forfythe has a juft
claim to it I beg leave however to fubmit the matter to your Excel-
lency's decifion. I have a regard for both the gentlemen, and hope the
aflair will be adjusted to their mutual fatisfaction.
I was happy to hear from Genl: Greene, that he had appointed a gen-
tleman of Lieut Col: Carrington's talents and industry deputy quarter j, g|^j ^^ y^^^^
master for the Southern Army: but CoP Carrington has totally mis-, of Coi. Car-
taken his authority in conceiving that he had a right to interfere in the ""iton'i
appointment of a single officer of a State : and Major Claiborne can *pp°*"*"**"*'
therefore derive no preference from fuch interference. The firft page
of the plan for the Quarter Master General's department is decifive
in this respect, and (hows by whom fuch State appointments are to be
made.
I exceedingly regret that this businefs has occafioned so much trouble
to your Excellency, had it been in my power, I would moft gladly have
prevented it: and beg leave to thank your Excellency for the patient
attention you have given to it.
I have the honor to be
with the greatest respect Sir,
your most obedt fervant
&c: ic:"
486
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Col: James Wood to Gov: Jefferson :
February 3^. ^\T^
Chariotieiviiie. I ^"^ ^^ altogether out of my power to engage any of the Tradesmen
Among the German Troops to go to Richmond : by some means or
other they have found out our Distrefs for Tradesmen to do our Public
work, and their officers have continued to get s> much in their Debt for
work, besides their Pay and Clothing, that they are afraid to go without
their consent, least they should be returned Deserters, and by it lose the
whole that is due them.
I am with great respect and Esteem
Sir, yr: Excellencys
Very ob^ fervnt
ic: &c:"
German pris-
oneri refuse to
work for the
State.
February 3d,
Richmond.
Active mea-
sures.
Provisions to
be laid in for
the So. army.
Th: Jefferson. Gov' to M' Jno: Browne :
" Sir,
I have last night received such a representation of the condition of
the Southern Army is like to be in, for want of provisions, as to give
serious apprehensions, that it may be obliged to retire into that state k
of course to draw the Southern enemy into it. it therefore becomes
absolutely necefsary that whatever porke can be procured, should be laid
in on the Roanoke, and that the forces k posts within this State be sub-
sisted on beef, for this purpose it will be proper that you immediately
appoint a deputy in each County with orders to furnish you without
delay with all the beef that can be eaten, & put up and prepare by feed-
ing what may be neceflary to continue the subsistence of these posts
through the winter.
I am Sir,
your humble Servt.
Februiry 3d.
War Office.
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor : informing him, that Baron Steu-
ben had sent orders to Capt: Irish, requiring him to be ready in three
days to proceed to N. Carolina for duty. This will leave the State
without a Commifsary of Military Stores, and unlefs remedied, produce
Confusion and inconvenience. The Governor endorses this.
In Council Feby 3** 1781.
" Col^ Muter will be pleased to look out for an active, attentive officer
to undertake the duty of Commifsary of Military Stores."
TH: JEFFERSON."
Fepruary 3d.
Charles City
Co.
Reasons why
he delays at-
tending at
Richm3nd.
John Tyler to Gov: Jefferson :
" Sir,
I receiv*d your Summons by Exprefs and shall pay due attention
thereto, as soon as my little domestic affair is brought into order again.
After a long application to businefs in the Afsembly it's reasonable to
suppose I wish'd to have enjoy'd a few weeks at home : but one day
did not pafs before we were invaded ; and all who liv'd near the River,
were obliged to return to a more secure situation with their families, in
order to render more service when occasion required, than cou'd have
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 487
been done otherwise. I hope therefore that although my neglect of 1371
of Duty is not justificable, my peculiar situation will at least be an excuse February 3d.
for it.
In ten or twelve days I expect to be in Richmond, unlefs your Excel-
lency may think fit to demand my attendance sooner.
I am with the highest regard, your Excellency's
most obedient fervant.*'
&c: &c:
Col: W« Davies to the Governor : ^•'^^"y 3<i.
4^ o- Chetterfield
' Co,
Inclosed I transmit copies of the resolution of Congrefs and the
opinion of the board of war of this ftate, with your Excellency's order
respectmg Captain Peyton the fub, or ftate cloathier I think there has
not yet been much reason to apprehend fo great an over-proportit-n of pr3cji^.g ^f ^jj^
Clothing would be in his hands, as to induce the Continental Cloathier sub-clothier.
General to direct a distribution of it to other troops, and I know it is Waste of cioth-
the inclination and, I conceive from the ordinance, it is the duty too, of*"'*
the State Cloathier to hold himself accountable to the Executive for his
application of any Cloathing he may receive, excepting only such arti-
cles as may be delivered to him by the Continental Cloathier General.
This has been Capt: Peyton's practice hitherto, as he informs me, and
he desires me to ask your Excellency whether you have any other or
further instructions to give him, relative to the discharge of his duty.
Your Excellency may be afsured that much waste has resulted from
the ifsue of Cloathiers' ftores to other perfons than the Sub Cloathiers. wa»te of cloth-
It is a matter within my certain knowledge, that Cloth sufficient for 40 ing.
or 50 coats has been ifsued fometimes to one and fometimes to another,
and very little other fecurity for the proper application of it, than the
integrity of the persons, who were ftrangers. Confident of the impor-
tance of the ifsues to the army going always thro' one certain channel,
I would respectfully submit it, whether it would not be necefsary during
the present diversion of the Virginia line, that a deputy (perhaps an offi-
cer) should be appointed, either for the troops here, or those to the
fouthward. If the deputy should, in the first instance be ordered to the
fouthward, all the Cloathing intended for the Virginia troops, might be ^end'atioM""
delivered to the Sub Cloathier here, who (hould, agreeably to your prevent abuses
Excellency's directions, send foward to the fouthern army equitable pro- *"<* irreguUri-
portions of such ifsues from the State ftores, to be delivered to his ""'
deputy there. This deputy, as well as the sub cloathier himself, ftiould
be required to settle with the regimental cloathier, to whom they
respectively may have ifsued cloathing, always within one month after
such ifsues were made. The deputy, within another month should settle
with the Sub Cloathier, and the Sub Cloathier every three months or
oftener with the State Agent or Commifsary of Stores.
Unless some such method be adopted, I can afsure your Excellency
(and I speak it from a good deal of experience) that you will never be
able to learn what becomes of your cloathing; and it is more particularly
necefsary now, as from the unhappy, deranged state of the Virginia line,
the whole are obliged to act by detachment. I mention an officer as
being the most proper person to be the chothier's deputy, because he will
be more attentive to the interests of the troops than another would be.
488 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 and because he may be had at lefs expence, especially as there are several
Februar id fcginicntal pay-masters, who, from the reduction of the several regiments,
arc out of employ tho' they do not conceive themselves out of office.
One of these might very easily be engaged for this businefs. I would
farther respectfully submit it to your Excellency, whether it would not
be necefsary for a fettlement to be had by M*" Armstead immediately, for
all the cloathing ifsued for the use of the soldiery, at least for the last
year ; that a more equal and systematic method may be in future pursued,
and justice done to all. Other lines of the Army are much better regulated
Thii lervicc in than the Virginia line is, or appears likely to be in this particular : and I
bctterminwd ^^^^ f"" vtt^^ from what I have often feen, that if any cloathing has
* been fent on to the Southward, and no appointment similar to what I
have proposed, has taken place, that you will iind with your greatest
exertions, you will never be able to obtain and adequate knowledge,
either of the quantities of cloathing actually ifsued to the men, or the
manner of its being executed. Checks are necefsary to make men dili-
gent and careful, as well as to make them honest ; and there is at present
hardlv anything of the kind in the Army, except the excellent establish-
ment of Inspection of which Baron Steuben is at the head." ''^
* * * * * * ''I (hall add
Great lose of "^ further, than to exprefs my fentiments drawn from long observation,
clothing form that double the quantity of cloathing is, or at least has been destroyed in
want of proper the Army, that would have been the case, had the officers been often
a miniitration. ^^j regularly called to account for the application of the cloathing that
has pafs'd thro' their hands, and put into the pofsession of the foldiers.
A great de^l has been underhandedly fold by the men, and no account
being required of the officer, he therefore pays no attention to the men.
Another great cause of our distrefes has been the want of materials to
mend our cloathes ; but this your Excellency seems disposed to prevent
in future.
The Artificers from Warwick are not yet arrived." * *
* * *' I keep up all the cloathing I receive 'till cvery-
How to save thing Can be deliverd at once. It will be great saving in the end to have
the tenti. tent polcs made. Without them the tents will be ruined in a fortnight,
I must remind your Excellency of my application for a little money for
my taylors, and fome to pay for making fhirts: It is of consequence to
the frtldiery and the ftate. It is impofsible for the men to move without.
I have the honor to be fir,
with the highest respect
your Excellency's most obed'
humble fervant
4c: &c."
Extract from the Proceedings of the War Office referred to.
War Office Williamsburg Nov; 8"^ 1779-
'* The Board of War are of opinion, that John Peyton Eq', who
r> • • r.u was appointed Cloathier General to the Troops of this State by the
Opinion of the 7/ .t i 11 ' i- 1 \ r^ ^^ • /- 1
Board of War. Afssemblv, should immediately proceed to Camp, there to receive of the
Continental Cloathier General, the proportion of Cloathing allowed by
Congress, and ifsue them agreeable to the directions of the OflScer
Commanding the Virginia Line j and the Board are further of opinion,
and beg leave to recommend to the Executive to add to the Cloathier's
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^89
Duty, with an addition to his salary, the ifsuing of all stores and Cloath- 1 781
ing sent on by the Boards of War and Trade, for the use of the Troops p . .
of the State of Virginia to be ifsued agreeable to instructions from the '
Board of War. The Board are more fully convinced of the necefsity
of writing these two appointments as the duties of M' Mofs the State
Agent, are so comprehensive, that it will be impofsible for him to attend
the Army, to ifsue the Cloathing and stores allowed by the Afsembly,
for the more comfortable subsistance of the Officers and Soldiers of the
Viiginia Line.
(figned)
JAMES INNES.
W°» NELSON,
SAML: GRIFFIN,
IAS: BARRON.
Endorsed
In Council Nov: 9^^ 1779.
M*" Peyton, Clothier General is directed to repair to the Grand Army
there to receive and ifsue to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia
Line, all the Cloathing and Stores for them that .shall be put into his
hands, either by the Continental Gloathier General, or the Continental
State Agent If the Salary annexed to his Office by the Afsembly
is insufficient, to them the application must be made.
THO: JEFFERSON."
Hon: M. Smith to Gov: Jefferson: He is on his way to Phil^del- Fcbruiry 3d.
phia and has only time to say he has letters from " De francy" at Bor- Fredcrickibwf*
deaux, who gives information of his being able to comply with his con-
tracts with this State ; and that he will return in the Spring. He urges
the sending forward Tobacco, as this is to be the Chief source from ^
which supplies are to be procured. M. de Beaumarchais is still disposed ^^"""^"^
to afsist America, and it will be our fault if we do not turn to advantage
his plans — continues *'The Lofs of Charlestown & the Reports which ^^"^ ^^ ^^
were industriously circulated, that it had been given up by Lincoln, & '^P®'*" **>'<*«^»
that CoDgrefs were disposed to make peace with Britain, on any Terms,
have served to embarrafs our affairs in France, as the Ministry were
much alarmed on the occasion ; having before, for some Time, enter-
tained suspicions of such a Design.
De Francy writes me that he shall be out with ten fhips, well armed,
two of which will be of the Line.
I rejoice with you on Morgan's late succefs — 'tis a great affair — and will cc«°''ic* *"*^'
be very important, I apprehend, in its consequences. Without it, I sus-
pect that Genl: Greene would have found himself shortly in a very
perilous situation. This will give spirits to the People, strengthen our
Hands & give us 7/W, which 1 believe we want. The Speaker lett
this place yesterday. My Courage is broken down, but I shall proceed
to morrow.
I am with great esteem & Regard
D*" Sir, y^ most obdt hble fervant,
&c; &c."
Col: Geo: Gibson to the Governor, enclosing "return" of his regi- February 3d.
ment the i'^ Virginia (not found). He has had no communication with Peteribarg
62
490
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
February 34.
the Officers of the 2*^^ State Reg^, and does not know even their places
of residence. Col: Brent he hears is at Annapolis. Most of the Officers
of the i*^ Reg^ are now engaged in exceedingly irksome service, viz the
command of undisciplined Troops, ^^ who as soon as they are taught
their duty, are relieved by others with whom the officers have the same
trouble, so that in fact they are little better than Dril Sergeants — from
these considerations it was with reluntance the Gentle"^ accepted their
appoint"**, & adds " I am confident, Principle alone induceth them to
continue." I thought it therefore prudent to keep them ignorant of the
Determination of his Excell'y respecting them, until they shall be
releived from their prefent engagements, or until I have your positive
Orders for making them acquainted therewith." Desires to be informed
whether the Officers of the reduced Regiments, are to have the emolu-
ments of half pay. Lands, Exemption from Draughts, &c.
February 5th.
•«Otborne*t.
)•
Capt: W" Lewis to Gov: Jefferson :
« Sir,
Agreable to your Instructions I have made every Captain Acquainted
what they have to do. there are now lying at this Place, two Vefsels
that can take in Military Stores. If you tnink proper & they should be
wanting at Richmond, I will order them up. as We may be kept by
contrary Winds from getting to Hoods as soon as may be expected by
ou, t'would be necessery we should be supplyed with provifions, your
xcellency will direct in what manner We may git supply'd, & be
afhured I will pay due attention to your Instructions from time to time.
I am Sir,
with great Respect
&c: Ac:"
£
February 5th. Fra: Taylor to Col: James Wood at Charlottesville : Encloses sundry
"Alb. Bar- Certificates of terms of Soldiers service in the '• Regiment of Guards "^
racki." Many more such claims exist. Observes " Capt; Rice was broke at
the time he gave his Certificates. Capt: Herndon had resigned, Capt:
Aff^irt of the Kirtley left the service without leave. Ensign Saunders made a return
garrison. f^^^ ^j^jjj^ jq ^^ ^jj^j ^y^^ jjjen he enlisted (except Serg' Hale for one
year) were to ferve during the stay of Convention Troops in the State
of Virginia, and I believe the greater part who now set up claims were
enlisted as last mentioned, which as well as I recolhxt, were the direc-
tions sent by the late Governor, to Lieutenants of Counties, Ordered to
raise men for the Reg^ Guards.
Capt: Burnley appears anxious to know y' sentiments, on the Com-
plaint lodged against him. Capt: O'Harra left this place Saturday last k
I. expect will not return in a short time if at all. I would not wish the
least partiality to be shewn, but from the most impartial powers, who
knew of the transactions of the evening, on which the dispute or fray,
happened between Burnley & Oharra, the latter was at least as blamea-
ble as the former. However I did not see the proceedings of the En-
quiry k you can form a better judgement from them."
Thinks if the Soldiers were well clad they would be much better
satisfied ; they have been enlisted two years, but have rec** little more
than one years clothing.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
491
35
30
20
16
n
45
35
21
30
20
25
30
21
15
28
i(
* " At a Court held for Amherst County," &c: 1781
Joseph Clay, formerly a Citizen of the State of South Carolina, who Febnury 5tb.
hath removed several of his slaves, from that state into this state, prays ^ u _q
to have the Age and Sex of the said slaves Admitted to Record, a List
of which he produced, which are as follows, to wit :
MEN. AGE.
London '^o Yea
Hamlet
Polydore
Punch
Trim
Sawney
Calley
Monday
Frank
Greenwich
Pompey
Bacchus
Caliphan
Caesar
Yarrow
Harry
Henry
Moody
WOMEN. YEARS OLD.
CHILDREN.
AGE.
Mary Ann 27
Sarah 22
Juba
Sylvia
Greenwich
4ys
2
Phoebe 2X
2
Rofe 26
March
3
Charlotte 21
Prince
5
Sally 35
Kate 25
Judy 30
Hard Times
Judy
2
3
SUtcs brought
into Virginia
by refugees
Also the Lists of Joseph Habersham, and John Habersham's Slaves
from same state, on which appear the names " Smart," " Sancho,"
^'Scipio," "Quaco," Primus, "Cato," ''Rachel," Lilla, "Doll,"
Unity, Tombo, Priscilla, " Grace," Sabina, *'Juna," *' Quash," "Bull,"
Chloe, " Tom," " Minter," " Tena," " Fancy."
"Amherst County February 1781. I do hereby certify, that
on the List fil'd with the Clerk of the aforesaid County, wherein the
Names of the Slaves Contained in this List, are wrote, the following
minute are made, to wit —
WOMEN.
YERAS OLD
Juna
Lera
30. for sale.*
30. for sale.
MEN.
Tom.
years old.
35. for sale.
Children.
YEARS OLD.
Tom
Minter
Fancy
15. for sale.
6. for sale.
4. for sale.
Test:
Vf^ LOVING D. Clk."
*Iii October, 1778, "the further importation oftlaYct** into Virginia was prohibited by
special itatute, with certain exceptions in faror of ownen of ilaves removing from one of
tiie United States into Virginia, and of cicizeni of Virginia claiming by inheritance or other*
nvise slave property in another State. In May, 17S0, in order to give protection to the inte-
rests of the people of South Carolina and Qeorgia, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an
Act authorizing the citizens of these States to remove their slaves into Virginia during the in-
vasion of their country by the enemy, and to remain there under certain conditions, otherwise
ujch slaves and "their increase** should be declared free. See Hening*s statutes.
^9^ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Col: Muter informs the Governor, that Lieut: Col^ Edmunds of the
. State Artillery is in town for a day and wishes to know whether he has
t roary 5 . ^^^ ordeis for the Regiment. A Company of the State Artillery is with
y/u Office, (he Southern Army under command of Capt: Roane, who he says is an
excellent officer and should be retained in the Service. A full return of
the regiment can be furnished when required. He also recommends
Lt: Browne of the State Artillery as affistant Com: of Military
Stores for the State, to be instructed by Capt: Grear.
February 6th. Pat: S. Laurence, applies to the Executive for a special order on the
. . Treasury for the payment of a Warrant he holds for " Thirty one
thousand one hundred & forty one pounds " the cost of a quantity of
Iron & Steel he had taken out to the Southern Army. He is under con-
tract to go out with " three Waggon Loads of Dry Goods " for the
Troops, but cannot move until he is paid.
February 6th. Jas: Jones to Gov: JefFerson :
PhiUdeiphi*. " Dear Sir,
We yesterday rec** information that Genl: Parsons, with a party of
our Troops had passed over to Morrisiana, attacked the Enemies Post
Succttsfai ope- there, burnt ab* 40 barracks, a quanity of Forage, and br° off 52 pri-
ration! against soners. the bridge of Boats w'^*' the Enemy had over Harlem River,
e enemy. ^as also destroyed. A late New York paper mentions the sailing of
three ships of the line of the French Squadron at R Island, and that
part of Grave's Fleet had put to sea in pursuit of them. If this intel-
ligence be true, it is probable you have already, or will soon hear of them
in the Chesapeake.
M' Dunlop informed me this morning, he had not heard from M'
Hays these five weeks, and that every thing neceflary for prosecuting the
businefs under the latter, upon his coming up with some cash to bear the
expence of transporting them to Virg* sh^ be fowarded in a week after
his arrival, and that he was surprised M' Hays was not come, and that
he had been so long without hearing from him. I mention this to your
Excellency, that if anything on the part of the Executive is neceflary to
be done towards fowarding this matter, it may be attended to, and the
prefs ^ot as soon to work as poiEble.
Respectfully I am
yr: Excys: Obed; Ser^
Ac: Ac:"
P. S. — Maryland has certainly acceded to the Confederation.
G. Smith AH Q. M. Genl: desires to know of the Governor, whether
he is to proceed in the purchase of boats at the present high prices, and
under whose care the four sent to Westham are to be put ?
Endorsed.
"In Council, Feb 6**^ 1781.
Col: Muter will be pleased to order the overseer of the Foundery ne-
groes or such other person as he thinks proper, to receive & take care
of the canoes brought &> to be brought to Westham, until a house can
built for them k the matter arranged — chairs & a lock or locks should
be provided."
TH. JEFFERSON.'*
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. JfQS
Will: Harrison to Gov: Jefferson : '7^'
«( 3ir February 6tb.
On the 25^*^ January, I Rec** your Instructions (together with the " Yohoganii
cash sent by Col*" ' Ric^'* Campbell) for the purchase of provisions & c<>""^*"
Building Boats &c. I immediately proceeded to the Execution of the
Businefs & find it will be out of my power to have the provisions &
Boats ready before the first of June, as Beef cannot be had on this side
the Mountains & Chief of the Materials for Building Boats, must also ^^ ^^
be carried over the Mountains, particular Iron. I conceive by your In- carrying out in-
structions, that you expected pickled or Dryed Beef might have been ttructioni, foi
had, but the scarcity of meat In this Country, of every kind, will I am want of food
afraid impead the Building of the Boats, as a sufficient Quantity for that *" "* "*
purpose will scarcely be had The Commandant at Pittsburg has prom-
ised to furnish me some Tools of the Continental Store ci Informed
me that there was about fifty Light Batteaux at Fort Pitt, which might
be had by an order from the Board of War, which I think is much bet-
ter Calculated for these Rivers, than Barges, as they will run over
shoals, where a Keeled Vefsel must be carried.
The Beef I hope to have ready to Drive as soon as the Vegitation
will admitt & as Salt Beef cannot be had, there will necefsarily be want-
ing Salt adequate to the number of Rations required, which cannot be
had in this Country, & as my Instructions extends only to the purchase
of Beef & flour, I do not conceive I am authoriz'd to purchase Salt.
the Cash delivered me by Col° Campbell being nearly expended & the
Inhabitants have been allready so much Impos'd on in this Country by
the Contractors for the United States, that it will be out of my power to
do anything without Cash
Your Excellency may rely on my utmost exertions to have every
thing Required, ready as soon as time and circumstances will permit.
1 have the Honor to be with due respect,
your most Ob* Hble fevt."
&c: &c:
Jon*** Clarke, " Senior Commifsary of the Convention Army " to the February 6th.
Executive of Virg* enclosing statement of Provisions due the Troops at ^i|,jn,„ie
•that Port, with certificates of Elijah Dickinson, A. Com: of Issues and Barracks.
Jas: Hopkins, A. Com: Prisoners.
Flour. Meat.
"Staff, 676 1 7 16
Royall Artillery, 3999 10621 ProTiiiom doc
Eight Comp**' of Reg* in Canada, 7226 9436 '^* ''*'®i*-
Lieut Nutts Detachment, 11 39 2425
9*** Regiment, 5409 10624
20*** Regiment, 5364 14887
21** Regiment, 4025 15 144
24^^ Regiment, 6147 15428
47* Regiment, 2487 7923
62* Regiment, 193 1 6503
Brunswick Dragoons, 676 1716
Grenadiers, 4648 1 1828
Light Infantry, 2695 6072
Regiment de Rhet, 7024 17960
M9Jf
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Regiment de Riedesdel,
, L Regiment Specht,
February otn. r\ ' rr r tt
Regiment Hels Haunan,
Hefs Haunan Artillery,
7429
7640
i»4t>4
17677
9934
754
22595
1986
79203 193095
l>
February 7th. Major Rich^ Clalbome to the Governor : in regard to the estimates of
Richmond. Supplies to be furnished by Virginia for the equipment and support of
the Southern Army for the ensuing Campaign. He is sensible of the
Virginia called urgent necefsity that those things be provided without delay, begs to
pUc". *^*"^' know how far the Executive can aid him. The sum of money he is to
receive from the Treasury, with what articles he will obtain from the
Civil Authority, will enable him to carry on his businefs for some time ;
but should it become necefsary to make many purchases, at the present
prices, and the great expence of transportation, the fund cannot long
answer. He finds '' eighteen Pence which is to be given to Wag-
goners " is too little, and thinks it will be necefsary to pay them ^^ two
shillings and fix-pence.
February 7th,
Abingdon.
Affain in the
West.
No powder re-
ceived, and
lead mines in
danger.
Col: Arthur Campbell to Gov Jefferson, by Capt: Sullivan :
*• Sir,
It now appears that the Indians that attacked Blackmores Fort, as
mentioned in my last, were a small party of Shawanese headed by our
noted enemy Logan.
The last Travelers that came from Kentucky, came through Cumber*
land Gap safe, having on their way, made no discoveries of Indians
Some attention of Government to former means proposed I am con-
vinced may bring about a peace; or make the war with the Cherokees #
light work. I am now peculiarly anxious on that head, as a late prefsing
application of General Greene for the aid of the Mountain Men, will
not be so effectually answered, until the apprehensions of danger from the
Indians, may in some measure be removed
Not an ounce of the Power, your Excellency formerly promised is
come to hand, nor can I hear anything of it The flints is much needed.
From information that I believe may be depended on, the destruction of
the Works at the Lead Mines, are an object the Tories have in view
early in the Spring.
I am Sir,
Your most Obedient Ser^*
&c: &c:"
February 7th. David Rofs to the Governor : By borrowing and purchasing he has
••Arrow-field." procured canvass for the hundred tents for Col: buford ; also some cloth.
^c»^^*«yo^»"P- The prospect Of obtaining supplies daily becoming more discouraging.
Information from the lower Country indicates, that the enemy will
remain in Portsmouth as long as they can hold it ; thus injuring our
trade with N. Carolina. From Capt; Parsons at Halifax, and from other
sources, he has information that another fleet has entered Cape-Fear
River ; eight ships had gotten over the Bar, and many others lying off It
is said they bring re-inforcements to Ld: Cornwallis, under Genl:
Prevost.
pliei.
Movements of
the enemy.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
Jl95
Jos: Martin lo the Governor of V*: 1781
" Sir, . February yih.
I hope you will excuse the shortness of this, as I accidentally met
the Barer on the Road, having no more paper Can only inform your
Excellency that I have in my Care 15 Indian prisoners & 12 others that
come in of their own choice, expecting to be maintained by the pubiick.
Should be glad you would Direct me what is to be Done with them & in
what manner they are to be supported, part of those that came in,
have rendered singular services to the State & are still willing to do so.
If approved by you I can send one of them to the Nation, who will
return with certain Intelligence, by which means we shall have it in our ^^ **° P"««»n-
power to counteract their hostile intentions, or Treat with them, which
ever your Excellency shall think best, as I am convinced I can Draw
part if not all of the old Towns to our Interests, as they find they have „. ^^.^ ^^^
been Deceived once more by the English. The Ranging Man in open waids the in-
Council Declared against the War & Told them if they attempted to join diim.
the English he would Immediately Remove himself & his Town & live
amongst the white people which he attempted by sending a flag to us,
but some of onr Disorderly men kill'd the Two fellows that Brought the
flag which prevented our speaking to the Ranging Man, but I believe it
is still in my power to bring him in with all his Town, which consist of
about 400 souls & if approved of by Government I think they would be
willing to live at the Island 'till the end of the War. I beg you will let
me know what is to be done afsoon as pofsible.
I am Sir,
Your most ob fervr,
&c: 4c "
Specie.
5 s.
3' 6'
5 s.
5 s.
2' 6^
2 s.
2*6^
10 s.
7' 6^
or
((
i(
(i
(1
((
((
((
In Council,
25 lbs: Tobacco February ytb.
37i
25
12
10
"J
50
37i
((
&i
((
(b
(1
ii
"Artificers of the best kind
Common D°
Boat Wrights of y^ best kind
Common D**
Waggon Conductors
Waggoners
Labourers good
Exprefs riders
4 horse teams & drivers
2 horse teams & drivers
In Council Feby 7'^ 1781.
*• Sir,
It being necefsary, thai there should be an agreement in the prices
given by the Continental & State Quarter Masters, you will be pleased to
order the State Q. M. not to exceed the above rates of daily hire in any
future contracts, those Contracts already in existence we are not at
liberty to reduce.
I am Sir
yr: very hble Serv*
TH: JEFFERSON.*'
CoL^ Muter.
Pay of certain
employe«f.
* Autograph.
496 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781 VV'" Rose, D Q. M., informs Col; Muter, the Cartridge Blocks
(sabots) at M^ Moody's shop as well as those at the store have all been
Feoruary 7th ^Qj-j^ej ^y the Enemy ; and he has not been able to get proper workmen
to furnish more &c.
Februirr 7th. Saml: O. Pettus Lieut: John Taylor Lieut: Rich** Paulett Lieut: Jcfsc
. ^ Paulett Ensign, Nich* Meriwether Ens*^ & William Kennedy Ens'' to
Albemarle Bar- r> j or
racka. Cjovernor Jefrerson :
" Sir,
We the Sabalterns of the Regim^ Guards begs leave to lay before
your Excellency our greiveneief Respecting our Kank» we have been
Complaints of in the s^ Reg' for two years, & some of us have been entitled to promo-
officen. t\QTi% for upwards of twelve months past from many Resignations and
other circumftances. But knowing that Col° Taylor has wrote sundry
times to vour Excellency on the occation, we have waited patiently for
an answer, but recciv'd none. We hope your Excellency will take us
into consideration, and let us have the Rank we think ourfelves Justly
entitled to. Or we cannot think of continuing any longer in our pre-
sent situation as there is three compan's in the Kegim' Comm** by Subal-
terns only. We think that every Lieut: is entitled to a Cap**^^ k Each
Ens" to a Lieut^^.
We have the Honor to be
with the greatest Respect,
Your HhW Serv»-.
February 7th. Col: Muter informs the Executive of the want of cartridge blocks,
w offi "^^ efscntial at this critical period," all which had been destroyed by
the enemy. Reminds them that the gentleman in whose hands the car-
truch boxes are, at Annapolis, is still in Richmond.
Albemarle Bar
racks.
February 8th. ^^^^ ^^^'' Taylor to the Governor: • Most of the Soldiers Claim
their discharge, on the ground, that they were enlisted to serve only at
this Post ; but thinks they can be quieted by receiving their Clothing,
including hats k stockings. The Subaltern Oflicers complain of their
Serious condi- "ot being pro.Tiotcd. Number of Officers, at the first occupation of the
tion of things post was nine Capts' seven Lieuts: & six Ensigns*, now four Capts: three
atihsBarracici. Ljgmg. j^pjj three Ensigns, and about two thirds the original number of
soldiers. Should have sent down the damaged muskets to be repaired, but
awaited further orders, since he hears some of the armorers had gone off
with the enemy. The officers were badly provided with blankets when
they came to the Barracks, they drew some but have lost and worn them
out. They wish some price to be fixed as they are not able to replace
them, but will pay for them. He is apprehensive of serious want of
provisions soon, having on hand very little beef, and no flour or meal.
Hopes M^ Martin the bearer, will succeed in getting some money, as
"the whole Reg' is great'y in debt and in want."
Copy of a letter from Thos: Jefferson Eq' to Col Fitzgerald at Alex-
andria, requesting him to purchase, a copy of " The new Encyclopedia,"
* This purchase seems to have been made tot public uae a% un«ler ^n urder 0: Cuuncil, and ia
probably the germ of the Public Library, r«cognized as in existance in 1782.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Ji97
advertised for sale by Mefsrs: A. k A. Lozy, as agreed upon, for Four- 1781
teen hhds: Tobacco weighing 15.068 pounds &c.
Col: W°** Davies to Gov; Jefferson: Fcbrutiy 8ih,
^^ Sir, Chesterfield.
Your feveral favors came to hand yesterday, but neither the tools nor
the taylors are yet arrived. I never knew whose property the tools were,
whether public or private, and the taylors beloneing to the State Garri-
son regiment, are countermanded by Major M^Gill, as M' Thornbury
informs me. If it is disagreeable or inconvenient to their officers, I
would not wish their men to come, tho' I do not doubt they would do
considerably more here than they did at Warwick. If I was mistaken
with respect to the men of Gibson's and Brent's regiments, it was an
error I was led into by Baron Steuben, who I fancy entertained the same
idea. There are fome of them now here, and if they are not to belong
to the Continent, I would wish to get rid of them, excepting only fuch
as are tradesmen. At your Excellency's request, I will fend them to
any place you may appoint. As for the idea of applying them as garrisons,
I do not profefs myself a competent judge of its utility. If it is intended
they should garrison forts, good men will undoubtedly be necefsary : but
if they are to be employed only as Q;uards to stores or magazines, a corps
of invalids would probably answer every purpofe full as well in the inte- .^
rior parts of the country. Many men might be usefully employed in , c™ of In-
such a corps, whom we are now obliged to discharge. There are officers Taiias, men and
too, who from their years, infirmities or wounds, might be willing, if officen.
properly supported, to take charge of such a crops. There will be
wanting for the detachment one Marquee, 1 1 horsemen's tents, and 65
soldier's tents. We have exactly 65 here, but no Marquee besides mine:
nor any horsemen's tents, and 3 or 4 of the foldier's are not so good as
I can wish. The only tents that I know of besides, are 21 at Powhatan Want of and
Court house. I beg leave to observe to your Excellency the amazing ^**** ^ ^"^•
waste which results from the irregular discharge of the militia. In addi-
tion to 230 which were ifsued by the State q"" masters, there were 108,
which were made here and ifsued on the former and the present calls,
but 86 are the whole that I know anything, exclusive of 28 that were
returned to Richmond, and the 75 with Col: Green's detachment.
I have been so exceedingly hurried, that I have not had sufficient
time to attend so fully to the clothing arrangements as I could wish.
I would remark that the foldiers' pay is so fmall and so very badly paid to
them, that it would be robbing themselves, for the Country to over /"*?" •houIJ
value the Cloathing the soldiers may buy : it they are debited at a high goidlcr* in*
price, they should be credited at the fame rate : justice requires it. The charging them
plan in contemplation of the Executive is good, as far as it goes, tho' it ^^^ clothing,
seems more immediately to have for its object the securing the monies,
the foldiers may owe for their purchases of cloathing ; but this will not
anfwer the purpose fully, and I have therefore taken the liberty to enclose
a few observations and additions to the plan, with fome forms, that if
executed, will have a very advantageous effect.
I think the post of Deputy Clothier of too high importance, to be
left to the sub-clothier. I think it would be full as well, if he was ^
appointed by the Executive, upon a recommendation from the officer 8h*cnii/be%-*'
commanding at the post where the deputy is to serve. I would beg pointed.
63
JfiS CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 leave to suggest another matter to your Excellency, that the regimental
pay masters, who are our only Clothiers, do not hold themselves bound
e ruary t . ^^ ^^j^^ charge of any other ftores of Cloathing than the bounty allowed
by Congrefs, and altho' they have in general, undertaken it, for the
Sake of the foldiers, yet perhaps it will be ver) reluctantly executed, if
they receive no kind of compensation for the extra fervices the proposed
plan requires. The allowance of a small gratuity, I have great reason
to believe would be amply reimbursed by the great saving which will follow
the execution of the designs.
I have the honor to be fir, with the highest
respect. Your Excellency's
most humble fervt."
&c: &c:
February 8th. John Browne Comm: State of Virginia, appointing XP Francis Lee
Richmond. ^^ Warwick C° Afsistant Commifsioner for that County, to collect
Wagons, boats &c, and '* laying them ofF in brigades,'* and for collec-
ing Beef cattle for stalling &c."
February 8tb. John Browne, Commifsioner under the Provision Law, for the State
Initrucdom in ^^ Virginia, appointing Pierce Bailey Deputy for Loudon C% with in-
executing col- structions as to executing the Law. ^^ As soon as the waggons, boats
lectioM under ^^i are entered with you, you will transmit an account of the number,
Law ^^^^ ^^^ proprietor's names, to enable me to comply with the order of
the Executive, in laying them of in Brigades, you must keep an exact
account of all certificates, granted to whom, for what & the amount. I
have this day received orders from the executive to collect all the Beef
Cattle & also a number of Cattle for the purpose of stalling." this
business I would wish you to loose no time in executing & in order to do
justice as near as pofsible, I would advise you to the following method,
which has been adopted in some counties & I think a just one — to take
a tenth part of the stock of Cattle & as some counties has furnished a
number of Cattle already, I think it reasonable the persons who have
furnished a tenth should be excused, & the cattle now to be taken should
be from those persons that have not furnished their proportions, which
will leave no room for complaint, as there is no law for the takeing of
poor cattle & the ascertaining the weight of them in that condition would
be doing Injustice to the holders. 1 think they ought to be adjudged,
supposeing them to be good grofs Beef. The cattle, as fast as collected,
you will have put in the hands of good men to have stalled, furnish
them with forage, which you must procure agreeable to the last act of
Afsembly. as you will have the directions of the Tax grain within
your County, I am in hopes you will be able to furnish grain for the
stalling of the poor Cattle without application to the Act of Afsembly
for that article. You are also to give immediate notice to the Court of
your County that you will receive the waggons, Teams & other appen-
dages that is to be found by your County agreeable to the Act of last
Afsembly, which you are to deliver to the nearest continental quarter
master, takeing his receipt & foward me a certificate of the cost of the
waggon, team &c, in order that the continent be debited with the amount.
You will be allowed for your trouble thousand pounds of To-
bacco pr: year or its worth in paper money, according to the valuation
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ^99
made by the Grand Jury at the Court next before the date of your war- 17^^
rant, as you may be at a lofs what allowance to make the persons un- February 8tb.
dertaking to stall the cattle, I advise you to submit it to the Court of
your County, what they shall receive for their trouble.
I am respectfully, Sir,
your mo: ob* Serv*.
Ed"^ Randolph to the Governor : February 9th.
"Sir, Right of lol-
As your Excellency and the Council probably have not accefs to Vat- dien to booty,
tel, on whose doctrines this hasty answer is founded, I shall inclose the
paragraph from his work; which treats of the right of soldiery to booty.
They seem to amount to this : that booty does in strictnefs belong to
the Commonwealth ; but that late usage has divided it among the
captors, military stores excepted. Now 1 believe but cannot affirm, that
congrefs have distributed captures in conformity to this usage. Whether
this state has made a declaration of a like nature in favor of the army,
or if none such exists, whether the Continental rule ought to be adopted
here, or whether horses do not fall within the description of military
stores, I must refer to your board, as better judges. I trust that I am
correct, when I suppose that there is no just distinction in this instance,
between regulars and militia. No similar conclusion however, is drawn
from the above, with respect to the unarmed peasantry, who seem to
stand in the following predicament. They are in truth parties to the
war, and in that view pofsefsed unquestionably a right of capture, before
the law of arms was modelled upon the customs of Europe. As to the
enemy that right still exists, but they are liable to be hanged, as robbers,
if taken. Vattel conceives that private citizens are prohibited from
making captures by a kind of tacit law of the State, not by the law of
nations. He says indeed, that ^^ custom actually authorizes, nay even
obliges all subjects^ of whatever rank, to secure the persons ana things
belonging to the enemy, when they fall into their hands," This gives no
right of property in what is taken. And yet it is every days* practice
for private persons to retain a ship, which they have captured, if another
with a commifsion should not lay His hands upon it before condemna-
tion : And such property as horses, belong to the takers without the
formality of a condemnation.
I presume that the same restriction as to military stores will apply to
unarmed Citizens and Soldiers equally. But I do not pretend to say,
whether Vattel or daily practice shall prevail.
I have the honor to be
yr: cxc^' mo: ob: Serv*
&c: &c:
Endorsed,
" The opinion of the board is, that these horses (if the property of
the enemy) belong to the Captors : that they be lodged with the Q. M.
till the Captor makes his right of Capture appear before the Comm: of
the War Office."
Friday P, M.
Dear Sir,
Reflecting upon what I wrote this morning respecting the captures w .-e. u-
de by unarmed countrymen, I am inclined to think I was inaccurate, opinion.
SOO CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
I ^8 1 as well as I recollect, Vattel was said to be against their claim, but that
daily usage was in favor of it. So far perhaps I am right.
February 9th. g^^ jf ^^^y jj^^^ ^j^j^ ^^ j^Yi2Lt they take : it is certainly wrong to
affirm that, military stores are to be excepted : For they seem to be
excepted in the case of a soldier, only because he has devoted himself,
by his engagement, to his Country, and the time spent in the acquisition
of the Booty, would be so much withdrawn from the public service.
Sed alitu with a peasant.
I am D' Sir,
with Sincere respect
yr: mo: ob: Serv:
ED°>- RANDOLPH."
February 9th. ^o'- J*^^: Wood to the Governor ; Since the return of the German
Troops, most of the Regiment of Guards consider their time of service
" o«"vi c. j^^g expired. Owing to the inaccuracy and irregularities of the returns
of the recruiting officers, he has never been able to lind out what the
Mutiny threat- instructions to them were. Begs for instructions, in as much as he has
ened« been daily apprehending a mutiny, or that the whole regiment would go
ofF: which has prevented his visiting the Post at Frederick Town Mary-
land. The prospect for supplies of Provisions " very alarming." has
written to Commifsary Browne on the subject.
February 9th. Theo^ Bland to Gov. Jefferson :
Philadelphia. '' Sir,
The Delegates sometime ago transmitted to your Excellency officially
an acc^ of their application to the minister of France to interpose his
interest with Mons: de Ternay to induce him to detach a frigate of the
Fr: Squadron at Rhode Island, to convey the arms belonging to our
State, which came in the Comite, thither in Safety. Since which my
A b sent P^"^"^' application singly, has been unremitted to prevail by the same
in a war veuei. Channel, to have a line of Battle Ship, and one or two frigates sent
into our Bay. but I have redoubled these applications and enforced
them with the strongest arguments I could adduce, ever since the Sailing
of Arnold from New York, having been always apprehensive that his
design was on our Country. I am now happy to ihform your Excel-
lency, that in Consequence of our Joint application, the arms are on
board a frigate, intended to be sent as above mentioned : and of enclo-
sing you a Copy of a letter from the Count De Rochambeau, which was
this day received by Congrefs through General Washington: besides which
the minister of France has communicated to me, and Charged me with-
secrecy to every Soul, but your Excellency, with whom he wishes it to
remain inviolate, untill executed, that M' Des Touches, the present Com-
Moveroenti of zander in Chief of the French Fleet, has determined to put to sea (in con-
fleet. ""' sequence of the Disaster that has happened to the British Fleet, which
gives him a superiority) and either give Battle to, or Block up the
British Fleet in Gardner's Bay ; in either of which cases be is deter-
mined to send one or two ships of the line and two frigates into our
Bay. an Exprefs being about to set off tomorrow, I thought it nccef-
sary to give your Excellency this Intelligence, that every preparation
might be made by land, as well as that Pilots might be ordered with the
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 601
utmost secrecy and dispatch to attend ai the Capes for their arrival, 1781
should fortune favor us in this critical and interesting affair as we expect.
Your Excellency will be not lefs aware of the importance of being pre- ^ '"*'^ ^
pared on land to cooperate with these vefsels sh^ they arrive, than of
sending on board proper pilots and Conductors, with every necefsary
intelligence, of the situation. State and strength of the Eneaiy, by land
and fea, as also, the most convenient stations and Harbors for the ships
of our Ally in case of necefsity. I cannot conclude my letter, without
rakeing how much we are indebted to his Excellency the Chev: deTheCkev.de
Lucerne, for the franknefs, with which he has concerned, and the cor- ** Lucerne.
diality, with which he is inclined to promote every measure that we have
Jointly, and I have individually, had the honor to propose to htm, for
the good of the Common Cause, and for the particular benefit and
relief of our State
I have the honor to be with the greatest sinceritv D' S*^
y" most afiectionatelv "
&c: &c:
* B. Edgar Joel '^to the Governor:" February 9tb.
** Sir, Williamiburg.
In consequence of your Letter and approbation, 1 proceeded w'th the
utmost rapidity to this place After a delay of five or six days (the usual
fatality attendino: our service) for Capt: Maxwell, I wrote to Genl: Nel-
son pointing out the necefsity of expedition in an affair of this nature :
and obtain'd an order on the Ship Yard, to be supplyed with such necef-
sarys and workmen as I should demand. I found no vefsel here but the
dragon ; which had Iain many months under water : by the advice of,
and afsurance of M'' Cole, she was totally unfit for service. I by the
afsistance of the Com^' Officer of the Navy proceeded to raise her up, Procures a vei-
and in five days had the pleasure to see her in forwardnefs for the •«! w»^^ d*^-
intended service. Contrary winds detained me in the river, until the 6* ^^^^'
ult:, when, having procured a Pilot, I got under way to run out But
was by his ignorance and inattention run on the Bar, where she lay three
days. During this time, forgetting the station in which, I have hitherto
mov^d, but anxious only for the service of a Country in whose cause I
have engaged, and who have suffered so much disgrace by the present
proceedings vf the Enemy ^ I condescended even to the meanest employ-
ments of a common Sailor, sharing in every fatigue, and injuring my
constitution, which you can easy immagine is none of the most indeli-
cate. Hitherto I had informed Genl: Nelson of my proceedings, both
by Letter, and by M^ Cole. You cannot imagine my surprise, when,
yesterday just as I going down (after having remained without rest for
three nights or ) to receive the enclosed. You must pardon Sir,
the freedom I am going to take in a few observations, my duty to myself
obliges me to make.
It is Sir, generally the case, when a man animated perhaps by a spirit Complains of
more enterprising than the most part of his fellow-creatures ; put him- *>«>«« thwarted
self in the Front of danger, he meets with every obstruction which delay^ ^^ ®*"*' ^'*''
or want of Judgement than throw in his way. General Nelson was no
stranger to my conduct ; if he disaproved of it, why not stop it in the
Bud ? But at the instant, when everything was prepar'd and I ensured
* This wai probably part of the scheme to capture Arnold,
602
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 of succefs was going to proceed on an enterprize, beyond the resolution
F b th ^^ every one ; to be thus stop'd is surely strange ! and must cast a shade
on me, which to prevent, you must allow me to give to the Public a cir-
cumstantial account of my conduct, of my offer, afsiduty, exertion and
design, that the People of this Country may see, I dared to serve them.
And the Enemy in their laugh at the abortion of the scheme, may not
join my name to the objects of their ridicule. Schemes out of the com-
mon Line, either for danger or singularity of the attempt, until crown'd
with succefs is beyond the comprehension of the vulgar. But from you
or Genl: Nelson, who move in more exalted spheres, other steps are to
be expected, if this prevention of my proceedings ifsues from a doubt
of my succefs, I can convince the world of the fallacy of their argu-
ments who pretend to deny it.
The dragon un- The Dragon is now, from the preparations made in her, unfit for any
fit for •ctivc other service. I shall anxiously wait for your orders to go down with
her, and allow me to observe if succefsful, she will be of more service
than the whole fleet have hither to been, which now lays, and I fear
will remain so totally unprepared and useless. The world must now be
a judge of my intentions, f^irginia must acknowledge that without an
Idea of reward, I have offered myself a victim for her service, satisfied
should I escape, with honor I hope to throw on her. Let them know
this and then Judge whether such a design deserves encouragement or
obstructions.
I have the honor to be with
unfeigned respect your Ob H. Ser^
&c: &c:*'
service.
February 9th.
Frederick.
Difficulty of
Col: John Smith C^ Lieut: to the Governor : The orders for a
draught of two hundred and eighty men from the Militia from that
County to serve under Col; Clarke has been executed, so far as to direct
the men to bold themselves in readinefs. But the difficulty will be to
procuring men compel these men to march, owing to their aversion to this expedition.
for Col. Clarke. Even should this be accomplished, he cannot procure twenty guns in
the County, and without arms, they could do nothing. Col: Clarke
has been informed of this difficulty, and says arms can be procured in
Philadelphia. Major Hunter the bearer of this, will give further par-
ticulars, in regard to the sentiments of the people of the county.
February 9th. Fielding Lewis to Col: George Brooke Treasurer of V*:
" D' Sir,
I expected to have received by M' Dick, the money 1 have advanced
for the Public Gunn factory at Fredericksburg, for which he had a war-
rant on the Treasury. No man is a better judge of the lofs I must at
any rate sustain, by not receiving my money than you are, most part of
it was advanced as early as July, and without such advance the factory
His advances must have been discontinued, as no money could be had at the Trea-
made to carry surv, or SO little that the businefs must have suffered greatly, had I
on the fiictory. gyjpgj-gj ^jj^t factory to have stoped, I know the public would have con-
demned me for it, alltho' I should not have been blameable, as the cause
would have been the want of money. You may remember that I was
desired to borrow all the money I could for the use of the State. I
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, SOS
think I procured between thirty & Forty thousand pounds, seven Thou- i]^8i
sand of which I lent the State, being all that I had at that time on hand.
by these advances I have distrefsed myself greatly, and at this time am * '""^ ^^ *
not able to pay the collector my Taxes, and continue my businefs in the ?« ™«ch in-
usual manner. I shall be greatly obliged to you to send me the money !u?*V \
1 mfPT \M i_i_L \TT ^ • t 111-^ that he cannot
by M' James Maury who has the Warrant can it be expected that the pay hit taxes.
State can be well served, when its best Friends are used in the manner I
have been treated.
I am S% your
most ob: Servant,
&c: &c.'*
Col"* W"* Preston to Gov: Jefferson : February loth.
*« Sir, "Lead Minei."
M' Carter Just now delivered me your Excellency's Letter with the
other papers for this county committed to his care. I shall do all in my
power to comply with the Instructions I have rec^." * * *
Lord Cornwallis with his army having proceeded so far into the state of Comwaiiw.
North Carolina, that the Militia of Washington & Montgomery are
called for. I have therefore given exprefs orders for all the Effective The Militia
Officers & Men in this County to meet me at this Place, next Monday
and Teusday, to march out to the relief of the People in the upper
Counties in N° Carolina bordering on this State, where it is believed the
british Troops are now ravaging the Country, unlefs they bend their
course towards Petersburg, which some of the Carolina Officers now
here believes will be the case.
As the Washington Militia had the first notice, I make no doubt but
they will march on Monday next. These Troops are to continue one
month on duty, after they arrive at head Quarters ; as soon as they re-
turn, or should the necessity of their going into Carolina cease, I shall
immediately proceed to the Draught for the Continental Service. But
should the orders I have given to draw out our Militia, be counter-
manded, while the Enemy are so nigh to this Country, the opportunity
might be forever lost."
4e 3fe * • «
I am your Excellency's most Obe; Servt:
&c: &c:"
Jos: Jones to the Governor ; February loth.
** Dear Sir, Philadelphia.
Since my Letter by the Post, we are informed more particularly of
the intelligence published by Rivington, respecting the sailing of the
French ships from R. Island, and the Detachment of Grave's Fleet in
search of them. The fact was, three or four Frigates left new Port be-
fore the storm of the 22^ ult: and two 74s. and a Frigate were dispatched
from the British Fleet to intercept them on their return. These, as
well as the French Frigates were exposed to the storm, and our accounts Movements of
now are that the two British ships of the line, have suffered, one stranded flcett.***
on Montank point, the other returned to Gardner's Bay dismasted, the
Frigate ret^ with little injury. The French Frigates we are informed
are safe at Newport. It is probable, this disaster, if the fact is as repre-
^.rATE PAPERS.
/ oofi* ^^^ doubt) will give our ally the com-
J^"^ ,^^e is ^'^f^pe toach^ in that case will make use of the
gcnt^ i^^tW^^^^' ^//^/shill receive any afsistance, in consequence of
//^' 0^^^^^^ iVff^^^^^P tninifcstcd. I could not avoid giving ;?^« this
^^j/7 *^'^'^^/^Si^[[ wi^^ ^^e^tires may be concerted on our part for co-opcra-
^^[^ ^ttiopf ^^^Lnitv shall be offered us. I very sincerely rejoice with
'''!fT*^''''^^rt^/»tsucccfsof Genl; Morgan.
you on ^"^ RespjBCtfully I am
yr. Excell* obed: fervt:
&c: &c:"
Cenl' Nath: Greene to Gov: Jefferson :
fehfo»^ '^^ ' n Sir J
Oaiif<^^ ^'^"'^ Tour Excellency's favor of the i6''* ult° is before me. The enemy
//««**• 2fe in the vicinity of the Moravian Towns, & are advancing with great
jv/^fefl»«'»" ''Rapidity.
theene^^' Qur forcc is fo inferior, that every exertion in the State of Virginia is
necefsary to fupport us I have taken the liberty to write to M' Henry
to collect 14 or 1500 Volunteers to aid us.
I must refer your Excellency to the hon*^^® the Baron de Steuben
for particulars. The Army are marching towards Boyd's Ferry on the
Dan river.
I am,
with great esteem & respect,
your Excellency's
most obedient Serv
&c: &c:"
Febiu^ry loth. George Rogers Clarke to the Governor of Virginia :
Wincheiter. " ^' Sir,
Before my arrival at this Post, I met with M*^ Randolph from Pitts-
burg Col: W. Harrison is exerting himself to compleat the Purcbafes
ordered. Great Incouragement given by most persons of note N. of
the Allegany, Pensylvanians as well as Virginians. Col: Crawford now
with me says there is no danger of their not turning out or a failiour of
His prospects provitions, but no possibility of it being Ready by ye time appointed I
' "^' am extreamly anxious to get to Pittsburg but doubt it will be some Days
before I can leave this place, am sorry that some of the officers of
"^ Berkeley Cty: appear to be backward in furnishing men. before this
reaches you, you must have Received a petition from them. I guess the
purport by Letters from their Lieutenants, they want arms, men they
have. The officers of Frederick appear Rather desirous to Incouraging
the Expedition but I doubt cannot arm their men. I have Learnt that
a number of Rifles lay in Philadelphia ; if they could be procured they
might be brought to this place in a few weaks by the Cty: Lieut: Re
ceiving orders in consequence. Its truly surprising to me that those
Gent* should undertake to dictate for Government or Remonstrate
against her orders. I wish we may not hereafter feel the fatal effects of
Apprehensions guch conduct. Col: Crawford who will hand you this is capable, and
tyTilutenant* ^^^^ already been of great service to us in the Depart' of Pittsburg,
tec. ' whare we have a pleasing prospect at present. I wish it was the case
.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 606
hear, there would be but little doubt of success. I begin to fear the '7^'
want of men, but the Idea of a disappointment is so disagreeable to me, February loth*
that if the authority and influence that I have, with Everyr Exertion that
can be made will carry my point, I shall certainly do it, without your
orders for the Enterprise is countermanded or a failiour in the supplies I
am to Receive, which I hope will not be the case.
I am Sir, your
very Hble: Serv^"
^^ The Chaplains and Surgeons with mates were always in the Army February loth.
admitted in common to the privileges of officers in the line. The mili-
tary appointments of adjutants, quartermaster and paymaster have lately
been affigned by Conerefs to particular officers of the line as their special
duties without any additional pay as far as I can learn ; they therefore
can only claim their advance pay as officers of the line. The Surgeons *oM"njemol-
and their mates always serve with the line, are included in the regimen- uments of Surl
tal pay rolls, and are paid by the regimental paymaster. The Chaplain s«on>> Chap-
is paid by special certificate from the Brigadier and has been allowed '^'"•» '^•» **^*
always to claim as a military officer. The Commifsaries, Forage Mas-
ters, Waggon Masters and such like, are paid by the principals of their
departments, are never included in the pay rolls of Corps, nor admitted
into the society of officers, nor looked upon as Military Staff*. By a libe-
ral construction of the act for settling the accounts of the Army, I
think the Chaplain, the Surpeon and Surgeon's Mate ought to receive
the same advantages which the other officers are entitled to receive
from it, but I do not think any other than the military staff can claim
them, and that the military staff acting in other capacities in the line, can
only claim them in the general settlement of their accounts, and nothing
in advance.
WILLIAM DA VIES."
" Pay and Subsistence of a Chaplain equal to a Colonel.
" " Surgeon " Lieut: Col: & Rations as Maj:
'' " Mate " Lieut."
Robert Andrews to the Governor : February loth.
" Sir, WilliamibttTg.
The City of Williamsburg having procured a Waggon, Team &c:
as ordered by Act of Assembly, your Excellency will be pleased to direct
to whom they shall be delivered.
I aji Sir,
with the greatest respect
yr: mo: obt: Servt."
Major Will: North Aid de Camp, to Col: Muter: February nth.
" Sir,
The Rifle men at Suffolk & the other Places below are in great want
of Fine Powder & lead. The Baron desires you immediately to send Want of am -
two thousand pounds lead & four hun*^ pounds fine Pistole powder, fit "**""**"•
for Rifles, & six hundred flints, the best you have. GenI: Muhlenberg
will be at Suffolk to receive the above.
I am your most obt: ser^."
64
S06 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781 Col; Geo: Muter to the Governor: He has just received an order
from Baron Steuben, through his aid, Major North, desiring him to send
e rutry lit . ^^ ^^^^ ^ supplv of powder, lead and flints to the Troops at Suffolk, to
be delivered to Genl: Muhlenberg. Has sent to the State Quarter
Master, to make provision to meet the demands of this order, but know
of no officer here to whom the ammunition can be delivered, and has
not a covered wagon in which to send the powder, observes '* The
The Baron's Baion's Orders at present, requiring a different mode of delivering the
ammunition from that heretofore used & which in the present circum-
stances of affairs in the state, will occasion much tlifficulty, I must beg
for your Excellency's opinion, how I ought to act. In the mean time,
as I am anxious to do everything in my power to promote the good of
the fervice, I shall take every measure I can to comply with the Baron's
orders, from the State only, if that must be done.
I beg leave to observe however, that there is a field Commifsary of
Military ftores (Capt: Pryor) who I believe is in town & I should sup-
pose him to be the proper officer to receive & foward the ammunition
required.
I have the honor to be,
&c: &c:"
February nth. David Rofs to the Governor : Exprefses his relief, to see the pros-
wficid * P^^' ^^ " ^^ abundant supply of necefsary stores in the Spring." De-
sires to be instructed to what Warehouses he is to deliver M' De
francy's Tobacco, also to be furnished with the necessary estimates as
soon as convenient.
The Enemy's ships that entered Cape Fear River landed about five
hundred Troops, who having been joined by a number of tories, by the
Theeneinyand ]2^(^g^ 2iccounts had penetrated about forty miles into the Countiy, and
Carolina under Seemed to be directing their course towards the " Magazine at King-
Craig. ' ston," from which place they were reported to be only twenty miles dis-
tant. The whole were under the command of Major Craig.
February nth. Major Rich* Claiborne to the Governor:
Richmond. ^^ Sir,
As 1 am altogether unacquainted whether your Excellency does busi-
Work on Sun- ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ Sabbath or not, I hope I shall be excused for addrefsing you
day. this Morning, because it is respecting a matter in which I am particu-
larly interested for the whole Department, and for the Southern Army.
Your Excellency and Council were pleased to inform me by letter of
the 7*\ that it would be chimerical for you to attempt to procure the
whole of the articles stated in the Estimate ; but would endeavour
to furnish money for such and so many of them, as are most efsentially
necefsary.
Your Excellency will observe that among the most weighty articles,
there are five hundred thousand bushels of corn and oats to be laid in at
the Magazines on Dan River, from Boyd's ferry upwards. That I might
not be burthensome to the Treasury for money, I substituted Certifi-
cates, of which the inclosed is a copy, but I am really doubtful they will
Cando nothing "^^^' ^'^^ but a poor reception. The People have been so much im-
without money- posed upon by Certificates, that the very name of such a thing is ob-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. B07
noxious to them; so that I have very little hopes of doing any thing 1781
without money. P .
Could I be supplied with grain for the Southern Army by the specific ^
tax, the scattered manner from which it must be collected and trans-
ported to our Magazines upon Dan, would be more expensive, than to
purchase at once in the Southern Counties. I beg for information
respecting this matter, and how far the specific grain will be applied to
the Quarter Masters Department in the Continental Line of this State.
Your Excellency may rest afsured that more of the Articles, stated in
the estimate shall be purchased, but such as are indispensably necefsary ; Excettive
at the same time, I am sorry to say that the prices of every thing are so ?"**■•
enormous in the present currency, that the half million will go but a
fmall way in procuring them.
I have the honor to be
with great respect and regard,
yojir Excellency's
most obedient humble fervt."
Col: Arthur Campbell to Gov: Jefferson : February lath.
« Sir, Washington
County*
Late dispatches from General Greene, and various Letters from OfH-
cers in Carolina entreats the aid of the Mountain Militia, and I have
taken the liberty once more to order them out notwithstanding their cir-
cumstances ill suits such a tour now. Matters yet unsettled with the
Cherokees, and the Northwards already begun to annoy us \ but altho' we
have these and other difficulties to combat with, I believe the County
will turn out with its usual ardor. Why cannot the eastern Militia act Mo"nt*aL^^*
in the same manner. Surely they have the most property to fight for. militia.
In truth Sir, it wounds our feelings to learn that the safety of our
Country cannot be trusted to the natural defence thereof.
I am Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
&c: &c:"
February i»th,
John Baylor to Gov: Jefferson : «N M -
** Hoping that you may have supplyed yourself with an American kct.**
Atlas, in the space of six or eight months, you will please to deliver to
General Weedon's care my Atlas.
I have the honor to be, your Excellency's
Most obt: & hbl: Servt,
&c: &c:"
Major Geo: Lee Turberville to Gov: Jefferson : February nth.
^^ 1 am at this moment informed that the guard sent to Richmond, Po t at Sandy
with the British Prisoners (consigned by Genl: Nelson's order to the Point.
care and direction of Baron Steuben) have been Furlough'd by your
Excellencies order, it has reduced me to a situation, not a little disagree-
able, as I am now commanded by Genl: Nelson, to return them to
Williamsburg, and from the Delav of the Guard, I am unable to afcer- Awkward poti-
tain where they may, at this period, be station'd. tion.
I flatter myself that your Excellency will be pleased to give me timely
SOS CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
178 1 instructions, or in what manner, I am to proceed in regard to them ; that
is, whether I must weaken this Post, (already too intolerably weak) by
e ruary 12 . gg^jj^^g ^ detachment to Richmond to conduct them to Williamsburg, or
whether I may expect that your Excellency will cause them to be con-
ducted by some other party, agreeable to the Baron's desire that Genl:
Nelson might endeavour to effect our exchange of them
Importance of The Post I Command at, is of very great importance, as the Prin-
the Poit. ciple station to effect a communication with the counties on the
north and south sides of James River. I am at present, reduced to the
small number of seventy effectives, which when I consider that the
Counties of Hanover and Henrico compose the Reg^, really antonishes
me —
jj . ^ Desertion is so prevalent, that at least sixty have left the Post since I
' ' occupy'd it, altogether (I believe) actuated by pusillanimity and fear that
they were to Pafs the River and come to immediate action. This post
(unlefs I am speedily recruiter)) cannot be depended on as secure, cou'd
it be pofsibleto reinforce it by any edict from your Excellency, I make
no doubt but the Field Officers in the above named Counties, will re-
ceive your Excellencies command immediately, to dispatch the furloughM
soldiers with Deserters to me.
I am totally at a loss how to punish Desertion at present. As the
Howtopurnish State Militia Laws are expired, I am induced to think that they may be
deserters. tried and punished according to the Martial Law by Congrefs estab-
lished. Your Excellencies opinion on this head, as well as any mode by
which, that worst of military evils may in some measure be cured, will
render efsential service. I hope your Excellency will excuse the length
of this Epistle.
I have the honor to be,
with becoming respect,
your Excellency's
most obed* Servant.
P. S.
^^ There is a material post that ought to be occupied, about four miles
from this place ; 'tis impofsible that infantry can do it \ if twelve horse
might, bv your Excellencies Order, be raised by imprefs, and swords
j^ alone furnished, I could mount them immediately. The post, I mean
Point"""* is Dancing Point, from whence James Town may be seen.
G. L. T."
F bruar 12th Capt: H. Vowles to Col: Muter, requesting him, under instructions
* from his brother Lieut: Chas: Vowles, to send by Capt: Thomas Mar-
Faimouih, Va. gh^jj^ ^ho is authorized to give receipt therefor, one thousand, of the
four thousand pounds due him " from the Public " &c.
February iitb, David Rofs to Gov: JefFerson : Had just dispatched a wagon with
* " Tent-stuff and cloth " for Col: Buford's troops ; has an agent at
Arrowficid. South Quay in eearch of blankets and other woolens ; will make every
endeavour to procure the articles referred to by his Excellency, in order
that the troops may " take the field like soldiers." Hears the Tr» ops
Measure! tablet n ^^ Chesterfield Courthouse are very naked, and destitute of almost every
troo"p?. thing. About Wednesday next, he will send to Alexandria on account of
A
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 509
the Tobacco purchase, and will procure such articles as cannot be got- 1781
ten here. Has written to two men below, who conduct a shoe factory, YthtM^ i2tb
to know what quantity they can furnish weekly. Hats cannot be got,
and caps must be made tor the men.
M^ Harrison has rec^ Invoices of his Blankets, but has no advices of
the ship's arrival ; is now urging him to go to Maryland in search of
them He is happy to see by his Excellency's letter, " that we con-
tinue succefsful to the Southward."
* Benj: Harrison to the Governor of Virginia : February nth.
*'Sir, PhHadelphii.
I arrived at this place late io the evening of yesterday after a most
disagreeable journey, which has been considerably lengthened by this
great difficulty. I found in exchanging State money for Continental,
and with all my trouble I fear I have not procured as much as will sup-
port me. I am just returned from the Board of War who have given
me an order for four ton of powder, as you were not particular in the la promiied
kind that would be wanted, I have taken it one half in musket, the other ponder,
in Cannon Powder, which I suppose will be about the proportion that will
be wanted for the service for which it is intended. I have no doubt of
getting it on the way in a day or two as the Board are giving me every
afsistance in their power. I think you would do well to advise Col:
Clarke as soon as pofsible, of its being on the way that he may send an
escort to meet it, as the board intorm me there is some danger of its
being destroyed on the way without it, there being a considerable body of
disaffected people in that quarter. The expence of transportation I guVrd?*^^
must pay out of the money you entrusted me with, there being not a
shilling in the Continental Treasury. The new Congrefs money for
this State and the Jerseys pafs at Seventy five for one, whilst that of
Virginia will only bring thirty-seven and a half, and will not do even that
but from the speculators, a set of men that nothing but necefsity shall Speculators.
cause me to deal with. I shall endeavour if pofsible to exchange the
money with the public, and have some little expectations of succeeding.
The Continental Powder at Baltimore amounted only to 2500 ^^ I
therefore thought it better to take the whole here. I much fear no great
succefs will attend my Embassy, it appearing to me that Congrefs cannot noTfurnli?""
command men, nor if they had them,»have they any quantity of necefsa- men.
ries to furnish them for the field. There is great abundance of Cloathing pienty of cioth-
in this Town, but it can't be procured without money or tobacco, nor ing,
will the latter do, unlefs the enemy leave our Country. Yet would it
not be well that Rofs should send an agent here if I can't procure them,
to try the experiment ; of my success you shall have immediate notice.
I am with great esteem and respect.
Your most obedient and Humble Servant."
Col: Muter to the Executive : February 12th.
M' Jn^ Henderson of Albemarle offers to rent a saw mill he has ^„ office,
erected on M' Harvies land to the public, or will deliver plank at the
Point of Fork, at a reasonable price. Saw-miii.
* speaker uf Vu. 12. of Delegaies, &eac special messenger to Coogreit and to Genh Washing*
ton for aiiistance &c.
610 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 The distance from the Mill to that place is five miles by land, and
thirty by water. Desires instructions in the matter.
Ffbruary 12th Duncan Rose to the Executive • Having had a final settlement wkh
the Auditors, begs the Warrant received from them, may be counter-
Richmond. Signed by the Governor, as required in all payments made to private
individuals. He is in want of money to pay for a riding horse, having
last October sold his horses to pay ^^ Publick Debts." Hopes this re-
quest will be granted, especially when it is considered that he has inva-
riably advanced every shilling he could command, for the public benefit.
Col: Rob* Ewing to Gov: Jefferson :
February 12th. ^^^ ^^^ receive his Excellency's favor until the b^^ inst: summoned a
full court at once to meet on the 9*^ ; only four attended, three Justices
Bebford Co. ^^^ ^j^^ ^^j g^jj ofljcgr, « the active Col" James Callaway " being
present ; called out a guard to receive the British prisoners ; gave the
necefsary orders to carry out the Act for purchasing wagon and team,
and for collecting the beef and clothing. Takes this opportunity of
-- ^^. informing his Excellency that the late Act of Afsembly afsessing taxes
against the tax. o" property in " specie only," and pafsing over luxuries, causes much
murmering.
February 12th. Jno: Lewis to Col: John Harvie :
M' Thornton and himself are willing to let the Executive have every
pound of powder they make, provided they can agree on the price, and
will be paid when it is delivered into the Magazines. This is the only
plan, upon which they can carry on the work If they can be supplied
with twenty thousand pounds sterling, with which to purchase materials,
Termi upon they Can afford to furnish one Tun of powder at four shilings specie pr:
which powder ppypj — ^j] afterwards made to be paid five shillings pr: pound for in
can De rurnun* . .• t^ % % \ % t c^ 'i*!
ed. Specie, or its equivalent. He had sold the btate a quantity at six shil-
lings, *' when paper was equal to gold." Salt petre was then worth
three shilling, sulphur nine pence pr: pound. Salt petre is now at ^^ 60
dollars and sulphur 20," tho' less by the quantity. Thinks the price
here asked is very reasonable, in as much as it sells by retail '• as high
as 100 Dolls: pr; pound." Requests him to inform the Executive of
his proposition, and that he and M' Thornton are prepared to give secu-
rity to the performance of their agreement. Their Mill will probably
be at work by the middle of April, when they expect to make •* 800
weight of powder per week."
The Executive agreed to advance <£20.ooo to Mefs: Lewis & Thorn-
ton on the 12'** March, and agreed to the price, to be paid for in To-
bacco at ^^ twenty shillings the hundred or its worth in paper money as
valued by the grand jury next preceeding payment.
Endorsed
^^ The Executive will take five ton, or so much of it as shall be ready
by the last of July next.
Tft: T."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 511
Gov' JefFerson to Genl: Geo: Rogers Clarke : 1781
oir, February 13th.
Still having at heart the succefs of the expedition at the head of which !„ Council,
you are placed, we have obtained leave from Baron Steuben for Col° J.
Gibson to attend you as next in command, and of course to succeed to
your office in the events of your death or captivity, which however dis-
agreable in contemplation, yet as being pofsible it is our duty to provide Encoura ment
as^ainst. I have further added my most prefsing request to Coi'^ Broad- to Clarke and
head that he permit Col^ Gibson's regiment to be added to your force request made to
for the expedition, a request which I hope will be successful as coin- ^»^®*<**»"<*-
ciding with the spirit of Genl: Washington's recommendations. Col®
Gibson is to go by Baltimore to see the powder conveyed t ) Fort Pitt.
the articles which were to be sent from this place to Frederic County
were duly fo warded a few days after you left us.
I wish vou laurels & health, k
am with esteem & respect Sir,
your mo: ob: hble serv'.*'
Col: Geo: Muter to the Executive, requesting information and in- February isth.
structions, in regard to the amount of bounty due to soldiers enlisting ^^^ office,
for the War.
endorsed.
'* The bounty for continental enlistments for the war is 2000 dollars, SoUien'i
to be charged to the United States^ and the recruiting money to the officer *>o""^y-
is 180 dollars of which 80 are to be charged to the United States. the
bounty in state enlistments (that is in the state regiments) is 750 dollars
only, the recruiting money 150 dollars, the whole paiable by the state."
"TH: JEFFERSON."
Capt: Windsor Brown to Col: G: Muter : in reply to his of the 6*** February X3th.
Inst: offering him the position of ** Commifsary of Military Stores for Petertbure
this State," which place he is willing to accept, provided he is equal to
the duties of the appoinsment, and the salary be sufficient to support
him He has just returned from Head Quarters at " Stoners alias j^ ^^^^ q^^^
Mackey's Mills.'' The Battalion he commanded had been discharged ; nance oflicer
they were Dinwiddie Militia j wishes never to command militia again, ^o^ the State.
except for at least six months at a time \ what with a little fighting, a
good deal of marching and bad living he is much fatigued, but concludes
that soldiers should never complain.
Col: Senf to the Governor : He arrived at Manchester last night too February 13th.
late to cross the River. Had been to Chesterfield to see the Baron, u ^^ coi.
and should return at once to Ricnmond, subject to his commands. M' CragV**
Ross is to go with him to the Point of Fork, in a day or two unless
otherwise ordered.
Jos: Jones and Th®^ Bland to Gov: Jefferson: February 13th.
'' Sir, Philadelphia.
We are just informed from Genl: Varnum, a member now in Con-
grefs from Rhode Island, that he has received certain Intelligence, that
Sl$ CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 the Colloden of 74 Guns is drove on Shore and all her crew except 17
- . . men Perish'd. the London of 90 Guns is driven out to sea dismasted.
Loss ofJBritish ^^^ '^^ Other 64 Gun Men of War were dismasted entirely and all their
ships. Guns thrown over board in the late Storm, since writing the above we
have received the acct: from G?nl Varnum in his own hand, which we
have the Honor to Enclose, it is moreover added, that on hearing the
EflTcctiat New above, the Enemy at N. York sent orders to Arnold to retreat from Vir-
York. ginia. Heavenly Storm ! !
We are yr: Exclly's Most Obed'
Servts:"
&c: &c:
Februiry 13th. W°* Sirfith informs Col: Muter; he has engaged M' Talley
& his son, of Hanover to repair Arms. Good judges report them equal
to any workmen in the State. Near Hughes' Ordinary, there are 100
stand of arms. Files, borax & steel. They prefer to draw provisions.
February X3th. Archibald Gary to Gov: Jefferson :
Ampthiii. " Dear Sir,
I hope you will excuse the Freedom I ventured at, In recommending
Baron Steuben any Public Matter, and I hope you will : The Baron Dined with me
at Ampthiii, Yefterday, and the Conversation Turn'd in the Defence of our River,
on which he mentioned a Fort at Hoods, which would he was confident
prevent any Ships Coming by.
This Morning Col: Senf came here in Quest of the Baron, who had
gone on to the Court house, the Col: shewed me a Plan of the Workes
he proposed to Erect, from both the Gentlemen, I was told application
had been made for Labourers and artificers to accomplifh this businefs,
but that the Executive altho' fully satisfied of the Utility of the Measure
had it not in their Power to procure them, and I make no doubt of its
being so from the Plan they have taken, it is this reason which induces
me to offer my advice, and I think it will succeed.
That you appoint in the Countys on the River above that place some
Plan for pro- one Person of interest in each County, who shall apply to the Wealthy
curing laborers. People, to represent this matter to them, and to indeavour to Hire or
otherways git a negro or more from each, who shall be at the place on a
certain day to begin & Finish the Worke. 50 or 60 I think may be
procured by this means, and I am told a Month or six weeks with that
number will complete the business My ill Health prevents my under-
Gentlemen taking it in my County. Maj^ Goode is a Person I would recommend,
fccommended. Southall for Henrico, Col: Banifler for Dinwiddle, Col: Starke and M'
Tyler can inform who will be proper in Prince George and Charles
City. As to what tools may be wanted, I judge the Publick will supply,
if tney cannot, the fame Gentle"* may apply for them. Col: Senf in-
forms me there is an officer on the Spot to receive the People
I think the interest oT every man on or near the River,, and indeed of
the Publick, so much at stake, on the Compleations of this worke, that
i doubt does not remain with me but the People may be procured.
What have we to prevent a Second visit from the British Troops ;
Necesaity of ^^^ Troops all below, they may put theirs on board their Ships at night
riyerV ^^^ ^^^ "P ^^^ Riv«r burn and Plunder as they come, and be again
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 613
imbarked before it will be Pofsible for our men to inarch up, and if they 17^'
do not so act they w!int wifdom. I set out with apolagiseing for this February 13th.
letter, and I am convinced you will conclude, it proceds from a Right
cause, the interest of my country.
1 am Sir,
Your most obed^ and afF^
Hble Serv'
&;c: &c.
^^ P. S. Perhaps a letter addrefsed from
the Executive to the People, in the bands
of the Gentlemen who you may appoint
would be of great use."
Jos: Jones, James Madison Jr.: and Theo^ Bland, to Gov: Jefferson: February X3th.
**Sir Philadelphia.
By the speaker Harrison, who arrived here the day before yesterday
we were honored with your Excellencys favor of the 26'** ult°. We
shall communicate your answer to the Baron d' Arendt, and if his claim
against the State is supported by proper evidence, shall take the best steps
in our power to discharge it.
A vefsel just arrived from Cadiz has brought Congress, two letters News from
from M' Carmichael, from one of which dated Madrid Nov. 28'** 1780, *broid.
the following is extracted ^^ From the best information I am able to col-
lect, I am sorry to tell you, that the Nation (British) will be able to
borrow the sum demanded for the expenditures of 1781, which with the
usual note of credit at the end of the fesfion will amount to 16 millions
sterling at least. The scheme of the Ministry, to effect this, is not yet
public, but I am told it will be on similar conditions to that of the present
year. 92 000 men are voted for the marine, and I have reason to think vigorout meaa-
a considerable reinforcement will be sent early to the Southward, and that "'^•.^j^^^*
agreeable to a proposition of S*" J. Amherst, the enemy means to occupy ment. ***^*'""
and fortify strongly a post near the mouth of Chesapeak, from which,
with a strong Garrison k naval force, they hope to interrupt the naviga-
tion of the bay, and by frequent incursions prevent the States of Mary*
land & Virginia from sending supplies of men &c., to the Carolinas.
Amongthe troops mentioned to be embarked here are those regiments
of Light Dragoons. Your fervants neater G B. will however give you
more accurate information. F am persuaded that our ally will take early
measures for defeating those designs. This latter information is derived
indirectly from conversations with men in a situation to be well in-
formed." Private letters of the same conveyance add that the blockade
of Gibraltar was continued with great vigor, and that the garrison began
to be severely distrefsed
We have the honor to be with great
respect & esteem, yr: Excellys'
obed' & hble servents.
Robt: Bond to Col; Muter : Is entirely idle for want of leather for F'ebruary 13th*
his bellows. M^ Armstead had given him an order for two hides of
leather, but he could not get it for want of money. He is not allowed
to draw provisions because he is not at work, and he cannot work with-
out his bellows ; begs therefore for his afsistance.
65
614 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781 Alex: Martin and Tho* Benbury on the part of the Genl: Afsembly of
. N. Carolina to Gov: Jefferson of Virg* : •
February I4in. -^ ■*
Halifax* ^'^'
The General Afsembly of North Carolina, by joint Resolve, of both
Houses, have directed us to lav before your Excellency, the Situation of
Critical state of Affiairs of this State, which nnce the commencement of the War with
afliirs. Britain have not been at a more critical period. Lord Cornwallis. irri-
tated at the Blow flruck at one of his principal Partizans, by General
Morgan, hath penetrated into the Heart of the State with rapidity, at a
time our Militia were indulged with a small Respite, that the Regular
Army might have a larger supply of Necessaries, and at a time our
Legislature were preparing a System of regular Defence.
GTeneral Greene not being in Force for Action, hath thought proper
to retreat to the Dan, where he may be more proper reinforced to make
^*Uc^*"" Resistance, in the mean while we are wholly exposed to the enterpris-
ing Genius of his Lordship, either to march through the State, to join
Arnold in Virginia before our strength can be collected, or else form a
Junction with him in this, thereby attempting our subjugation, which
hath long been his object.
About three weeks paft, near Five Hundred British landed at Cape
Fear, and have taken pofsefsion of Wilmington, against whom our
The enemy at Governor hath marched with the lower militia. We are drawing forth
Wilmington, ^j^^ Force of the other parts of the State, and mean to level it at Corn-
wallis under Major General Caswell. However surrounded by a restlefs
and troublesome Enemy, we are determined to defend the State to the
last Extremity, and we flatter ourfelves, our Northern Friends to whom
we are already indebted, will not be idle Spectators of the Conflict :
Through you Sir, we addrefs our ancient Sister Virginia, that she will
Appeal to Vir- Send US fuch further Succours and Aid as she can fpare, not injuring her
finia. own internal defence. We need not suggest to your Excellency the
policy of fighting an Enemy from Home ; if he is once suffered to
arrive the Militia in general intent in faving their property will not con-
tinue in Arms, while this and their Families are their principle object
near the Route of the Enemy ; this we unfortunately experience, which
no doubt will be your case should you suffer them to penetrate into
Virginia ; but the spirit of our militia who are not immediately over-
. ^ . whelmed with the British Torrent, is great, are now collecting in all
people? * Quarters, who we flatter ourselves if further countenanced by you, will
greatly teaze his Lordship, and so circumscribe him, that at length be
must fall an easy Prey to Genera' Greene, or them We are greatly
distrefsed for arms, the late Defeat near Camden deprived us of a great
many of this efsential article, which we cannot replace \ we request
Your Excellency to furnish us as many as you have not immediate
use for.
We have the Honor to be,
with the highest respect,
your Excellency's most Obedient
humble servants,
&c: &c:"
Want of arma.
February i4tb. Ed°*^ Mafs: Hyrne to Gov; Jefltrson :
New London. On his departure from Head Quarters, Genl: Greene had informed
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. gig
him, the prisoners under his charge were to be marched into such part ij8i
of Virginia as the Governor should direct ; but the threatened approach
of the enemy had forced him to hasten with them towards Staunton, * ^^^ '^ '
where he will wait instructions. He will be glad to be relieved of his
charge upon arrival at that place. Genl: Oreen had informed him there Priionen from
was an afsistant Commifsary of Prisoners in this State, and he will be tbe South.
glad if his name can be furnished and that he be required to send at once
a '* return " of all the prisoners of war beldnging to this Department,
so that they may be collected and registered in one book ; this is neces-
sary on account of the great irregularities that have heretofore prevailed.
On the way from the South, many escaped, his march being very
rapid through Henry and Bedford Counties. They are concealed in the
Country, and orders should be given to collect them. On his arrival at
Staunton he will apply to the " Colonel of the County '* for the afsis-
tance necefsary to guard and subsist the prisoners.
" May it please your Excellency." February i4tb.
The collection of very heavy Taxes arc now proceeding with Virginia
through this State, and every Person who has not made provision for
the paiment is threatened with distrefs of property by the sheriff, the
Inhabitants of the neighbouring Counties to the Albemarle Barracks
have supplyed on credit for a great length of time, and on the most mode-
rate terms a considerable Army, expecting always that such supplies
would enable them to discharge their Taxes & other Debts, but now to petttioa of the
their great mortification & disappointment, their certificates for such people of the
Debts are refused by the collectors, notwithstanding other certificates Albemarle
from the CommifEoners of the Counties, for Articles at much more ex-
travagant rates are received in payment, and in other cafes Debts now
contracted are paid off, whilst those due them, some of a Year or two
standing, are totally neglected, this they conceive to be such an intol-
erable greivance, that they are compelled to represent it to your Excel-
lency, that you may make fome order therein, for their relief, for as
Ardent as they are in the Common Cause of their Country, they feel
most fensibly the Injury arising from the Neglect that has been shown
them in this particular & cannot think much longer of paying a Conti-
nental Tax, unless in the Collection, they have credit for what is due
them from the Public, they have already suffered too much for want
of the money, to be longer easy under thefe circumstances & therefore
hope this application will meet with your favour & countenance, which
will be conferring the highest favour on your Excellencys' most Ob^
Serv*^ k a multitude of others who cannot be immediately applyed too,
to join in this requisition."
Numerously signed,
Geo: Elliott, D. Q^ M. Genl: informs the Executive of his having February x4th.
furnished the transportation ordered for moving Col: Green's Division to p
the South. He has rec** of Capt; Thos: Claiborne one wagon and three * ^ **'*'
horses, valued at Twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty pounds Vir* ^*^"* ®^ ■
Currency, for which he has given a certificate &c. team." *"^
Geo: Rice, A. Dept: Q. M., to the Governor: The urgent wants of February 14th.
the Quarter Masters Department at the Albemarle Barracks, where he Richmond.
S16 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 has been acting Afsistant since the Post was first established, require that
.he make a full statement of its condition,
e rutry 14 . ^j^^ p^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ suffered from the greatest difficulties, owing to the
meagre supply of money. On this account he has been encumbered
with debt, which, by reason of the depreciation of the currency is steadily
increasing. An inspection of his accounts will prove, that the people in
Generous Con- that District have furnished supplies, forage and transportation cheaper
dnct of the than in any other part of the Commonwealth. In proof of this his
People. wagon hire had been of late " £ 1 6 the day" when everywhere else the
current price was " £20." Corn of the last crop can be had in abun-
dance at ^^ £25 the Barrel!," for cash. In view of the fact that the
creditors of his department have displayed such moderation in their
demands, they should at least meet with the same support as those more
exacting. He hears other afsistants are allowed to pay off old debts
with money lately advanced to them. All the public creditors had
expected to be indulged in the same way, so that they might be prepared
for the T-^x gatherers. Their disappointment has raised "a violent
Thflir com- clamor" against the government, and any demand upon their afsistance
plaint!. jjQ^ ^jjj ^g responded to only " by upbraidings." The disgust of the
people at this juncture, when extraordinary exertions are necefsary, is
particularly unfortunate. In addition to this, their irritation is increased
when they see others paid ^^ double and treble the rate" for articles they
have furnished at lower prices. His Department is in arrears .£360.000,
the Treasury cannot advance any of this amount, an afsurance from his
Excellency of an early payment, he hopes, " will quiet the moft clam-
orous" and enable him to render effectual aid to the service.
Febrairy 14th. Leo** Helm to Col. Geo: Slaughter :
Fort Jefferson. '^ I make use of this opportunity by Maj' Harlan, to inform you of
feveral particulars, by which you will observe that our case is not alto-
Weitemaflairt. gether SO desperate as has apparently been for some time past. Two
parties of the Caccapoo Indians, after receiving (at their earnest request)
permifsion from me, has been to War against the Chicasaws ; the last
party that went, returned about ten days ago with two scalps, the other
party I expect daily. Major Linitot, with a party of Piankishaws &
Ottawaus arrived here a few days ago \ the Chiefs of these Indians
brought friendly fpeaches from several other Nations, requesting a little
Ammunition &c; to defend themselves from hostilities that they are appre-
hensive of from their & our Enemies. Maj' Linitot informs us that the
English is making great preparations at Ouia, & the Inhabitants of Opost
is apprehensive of an attack from that Quarter ; for fear of which Capt:
Linitot*! con- George, at the request of Maj' Linitot, fends Capt: Baley with twenty
duct tpproTed. f^^^ ^^^ jq j^j^^ poffeffion of the Fort at Opost, with all the ammuni-
tion that can be spared from this place, to carry on an intended Expedi-
tion against the Ouia, which will be conducted by Maj' Linitot. I am
much pleased with that Gentleman's conduct, as he has given singular
proofs of his unwearied diligence to cultivate the good fentiments of our
friendly Indians ; and am happy to think that Government has appointed
so worthy & capable a person to Act in that Birth. I am obliged to
continue at this Post, as 'tis expected that parties of Warriors of our
friendly Indians, pafsing and repafsing this Place, against the Chicasaws,
Capt. George, Choctaws & Cherokees. Capt: Georges good Conduct, in taking every
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Ji/
step to maintain the honour of his country, I think will entitle him to the lyBi
esteem of every Lover of Liberty & establish his character as a Diligent „ ,
officer." ' • ^ » * ^ * February ,4th.
41 * » • :|e *
For other particulars I refer you to Maj' Harlan, & Capt: George's
letter, (hall therefore conclude by informing you that I am in good
health, with a Bottle of Taffier at my Elbow, & my greatest want is a HU chief wtnt.
Woman to Crown my Joys by night, as my Bottle does by day. Please
to present my compliments to M" Slaughter & all enquiring Friends,
& am
Sir with the greatest respect &c."
Col: Thomas Read informs the Governor, that by an Exprefs rec** February i5tli.
from Hble: Paul Carrington, enclosing two others from Cols: Coleman &> qu i ^
Cocke of Halifax, he learns that Cornwallis, with his main Army is on
the march to the borders of Virginia, and within thirty five miles of
Boyd's ferry on Dan River. He has ordered out part of the Militia to
reinforce Genl: Morgan, said to be in front of Cornwallis, and has Comwaii,*
retreated across the Dan ; makes it his duty to give this information, ■**^*""-
and to request further instructions, which will be brought by the bearer
M' Watkins.
•want
Col: Lewis Burwell to the Governor : February i5ih.
** Your Excellency will I make no doubt be informed before you get Mecklenburg
this, of the near approach of Lord Cornwallace, with the British Army. Co.
I last night received information that the enemy were at Boyd's Ferry ^hc enemy
on Dan River Halifax County I have ordered out all the Militia of approaching,
this County, but I can assure you, that we have little or no Ammunition
& I fear noj a hundred Guns in the County. The people would fight Spirit of the
& endeavour to defend their Country, but their whoU cry is for Arms. People— ^
Gen^ Green they say is on this side the River, but I suppose he will be °
obliged to retreat. I shall reinforce him with what men I can arm, and
you may depend I will exert every nerve to save my Country, but our
situation is truly deplorable, as we shall not only feel the first stroke
from the British Army, but be exposed to be plunder'a by the Damned
Tories.
I am with all due respect,
your Excellency's most ob*
Servant,
&c: &c:"
Brig: Genl: Ro: Lawson to Gov: Jefferson : February jsth.
^* Sir, "CohBanit-
I am thus far on my return Home I am concern'd that the bad
state of my Health should make it necessary to obtain the Baron's m health,
permifsion to leave my command on the lines, until I could get it again
establish'd.
I left McKee's mills the 13^ inst: in the Afternoon. When I came
from thence the Enemy were still in Portsmouth, their Post at the
Great Bridge they retain. They have foraged but once at any distance
from Portsmouth, & I doubt not but that the Baron hath related to your
518
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1781
February 15th.
Strength of the
Eaemy.
Want of
cavalry.
Operations of
the Militia.
Gregory*!
position.
Exposure of
the Troops.
Excellency, the contents of my letter to him on that occasion I am
confident) their whole strength exceeds not 500 effectives.
Our advanced Post is near Halls, consisting of nearly 350 Riflemen,
under Col° Mathews, with about 150 pick'd musqueteers, under Major
Dick, with some light horse.
The want of a respectable body of Horse, cramps the movements of
our Light Infantry greatly.
The Evening I left McKees Mills, I rec"* a Letter from General
Gregory from North Carolina, who informs me that he had about 250
effectives (only) and that he expected daily, a reinforcement of about 300
more, from Carolina. That he much wanted Flints & some other
military appendages : & I hoped I could supply him: I was very sorry
this was not in my power, as we are badly supply'd with those essential
articles. His letter, I shew'd General Muhlenberg.
I also rec"^ a letter at the same time & from the fame place (North
west Bridge) from Col^* Godfrey & Thoroughgood, informing, that the
number of Militia collected by them, from the Counties of Norfolk and
P. Ann was inconsiderable, with which number they had join'd Gene-
ral Gregory, but at the same time they acquainted me that there was a
body of Militia collected in P. Ann, who had prevented tht Enemy
from foraging in fmall bodies, and that they had gained feveral fmall ad-
vantages over those foraging parties, & operated as a great check upon
them in that quarter.
General Gregorys' position is a very defensible one, and he has 4 pieces
of cannon with him ; and as his parties are frequently out, they check
the Enemies foraging parties sent out from the Great Bridge.
I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that our militia feel rather too
severely, the want of Hutts, Tents, or some covering to shelter them
from the inclemency of the weather. It is a real fact, that Axes or
other implements for erecting Hutts cannot be procured. Or it is very
certain that the persons employ'd to imprefs them, make this Report to
me.
the State.
I have been, ever fince I returned from ihe Army (at the close of the
campaign in 1777) employ'd by the State, more or lefs, in some military
capacity or the other. I have never drawn a shilling from my Country,
for any claim, that I had a right to make on this account. It is true, mv
2"c"^*"' *" fer vices have not been fensibly felt by the State. It has been my mis-
" fortune ever to be so situated as to want the means of rendering fuch
efsential fervice as every body feels from obtaining an advantage in battle
over our enemy. But it is also as certain a Truth, that altho' this was
to me a mortifying fact, yet my expences daily have been great. I wish
my fortune would supply a fund, equal to my Inclination to serve my
Country. I say not this from vanity or ostentation. The impartial
part of my Countrymen, who know me will acquit me of either. I
have now taken the liberty to draw upon the Treasury for £5 000. And
altho' that sum will go but little way towards defraying my Expenses,
still I am so very fensible of the exhausted ftate of our finances. I
chose not to draw for a larger one. So soon as my health will permit, I
hope to return to my command.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect.
Sir, your Excellency's mo: ob* humble fervant."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 619
* Gciil: Nath; Greene to Baron Steuben: 1781
" Dear Baron, February X5th
Since I wrote you from Guilford, the Enemy have daily been prefsing **camp Irwiai*
our rear, and at this moment are in full march for the River, not three Ford on Dan
miles from our camp, but we are happy enough to have the River between ^'^«' "
us, this will delay them for some time, and give us an opportunity to MoTements of
crofs the Banister River. Our Stores and baggage are ordered over the E"emy and
Staunton. When I put the Armv in motion on the Pedee, I gave **""^ '
orders for the heavy baggage and stores, to file of to Hillsboro, in order
to be prepared for the worst, well knowing the great disparity between
the enemy's force and ours ; and the moment I was convinced that it
was the intention of Lord Cornwallis to penetrate the country and push
our Army, I gave orders for the Stores to cross the Roanoke to Prince
Edward court house^ from which I am in hopes of getting ofF our Stores
without lofs To give time for this businefs and to afford an opportunity
for the militia to collect, we have been manoeuvering constantly in the
face of the enemy Col** Williams with the Lt: Infantry, Lt: Col<^ J!l[e"*"«*hfi
Lee's Legion, and the Cavalry of the first and third Reg't have covered retreat,
our retreat — which he has conducted with great propriety , in the most
critical situation. Genl: Morgan is sick, and has left the Army, Morgan «ick.
Whether the Enemy will pursue us further, is uncertain ; but as the
Army is so great an object, I am rather inclined to thinkthey will, for
by the destruction of this Army, they complete the reduction of N Caro-
lina, and lay a great foundation for that of Virginia.
Inclosed, I send you an account of the Enemy's Strength, and the
formation of their Army, also of our own force, by which you may see
our critical situation. Lord Cornwallis' movements are so rapid, that CornwailU'
few or no militia j->in us. He marches from twenty to thirty miles in a policy,
day, and is organized to move with the same facility as Light Infantry
Corps. Should he continue to push us, we must be finally ruined with-
out reinforcements, but if exertions are made equal to the occasion, all
may yet have a favorable ifsue. Tell the Executive their situation, and
let them not rest in false security, for their ruin is inevitable unlefs the
Army is properly supported.
It is probable, if Lord Cornwallis finds he cannot bring the Army to
action, he will file off towards Hillsboro and Halifax : The last of which Will forti/y.
places I mean to fortify to prevent the Enemy from taking post there, as it
is one of the richest counties, and will give them pofsefsion of the greatest
part of the stores of the State, and break up the only manufactories
established in North Carolina.
We are in want of Arms, pray send us 600, and let them come to
Cole's ferry on Staunton river ; and also an equal number of cartruch
boxes, we are really in distrefs for want of them. Pray let me hear Want of arms,
from you as often as pofsible, as matters grow critical. Lord Cornwallis
moves with great caution, notwithstanding, he marches with such rapid-
ity, we have had only one opportunity to strike at any of their parties.
Lt: Col° Lee charged an advanced party, Killed and took the greater
part of them.
I am dear Baron,
yours, &c."
* Autograph duplicate.
520 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Baron Steuben to Gov: JefFerson :
February 15th. '* Sir,
I am this moment favored with your Excellencys Letter of this date.
" *' * * I had before, transmitted you, copy of General Greens Letter to me,
with a state of our wants for compleating the Detachment distined for
the Southard.
I agree with your Excellency that the Militia of Rockbridge, Augusta,
Rockingham & Shenandoah would be the most speedy reinforcement to
Meuurei for General Green, but they must first be relieved by others. The force
Greene '"' ^^ ^^^ h^iV^ below is as weak as can be kept, not to endanger this part
of the Country ; the sooner the Commanding officers of the above
Militia can be consulted, the better, and if they are willing to go, your
Excellency ^ill be pleased to order them relieved. The Militia of the
other Counties you mention, being in the vicinity, could they be armed,
would be a good addition, but how this is to be done I am at a loss to
say. we have not an arm to spare here, with Genl: Muhlenberg &
Nelson we perhaps may find sufficient to arm the men who relieve those
Policy •£ ctii- below who go fouthward. As to calling out more militia, as we cannot
ing out the ^^^ them, it would be in vain, and I dread the consequences that the
calling out so many will have, in delaying the grand object of compleat-
ing our Army.
With respect & Esteem,
I a.Ti Sir,
your Excellency's
most obed' & very hum; Servt.
February 15th, Majr; Geo: Lee Turberville to the Governor:
Sandy Point. " May it please your Excellency.'*
British flag of A dragoon now waits an answer to my letter of the 13^^ inst. A Flag
truce. is here, at present detain'd by me 'till Baron Steuben's order can return.
Lieut: Hare, who is the officer, is very anxious to see your determina-
tion in regard to the. restitution of property, 'tis for that purpose he is
come up,
I have the honor to be,
your Excellencys'
obediant Serv*
&c: &c:
February 15th. Col: Senf to the Govemor : He had spoken to Col: Muter about the
. . . vefsel the Commifsary was to send to Cablin Point with provisions, and
which was to stop at Hoods, but he says she was not suitable for that
service. Col: Muter apprehends difficulty in getting negroes. Would
it not be wise to call upon the County Lieutenants for aid ? Should
there be too many fent, they could be discharged. An order to the
Commissary will be necefsary, to send provisions to Hoods, as none are
to be had on the other side the River.
Begs his Excellency will send Instructions to the Commanding offi-
Hiirank,&c. cer at Hoods, to stop and examine all vefsels going or coming. Sends
a copy of his State appointment as Lieut: Col: A few months after-
wards was promoted to the rank of Colonel, and had command of a
considerable body of Militia. He goes to Chesterfield C. House to see
the Baron, and will return the next day, for any commands.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 621
Capt: RoV George to Col: Geo: Slaughter, Com** at Falls of Ohio : igji
** D' Sir, Februtry I5tb.
I have the Honor to acknowledge the rec^ of yours of the 23*^ January Fort Jeflenon.
last, & am happy to find you are so abundant as you exprefs, as out of
your great abundance, I shall expect to receive frequent & large supplies,
more especially in the Commifsary way. The Small supplies, you have
sent us, have been of infinite fervices, & if you frequently repeat them
they will be of singular advantage, as we look to you for it \ but those
supplies, i beg may be of a better qualitv, than what is yet come to hand.
The Beef is really of the poorest kind — ill cured, and not half salted. The Bad beef.
Barrels being bad, the pickle became waited, if any had been put on, &
tho' the meat does not abfolutely stink, it wants little of it." *
* * * * * • *
'* Major Harlan will give you the newf of the place. As I have
Co purchase supplies in the Illinois, it draws away the Liquor from me
fast, besides I have to fend a suppiv to the Opost, & Major Linitot has
made a heavy Draft on me for 6 Hogsheads & the half of my Amuni-
tion for the use of the Indian Department & three Hogsheads more to
Purchase Eight months Provisions for 25 men, which I have sent for
the Protection of the Opost, under the Command of Capt: Bayly. The
Credit of the State is so bad, that nothing can be had either there or at PubUc credit
Kaskaskia without prompt payment, & when our little stock is exhausted, bad.
I know not what we shall do, except you take some care of us. Send
us as much Whiskey as you please, as we are forced to expend our Taf-
fia for provisions. The Enemy aie approaching the Opost, & fortifying MoTcmenta of
themselves at Miamis, fo that the Inhabitants of the Opost have peti- enemy,
tioned me for an officer & men to uphold the Honor of the State there,
which I have complied with.
In the Month of January, I have the pleasure to inform you we were
able to drink Brandy, Taffia & Wine, k with your good afsistance,
Whiskey too, but it has not made us fo faucy, but we can drink all the
Whiskey you can send us." * * * *
Sends under the care ^^ of Major Harlan, for the use of M'' Slaughter
& M" Roberts one hundred wt: of sugar, 12^^ soap and fifty wt: of
Coffee &c." ^^ I have the Pleasure to drink your health in a bumper
of your good Whiskey, k the honor to be your most obet:
humble servt,
&c: &c;
^^ I have taken notice of your Song k learned it. It is so good I
wish you had sent more of it. I am under the necefsity ot putting a
Stop to the Men's Rations of Liquor in order to purchase Provifions."
Major Rich^ Claiborne to the Governor : February i6th
The Afsistant Deputy Q: Masters have applied to him, to know Richmo„^
whether they and their agents are subject to the ensuing draft. He hears
that he and some of his ofHcers also are to be included. Thinks that Liabiiitiei of
the Persons of all Continental Officers, and others engaged in that service oflicen to draft
should be exempt from militia duty and drafts of every kind; but that .»"<* ^onse-
their property should be taxed in due proportion with others. If the ^j^Jlj^hii
men are uken away the businefs must suffer. His Commssion in the away.
Continental Line protects himself, but his Excellency must foresee the
t)6
men
sn
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 bad consequences of depriving htm of a single useful man, at a time
when the demands .of the Southern Army are so urgent In addition
February > ^ • ^^ jjjjg jjjg troops in the field must be supported by his department. Begs
he will give directions in this matter, in order that the ^^ operations of
his plan may not be delayed."
February 16th
P. Edward.
Measures
taken to rein-
force GenU
Greene.
Genl: Ro: Lawson to the Governor :
" Sir,
I yesterday was inform'd on my way home, that Genl: Green had
retreated to Dan River, being inferior to Cornwallis in his number of
men, who ^as pushing after him with great avidity. And that Gl:
Green had called upon the most convenient counties to turn out the
militia to his aid. Among one of the counties that are cali'd upon is
this. The Militia have met to day at the Court House (where I now
am) and I am confident that I could march the whole of them, that are
at all able to do military duty, were they properly arm*d ; but as they
are not arm'd, I have thought it most eligible to send only such as have
such arms as may serve untill better can be procured. The rest of the
Militia I have order'd to hold themselves in readinefs to march at a
moment's warning. Should it be consistent with your orders, I have
form'd a Company of Riflemen (pick'd men) consisting of 24 Rank &
file, have ordered them to march with all pofsible speed to General
Green. A company of about that number with very good Guns (not
musquets) march'd from this County last Evening under Capt: Moore.
And I have collected as many more Guns, as will enable me to march
another Company early To-morrow — in all about 100 men. If Arms
&c: can be procured I'll engage to march the whole force of the County
if necelsary.
I have sent down an Exprefs to your Excellency, in order to re-
ceive particular Orders, as to the forming, arranging & marching the
Militia in this quarter. As Gen^ Muhlenberg commands the militia
Desires to com- below, I wish, for yours, & the Baron's approbation to take command
of the Militia in this quarter, as I know them pretty generally, & am
well acquainted with the Country & the roads leading thro' it, espe
cially as it is the earnest desire of the people, that this should be the
case.
J must beg leave to suggest to y^ Excellency, that it is necefsary that
the tenor of my Commifsion should be alter'd. You'll recollect that
my Commifsion gave me command over the Volunteers only. As fuch
a body exists no longer, I must soUicit your Excellency, if agreeable to
the Honble: Board, that a new Commifsion be made out, giving me
command in the Militia, dated at the time my Volunteer one pafs'd the
board. I hope no objection can be form'd ag' this request of mine, par-
ticularly as the Hon^^® Major G^ The Baron de Steuben hath been
pleased to confer on me the command of all the Troops on the Southern
side of James River, had it been conv^ to me to continue at the post
below.
Altho' my Health is ftill impair'd, I cannot reconcile it to my feelings
His patriotiim. to Stay at home, when a vindictive & cruel Enemy are making such
rapid ftrides towards the Heart of our Country. You'll be pleas'd to
mand the
militia.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S23
inclose me the Commifsion with your full instructions, which I fhall 1781
literally k cheerfully fulfil so far as within my power.
1 hope the Exprefs will be dispatched as quick as may be. February x6th.
I have the honor to be,
with great respect Sir,
your Excellency's
most obe: fervant,
&c: ic."
Col: Thos: Newton to George Muter — in reply : February i6th.
A place called ^' Broadwater," in his opinion is the best location for Suffolk,
a ^' Magazine of Arms," provisions being already deposited there for
troops, and workmen can therefore be supplied. He will try to engage Broadwater.
some smiths at once upon the terms proposed ; and as soon as he hears
of arms or ammunition being sent down will repair to that place, to
receive them. Desires to know how many workmen will be required ;
shall endeavour to hire some negroes, but doubts whether any can be
gotten, as so many have run off to the enemy, and masters do not like Negroes run
to part with the few that remain. Axes, spades and entrenching tools ^^»
very much wanted there also.
Benj: Harrison to Genl: Washington : February i6tli.
" My dear Sir, PhiUddphia.
I arrived at this place five days ago^ sent by our Afsembly to make
application to Congrefs for immediate afsistance in men, arms, ammuni-
tion and cloathing, and was also directed to wait on you on the same
subject ; on Wednesday last I laid before a committee of that body the
businels I had in dharge, as fully as it was my power to do without
answers to letters I had written to the Governor of N. Carolina and
Gen; Green^ requesting of the one, the situation of his Government as
to the necefsaries for carrying on the war, and of the other his wants,
and return of what regular troops he had fit for duty & from whence
they came, these letters were written in the most respectful terms, and
with an afsurance that the only motives that actuated me were the Gene- No reply from
ral good however as answers are witheld, I suppose the enquiry was ^^'^S'*"*
looked on as improper, tho' I cannot yet by any means think so.
Our Afsembly on taking a full and acurate view of the Southern war,
and of our own situation, on whom very much of its succefs depends, are Success of the
justly alarmed, they find the Country greatly exhausted in the articles campaign in
of provisions, arms and military stores of all kinds, and that there is but „d^in on^*"
little prospect of afsistance in these particulars from the adjoining States, Virginia.
except as to provisions from N. Carolina, and even these we have but
too much reason to fear will be furnished in but scanty proportion. The
greatest part of the ammunition sent to the South went from Virg*, by
which means we are left with about 47000 ^' of powder of al^ kinds,
and much of that must be worked over before it can be used, several
thousand stand of arms have also gone on, but very few of them have
been returned, and those in such wretched order that they are uselefs to
us for want of artificers to repair them ; from this summary state of the
matter, you may easily conclude that our own safety forbids us to dis-
furnish ourselves any farther, as from the foregoing invasions of late, we
S24 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 have abundant reason to conclude that the enemy mean to over-run us
whenever an opportunity shall offer ; but our wants and distrefses do not
e ruary i . ^^^ here, we have still greater which seems to be almost insuperable.
Want of Vir- vvhat men we have in the field are so naked that they can render but
ginia roopt. jj^^j^ service, many of them have been ordered into Quarters, and the
remainder must soon follow unlefs a supply can be had. every method
has been tried by the Afsembly and Executive to furnish them, but with
very little succefs. not more than 300 suits of cloaths and about as
many blankets have been obtained, tho' we have made use of imprefs
where it was necefsary. The Afsembly have pafsed a Bill for raising
3000 men. I think we may expect at least 2500 from the law, but
without cloaths &c they will also be uselefs : next to Congrefs we look
up to you for afsistance, not doubting but you will do everything within
your line to forward the service.
Since the above, Congrefs have taken into their consideration the sub-
ject of the Southern ddFence, and have agreed on several resolutions
which I understand have been forwarded to you. I hope they will not
derange any plans that you may have formed, for you may depend on it
less will not save the Southern States. If the supplies expected by Con-
Necessity of grefs should arrive to the Eastward, we hope you will devise ways to get
ud from the ^y^^ proportion assigned us sent on, for without your interposition but
little of them will probably fall to our share. I should most certainly
have waited on you at Camp if your Journey Eastward had not prevented
me, when I could have explained our wants and difficulties more fully
than I can by letters but it being impofsible for me to wait your return,
I use the only method now left, that of enclosing to you the several
papers I have with me which will throw some light on the subject. I
wish you every felicity and succefs, and am with the
most perfect Friendship &c."
February 17th. Maj: Gen; B; Steuben to the Governor: Capt. Morris, a prisoner of war,
Chesterfield f^^^ Georgia, has applied to him for money to take him to Philadelphia,
Court House, but it is not in his power to supplv him. As this officer has furnished
^^ the Continent with large sums k wishes to settle his accounts" with
Congress, hopes he will receive the requisite aid.
February 17th. Maj*^ Rich^ Claiborne informs the Governor, that Lieut: Lambert is
Impressing ^^^ Commanding officer of the party, to imprefs Boats on James River.
Boats. These men should be armed, but as his authority does not extend to
such a power, he refers the subject to the Executive. The necefsity for
a guard must be apparent. He will send to Chesterfield C. House for
another party to go to Appomattox River. The instructions in regard
to James River will be sent to Sandy Point.
February X7th. Capt: Jas: Maxwell to the Governor :
Sute Yard. " Sir,
In answer to Yours of Yesterdays' date, I am to inform your Excel-
lency, that Gen^ Nelson haveing sent me word of the Arrival of a French
Fleet, the Jefferson and Tempest are immediately geting ready, under
State naval xh^ Command of Capts: Markham & Travers, and are now indeavour*
orce preparing .^^ ^^ ^^^ Volunteers at Williamsburg for this service.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 526
I have also ofercd M' Joel the command of the Louis Gaily (for the 1781
present) provided he can get 20 Men & Your Excellency Aproves of it. february 17th.
and I would also add the Tartar and Safe Guard to the above, if a proba-
bility of geting men.
I hope to be able to have matters in such a situation as to have this
in the Morning, and proceed up James River in search of such Vefsels
as You have described, where shall immediately wait on you, haveing
some Military Articles to dispatch down to our Navy.
I am with great Respect,
Your Excellencys* Most Obet.
and most humble Serv' "
&c: &c:
Turner Southall to Col° George Muter, informing him, that M' February 18th.
Nath^ Crow the bearer, who had built the Foundry, is now willing to The Foundry.
rebuild the roof, as soon as the terms for doing so are known. He is
the best Workman, who can be gotten ; recommends he be employed
at once.
Col^ Jas: 'Innes to Col° Muter : February 18th.
The Regiment stationed at Sandv Point under Major Turberville is in Q!?;»««" at
want of an immediate supply of fixed ammunition. The quantity on * ""*' "''*
hand at Williamsburg so small, that Genl: Nelson thinks it best, that ^,"^™d"'^'°"
the posts be supplied from Richmond \ he will therefore send Major
Turberville what he needs.
Baron Steuben to the Executive, recommending the removal of the February 18th.
prisoners, from the Barracks in Albemarle, to a place of greater safety. Chesterfield
C. House.
Maj' Genl: B. Steuben to Gov: Jefferson : f**»'»"7 i9tii
c( C.'r Che terfield
°*'^' C. House.
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency, Copy of a Letter I have
just rec* from General Greene.
_,, ,1 /• • r • t- • 1 i- If Necessity of
The absolute necelsity of supportmg him, & consequently of calhng supporting
out the militia, makes me extremely apprehensive that it will prevent Greene,
the drafting the Recruits, the time nxed for this is the 10*'* of March,
before this time there may be a necefsity of ordering out a part of every
County, should this happen, not a Recruit will be drafted & our whole
dependence will be on the militia. This consideration urges me to sub-
mit to your Excellency, if it would not be proper to order the Lieu-
tenants of those Counties, where militia are now at home, to draft their
Recruits immediately, if you approve this, the officers are ready, and
shall be sent to the places of Rendezvous immediately.
With great regard & respect,
I am your Excellency's
most obe' Sevt:
&c: &c:"
526
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
February 19th.
Cheiterfield
Court Hooie.
Conunenul
Oflicera
needed.
((
15%
<• General Orders Feby: 19"^."
Extract of a letter from General Greene, dated Boyd's ferry Feby:
1781."
^^ If the Militia are called out, let them be put under the Command of
Continental Officers, that are or have been in Service.
One half of the force Officered in this way, will give more effective
support than double their numbers upon the common footing, in which
the militia take the field "
The Critical Situation of this State Induces Baron Steuben to desire
all Continental Officers, who have been in service, & those who now
are (except such as are appointed to go with the first detachment, or
ordered to different rendezvous,) to join General Green immediately,
from the good opinion GenI: Greene exprefses of the Continental Offi-
cers, the General flatters himself, they will be happy to merit it, Sl at
the same time to afsist in saving their State. Those who will go are to
give in their names to Col; Davies."
February 19th. David Rofs informs the Governor, he has the offer of about four
Richmond. hundred pair Soldier's Stockings ; although he learns, Overalls are sub-
Oveniij, &c. stituted for stockings, for the troops at Chesterfield C. House. . Thinks
they will be necessary for the Southern Army just returned to Virginia,
and who may be exposed to very severe trials. adds — " If Ld: Corn-
wallis has any substantial objects in view, from his extraordinary move-
ments, it may be presumed he has good reason to expect another Army
sent from New York ; in that case Petersburg would not be safe, & I
have directed that some Provisions which I have in the neighborhood
sh* be sent up to the Fork."
February 19th.
SecreUry*8
office.
Chas: Thompson to the Governor of Virginia :
" Sir,
Enclosed you will receive twenty four blank commissions, with blank
bonds and Instructions for private armed Vefsels ; you will please to give
orders that the bonds when Executed be returned into this Office,
When more are wanted, they fhall on the first notice be sent,
by Sir,
Your obed^ hum: ferv',
&c: &c;"
February 19th. Benj: Harrison to Gov: Jefferson :
Pbnadelphia. "Sir,
When I did myself the pleasure of writing to you last, I fully expected
the Powder would have been sent off the next day to Fort Pitt, but the
Q. Master afsures me that with his utmost efforts he was not able to
procure waggons till this day, and now only to go as far Carlisle, for
which place they set out this Evening, he thinks there will be no diffi-
culty in getting it on immediately from thence, as that Country abounds
in waggons. I wish the delay may not be attended with bad consequences;
be that as it may, I could not prevent it.
The Committee to whom I was referred, carry in their report this day;
I have been treated with the greatest politenefs by them and Congrefs,
Powder for
Fort Pitt.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S2'j^
and have every reason to expect they will grant me full as much as I 178 1
asked) but I forsee very great difficulty in their carrying their resolutions p ,
into effect, they being extremely poor and their Crcd^ but low Some ^^^^ *^ '
difficulties will arise on the removal of the Convention Troops, tho' I
expect the opposers of the measure will be overruled, as the objections
only come from this State and Maryland, the other members of Con-
grefs that I have seen are convinced of the necefsity of its being imme-
diately done, and will, I am persuaded order it accordingly. I have also
succeeded in the businefs of supplies as far as it can be done on this side
the water, being promis'd the most favourable representations of the mat-
ter, and given to understand that there is little doubt of our obtaining
what we have asked ; but this, it is wished may be kept a secret as far as
the nature of the thing will admit of.
I had some conversation with the French Minister on the subject of
Bermuda and Irish trade, he seems extremely averse to their being per-
mitted, and thinks it will prove injurious to the common cause. I shall
leave the matter to our Delegates, who I am confident will use their
endeavours to have them put on a proper footing. The Arms &c: car-
ried into Rode Island, have been some time on board a French Frigate
to be sent to York Town, if she can pofsibly get there if not I have
requested of the Minister to have them landed at New Castle on this
River, and shall leave what money I shall have left w^'^ the Delegates to
forward them on to Fredericksburg We have pretty certain authority
that a ship of the line belonging to Arbuthnot's fleet is lost, and three ^o» of English
others dismantled, which will give such a superiority to the French that ^"** *'
they may if they please render us very efsential j-ervice. in Virginia, and I
think you may expect soon to see them.
Your favor of the 7th instant came to hand late yesterday. I made
the request of the Officers, known to some of the members of Congrefs,
and was informed by them that Congrefs had before had the subject
under consideration ; and had refused it, looking on it as an absolute
breach of faith. Yet as the Virg* Delegates think with me that articles
may be sent that cannot give offence to our allies, except that it opens a
road to private adventurers, they have agreed to propose the thing
again, I have therefore put the papers into their hands.
The long expected Paul Jones arrived here yesterday, the spirits of a
man never were raised higher than mine were when I heard he was in
the river, but a sad reverse took place when certainly informed that he Paul jonet.
had not one article of Cloathing. what occasioned this great disappoint-
ment, time must discover. VVe shall derive little comfort from the
knowledge, if the delay brings ruin with it. and may that not be the case
if our soldiers can not be cloathed. This Town abounds with cloth,
but the only way Congrefs can obtain it is on credit, and as I before said plenty of
theirs is at best a low ebb. Perhaps I might prop it if I had power so to cloth, but no
do, by plighting the faith of Virg% that if it was not paid in six months, *=*'*^*^
that we would do it in Tobacco. I mean as far as two thousand suits
of cloaths would cost, which it appears to me should absolutely be
obtained at any expence. I can scarce refrain from making the experi-
ment knowing the advantage my Country would reap by my succefs, and
would certainly do it if I did not know there were some who wish to
censure me and lower me in the Eyes of my Countrymen, and there is
no greater field for malevolence to work in than going beyond the powers
intrusted to me. I am in hopes Congrefs will determine on the report
628 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 in a day or two. as soon as I have ma^e enquiry what can be done in
. the article of cloathing I shall set out on my return, and take Anapolis
'in my way, and if the cartouche boxes are to be found will forward
them on to Fredericksburg.
I have the honor to be, with every sentiment
of Esteem, your most obedient
and most Humble Servant."
February 19th. John Teackle to the Governor : Drawing attention to the deplorable
Accomack Co. situation of the Galleys on that shore He has never had instructions
concerning them, other than to furnish provisions, and superintend re-
Oallict. pairs &c. They are exposed to the British and to '^ internal foes.'* and
unless sold soon, will be of no value to the State. The Seines are in-
jured and rotting, the barges and all the perishable property on them ^4n
a bad way." He fears the officers have applied " the Countrys* property
to private uses."
February 19th. Saml: Hodgdon to Col: Benj: Harrison Com^ Genls'
Philadelphia office — Carpenters' Hall, Chesnut Street :
"Sir,
The five waggons that you directed the Quarter Master to send to
the Magazine to be loaded with powder for the State of Virginin, having
taken in three tons and eighty four pounds neet, being as much, it seems
as they can carry, they, the waggoners inform me, you have no particu-
lar directions for its delivery at c5arlisle. We have a Commifsary there
Powder for and a Magazine, who may receive and depofit the powder safely until
Virginia. further orders, but he is by no means furnished to get it on. and with-
out a special order from the Quarter Master here accompanies it, it .nay
lay there this six months, from this you will see the necefsity of pro-
curing an order on the Q^ Master at Carlisle, to have it forward imme-
diately on its arrival, if this is not done, it might as well lie here, for any
service it will be to the State * * •
You will please to call and give me a receipt for what is forwarded.
I am Sir,
your very humble serv'
&c: &c:
February 20th. J. Pryor, Field Com: Mil: Stores to Col: G. Muter:
Ricliniond. He has rec^ orders from Baron Steuben to have two 13-Inch- Mortars
mounted ^' on Beds" and equipped for the field immediately, with one
hundred Shells. M' P. Woolfolk will receive these stores and the necef-
sary instructions.
Morcart.
February »oth. The Executive approve the appointment of Capt: Browne Com-
mifsary of Military Stores, with the same allowance of pay given to
Capt: Irish his predecessor, including " reasonable expenses while travel-
ling on the duties of his office."
F bruar 10th J"^' ^^^^^^ "Senior Commifsary Convention Army," informs Gov;
' Jefferson, of his having received instructions from Major Genl: Phillips,
ChariottetvUie through Brig: Genl: Hamilton, that the " Convention Troops" .should
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 5^9
not receive money for the Provisions due them. He wishes the Germans 1781
to receive the provisions at Charlottsville and the British at Frederick-
town.
Col: Geo: Elliott, Field Q. Master to Gov: JeiFerson: Febrmnr loth.
He has been required by Baron Steuben to furnish horses for a line
of Exprefses between Genl: Gregory's Posts and Suffolk, and is at a lofs
to know how he is to do it. The policy of imprefsing unwise, the horses
being always greatly over valued. He had frequently been obliged to ^^^^ °^ ^^'
pay fourteen thousand pounds tobacco apiece for animals thus procured ; P'*"™""'*
which might have been gotten for six thousand cash. Major Claiborne
has ordered him to return all the horses imprefsed by the late orders of
Baron Steuben, but he finds it impofsible to do so, because Armand's
Corps had been mounted on many of them, some were in use by the
Baron's " Military family" and many are below with the Army. Many
of the people refuse to take their horses back, and claim pay for them
instead.
Benj: Harrison to the Governor : February aoth.
He is employed by Maj' W°^ Harrison, under instructions of the South Branch
Executive, to purchase Beef & flour and building boats. The scarcity ©^ Poto«n«c,
of beef on the western side of the ^^ Allegania Mountain" has obliged
him to come to this country to procure the necefsary supply, but finds that Scarcity of beef.
not a sixth part can be gotten. This condition of things must continue
until the vegetation will admit of pasturage. Desires instructions as to
what he shall do.
Col: J: Wood to Gov: Jefferson : February aoth.
'* Sir, CharlottMTUle,
I this Instant received your letter of the 18'*^ Instant, and have given ff o'clock A.
orders for the immediate march of the Convention Troops without their
Baggage, as we have but very few Waggons at the Post. The Troops
have been without meal for six Days Past, and but a very small quantity
of Beef on hand, so that I foresee the greatest Difficulty, indeed an
Impofsibility of procuring Provisions by the mode you mention — in con-
sideration of which I have dispatched Ben: Calvert, Exprefs, in expecta- Periom tuffer-
tion that the money received by M' Brown for the use of this Post, f"^/"' ^*°^ °^
should be immediately sent, to enable me to subsist the Troops. I
Received an Exprefs from Fredericktown yesterday, informing me that
the Troops had been without animal food for Eight days, and that they
had drawn but one Pound of Flour in that time *, so that I am fully per-
suaded that the State of Maryland is altogether unable to subsist the
Troops, and will not receive the Germans. My own Idea of the proper
mode of accommodating them at the Present, would be to divide them Suggest a mode
between Winchester, Martinsburg and the Warm Springs, where there Ihcmf^'^'^"*
is a number of vacant Houses. If you should approve this ; I hope you
will signify it, and impower me to take Pofsession of the empty Houses
at the Warm Springs. I shall stay here untill the return of the Exprefs,
in Order to forward the Stragglers, and shall then follow with the great-
est Expedition*
67
S30
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Speculator!
amongst the
prisoners.
1 78 1 Col^ Meninger Appears to be highly Pleased with the Proposal of
th Pu^^h^s^'^g ^^^''' Bills, and will write you on the Subject. I find that
c ru^ • ^1^^ Exchange has risen considerably, the last considerable purchase of
specie from them was at 100 for one about three weeks ago. Small
sums have since been negotiated at 120 ; at present they ask 500 dol-
lars for a Guinea ; for Bills, the highest that has been given was 18 s.
to the Guinea paid in specie, or Paper at the Exchange of 100 for one.
there is a number of speculators Tampering with them at this Time,
from Pensylvania : if any thing is Done, it must be suddenly, as they
are now in the greatest want of money. Indeed, I am afraid that the
movement will oblige them to take the offers which have been made
there. • * • »
^^ Sometime ago nine Germans were sent here from Richmond I
understand, by the Baron Steuben, they have been closely confined
ever since : they are under great apprehensions of being delivered to
their own Officers ; I really believe they wish to remain in the country,
and I think woul'd be useful Labourers. I pray your Excellency to in-
form me what I am to do with them, they will remain with the guard
which must be left to take care of the Tan Yard, Stores, Invalids
&c.
Col^ Taylor thinks that a number of his men cou'd be enlisted for
three years, to serve under their own Officers in the Continenul Army,
and wishes to know whether such Officers who raise'd them cou'd have
rank in the Army.
I hive the honor to be,
Sir,
yor: Excellency's
very ob* fervant,
&c: &c:"
February 20th. Coh J. Banister to Gov: Jefferson :
Dinwiddie Co. " Dea^ Sir,
I am happy in having anticipated your orders respecting the Arms,
having before directed the Captains to collect every effective Fire-lock
in the County to a proper Place on the Road leading to Taylers Ferry ;
but I fear when the best endeavours are used, few will be the number,
as the collection has repeatedly been made to arm the Continental Sol-
diers sent from hence. And I cannot help observing how unjust it is in
Great want of Congress, not to afsist us with arms, w*hen we have to contend singly,
with the greatest part of the british army. The men of this and all
the counties, between this Place and the Enemy, are highly animated in
their County's cause &; I am convinced would turn out to a man, if they
could be armed." * ♦ * * *
arms.
** Convinced of the impofsibility of collecting the Beef Tax, in this
County, I have agreed to accept of the People, the same quantity of
The people will Fork, which is more advantageous to the publick & lefs difficult for the
furnish pork, individuals.
You will pardon me for suggesting that now is the time to strike a
waiiis and ^^^^ ^^ ^^® british arm) , & that the thing should be rendered as certain
the Savages, ^s numbers cap make it. The hot-spur Cornwallis is followed by a
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 681
number of Savages from the Creeks; judge what distress the poor 1971
defencelefs inhabitants must experience as thev pafs thro' their country.
I am dear Sir, with
perfect esteem, your mo: obet:
& mo: humble fervt:
Ac: ftc:"
* Samuel Huntington, Prest: of Congrefs to Gov: Jefferson, enclosing February loth.
"Resolves of Congrefs," dated in Congrefs Feby: 20*** 1781. PhiUddpWi
^^ Resolved, That the several States southward to Pensylvania be and
hereby are required to furnish their respective quotas of supplies of the
Southern Army, timely and regularly.
That the States aforesaid, and the State of Pensylvania be, and hereby strengthening
are required to compleat their respective quotas of troops and Toward them ^^^ Southern
to join the Southern Army without lofs of time. Army.
Resolved, That it be and hereby, is recommended to the Executives
of the States of Delaware, Maryland Virginia and North Carolina to
agree upon, and settle an arrangement for supplying the Southern Army
with Provisions from the States moft contiguous and for replacing the
same with provisions from those that are more remote, and to establish
such mode of transportation as will be moft convenient and less expen-
sive to the whole.
Extract from the minutes.
CHAS: THOMSON, Secy."
James Hunter to Gov: Jefferson — in reply : February 10th
The order for one thousand Camp Kettles for the State is now fully Stafford Co.
compleated, and the greater part delivered in accordance with instruc-
tions ; an accurate statement shall be made, and transmitted to his Ex-
cellency. He is now executing an order for Genl: Greene's army ; but
the requisition for an additional thousand kettles for the State, just operations at
received, will be immediately recognized and filled. No exertion on his Hunter*! workt
part shall be spared, " where the public good is concerned." Exprefses *^*
great regret he was unable to repair the muskets sent there some weeks
ago, especially as they were so much wanted. But the making and
repairing small arms ^^ once prosecuted to so considerable an extent " at
his works, had been for some time past discontinued, for want of work-
men. These had left him because, by Act of Afsembly, they had been
rendered subject to Militia duty, draughts, &c, from which they had
always been exempt. Has no doubt this branch of the works might be
re-established with benefit to the state, but not with profit to himself,
provided exemption from military duty be secured to Artificers, clerks,
&c. should the State undertake to do this, he will give every afsistance
in his power, and charge nothing for the use of the buildings formerly
used for this purpose, or for the tools in his possession, which may be
useful.
" In Council, F,b,^ „,j^
Whereas the Honble House of Afsembly of this State, did on the Wednesday,
twenty third day of September last authorise the President and Council, Philadelphia.
*Bean handsome impressiou of private seal in wax.
63$
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
February list.
Boundary be-
tween Penn*
and Virginia.
to appoint two Commifsioners on the part of the State, in conjunction
with Commifsioners to be appointed by the State of Virginia, to extend
the Line commonly called Mafon and Dixsons' line hve Degrees of
Longitude, from Delaware River, and from the western termination of
the line fo extended to run and mark as foon as may be a meridian line
to the Ohio River, the remainder of that line to be run as foon as the
President and Council, taking into their consideration the disposition of
the Indians shall think it prudent. And the Prefident and Council are
hereby authorized to give to the faid Commifsioners fuch instructions in
the Premifes as they shall think fit.
Whereupon the (ame being considered.
Refolved, That John Lukens Esquire, and Archibald McLean Es-
quire of York County, be appointed Commissioners for the purpose
aforesaid, that a draught of instructions be prepared as foon as possible,
and that the President be requested to give notice of this appointment
to the Governor of Virginia.
Refolved, That a copy of the said appointment be forwarded to the
Houfe of Representatives, and the Houfe be requested to fix the Allow-
ance for the Commissioners and their assistants.
Refolvedy That the tenth day of May next be proposed to the State
of Virginia to proceed in the faid business, if that time shall be conve-
nient to the faid State. And that in case of the death, sickness or the
inability of either of the above Commissioners, Alexander McLean Es-
quire of Westmoreland be appointed a Commifsioner on the part of this
State.
Extract from the Minutes,
JAMES TRIMBLE,
for T. Y. MATLACK,
Secy.
February 2itt,
Williamsburg.
Deplorable
condition of
the troops*
Danger of
mutiny*
Gen. Nelson ill.
Col: Jas: Innes to the Governor :
"Sir,
The prefent distressed Situation of the Militia under my command in-
duces me to address your Excellency on their behalf. The moft of
them are totally destitute of the necefsary cloathing to protect them from
the inclemency of the weather. They are lousy, dirty & ragged, and
from these circumstances become every day more sickly. In addition
to this, such a spirit of disquietude prevails among the poorer class, whose
corporeal labours are necessary to sustain their families, that I have been
and still am, apprehensive of a mutiny, unless fome assurances can be
given of a speedy relief. I have sent up Capt: Richeson, in whom I
repose much confidence, personally to report to you, the wretched situa-
tion of the troops which compose my Regiment. The Evil conse-
quences which would flow from a mutiny of the militia, in our present
circumstances, induces me contrary to my Ideas of military Discipline, to
adopt a Temporizing conduct. I have prevailed on the Troops to wait
patientlv yr: Excellencys' answer, which I supposed would be the pros-
pect of relief in some given time." * * *
* • • CI Capt: Edens' Company of Artillery,
with two field pieces, are detached to York, to give protection to the
prizes sent to that post, by Commodore Tilly.
Genl: Nelson is at present, confined to his chamber with a violetn
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 533
pleurisy : by whose request, during his indispcsition I have taken com- 1781
mand of the Troops in this Quarter. I am still, tho' I have been in ^ .
service from the commencement of the Invasion, with^ a commifsion.
I only mention this circumstance to yr: Excellency, as in case of cap-
ture I should be very hardly treated,
I imagine ere this you have heard of the black affair at Westover.
I have the honor to be
very respectfully,
yr: most ob* Servent.
&c: &c:
Maj' Claiborne requests the Governor to order the *' Duck " in the February 2nt.
pofsession of a person in Petersburg ; which is suitable and necessary for Richmond.
tents, to be delivered to M' Elliott, to be made up immediately.
Capt: Sans to Genl: Nelfon at Williamsburg ; Announces the February ant.
arrival at York, of eight prizes taken by M. C. Gardeur de Tilly the York.
French Commodore — all under care of Capt Cottes in the prize Brig
Cornwallis. The French Squadron lying at anchor in Lynhaven Bay "" '* *"'
between the Horse Shoe and Cape Henry, at present, but will soon enter
York River. One of their frigates ordered to cruise in the Bay. Asks
permifsion to be allowed the use of four guns and their shot lying down
near the waters edge ; for the purpose of rescuing his Brig, blockaded up
in Pianketank by six privateers, which must be lost unlesfs soon
relieved.
Major Geo: Waller to Gov: JefFerson : Has just received his Excel- February 2iit
lency's of the 15*^ Inst: calling for their Militia to the aid of Genl: Henry County
Greene — ^also the satisfaction to inform him, that the approach of the TTestem mili'
enemy being so alarming had caused the Militia to afsemble, and they cia join Greene.
had already joined Genl: Greene in greater numbers than called for.
Flatters himself the next accounts from Cornwallis will be more to his
Excellency's satisfaction. He is just informed that Col" Preston, Crocket,
Shelby and Campbell from the West are on their way to the afsistance ^^ . ^ ^^
of Genl: Greene. The Hospital for the Sick and wounded of Morgan's Henry Court
command, is established at Henry C. House, together with some military House.
stores.
George Elliott informs Col: Muter, of a large number of arms there February 2i8t.
in need of repairs — recommends a person, who has tools, and is fully Petersburg.
capable and willing to work, can make canteens, wagons &c: &c.
Ben); Harrison of V* to the Pres: of Congrefs ; February 22d.
" Sir, Philadelphit.
I had it in exprefs charge from the State of Virginia to prefs your
ho norable body in the strongest terms to give immediate orders for the
removal of the Saratoga Prisoners out of the State. I took the liberty Rf™o^*l ©^
to lay before the Committee appointed to confer with me, the many Virginia. ^"^
cogent reasons that induced the Afsembly to give me such directions, and
ha dmy hopes that this business would have been done on the favorable
6S4 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
- ■ ■ - ■ ■ ■ Mi
1 78 1 report made, but am this moment informed that this part of it is post-
poned ; I hope I shall not be thought to intrude on Congrefs by request-
t niary22 , .^^ them to Call the subject again into consideration. The members of
the Committee will, I make no doubt, give the many reasons I urged
McMureatorc- for the measure, from which I am induced to hope Congrefs will imme-
li!!!™fl"M diately order their removal. The great distress of our Officers Pri-
York. soners m New York has been made known to our Aisembly. they wish
most earnestly to relieve them, but have it not in their power without
Congrefs will give a sanction to their sending some of the commodities
of the Country to be sold in New York for that purpose. Specie is so
scarce in the State, that it is not to be obtained but at such an exorbitant
discount that no country on earth can bear it. add to this the certain
tendancy that buying it will have in depreciating the new Continental
money. I beg; leave to request the favor of Congrefs to take the sub-
ject into consideration, and enable me to lay their determination before
our Afsembly which will be sitting when I return.
I have the honor to be, with &c."
February aid. Col* Garret Van Meter to Gov: Jefferson — acknowledging receipt of
Hampihire Co his Excellency's Orders of the 24'** December and 19*^ Jan'y on the
13*** Inst: As Col: Enoch Innis Commifsioned C^ Lieutenant had
never qualified, the command devolves upon him. The Act of Afsem-
bly for recruiting for the Continental Line, and the Seventy five thou-
sand Pounds for supplying the Militia ordered to join Col^ Clark also
received ; but the late arrival of those important papers will prevent
these measures from proper execution in the time required ; nevertheless,
he has given all necefsary orders, appointed a Commifsary & Quarter
Master, who will procure the provisions and forward them by way of
Fort Pitt, tho' he does not know where Col° Clarke now is.
February 23d. Col: Gcorge Muter to the Executive, enclosing accounts of expenses
Wtr Office. ^^^ collecting and bringing over " eighteen months soldiers" from the
Eastern shore. Is at loss to known how they are to be paid. His
authority was from Col° Webb. Capt: Walker is now on that shore
Deserters &c. ^*^^ orders to coUect and bring over all the men and deserters remaining
there ; of whom he hears there is a great number.
February 23d. Turner Southall informs Col: Muter, that M' Crow is very desirious
Northumbcr- ^° undertake the re-building the Foundry. Thinks he cannot do better
land Co. than to make the same terms with him, that he has agreed upon with
his brother for building the boring-mill. The necefsary timber, can be
gotten from the Public lands, which will be saving to the State.
* Col: Tho* Gaskins to Governor Jefferson :
Hon' Sir,
You'l Receive this by M' John Gordon, who promifes to take down
with him the proceedings of our Court martial in September Last, in
* Upon the trial and investigations had by these Courts, a Urge number of men, were under
the then existing Uw condemned to serve as common soldiers dorjng the war, others for eighteen
months only. It will be observed that although the rioters are declared to have been guilty of
murder, wounding, &c., in the above proclamation, the death penalty does not appear to have
been inflicted in any case. The policy of conciliation seems to have been thought wiser, than
the adoption of sterner meatores.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 63S
regard to the Rioters then in our County, it appears we have been 1781
much blamed by some for our proceedings, but I hope upon the matter p . .
being fully inquired— —they '1 find we have done well, the reason we
took the rioters in for 18 months, was to incourage them to come in. coi. Gaiklns
those that stood out had not that benefit and there are many now out & on the People
some have gone over to the Enemy, by i^eting on board of fome of their ?^ Northum-
i-1 Ti-i r^ "^ r ^ \ •«♦/• /-I berland Co., re-
veisels. i also mclose you one Coppy of an advertiz"^' for your further ,i9t the draft to
information, almost the whole County was inflaim'd. I had given or- fumiih men for
ders a day or two before the draft to five or six Cap^ to furnish a num- tfaeContinenttl
ber of men to oppose those that mutinied, but to my great supprise few ^^^'
or none appeared in our favour & the very men I most confided in ap-
peared in arms against us. I think I can say with truth that our Little
Company of Volunteers & mostly of them officers, nor more than 32 in
number behaved well by subduing almoste a whole County ; and the
proceedings of the Court-martial we thought was for the best to en-
courage the outlying rioters to come in. I am
Hon^ Sir y' Mosteob^' &
very Humb^ ServS
P. S. for further particulars I
refer you to bearer W Gordon
who lives near the Courthouse and
is well acquainted with the whole
proceedings.
T-G.
Enclosed in the above is the following Proclamation: Proclamation
Northumberland County Sept; 18^^ 1780. Jj'J^S'*^^,
Whereas, a number of Persons entered into a most criminal & unlaw* held.
ful combination to Prevent the due Execution of an Act of the last
Session of Afsembly for furnishing this States* Quota of Troops to the
Continental Army, and did on Thursday & Friday, the 14'** & is'^ In-
stant appear in arms, or aid k abet those who did appear in Arms, at
the Courthouse of this County, & then k there did by Force k Threats
obstruct the Execution of the Law, disturbe the Peace of this Common-
wealth, and murder, wound or annoy many of the good People thereof,
and
Whereas, certain of the refused or promise of Pardon, to surrender
themselves up k to engage for the future peaceable Demeanour & Sub-
mission to the Laws, but did abscond in Defiance thereof. Therefore a
Court Martial was held at the Court House on Saturday the 16^ Instant "
&c: &c: '^ • • • * * *
The Court was composed of the following officers :
Oflicen of the
Col*. Thos: Gaskins, Col^ Winder Kenner, Capt: Charles Lee, Capt: Courti, Ac,
" ^ - ~ - - ~ held at dir
ent times.
W°» Nutt, Capt; Thomas Downing, Capt: John Rogers, Capt: Joseph »>«i'i *^ **»«■«-
Harcum & Capt: Abraham Bracham.
Several succefsive Courts were held on the 25*^ Sept: 1780 k on the
26*^ September,
Present-
Col; Thos: Oaskins, Col: Tho* Jones, Capt: Chas: Lee, Capt: W°^
SS6 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Downing, Capt: John Rogers, Capt: John Harcum, John Span Webb,
Capt: George Eskridge, Capt: John Digges and others.
February a3d. Major John Mazaret, Comdg: Artillery to Gov: Jefferson:
Prince Edward. Xhe *' Unhappy situation " of both Officers and men induces him to
addrefs his Excellency. Many of his Officers and men have not received
a ^^ single farthing" or an article of clothing for more than a year ;
Soidien naked. " they are all as naked as when they were born." Aware of his Excel-
lency's sympathy for his Soldiers, he takes the liberty of sending Capt:
Rice with the hope of getting some relief. After a tedious retreat of six
weeks, he arrived at Prince Edward C^ House on the 20^ inst: with five
pieces of Artillery, two Howitzers, ^^ 20 waggons loaded with ammuni-
tion and all the heavy baggage."
February 13d. Col: W™ Davies to the Governor: The constant prefsure of busi-
Chesterficid. "^^^ ^^^ "^' allowed him time to find " the plan for the Clothiers
Department." He can have the deer skins drefsed there, very well if
Deer ikins. j^^ ^^^ j^^^^ permifsion to detain the men, who understand it.
February 23d. J. H. Norton informs Col: Muter, he has a " Negro Fellow" to hire
out, on the same terms given by the state to M' Harmer. The " Fel-
lows name is Pompey," and if hired, must be allowed " to go as far as
my Plantation in Hanover for his Cloathes."
February 24th. Col: James Wood to the Executive : Accommodations are so much
Charlotteiville "^^^^^i *"^ provisions are so scarce at Winchester and the neigbbor-
' hood, that he shall be obliged to send a part of the German prisoners to
Stovers Town or Shepherd's Town.
February 24th. ^°'- James Innes informs the Governor, the Return he requires had
' been sent to the Adjut: General " above nine days since." He sup-
Wiliiamsburg. p^g^g j^ jj^g miscarried, " from the Villiany of the Exprefs-riders, every
Complaints one of whom that I am acquainted with ought to suffer Death." Here^
agaiott Express ^j^j^ ggnds a second account of the two Regiments at and below
^*^'"- W'^'burg. * * ♦ *
Concludes — " I can with truth afsure yr: Excellency, that I never,
within the compass of my short existence experienced so much real
The Militia anxiety as has fallen to my lot for a few Days past on ace' of the muti-
routinous. nous Spirit which prevails among the Militia in service* in this Quarter.
The promise of relief has appeased them for a time, and I hope they
will remain quiet untill actual reliefs do arrive.
General Nelson desires me to remind yr: Excellency that in a few
Days, legislative Duties will call us from our Commands ; he requests
that you would inform the Baron of this circumstance that officers may
be timously sent down to supply our places."
/'
February 24th. CqI: Ed; Carrington to Gov: Jefferson :
fivrLlM^south ^Major Claiborne has sent him a Copy of his Excellency's letter on
tide of Dam. the subject of the ** Estimates to be complied with in Virginia ;" and
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 687
which are so great as to place them beyond even an attempt to meet 1781
them. In making up these estimates, tie had not regarded the finances p . .
of the State, so much as the wants of the Army ; and had some expecta-
tions at least of an attempt to comply with the requisitions, altho' it
might be out of the power of the State to complete them. He really
did not suppose these demands carried to their fullest extent would have
been excefsive. He thinks the Governor has been led into serious error
in his Estimates made to Genl: Greene, in some articles ; and refers to
his own requisition for fifty thousand Bushels of grain, whereas in that
of his Excellency five hundred thousand are demanded. Suggests, on
this account that perhaps a revision of these estimates might result in
reducing the sum to a lefs alarming amount — continues : ^' I believe
my Estimate contains very few articles which are not already in the
Country & I apprehend that a State engaged in raising men, would be as
soUicitous to equip & support them in the field, as to enlist them: Vir-
ginia has already experienced the fatal consequences of not paying an
equal Regard to both these points. My Estimate is made for the Vir-
ginia Line, supposing the new Establishment to be compleat in men. If
it is too large, it is not my fault, but that of Congrefs, in calling on her
for more men than she could raise & equip."
Jas: Hamilton to Gov: Jefferson :
^^ Sir, February 24th.
I have the honor of receivine your Excellency's Letter of the 3^ Frederick*!
Instant, with an extract from Alajor Genl; Phillip's Letter, which by Town,
adhearing to, in your ordering any Sum, from one to five thousand
Pounds in Specie, to be paid M' Giddes here, for the use of the Troops
of Convention, I shall immediately write to New York, that your prison-
ers may receive an equivalent sum there, payable to those only, you
shall please Direct it to be given.
My orders are such, that I cannot receive the sum mentioned in your
Letter, in any other manner.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your Excellencies, most obed' and
most Humble Servant,
&c: &c.
Major N. Mitchell Adg't Genl: to Genl: Muhlenberg 5 to Maj; Gen: ^^^^^ »4th.
Steuben : Camp near
Genl: Muhlenberg has ordered the reorganization of the Troops as Scott't.
instructed, and it will be immediately carried into effect, but he conceives
it to be impofsible to keep the Companies, Battalions & Regiments full, sickneu
by reason of the great sicknefs amongst the troops unlefs some corps are amongst the
disbanded and incorpoiated into others. troopt.
L. Mosby informs the Governor, he had, in obedience to orders sent February 24th.
" all the men that cou'd be furnished with Armes" one hundred and six powhatan.
rank and file, under the command of Capt: Hughes and Williamson, too
gentlemen he has a great opinion of. Major Thos: Harris being sick
stayed at home. He has not been able to enforce the recruiting Act tor
68 .
638
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
y
the Continental line, because the Militia had been kept so long below,
and called out so soon after their return. Nothing could be done, until
those sent to the aid of Genl: Greene shall have returned.
Februsry 24tli.
Avguita Co.
Dangen from
•peculator!.
Joseph Bell to Gov: Jefferson : Making Returns under the provision
Law. Had received the instructions in regard to procuring ^^ grafs beef
and Salt" too late ; those being either all sold, or put up to be fed, and
could not be ^^ taken under that denomination."
Unless more severe laws are pafsed against speculators, or Ingrofsers"
the Country will not be able to supply any more beef. Large droves
are being carried off from the back country, greatly to the distrefs of the.
good men in the field. He has been endeavoring to collect cattle from
the farmers in accordance with the law for that purpose, but the
** Ingrofsers" had engaged them, that, under orders from Col. Wood, he
had seized many and had them appraised \ but the people being informed
by attorney's paid to do so, that this was illegal, he expects to be sued,
but hopes to be protected. Unlefs this evil be arrested, the Army must
suffer. The people, in addition to this, are unwilling to trust the State;
the certificates given by Com'* of Provision Law having become worth-
less, nothing can be now gotten on credit. It were far better to put
money into g;ood mens' hands to pay as they purchase. **Good Whigs"
perform their duty with most punctuality.
February 25th. Chris: Calvert, complains to the Executive, that altho* he is physically
South Quay. "'^^^ ^^^ military duty; and the law requires his office to be kept open
daily from '''ten to three" o'clock on penalty of fine he is required **to
muster fifteen miles" away. Submits that he should be exempted from
military service, or his office be closed.
February 25th. Jos*. Hawkins to John Brown, Richmond, urging him to send foward
a supply of funds necefsary to purchase provisions for the German
Troops (prisoners) as nothing can be gotten without money. M' Mor-
ton has gone on to lay in provisions for the troops on there march to
Winchester.
February 2sth. j^^j^^ g^j^j^d Claiborne to the Executive :
Richmond. ^^Sir
I do myself the honor to write to your Excellency and Council re-
specting the duty of Field Quarter Master within this State. I have ob-
served, for a long time that there is very little regularity or system in that
Line; but have declined saying anything upon the subject, hoping that a
Great want of proper System would be put into the hands of the persons employed, but
tystem m t e j^ ^^^ there is no such thing done, nor is there a principal in Commifsion
to call the subordinate officers to account for their receipts and ifsues. I
feel myself the more interested in this matter, because the greater part
of the stores used with the Troops are received from me, and I wish to
be informed of their application. It cannot be expected that men who
are called into the Field, upon the spur of occafsion can be well and
timely supplied from this Department^ unlefs there are officers held in
readinefs with Stores and supplies in their pofsefsion, and acquainted with
Quarter Maa-
tera Depart-
ment.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS, S39
the businefs. These officers I have, who are established and will save 1781
an unnecefsary expense and delay in appointing a new set, by acting for
the troops in case of Invasion. While Troops are kept in such small * '"'^ *^ *
and scatered Bodies, as they must be from the situation of this Country, obieirations
it is seldom necefsary to appoint more than Brigade Quarter Masters to thereupon,
act with them, and to receive and Ifsue Stores. A Deputy Q*" Master
in the Field therefore, would only be an expence to the Public, and be
little able to give proper afsistance. The greater part of his time would
be taken up in riding, which must be performed with public horses, while
the Brigade (^Masters would perform the whole duties. Was an army
of Five or Six Thousand men to be in one Body, a Deputy Field Quar-
ter Master would he necefsary, but in our present situation, experience in
similar cases for Three or four years has taught me that such an appoint-
ment would be entirely uselefs. I wish the Executive to consider of this
matter, and if they view it in the same light that I do, they will take
steps to put the businefs under my direction that I may make a proper
arrangement in it immediately, as I am very apprehensive there must be
many improper applications and Ifsues made from a want of the necef-
sary instructions to those officers who are now acting. I have concurred
with M' Elliott, who was appointed by Col® Carrington upon the subject,
and he will cheerfully act as an afsistant on the South Side of James
River, and I am persuaded Maj^ Day who is an Afsistant Deputy Q^ Important lug-
Master at Williamsburg will act on the East side. Those Gentlemen 8«"*®"*»
will always have Stores which will be convenient for the troops in the
lower parts of the State, and will Ifsue to the Brigade Quarter Masters,
and call them to a settlement, whenever it shall be necefsary. If troops
should be embodied in any other part of the State, the Afsistant Quarter
Masters are so disposed of in Districts, that they will all be ready to act
when called upon. The Generals or Commanding Officers of Troops
should always appoint their Quarter Masters, but it will be proper for
them to be accountable to those persons from whom they receive their
stores) and as many of them have received considerable supplies from
the County Commifsioners, which is charged to the Continent, an en-
quiry should be made into this matter likewise.
Col® Carrington has written to Majr: Meriwether to accept an appoint-
ment of Field Quarter Master, to act with the Troops, but for the rea-
sons I have already given, I think it very unnecefsary, as the person who
does undertake the businefs must be accountable to me, as he will receive
little else except what comes from my Department. I have written to
Col® Carrington upon this subject, and leave it to the Executive, to con-
sider whether it would not be proper for them to write to him likewise —
I have the honor to be, with great
respect, your Excellency's
most obedient Hbl Serv't.
Capt: Ro: Gamble 8^^ V* Regt: to Gov; Jefferson : February 25th,
** Sir, ChcsteTficld
The Baron Steuben is just fetting out, and ordered me to fend you the ^® » f***j^ P*?f
enclosed * return of the Inilitia under GenI: Muhlenberg, specifying the ^^^^ ' •
Counties they are from ^ it has this moment come to hand, he has been
* Not found.
640
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 exceedingly disturbed & uneasy that he had it not sooner in his power to
comply with your requisition. And has also ordered that Major Mitch-
e ruary 25 . ^jj^, jg^jgj.g ^^ jjj^ ^^ j^jg^ inclosed tO you.
• With perfect respect,
I have the honor to be,
your Excellencies
very humble fervant,
&c: &c:"
February 15th. Brig: Genl: Ro: Lawson, to Gov: Jefferson :
Prince Edward " Sir,
County.
Great scarcity
of arms.
Oenl. Greene
reinforced.
Agreeable to the Instructions rec^ from General Green, I have ordered
out the Militia of P. Edward, Cumberland, Amelia, Charlotte, Lunen-
berg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, Buckingham & Amherst.
We must depend upon the best arms they can provide, & which your
Excellency must know, is not the most certain dependence ; however I
have the pleasure to inform you that a number of the Guns are very
good for the purpose of shooting loose Ball.
General Green (on whom I have waited in person) tells me that he
has not as many good Guns, as will arm the Continental Troops under
him. If arms can be procured from Petersburg, or elsewhere, I wish
for an order, as more men than are now in motion, might be got in the
field could they be arm'd.
General Green has been reinforced from the upper Counties, with
about 1000 Militia. They constitute General Stephens' Brigade. I
hope to march in a day or two, as many more from this quarter, & to
crofs lower down the Roanoke. You have rec* no doubt, before this,
an exprefs from Gen^ Green acquainting your Excellency, that Corn-
wallis having persued our retreating Army as far as Boyds' Ferry on Dan
River, changed his Route, & directed his force towards Hillsborough,
his strength is from 2500 to 3000 men. Whatever Intelligence, your
Excellency may have rec** of the movements of our Army about
Ports™^^ you'll oblige me much by communicating, as I am very anxious
to hear the result of the movements there. The Person who will de-
liver you this, will bring back either dispatches to Genl: Green or my-
self. I will forward any to Genl: Green without delay.
I am with the greatest respect. Sir,
Your Excellencys'
most obed' hum: Serv* "
&c: &c:
February 15th. Hawleigh P. Downman, Col^ 2°^ Regt; V* T, to Col: V. Brooking :
Camp Evcritt's A number of men from the County of Amelia, under his command,
***^^» who have been in service during the whole of the present Invasion think
they are entitled to relief from dnty, their complaints are great, having
had no clothing and the fufFerings of their families continuing unlefs the
County can afford assistance. Asks to be informed as to their term of
Complaints of fervice. The complaints and uneasiness of the men very distrefsing to
the troops. officers who have no power to mitigate them.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 6 41
Senf: Col: of Engineers to the Governor : 1 78 1
* Sir, February iCch,
I was yesterday honour'd with a Letter from your Excellency, and a Richmond.
Copy of the Advice of Consul for my appointment as Engineer in this
Commonwealth.
I am sensible of this generous appointment, and think myself highly chriit. Senf
honour'd by your Excellency and the Honourable Consul, and give my appointed Col.
most humble Thanks for it, but some Reasons which your Excellency <>' E"i»»>««"'
are pleased to explain to me, won't permit me to accept of it.
I have the Honour to hold the Ranck as Colonel Engineers in the
State of South Carolina^ fmce Febry 1779, and am respected and obey^
as such, by every officer I have the Honour to ferve with. I could
therefore accept by no means of an inferior Ranck, as which I actually
enjoy.
That Engineers will always be necessary, even if the war is ended is
certain, but as the opinion of Republicans may change, and the affections
for a faithfull Servant die away, owing to some III Look to which a sol-
dier is always lyable to, I should wish that nothing could discharge me
of my Duty, after I have risk'd my person, and destroy'd my Youth and
constitution, as a Court Martial, my own Resignation or Death; And
as I never have been nor shall be guided by Interest for myself, I leave
Pay and Emoluments intirely to the Generosity of the State, that it may
only be such as to support the character I am to represent.
The Honorable Assembly is to meet soon, as* I understand, if your
Excellency think propor to lay this before them, they may then deter-
mine and do that, in which your Excellency and the Consul are retain'd
by the Law to comply with.
Without any kind of view, all what may be for the Interest and wel-
fare of This, and the United States, and far as my few abilities will assist,
will be with the greatest pleasure faithfully, executed, and
I have the Honor to be with great Respect and Esteem^
Your Excellency's
most ob^ and most humble fervant,
&c: &c:
Col: J. H. Brooke to Gov: Jefferson :
The act for recruiting for the Continental Army was rec'd on the February 16th.
15*^ ult: the militia are accordingly *Maid off into divisions," ready for
the draft on the 5'^ March. The Commissioners having failed to ap-
point Collectors, he knows not how the County money is to be raised,
unless it be in Tobacco, which he fears will not sell for price allowed by
Law. The order to draft one fourth the militia was rec^ on the 23*, and
" they will march to-morrow." This interferes with the draft for the
Continental service, altho' a man now called out is at liberty to procure
a substitute as soon as he may return ^^ from this tour." Apprehends
trouble on account of great scarcity of arms, although orders are issued
for impressing all that the owners will not willingly give up 5 but the
county having been " so pillaged ever since the beginning of the war, few
good guns now remain # * • * • Armi scarce,
An excellent wagon and team &c provided by the county, in accord- J|Jiiiin*°to*aid
ance with the law, are now in possession of Cap* W"* Pickett, subject to the army.
5Jf2 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 orders. The season so far advanced, that beef cannot begotten for use ;
F b 6th ^^^ ^^^"^ the willingness of the people to provide for the army he hopes
February 2 t . \/iajr. Chas: Dick to the Governor : acknowledging receipt of his Ex-
FredericlcBburg. ccllency's Letter appointinting him Director of the Gun Factory at that
Place by the Executive. He shall do all in his power to increase its
Chu. Dick ap- success. Sends an account of work done, M*" John Lewis will wait
orOun Facto- ^" ^^ Executive for an order on the Public Store for coarse cotton cloth,
ry. for negroes hired to work in the Factory. It cannot beliad there,
"without a great deal of nominal money."
e ruary 2 t . q^j. j^^ g Burwell to the Govemor : asking instructions as to how
Carters* Grove he shall dispose of Certain militia, who had failed to turn out when called,
jas. City Co. ^^^ ^^ jjjjg account tried and condemned by Court Martial to serve as
soldiers in the regular army. He finds that by law, they are required
to serve in the State line six months, before being delivered over to the
Continental recruiting oiEcer ; he therefore desires to know to whom
they shall now be delivered.
February 26th. Col: W. R. W. Curle to the Governor : acknowledging receipt of
Williamsburg, orders of the 19^^ January to recruit for the Army. He at once repaired
to Hampton, and upon consultation with the Field Officers, magistrates,
&c., of this County, it was decided not to undertake that the business at
once, in as much as ^^ no assessment in specie had been made in the
County " and on account of the ^^ great distresses, confusion and dis-
Tai**"ci^ "* persed situation of the Inhabitants ;'* consequent upon the frequent in-
County. vasions. As soon as the Commissioners supply him with a plan of the
County assessment, due attention shall be given to his orders.
February 26th. Jos: Reed, President, to Gov: Jefferson of V*;
PhiladelphU. " Sir,
In Council. \ jj^ve the honour to inclofe your Excellency the appointment of Com-
mifsioners on the part of Pensylvania to compleat the Boundary Line
between Virginia and this State, persuant to the Agreement of the Com-
mifsioners at Baltimore the thirty first day of August 1779. I have to
request your Excellency to communicate the fame to the Legislature of
the State of Virginia, and to favour me with their proceedings thereon,
as soon as convenient.
I have the honour to be with great respect and regard,
Your most obedient and very humble fervant,"
&c: &c:
February 26th. ^^ p^^.^^^ j^.. ^f^^. q^^. j^^ ^^ox^^^ to Col: Muter, expressing his
Chesterfield desire to be relieved from duty in the StafT Department, and restored to
Court Houie. j^jg ^^^^ -^^ ^j^^ Ljne. looks anxiously for an early reply, adds, " A
Col Cam bell detachment of Four hundred Men under the Com** of Col° Campbell
marches South, marched from this post yesterday for the South."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 5A8
Col Muter informs the Executive, that in the regulations for issuing ig/i
liquor, the waggoners are not mentioned. On this account thev refuse ^thx^Mi 26th
to act. In as much as it has been customary to ifsue rations of liquors
to them in wet weather, he has ifsued an order to the Commissary or ^" Office.
Sutlers to supply them, and requests his approval.
David Ross informs Col: Muter of the want of nails at that Post, in f«^''»»T^ a^^**-
order to the finishing the work. '*• of Fork.
Col: John Syme to the Governor: He is informed there are fifty February a6th.
muskets belonging to the State at one John Mevills, in that Countv, and «New Caitie.**
desires instruction as to securing them. Complams of the irregularities
on the part of the enrolling officers in enlisting the men for the Army, CompUints
causing confusion and uneasinefs among the people. A few persons, ?8a»n« enroil-
and among them a Field officer, declare they will not pay a shilling of '"^° *""'
the collection. He has not been able to get a return of this officers' bat-
talion, tho' he applied for it six months ago. concludes — ^^ If not too
troublesome I must beg the favor of the last Intelligence. The prefent
crisis of afiairs, I hope will plead my Excuse for this freedom." * * *
** Pray have you heard anything of late from P. Henry."
Alex: White to the Governor : February ^^x\i.
"Sir, Marlboro* Iron
I am informed, a Corps of Invalids are to be embodied under the ^^ '*
direction of your Excellency, which induces me, under the sanction of
former acquaintance, to mention Lt: Rob* White of the 8*^ Virg*^ Reg^
This young Gentleman in 1775, went as a Volunteer to Boston, where
he served a year in one. of our Rifle companies, being then but 16 years
of age. He was appointed a Lt: in one of the first Regiments that were
raised after his return. And in June 1777, ^^^ wounded in New Jersey,
by a musket ball which shattered his thigh Bone. He languished under the
wound for more than two years, but has at length, contrary to all expec-
tations recovered his health. However his thigh, in which he received j^*" white
the wound, is more than an inch shorter than the other, and his knee
stifF, which renders him totally unfit for active service. He went down
to wait on Genl: Steuben. What rank he will now hold I cannot say
with certainly, but believe he has for sometime past, been entitled to a
Captain's Commifsion. When I inform your Excellency that he is my
Nephew, you will not expect a Character, but that is a matter, which I
can ver) safely trust to the officers with whom he served ; particularly
Col: Wood, and Col: Darke, under whose immediate command he was
when he received his wound. If your Excellency should take notice of
him in your appointments, it will be gratefully acknowledged by
Your Excellency s' most ob servant,
&c; &c:"
*' The French Fleet is arrived.*'
Gov: S. Lee to Gov: Jefferson of V*: February 27th.
*^Sir, Maiyland, An-
We have just received the Resolutions of Congrcfs of the 20*** In-"*^**"'
stant, recommending it to the Executives of the States of Delaware, ^^ Council.
644 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, to agree upon, and fettle on an
_ . . Arrangement for supplying the Southern Army with Provisions from the
' States most contiguous, and for replacing the same, with Proviiions from
those that are more remote, and to establish such mode of Transporta-
tion, as will be most convenient, and least expensive to the whole.
Measures for I^ ^^ our Desire that some place in Virginia, should be immediately
supplying the agreed on, and aiEgned for Depofiting the Quota of Provifion which We
S.army. ^^^ called upon to 'supply the Southern Army. In establishing which,
we think the mutual eafe and convenience of both States Should be ad-
verted to, and none has occurred to us so suitable as Alexandria. If
your Excellency should concur with us in opinion, you will have a pro-
per Person appointed to receive at that Post, the Provifions, which We
may be able to foward. Your Excellency will commmunicate your sen-
timents on this Subject as early as poffible, and in the mean Time, We
shall be preparing fully to comply fully with the Recommendations of
Congrefs. We are anxious to be informed of the present situation of
Virginia. Many Reports have been circulating here, but none so authen-
tic as to deferve entire confidence.
We have the honor to be,
with fentiments of high respect
and Esteem,
your Excellency's M. Hble: fervants,
ic: &c."
February »7ih. Ro: W"* Mithell to the Executive : He enlisted under Col: Slaughter
Cuipcper Co. when recruiting " for the back country " and has served with him until
this date. Begs to be allowed to serve the remainder of his term in the
Continental Army, where he can do some service. The sufferings for
want of food, exposure to the hardships of that country have rendered
him incapable of performing a soldiers duty in that region. The lofses
under Col: Slaughter have been great, and he feels certain if required to
return to the West, he will never get back. In addition to this, by the
time he can reach the Falls of Ohio, his term of enlistment will have
expired.
February 17th. Col : Jas: Wood to the Governor, in regard to arranging the debts of
Charlottesville, the " Convention prisoners " at that post ; he makes himself liable to
the people, with the hope that his Excellency will enable him to comply
Saratoga pris- with his engagements. If anv purchase of Bills from the Germans is
oners. to be made, an Agent should be sent to their new Quarters at once.
Since the removal of the Troops about Eighty Prisoners, in two detach-
ments had been sent there by Genl: Greene, whom he has ordered on to
Winchester under Militia guards.
«
February 17th. John Ballendine to the Executive :
" As the late unfortunate sufferings by the Enemy is rather discoura-
ging for an individual to risk any thing more at present on the canal &c,
and as you seem inclinable to repair the lofses of the country at that
place, I wou'd propose letting you have my Grist Mills & all other con-
Furnaces and veniencys belonging to me, during the present War, on reasonable Terms
^^"•- Annually.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. Bjffi
The Furnace in Buckingham has a fine Stock of Coal & Ore, want- 178 1
ing only a Hearth to put her in Blast, you may also have that addition _ . .
to afsist in supporting the necefTary works below, as you may choose to 'v 7 •
improve, for your better information, I have thought iit to make out a
state of those advantages when properly improved and supported, of
which you'l please to consider, and let me have your opinion in answer
thereto.
Col: Grayson, one of the Hon^^* the board of War for the United
States have made proposals to me for water, to Erect a Saw mill. Slit-
ting Mill, Boring Mill &c, for immediate use, but having considered my
Situation with the State of Virginia, and naturally inclined to be service-
able, wou'd not wish to do anything that might be prejudicial, therefore
declin'd giving him an answer until I have your approbation.
I am yr- Excellency's &c:
&c: &c:
" An Estimate of the profits of the Grist Mill, with 4 pair of Stones,
on the Canal, to the Public annually."
As the situation of this Mill is so convenient to receive all the Speci-
fic Tax of Corn & Wheat, on each side of the River above, wou'd be Value of the
sufficient to keep such a Mill, constantly at work with the custom of the Miiu.
Neighborhood, and as it wou'd certainly save great expences in purchas-
ing of Meal & flour from other Mills for the use of the Army near the
Seat of Government at a reasonable estimate.
Two pair of stones are sufficient to grind 200 bus^' of corn pr: day, the
common Toll of which would in the year to 1500 Barrells, & only
suppose each bar^ to be worth 10 f, amo^ to «^7S0« O- o
The other 2 pair of stones are also sufficient to grind &
manufacture as much Wheat as corn, being at least
double the value, is £1500
The faw Mill is the first object that ought to be con-
sidered for the improvement of those W''* to advan-
tage, the situation being fixed & the Timber &c:
ready to frame, am certain the expence in setting her
to work, will not exceed £100, & as the Timber is
so easily b'rot down by water, & for many years to be
had in the neighborhood by Land, one half for sawing
the other, supposing 2 saws constantly employ'd wou'd
cut 2000 feet p: day, the half thereof is worth 5 <£ pr:
thousand, say in the year amn^' to .£1500
The Fishery is attended with Little or no Expence & as
the dam now stands secure from Freshes, will support
the Works with fish sufF^, and have also to spare, the
value to the Public, say reasonable profits annually, «£400
Total, £4150
Exclusive of the within Annual Profits proceeding from the said Mills
&c: now at work, M' Ballendine thinks a Forge & Slitting Mill of the
utmost consequence to this State, the water part & situation being ready.
The expence in the buildings is not more than \ of the whole Amo* in
setting them to work, and being so convenient together with the Foun-
dery & Furnace as before mentioned, wou'd with proper managment turn
69
B46 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 out very considerable profits, besides supplying the State with every
F b 8tb '^^^c'sary wanted to support the present war. The water of the Canal
* might be still made more useful & when the saw mill works, the expence
in the covering of these houses that were burnt wou'd be trifling, as the
walls & chimneys stands secure."
February 28tii, Coh Muter to the Govemor : Orders had been given to prepare a
War Office number of wagon-covers, for the protection of military stores to be
moved to the Point of Fork, and which were to be used on other like
agon coTcrs. Q^^^^gjQj^g^ j^^ ^r Rose, the Deputy Quarter Master informs him, there
is no Canvas suitable, except some in the hands of M^ Armstead for the
use of the " Fleet." Requests orders from the Executive.
Endorsed,
This canvas must not be diverted to any other use. M' Armstead
should look out for some other.
TH: JEFFERSON.
99
February 18th, G. Smith Afst: Q. M. GenI: to Col: Geo: Muter :
*' Sir,
M' Patton our W. Master, informs me that he is taken in the impending
Draught, and called on to pay his proportion towards recruiting a man
for the Division, in which he is included That he thinks this an ex-
ceeding hardship, as he considers himself already in the public service,
and a tax with which his wages will not enable him to comply. That
M' Elliott at Petersburg has offered him better terms than what he
receives from the State, to enter into the C. Service & an Exemption
from all Draughts \ and that unless the same privilege is held out by us,
necefsity will oblige him, however unwilling, to accept M' Elliott's
Offer." Urges the importance of retaining so useful a man in the Ser-
vice ; he could get one for the same wages, who can perform the duties
required as well as he.
February 28th, Col: Muter to the Executive, drawing attention to the inequality of
War Office P^X ^^ ^^'^ ^'^^ Department of the State and Continental fervices j
although nominally the same, the mode of payment occasions a differ-
Complaintt. ^^^^ j^ favor of the latter as 65 to 100. If this condition of things
continue, " none will ferve the State."
Endorsed
I shall write to Waj' Claiborne on the proposition made by M' Elliott
to withdraw Patton from our Service ; in the mean time Patton may be
told that if the lot falls on him on the draught we will detain him, and
that neither Elliott nor any other power short of that of the Legisla-
ture can exempt his property from taxation, or his person any otherwise
from military service.
TH: JEFFERSON."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. BA7
Col: George Corbin to Gov: Jefferson: 1781
" Sir, February i8th.
Your Excellency's favour of the 19^ ult: came to hand ten Days past, Accomac,
accompanied with the Act for recruiting the State's quota of soldiers in Onancock.
the continental service, together with sundry proclamations. Your Ex-
cellency's requisition made six months ago, for a return of my Militia, I
expected was fully complied with, by my return made about three months
past to Col: Webb, who was appointed to receive from our County the
last eighteen months men ; that Gent: I furnished with a list of the men
raised, amounting to fifty seven, and as the law required every fifteenth
man, this I thought plainly showed the actual strength of the County.
Your Excellency's exhortation to the militia of this County shall be
carefully attended to, as I consider the salvation of the County depends
on a due execution of such wholesome Instructions. These Instructions
six months ago duely executed (in my humble opinion) would have pre-
vented the late Disperiion of our public papers, the Injury done the
printing office and the Capture of the seat of Government. Your Ex-
cellency's request ^^ to make diligent inquiry and search, through this
county for public arms & accoutrements in the hands of Individuals and
to collect them together^^ you will pardon me for not complying with, as I
have neither Power or Inclination to effect it. Your Excellency will Reaiom why
not consider this as the result of Obstinacy, or a desire to dictate, arms cannot be
but the serious consideration of safety to my County and myself. Pray collected,
consider our situation, surrounded on every side by enemies, the British
on our Sea & Bay Coasts, and the most disaffected part of Maryland
compleats our bounds ; that very frequent robberies are committed in
Maryland near our Borders, on almost every friend to the Country; that
by exertions of our Militia to support our few friends amongst our
neighbours the Marylanders too generally disaffected, we have incurred
their displeasure, and nothing could afford them a more favourable oppor-
tunity of gratifying their Malice and Revenge, than removing from us
our Arms. Under these considerations, I hope your Excellency, will at
least for the present dispense with that command of collecting from Indi-
viduals, the publie Arms in their hands. But if these reasons have no
force, and your Excellency's request must be complied with in that par-
ticular, I shall consider it a favour, you would please to confer on some
other person, the command of this County, who may be more powerful
to force obedience to your Excellency's will, as I am well convinced
that force alone can effect it.
I beg leave to refer you to Thos: Bailey Esq' (the bearer), for a par-
ticular state of our Gallies, which I think will be totally lost to the State,
if not sold immediately. M' George Nicolson made free to take from
one of the Gallies 2 pr: double fortified 3 pounders, as he said by order
of Col: Maxwell ; they were put on board of his Brig, and at sea, before * ****
I knew of it. We are much in want of Lead, and should have been
quite exhausted of Powder had I not rec*^ Orders from Col^ Lewis to
make use of the Powder belonging to the Gallies ; a supply of car-
tridges which he said he had order'd over to me, has never yet come to
hand.
I am Sir, your Excellency's
most obt: Humb: fervt:
&c: &c:"
648
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
February 28th.
Waihington
County.
Threatened
with atucks
from the In-
dians.
Arthur Campbell to Gov: Jefferson :
" Sir,
Your Excellencies Orders of the 15^ day of February came to hand
the 23^, and on the 25% a few odds of one hundred men, under Col:
W" Campbell set out to join the Militia of Botetourt and Montgomery
on their march to join our Southern Army, previous steps having been
taken, on hearing the enemy were advancing towards Virginia, to have
them in readinefs. A large number would have gone, were it not for
the daily appreheniions of attacks from the Northward and Southern
Indians. The later last Week killed three men in Powell's Valley and
carried off a confiderable number of Horses. This act of hostility is
considered as a rejection of the proposals of the fourth day of January
last. I am contriving means to put another part of the mefsage in a
train of execution with voluntiers, but I am doubtful of its having effect,
without the support of Government. Could the lower Towns of the
Cherokees and their Middle Settlements be defolated, as well as the Over
Hill Country, it would hardly then be worth while for our enemies to
employ an Agent to reside among them, to excite them to mischief ; the
want of Bread would cause many other wants, which would soon lower
their vindictive spirit.
I am Sir,
your most Obedient
Humble servant,
&c: &c:"
February — Col: J. Banister to the Governor : urging the settlement of his claim
. ^ ., for the sum of £5250, advanced by him "for the equipment of the Vol-
unteer Horse in Lawsons Corps, under an exprefs promise " that he
should be reimbursed the succeeding week. In addition to this, he begs,
in view of his urgent wants, to be paid the twenty seven hundred dollars
he advanced a short time ago for Cartridge Boxes.
February —
Philadelphia.
Arrival of
Paul Jones.
Jos: Jones and James Madison Jnr: to Gov: Jefferson :
Since our last, in which we informed yr: Excy of the arrival of Col^
Harrison in this City, his applications to Congress have been referred to
a special Committee, and the necessary steps are taking to answer the
wishes and wants of the Southern States, and of our State in particular,
as far as practicable in the present situation of affairs. We doubt not
but that Gen'° will give you full information of the Progrefs he has made
in the special Businefs for which he has been sent.
We are happy to inform you of the Arrival of Capt: Paul Jones in the
" Ariel " from France. This event would have been a much more
pleasing one, had he brought the cloathing so long and anxiously ex-
pected. His Cargo is however by no means useless, as it consifts of
about thirty Ton of Powder. It is conjectured that by this time Count
D'Estaing is arrived in the West Indies with twenty five Sail of the Line,
and we are in great hopes, before this reaches you that a ship of the
Line from the Fleet of our Allies in Rhode Island and three frigates will
be in our Bay, in order to cooperate with our Troops, in taking ample
vengence on M' Arnold, for his treasons, purgeries, Robberies and dep-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 549
redauons, accounts being received in this town, that they sail'd from 1781
Rhode Island immediately after the storm & that Mons: Destouches had _ . ^
taken effectual measures to Block up the Remaining Vefsels of the Ene- * '
my in Gardners Bay. We have sanguine hopes that this Expedition Meaiuretto
will not be fruitlefs and that our Allies will find us i.n a condition, effec- °pp°** '""^ •
tually to cooperate with them, as their aid will enable us to draw our
whole force to a point.
One of the frigates above mention'd will bring the Arms and Stores Arms for Vir-
which were retaken in the Comite ; which will perhaps not be an un- **'***•
seasonable aid. we have enclosed y*" Excellency two New York Papers
for your perusal, containing Arnolds account of his Victories and Cap-
tures.
M' Hays informed us this morning, he should be ready to set out for
Virginia, with the printing materials in ab' a week.
we are with great respect,
yr: Excels*
ob' fervants,
&c: &;c:
P. S. Since writing the above we
have authentic information that one
seventy-four, with two Frigates &
a cutter sailed, from Rhode Island Fleet for the
on the eighth for Chesapeke Bay. Chewpetke.
* " Since I wrote last, I have discovered many other letters from M"
Bj^rd, which exasperates me in such a manner, that I have determined
to keep the one I mentioned to you, secure with the rest, for my own
justification & untill I hear from you, shall act out, agreable to the dis- ^jje caie of
tastes of my own reason. A Maj^ Turberville was so imprudent as to Mrt. Byrd.
suffer Hare to go to Westover, & as I have made discoveries on one
part which tend to the injury of Am^ I doubt not but some thing as great
on the other may be brought to view. I therefore put off all female re-
spect for the present & fend Maj: Turberville to Westover, that all prop-
erty, prefents, &c: &c: from the enemy may be retuined to the Vefsell
& the whole Correspondence between that Lady & the Enemy fairly
investigated.
J. N-
Col: Thos: iVlarshall to Col: Geo: Muter : Sends imperfect return p . ^ _
of his Regiment, and apologizes therefor, having been so long absent
from it. Moody & Mazaret can probably give a more correct one. He
will "set out for the Western world ab' the first of March," but should
his reg^ be again raised, which he very much doubts, will return and take
command of it. Wishes to know its fate, & that of the officers.
Col: Geo: Muter to the Executive, enquiring who is to pay off & March ist.
discharge the eight month's men whose terms of service have expired. ^ ^^
M' Smith at Winchester writes for instructions in regard to the Quarter
Master in the Western Department. He has informed him, that under
* This fragment chut signed is properly attributfd to Col. John Nicholas.
552
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
March 2d.
Cavalry.
Reinforce-
mentt.
1^81 plan seems to be adopted, which I hope will be attended with the hap-
piest consequences ; our superiority in cavalry, not in number, but in the
goodness of Men and Horses, can easily prevent his Lordship making
any rapid movements to our Prejudice ; and gives every opportunity of
cutting off his detached Parties: Fighting them by detail at present, is
all that may be* expected ; at all events, confident I am that a general
action will not be risk'd unlefs succefs is in some measure insured.
Col'' Campbell is to day expected, reports say, with Eleven Hundred
men — the number is exagerated, and from some information this moment
received, his number don't exceed Six Hundred. Major Lynch from
Bedford, with three Hundred is shortly expected. Col^ Preston and
Crockett from Botetourt joined yesterday, with four Hundred, the whole
Riflemen. General Stevens has about Seven Hundred Virginia Militia
under his command ; the number North Carolina has in the field is out
of my power to ascertain. The Army has been much in want of Pro-
visions— their future prospects of supplies are by no means promising,
Patience of the ^'^o' the Soldiers bear all the vicissitudes of a military Life without
troops. repining. The Army move immediately, and the Exprefs that takes this,
hurries me. I shall do myself the honor to write your Excellency the
first halt we make, opportunity offering.
Col. Elliot could give me no information where the Exprefses were
stationed, further than Taylors Ferry, u hich put it out of my power to
regulate them, as expected.
I have the Honor to be.
Your Excellency's
most obedient
and very Humble Servient.
March ad. Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor:
War Office. " Sir,
Maj: General Baron de Steuben has this day publickly accused me of
having neglected my duty, so as materially to injure the United States,
and declared that he had the proofs in his pofsession. Tho' I am con-
scious of having in every instance done my Duty to the utmost of my
Col. Muterde- power, yet as my character my be injured by such a public accusations
fendi himieif. being thrown out against me, I must request that your Excellency will
be pleased to order such an enquiry into my conduct as my fett it in its
true light ; & that you will take fuch measures as you think most proper, to
have the proofs the Baron alledges he hast against me, produced to fuch
Gentlemen as you think proper to authorize for the purpose of enquiring
into my conduct. I must further beg of your Excellency that you will
be pleased to|direct that I may be furnished with a copy of the proofs the
Baron says he has against me, (if you think it proper) as soon as may be
convenient.
I have the honour to be.
Your Excellency's must Hble Servant.
March id. « Circular :"
Philadelphia. S. Huntington Prefident of Congrefs to Gov Jefferson :
" Sir,
By the Act of Congrefs herewith enclosed, your Excellency will be
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S63
informed, that the Articles of Confederation & perpetual Union, 1781
betwen the thirteen United States, are formally & finallv ratified by all ., , .
the States. ^"^^ *^-
We are happy to congratulate our Constituents on this important Congratuh-
event, desired by our Friends but dreaded by our Enemies. tion«.
I have the honor to be
with every sentiment of Esteem & respect
Your Excellency's moft obedient
humble fervant."
Duncan Rose to the Governor ; March id.
Sir, Petersburg.
When Brigadier General Morgan went to the Southern Army last
fall, he carried along with him a Mare to dispose of, in order to defray
his Expenses. I purchas'd her of him, and to day am call'd on for pay-
ment, it is out of my power to discharge this Debt, any other way than by
fiving an Order on the Auditors, out of the ballance due me from the
^ublick. as Genl: Morgan's Family is distrefs'd for the money, I have Oea. Morgan,
no doubt but your Excellency will give an ordtr to the Treasurer to dis-
charge it immediately, to relieve a Brave Officer's Family, who has ren-
der'd such Efsential Services to his Country.
I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
most obt: hbl: fervant."
Col; Jas: Jones to the Governor : March 3d.
" Sir, Williamaburg.
I have obtained the favor of Maj: Turberville to wait upon your Excel-
lency, to request yr: opinion and advice on the subject of the Detention
of Lieut Hare, for having violated the flag of Truce he bore, and of the Britith violate
seizure of the flag vefsel, for having on board articles of merchandize **^* **■« •^
intended for the purpose of carrying on an illicit and clandestine com- ™"'
merce with the citizens of this State. * * *
I have the honor to be &c."
M. Marston, A. D. Q^ Mas* informs the Governor, in reply, that March 3d.
Major Claiborne had gone to Fredericksburg. He believes he has paid j^ichmond
off some of his Afsistants at the rate of one hundred dolls: currency for
one specie ; his employees having the choice of receiving Tobacco at
the market price in lieu of State or Continental money.
Orders for removing the "Convention Prisoners" in the States of March 3d.
Maryland and Virginia — the British to Yorktown in P* and the Germans j^ council
to Lancaster in renn. The authorities of Virginia recommended to
superintend the removal and supplying the Germans as far as Noland's Removal of
Ferry, in Loudon C** on Potomac, whence the State of Maryland will German prii-
conduct and supply them to Lancaster in Penn. The State of Maryland °"*"*
to furnish guard and supplies for those going from Fredericktown to
Yorktown, the Executive of Penn: to furnish supplies on the way thro*
that State.
70
654 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 W"* Call informs the Governor, of his inability to procure negroes to
March 4th. work at Hoods. He has the promise of two only. Those who will not
p. George Co. Spare their Laborers on principle, will not do so for pay.
Negroci, &c. .
March sth Capt: Jas: Maxwell to the Governor :
" Back River/' "Sir,
I am to inform Your Excellency, that I embarked in Company with
the Baron's Aid from York on Saturday Morning, in a State Boat,
belonging to Anopolis, who had also dispatches on board from the Mar-
quis de la Fayette to the French naval Commanding Officer. At the
time we left York, the wind was fair for the Capes, but hazy, which in
the Afternoon clear'd up, when we discovr'd three large Sloops from
Hampton road, in chase of us, and came up with us verry fast, and
AiTairs in the obliged US to take shelter in this place ; and from our Situation here, we
Cheiapeake* j^^yg ^l^ opportunity of observing everything that come into the Capes ;
and shouid I find it safe, will take the earliest opportunity of stretching
out from heiice to sea, in search of the French Ships, which am in hopes
are not far of (but have not been seen since they left this) — the British
have a number of Cruisers out^ up the Bay as well as down to the Capes,
in a Continual look-out, and Yesterday went from Hampton Road the
Genl: Monk & Hope, Sloops of War, and the Swift, brig, down to the
Capes ; the latter return'd in the Evening, and the 2 former believe
anchored in Lynhaven, in such a situation as to repeat signals to each
other. I have engaged about 10 Pilots at Hampton, and if more should
be wanted, think I can get them at York & Gloucester. I can only
add, that I shall do all in my power to have the dispatches I am intrusted
with delivered so foon as possible.
I have the Honour to be
kc: &c."
March sth. Hudson Martin, to the .Governor, in behalf of the Regiment of
11 Guards, about to conduct the German Prisoners Northward. They arc
' seriously in want, and have not a hundred dollars among them to procure
the necefsaries for the long march they are so suddenly ordered to make.
March 5th. Major Binns Jones to Baron Steuben :
«*Cabin Point." " Dr Sir,
I am sorry to inform you that I have lost forty seven of my Batt" by
Desertion, &c. Desertion, twenty three which went off in a body, and carried their arms
k accoutroments with them, they were seen about ten miles from this;
marching in order, under the command of a Serg'" * *
****** ** I have now two
hundred men left, who are all Completely armed, fit for action. 1 was
left hear with my Batt*^ when Genl: Muhlenberg went away, I had only
thirty six muskets fit for service I set five Smiths to work & they have
repair'd about two hundred & fifty stand of Arms. I should be glad
you would give me some directions with respect to this Post, as I received
none from General Muhlenburg. I should be glad I would be ordered
to go down on the lines, as I am convinced the men would be better
satisfied.'' . * * ♦ * * *
CALENDAR OF -STATE PAPERS. 555
Resolutions authorizing; the Executive to imprefs vefsels and boats, 1781
private property, with their crews, for the transportating of troops, bag- w u l
gage mil: stores acrofs the Rivers, Creeks, or Bay, or for other purposes
demanded by the exigencies of the Service. Approving all such acts ^°'"* °^ ^®^^
done by them heretofore and providing for indemnity to the owners, for **^" ** *'
all lofses consequent upon this action &c. Imprwiment.
Major Chas: Magill to Gov: Jefferson : Mwch 5th.
**Sir, ««Head Quar-
In my Letter dated the 2*^ Instant, I had the honor to inform your J*J^^*^^**'
Excellency of the different movements of the Army, and other occur- Houie."
ences since my arrival. Our Light parties are constantly harrassing the
Enemy, a party composed of Lee's Corps and a Company of Riie
men under the command of Col: Lee, upon moving towards the Lines,
were fired upon by a large party of the Enemy, posted in Ambuscade
for the purpose. The firing was so warm, that part of the Riflemen Lee ikirmiBhe
were prevented from dismounting ; a retreat was ordered, and performed ^^^^
in good order. Our lofs was three killed and Ten wounded. Col^ Lee,
in his Letter to Genl: Greene, mentions, that from the best accounts he
can collect, the Enemy's loss was seven killed and forty or fifty wounded.
On the night of the 3^ Instant, a detachment of Light Troops surprised
a Picket of the Enemy plac'd in front of the 71*' Reg^; Bayoneted
several of the Guard, and brought of one Prisoner.
A party of Tories, on their way to join the British Standard, were
fired upon by a timid Picket, and upon halting to consider what was best
to be done, upon so alarming an occasion, were charged by the British Tariton makes
Legion, under the command of Lt: CoF Tarleton. those that did not * """^**'««
immediately disperse, were cut to Pieces. Tarleton upon perceiving his
error, sent a party of Horse to collect those that had dispersed ; this he
found impracticable.
General Sumpter is at present upon the Congaree in South Carolina, Geni.Sumptcr.
with a body of Militia ; no official accounts having been lately received,
it is imposible to have any certain intelligence from that Quarter. In my
last letter, mention was made of a handsome reinforcement expected by
Genl: Greene, from Washington County, under Col° Campbell; whether
to attribute it to difaffection or some other cause, I know not ; but
every obstacle was, by the County Lieut: thrown in the way, to prevent « . .
, -^ .»•',, -^.jii r ^ y \^ Expected rem-
tne mens commg ; and the considerable reinforcement expected, has forcements fail
dwindled almost to nothing. Discipline makes but slow advance imong to arrive,
the Militia, in spite of every exertion made by Genl: Stevens for that y^^ miUtia.
valuable purpose, those from Virginia are tolerabl) well Armed, the
greater part, I believe their own private property.
I cannot omit mentioning a recent instance of British barbarity which
comes so well authenticated as scarcely to admit of a doubt. Col: Brown
of the Georgia Loyalists and Commandant at Augusta, upon some late
occasion captured Seven of our unfortunate friends, whose cruel Policy Cruelty of the
prompted him to deliver up to the Indians, and afterwards to be spec Tones,
tator of every species of Barbarity that could be invented by those
^vages.
Lord Cornwallis has lately expected an attack, his troops have been Cornwallia.
under arms this two nights past ; this his Lordship would wish, and
affects upon every occasion, to treat Militia with the utmost con-
556
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
MMch 5th.
tempt. Desertion, I am informed have taken place, among the British \
several have come in, and numbers are taken up and carried back by the
Tories ; for this piece of service, they receive two Guineas pr: man. I
flatter myself the next opportunity, to communicate some more pleasing
Intelligence ; in that expectation,
I have the honor to be,
your Excellency's
most obedient
Humble servt."
March 5tb.
Winchester.
German prii'
onen, &c.
Col: Jas; Wood to the Governor : He has divided the German
Troops between that place and the Warm Springs in Berkeley C% and
is about to proceed to Frederick Town. A number of the Rcg^ of
Guards who were on duty over the " Convention Troops " at Barracks
in Albemarle, insisting upon their discharge, he asks that Col: Taylor
be given instructions accordingly. Capt: Read's Cavalry in bad condition,
the men naked, and the Horses very poor, as they are not needed at
Winchester, recommends they be ordered back to Shenandoah to recruit
their horses. The Commifsioners in Frederick and Berkely Counties
totally ignorant of the Provision Law, having never reed: it, or any
instructions thereupon.
Richmond.
March 6th. Maj: Rd: Claiborne to the Governor, complaining of the ineffectual
efforts made by him, to correct the abuses practiced by " the Exprefs
Riders," as well as in every other branch of his Department. Thanks
Expreis Riden. jjjnj fQj. ^hg infor.Tiation given in regard to one " Rofewell," and has
directed M^ Elliot to dismifs him from his employment.
March 6th. Resolution, authorizing the men, Returned by Baron Steuben as unfit
H ue of Dele ^^^ ^^'^ service, to be employed in the Laboratory, otherwise to be dis-
gatet. charged the service.
March 6th. Col: Jas: Innes to Gov: Jefferson :
Williamsburg. ** Sir,
In obediance to your orders, I had discharged the Militia from Albe-
marle and Fluvanna, which were stationed at this post, and had circu-
lated your letters, for calling on the Militia of the adjacent Counties, to
take their places, before the Barons' orders to cross James River arrived.
Upon receiving the Barons' letter, I wrote to Col° Dabney near Hamp-
ton, to suppress the orders, I had given him to discharge his Militia, and
immediately to move them up to York. I have written to Dabney, to
endeavour to persuade them to crofs the River, & if I find it can be effected
with^ : coercive measures, I shall immediately order them to join Genl;
Muhlenburg. The Remnant ot a regiment, stationed at Sandy Point,
is also here ; which I shall endeavour to annex to Dabney's. Should
the men still remain under my Command be governable, I shall have
it in my power to reinforce Muhlenberg with a very respectable Detach-
ment ; but should they again demonstrate that mutinous spirit, which
has so often characterized them, this Invasion, I shall discharge them,
and dispose of their arms as you have directed. This afternoon, I shall
Change uf
orders.
Mutinoas
militia.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 557
send ofF a schooner, with four hundred stand of good Arms to Smith- 17^^
field, under convoy of a galley. The want of Waggons compelled me M^^h 6th.
to adopt that mode, however, I have taken effectual means to make it ^^^^ ^^^^ ,
a safe one. I shall apprize Genl: Muhlenberg of their destination, by water, &c.
Exprefs, that there may be some person to receive them on their arrival.
I have written to Gloucester for two hundred stand of Arms ; I have
for answer, that they shall be sent over, as soon as they can be collected
from the hands of the Militia, among whom they have been distri-
buted.
On the 2"*^ Instant, a midshipman and seven seamen, deserters from
the British Navy at Portsmouth, came to this Town. I give you this ^""»*> Seamen
information literally viz*: the Charon, the Commodore's ship is stationed ^"''
at Crany Island, with vefsels prepared to be sunk, to impede the naviga-
tion of Elizabeth River, besides these, there are at the same place,
three fire-ships, and two floating batteries. that half allowance had
been introduced in the Navy, for a considerable time ; that there are
very great desertions, both from the Army and Navy. A quarrel has
happen'd between Arnold and Commodore Symmonds, relative to the important ia-
Divisioa of Tobacco, & other Articles taken by the Navy, while the ft>rmatloii in
Army was embarked ; that Arnold is not on speaking terms with the officers ^^^*^ *** '"
of the Navy^ and much detested and suspected by the officers of the
jlrmy.*
By three deserters from Robinsons* Regiment of Loyal Provincials,
who left Portsmouth on Wednesday night, Feby, 28% I am informed
that the Enemy, apprehensive of an attack on their lines, were employed
night & Day, in making them as strong as pofsible. that they extended
back of Portsmouth from Gosport Creek, to a Creeek which empties The enemy
itself below Portsmouth. On these works, are mounted a great many *PP'«^«»^ «»
Cannon. There are no Cannon mounted towards the River. The
ships of war lie from Tucker's Point up to Gosport. Dundas and Ar- 2urrcii,&c.
nold have had a violent Quarrell. the British Officers take part with
Dundas ; the Provincial officers adhere to Arnold. A contagious Dis-
temper had spread among the negroes, which swept off numbers every
day provisions of every kind were extremely scarce, and that the horses
were starving for want of Forage.
Col* Gouion Engineer General, in the Continental Army, and annexed
* Anecdotes illustrating the character of Arnold are not without interest, even «t this late
day. The remark here recorded may find its explanation in the following incident in the career
of the ingrate, given by " Cartwright " in his " Coast of Labrador/* vol. iii., p. 215. On the
19th October, 1786, (the fifth anniversary of the surrender at Yorktown,) Cartwright and Ar-
nold, with his servant, embarked from New Foundland in the "Brig John,** for England. Just
before their departure they conjointly laid in a supply of choice stores for their own use during
the voyage ; among which was a quantity of wine. On the 22d a furious gale almost destroyed
the vessel, reducing her to an unmanageable hulk, until the crew succeeded in constructing a
temporary rigging, by means of which they were enabled to pursue their slow and perilous way.
In the meantime their provisions were wasting and their supply of water had become so smaU,
that it was found necessary to issue rations of a quart a day to the seamen, and one pint to the
passengers. At length, on the 27th of November, after suHlering many hardships, they were
furnished with supplies by a vessel off the Coast of Ireland. In due time they managed to get
the Brig safely into port, when Cartwright had the mortification to learn from the mate of the
vessel, that while they were all enduring the pangs of thirst on their long and perilous journey,
Arnold and his servant had enjoyed a good supply of water. He had, by means of the latter,
managed to barter away to the seaman, in exchange for a part of their ration of water, the wine
that belonged only in part to himself, and without the knowledge of his partner. To verify the
fact, and after Arnold had quit the vessel, the " Locker *' was examined, and in it were found
one bottle of wir.e^ and nine of ivater^ left over from the supply thus fraudulently obtained during
the voyage.
658
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 6th.
Troopi still
insubordinate.
for the intended * Enterprize, to the Marquis Favetts Detachment, ar-
rived here yesterday, with Dispatches from the Marquis and the French
Minister, for Commodore Tilly. Capt: Kelly has also arrived from
Philadelphia, with an answer to a letter he carried to the French Min-
ister, from the Commodore of the French Squadron.
If I find it impracticable to march over the troops, at present embodied
here, to join General Muhlenberg, after executing your last orders, I will
immediately repair to the Afsembly. but if I fortunately can have in-
fluence enough to crofs the men over the River, I shall prefer the service
of the field, to that of the Senate. I congratulate you on the glorious
victory obtained by Count D'Estaing over Commodore Hood, the par-
ticulars of which, have doubtlefs, ere this reached you.
I have the honor to be,
with every sentiment of respect,
yr: Excellencys most ob* fervt.
March 7th. Stephen Southall to Maj' Ricd: Claiborne : He is extremely anxious
Richmond. to procure the number of horses called for, but finds it impossible, has
applied to the Governor, to Col: Muter, and to every other person from
Horses scarce, whom a guard of men might be procured, but without effect. Refers to
the painful and distressing situation in which he is placed, whereby his
oiScial duties require him to be separated from ^' an aged Parent lan-
guishing under the Tortures of death," and who is so desirous he should
be with her. The obligations of parental affection are too great to be
disregarded ; he therefore begs to be relieved from fervice, until he can
"see the result of her Ilnefs."
March 7th.
Richmond.
Necessity of
procuring
horses, &c.
Maj: Rich^ Claiborne to the Governor;
" Sir,
I feel so much concern about the horses, that are to be imprefsed for
the Expedition against Portsmouth, that I beg leave to propose to your
Excellency a method which may very pofsibly s^nswer our wish«?s, as the
manner which has been practiced for two days past has proved ineffectual.
Imprefses cannot be made in a country which has for a long time, in
repeated instances suffered from the conduct of persons >%ho take upon
themselves the priviledge to distrain from Individuals without proper
authority, unlefs a party of men are detached upon the businefs. These
with the Warrant from your Excellency, and the instructions from
myself, would be able to execute the duty with Justice to the public k,
satisfaction to the People.
I have now in my pofsefsion fixteen or twenty Continental horses
which may be had at any moment. Were men mounted upon these
with an Officer to Command them, they might proceed through the
Country to Williamsburg, and obtain a considerable portion towards the
number wanted.
Tomorrow the time will expire, in which this Collection was to have
been made, but still the businefs must be done.
If this proposal meets with the approbation of your Excellency, and
* Refers to the attsmpt upon Arnold.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 559
you will be pleased to order an Officer and twenty men to be sent to me 1781
for the purpose, the instructions shall be ready for him immediately.
I have the honor to be
with great respect, &c."
Major Rich^' Claiborne to Maj: Genlt Baron Steuben:
jj «. Richmond.
dir,
Since my letter to you of the 5^^* I have, with my afsistants at this
place, done everything in my power, to procure a proportion of the
horses to be imprefsed, but without the smallest succefs. I applied a
third time to the Governor, for men to aid in doing the businefs, but
could obtain none. I endeavoured then to hire men in the Town and
neighborhood, but all to no purpose — none would undertake the matter,
for fear of getting the ill will of their neighbours, and I had no power to
compel! them. 1 urged that there was an absolute necefsity for the
horses being had in two days, to some of the principal men, who, I
thought would undertake the businefs themselves ; but they would not do
ij. The matter is now reduced to this, that I can get no men from the Inflect"! «ffort
Executive, nor will any hire themselves for fear of oiFending their neigh- hortei so prei-
bours. The Governor thinks that it is not just to carry on an imprefs ingiy needed,
here, giving as a reason, that the people have been distrefsed in that
point already, and thinks that the horses may be more easily procured in
the lower Counties. The matter now devolves upon Major Day at
Williamsburg, and M"" Elliott at Petersburg, to apply for military force,
& to effect what is to be done, in the Counties adjacent to their posts.
As those Gentlemen can only have recourse to you, for afsistance, I beg
leave to request you to give it to them. Nothing but a case of the most
absolute necefsity could prevail upon me to trouble you, but long experience
clearly proves that this businefs cannot be done without men. At such
a time as this, all businefs to be performed by Horses, among the Inhabi-
tants, should cease, and those who are nearest to where the scene of
action is to be, must expect to give up everything they have, which is
wanted for the enterprize. I have sent Major Day k M' Elliott the
prefs Warrants, and instructions, and if there are horses in the Coun-
try, men are only wanted to collect them. I shall still go on, at this
place, and send to Williamsburg, what it will be pofsible to procure.
I have the honor to be
with Sincere Esteem, Sir,
your mo: obt' humble servant."
Col: Geo: Carrington to Gov: Jefferson, enclosing copy of a letter "^ ^^
from Col: Rawleigh P. Downman, commanding the Militia of that Cumberland
County near " Camp Everett's Mills," asking attention to the demands ^°'
of the men for a discharge; they having been in the field from the Demands of
beginning of the present Invasion. By the absence of Col: Skipwith the Militia,
from the County, he is left in command. Upon examining the Laws,
he does not find that any particular length of time is mentioned, when
Militia are called out to resist invasion, during which they are to serve, un-
lefs their own, or adjacent county be invaded.
In addition to this, the number of men lately called out to the aid of
560 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1781 GenI: Greene, does not leave enough remaining at home, to go to the
relief of Downman, unless those just discharged k returned home be
required to do double duty. Asks for instructions in the premises.
March 7th ^^ being represented that in the execution of an Impress Warrant,
granted by the Governor to Major Genl. Greene for the purpose of
Geo. Atiembiy. counting the i"* & 3*^ Regiments of Dragoons, great abuses have arisen
by imprefsing Stallions, which as such are unfit for service, and being
Warrant to appraiscd to enormous sums must incur a debt too heavy to be borne —
impreta hortei, Resolved,
&c
That in the further Execution of the above mentioned Warrant all
officers and others empowered to collect Horses, be restrained from im-
pressing Stallions, breeding mares, or geldings, above the value of fifty
pounds specie.
Resolved, that the Governor be desired to cause strict enquiry to be
abu8es"f kc. "^ade into all abuses Committed in the Execution of the Impress War-
ant, granted to Genl: Greene, and to cause all the horses valued at
prices exceeding those proper for Dragoons to be returned to their respec-
tive owners, who shall be paid by the public the damages such Horses
may have respectively received, the damage being previously ascertained
by appraisers ; and cause prosecutions to be commenced against those
persons, who may have been concerned in the flagrant violation of duty,
practiced under colour of the said Impn ss Warrant.
Teste
JOHN BECKLEY, C h. D.
Copy
JOHN BECKLEY, C. h. D.
March 7th. Joseph Holmes, Continentel Dep* Com: Genl: of Prisoners to the
Richmond. Governor : After his return from the " Assembly," upon hearing the
Country was invaded, he immediately marched with a number of other
Voiuntcert. volunteers for Richmond, but hearing the enenfiy had retired down James
River, they changed their rout towards Fredericksburg, where they
remain some time before the Commanding Officer discharged them.
This event had delayed the building the Cabins ordered for the reception
of the prisoners kept at Winchester. He and the two others appointed
Cabins built for to select a Suitable location for this purpose, rented from M' Mathias
the Prisoner*. Bush of Phil: 525 acres of land four miles from Winchester, (on which
was an abundance of wood and water, and exceedingly healthy,) at
Twenty Pounds pr: year, with the privilege of cutting wood for building
for nothing, and the fuel at sixteen pence pr: cord in specie, or its equiva-
lent He has built thirty cabins, at a cost of one hundred pounds each,
including cutting, hauling, raising, making doors, hinges &c: &c: all 14
feet square in the clear. These not being sufficient to accommodate the
prisoners, has ordered more to be built Has received no assistance
from the latter except in " cramming between the loggs."
Has just received his Excellency's letter in regard to allowing '* the
prisoners of war, who are artificers to reside in particular Counties."
He should be glad to adopt this policy, but experience has proved the ill con-
r sequences of any indulgence of this kind. They mix with, and poison the
allowing^Pris • "^^"ds of the ignorant, who listen too wilingly to their accounts of their
privileges- own Country ac; and frequently, by procuring *' country clothing"
>wing
oners
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 561
affect their escape notwithstanding the greatest vigilance on the part of 17^^
the County Lieutenants. If however, this privilege is to be allowed, he Mirch 7th.
will give all necefsary instructions to those who may employ them, and
require their Bonds with security, to deliver up the Prisoners when they
shall be demanded.
Col: Geo: Muter to the Governor : Col: Senf requires a large num- Mirch 7th.
ber of Intrenching Tools at York, and thinks there are many at Fredc- ^^^ q^^
ricksburg belonging to the State, which by leave of his Excellency may ^^ ^^^
be gotten. He has written to the Quarter Master Genl: of the State to
have all he can collected at once ready for use.
D' Dixon, Surgeon of the ** State Garrison" is in Richmond ; has D'. Dixon.
been attending the Militia wounded in Charles City, and wishes to know
if he is to act as Surgeon to ^* the regiment to be formed of the State
Troops."
Gov: Tho* S. Lee to Gov: Jefferson of V*: March 7th.
^ir, Annapolit.
The Marquis Lafayette has requested this State to furnish armed Ves- in CoancU.
sels, for the Protection of the Transports and Troops under his Com-
mand, and destined for the Expedition against the enemy at Portsmouth.
We have only been able to procure a Brig of fourteen four-pounders, a Araicd vcsteU
Schooner of eight three-pounders, and a Sloop loaded and bound to sea, needed to pro-
of ten three-pounders. From various accounts we are apprehensive this *«cttraniporti.
force is inferior to the Enemies Privateers in the Bay.
We have wrote to the Commander of the Ships of our Ally at the
Capes, and if he cannot spare one of his Vefsels to convoy the Marquis,
you will see the necefsity of Your State immediately procuring a force,
which in conjuction with ours, would certainly be superiour to the Ene-
mies Cruifers, The Marquis, with the Troops, Cannon and Stores are
now at the Head of Elk. We have imprefsed and sent to him every
Vefsel at Baltimore and this place, and fear they will not be suiEcient. Movemeatiof
The Marquis has requested us to procure Boats to land the Cannon and Lafayette.
Troops, which will not be in our Power, but we hope you will be able
to obtain any number he may want. General Wayne, with a second
Detachment from the Pennsylvania Line, is expected at the Head of
Elk, and he is to join the Marquis, as soon as Vefsels can be procured
to transport him to Portsmouth.
We have the honor to be,
with very great Consideration,
Yr: Excellency's mo; obt & mo: Hble fervants."
Capt: James Maxwell, to Gov Jefferson : March 8th.
" Sir, York.
Since may last of the 5*^, I now take the liberty of informing your
Excellency of the occurencys here since that time — the Boat we
embarked in not sailing so well as I could wish and hereing the Boat
Liberty was arrived at xork, ordered her immediately to Joyn us here,
71
S62 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 which she accordingly did on the evening of the 6*^, and we were then
»* 1. « u determined to go to Cape Charles with both Boats, as soon as the weather
March 8th. ., .0 u*^' i_. 'i^i .-.
in the morning would permit us, that we might take every opportunity
Capture of the^ of Stretching out to Sea, in search of There Vefseis that are not within
oat« 1 erty. ^^^ Capes — that night being dark, and very Rainy, we were alarm'd
about 7 in the morning of the 7^, with 8 of the Enemy's arm'd Boats,
as they were returning from plundering up Back river, immediately
boarded and took the Liberty, she being then aground. The Enemy
plundered her of her sails and Military Stores, and left her, taking the
Master of her, Gibson, and 8 men, who, are well informed, did all that
their situation would permit them. And being very usefull people, should
be glad, if an opportunity offers, to have them exchang'd — the other
The other ves- ^^^^ ^^^ 6°^ "P ^ Creek, Sunk & the people on board, took post on
tei escapes. shore to defend her, which the Enemjr discovering made no Attempt
upon. Since which she has been got up, and Arived safe here \ and am
in hopes of giting the Liberty also here very shortly as I left her afloat
last night.
Plundering This Plundering detachment was Commanded by Col: Dundas with
party under about 300 Regulars, who about 2 in the morning of the 7% rowd
"" "' up Back river, and then divided into 2 divifsions, the one with the troops
to one Sheilds', \f horn they took prisoner, and kept as a guide to carry
them to the halfway house (being about 2 Miles distant from his planta>
tation), the other to Major Holivre, \^hom they also took prisoner and
discharged again, and proceeded immediately to driving off the cattle,
which they fCill'd and loaded their Boats, which then proceeded to New-
ports News, where 2 Brigs and one Sloop Anchored that morning, and
fired 3 Quns as a signal I believe to Col: Dundas, to inform him they
were there. On the Boats return to the Vefseis, one landed at Buck-
Row, (a place of Col: Selden's) where they KilFd & carried of a Cow,
several shoats. Turkeys, &;c. I muft also beg leave to inform Your
Spirit of the Excellency, that I never saw people turn out with A greater willingnefs
P«<^P'*' than those here to oppose their Enemy, who but few of them had Arms,
& those short of Ammunition — and of which the following list may be
a proof. The Enemy when at the halfway house am informed, destroyed
about 70 Musquetts, Ammunition, &c., and a thousand weight of Beef,
and at that time were driving a number of Cattle, which in the scrim-
mage they had about 2 miles from that place (all dispers'd,) in the Even-
The enemy fail ing about 5 o'clock, the Enemy pafs'd Armstead's Mill, on their way
of their object, to Newports News, and were soon followed by Major Callis & Lieut:
Allen with about 20 Volunteers, who were fireing on them in their rear.
The Enemy, by every Report since, have got safe on board about 9 that
Evening and proceeded to Portsmouth, missing I think in a great mea-
sure of their principal aim, which was stock. You will Sir, pardon this
tedious narative ; and I shall only Add, that I will use every indeavour
in my power to have my Dispatches delivered and have the Honour to
be verry Respectfully,
Your Excellency's most Obed^
and most humble Serv^
Jdds to the above
Tt Rac^tTi" " ^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ¥i\\Vi^ wounded and prisoners, taken at Racepaths
on the'Tth. * about 8 miles from Hampton in the Scrimmage of the 7"^ of March,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. S63
with about 40 Militia against 300 British Troops & Sailors Commanded 1781
by Col"* Dundas : .,,.«.
^ March 8ch.
Colonel Malory,
Henry King,
William Burhell,
Thos: Pearce, Wounded k a prisoner.
Col: Curl, Commander of our party,
a prisoner.
William Bean, } Kill'd W» & Rob' Armstead, Prisoners.
John Baly,
John Langly,
John Frazier,
Gibson, Master of the Boat Liberty,
k 7 Men Prisoners.
On the Enemys' side,
Lieut: Salsbury, (of the Sharon) Killed,
2 wounded, and believe prisoners taken about 5 or 6.
Col« Dundas had his Horfe Kill'd under him."
Maj: Chas: Magill to Gov; Jefferson : March 8th.
" Sir,
Camp near
This accompanies a Letter from Col** Davie, Commifsary General for ^*^ "^*'*
the Southern Army, containing a requisition of Live Stock from the
State of Virginia. Coi^ Davie wishes to be informed who is appointed
Superintendant of the Provision Supplies for the State of Virginia, as it is yf °l*?^ "?****
necefsary the Person appointed should keep up a regular correspondence live^^k"
with the Commifsary Genl: of the Southern Army, giving him informa-
tion of what Supplies are on hand, and what his future prospects are.
On the sixth. Lord Cornwallis, with the main body of the British
Army moved to High Rock Ford, a Body of Riflemen covered by our
Horse Skirmished with his Lordship for three or four miles, and by in-
formation received from Prisoners and Deserters, Kill'd k wounded up- gtStnUjiin.
wards of a Hundred men. A Party of Col^ Washingtons' Regt: the withtheea-
same night, fell in with twenty five Tories, driving in Beeves for the e°»y.
British Troops, and Kill'd twenty three of the number. Lord Corn-
wallis, in taking his present Position, seems to have two objects in view.
The cutting off supplies from Virginia, or at least, making them take a
more circuitous Route. The other to bring our Army to a General Policy of Corn-
Action, before any number of the Militia can posibly join us. General ^*^«'
Lawson from Virginia, and General Caswell with a party of North Caro-
lina Militia may soon be expected ; neither of their numbers are at present
ascertained. The Army are at present Paraded & ready to March, oc-
casioned by fome late mancevre of the British, should it be of any im-
portance, 1 shall take the earliest opportunity to communicate it.
I have the honor to be
your Excellencys'
most obedient
Humble Serv* »
D' Math: Pope to Col: W» Davies at Chesterfield C<» House : ^"'^ ^'^'
** It has been requested by Baron Steuben and by the Executive of this *^ " •
State, that four of the Best Surgeons and 4 Mates, should immediately pro-
ceed down the South of James River, to join Genl: Muhlenberg's Camp. Need ofSur-
Experienced Gentlemen of that Profefsion being difficult to procure at **^"'*
so short a warning, I take the liberty to request your interposition in a
matter of so much consequence at this present juncture, not doubting if
664
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 any can pofsibly be spared, they will go with cheerfulness. I shall be
happy to receive a line from you by return of the Exprefs.
I have the Honour to be &c."
Mirch 8th.
Chesterfield.
.Complaint
against Co. Lt.
of Hanover.
Col: W" Davies to the Governor : The Orders to Capt: Brown, of
the Artillery, have been delivered, '^and he will instantly set out for
Hoods." ♦*****♦
Draws attention of the Executive to the conduct of the C^ Lieuten-
ant of Hanover, in exempting that County from furnishing their ^^equit-
able quota of men." From Col: Syme, he also learns, this Officer
connives at the residence of deserters within his jurisdiction ; suggests
proper notice be taken of such conduct. Begs his Excellency will spare
a leisure moment from his more important duties, to order the State
Agent to provide leather for the Shoe-factory. Could this be done, the
supply of Shoes will be much increased from only 10 to I2 pair a day.
The tailors make ^* 50 to 60 regimental coats a week" and are kept
closely at work. Begs the regular payment of their wages may be
attended to.
War Office.
March 8th. Col: Geo: Muter informs the Governor, he has a letter from Col^
Dabney, in which he says his Commifsion dates the ii'** June, 1777.
The man who was taken with Small-pox is dead. M' Rose says then it
Small pox, &c. is absolutely necefsary to furnish the free-negro who was hired to attend
him with new clothing, that his own may be destroyed. Capt: Irish
proposes *^ throwing a shell about 4 or 5 o'clock this afternoon, to prove
the mortar bed he has made."
March 8th.
Winchester.
Arriyal of the
German prit-
onen, &€.
Money, beef
and clothing
Tery scarce.
Col: Francis Taylor to the Governor : The German Troops arrived
on the 5^ instant. The Brunswick Reg;iments, nine hundred and thirty
four, rank and file, are quartered at present in the town^ but are so much
crowded, they shall be removed soon. The Hefsee Hanau Regiment,
three hundred strong, are sent to the ** Town of Bath," under part of the
" Guards." Provisions and Forage have risen in price very much since
the arrival of these troops, and are very scarce, Capt: Read's Troop of
Dragoons are at Winchester, the men " very bear of Clothing" and the
horses very poor; recommends they be sent to Shenandoah, where there
is forage, to be recruited. A large proportion of the Officers 4 Soldiers
of the ^^ Guards" claim their discharge, on the ground that they were
enlisted to serve only at the Albemarle Barracks ; but seem willing to
remain until it is determined where the German Prisoners will be perma-
nently quartered.
His own Officers so much in want of money, that they are not able
to pay for washing or common necefsaries of life. Begs his Paymaster,
M*^ Martin, may be authorized to draw on the Auditors, making due
allowance for the depreciation of the currency, as allowed by the last
Genl: Afsembly. His men suffering seriously for want of Clothing*
Flour may be gotten in abundance in the Country, but beef has become
very scarce and high since his arrival. He sends this by a Dragoon, by
whom he hopes to receive the necefsary instructions.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 665
Rich^ James to Col: Geo: Muter, offering to sell eight thousand feet 1781
of plank, flooring & weather-boards, at 15 Shillings a foot cash, to be ^„^y^ g^i^
sent by Col: Carrington *'on his return from the Afsembly." He will
deliver the lumber at his landing — has a large ^^ flat" for sale, capable of
carrying sixty barrels of flour.
M' Michie appears to me not to have made the practical part of the ^^^^ 8ih.
law his study, so as to prepare himself for entering immediate into prac- candidate for
tice, but perhaps this knowledge is best to be acquired b} practice itself, the bar, exam-
& I have no doubt, but that iVr Michie for his own sake, will attend '"^^'
more to that branch of Study, before he enters into Businefs. In other
respects, he seems to be qualified for a License."
" HENRY TAZEWELL/'
C(
M' Michie's knowledge of the theory of the law might probably
enable him to practice with some reputation as far as the theory merely
is concerned. It is an unfortunate circumstance, that a ftw only of those
who study that science ; can according to the general mode of our educa-
tion, become sufficiently skilled in the practical part, without being
engaged in actual businefs. I fear that M^ Michie labours under the
common misfortune. This is certified to the Executive by,"
their mo: ob' serv%
*'EDM: RANDOLPH."
Thursday
M. Walker to Gov: JeflFerson : March 9tJj
^^ Sir, Williamsburg.
The difficulties and embarrasments, that have been thrown into the
Baron's way in the course of this Bufsiness, have perhaps transported him j^^fon Steuben
beyond the bounds of moderation ; but were you acquainted with them '"'^'S"*"^-
all, you would make great allowances on account of his situation. 'Tis
fortunate that the Afsembly is now sitting. They surely will fall on some
Expedient to remedy those crying Evils, in such manner as to prevent ««Crying evils,"
the lofs of this golden, glorious opportunity of perhaps exterminating the &«•
Enemy in this Country. I well know your situation is not lefs disagrea-
ble than that of the Baron & therefore rejoice that the Legislature is at
hand to lend their aid at this interesting reriod.
I have the honor to be,
your Excellency's
most obedient
Humble servt."
Col: J. Banister to ' : He has in accordance with orders, March 9th.
arrested Overby and Wells, and bailed them in good security to appear
for trial when called on. their arms have been deposited in a magazine
he had established. Expects to complete the third of the Militia 233 in
number by subscription. Desires instructions as to the trial of the two
men arrested.
666
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
March loth.
*<Cainp Suf-
folk."
178 1 Genl: P. Muhlenberg to Gov: Jefferson :
" Sir,
Major Hamilton, a Capt^ in Col- Gibson's Regt: wishes to retire from
the fervice, as the present state of the Reg^ excludes all hopes of his being
enabled to render his Country present fervices. He wishes to obtain
fome employment in the State, untill he can again ferve with credit, I
take the Liberty to introduce him to your Excellency, as a Gentleman of
Merit, & one who has served with great reputation. I have just rec* in-
Ships enter the fof^iation that two large ships appear in the Bay, but whether French
Bay, &c. or British is not yet ascertained. Col° Parker & Col** Meade left the
Crofs-roads, two mile below Halls yesterday morning, with the detach-
ment destined for the Great Bridge, consisting of near lOOO in the whole,
which will compel me to remain in active for some days, untill I get the
promised reinforcements, which are just beginning to come in.
I have the honor to be
with great respect.
Your Excellency's
most obed: & humble fervt.'*
March loth.
Williamsburg.
Major Genl: Steuben to Major Claiborne t (Copy.)
" Sir,
Want of Boats and horses, is of it itself sufficient to ruin the enterpize
now in hand. I have made frequent representations to Government on
the subject, have given you repeated orders, have sent you those of Col^
Pickering, and have myself employ'd officers to collect the boats in James
Baron Steuben River, all which have answered no end. you tell me you have been re-
complaint.
Peremptory
orden.
fused the assistance of Government and ask mine, knowing at the same
time, that I have no powers, but what I get from Government, you
ought then to make your demands to the same source to obtain the troops
you want to procure the Articles in your department, I have only 7 boats,
chiefly without oars down here, and there ought to be at least 20.
I order you in the most strict terms to demand a sufficient force from the
Governor, to seize all the boats at Manchester^ belonging to M^ Mayo,
and all boats whatever on the James, Chickahominy k Appomatox
rivers. I know that there are, which have not been prefsed, one at
Maycox & 2 at Shirly. Men must all be had to conduct them. All
the large vefsels should come to Hoods^& the boats to College Creek,
and as it is impofsible for me to do the functions of every department, I
order you sir, to come immediately here ; the object is too important to
be neglected. If the horses for the Artillery are not ready when the
Marquis arrives, you shall be Answerable, it is not sufficient to give
orders, you must see that they are executed.
Capt: Pryor will deliver you this, and will afsist you. I expect to see
you here quickly, and that my orders will be executed,"
*' Pm Sir, Your most Obedient."
March xoth. Major Chas; Magill to Gov: Jefferson :
"Head guar- " ^ir,
f^k^For"'^^ I had the honor to foward a Letter from Colonel Davie, Commifsary
Genl: to Your Excellency, on the 8^. On the same day Lord Corn-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 567
r
wallis, with the British main Body, moved near Guilford Court House, 1781
and the American Army took Post, near the High-Rock ford, a distance ^^^
from the Court House about 1 7 miles.
No material movement has since taken place. The British keep close Movementi of
within their Lines, that spirit of enterprize which Tarlton formerly pofses'd V,* *""*"'.
has entirely deserted him ever since the affair of the Cow Pens, and a ^ *°" ^"**^»
check given him by Col: Lee, on the rapid advance of the British.
A new Arrangement of the Light In&ntry has taken place, more to
the satisfaction, I hope, of the Militia. Col** Washington, supported by
a body of Riflemen under the command of Col^ Campbell, commands
on the Right, and Col® Lee, supported by Col^ Preston upon the left New disposition
of the Line. The Infantry belonging to the Maryland and Virginia °^„ fore".*"
Lines, draughted for the Light Corps, are to rejoin their Regiments. On
the late skirmishes, of which an account was given in my last, the
Riflemen complained, that the burthen and heat of the Day was entirely Bad conduct of
thrown upon them, and that they were to be made a sacrifice by the *^* Riflemen
Regular Officers to screen their own troops ; full of this Idea the greater |h?s dung^.
number left the Light Troops. Some rejoined their Regiments with the
main Body, and others thought it a plausible excuse for their return home.
Col^ Williams, an excellent officer who Commanded the Corps, immedi-
ately declined the command, and in order to give more satisfaction.
Genl: Greene made the Judicious arrangement above recited.
The Army wait with the utmost impatience for the arrival of the
Regular Troops from Virginia under Col° Campbell, and Genl: Law- '^r°^P? ^^^
son's Brigade of Militia. Upon the arrival of their Reinforcement, there i^u,w°e*pectcd.
is a probability of the two Armies being nearer neighbors. At the request
of Lord Cornwallis, Commifsioners have met at Genl: Butler's, from
both Armies, to settle the terms of an exchange. The result is not as yet
known. General Sumpter, by information received, is on the Southside Sumpter and
of Nelson's Ferry, upon the Santee, with a body of Southern Militia ; ^*"°'*'
and General Marion, with a body, lower down upon the same River.
The Militia are daily joining, but heretofore, in no regular Bodies. A
aumber from different Counties, who turned out Volunteers on the first volunteers un-
approach of the British, finding the life a soldier by no means an agree- ^^ **^ *'
able one, thought proper to take a hasty leave of their brother Sufferers.
The Troops at present, indulge the most pleasing expectations and antici-
pate the happinefs they hope to enjoy, by making the British shortly,
retreat before them with precipitation.
I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
Moft Obedient
Humble Servant."
Col: James Callaway to the Governor: In consequence of his Mirch ntb.
instructions of Jany: 2°^ last, nearly four hundred of the Militia of that Bedford Co
County had marched to Petersburg, and who are now near Portsmouth.
They are clamorous for their discharge, being poor men, whose families
are suffierine from their absence. Begs that they may be relieved if pos- Heavy draft for
sible. Nearly the same number of men are in service with Genl: Greene, menmadeupon
as a tonsequence of his appeal to the County, together with the eflForts *^««o»nV'
of Col° Lynch. These demands upon the County had interfered with
the making up the quota of Regular Troops, required by the Act of the
668
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781 last Afsembly ; but he shall take care to return the exact strength of the
draughts as soon as they are made.
March nth.
Petersburg
Horsei cannot
be gottoM.
People will re-
sist the taking
their Saddles.
March nth
Loudon Co.
Geo: Elliott to Col: Davies : Received orders a few days ago to imprefs
seventy horses for the Baron Steuben ; has used every effort, but for want
of men to afsist him, falls far short of that number. Major Claiborne
instructs him to apply, in case of need, to the nearest Commanding offi-
cer for afsistance *, he therefore asks for a ^'good Sergeant and six active
lads " — adds, ^^By the Inclosed, you'll see I have sadles as well as horses
to git, the sanie way. The people I am shore, will fight for those sad-
dles, as they must afterwards ride bare backt. The favor will render a
particular service, and the men may return in a few days."
Thomas Harman, Capt: 3*^ V* Regt:, applies to Col: W'" Davies, on
behalf of " M"" James Gunnell, a young gentleman of undoubted char-
acter and creditable family," who has great desire to join the American
Army ; desires an Ensign's commifsion, it there are any vacancies would
prefer the 3^ Reg* ; will report fully equipped for the field if his applica-
tion be succefsful.
March ilth.
Richmond.
Major Claiborne to the Governor, in regard to Baron Steuben's letter
of the 10^ ; begs for a speedy answer, upon recept of which he shall
ifsue the requisite orders, and repair to Williamsburg without a moment's
lofs of time. M' Green the bearer, will wait for an answer, his Excel-
lency being doubtless aware of the urgency of the case.
Marco Ilth Col: W"^ Davies to the Governor j * • ♦ •
Deer skins Reminds him of the proposition to drefs the deer skins for the use of
the troops ; the necesfsary preparations therefor can be made ; urges the
importance of keeping up the supply of leather. The contractor for
Advances his the four hundred shirts has advanced his own money, and needs ten
ownmoney,&c. thousand doLars to finish themj concludes, "With this supply we shall
be able to make the Virginians under Genl: Greene much more com-
fortable. I would sooner advance the money myself than the people
should be disappointed."
March nth. Capt: W°^ Lewis to the Governor: He is informed by Capt: Mar-
^ senberg that all the vefsels below, taking advantage of Hampton Roads
Hoodi/*^"*^ being clear of the enemy, had gone out; Thinks they should have been
Hampton roadi Stopped, especially those belonging to the State. His owners may corn-
clear of the plain that he too had not gone to sea, having the same opportunity. He
enemy. gjjj^jj ^j^jj ^^ Hood's for further orders ; the delay of the artillery above
has kept him there, but " shall go to day as fair as turkey Island till ail
come Down."
March iith.
Richmond.
Mann Page to Col: Geo: Muter, informing him, as one of the **Com-
mittee appointed to Examine into the state of the Military Stores belong-
ing to this Commonwealth, ^^that they will attend at his office for this
purpose, at 5 o-clock this Evening."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 669
Col: Arthur Campbell to Col: Geo: Muter : 1781
Sir> March 12th.
The Cherokees, I suppose encouraged by the advances of Lord Corn-
waliis, and excited by British Agents, have recommenced hostilities; one county!**""
of their objects seems to be to cut ofF the communication with Ken- Hoitile indUm
tuckey, I beg leave to repeat my most earnest entreaties, that the Exe- &c.
cutive, (if they approve of the plan,) will speedily foward the establish-
ing a Garrifon on the banks of the Tenafee, as the most probable means
of aweing our enemies and restoring tranquility to our frontiers.
I am Sir, with Respect,
your very Humble fervant."
Capt: John Allen to the Governor, by Capt: R. Ballinger: March nth.
Col: Senf not having returned as he promised, he is at a lofs what to Hood*8 Oarrl-
do. Asks for authority to remove the bricks at Brandon, and the tim- ^^"*
ber at M' James Cocke's, engaged for the State by Col: Senf; they and Urgent state of
the Lime should now be in place. Bricklayers, Carpenters and Sawyers, afl^'m at
applying to him for work, but does not know what to allow them. Is in ^°®^'''
want of waggons and a carry-log. There are three white and one negro
Carpenters at work at the Garrison, and eighteen negro laborers hired Negro laboren,
from Chas: Carter, of Shirley, Rich^: Randolph, Arch: Cary, Henry **•
Randolph, Thos: M. Randolph, of Tuckahoe, Ryland Randolph, W"^
Murray, George Minge & Rob: Goode. This number of hands too
small for the work to be done. Not a negro gotten from Dinwiddie or
Prince George C°.
W°^ Rose, D. Q, M. Genl: to Col: Muter: In obedience to the orders March lath.
of the Executive, applies for an order on the " Commanding Officer of .
the Garrison Reg^" for *' an honest able Serg'." M' Wyatt has gone to ^'^**"°»**-
^^ Gloucester and the adjacent Counties to purchase or impress 50 Sad-
dle and 130 Draft Horses, to afsist in the operations against the enemy
at Portsmouth."
W. Brown, C. Mil: Stores, to Col: Muter, urging the necefsity of ^*'*=** ^V^*
procuring Iron, Steel and files. M*" Rofs, of Petersburg, can furnish
them. A ^^compleat Gun-stocker" has been engaged ; thinks it a pity,
so many good workmen should be idle for want of materials. He has
neither money or credit to supply them.
Major Rich* Claiborne to the Governor : March 13th,
** Sir, Williamsburg.
I do myself the honor to inform your Excellency, that Baron Steuben
has this moment left this, to meet the Marquis De la Fayette at York-
town. Part of the Troops have landed. It is probable the Marquis
will be in Williamsburg to-night.
The necefsity of ordering all the vefsels to be at Hoods, without lofs Active opcra-
of time, your Excellency will judge of and direct accordingly. I have *i®n»«
yet had no directions respecting the shipping, therefore, am a ftranger to
their situation in either of the Rivers. The horses come in much to my
72
670
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
satisfaction; however, I cannot fay there will be enough at present.
Your Excellency fhall hear frequently from me.
I have the lionor to be,
with much respect & esteem,
Yr: Excellency's most ob* fervt.
March 13th. Resolution pafsed and agreed to by the Senate; ordering the sale of
"Tuesday" ^^ " Accomac" and "Diligence" galleys; appointing Commifsioners
House of Dele- to enquire into the damage said to have been sustained by said galleys
"'**' from robbery of plander, and directing enquiry as to the authors thereof,
with the view of prosecuting them.
gates
March 13th. Major Chas: Magill to Gov. Jefferson :
« Head guar- "Sir,
ters.
Express
Stations.
I received your Excellency's Letter, dated the 7"^ Inst: last evening.
After visiting the Station'd Line of Exprefses, as by you directed, as far
as Taylor's Ferry, no information could be given me, where the Stations
were, between that and Head Quarters
On the 26*^ I joined the Army and found no Exprefs there station'd,
but under the direction of the Q^ M. Gen^, these were to be furnished
by Genl: Greene's Order. Anxious to give the earliest Intelligence, I
applied to Genl: Greene, and was by him informed that an exprefs would
set off for Richmond in two Days at the utmost. Some interesting
movements afterwards being like to take place, it was postponed 'till the
2^ Inst:
Since the first Exprefs, two others have been sent by the way of
Prince Edward C House. . I have wrote by both, and a private convey-
ance. Your Excellency might justly accuse me with negligence were it
not for the above reasons.
Since the arrival of a Detachment of North Carolina Militia, those
Effect of arri- under Genl: Lawson, and the Regulars under Col° Campbell, nothing is
taiofrein- talk'd of but a general Action, and apparently every preparation is
forccments. niaking. The Militia form the front line, supported by the Horse, on
each flank. Lord Cornwallis finding Genl: Greene serious in his inten-
tions, filed of from Gilford C^ House, down the Hillsborough road, and
seemingly is manceuvering for a favorable opportunity to make an attack*
I hope the Militia will wipe of those stains cast upon them at Camden.
Every opportunity I shall embrace to communicathe intelligence.
I have the honor to be
yr: Excellencys'
most obt' humble servant."
March 13th
War Office.
Col: Muter informs the Governor, that M' Mauzey (a Chair Maker
in town) will undertake to make carriage wheels, if he can get the men
relieved from the Militia, necefsary to do the work.
March 14th.
Shepardstowo;
"|Sir,
I am sorry to trouble your Excellency at this Time concerning my
Rank ; but as Major Walls claims the Bank for his Son in preference
to any other Ensign from his appointment, as it came from the Execu-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 671
tive Power \ which if it was their Intention, I will chearfully submit to, 1781
for my part I conceived that the preference was only to old officers, that j^ ^ u .^
those who never were in the Service should take Bank of those who had
served their Country from the commencement of the War, which was ??*j?° ^^^
not the case of Ensign Peter Moore and Thomas Walls, as this is the regard w^it"
first Commifsion either of them ever Held ; M' Walls is a very young rank, Ac.
Lad, not exceeding Fourteen or Fifteen Years of Age. I was appointed
an Ensign by the Field Officers of Montgomery County and had ten
men raised by the 22*^ August 1779, which men I marched to Albemarle
Barracks. I hope your Excellency will settle our Rank, as in your
Wisdom shall think proper.
I am your Excellencies
most ob^ Serv^ to command,
HUGH McGAVOCK, En«
His Excellency, W. B.
Tho' Jefferson, Esq'
Col: J. Banister to the Governor : by Danl: Dodson, who goes to MarcD 14th.
Richmond to get his pay for valuable services rendered the State \ hopes
he may not be disappointed, as the money is not now one fifth the value
it was at that time. He is, with great difficulty collecting the Militia,
who having so lately been in service, and did not expect to be called on
again, will use every effort to conciliate them, and deliver the command
over to Col: Faulkner, as soon as a sufficient number are collected.
Begs the money he has advanced ^^ for the Country " be refunded, as he
is in great need of it.
Major Richd: Claiborne to the Governor : apologizing for the too March 14th.
hasty intelligence given some days ago, of the arrival at y'orktown, of wiiiUmebuw.
the Marquis de la rayette. Baron Steuben has just returned from that Lafayette not *
place, and informs him, that only about thirty men had arrived there, who arrived,
report the Marquis to have been ^^ the night before last," a little below
the mouth of Patuxent River, detained by heavy winds, but making all
possible headway.
Capt: B. Egar Joel to the Governor : March 14th.
"Sir, "State Yard."
I have the honor to inform you, I have for this three weeks past, been
cruising in the Lewis Galley, from New Port News, to Warresqueake
Bay. by carrying away my fore-yard, I was obliged to run up to Chicko- 'q^^I^^^^
homini, but shall to-morrow resume my station, on which I have reason in the Bay.
to expect, I haveallready prevented many slaves from forming a junction
with the Enemy.
You will see the propriety of my requesting an order from you, to
command the Galley, pro tempora, as it is impofsible to foresee what
accident may befall me in the execution of my duty, do not imagine by Desire* author-
this, I either request Rank or Pay for my service, it is only to secure iiy to command
me, should any misfortune happen. And now Sir, my duty to this ^^^ ^"'•^'
Country, my wish for its good, and my respect for you, induces me to
point out a circumstance, which is highly prejudicial to the public ser-
vice.
579 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 At this time, when men are of such importance, I could undertake to
M h th ™^^ many for the Navy, was I not discouraged by the situation in which
' f h ^ ^"^ those allready in it. I have now, men on board, who have neither
Sailors Ac. cloaths to cover them, or even the necefsaries of life, altho' 7 and more
months pay due. Believe me Sir, this information proceeds from my
anxiety for the public good, and I am informed by an officer that a
certain person^ has at this instant, a large sum of money in his hands, for
the purpose of paying off the Navy, while the men are labouring under
circumstances truly shocking;
I am, with the highest respect
your Obedient."
March 14th. Col: Joseph Crockett to Gov: Jefferson :
Sliepardttown. ^^ Sir,
By Orders received from Col: Clark, we have just Returned from
Frederick Town to this place, in hopes to get the Regt: equip'd for the
Western expedition.
I must beg leave once more to mention to your Excellency the great
Want! of the distrefs the Regiment is in for want of cloathing, the Soldiers being almost
?®^J? '?^"^*^ naked for want of linen, and entirely without shoes. Col: Clark informs
**' *' *' me he expects a considerable quantity of Linen at Winchester, of which
we shall have a part ; as for shoes, I know not where to apply.
This will be handed to your Excellency by Capt: Cherry, paymaster
to the Western Battalion, who will wait on the Treasurer for a sum of
money due the Officers, agreeable to a late Act of Afsembly, and also
will with cheerfulnefs obey any commands your Excellency may please
to lay on him, in order to serve the Regiment in forwarding cloathmg,
money, &c.
I have the Honor to be.
Your Excellency's most obd^
and very Humble Servant.
March 15th. William Cole to Col: Muter, stating the necefsity for arms and ammu-
Yd" ^*^*^" f^^ ^^^ defence of that place. In the absence of Capt: Maxwell,
asks for an order for twenty five muskets with powder and ball, by
return of the State Sloop. The Skipper will hand this and await orders.
March 15th. Capt: W" Lewis to Gov: Jefferson :
«« Renown" at "Sir,
We have been here two days with the Briggs Willing Lafs & Wilkes,
with two Empty Sloops & the flatt, and Sloop with military stores, and
Vesseh in the have Just rec^ an order from the Baron to deliver all the Musket Cart-
go7crnment!** ridges, which shall comply with. As the vefsels are lyable to be call
down every moment, I think that the private Property ought to be valued
so that all parties may be satisfied, & hope your Excellency will give
direcktions to people that are Judges, and the sooner the better, because
some Individuals here thinks it hard that they should proceed before their
Propertv should be valued.
We have never had a drop of Spirits on Board the fleet since we have
been taken in States service, and Seamen are creatures that must have it,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS." 57S
especially when an Expedition of this kind is on foot. There is not any 1781
Commifsary at this place for the State. M^ Mitchell lies here, & hope ^^^^^ ^ ^j,
has given your Excellency an acct: of our Situation. The Brigs that are .
here, arc in want of Military Stores, such as Cartridge paper, match rope, r^^^xt^l
Powder & Grape shott. men, &c.
I am Sir, Your most Obed'
&c."
lea-
Gov: Thos: S, Lee to Gov: Jefferson :
(& SJl- March X5th.
The arrival of your Exprefs, with your Excellency's Letter of the Anntpoiii.
12% this moment received, gives Us an Opportunity of informing you,
that all the Transports, with the Troops from Elk, got safe into this
Harbour on Tuesday evening. The next morning at day light. Two Traniportitafe.
Ships, apparently British, of the rate of about 18 and 20 Guns, came to
anchor opposite to the Mouth of our River Severne. At twelve o'clock, Movement! of
they made sail up the Bay, and by the last Accounts, were at ancher near ^ '"^"X-
the north point of the River Patapsco.
We judged you would be anxious for the safety of the Troops ; they
are fortunately safe. The armed Vefsels which conveyed tliem down,
are prepared for defence.
Your favors of the 6*** and 8'** arc come to Hand, and we thank you
for the intelligence respecting GenI: Greene, in that of the 8***.
We are with great Personal respect
& Esteem, your Excellency's
mo: Hble fervants."
Rob* Mitchell to the Governor ; March 151b.
" Sir, Hoodt.
Your favour Rec*^ this day by M** Pryor. I am happy to find that the
Marquis is safe arriv^. I sat off from Richmond, the 12^^ Inst: with
Twenty Militia in a Scow. On our way down, I put five men on board
of a brig lyeing at Warwick, call'd the Marrs, and gave the Capt: orders
to make all the despatch in his power down to this place, to join the
fleet. Then proceeded down the River in the Scow. The wind Prove-
ing fowl & blowing very hard, could not get her any further. I took to
my horse and reach** this Place this day. The Vefsels lyeing here, is the
Ship Renown, 16 Guns. The Willing-lafs Brig, 10 Guns, the Bng sJ^^^Naf'&c
Wilkes, 12 ditto, and Sundry small vefsels fitting to carry Troops. Like- "'^ *^^'
wise the Two Crafts with the Cannon & Mortars, safe here. There are
two more Armed Vefsels expected down here this evening to join the
fleet. The field pieces that came from the northward will be put on
board to day. I am much affraid that proper persons cant be got to
vallue the vefsels, & the Capt: will not gow any lower 'till that is done.
There are no provifsions here for the Vefsels, likewise the Saylors is
much Difsatisfied at there not being serv'd with Spirits. M' Brown, spirits needed
Comifsary, ought to appoint a person for that line, to serve out y^ provis- for the Saiion.
sions to different Vefsels, and that Comifsary to continue on board the
Victueling Vefsel appointed for that purpose." * *
* * * * I am Your mo. Obdt Servt."
"N. B. Necefsaries wanted for this Expedition, Grape Shot, Cart-
ridge paper,"
BTJf CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Major Chas: Magill to Gov: Jefferson:
Marchi6ih. ''Sir,
Camp at ihc On the 15% Lord Cornwallis anticipated the design of General
Iron Works, Greene (whose intentions were to attack the British Army the same day,)
Gilford County, j^y advancing his main Body to Gilford Court House, where the Army
Cornwallis [j^j taken post the day before. On the advance. Col** Lee charged
Gr°eenc. *** Tarlton's Legion, who were some distance in front of the Enemy's
Lee routs Tari- "1^1" Body, cut thro' them and put them to the Rout with very conside-
ton, &c. rable lofs. The British then moved on with the utmost rapidity, and
whilst displaying their Column, kept up a heavy Cannonade with four
Field Pieces, upon two posted in the Road, under the command of Capt:
Singleton, who returned it with considerable damage.
Immediately on the display of their Column, an attack was made on
The Virginia o^r Front Line, Composed entirely by Militia, who returned their Fire,
Militia behave and the greater number from Virginia, behaved in such a manner as
well. would do honour to Veterans, but were at last compelled to give way, by
superior numbers.
The Virginia and Maryland Brigades that composed the Second Line,
immediately Engaged, and after some time the left of the Maryland
Troops gave way ; this and other concurrences gave the Enemy pofses-
sion of the ground and four Field Pieces, all that were in the action.
Battle of Guii- Never was ground contested for with greater obstinacy, and never
ford C. House, were Troops drawn off in better order. Such another dear bo^ day,
must effectually ruin the British Army ; from the nicest calculation
Seven hundred of the Enemy were killed and wounded ; their best
Troops, the Guards and 33^ Regiment suffered most. The loss on our
side is inconsiderable when put in comparison, and the Troops now
breathe nothing but a desire for a second action.
My duty as Aid De Camp to Genl: Haeer, who commanded the Vir^
Serious want of Brigade, prevents my being so very particular as I would wish the whole
officers. Qf i^y attention, being confined to that Line. The Virginia Regulars,
with a sufficient number of Officers would have done honor to them-
selves— that deficiency frequently created confusion.
An account is circulating in Camp, pretty well Autenticated, that Gene-
Marion has repuls'd Lord Raddon, who attac'd him some place near the
River Santee, with a very considerable lofs. Further, that Genl: Sump-
ter has taken a post upon the same River where a magazine of stores
were laid up.
I have the honor to be
yr: Excellency's
most Obed*
Humble ferv'."
Rumors*
March 1 6th, Col; Isaac A very to Gov: Jefferson:
Northampton ^ ^">
^^' I have always confidered it my duty, while holding an Office, civil or
military, to render the strictest obedience in my power to the Laws of
my Country & to the orders rec^ from my Superior Officers, & when-
ever those Laws & Orders are fuch as my Conscience will not suffer me to
execute punctually & religiously, I have thought it incumbent on me as a
man of honour & integrity to vacate my office. Your Excellency's Requifi-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 575
tion of the 19* of Jany: last, for taking the public Arms out of the 17^^
hands of the Militia, a measure by which my Militia, together with all March i6th.
the proviiionf, stock & other property in the County would be imme-
diately in the power of the Enemv. The late Law for Recruiting, ^/"°il*„7hii
v^hich in this County must be attended with a Draft, a mode of imprefs- office.
ing more equal I confefs, but far lefs politic, than that sometimes prac-
ticed in England, which hath been always the subject of great complaint
& which I myself have held both publicly & privately, to be inconsis-
tent with Liberty & free Government. These things have made it my
duty to resign my office of Lisut: of this County- * • #
I have therefore enclosed my Commifsion, & have the pleasure to inform
your Excellency that the Lieut^ancy will devolve on a Gentlemen of
v^orth & integrity, & of known attachment to the American cause. I
have only further to add, that the total inabilit) of the Inhabitants of this
County to pay their Taxes, unlefs per.Tiitted to pay them in Corn or quencw^appre-
Oats, which are the only produce they make, to spare, & which they hended.
cannot sell on account of the Embargo. And also, the entire want of
every kind of protection here, the Congrefs having derived us, even the
fmall indulgence formerly granted us, of having our own Quota of
Troops stationed on the Shore, are subjects perhaps worthy the attention
of the Legislature and Executive. They certainly are such as greatly
deprefs the spirits of the People, & if no steps are taken to redrels
them, may lead to events, that will be productive of the most serious
consequences.
I have the honor to be
your Excellency's
most Obed' Serv*/'
Col: Will: Clayton to the Governor, giving reasons why he has not March i6tli.
been able to comply with the late requisitions made upon the County for ^^^ |^^^^ ^^
Militia. The whole number left 350 ; of whom 75 had been adjudged
by Court Martial unfit for duty. Six Quakers had been requirea to
furnish substitutes, but these proved worthlefs. On the i'^ of January severe drafts
last, by order of Genl: Nelson one half the militia of the County went «pon the re-
down to Holts Forge, and remained in service until a short time ago, p"'*^^°^ ^'**
when a *' relief" was ordered to take their places. On the i*' of March
the order to send one hundred and four men to Genl: Muhlenberg was
received, and after every effort only seventy could be gotten \ these will
be down in a day or two. Begs to remind his Excellency that from
October last one half his Militia were in the field until Christmas. The
failure to send out the full number required does not arise from any dis-
affection to the cause, but from their having been in active service
the entire winter. No men in the state are better inclined to respond to
the calls of the Country.
J. H. Brooke recommends to the consideration of the Executive, March i6ch.
Joseph Duncan, an experienced and skillful Armorer, belonging to the Fauquier Co.
Western Arniy under Col: Geo: Slaughter, but who prefers to be em-
ployed at the r redericksburg Factory.
Brewer Godwin, C^ Lieut: ; J^mes Wills, Maj% E. Wills, Capt: ; S. March 16th.
Regnolds, Capt: ; Jacob Dickinson, Lieut: and Josiah Parker 5 tb the Ex- j^j^ ^^ ^ ^^
ecutive, in behalf of sundry citizens, who had been required to give their Co.
576
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March i6th.
Paroled Citi-
zens.
paroles of honor to the British on their late occupation of Smithiield,
rather than being imprisoned on board Prison-ships at Portsmouth ;
vouching for their fealty to the cause of the country, and therefore not
to be regarded as having willingly entered into any compact with the
Enemy. They pray they may be allowed to remain paroled until duely
exchanged.
March 19th.
m
Genl Aisem-
bly.
Impreiiment
of horses.
March 17th.
Annapolis.
In Council.
Cheerful co-
operation.
Resolutions, paiTed in view of the Excefsive valuation made by the ap-
praisers of horses lately purchased and impressed for the expedition
under the Marquis La Fayette, empowering the Executive to appoint
two or more persons '^ of discretion and Integrity," to fix the true value
of said horses, and to return to their owners such as are unfit for ser-
vice. Provision made for payment for all horses thus purchased or im-
pressed.
Strict enquiry to be made into the conduct of those who have been
purchasing and imprefsing horses for the use of the State, and report to
be made thereon.
Gov: Thos: S. Lee to Gov: Jefferson of V* :
" Sir,
We beg leave to refer your Excellency to our Letter of Yesterday,
giving a short account of the Transports and Troops from the Head of
Elk, being safe in this Harbour.
We shall adopt such meafures to Guard and subsist the Convention
Troops and British Prisoners captured in the action of the Cowpens, on
their march through this State as may be necefsary and confonant to a
Refolution of Congrefs of the 3^ Instant, and fuch as the Means in our
Power may afford.
We have wrote to the Prefident of Pennsylvania fully on the March
of these Troops. Matters remain in the fame state as yesterday, respect-
ing the British Ships and the Forces here. We are extremely anxious
to hear from the Marquis and the situation of the Southern Army.
We have the honor to be, with great
Consideration, yr: Excellency's
mo: obd: & mo: Hbl: fervants."
March 17th.
Williamsburg.
French Fleet
not arrived.
State Fleet
ordered up to
Turkey Island.
The Baron in a
better hunnor.
Jno: Walker to the Governor :
" Dear Sir,
The French Fleet is not yet arrived, but the whole of it is expected with
1800 land forces. They will not leave to us alone, the honor of taking
Arnold. I have enquired of the Marshal of the Admiralty, and he tells
me, that the vefsel on board of which Hare came, is not libeled. I men-
tion this, that you may know what measures to take. The vefsels at
Hood's are ordered back to Turkey Island, in consequence of what you
said to me on that subject. The Baron is in perfect good Humor, and
extremely sorry for his late conduct in respect to you, and says he will
write you an apology, which I hope will be satisfactory.
With, respectful comp^' to M' Jefferson,
I am, my dear Sir,
your most obt Servant."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 577
* Capt: Ed: Travis to Gov: Jefferson : 1781
Sir, Mirch 17th.
The distrefsed situation o\ Officers & Seamen, obliges me, as one of c state Yard.**
their Commanders, to call on your Excellency for Redrefs. I can afsure
you Sir, it is with the greatest uneasinefs I undertake the disagreeable
task of writing to you on a Subject so distrefsing to every friend to his
Country, and particularly to your Excellency under whom we light k jy^x^^^^ ^on-
ivhom we look up to for Justice. This is the first time I ever presumed dition of the
troubling you with a complaint, being determined to submit to all incon- Nary— Officen
venicncies with regard to myself rather than be thought troublesome. Jf^ciottwr*"*
Therefore, I hope Sir, you will consider me writing in behalf of the &c. '
Honest Seamen, whose melancholy situation will sufficiently plead my
excuse. I have the honour to Command the JefFeraon at present, and
under me there are several young Officers of known honour k courage.
These injured Gen^* have not clothes sufficient, of any kind, to defend
them from the inclemency of the weather, and to my knowledge fre*
quently shun company, not being able to appear as an Officer. The
inconveniences, great as they were, they bore without murmuring, flatter-
ing themselves that one time or other, the State would make them com-
pensation. But to their mortification, they heard of the partiality of the
last Afsembly, advancing four months pay with the depreciation, to the
land Officers, while at the same time those in the Navy, their pay was
doct one fifth. This Sir, is the. greatest injury ever ofFer'd the Navy,
and in my opmion, ought to be resented with the resignation of the
whole line, — ^and I make no doubt, would have been the case, had not Forbearance of
the noble spirit of Serving their Country got the better of their resent- the officen.
ment. To paint the situation of the men now in service, I must refer
you to the Slaves, whose inhuman Masters obliges them to work in frost
& snow, without a shoe, shirt or any covering but rags. And add to this^
their pay has been withheld from them several months. M** Fields, a
Lieut: in the service, confidently affirms that the Treasurer informed
him, that the paymaster rec^ from him a large sum of money, which he
says he lay'd out in cloths for the Seamen. I should esteem it as a singular
favour if you would give Orders for the matter to be inquired into, and
have the money or clothes sent down as soon as pofsible.
I am with the greatest respect.
Your Excellencies
' obd^ & very humble ferv*."
P. S. — I would esteem it as a
favour, if your Excellency would
take the trouble to lay before the ^
Legislative the above pointed par-
tiality.
Col: Thos: Gaskins to Gov Jefferson :
" Sir, March 17th.
Joseph Hurt, an old offender, was taken up last night by Capt: John Nortbumber-
M*^Adam, who commands a Troop of Cavalry in this County, who Rec^ i*nd Co.
a Letter from John Gordon, Esq:, telling him to have him secured and
sent down to you. * * * * . *
*fiean leal in wax, ^n^V.^'"^* chain.
n ^* •
578
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 17th.
It is not worth while to have him tried in our County, as the people are
so much poisioned by him and others of the same stamp. *
If he should be permitted to return home, he may be wors than if
nothing had been done, for our liveing depends in a great measure on his
being secured, &c. * * * * * *
We are much divided, and if we could get shut of a few more, it would
be much better for our place. # # # *
bir, y^ moste obedient
k very Humble Ser'.
March 17th. Resolutions, authorizing the Governor and Council to provide for
H.o/Ddegatei. mounting the i** & 3* Regiments of Cavalry, "provided the prices to
Price of honei ^^ given" for horses ''doth not exceed the fum of five * thousand
for Cariiry. pounds eachf^ &c: &c Also ordering proper persons to be appointed to
receive said horses, to take receipt for all turned over. to the Continental
service and to provide pasturage sufficient and provender, under the spe-
cific tax, &c.
March 17th.
Oak HUL
T. Marshall to Gov: Harrison:
" Sir,
When I was last in Richmond , I expected before this time, to have
received my military certificates which would have enabled me to have
prepared myself for the Western Expedition. I have been disappointed,
& the disappointment puts it out of my power to go out so soon as it
was expected the Commifsioners would meet. When I can do it with
convenience, I shall go out on my own businefs. That may probably
be this ensuing Summer or Fall. Should a Commifsioner then be want-
ing, I shall readily act. But I thought it necefsary to inform your
Excellency that I cannot pofsibly go by the time appointed for the Com-
mifsioners to meet, as I have not received those certificates on which I
depended for such a supply of money as would enable me to set out on so
tedious & so expensive a businefs.
I have the honor to be,
Your Excellency's
most Obt S^rvt."
March 17th. David Rofs to the Governor : As there are no vefsels belonging to
Richmond. ^^^ %x^tt ready for sea or fit to carry on trade, he recommends, in view
of the great demand for military stores, that the Merchant vefsels of pri-
Recommenda- vate citizens and others be required to take out at least one eighth or one
tioni for pro- tenth of their Cargoes, on account of the State Agent at the ordinary
rate of freights, and to receive a like proportion of their return cargo on
the same terms. This step will enable him to procure the articles
necefsary for the public service at reasonable charges, and divide the risks
with the owners of vessels. The Public Agent, however, should not
have power to interfere with the movements of the Merchant vessels
French vefsels should be exempt from this regulation, but thosejof
* Paper money.
curing Mil,
Storei.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 679
Holland and America being often owned by the same person should be 1781
included. * * ♦ * *Mhh
Leather is so much wanted, and the " Tan Works " being considered *'*^ ^
by the Council as belonging to the " Trading Department/' he should
in future look after the persons who receive the hides from the Army,
vrith the view of estimating what amount of that article may be pre-
pared.
He received an Order for the '^Thetis" the day before, but must con-
sider her under the care of Capt; Maxwell, until he can employ a pro-
per person to superintend fitting her out.
John Allison to Col: Muter : Has received his last, giving informa- March i8ch,
tion of the re-arrangement of the State Troops. Feared from the Aiexindria.
reduction of the Continental Line, he should have been a supernumerary.
His Commifsion as Liet: Col^ is Dated Feby: i", 1778.
Col: W°* Davies to Gov: Jefferson : March i8eh.
*' Sir, Chetccriield.
I had the honor of addrefsing your Excellency in two letters last week
upon the subject of some supplies in the clothing department. I have
not yet been favored with your answer, altho' Capt: Peyton informs me
you have been kind enough to give the necessary orders for the money,
and that one fett of shoemaker's tools are procured. I would wish to be Deer-ikint.
informed of your Excellencys intentions about the deer skins. I have
detained a very honest man and good workman to attend to that busi-
nefs." #*****
" From the open toleration, I might justly say protection, which is
afforded to deserters, and from the ruinous fondness the Afsembly have
always shewn for short enlistments, enlisting and deserting have become Fatal Poticy in
the profefsed employment of numbers of men in this State. I have re- regard to
ceived nine recruits under the late law, two of them deserted before j^u'iS^^ntt*
dark, and three others were preparing, but I was beforehand with them *
as I suspected it ; thev will soon, however, forget their punishment and
take themselves off, I have no doubt. If every draft in future raises
one third foldiers and two thirds deserters, the latter will soon become
too formidable to be meddled with. This was the case with the last
draft, and I fear will be the case with the present, and if some method
is not speedily adopted, will soon be past all remedy.
The misconduct of masters of vessels, the frauds practiced by the
divisions, as well as the want of pay and clothing, all tend to produce
this evil. I would therefore submit it, \*hether it would not be attended
with a good effect, for grand juries be to sworn to present all persons
harboring deserters, as well as to inform against all deserters themselves;
would it not be advantageous if the militia officers were sworn at every
Court Martial to give similar information, that measures might be
speedily adopted for apprehending the culprits } And as for the frauds Remed'ea
practiced by the persons employed by the divisions to recruit for them, suggeitcd.
there will never be an end to them, unlefs some more summary mode of
legal process against the offenders is established Two or three likely
xecruits were brought to me last week, but I refused them, as they had
S80 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 not received a third of their bounty, but had come with an expectation.
I would let them go back to get the remainder, or had trusted to a de-
ceitful promise of having their money sent to them. If, however, they
shall not have obtained their bounty by the time their County's quota is
completed, and they are delivered to me by the County lieutenant or his
Coniequencet order, I shall then hold myself obliged to receive them, altho* I know
of the preicnt ^^^^ experience many of them will on that account desert, and the con-
sequence will be that the division for whom they were enlisted, and
by whom they were defrauded, will feel a kind of interest in countenan-
cing the desertion, as it will be a security against any demand in future
for the remainder of the bounty (and the greater part of it too) which
they had engaged to pay them. Indeed I know not of any method so
likely to remedy this evil, as to make each division answerable for one
or two years that their recruit should not desert ; if he did, they-should
thien be called upon for another man to supply the place, which might
be done without much difficulty, as there would be few or none to bid
against them.
Since writing the above, one Littleton Adams from Southampton, has
been delivered to me by order of the Lieutenant of that County. He
confirms the observations I have expressed before. This man was en-
A cue !n point, listed by a division in this county ; they paid him part of the money, but
he refused to come till he had the whole: of course he became a deserter,
the divison refused to pay it 'till he should have given himself up to me ;
thus it became their interest to countenance his absense, and had not the
county been under the command of a diligent Lieutenant, the public
would have lost the service of a very likely soldier, who had exempted
two divisions, for the County of Brunswick, without the least justice in
the world, that I could discover, had apprehended this same man for
desertion under some former engagement, and had exempted one of their
divisions by him, altho' they must have known he had enlisted in South-
ampton, before they took him up.
Unless the divisions, therefore, are held accountable for some limited
period, for the conduct of their substitute in this particular, there will be
difficulty in checking the abuse. It would be wrong however, to make
a division answerable more than one or two years, as its circumstances
might be so changed, as to make it the height of opprefsion for them to
replace their men, and I think it would be equally wrong to require it of
them for any other deficiency that what should be the result of a volun-
tary act of criminality by their substitute ; I would confine it to deserters
only." # * # ♦ *
" In two or three days, I propose to send forward to General Greene
Clothing for a considerable supply of Cloathing made cheifly at this Post. We en-
Geni. Greene, deavour to make the suits as complete as pofsible, and I could sincerely
wish, that all ifsues in future might be compleat, and nothing delivered
by piece meal. The plan for the Cloathiers' Department which your
Excellency was pleased to submit to my inspection, I found yesterday
and have inclosed it. If the Executive have adopted any plan, I should
think it would be proper to direct the Cloathier to act according to it, in
the ifsues which are now to be made in the Southern Army, to the Vir-
finia troops. Capt: Peyton will go himself, and will set out this week,
beg pardon for detaining your Excellency so long. I must however
add one observation upon the desertion law. By that law, deserters who
:alendar of state papers. 5 si
should surrender themselves in two months, should be pardoned, but 178 1
should serve two years more than they were engaged for ; if, however, j^^^jj ^g-jj
they do not surrender themselves, and are taken after the expiration of
the war, they are then liable to serve five years ; but there is not a sylla-
ble said about the penalty, should they be taken before the expiration of
the war. Perhaps the law should be maae more full. The Court Mar-
tial here have judged by implication, and fentenced the delinquents to
serve five years, tho' taken during the war.
I have the honor to be
with the greatest respect
your Excellency's
most Ob' & hbl fervant."
Capt: W"* Lewis, informs the Governor, that Baron Steuben had sent ^^^^^ jg^i.
Orders, received that morning, to move all the vefsels up. to Turkey
Island, which he should execute at once. Begs he will order down pro- ''^^nown" off
..',,, J » 1 ° Hoods.
visions as he has but one day s supply.
Col: Geo: Gibson to the Governor : »* u .u
March 19U1.
Major Hamilton, who had served four years as Captain in his Regi-
ment, and *^ who preserved the reputation of a brave Officer & Gent V ' "* "^
desires to be put upon the retired list upon half pay, as is the case with
himself. Genl: Greene and Baron Steuben had both afsured him, that
all Continental Officers should have this privilege, if they did not desire
to remain in the service \ and the latter had authorized him to inform the
Officers of the State Regiments, that they should be indulged with the
same favor. In consequence of this *' many of the Gently unable to Officcn leav-
support the Character which their Rank in the Army requires from them, *"8 **** service.
had made their arrange""** to quit the Service."
Major Chas: Magill to Gov: Jefferson : March 19th.
" Sir, Guilford Co.
A favourable opportunity offering on the 16^** Inst:, I gave your Excel- ^^^^ ouarter
lency the exactest account of the general engagement the da}^ before, Parson's iron '
that could be collected from the different Corps engaged — and what I Works,
was an Eye witnefs of. I have now the additional satisfaction to inform Further particu-
your Excellency, that the Enemy's lofs is much more considerable than *?" °^r ^-ir^
at first expected — their movements since have plainly evinc'd it — they c^^House.*
have nothing but the ground to boast of, and that Lord Cornwallis thought
prudent to leave yesterday, and take the road towards Salisbury. Col°
Lee's Legion have march'd towards the Enemy to day. Should his
Lordship retreat, by hanging upon his rear, the British will be exceedingly
gall'd.
I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that a number of the Virginia Bad conduct of
Militia have sully'd the Laurels reap'd in the Action, by making one tome of the
frivolous pretence and another, to return home. A number have left the Y'^S'"" Mill-
Army very precipitately, the best men from Augusta and Rockbridge
have been foremost 0|j this occasion. Should nothing decisive take place
B82 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS
1 78 1 in a few Days, my Service in this quarter can easily be dispensed with.
. . Sorry I am that it has not been in my power to render a greater.
I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
Most Obedient &
Humble Servt."
P. S. — " Since writing the above, an account is received from Doctor
Wallace, who went in with a Flag to drefs the wounded \ that Genl:
O'Hara, who Commanded the Brigade of Guards, with several other
Officers of distinction, are mortally wounded. Tarlton has lost two of
Cotnwaiiii tc ^^^ Fingers, and Lord Cornwallis had three Horses kill'd under him.
TaritoD. Our Wounded in their hands are about seventy-five."
March 19th. Capt: L. H. Mosby informs the Governor, he had recruited forty men,
Powhatan Co. ^nd intended to march on Sunday next, but upon hearing of the approach
of the Enemy, has resolved to proceed at once. Sends a Lieut: forward
to secure a sufficiency of arms, as he has in vain tried to procure them
in the County. Any orders will meet him at Young Shorts on Saturday
next.
March 19th. Court Martial held — Following Officers present :
Goochland Co. Cols: John Woodson & John Hopkins, Major John Curd, Captains
Elisha Leak, Stockley Towles, W°^ H. Miller, Samuel Richardson, Ed-
mund Curd, Gideon Hatcher, Edward Smith and Thomas Hatcher.
Trial for enlist- Lieut: Col^ JoHy Parish, accused and tried for having ^^enlisted a Sbve
ing a slave. as a Substitute for his division of Militia, and delivered him up knowing
him to be so."
William Garret, witness, j:c:, being sworn, testified that on the day of
the draft he saw " on the Green " a negro, whom he knew to be the
Slave to Capt* Munford of Amelia, and accused him by n-^me "SaflFe"
of the fact. This he denied, claiming to be free, and stating he ^^ had
enlisted in the Army with Jolly Parrish." Upon enquiry of Col: Parrish,
he admitted he had enlisted the negro as a substitute, but insisted he was
not a slave ; whereupon he, Garrett, informed Col: Parrish that he was
willing to swear that he was, that having been an inmate of M*^ Mun-
ford's family, he knew the man, and that his master had given twenty
five pounds for him when he was a boy. Upon this. Parish urged the
deponent to keep the matter secret until he could get a receipt for the
fellow, and he then might do whatever he pleased. The witness applied
at once to the County Jailor for a pair of hand-cufFs to secure the negro
&c. Soon after M' Thos: Munford, Son of Capt: Munford, came over
to Goochland and carried the runaway slave back home. Other witnefs
testifying to the same facts, and upon due consideration thereon, the
Court were unanimously of the opinion ^^ that the charge is supported ;
The charge that the said Parrish ought to be cashierd, and that the division furnish
P'°^'* ' another man." The sentence subsequently approved by Genl: Thos:
Nelson at Stanton, June 26'^ 1781.
March 10th. Com: James Barron to the Governor :
Hampton. ' ^ir.
Yesterday Morning twelve large ships came within the Capes and
Anchored. Sent up one Frigate this morning under English Colours,
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 683
which proves them to be a British fleet. The Frigate lays now in 1781
Hampton road with Arnold's Ships — the other ships are still in the Bay ^^^^ ^^^
at anchor. I take them all to be iMen of War, and no transports among ^^^ ^^ *
them.
I have the honor to be,
Sir, yr: Excellency's
mo. Obd: Hble: Servt."
Miles King informs the Governor that on Sunday last several large March 10th.
ships appeared just within the Capes, and from the movements of the ^^^ ^^^
Enemy's vefsels in Hampton Roads, it was believed and hoped they were
French, but this morning they are found to be a British fleet, and sup-
posed to be from the West Indies. There are at least twelve large BritUh Fleet,
ships, and some say twenty ; but ^^ the weather being thick," their num-
ber cannot be ascertained. Only one Frigate has come up from them.
No small vefsels among them, which is a very uncommon thing Will
give the earliest information of any new movement.
Isaac Smith, C, give receipt to ^^ the Hon: James Maxwell," for March 20th.
thirty two Barrels, of Corn," "for the use of the Chickahominy Ship ship Vird
Yard," " to be replaced on demand."
Capt; W. Thomas (British) to Thomas Symonds, Esq', Commander of March 20th.
H. M. Ship Sharon — Eliz: River: ^^^^ ^„^^
(( Sir AnnapoHi.
* # 4c * # #
The Rebell Army landed at Annapolis on Saturday and Sunday; their
encampments are in sight of us. They vesterday sent out a schooner
to reconnoitre us. On her tacking, the Monk fired several shot, some Morcmcms of
of which I believe took place. This morning she came out again, but described"""*
took to keep out of Gun-shot. We now lay as near as we can to pre-
vent any vessels passing. From the intelligence we can learn is, that
they are not prepared for marching by land, and their Baggage, Stores,
&c:, is not arrived from the Elk. On Sunday 18% three deserters came q .^ 55
off, from Annapolis, the latest intelligence we have ; two of them were '
in the Army, who says the Army in general is much dissatisfied, and
think they have nothing but death to expect. They have no provisions
but what they collect from the Country. On our first appearance ofF
here, they were in .great consternation, fearing we should attack them,
but it then blowing hard, and could get no intelligence, nor knowing of
their arrival here. I proceeded up the Bay, but returned as soon as pofsi-
ble after getting information ; they then had no guns mounted, now have Guns mounted,
fourteen pieces of Heavy Cannon on horse-point ; the small craft lies **^'
up the Creek, armed vefsels which consist of two Brigs, two Schooners,
one Sloop lies between Browns Point and the Wind -Mill. The Sur- British Priva-
prise and Trimmer Privateers spoke us the 18'**, and are now up the ***"•
Bay, they intended to proceed up the Elk. I hope they will destroy all
the Bay Craft. Had we arrived here ten days sooner, they never would
have moved by water ; but I do not believe they can proceed farther,
tho' I think the Sv^\fi and Independence would be of great service to
584
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
Ditires force to
proceed to
Alexandria.
1*781 destroy all the craft up the Potowmack, or if you could send two ships
or vefsels here, I would not hesitate a moment to go up as high as Alex-
. ^YiivvaL^ which would effectually prevent their crofsing that river. I would
- ..« j^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ Privateers up, but did not think they would have answered
the purpose intended. On the 19^^ I sent down two Small Schooners
& one sloop prizes with 7 under the Command of Field the Pilot,
which I hope are arrived. It continues to blow fresh, which prevents
our getting further intelligence. As I cannot spare men and wish to have
those back that are gone down, I am under the necefsity of sendii^
those down by black men. As you know how long our supplies wiU
last, I hope you will send us relief soon. The Flour we have taken
have been of infinite service to us. Dow Boys & fresh Beef which we
must now & then make excursions to procure, will help us out, and
which I hope will give us high health and add to our good humour.
I am
Sir, your most obt' & Humb: ferv^"
March 10th.
Col: A. Buford informs the Executive, ^^ that Epafroditus Rudder,
Cornett in Bayler*s Regiment of horse, did imprefs the stud Horse of
David Deardins of Mecklenberg County, call'd Romulous, which was
appraised to <£750 Specie. That horse he has since swoped with Col:
George Gibson for a gelden and gets Two Hogsheads of Tobacco to
boot."
March 10th •
"Hope" off
AnnapolU.
teers
Capt: W. Thomas to Mefsrs: Goodrich & Mackay, Porthmouth, V*:
" Gentlemen,
With this we send you two Small schooners with Oats, which I sup-
Britiih Priva- pose the Army is in want of \ I beg you will do the best you can for us
by them. Capt: Rogers, who was in the capture, joins me with com-
pliments k Respects to you. The Rebtll Army are landed, and pitched
their Tents in sight of us."
yours sincerely.
P. S. — We hear that M' Goodrick's Boat has made a considerable
seizure of goods, plate, &c:, from Loyds on the Eastern Shore.
March loih. Alexander Spotswood, Esquire, appointed Brigadier General to com-
OeiK.Auembiy. mand two Legions to be raised for the defence of the State.
March aoth.
Caroline Co.
MarcD aoth.
Philadelphia.
Ed: Pendleton, Jnr:, to the Governor : Received*the Orders to send
two hundred and sixty Militia to W°^*burg at once. After the greatest
exertions has succeeded in collecting one hundred and ninety, whom he
has ^^ put in motion." The delinquents shall be dealt with according
to law. The unfavorable season of the year the cause why so many
disobeyed orders.
Col: Pickering, Q^ M. Genl:, to R. Claiborne, D. Q, M. Gr., Suteof
V*, (Extract) : " I am happv that it is in my power to remove your
own & Afsistants scruples relative to the equivolent promised for the
specie salaries & contracts. To settle this was the first object of my
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. BgS
journey hither. I will hereafter give you a detail of this affair. In the 1781
meantime, with pleasure I inform you that Congrefs have on this occa- w i^ ^
ston, established those just principles, which will have a tendency to
restore public credit, & enable public officers to go on with businefs. Me«aret re-
All the Contracts we make in specie, k our specie certificates, if paid in "e"iJ* ^^^^^
paper, are to be estimated at their just equivolent ^^the current ex-
change." And a recommendation to the States to repeal the iniquitous
tender laws was agreed to with only one defsenting voice."
Col° Geo: Lee Turberville to Gov: Jefferson : March aitt.
*^ Dear Sir, "Rawieigh,"m
I cannot exprefs myself in terms sufficiently strong to convey to you ^>">*™«'>tt'««
an Idea of my Graditude in return for your obliging Letter relative to
Baron Steuben. I followed precisely its advice, altho' subsequent ill
treatment from the Baron has obliged me to act differently since, the
whole of which I will make known to you the first favorable opportu-
nity. I have only to solicit you at present, to let me know by the first
opportunity whether you or the Council have ever informed the Baron
that you highly disapprovid of my conduct whilst I had the honor to command Hit conduct in
at Sandy Pointy as that Major Genl: has given information to the Mar- ^*\« i*te trouble
quis, that it was from the Executive very much disapproving of my JJJ^'*"«B"o«i
Conduct, that occasioned him to some steps with me that have been
highly prejudicial to my reputation, health & peace of mind.
I have the honor to be,
with real regard lac
. profound respect &c."
Genl: G. Weedon to the Governor : March ant.
•** Dear Sir, WiiUiiwbuif .
An Aid-de-Camp of the Marquis returned last night from reconnot-
treing the Fleet, lately arrived, and to my great mortification reports
them to be British ! They consist of 12 heavy ships, all of which he
supposes to be of the line. None of them have been higher up than The enemy's
the Horse shoe, except a Frigate, which was met by a Brig from Ports- ^"^^
mouth. They did not at first understand each other's signals, but after
a while spoak together \ after which the Frigate went up to Portsmouth,
and the Brig down to the Fleet. I have sent a lookout over to the warning to the
Eastern Shore to give Intelligence to the French Fleet, sh^ any come French fleet,
from Rhode Island.
I have the honor to be,
with high esteem,
yr: Excellencies
most ob: fervt."
Major R. Claiborne acknowledges (^ceipt of the Governor's favor March ust.
respecting the bad cenduct of the Exprels Rider at Burk's Bridge ; has Richmond.
ordered his immediate dismifsal, and the appointment of a successor.
Has given special Orders in regard to the line of exprefses towards Gene-
ral Greene.
586
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 21st.
Chesterfield.
Col: W™ Davies informs the Governor of the sxtreme illnefs of M'
Bail, the Commifsioner of the provision law, ^^ who is expected to expire
in a few moments." The arrival of the new levies requires a constant
supply of provisions, and it is important his succefsor should be appointed
at once.
Naval recoia-
ance,
March 2iit. Lieut: J. H, Chandler, Navy, to the Com^f Officer at W'^burg, (Ex-
Hampton P'-^ss) :
Road.. "Sir^
Newport Newi. This morning at 8 o-clock we left the Road. There was under
Sowills Point nve Ships, two Brigs, one Schooner, one Cutter. One
Ship in the Morning Cairn up in the Road, under English Colors; iiard
a gun to Seward, was answered b) the fleet, with one ^un and English
Jack at fore Top G^ M^ head. At the arrival of this ship there was a
Sloop Dispatch^ for Portsmith. I Beleve them all to be Enemy, but
from their Signals I have Reasion to bleive there is a french fleet in
Sight or a reinforcement from New York. I shall keep the best look
out and give the Earliest Intelligence.
I have the Pleasure to subscribe myself,
your most obt: Hble: Serv^"
March 2itt. Resolutions passed, appointing Everard Meade and John Taylor (of
bi . C^''^'*"^) "Lieutenant Colonels Commandant " in the two new Legions
*"' ' to be raised, and William Lindsay, Drury Ragsdale, Rob^ Forsyth and
Cole Digges, Esq", Majors in the same.
New Legions. Empowering GenI: Spotswood " to arrange the field officers " of said
Legions as to him may seem best for the good of the service.
March 2iBt.
Genl. Alien)'
Resolution pafsed, providing for the meeting of the GenI: Afsembly,
by Proclamation of the Executive, elsewhere than at Richmond, should
the movements of the Enemy make it necefsary.
The Executive desired to publish and promulgate the Laws of the pre-
sent and last sefsion, and for this purpose empowering them to imprefe
any ''printing implements. Types, press, materials, artisans and workmen"
necessary to accomplish this purpose.
March a lit.
GenI. Aisem-
bly.
Report of the
Committee ap-
pointed to in-
ipectthe aifairs
of the War
Office, &c.
M' Pa^e, ** from the Committee appointed to confer with the Com-
mifsioner of the War Office, and to enquire into the State of the Mili-
tary Stores, &c:" reported,
"That the Commifsioner was appointed some time in July last,
when, he says no Arms or Ammunition were ever delivered to him, nor
had he any returns of what were the property, or in the pofsession of the
State. That all the Books belonging to the War Office being lost with
the Council Books, no exact return of the Military Stores can be had ;
but from such as the Commifsioner has been able to make out, it appears
that including the Arms furni^ed to the State of North Carolina, to the
Militia serving under GenI: Stevens, and for the use of the Militia during
the former and present Invasion, a very considerable number has been
ifsued, but none having been returned to the care of the Commifsioner,
there now remain in the public Stores very few that are fit for service.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 687
T'here is still a considerable number of Muskets wanting repair ; a con- 1781
stderable number of Cartridges were ifsued during the former Invasion, w u *
but none were ever returned, so that from the quantity of Powder lent
to the Continent, the lofs sustained in that Article at the Foundry, and
the considerable ifsues of Cartridges, the stock remaining on Hand is
small, and the quantity of Lead much more inconsiderable. Of the
Cannon belonging to this State, many are unfit for service, and most of
the others are rendered ufeless by not being mounted on Carriages.
No returns are made from the Commifsary and Quarter Master's
Departments, neither does the Commifsioner think that correct ones can
be obtained. In short, the whole Businefs of the War Office appears to
be entirely deranged, arising from the following causes : the lofs of the
papers belonging to the Office, the want of a sufficient number of Afsis-
tants, and their regulat manner in which the Businefs seems heretofore to
have been conducted "
Whereupon it was '• Resolved, that George Muter, Esquire, the pres- ^^<^^"*J***^
ent Commifsioner of the War Office, is not qualified to fill that impor- be*dUcharged^
tant post, and ought to be discharged thereform." from the office.
Isaac & Abram Van Bibber & C** to Gov"" Jefferson : Mtrch aid.
Sir John Peyton had sent Capt: Rob' Cary to them, about the i"' Baltimore.
March, to purchase and forward to Virginia, on acct: of the State, a
quantity of Arms they had for sale. Capt; Cary was to furnish Waggons
to transport them to Hoes Ferry, thence to be delivered to Thacker **"'*^*?'*c?^i
Washington on the Virginia side, who was to forward them to Sir I. p™ton^
Peyton m Gloucester County. No Waggons could be gotten in time,
consequently, upon consultation with C^pt: Cary k Genl: ^ the
Arms were shipped on board the Schooner ^ Capt: Dashields, and
sailed with the Troops for Virginia, while Capt: Cary set out by land.
They trust his Excellency will giv^ proper directions in regard to
these Arms, in as much as they have no further power over them. Capt:
Cary had said they were much wanted, as five hundred Militia had been
discharged for want of them.
W" G. Munford informs the Governor, that in accordance with his March 4»d.
Orders of 15'*^ Feby, he had hired and delivered to the Commdg: Officer chariea City
at Hood's iGarrison, five negro men ^' at two hundred and thirty four Co.
pounds per month" each. He cannot get another one in the County at
that price.
Col: Geo: Muter to Gov: Jefferson :
« Sir,
A resolution of the Hon**^®, the General Afsembly, (I am informed,) March nd.
has pafsed, requiring that I shall be dismifsed from my appointment as Halfway house.
Commifsioner of the War Office. I am of opinion, that after having
notice of such a resolution's having pafsed, it becomes improper for me
to act any longer as a Commifsioner. I therefore must beg leave to Coi. Muter re-
resign my appointment to that Office, and request that your Excellency •'«"• **'" ®®"»
will be pleased to give Orders for the papers belonging to that Office,
S88 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 now in my custody, being examined k received by a proper person author-
ixed for that purpose.
Conscious of having ever discharged my duty, as a servant of the Stace^
Justifies him- (q the best of my power, I am enabled to bear up under the prefsure of
the resolution of the Legislature ; and I am induced to afsure your Excel-
lency of my best exertions in the fervice of the State, in the Station my
resignation of the appointment will immediately place me.
Offeri hit ser- ^* ^ Colonel of Infantry, I shall think myself honoured by your
▼ice for the Excellency's commands, & with pleasure k, alacrity, obey them. Deeply
field. imprefed with a sense of the polite treatment I have ever received from
your Excellency & the Honb^^ Council, while acting as Commissioner of
the War Office, I beg leave to afsure you that I have the honour to be,
with the highest respect,
Yo«r Excellency's
Most Obedient and
Most humble fervant."
M^rchaid. David Rofs to Gov: Jefferson : * ♦ * *
A r wfieid " Finding our mercantle plans so much deranged by the Reduction of St:
Eustatius, hence the difficulty of getting M' Crew convey'd in any short
time to Bermudas, I have been induced to purchase a very fine pilot boat,
Meunretfor burthen about 120 barrels, and shall give her such a cargo as may
procuring lup- probably enable him to return a considerable quantity of gun powder by
P^^«»- the boat." She is called the ** Washington," and will be commanded
by an experienced Bermudian. He is also loading a Schooner called the
^^ Swallow," of 360 barrels burthen, for Hispaniola, to sail at once. The
Governor of that Island might be written to for a supply of Arms, &c.
He has engaged a Capt: Kent to superintend the outfit of tbe *' Thetis,"
until her Officers are appointed. When she is ready, an armed vefsel
should convoy her to below the mouth of Chickahominy. By letters from
^** V?** "phii- Ph'l^dc'P*^i^> ^^ learns "Tob° is in no demand there and that our State
adeiphia. ~ money cannot be negotiated on !iny terms." He is to wait upon Speaker
Harrison the next day, from whom he hopes to get ^^ some useful hints
on the subject."
, March aid. Ship^ Renown, Capt: William Lewis, mounting 16 6-pounders h 22
Turkev Iiland nicn.
- * Brig, Willing Lass, Capt: Willams, mounting 12 4-pounders & 20 men.
Turkey Island. Brig, Marrs, Capt: Thomas, mounting 8 4-pounders k 10 men.
Brig, Morning-Starr, Capt: Beaty, mounting 2 4-pounders & 13 men.
Schooner, Heron, Capt: Howell, mounting 3 swivels & 7 men.
Sloope, Eminence, Capt: Weastcoat, mounting i Howitzer k 8 men.
Brig, Wilkes, Capt: Cunningham, mounting 12 3 j^ 4-pounders k 20
men.
One Duck* & one open River Craft, belonging to Jno: Cooke, of
Petersburg, with 5 negroes on board.
One Duck* Crafte, the property of Capt: Murry, with three men on
board.
" Return," ROB^ MITCHELL.
March lid. Col: Geo: Elliott Q. M. informs the Governor, he has by the Barons'
orders delivered at Lyons' Creek, near Hog Island, thirty horses, good
for any service, and shall send twenty odd more in a few days. Corn-
Petersburg.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 589
mifsioners should be appointed to revalue them, as they are all afsessed, l^%l
at least three times their value. "One guelding worth £10,000, valued March 2ad.
in Brunswick to ^£35,000. Urges the policy of this, in as much as these
horses may be used and injured, after which the people would have cause Z^^^^^J^^^f
of complaint of undervalued. He has received wagons already fitted out, honei.
tho' it is contended that the Lieut: of the County alone should do this.
Many of these are sent with ^^shuck-collars" which are of little use, and
should not be received, unless by special orders
Geo: Rice to the Governor, in behalf of M' John Lightfoot, who has March lad.
been long acting afsistant commifsary of Hides at that post, and who <• Barracks **—
has Just been drafted for eighteen months service. M'^ Marks has gone Albemarle,
to Philadelphia, thus leaving the whole business to M' Lightfoot, and Comminary of
should he be taken away the public interest, especially the harness -fac- *****"•
tory will seriously suffer.
Circtilar,
Saml: Huntington to Gov: Jefferson : enclosing Acts of Congress March 23d.
of 16* k 23^ Inst: requiring all Debts liquidated in, or contracted for Philadelphia.
specie value, to be paid in specie, or its equivalent in current money.
Recommending the States to amend their Laws making U. States Bills of Requisition &c.
credit, legal tenders, at their current value as compared with gold & "P®" Virginia,
silver.
Calling particular attention to the Requisiton upon Virginia, for six
millions of dollars, to be paid quarterly, beginning June i**^, in gold or
silver, or in Bills emitted " in Pursuance of the -Resolutions of the 18^**
of March 1780. This assessment, upon being paid, to be adjusted and
settled hereafter, with interest and upon equitable principles.
Congress makes this Requisition with great reluctance, but the abso-
lute necessity of the case is so obvious ; it is presumed the States will
cheerfully yield a ready compliance therewith.
Beverly Winslow to the Governor : In accordance with orders, a Marci> ajd.
detachment of "120 Militia had marched on the 2i*' " for Williamsburg, spotiylvania
This call upon the County renders the draft for the Continental service county,
impracticable, consequently it is suspended until further orders. The wm|.Jj^ ^ jj
Clothing due from the County is ready, and he desires to know to whom to Williams-
it is to be delivered, Exprefses regret, that the *' late Behavior of Lieut*, burg, Uc,
Nicholas Lewis makes it necefsary to try him by Court Martial. Re-
quests a general order for a Court, in as much as he hears other officers'
conduct may require investigation.
Col° LeRoy Peachy to the Governor : March 23d.
He has thought it proper to furlough all the drafted men, until their Richmond Co.
bounties are paid them according to law ; it being necefsary to sell to-
bacco before this can be done. Draws attention to the case ofThos:
Beale, a confirmed rheumatic, forty five years old and unfit for any mili-
tary duty, whom he had agreed to exempt from all drafts, on condition Difficnltietof
he would pay one (hou^^^^ pounds of tobacco and ten barrels of corn ^^^ **"^^'
annually, for five t^^^rs- This has given disatisfaction to the people at
690
lALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 23d.
large, altho' they admit that Beale has not been able for years past to
stand in the ranks at general musters. To quiet this clamour, he, him*
self consented, tho' an invalid, to risk being drawn as a common soldier.
Desires instructions as to whether Beale shall still be required to fur-
nish a substitute, or whether his contract with him shall be approved by
the Executive.
March 23d.
Hampton —
Halfway house.
New Kent of-
ficen deiert.
Amherst and
Albemarle
troopi behave
well.
March 23d.
Bedford Co.
Reason why
the draft can^
not be exe-
cuted.
Conspiracy in
the County.
The reinforce-
ment for Genl.
Greene.
Col: Cha* Dabney to the Governor :
^^ I think it necefsary to report to your Excellency, Capt: Clopton,
Lieuts: Wilkerson and Frazier, and Ensign Waddy, Militia officers from
New Kent C% who have deserted from this Post The most of the
Militia that has been called into service from that County has deserted,
but as I believe the officers has been principally to blame, I have not re-
ported names of the privates." Recommends, that the two companies
from Amherst, and one from Albemarle C% who have so long been on
duty, be discharged, especially as they have behaved so well, and are
now unfit for duty for want of shoes and clothing.
Col: James Callaway to the Governor ;
He has omitted the Draft for the quota of troops for the Continental
service under the late Act of Afsembly, because of the great number of
Militia now in service from that County. The effort to do so would
have caused a *' General Disturbance.*' The absence of the Militia
prevents his giving a return of the strength of the County, but this may
be estimated at about thirteen hundred men, together with a ^^ quantity
of Publick Arms " — adds —
"My duty requires that I inform Your Excellency that a considerable
part of the late Conspirators in this County, have refused to accept the
Benefit of the Act of Pardon intended for them, and that the Conduct
of a part of these, who have complyed with the Law, together with the
others. Discover a disposition to become Hostile, whenever it may be in
their powers. Threats have been giving out. I understand they never
were obliged to the Country for this Act of Pardon, as they were taught
by their Attorneys that they had done nothing Capital for which they
could be punished, & that they were not in need of such a Law."
Some ti.ne ago Genl: Greene had called upon him for five hundred
men, and he sent three hundred men under Col. Lynch. Thinking
these might not suffice, he had ordered the Militia to report on Monday
next to make up the deficiency In case they should march to Genl:
Greene, he hopes to be allowed to credit these men with " Towers of
duty.*' He only means to keep them from home one month, (this being
so busy a Season of the year.) Trusts his Excellency will overlook any
irregularity in the performance of his duties, and making due allowance
for the alarming and exposed situation of that part of the Country, on
account of the apprehended advance of the Enemy, will excuse his
Sending the Militia out of the County.
March 23d.
Camp at Buf-
hUo Creek.
Genl: Nath^ Greene to Gov: Jefferson :
" Sir,
As the Militia of Virginia came out only for six Weeks, their times
will very shortly expire. I must request of your Excellency to order
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 591
out 1500 more for three Months, to be sent from these Counties, which 1781
arc best able to Arm and equip themselves. Their services will be im- j^^^^jj ^ ^
mediately wanted.
Ever Hour ferves to confirm the feverity of the Action on the 15^**, ^"'^***^."J*.
and proves the calculation made of the Enemy's lofs to be rather under, for°"roo[«u*"**
than over. Their precipitate retreat from Gilford, and the leaving be-
hind our Wounded at the Court House, and seventy of their own at
New Garden fettlement, are circumstances that bear strong marks of ^^^^^ ^^ ^^*
distrefs. Our Troops are in high Spirits, and the Army in the most Guilford.
perfect readinefs for another Action. The Enemy are retireing and we
advancing. Their rout is conjectured by some to be towards Crofs
Creek, and by others towards Pedee.
I have the honor to be,
your Excellency's
most obedient and
most humble servt."
" P. S.
If measures are not taken to furnish us with Provisions immediately^
we shall be obliged to fall back."
Major Geo: Rice, D. Q^ M., to the Executive^ protesting against the March 14th.
drafting his afsistanis under the late recruiting Act of Afsemblv : * en- chariott v'u
closing the statements and appeal of Major Claiborne to the Governor,
on the same subject, setting forth the serious inconveniences, and posi-
tive obstructions to providing for the wants of the Troops in the field,
and particularly those of the Southern Army, should this policy be per-
sisted in. The Governor replies, that the Executive cannot interfere '^^* Executive
with the executive of the Acts of Afsembly, which leave it to the Mili- fer"e"rith?he
tia Officers of the Counties "to determine who are the proper Subjects Law.
of the Law." Certain exemptions being specified in the Law, the infer-
ence is, no others can be allowed.
Major Ric* Claiborne to Gov: Jefferson : * * * March a4th.
* * * • " I beg leave to mention to your Richmond.
Excellency, that o\^ing to some deficiency, either with the County Courts
or County Commifsioners, there has not yet been received by the Con-
tinental Quarter Masters, more than seven or eight *Wagons agreable
to the late law. It concerns me much, that I am obliged to mention
this to your Excellency \ but the prefsing calls that I have received
lately from the Southern Army, for the means of Transportation for
provisions and quarter masters stores compel me to it.
I beg leave likewise to mention, that I have fearful apprehensions that Serioui appre-
the source upon which I principally depended for the means of Trans- hcnsion in
portation in this State, will fail me. I have conversed with the Com- ^«8"<J.^o **"■'
.i>. r \ ••! «_• L* 11 • portation.
miisioner of the provision law upon this subject, but he gives me poor
encouragement. Should the orders heretofore ifsued, respecting this
matter from the Executive, prove ineffectual, will your Excellency &
Council be pleased to consider that money will be the only alternative.
♦(Note in the Govc;.^ ^vtog^^?^') ** Sec returns furnished Col. Carringtonj which says
twency-iix four-horse t,. ^' r/j^" «ceivcc/.'*
692
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
Formerly the Commifsaries were furnished with money to carry on the
operations of their department, but now the Transportation, which
is a heavy branch of business, is ail thrown upon the Quarter Masters."
Scringeot or*
den, conse-
quent upon
escapes among
the prisoner!.
Officers sent to
Coaaecticut,
March 24th. QqJ. Richard Peters, (by Order,) to Col: Jas: Wood, Sup*** of Conven-
War Office— vention Troops.
United States. ^
'*Sir,
The very considerable desertions, which have prevailed among the
Convention prisoners, & the repeated neglects on the part of the British
Generals to pay for their support, have long been matters of Serious con*
sideration \ and furnish undeniable proofs of a system, the evils attendant
on which, require an immediate remedy.
You are therefore hereby directed to caufe the non-commissioned
Officers and Soldiers of the British Convention Troops, to be forthwith
closely confined, and effectually guarded, so as to prevent them from
escaping to the Enemy. It is hoped, that none of their Officers will
attempt to hold any correspondence with the Enemy, or take or connive
at any steps to promote the escape of the non-commifsioned Officers or
privates. But should such Conduct be discovered, the Officers so demean-
ing themselves are to be treated as having broken their paroles.
Until you are informed of payment being made for provisions and
transportation heretofore furnished these prisoners as stipulated in Article
5**^ of the Convention ; you will ifsue no more, or other provisions to
these, than are usually issued to prisoners of war.
The Officers of the British are to be put on their parole and sent to
Sinnbury, in Connecticut, where they can be more conveniently quartered
than at present. The non-commifsioned Officers and privates to remain
at Fredericktown, in Maryland, and be closely confined. But, if there
are any other places of security in that State, wherein any part of them
may be safely kept, you have liberty of seperating them into such Detach-
ments, for this purpose, as you shall think proper." * • « yij^
German non-commifsioned Officers and privates are to remain near the
Town of Winchester, in Virginia, and be confined to the Barracks built
there, by order of the State of Virginia, and their Officers are to be on
Parole, within the County of Frederick in that State, and to be limited to
a District, not exceeding ten miles in circumference. No transportation,
at the expence of the United States, is to be hereafter allowed these
Troops, and you will take care to limit the number of Waggons & Horses
to be hired by them, for the purpose of transporting themselves or their
baggage, and also the numbers of horses to be kept by the Officers, and
the prices to be by them given for forage for. their Horses or provisions
for themselves. It has been alledged that the best Horses in the Country
have been purchased by the Officers, and on their being exchanged, have
been carried into the Enemy in considerable numbers. This practice
has a dangerous tendency, and you will take every measure in your
power to discountenance and prevent it.
We rely on your discretion for anything not particularly directed, and
make no doubt, you will, in concurrence with the Executives of the
States of Virginia and Maryland, (to whom we shall write on the subject)
take the most effectual measures, for the superintendence and safe keep-
ing of the prisoners committed to your care.
Insti actions
regarding the
Oerman Pris-
oners.
Officers not
allowed to
purchase any
more horses.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 693
You will also afsemble all the Cowpen k other unconditional prisoners 1781
of War in these two btates, in some convenient places, and send them ^^^ . .
under proper Guards to Lancaster in Pennsylvania, where they will be
received by a guard of Militia of that State. It is better for the Virginia
Guard to go the whole way, for reasons obvious to you.
We are Sir,
with much esteem & regard,
your most Obed: Hble: Servt."
John M^Coy, Capt; in the County Militia, to the Executive, asking March ft6tli.
leave to resign his commifsion, which he has held for five years. Nothing stauaton.
would induce him to ask such a favour, in the present situation of the
Country, but the " complication of disorders," which prevent his under-
going the fatigues of campaigning.
Major John Mazarct to Granville Smith, D. Q^ M. Genl: V*:, agree- March 26th.
ing to deliver up to him, a horse once ridden by Col: Poterfield, but stolen p^nce Edward
from Smith, carried to Crofs Creek, N. Carolina, and sold to Maj: Court Houie.
Mazaret.
Maj: Genl: Baron Steuben to Gov: Jefferson : (autograph.) March a6th,
** Sir, WiUiamibarg,
I am this moment informed of the return of the English Fleet into ^^^ ' *
Lynhaven Bay, in the night of the 24% & that this morning Eighteen
fail more arrived & Joined them. It is very pofsible the last are Trans-
ports, with the Reinforcements expected from New York. When the
the Exprefs came from Hampton, one ship was under way, coming up to
Hampton Road. The wind has not been fair to day for the vefsells to
come up the River.
We have no certain intelligence of a second Engagement between the
fleets. With great respect,
I have the honor to be.
Your Excellency's
Most obt Servant."
Capt: Rich^ Barron to the Governor : March a6th.
^^ Sir« Hampton.
This morning Come into our Bay, 15 or Sixteen Sail more vefsells,
which make thirty some odd, which I suppose to be all British, they all Arrival of more
Lay at ancor near the Cape. They might have got up that morning but ^""*** Vciseii.
Lay fast. There is one Ship Coming up with a White flag at her Fore
Top Mast head ; but what she is, I know not, but suppose her to be
British. We have no account what they are, but Conjecter them to be
some from New York. My Brother has Just gon over the watter to
the He White, and orderd me to acquaint your Excellency of all arrivalls
of vefsells & those that might fail from hear.
I am Sir,
Your most Obt Servant.'*
69A
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 26th.
Philadelphia.
March 26th.
Chesterfield
CoarC House.
Saml: Huntington enclosing to Gov: Jefferson, Act of Congrefs 24^
Inst:, requesting the Executive of Virginia to appoint suitable persons to
Settle the accounts of Col: Jas: Wood, respecting his command in Super-
intending the Convention Prisoners, &c.
Capt: John Peyton to Col. W™ Davies, in regard to the small supply
of clothing he takes on to the Southern Army. The wagons leave to
day & he follows in the morning. The shoe-makers entirely out of
leather, and ^Minen for Hunting shirts & Overals," will soon be
wanting.
March 26ch. Major Ric^ Claiborne to Gov: Jefferson, enclosing extracts of letters
Richmond ^^^^ ^^''' Carrington in the Southern Army, respecting the wagons to
be sent from the different Counties in the State. The unciertain manner
in which these wagons will come in, will afford little afsistance in the
Traniportation. businefs of transportation. His only reliance will be upon those Brigaded
by the County Commifsioners of the provision law, or upon money to
hire teams. The latter mode much the best if the money can be furnished.
It may be well for each County to transport its own provisions to one
depot, but where a large quantity is to be forwarded from such a place,
it will be too tedious to call wagons in for sixty or seventy miles around
for the purrose. ***♦*»
Begs of his Excellency an Order exempting all the men at M^ Hun-
Exemption!, ter's Iron Works near Fredericksburg. Many have left him and gone to
the Gun-factory for protection ; by which he is prevented from furnish-
ing articles already contracted and paid for.
Extracts from Col: Carring's letters :
^^ If you are to fall short in any part of the Estimate, let it be in
tents, as we have got so manv from Philadelphia as puts us in a tolerable
fituation. Horsemen's sadclles and accoutrements are the principal
things .we are first anxious to get. Waggon harnefs will claim your
next attention. I beg you will be careful to have the saddles and accou-
trements well made \ if you could get a pattern I think it had better be
done, and as a guard against abuses in public work, fuppose you should
direct that the superintendant of each factory should stamp his name on
the articles made under his direction."
'^ I suppose you have rec** mine of the 11'^ Insatnt, making a new
Disposition on Dan, to wit : That Terry's Stores should be established
as a post under the care of M' McCraw, and stores pushed on upon our
first plain upon that Point ; from which we are to get them foward by
public Waggons. These Public Wagons are to be those we expect
from Virginia ; you will therefore lose no time in sending them to the
Army, properly brigaded, with good Conducters and drivers, loaded with
Provisions."
March 26th.
War Office.
Col: W" Davies to the Governor :
" Sir,
I beg leave to represent to your Excellency the absolute necessity of
appointing one of the Officers of the new state regiment, to do the duty
of Town Major at this Place. It is impofsible for the duties of this
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 696
Office to be done without confusion, if the Commifsioner*s attention i i^8i
perpetually distracted with orders for provision for this man, and sum ^^ »« t, ^
another, and a pair of shoes for a third. The appointment of this office
will take in all the various calls of the garrison, transient troops, &c: Necetsity for a
and it will be sufficient for the Commissioner of the War Office to en" ^chnwnd *"
quire into his Conduct occasionally. This Officer can also give u^
great afsistance as a super intendant of public works, & I believe would
in the end, if he is well chosen, produce a saving to the State.
Capt: Hamilton, being an Old Officer, and belonging to the new regi- Capt. Hamii-
menty will, I think, answer both purposes exceedingly well. He now is tonrecommen-
entitled to Captain's pay and rations. It might be proper, however, to * '
give him so much additional pay as to make it equal to a Major's. I
suppose the Article of pay muft ultimately be decided by the Afsembly j
but rations and forage perhaps, might be ordered immediately to take
place, till the Afsembly shall fix it themselves. This is the mode in the
Army, the Commander in Chief occasionally exercising a po^er of
that kind, till the pleasure of Congrefs is known ; and upon the same
principles I would undertake, in virtue of my place as Commifsioner,
to order the necessary rations and forage, unless restricted by your Ex-
cellency.
Applications are making to me, by the paymasters of Taylors and
Crockets regiments, to originate Warrants in their favor, for grofs s ums
founded upon loose estimates, without producing either muster roll or
pay roll. It appears to me so great an irregularity to ifsue money in this
manner, that I cannot consent to it without particular directions from
the Executive, especially as I am not informed that the paymasters have Abuiei, &c.
ever settled their accounts. I find, too, that the Commanding Officers
of these two regiments take the liberty of drawing clothing from the
public factories near them, at their own discretion, and occasionally make
applications to the Clothier besides ; and yet never settle any of their
accounts. With the permission of the Executive, I will in future put
a total stop to these irregularities, and propose that the fVestern Army
shall have their proportion of the public winter cloahing put into the
pofsefsion of their men on the first day of November annually, and
their fummer Cloathing on the first day of May. That the Southern
Army shall receive their proportion of Winter Cloathing on the first
day of December, and their fummer Cloathing on the first of April :
that after the present ifsue to Crockets regiment, which I hope will be
but small, no article of Cloathing whatever shall be ifsued -, but certifi-
cates in lieu of it, till we can arrange matters more regularly ; and that
at every ifsue of Winter Cloathing, the fummer Articles shall be given
up & *' vice versa."
Since writing the above, 1 have received your Excellency's directions,
respecting M' Martins' warrant. I would however, with great deference,
state that not a foldier of the continental quota from this State have re-
ceived a farthing of pay for near i6 months ; that the Troops who were
with Genl. Greene complained exceedingly that they should have ferved
so long in the field without cloaths or money, when Col: Campbell's de-
tachment joined them with their new cloaths. Is it not, therefore, a
circumstance, Worthv of attention, considering the mutiny to the north- Proper pohcy
ward, and tne g^ ^ desertions here, to conciliate the minds ot these to^^^j, ^^
men, bv paying .i in preference to those that have lately joined them, troopi,
or to those, sn^,^ '^ 'jfaylor's, whose times are now expiring, and whose
696
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 16th.
disappointments, perhaps, may not be so injurious to their Country.
The regiments with General Greene, that I fpeak of, are Greene's and
Buford's, who have had but little cloathing, and not a farthing of money.
I enclose your Excellency a return of the Cloathing, I ordered last week,
from Chesterfield to the Southern Army, which I hope will be a great
relief.
If the subjects of this letter will admit of a speedy answer, as feveral
gentlemen are waiting, it will oblige
Your Excellency's most obet & most hbl
Servant."
March 16th. Colo: Senf, Engineer to the Governor : urging the necefsity of
Richmond providing a sufficiency of Intrenching tools immediately, and suggesting
the kind and quantity needed at once, viz :
800 Spades,
400 Cannon Axes,
200 Broad and Grubbing Hoes,
100 Pick Axes,
300 Fashine Knifes and Small Hatchets.
6 Crofs-Cut Saws, with all necefsaries.
30 Wheel barrows,
60 Hand barrows,
Carpenters tools of all kinds for Eight or ten Carpenters,
Tracing Lines and Nails of the Larger Sort."
Recomends the propriety of always having on hand a reserve supply
of Entrenching Tools, in case of accident. He had some months before
suggested the creation of a Company of pioneers, the value of which he
had explained to his Excellency. But as the time will not now allow
the proper instruction of such a corps, the Oarrison at Hoods', in a few
Priioneri, &c. days may be sufficiently drilled to be employed as such, until the State
can do better. The places where these men are to operate, should be
designated by the Commanding officers in the field, but at present the
important point is Hoods, which place, in his opinion, is alone properly
properly situated and safe, if properly fortified, at which to deposite
stores of all kinds, to be employed in the Military operations by land
and water below.
Asks for a supply of Sand-Bags, but as linnen is scarce, two or three
hundred baskets, 14 inches high, and 12^ at the bottom, with two han-
dels at the top will serve as bags, to be made rough and strong but not
too heavy. Concludes — "The Plans for the Buildings at the Rivana
and Westham, I shall finish as soon as possible."
Endorsed,
" In Council, March 26*^, 1781.
Refered to Col: Davies, to give orders for procuring the articles enu-
merated. M' Hunter it is said has a considerable number of entrench-
ing tools, &c , ready made for the Continent, perhaps it may covenient
to call for those & get him to make a further number, it is necefsajy to
collect to proper posts the officers & foldiers of the State regiment as
now constituted. Hoods' is one of the posts at which about 80 men
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 697
are proposed to be kept, they may now be useful there, as well for 1781
fatigue as to defend the Stores, &c., there from a small force. , * *
TH: JEFFERSON
t»
Geo: Rogers Clark to the Governor of Virginia: March ayth.
"Sir, "Yough."
I Received your dispatches by Capt: Sullivan. That part concerning
the Bills counter^ by Maj: Slaughter, and Letters of advice, is something
curious. It's surprising to me that Maj: Slaughter, as an Officer of the
State, would suiFer these persons to persevear in their Villany, was he as
he hints, truly sensible of ye principal that actuated them You know my
Sentiments Respecting sev'^ persons in our Imploy. Those he accuses,
are gen^^ men of fair Character. I have long since determined to con-
duct myself with a particuNr Rigour towards every person under me.
They shall feel the stings of Remorse, if capable, or the sweats of pub-
lic applause, either as they demean themselves ; but, to Reflect on the
steps I have been obliged to make use of to prosecute a war for these seve-
ral years, their is an indignity in it that often Hurt me, but a zeal that
is unaccountable to me, carry me to length that I sometimes Regret.
Those gentlemen Major Slaughter points at, with himself, may expect to
undergo the strictest scrutiny in a short time, as Orders are prepared for
that purpose. M"^ Jno: Dodge & others, of the Illinois, also. The
whole Proceedings shall be Transmit*^ to your Excellency. The Bills
signed by Maj*^ Slaughter, I think, out to be paid, these poor persons may
otherwise suffer, the Estates of those alluded to, if guilty, is a sufficient
security. I have Received Intelligence that Col** Montgomery hath Coi. Mont-
gone off to New Orleans on some pretence or other. I have dispatched «''™®'y«
off Letters to that post, desiring him to Return to a tryal for his con-
duct, and desiring no person to credit him on ac^ of the State. If he
should Return by the way of Richmond, I hope Sir, you will put him
under an arrest and order him to the Western Dep^ to answer for these
accusations that may be laid to his charge. Its a very allarming circum-
stance to me, that if the Frederick, Berkeley and Hampshire Militia, The Berkeley
being excused from the Western Service. I make no doubt but that ^j^]."* *"^
good policy might Require it. I sufpected it, but 6 or 7 hundred men
deducted from two Thousand, is very considerable. I shall never think
otherways than that the Militia of these Counties would have marched
with chearfuUnefs, had they not been encouraged to ye contrary. Col:
Gibson's Regiment will make some amends, but far from filling up the
Blank ; perhaps we may do it by Volunteers from this quarter. I feel
the distreses of my Country and shall devote myself to its interest But
Sir, if any misfortunes shall happen, I have the consolation to hope the
cause will not be misplaced, my situation is truly disagreeable, the most
daring attempt would be agreeable to me, was their nothing but Death
to fear, but more I conceive to be Depending at present, to be flung into Vague refcr-
my situation by a set of men that are not Honoured with the sentiments ^^^^*
of a soldier, is truly disagreeable. I hope these Gen'" alluded to will live
to Repent of their conduct. Contious of the Rectitude of the orders of
Government ag^^^te the guilt of these persons in my Ideas, and cannot
Refrain frorti Q,'^ipg those, my sentiments, though it may Reflect no
honour to me ^^
598
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 I am flattered by the purchasers in general, to believe that their will
h ^^ ^ sufficiency of flower & Boats prepaired, though much later than
could be wished for. Col: Gibson's Regiment is of great worth to us.
Provisions and J ^^ happy in his appointments. If its in your power to Honour Maj:
oati su cient. fj3j.,.i5Qj^»5 Draft for money, I hope you will do it. The greater our
supplies, the greater probability of succefs. The money I brought
with me I have yet, and could wish to keep it as the last Resource. I
hope Sir, there will be no disappointments in the stores ordered for this
depS as it may be attended with the worst consequences.
I have the honor to be
with Esteem, your very Hbl: Svt."
March 27th.
Philadelphia.
Col: Christian Febiger to the Gov: Jefferson:
When Col: Benj: Harrison was there, he obtained an Order for five
tons of powder for Virginia, but having left before giving him directions
where to get it, had ** delayed the businefs." Having employed wagons,
he has gotten an Order from the Board of War for, and sends under
care of M"" John Macklin, fifty barrels of Cannon powder, being half
the quantity needed. In a short time he will send the remainder in
musket powder, when an invoice for the whole will be enclosed.
March 27th.
War Office.
Nailorf.
Col. W*^ Davies to the Executive, asking instructions, as to allowing
M*^ Anderson to contract for the cooking and washing for all his men at
the public expence, or only for the nine lads, employed as ^^ nailors."
March 27th.
Culpeper*
Jas: Barbour to Gov: Jefferson, explaining the confusion in the march-
ing of the Militia of that County, as having grown out of the fact that
the Draft for Regulars and Militia took place on the same day, and from
the Officers rather doubting Genh^Weeden's authority to call them out.
In consequence of this misunderstanding and his own orders to the Com-
mander of the detachment, and not from any insubordination ; those that
were on the march had been turned back and discharged, but as the
General Muster occurs on this day, he will march the nuAiber required
on Monday next. Arms are so very scarce, that rifles for only one
Company can be furnished by the County.
March 27th.
Hampton.
The enemy
land at New-
port News.
Miles King to the Governor :
" Sir,
This morning we was alarmed from the appearance of two of the
Enemy's Boats near the James River shore, opposite to Capt: Richard
Barron's, and from their fituation & our information fince, we find them
to be a part of some Boats full of men that landed at Newport News
point last night, and continued there undiscovered till this morning.
About sunrise the Men embarked in their flatt Bottomed Boats, seven-
teen in number, and made as fast as they could for Portsmouth. From
their short stay at Newport News, and not attempting to go from the
shore, they appeared to be strangers, and from the best intelligence I can
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 599
gctt, it is suppo'*^ these Boats came from some vefseils that Arrived Yes- 1781
terday in the Bay, which Vefseils is Just come into Hampton Road, ^^^^i 2 ih
thirty in number, Thirteen large Transports with 3 Men of War —
amongst the latter a forty-gun ship. As to the number of Troops on ^'*^*i^ ^**''" *"
T^iT I Ti t 'T ••Ti' the Bay.
Board, I must leave to your Judgement, but certam 1 am it is a Kein '
forcement to Arnold. The large ships of the line are still below, k no
appearance of the French Fleet. Must not our situation be deplorable.
The only protection is a Guard of six men below Old Point Comfort, Defcncden
and a guard of twelve men at Newport News, which suffered 17 Boats condition, &c.
full of Troops to land and make about fifty Fires, and let them go off
without their discovering of them. How sorry I am that we should have
only fuch men to trust to. Our County men is as willing as ever to
step forth when afsisted. The number of the Enemy don't discourage
us, but what we want is men to stand by us. The late unfortunate
affair in this County, will I hope sufficiently prove the Courage of our
County Men. In that Action many Guns were lost, and what Small
quantity of Ammunition the men had, was nearly Expended. We are
now in want of about sixty stand of arms, flints, powder k Ball, and Wanti.
fome men to affist us, and then our County here will turn out with as
much cheerfulness as ever.
Light Horse are very necefsary for this part of the Country, tho' we
have only Three. I was Just now informed that forty five sail of Ves-
sells were counted in the Hay this morning. Including the Line of Bat-
tle Ships.
I am, with great respect,
your Excellency's
most ob^ & hble: servt.
P. S. — Since writing, 3 more large ships is coming up, which appears
to be Transports."
John Coles to : Has rec*^ his by Capt: Miller, and consents March 27th.
to his remaining at his present quarters until advices may be gotten from „£^jj. . „
the Governor. Hopes this will be done at once, as it has been ever
since the 13'** Inst. He was ordered by the Governor to send all the
provisions to Winchester.
James Quarles to ** Hon: Maj' Genl: de La Fayette : *' March ayth.
Since the exprefs sent at 10 o'clock this day, the fleet that lay in the Hampton.
Bay has entered the Roads, and lying ofF Sewel's Point. Cannot
judge what they mean to do, but thinks them a reinforcement to Arnold. Britiih fleet
Advises that five hundred men be sent to that place, a force which could ^^^^^ ^^^,,
keep them from landing and penetrating into the Country, and thereby "^°*'*''*
save the large ^^stocks of all kinds on James and Back Rivers." Whole
number of Sail thirty five including five Men-of War, one of which is a
ship of sixty guns and another a frigate. The largest transports will not
hold more than one hundred soldiers.
James Qu^rl^^ JVJ^j^^ Genl: Le Fayette, in Williamsburg : March 27th.
The ship f. ^ j yesterday came up this morning and proceeded to Hampton.
Portsmouth u%C^^Ljte F^^g at her foretopmast — supposes she is a Flag
600
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1781
March 27th.
March 27th.
Philadelphia.
In Council.
Col. Broad-
heads orders
explained.
of truce. The Enemy landed from about twenty boats this morning
and were strewn along the shore from Newport News to Hampton
Creek, but soon re-embarked and steerd for Portsmouth, There are no
troops here to prevent their landing. The fleet not to be seen this morn-
ing, as the weather is hazey, but yesterday evening there were thirty
seven sail in the Bay, the last Division anchored some distance below
the others. Any further discoveries shall be foward^d without loss of
time. M^ Lewis, the bearer, will give all necessary particulars
Joseph Reed, President of Penn*, to Gov: Jefferson, of V*:
" Sir,
Colonel Broadhead, Commanding at Fort Pitt, has informed us that
being apprehensive of a fcarcity of provisions at his Post, he has inter-
fered so far as to restrict the purchases of some articles made by your
Excellency's directions, for a special purpose within this State, from
pafsing out of it, and that he thought himself farther warranted in the
Measure, by a fimilar redaction having been laid fome time ago on M'
Wilfon purchasing Cattle in one of your frontier Counties, under the
Commifsary General, for the use of Fort Pitt.
As we apprehend fuch interpofitions, attended with mutual inconve-
nience, and tend to interrupt the defirable harmony of States, bound
together in the bonds of common interests and affection, we have signi-
fied to him our aefire, that he would not only take off any prohibition,
but facilitate the measures directed by Your Excellency. And that un-
lefs, in case of fome great and unforeseen calamity, or just apprehension
of Famine, he permit your Commifsioner freely to execute your Orders.
As Colonel Broadhead is an Officer of Merit, and on this occafion acted
with a well meant, tho' mistaken zeal for the good of the State, we flat-
ter ourselves your Excellency will excuse the orders he has given, which
we are persuaded he will immediately revoke, and conform to your wishes
on that Subject.
As we doubt not a friendly difposition in your Councils, we hope you
will as readily remove any obstructions to the purchases which may be
necessary for the fmall garrison at Fort Pitt, in the neighboring Counties
of Virginia.
And we beg leave to assure your Excellency we shall take a fincere
pleasure in cultivating, by every kind office in our Power, the harmony
and Mutual Interests of the two ftates, and rendering Virginia every
fervice in the prefent state of tryal and distress. Of which, we gave
General Greene the most decisive proof, by supplying him with Arms
and other articles out of our ftate ftores for the use of the Southern
Army, and which have been extended fince, most chearfully to the expe-
dition under the Marquis de Fayette. Moft fincerely wishing your Ex-
cellency a fpeedy deliverance from the Incursions of the Enemy, and a
Restoration of peace and tranquility,
I remain, with great
Respect and Consideration,
your Excslency's
most obedient and
very humble servant."
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 601
Col: Andrew Donnally to Gov: Jefferson : 178 1
** Sir, March 27th.
On the 3^ Instant a Party of Indians came to the house of William Oreenbrier.
Week, living at the mouth of Indian Creek, which empties into New
River in this County, & took him k his Family Prisioners, and burm
his House & Corn. A party of men belonging to Capt: Wood's Com-
pany happen'd to be' rendezvoused in the neighborhood in order to march
to join the Troops, who are to serve under Genl: Clarke, these^ with
some of the Neighbors, pursued the Indians, & after a Continued march
of near fifty miles, they came up with them; Killed one Indian and J°J**^'?^**
wounded several ; recovered all the Prisioners & the Plunder. By the
Prisoners we learn that there was 8 Indians & 2 Canadian French in that
party, and they told them (the Prisoners) that another party of twelve
men was to join them at that place where our Men providentially de-
feated them. Lieut; Woods, who Commanded our Party, deserves all Lieut. Woodt.
due praise for this spirited behaviour & activity on this occasion, ic I
cannot forbear remarking that had it not been that these men happened
to be so critically imbodied at that Junction, that in all probability those
unhappy people woul'd have been carried into Captivity by those merci-
less Savages. As I was absent when this af&ir happened, Lieut: Col:
Brown ordered so many of the Militia as cou'd be spared to defend
those Stations which are most Exposed, and I have since continued them.
This I thought myself Authorized to do by your Excellency's Letter of
the 4*** November last. This naturally leads me to request your Instruc-
tions as to the victualling of them. The delay which has happened in
paying off the expenses, incurred in this County last year has been so
great, and the depreciation of our money, so rapid that no one will
freely credit the Public for Provision or other necefsaries. There is a P»Wic credit
Considerable Quantity of Corn in this County paid by the Inhabitants ^^'
in discharge of the Tax on enumerated Commodities. I should be glad
to know if you think it proper to employ it this way, & if so to only
remit me such a sum as you may Judge necefsary to purchase Beef and
other necefsaries, & without such remittance I am persuaded they cannot
be procured.
That part of our Militia, which in obedience to your Excellency's
Order, were to be sent to Genl: Clarke, have gone with much alacrity, Men gone to
but I fear the many delays which retard their marching from the place ^nl« CUrke.
of rendezvous will damp their ardor.
As we are extremely scarce of Lead in this County & often obliged
to buy at a high price, I wouM be glad if a Warrant to draw 500 ^^ Want of lead,
weight from the lead mines, which shall be used with the greatest
frugality, as none has hitherto been drawn from thence for the use of
this County, make me hope that the quantity now required will not be
thought extraordinary. As I am but lately returned home, I cou'd not
sooner have informed your Excellency of the State of affairs in these
parts."
I am Sir,
Your Excellency's
Mo: Obdt Hble Servant."
David Rof^ ^jje Governor : As it will be some time before Col: ^'*^^ *7^^>
Davies can h^^ '^- estimates ready ^ he will take the opportunity to find Richmond.
fe
609 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 out what can be furnished by the State, and where to get the other articles.
. . large proportion of the supplies must come from the North, Virginia
"^ ' State money has no circulation there ; the present invasion preventing
ConMqnencet xh^ Merchants of Philadelphia from buying tobacco at the same time
of V^ginla!*°° ^^^^ ^^^ demand for it is lefsen'd by the discontinuance of the embargo
upon flour, so that payments in this article cannot be negotiated, unlefs
upon very injurious terms to the State. On this account also, it will not
be easy to make purchases from the manu&cturers of Frederick, Lan-
VirginU and caster and other towns, with tobacco. As Virginia now bears ^^ an over
the ezpence of proportion of the Expences of the War," he suggests the policy of his
the war. Excellency *8 drawing upon Congrefs, or upon the Continental service
for a proportion of the money spent for the general defence. The con-
dition of the Lead Mines, and the great scarcity of this article gives him
great concern. He is about to send up and purchase all that can be
Great want of gotten at & about the Mines, and find out the capacity of the Works,
* the number of hands employed &c. Requests his Excellency will write
to Col: Lynch in regard to this matter and ordering an additional force
of laborers under another manager.
March ftSth. Col: French Strother to Gov: Jefferson: Informing him that the
Militia ordered out by Genl: Weedon, had b^en discharged, and although
Cuipeper. ^j^^^ j^^^j marchcd only three miles out of the County, claimed this ser-
vice as a ^^ Tour " of duty. If this be allowed, it will be hard on those
that went to North Carolina. Not expecting to be called upon so soon,
and as he has no information of the movements below, he sends for
further instructions, holding himself in readinefs meantime. Begs if
pofsible, a temporary suspension of the recruiting act \ as its immediate
execution will greatly distrefs the people. Desires intelligence from
General Greene's aflFair, &c., and such other news as he may have.
March 28th. Coh Arthur Campbell to Gov: JeflFerson :
Waihington ** Sir,
Co
Since niy last, about 150 Voluntiers from the Wattago, have pene-
Dettiuction of trated the Cherokee middle Settlements, destroyed three principals Towns
the Indian ^ith some scattering Villages ; killed upwards of twenty Indians, and
toww brought off fifteen perfons, mostly children. Another Body of Men are now
about seting out from this and Sullivan County to endeavor to drive the
enemy from their haunts in the Cumberland Mountains south of the Gap.
If this party is as fortunate in their attempts as the former, I trust our
South Western Frontier and the Kentuckey path will be lefs infested
the remaining part of the year, than they have been for some time
past.
Genl. Greene General Greene has appointed Commifsioners to open a Treaty with
treat! with the the Cherokees and Chickacas, and conclude a peace under certain limi*
Indians. tations ; a defirable event I confefs ; but which in my opinion will be
best obtained, by terrifying the perfidious Tribe well in the first
place, which it is to be hoped will be soon affected by General
Pickens and Col^ E. Clarkes movements in the South, together with
what we are doing on this side. In the mean time a Flag is dispatched
to Okana-Stote, to his new residence in the mountains, propofing a con-
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 603
ference on the subject of exchanging Prisoners, and by the same oppor- 1781
tunity private mefsengers are sent to some well affected perfons, and a ^^^ j^ ^^^
Belt to the Chickacas.
I am your Excellencies
very humble Servant."
Genl: G. Weedon to Gov; Jefferson : March »8th.
** D' Sir, WiUiimtburg.
Inclosed I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency a Copy of
Genl: Return, by which you will see how inadequate the strength of the
Troops under my command must be, to the service expected from them.
Your Excellency was pleased to send me a supplementary list of Coun-
ties called on after my arrival at this Place ; of which only Caroline 8e
Spotsylvania have sent any men. indeed I cannot see how the Country is 0'*c"of 9**^-
to be defended, when a Call of the Executive is paid as little regard to, as girded,
it would be from those no way in authority : and indeed those few that
come into the Field, only remain as long as they please, and then go
back, some with their officers at their heads, without consulting the Ser-
vice or the Officer Commanding. I inclose you my Intelligence from
' below last night, and leave it to your Excellency to judge of the pro-
priety of afsembling a stronger force to that what we at present have.
The Marquis & Baron both joind me in my opinion that while we were MiUury dUpo-
so weak on this side James River, it would be impofsible to cover the "^*°° "*^**
Country from hence to Hampton \ a position that subjected any part of
our Defence to a stroke from the Enemy, without our having it in our
power to support any part. Under these considerations, strengthend by
Intelligence that indicated a Blow, the Troops were drawn to a point ,
and those who had continued in Service from the first of the Invasion,
were obliged, from their distrefsed situation to be discharged.
I would also suggest the propriety of driving off all the stocks from Live itock.
below Williamsburg upwards. The Country I am informed contains
vast Quantities, which no doubt the Enemy will forage, k support them-
selves with our means.
I have the honor to be with great
Respect and Esteem,
Your Excellency's
Most obt Servant."
Tho* Posey to Col: W"* Davies : Mirch 17th.
In accordance with positive orders from Baron Steuben, he cannot S^""^®"«
receive *' any recruits that is not 5 feet 4 inches high." There arc men The Baron'i
who may come under his notice, who are so well adapted to military '**** *** f***'^
service that he woud even prefer them, although several inches shorter,
than those coming up to the Baron's rule. He, therefore, desires to
know whether his powers may not be discretionary in such cases.
Concludes — H d^J news from below. I understand Arnold is to get Arnold,
off. Damn ijj^ ,,
I am D' Col:
Your Humb^ Servt: "
)
eoM.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 Col: George Muter certifies, that " the bearer Jupiter (negro) saved
M h th ^°^^ '^""^ during the time the enemy were in Richmond, which he after-
Negro Jupiter.
wards delivered to me ft for which he has received no reward.
March a9th.
War Office.
Col: W™ Davies to the Governor :
" Sir,
I find the number of waggons in the Q^ M. G** department fo utterly
Great need of inadequate to the wants of the State, that the most common purposes of
Ordnance ex-
posed to the
enemy.
wagons. ^^^ department cannot be executed, nor any afsistance afforded to the
others At present indeed, M' Brown, the commissary general, has the
greater part of them employed by him. Nothing can be done therefore
in the collection of military stores, without an entirely new arrangement
in this particular. I am not well acquainted with the immediate demands
of the Southern Army, but I am persuaded very many waggons will be
ufelefs for at least a month, at various ftations in this . State* I would
therefore submit it to your Excellency whether it would not be eligible
to order at least ten to this station , to be under orders of the State Q.
M. G.y 'till application shall be made for them by the continent.
It is a matter of real moment to have the cannon, mortar and ball that
now lie below this hill, removed to the top of it. Should the enemy
pay us another visit, and fuch a thing is very pofsible, we shall then
sensibly feel the great inconvenience of their present situation, and it
will always be easy, should this propositfon be accepted, to bring them
down the hill, if we should at any time have occasion. The scattered
state of the Military Stores in general, is a serious circumstance, and
Scattered state ought to be attended to. Capt: Brown, could at the same time that he
of the ^^^^^ visits the various places where they now lie uselefsly dispersed, make
cannon at some arrangements for removing them either to this place or others.
South Quay. The Cannon at South Quay and Suffolk, will never be fit for service
unlefs removed *, and it will be impossible to accomplish their removal with-
out imprefsing the horses, cattle and perhaps carriages of the inhabitants.
The imprefsment cannot be executed without a force to protect them ;
especially at South Quay, where the People are not very well affected.
I would therefore submit it, whether it would not be proper to authorize
Capt: Brown, or such person as he shall appoint, to imprefs everything
necessary for their removal, if he finds it can be accomplished. If it
should meet the approbation of the Executive, I will write to General
Muhlenberg, requesting he will fend a fufficient number of men to exe-
cute the design.
Perhaps the scarcity of "^ tradesmen in the public employ is attended
with so much inconvenience, it may be expedient to exempt from the
draft, in Counties where it has not yet taken place, all such good trades-
men as are willing to enlist as fuch for three years or perhaps) 18
months."
# # * * • ♦
Bad conduct of As to Hawkin's misconduct, he ought to be tried by a Court Martialj
an officer, if found guilty, he is by the Articles of war, to be cashiered with infamy.
^Mechanics.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 605
and published in^the gazettes of the State ; and afterwards ought to ac- ijrSi
count for the money fraudulently obtained.. ■ * * M h h
* * * "I shall be ready to attend the Council, and your "*^ *^* '
Excellency, as foon as you may be pleased to direct, and
am Sir, most respectfully,
your Excellency's
most humble servt.'*
Genl: G. Weedon to Gov' Jefferson : March 29th.
^^ Dear Sir, Williamiburf.
I send you the prise ners mentioned in Major M^Lanes Letter, who I
conceive are guilty of Piracy, with them also sent a M' Glansmitz, Criminaij.
who I understand was in partnership with that- noted Rascal Shoemaker.
Your Excellency will please give your directions respecting them. On
the night of the 27^ a sloop with 1500 Bushells of Salt was drove on
shore between New port News & Hampton ft was boarded by Capt
Davenport. The Capt: who Commanded her gives the following Intel-
ligence. That the reinforcement lately arrived is commanded by Genl: Geo], PhiUipt'
Phillips. That he has 23 Transports with men & supposes each to have ^^^^9 •"<* ^
on board from 150 to 200. he has also eight Square Rigged Vefsell with ^^^^^^^ "°^*'
Horse on Board, they were convoyed by the Chatam of 50 Guns, The
Rainbow 44, The Roebuck 24, The Hancock 32 & four other Frigates.
That Arbuthnot still lays in Lynhaven Bay. Capt: Rofs appears to be an
Honest Scotchman, and says he sailed with them from New York. The
object of this reinforcement is supposed to succour the Southern Army.
They will at any rate keep a strong Port at Portsmouth and will have it
effectually in their power to commit depredations, unless a force sufficient
is called into the Field to oppose. The want of arms will greatly distress
and would recommend it to your Excellency to appoint a careful, diligent NeccMity of
man in each County, and give him powers to impress all that are nt for
Service & store them under his own care, that when the Men from the
Counties are call'd on, they may be ready to put into their Hands. I am
very certain a considerable number of good Arms may be recovered in
this way, that belong to the Publick, besides these of private property
which may be useful. Had the officers so appointed orders to employ all
the Gunsmiths in their County k sett them immediately to work. They
would no doubt much facilitate our Operations. Enclosed you have a
Letter from Major Callis, requesting the liberty of landing a ^^ Son of a
Friend of his, by which he will become a Citizen to this State. I would,
therefore, wish your Excellency would suffer him to Land, agreable to
the Major's request."
I have the Honor to be yr: fert.**
Major Rich^ Call, 3*^ Regt: Lt: Dragoons, to the Governor : Mwch »9th.
He sends ^^ one Horfemans' Sword sent by exprefs from Lt: Col: Petersburg.
Washington *' and which was taken at Guilford C. House. Desires it
to be sent to M' Hunter as a pattern, from which to have others made ^^*m\ ^JJ!'*^
for the men. He fears the lofses sustained by all those who have done tern to Mn
work for the CavgW will deter M*" Hunter from undertaking to make Huntci.
them, unlefs he q J^ he paid for them as they are finished, dome afsu-
606
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 ranee of this sort being given, the Cavalry will be oiuc^ encouraged, and
. finding themselves equally armed with the Enemy will prove that
"^ *^ ' bravery will ensure succefs, " as the sword is the most deftructive &
NecMiity of almoft only necefsary weapon a Dragoon carries." '^ Our mounted men
^ wdl and^' ^^ prefent have fwords, but the generality of them are much inferior to
•ending them the British." He urges early attention to this matter, and exprefses
regret that the businefs of the Staff, and other department is executed
with so much uncertainty and delay. In illustration of this, he had
some time ago enquired of the Council, as to the mode to be adopted in
purchafing horses, but has received no reply. The importance of get-
ting the Cavalry to Camp at once, may decide the fate of the Southern
Army, hence the lofs of a week becomes a serious matter.
on.
Mtrch a9th.
Culpeper Co.
Difficulty of
coUecdng tax,
^^ The Commissioners of the Tax " inform the Executive, that the
^^ additional Tax " in that county has been recieved in Tobacco & Hemp,
only fifty thousand pounds paid in money. The hemp cannot be sold for
the price directed by law. The County has to furnish one hundred, and
six men, but there is not money to pay their bounties, and they are ^^ex-
ceedingly clamerous & refuse marching until they receive their money in
full." Col: Barham has on this account furloughed them, until instruc-
tions can be had from the Executive, many of them will be glad to re-
cieve their pay in Tobacco.
March 29th.
FaithleM offi-
cer.
March 19th*
"Olouster."
Will: Harrison to the Governor : represented the Conduct of Capt:
George Berry, by whom he sent a large sum of money to the Ohio
Country to purchafe supplies for Genl: Clark. He had appropriated six
thousand dollars of it to his own private uses. This will be lost to the
State unless some steps are taken to require- him to account for the
same.
Sir John Peyton to Gov: JefFerson :
At the request of Genl: Nelson he sent to Baltimore for the Arms ;
which were to have been brought in waggons, but this being prevented,
they were put on board a vessel, when the French ships were in the Bay.
this vessel had put into Anapolis with the fleet coming from the Head of
Elk with troops. He has written to have them forwarded by land. He
is called upon for the money to pay for them, and trusts his Ecellency
will order it to be paid at once.
March a9th. Nicholas Long, Dep: Q. M. Genl: to Gov: Jefferson, of V*:
Halifax, North In accordance with arrangements made with M'. Rofs, at Petersburg,
Carolina. jjjg Quarter Master's Department of his State was to be furnished with
Great want of Bar Iron, nail Rods, &c., &c., but has received ^^five hundred and sixty
Iron. weight Nail Rods, only. Has written to M^. Rofs on the subject, but is
informed by him, that the articles must be paid for upon delivery. The
State very much in want of Iron, &c., and begs M^. Rofs be instructed
to furnish a supply on the credit of North Carolina.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 607
John Browne, Com- GenI: Y^ gives list of additional Commifsioners 1781
of Provision Law, ic, viz : w 1. l
^ ' March a9th
ohn Cowan, Lunenburg. Richmond.
ohn Key, Albemarle.
Jenj: Winslow, Orange.
James Lacozan, Fairfax.
Pierce Bailey, Loudon.
M'. Taylor, Southampton.
" The following counties have not as yet furnished waggons :" Ches-
terfield, Hanover, New Kent, Albemarle, Goochland, Yorke, King
William, King & Queen, Charles City.
Major Rich^ Claiborne to Gov: JefFerson : i\%xz\i 30th.
" Sir, Richmond.
The great demands which are made upon me of late, for the purchas-
ing department under my direction, obliges me to beg your Excellency
for a warrant on the Treasury for the sum which is to be appropriated
for the purpose of the said department, of the late emission of the As-
sembly.
I have lately received an appointment of Quarter Master for the p«"*«n<* ^o'
Troops in Continental service in this State. This branch of business
will likewise require a considerable sum, as the exigencies of the fervice
will render it necefsary to make disbursements to answer the immediate
calls or purposes of the Army. I beg leave to ask your Excellency how
much money you will be pleased to furnish, to enable me to discharge
the duties of this department ?
All the appointments heretofore made in the field business, cease,
uniefs renewed by my, so that draughts made to the Executive for any-
thing to he done in that line, except by myself, will not be proper. I
shall now have it in me power to Judge of the resources of the one De-
partment, and the necessities of the other, and to act for the good of
both.
I have the honor to be,
with the highest respect.
Your Excellency's
most obedient humble Servt."
Major Rich^ Claiborne to the Governor : March 30th.
His Excellency's directions in regard to returning the horses and boats, Richmond,
lately impressed for the Expedition against Portsmouth are received. It
gives him concern to say this is utterly impracticable, because there is
nothing obligatory upon the imprefsers to return either, and money will
not tempt them to undertake it ; the property too, has so changed hands,
that it will be if}) possible to identif} it, and many of the horses and boats
can never be /q. 'Tj owing to the wide distribution of them under the to thT^equircd
several ^^'"'IJ^k I'ng officers. He will collect all the horses he can at return of im-
V7\\Ymtish\xt^ !/-^'-^ ' when they can be inspected by Co*** ^r^^^ pro-
Griffin, Co^o^. i/^^^f] and M' Anderson. Suggests, as the most feasible P'"^*
608 CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 plan, that all horses on the South side of James River, be collected at
-— — , and those on the North side at W™'burg ; the boats to be
^^ ^^ ' gotten together at the junctions of the James & Appomattox Rivers,
and then to advertise for the people to come and reclaim their property.
This, or any other measure looking to doing justice, or in accordance
with the wishes of the Executive, shall be duly attended to.
March 30th. Col: W™ Davies to the Governor:
War Office ** Sir,
The General exprefsed to me yesterdav, in such strong terms, the
Undertakes to g^cat importance of the post at Chesterfield, and urged so ftrenuously his
•uperintend the idea of the necessity of my continuing my superintendance at that place.
Post at Chester- *xx\\ the march of the new raised troops shall be over, that it was in vain.
House. "'' ^ represented my opinion of the impracticability of discharging my duty
towards it, or the fatigue and trouble to which I should subject myself.
I was threfore obliged to consent, and purpose, whenever my business
will permit here, to attend at that place, on Saturdays^ afternoon and
Sundays. The duties of this ofEce, if executed in all its parts, and car-
ried to the variety of businefs which I think ought to be allotted to it,
will require two clerks. What those duties are, 1 shall take the liberty of
respectfully submitting to the consideration of the Executive, whenever I
Rcquirementi may have time to attend to the stateing them. " At present my wish
of hu office, jg^ ^jj^^ considering the circumstance first mentioned, as well as the gene-
ral duties of the office, I may be allowed to employ another clerk. I
would beg leave to add one observation, that I hope I shall be able, dur-
ing the short period I shall continue my superintendance at Chesterfield,
to aiFord considerable afsistance to our designs at this place and Westham,
by ordering from that place occasionally fuch numbers of men on fatigue,
as they can spare, and we be able to employ."
I have the honor to be
most respectfully,
your most hble fervant."
March 30th. M" Cath« Park to the Executive :
Richmond. ^^ Gentlemen,
I have now finished the Leath' at the Barracks, that was on hand
when M' Park Died, and has delivered near a Thousand Hides to M*^
Marks for the use of the State. There was two Thousand more cur'd,
A woman man- and Dry'd by M*^ Park, which cou'd not be Tanned for want of Bark.
ages the Tan- ff q^ jg ^1,^ Season to get it, but it is out of my power ; as I have not
^ ' ' yet Receiv'd any Amolument from the yard at the Barracks, it is there
complate with every necefsarv for carrying on the Business, but Bark
and Lime. The Yard can Tann fifteen hundred Hides this year, which
will require One Hundred and fifty cords of good Bark. My request.
Gentlemen, is, that you will order that quantity to be procured, if you
will make me certain of it, I will write immeciiately to a Gentleman at
the Norward, who has promised to procure me a Complate worknun of
Carracter, who is capeble of carrine it on, but I cannot engage him till
I am sure of Bark. When I am, I shall Exert every ability I am Mis-
tress of to procure proper Hands. But in case I am disapointed, (which
'CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 609
1 dont expect,) I will take care to inform the Governor and Counsell, in 178 1
time for them t« procure Hands, they allowing me a sufficiency for my ^^^^ ^^^^
Interest in the Yard. M' Park having expended a Large sum of money
on it, when the money was of some value, if I carry on the Business, 1
will allow the value of the Bark. There is likewise Leath' belonging
to the Country in my yard here, but I have not any oil to finish it. if
you Gentlemen will give orders to furnish me with oil, you may have
the Leath' immediately.
I have the Honour to be Gentkmen,
your most obed^
Hum^^ Scrvt."
Will: Churchill to the Governor, complaining of the injustice done Much 30th.
Major Maurice Smith, at the late recommendation hr Militia officers, Middlesex Co
Capt: Beverly Daniel being mentioned by the Court for the Lieut: Col: j^ Miurice*
over him. This officer has always done his duty as a foldier and as a Smith,
civilian, being the most punctual Majistrate in the County. When he,
and afterwards Col^ James Montague commanded in the County, the
greatest confidence was reposed in Major Smith, and the only objection
now raised against him is that he is fifty years of age. Many men make
good officers older than this.
Col** Jas: Innes to the Governor : M»reh 30th.
^^ Sir, York GarriioB.
In the action of the 8*** Inst: between a party of the Elizabeth City
Militia, and a Detachment of the british Army under the command of
Col** Dundafs, Col** Curie was made a prisoner, he was taken, gallantly ?•"""*"?"
I J- J jr I r 1 • • L • i_ doctofCol.
leadmg on a handful of resolute troops, to oppose six times their number, ^arie and the
notwithstanding which Disparity the Enemy were obliged to abandon propotal to ei-
the cattle and horses they had collected, ana retired rather loosers than change him for
gainers by their Enterprize, Arnold proposes to exchange Col** Curie * ^^*
for EUigood. I will not presums to advize your Excellency on this
subject, but will only take the liberty to remark, that to my knowledge,
Curie was the very life and foul of his County, and that I believe
his liberation would oe of more importance to the Publick weal, than
the detention of ten thousand such traitors as Elligood.
I have the honor to be respectfully."
Col** Rich** Campbell to Col: W" Davies : enclosing list of deserters, March 30th.
since he loft Chesterfield C^ House. Cannot send full returns, having MCu^pat Deep
lost his rolls and order book in the action of the 15^; concludes, '* I RWer.**
have now newes to write you only the Enemy has made a rapid retreat
from this place to Cross Creek. As to fiteing I think there will be bat Poverty.
Little more this Camppain
I wish to heare the newes from your Quarter, for we have nothing in
this place but povertay stearing in our faces Ever day. •
Your will pleas to Except
of my well wishes."
77
610
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. ♦
1781
March 30th.
Thos: Jones to the Governor, in behalf of George Blackwell who has
been drafted, is an experienced sea-man, having made many voyages to
the West Indies and Europe ; now commands a Brig in the Potomac
preparing to sail, and may be made very serviceable to the State in this
capacity. He had once enjoyed a large property, which in May 1779,
was entirely destroyed. The Enemy having burned all his houses and
destroyed his personal property.
March 3111. W" Peachey to Gov: Jefferson :
Richmond Co. ^^ Sir,
By a Captain of Militia of this County (George Syfson by hame) who
was captured near the mouth of Rappahannock River, in a River Craft,
and who lately made his Escape after some weeks detention on board of
the Hibernia Sloop, privateer from New York, I am informed that the
•upplSi*^^ if*^ Enemy have adopted a new mode of getting supplies, which is by fitting
new method, out small vefsells with a few hands and a cargoe of Alum Salt, brown
sugar, &c., with which they run up the different Rivers and trade as friends
for flower, wheat Bread, Indian Corn, peas and brandy. Capt: Syfson
says that the shores, as well on the Eastern and Western side of the Bay,
have been lately so well guarded, as to prevent the privateers from getting
any supplies, so that they began to be greatly distrefs'd for both provisions
and Spirits The Vefsel on board of which he was kept, went twice into
Portsmouth Harbour, and he understood that the Troops under Arnold
^ were at short allowance, and the Inhabitants of Portsmouth almost fam-
ish'd for want of Bread, and none of them suffer'd to go out.
He says that Keeble, (or Hibble,) the pilot on Gwin's Island, he is
satisfied supplies the Enemy ; has seen him on board, and he knows that
his Son has been employed in one of their whale Boats, saw him in their
Cap & drefs on board one at the Tangier Islands. Capt: Syfson further
says, that in an Engagem^ the Hibernia and a Schooner had, with a bal-
timore Brigg off the Mouth of Rappahanock, the officers of the priva-
teer obliged himself and an old pilot of the name of Bass ; they had
taken, to take a muskett in hand and keep the Quarter Deck during the
action. That they grow short of hands by deaths. Desertions and Losses
both by water and Land. Concludes — *' This account I thought my
duty to transmit to the Executive, if it will answer any good purpose I
have my reward."
ProTuiom
•carce at Porta
mooth.
Traiton, &c.
March 3 lit.
Richmond.
No money.
March 31st.
War Office.
Major Rich* Claiborne to Col: W°» Davies :
Has rec* his instructions in regard to procuring wagons for transporting
the Hospital stores, but does not know where he can get them ; must
have them, but has not a farthing of money. They will not consent to
go out of the State, and he has not a Continental wagon to send. The
Itate has made large advances to the ^^ Continent/' but unless more is
done for his department, his efibrts will be futile.
Col: W" Davies "to the Executive : setting forth the importance of
equiping the Cavalry ; and drawing attention to the claim of M' Simp-
son for articles furnished them. Col^ Finnie has refused to pay him.
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 611
except by giving a certificate of what was due him. M' Simpson is ij8i
willing to work for the Cavalry, and to be allowed the same prices paid
in Philadephia ; but not knowing whether the State advanced money . *^ ^
** for the Continent on such occasions." Col: Davies prefers to submit l!!l{uj^^j|^
the matter to his Excellency. cavaUy.
Endorsid,
•*In Council, Mar: ji'*, 178 1."
*'*' Moneis paid by the State for the Continent, must be paid either to
Quarter-mafters, Pay-masters, or others having general authority to receive
& apply moneis for the Continent, (and even with these we usually call
for warrants,) or on special warrant from Congress. The board laments the
delay of paiment to the public creditors & particularly that any difficulties
should be producd which may obstruct the future equipment of the cav-
alry, yet they cannot glean up 8e pay the Continental debts in this State
on vouchers, which they know will be disallowed by Congress, they
have long (upward of half a year) told Col'' Finnic that if he woutd ob-
tain warrants from Congress to cover our advancing money to him, we
would enable him to pay his debts his failing to obtain warrants induces
a suspicion, that it is not the intention of Congress, that we should med-
dle with his contracts."
TH: JEFFERSON."
Lt: Col: Ed: Carrington to Gov: JefFerson : March 31st.
** Sir, <i Head guar-
Your Excellencies letter, I had the Honor to receive, and with great j*?| '^•*y*«
pleasure acknowledge the impropriety of mine which gave occasion to it. River.**^^
I find the Error in my Estimate in the Article of grain, happened through
the Clerk who Copied it in my Office. On seeing your state to GenI:
Greene, I naturally recurred to the original paper in my own pofsefsion &
there found it stood in these figures 50.000.
I am really sorry that my letter should have contained anything disre- Apologues to
spectful to yourself or the Executive, k, am much obliged to you, for theOoTernor.
the delicacy, with which you have taken notice of it.
As to the 50.000 bushels being too little for the purpose intended, the
claim for that much on Virginia was only meant as a supplement to what
Carolina might be able to afford.
Major Claiborne writes me, that he is fearful the Wagon Act will, in Apprehcniiona
most instances fall through, owing to the negligence of the Executive '°"^i? ,^
hands m the Counties. My prospects for supportmg the Army, so
much depended on the efficacy of this Act, that I have much to appre-
hend from a disappointment in it. if the Army is respectable in Num-
bers k tolerably supplied, 1 think we may be well afsured that the miltary
operations shall continue on the South side of Dan ; otherwise the
Bowells of Virginia will probably feel the destructive consequences of the
immediate presence of two Contending Armies.
Genl: Greene has given Ld; Cornwallis one of these Victories, which Effect of the
his L^ Ship does not at present incline to accept again, & I think one or ^^^^<"^<^
two repetitions will leave but a small band of his Ravagers. How long *^
Genl: Greene will be in a condition to continue his progrefs Southwardly, golden ^^
depends altogether on the Exertion of Virginia. We have nothing to gisia.
612
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS.
1 78 1 expect from N. Carolina, but very irregular militia, who in the day of
_ . action, cannot be depended on for anything. I have the pleasure to
congratulate your Excellency on the great Bravery & Exemplary beha*
Good conduct vior of the Virginia Militia during the Campaign, & I think their dis-
?^^!*? Virginia graceful behavior at Cambden, must now be obscured under the great
Militia, &c. P .„. r .u • * j *
9 ' brilliancy of their present conduct.
Unhappily for us the terms of these Valuable men are expiring & we
shall be left inferior to the Enemy.
I have the Honor to be
with much respect,
yr: Excellencies mo. ob'*'
MarcD 3 1 It.
War Office.
Cannon at
Col: William Davies to the Governor :
" Sir,
Captain Young, the Quarter master general of the State, who has
just arrived, informs me that he saw at Edentown about 30 exceeding
fine cannon of i8,s. and 24,s. He asked the naval officer whose they
Edonton N. C. ^vere, who informed him they were the property of the State of Virginia,
thrown out of a French vefsel, who carried the remainder of them to
South Quay. As I have no return of any thing of the kind, I would be
glad to be informed whether your Excellency had any account of such
cannon. Captr Young thinks they can be removed without danger up
Roanoke to Halifax ; if they can, it will be undoubtedly a great advantage
to the fervice ; indeed, the removal of these at South Quay might per-
haps be secured in the same manner by transportation by water.
I have the honor^o be fir,
Your Excellency's
most obed: fervt:"
Endorsed.
March 31st. The cannon at Edentown are not the property of this State, but of
Not the prop- ^** Carolina, which purchased a part of the same cargo, of which the
erty of Virginia residue was purchased by us their part was landed at Edentown & ours
brought to S^ Quay, under present circumstances, it seems eligible to
remove the cannon at S° Quay by water to some safe part of the Roan-
oke, from which they may either be transported acrofs by lana to James
River. Blackwater is said to be navigable for flats or batteaux 30 miles,
above S** Quay, this water course points directly towards Petersburg."
TH: JEFFERSON."
March 3 lit.
Petersburg.
Duncan Rose to the Governor : recommending M*" John Watkins, a
young gentleman of abilities and Character for the position of Clerk to the
Council, in place of M^ Boush resigned.
March 31st.
Richmond.
Major R. Claiborne to Col: Davies: informing him, he has given
instructions to M' Elliot, his Afsistant on the South side Jas: River, to
give every aid in his power towards removing the cannon referred to
CALENDAR OF STATE PAPERS. 61S
Jos: Martin to Gov: Jefferson : 1781
""Sir, March 31st.
Since Writing last to your Excellencyi Col^ Savier Return'd from an
Expedition against the Middle Settlements of the Cherokee Indians.
he kill'd about thirty, Brought in nine prisoners, which he has given into
my charge. Burnt six Towns & Took about Two hundred horses. I Col. SaTier't
have sent Exprefs to the Nation, to know whether they intend to Treat, op^«»oM
^greable to Genl. Greene's Instructions or not. Shall have an answer JUJ^J**^^* *
by the 15^ next month, the particulars shall acquaint you with afsoon
^s in my power.
I start to-morrow against some small Towns below Cumberland Gap
with Two hundred men. If I have success, I make no Doubt of their
Treating, as they will find we are so far from being conquered, as they
are led to believe we are, that we are able to attack them on every quar-
ter. I expect to be back by y* 15*^ April, if any thing particular shall
Transmit the same to your Excellency as soon as in my power. Could I
perade one hundred men more than what is ordered, shall endeavor to
Reduce Chuckamogga, with less Durft not attempt.
I am S% with great respect,
your Excellency's
Humble & most oV.'*
Col: Arthur Campbell, sends "Return" of militia of that County : Two Much —
Battalions, Six Field Officers, Fifty five Comm: Officers, forty eight non Wuhiagton
Com: Officers, nine hundred and fifty three, rank & file. In addition ^
■** there is about 100 men resides betwixt Walker's & Henderfon's Lines, MUidt force,
who does duty at times, as their inclinatien leads them."
The Governor requested to appoint persons in the place of John Har- Mirch —
vie, James Buchanan, Rob^ Goode, who had been appointed with John
Pendleton and Turner Southall, March 23*, 1781," to burn the paper
money brought into the Treasury, but who declined to act.
List of fourteen " Field negroes " and two ** House negroes," entered Mirch —
and recorded by Nicholas Eveleigh, of Carolina, in the Clerk's office of
Halifax County, V*. Also, list of Twenty negro Slaves, entered and re-
corded in the same, by Charles Sims, of Houth Carolina ; in accordance
with the requirements of the Laws of Virginia, in regard to importing
Slaves. These allowed to be brought in, being owned by Refugees,
ilying from the approach of the Enemy in that State.
*
INDEX.
A
Abjuration, oath of 142
Abuses, British 38G
Accomac county, troubles iu 326
** " affairs in 402
" <* k< " 528
'* " " " gjillies, &c 547
Adams, Mr., zealous conduct of 352
Agents, British among the Chtrokees 398
Albany, Indian council held at 17
Albemarle county, prisoners in 360
" *' prisoners to be removed
from 375
Albemarle county, complaints from peo-
ple of ^15
Albemarle county, conduct of people of.. . 616
Algiers, treaty with 84
Allegiance, oath of 142
Allison, J., when commissioned 579
Amblep; Jacquelin 355
America, feelings in favor of 345
" zeal for 349
^' loss of confidence in 353
" French troops for, &c 353
Amelia county, officers of derelict 484
Ammunition, want of 440
'* great need of 505
Ampthill, Baron Steuben at 512
Andrews, Kobert.... 443
Anderson, Thos., protest against 233
Aunapolis 561
** transports safe at 573
*^ army lands at 583
Archives, public condition of 430
"Ariel,"6hip 393
Armand, Col 431
Armed vessels wanted 561
Arms for North Carolina 350
" to be repaired 350
*^ want of 385
k* '• <* 420
*' sent in a war vessel 500
" want of 540
^* purchased 587
" necessity of collecting 605
Army, Southern, condition of 376
*' 'clothing for 294
^^ Southern, com miRs:try for 392
" clothing needed for 401
'* all the men in 438
Army, Southern, horses, &c., for..««.. 473
" " despenite state of 486
" " Quarter Master for 485
^' employees in, wages of, &c 495
" affairs i»f, clothing, &c 497
Arm}% chaplains of, rank, &c 505
'* ' Surgeons in, rank, &c 505
" Southern, to be strenghtened 531
*' *^ aided from Maryland 543
" '• affairs of 555
" " new arrangement of.?. 567
'* '* movements of 567
'* " re-enforced, &c 570
•' affairs, letter on 579
^* American, movements of. 587
»* Southern, affairs of 611
Armstead, Wm 449
Arnold, executed 14
^^ expedition against 408
" letter from, &c 427
" policy of 454
" denigns against 476
*4 *' ** 549
** quarrels of, <fec 557
'* troops of, suffering 610
Artillery, officers of 324
'• men needed for 468
'* State, officers of 492
Arundel, man-of-war 258
Augusta, petition for land in 266
" troops from 432
Attorney General, opinion of 211
B
Bacon, price of 288
Bacon, Nathaniel 13
Back river, enemy land on 562
Bahamas, capture of, &c 134
Ballard, Thos 6
Ball, Wm., vindicated 229
Banister, Col. J 530
" '* " claim of 548
" " « 371
Barbour, Capt. P 382
Barbour, Ja*ues, explanation of 59S
** '* when commissioned 270
Barges to be built 342
Barley, &c 28
Barracks, Albemarle, affairs at 490
*' " provlsons due at 493
2
INDEX.
Barrack?, Albemarle, Rogts. prisoners at.. 493
*' wants of 515
Barradale, Edward 225
Barron, Commodore 374
Baspett, Col. Wni., declines to take the oath 71)
Baylor, John, Cornwall is to 303
** Col., Drao^oons of 350
*' Jolm, to Gov. Jefferson 507
Baytop, Jas., Lieut. Col 481
Beaumarchais, M. de 489
Beaure«^rd, Louis, Toutant 3G5
Beaver skins 18
Bedford or unt}', sheritF of defaulter 26G
'* " heavy drafts on 507
" ** troubles in 500
'* " re-enforcements from.... 590
Bedinp;er, Lieut. 11., prisoner \ 39G
Beef, scarcity of 529
Bennett, Kichard 2
Bentley, John, express to 74
Berkeley, Sir Wm 2
Berry, Capt. Geo., bad conduct of 605
Berkeley county, troops for from Clarke... 461
Beverlj', Robt 5
Beverly, Robt., lands located 207
Beverly, Peter, clerk to House of Burgjess 216
Beverly, Robt., et. als., petition of 216
Beverly, William, letter of, &c 228
Beverly, William, to Fairfax 232
Beverly, William, commissioner to " Six
Nations," 238
Bi^^s, complaint ag:iinst 2
Black beard, pirate, &c 196
*' Black-cloud,'' &c 315
Blackbourue, Thomas 355
lilackmores Fort, sava«^es attack. 494
Blackwater, collector's office on 203
Blaine, Ephram 392
Bland, Sarah 13
Bland, Col. R 268
Bland, Theoderick 470
Blanfield 241
Blissland, Parish of 11
Blount, Tom, and other Indians 153
Blount, king. &c 197
Bluitt, Rev. T. os., bad conduct of 234
Boats impressed 624
I^ats to l>e purchased 492
Boquet, Colonel 279
Botetourt countj% memorial from, &c 477
Boundary line, Penn'a and Virginia of. .. 363
•* " *• '* *• 375
*' " *' 532
'* " " commissioners ap-
pointed for 542
Buwden, Lord, money lent by 479
B'jwman,Ma]. Josepli '. 324
Bowling Green, Augusta troops at 452
Bowyer, John 272
Bowyer, Col. John 452
Boy d 's Ferr}', G ree ne 's orden* from 526
Boys, enlistment of 550
Braddock, Gen., provisions for, &c 250
Brent Robt 46
Brent, George 46
Brandon, bricks at 569
Bricks, cost of making 125
British, militia attacked by 421
'* government measures of 513
British ships, loss of »....
** deserters from
'* officers, Arnolil quarreL* with.
" troops resisted
*' tieet in the Chesapejike ,
Briton's ferrj'. Col. Davies at
Broad-arrow *.
512
55(;
Broadhead, Col., complaints against
Brooke, Robt
Browne, John
Brown, Capt. Windsor
Brown, W., Comm. of Military stores, &c.
Browne, Mr., Coram, of ProvisonLaw
Brunswick count}', court ofmplained of
Brj^ant'g Fort, Indians near
Buckingham furnace
Burgesses, House of, address to council . ...
** *' excuses to, for non-at-
tendance
Burgesses^ House of, right of to appoint
their officers
Burgesses, House, oath of clerk of
'* ** members of arrested...
doorkeeper of
messenger to, &c
oath of member of
Address of.
right of to examine
Journals, &c
Burgesses, sworn
Burgoyne, Gen. letter of
Burwell, Lewis
Burwell, Lewis
Burwell, Col. N. B., military affairs
Busbey. Thos., Indian Interpreter
Byrd Creek
Byrti, William, Auditor, &c
•* '• warrant to for money ad-
vanced ;
Byrd, William, declines to take oath
charged with sedition
concerning executors of.,
protest of vs. Spott^wood,
&c ^
Byrd, William, how restored to the Coun-
cil
<(
ii
u
tt
•t
Ci
it
<•
(i
Ik
it
Byrd, William, grant of land, to &c„
Bynl, Col. Wm., 2nd Va. Rrgiment.
Byrd, Mrs. , caseof
502
583
423
27
432
229
498
511
609
447
258
4(U
306
G6
53
33
5(;
58
33
33
142
143
241
262
292
76
214
542
32
217
24
68
7S)
8)
101
190
195
221
261
549
Cabell, Joseph, et als, petition tor land.
Wm
Cabin Point, deserters from
Campbell, CoL Arthur
letter of.
kC
l(
ki
tk
k%
((
marches south
Maj. Gen. John
Capital punishment, of certain persons...
Carolina, South, calls for aid vs. Indians,
&c
Carolina, North, Council of
Ciirolinat South, complains of Virginia
traders, &c
Caroline county, militia of
2G2
270
554
272
317
415
434
4:w
542
391
3S7
239
210
181
584
IXDEX.
<4
ti,
ft
ti
Cirrin^'on, P.iiil
George
Paul
Lt. Col. E«l
I.t. Col. EJward
Liuiit. Col. his appoiiitnu'iit...
Lt. Col. Ed., letttT from
** ** ** letter from
Carter, Robert, petition of
** junior
** complaint no^iiiiist
Carter, Joseph, con^plaiiit against
Cartridge boxes, &t
** blocks
Cary, Capt., rewarded
*• Henry, warrant in favor of
" *' ' cliimof ^
" Col. Arch
Archibald, to (iov. Jeffei-son
u
It
it
4l
i4
fcl
Cavalry, Nelson's..
volunteer.
■i.
u
u
tk
bad condition of
Yolnntecr. -
want of
money advanced for, &c
want of
volunteer
importance of being properly
armed i
Cavalry importance of equipping
Chaplain, fee of
Ciiarter-party, violation of.
Charleston, S. C, tobacco for prisoners at
Cliarlottesvllle, prisoners at
** ti*oops ordered from
Charon, Britlfih war-ship- .-
Cliai les City county, justice delayed in, &c.
^^ *' C^urt-house, militia surprised at
Cherokees, defences against
** hostile
Chesapeake, commerce of protected
whales in the
privateers in the
cruising in the
British vessels in
British fleet enter.
'* force in
Ohickamogga
ChiUi, petition for control of, &c
Children, complaint for not christening... .
Cliristian, Capt. Wm
Citizens, paroled
City Point, ordnance used at
Claiborne, AVm. and Herbert
Maj. Richd., his position, etc.. .
his appointment. .
k(
i<
kt
ki
kk
44
<k
i(
C.
kk
((
kk
(i
4C
U
k(
kt
a
kk
ti
(4
k(
it
kk
k<
U
patriotism of
how appointed
letter of
t, k(
|K»rate state of.
letter to
his department, <&c...
l.ls department, des-
272
244
270
359
426
485
536
611
101
210
210
-227
288
365
496
47
113
146
471
512
445
331
370
377
398
429
431
517
548
471
550
606
610
198
40
474
341
419
417
193
421
438
569
56
140
450
5.54
554
583
599
317
31
9
265
319
416
359
419
429
430
483
485
539
559
584
594
610
Clarke, Col. G. R
<k
ii
((
((
(4
kC
4k
ki
4(
(k
<4
kk
Utter of
expedition of
oflieers under
his expedition
Bill of Exchange.
Ills letters lost
orders from
Fort
Gen. Geo. R., oflicers under,
troops for
kk
44
44
<4
41
44
44
<t
kk
kk
4(
t%
4k
k( U
k4 44
Clarke, G. R., his plans
k*
<(
44
4k
44
(k
(k
k'.
44
4k
k<
k4
k.
Ik
fl
4%
%«
4<
k<
kl
4k
k4
kk
44
k*
4(
14
builds boats
instructions to
his complaints
anxious to leave Richmond
letter of, to Governor
men unwilling to go to him
his apprehegpions
encouraged
troops for, &c
letter of
militia disappoint him
Cloathier, Gen. duties of, &c
Clothing, to be impressed
Department, reforms in, &^
great loss of
isi'ue of abused
Cliutoo, Gen. movements of
*' '* disasters of, &c
*^ ^^ demands reinforcements... .
Coin, value of
College, William and Mary, donations to. .
Cocke, James , ,
Colbert, James, Esq
Colony, defence of, &c
'* vessels built in
Commerce, protection of
Committee, on defences
Committee, schooner
Committee, cargo of
'* recaptured, &c
Commercial Agent, appointed
Confederation, articles of ratified
Congress, aids the South
•* action of, &c
*•'' British abuse.s tiotice of taken in
•' without credit
" resolves of
*^ measures of for recruiting, t&e.
Connelly, Major
Conuclly, Capt
Conspiracy, in Bedford county
Convention, prisoners
kk kk
4k 4i
•' " to march, &c
*' •' orders concerning..
Corbin, Rich*d, et als., petition for laud. .
Co'. Geo., letter of
4k
44
kk
Corprew, John, deposition of.
Corn and clothing
prices of, <&c
people refuse to sell
abundance of
Cornwallis
44
14
44
312
315
316
316
319
320
320
324
324
324
326
331
338
382
300
441
441
451
452
502
504
511
572
597
697
488
401
487
4S8
595
350
352
403
53
61
355
391
106
84
116
267
376
390
391
4S4
552
302
384
386
526
531
341
278
304
590
361
395
628
529
592
265
326
647
36
4
311
431
480
503
L
4
I y D E X .
Corn wjiULs advance of S17
'* movements of 5*20
*' Indians with 530
" movements of 540
*' tories with, <fec 551
*' '* *' 5(»a
'* movements of. 574
Corruption, charges of 441
Council, journals of not to be examined,
&c 241
Counties, New Kentr.nd Henrico, dividing
line between 149
Country, defenceless condition of 78
County, Federick, justices of 263
"' Augusta, " 264
" Warwick, " 264
" IlenricO, " 265
'' Botetourt, *' 264
" Bedford, '* 265
" Eliz. City, *' 265
'* Lunenburg, " 265
Cowpens, Tarlton's defeat at 458
Craddocic, Samuel, grant of l&nd to, &c. . 82
Craig, Maj., commands tories 506
Crawford, Col. William 280
Cresap, Col. Thomas 245
Crockett. Col. Jos., letter of 572
Croghan, George, deposition of, «&c 276
" Colonel 269
Cromwell, Oliver 2
** *' 23
Cropper, Sebastian, Capt 269
Capt, John 271
*' Maj. John 275
" Col. John 299
" ** " letter to 311
" '' " 314
*' Lieut. Col 317
*' Col. John, resigns, &c ^ 325
Crow, Natiri, builder of foundry, <fec 625
Culpeper, Tiiomas, Lord, iuHructions to. . 14
Culpe^ier county, difficulties in 606
••' *^ collecting taxes in 606
Curie, Col., gallant conduct of 609
D
Dabney, Col. Charles, commisssoned 564
*' '• '' 590
" Dancing Point " 508
Daugerfield, Wm., letter to., 259
Davies, Col. Wm 418
*' " " letter to 419
" *' " to the Governor 428
*' *• " militury stores, &c 428
** " '* quartered in Senate
Chamber 430
Davies, Col. Wm., to the Governor 462
•* letter of 497
" '« " 568
'' *' " " 679
*' »* at Chesterfield C. H 608
" " »• demandsof his office... 608
Deer, preservation of 96
Deerskins, used, ^c 636
" '* '• 568
'* " *» 579
Defence, plan for 267
Defences, reforms In necessary 455
DeKalb. children of, Ac 471
DelaBalme, Col 380
" *' '^ 381
Delegates, Virguiia, letter from to Gov.... 395
*4 *• *' ** ... 408
*' '' '' " '' .... 454
'' '' " '* .... 513
" ** " " ... 475
*' ti u u "... 492
'* " '' *' " .... 500
" '* ** " "... 503
-14 u a a i, .^^ 511
" " *' '• .... 548
Department, Quartermasters, plan of, &c.. 471
" '* desperate state
of 476
Department, Qnartermasters, troubles in.. 483
" Commissary, U. S 392
Deserters, policy concerning, Ac 579
Desertion, measures for preventing 400
** remedies for, <&c 579
Detroit, Gov. of. Jeflferson's letter to 321
Dick, Maj. Charles 372
^' '* *' pledges his private cre-
dit, Ac 456
Dick, Maj. Charles, his appointment 542
Digges, Kd 4
*' Dudley 270
*' ** 444
Dinwiddle, Gov. to Gov. Morris 250
Dinwiddle county, military officers of 332
Dixon, Dr. surgeon, Ac. . .' 561
Divorce, suit for 2i»
Dodge, John, on western afialrs 3(>7
*'Dog Dollars," 62
Donelson, Col. his line, Ac 300
Donnelly, Col. A. letter of 601
Drafts, militia resisted, Ac 535
'' Dragon," State ship 502
Dnbuison, Col. aid to DeKalb 470
Duquesne, Fort 27i$
Duiidas, Col. (Krltish,) his operations 562
Dumaore, Lord 304
Dutch; English treatment ©f 344
"'' operations against 350
E
EaFtern Shore, enemy on 327
*• ** troops from, deserters, Ac. 534
Eden, Gov., to Gov. Spotswood 197
Edenton. N. C, cannon at 012
E<Uoe, J 4
Effingham, address of, Ac 18
Effingham, proclamation of 19
Elephants, teeth of, Ac 34
Elk river 266
Elk, head ot, stores Ciirriedto 299
Elliott, George ~ 476
Embarrassment, public, cause of 3<i3
Encyclopedia, price of 399
Encyclopedia, price of 496
Enemy, false assertions of, Ac 335
" embarking 409
" alarm from 414
" movements of 423
** activity and force of 426
" movements of 477
" operations against the 492
INDEX.
Kiiomy, moveincnts of .*. 494
" strength of, &c , 517
** in the South, movements of 519
'* movements of 5CG
*' movements of 573
Knjrlish, murder of 251
Englanr], discontent hi 344
Kn^hind, feeling against 349
Enlistments, how to be Recured 404
Enrolling officeiit, complaints against 543
Execntivo, powers granted to 352
Express riders... 358
Expresses, &c 364
Express riders, complaints against 536
Express riders 556
Express riders 585
£.^sex county, people of burn storehouse,
Ac „ 181
Evenird, Thomas 355
Everard. Thomas, Auditor, resigns 414
F
Factory, gun 372
Fairfax county, justices of 263
Fairfax, TA)rd, expenses of, &c 227
Fairfax, Lord, surveys for 230
Fairfax, Lord, deeds from 237
Fairfax, I^ord, provisions. Ac. for surveys of 239
Fairfax, Lord, line run for ". 240
Fairlle, Capt., aid to B. Steuben 420
Fantleroy, Cath 40
Fauquier, lion. Fi-ancis 258
Fealty, oati I of required 309
Fcbig(*r, Col. Chriflt 598
Field-Comm. of military stores.. 506
Fi?io de se, property of 117
Ferries 50
F'inciistlc, county of 398
Fitzhiigh, Col. Wm., arrested 45
Flag of truce, British 620
Flanders, victories in 102
Fleets » 23
"' Spaninh, disastci*8 to 335
*' movements of 335
"' hostile, &c. 603
Fh'et, French, arrived 524
'* *' position of, prizes of, &c 533
'* French, not arrived 576
*' British, movements of 585
Fleming, Charles 378
•* Col. Charles, force with 422
*' Col. William, letter of to Gov... 4^6
Floyd, John, survevor 309
** *' Jettcr'of to Gov 397
" *< '* *' 437
" *' Col. recommendation of, &c... 452
Font-stonos 35
Forbes, General / 278
Forsythe, Maj., Q. Master, &c 485
Fort, *'96'' 239
Fortifications, on York and James 399
Fort Pitt, wagons for, Ac 476
Foreigners, proclamation concerninjiif 482
Foundry, ordnance at 372
*' want of 433
" to be built 4.54
Foushee, Dr 380
Foxci'aft, Francis 37
France, war with 75
France, money cannot be borrowed from,
and why 330
Frankfort, Germany, Lee's letter from 328
Franklin, Dr. complaints against , 346
Frederick county, i^tition to form 233
*' *' oflkei-s and troops of. . 332
Fredericksburg, women of, Ac 416
** people of 456
Freeman, ^Thos 6
French forces, inefficiency of commander of 351
French successes, ellect of 390
French, movements of 600
Funds, demand for 617
Furnaces and mills, value of 544
a
Gamble, Capt. Robt 469
Gamble, Capt. liobt 539
Gallies, in Accomac 402
Gallies, Accomac and Diligence 670
Galvez, Governor 347
Galvez, Goveiiior 396
Oarrison, York, strength of 367
Gates, Maj. Gen. ordei-ed South 259
Gates, Ma}. Gen., powers granted to 359
Gates, Maj. Gen., on Southern affairs 366
Greneral Assembly, fatal policy of, Ac 679
General Assembly, meeting of, provided
for 686
General Assembly, meeting of called 457
Georgia, officers ordered to 319
Georgia, condition of, Ac 330
George, Capt. Kobt 382
George, Capt. Kobt., his chief want, Ac... 517
Glb.son, Col. George 489
Gibson,Col. J next in rank toG. R. Clarke 611
Girty. Simon and Thomas 280
Gist, ChrUt 261
Glebe, right to 49
Gloucester county, horses to be impressed
in 669
God-father 31
Goochland county, slave enlisted In, Ac • 682
Goode, Bennett 272
Government, Colonial, provision for, Ac... 77
Government, opposition to orders of 461
Government, orders of disregarded 603
" Governor's Land " 7
Governor, death of 105
Governor's house 146
Governoi*s rank of, Ac 371
Greenbrier county, troops from ordered to
Col. Clarke 468
Greenbrier county, Indians in, Ac 601
Greenbrier county, frontiers of threatened,
Ac 468
Greenbrier county, men from, for Clarke 601
Greene, Maj. Gen' NathU, takes command
in South 384
Greene, Maj. Gen. Xath'l, letter of. 398
*< " '» " ** 458
" *' " *' importance of
supporting 480
Greene, Maj. Gen. Nath'l, letter of 504
*' '• ** " measures for re-
enforcing 620
Greene, Maj. Gen. Natiri, letter of 619
INDEX
Greeno, MaJ. Gen. Nath*!, importance of
supporting, &c 526
Greeue, Maj. Gen. Nath'l, Wettern militia
to relief of 533
Greene, Maj. Gen. NatliU, reenforced 540
" *' " " estimates made
for ., 536
Greene, Maj. Gen. Natli*!, position of 551
'* ** " " clothingfor,&c. 580
Greene, Maj. Gen. Nath'l, letter of 590
" ** " ** the enemj press-
ing 574
*'Giiarland," man-of-war 121
Gnilford C. H., the action at 574
** " *» »* 581
Gun -factory, ori;?in of, &c 456
Gun-fiictory, director of, &c 542
HadrePs Point, condition of prisoners at...
*' Hair-buyer General,"
Halifax county, prices of stock in
Hall, Tlibmas, clerk
Hamilton, Lienc. Governor
Hamilton, Lieut. Governor, prisoner
Hamilton, Lieut. Governor, paroled
Hamilton, Lieut. Governor
Hampshire county, affairs in
Hampton, petition for wharfs at
Hampton, collectoi-'s oUice to be removed
from
Hampton Roads, enemy in
Hampton Roads, no enemy in
Hampton Roads, defenceless state of, &o.„
Hampton, enemy near
Hancock, John
Hanover county, troops of, their wants....
Hanover county. County Lieut, compliincd
of
Harmer, Governor
Harrison, BenJ. Jr., allowance to
" ** " treasurer
*' Be nj., letter from
" ** to Gen. Washington
*' ** his mission
" " to Gov. Jefferson
Hartwell, Henry, clerk
Harvie, John
Hay, John, Continental Agent
Helm, Capt. Leonard
Helm, Capt. Leonard
Hendereon, Richard, claim of, <&c
deposition in case of
bfc
It
ti
t(
claim of^ &c,
it
ti
Wilson^s depositions
in case of
Henderson, Richai'd, deposition in case of
deposition in case of
hi
t»
it
»(
it
ti
<t
41
it
it
it
it
it
ti
It
it
41
Henderson, Nath'l, deposition of
Henderson, Rich'd, deposition In case of...
Henderson, Rich'd, deposition in case of. .
Heudei-son, Nath'l, depoaitlon of
407
315
388
6
313
319
3784
471
534
183
222
388
586
599
600
276
457
564
350
73
106
509
523
523
526
9
272
341
325
383
272
285
S88
290
291
282
283
284
284
296
303
304
304
307
309
315
Henderson, Rich'd, temper of Indians to*
wards 315
Henderson, Rich'd, Commis^rion appointed
in the claim of 272
Henrico county, Indians on fiwitier of 14
Henry, Patrick, deposition of. &c 289
Henry, Patrick, patriotism of, Ac 289
Henry, Patrick 299
Henry, Patrick 304
Henry, Patrick, instructions to Col. Todd,
&c , 312
Henry, Governor, to Speaker of House of
Delegates 319
Heth, Henry 451
Hides, commissary of 589
Hill, Thomas 3
HIte, Abraham 272
Hite, Isaac, surveyor .*...^ 309
Hogg, Capt. Peter 304
Holt's Forge, Gen. Nelson at 422
Hood's, fort at , 373
'* material for fort at 385
" post, at 412
*' fort at evacuated 443
" plan of fort at 469
" confusion at 474
*' negroes wanted at 554
*' negroes hired to work at, Ac 569
*^ vessels to assemble at 569
Hordes, &c., Instructions concerning.. 478
** impressment of abused 529
" great scarcity of 5.58
" preat want of, &c 559
*^ impressment of, &c 560
" cavalr}^ price of 678
'* trade 584
'* scarcity of. people tx'Bist taking of. Ac 568
Horses, excessive valuation of 589
Hospital, purvej'or of. 374
Hojipital, Marine „ 377
House of Delegates, plan of for raising
money, ikc •*«••* ......... .•..* .. •••• . ■••>..••> «s«^o
Huntei', James, to the Governor 463
Hunter's works, operations at 631
Hunter, Mr. sword sent to, &c 60.>
Hyde, Governor, widow of 164
I
Illinois, county of 312
Illinois, purchase of. etc 314
Illinois, Clarke's plan for holding 338
Illinois, affairs in 432
Illinois, attack upon threatened 481
Impressments, eflects of, Ac 443
Impressments 5.m
Imprestiments, abuses of, corrected 5(iO
Indiana claim 297
Indiana, bounds of 273
Indiana, proprietors of, memorial, Ac 273
Indians, Sapony 215
Indians, Shawanas, to Gov. Goocfa 231
Indians, traveling expenses of 244
Indians, in Augusta county 243
Indians, in Augusta county 249
Indian, killed and compensation for. Ac... 115
Indians, Piscataway 62
^* *^ ambassadors to 63
*^ Occahaunock 65
INDEX.
Indmns, NHnsomiiiid 65
'* Nottoways 65
** IMscRta way, expedition to 67
*' murders £y, &c 69
^* protection from needed 70
** purchased : 19
" • Piseataway, depredations of 55
*' '^ U. of Burgesses con-
cerning 57
ludians, alarm from 110
" tributary 109
*^ quarrels among 131
*' under their own Queen, &c., how
to be hired 150
Indians, Western, terms of trading, witli 155
" hostile, Burgesses address to, &c. 151
'' Tuscarora, defeat of, &c 164
'• '* come to Virginia 105
*' Southern, trade with first begun.. 180
" complaints from 205
*' TuscAroras 210
" tributary, disputes among 212
" Catawba, message of 248
" expenses of treaty with 251
" Plankashaw 314
" Cherokee 317
" losses by 358
" war with requested 393
" Chief, '* Big Kittle" 250
" address to 414
" Deputations of, &c 441
'• British agents among 446
Indl in aftairs 495
Indian towns, destruction of 602
Indians, Gen. Greene ti*eat8 with 602
Infiutieide, bill to prevent 143
Ingraham, Wm 6
Junes, Hugh 272
Innes. Col. James, letter of 632
Insurrection, provision against 79
Intrenching tools, great need of , 696
Ireland, affairs in 343
Irish, Capt., onlnance officer, &c 450
Iron, great want of 606
I:*land, Fort 295
Isle of Wigrht. justices of 25
Isle of Wight, petition for collector's
office In 203
Isle of Wight, citizens of paroled 575
Italians, efforts among, &c 346
J
'^ Jam»s Citj'," records removed from 73
James river, the enemy ascendinsr 442
James river, plan for fortifying, <kc 524
Jell'erson, Gov., letter of....!! 321
*' Mazzle to 335
*' Fort, reasons for building 338
*• Gov., Mazzei to 339
" ** Mazzei to 342
'* " Mazzei to 346
" " Mazzei to 348
" '• Mazzei to 350
** ** Col. J. Todd to 358
" " Dodge, J., letter to 367
*' Fort 367
*' " affairs at 382
" " desperate condition of 383
Jcfferscn, Gov., delegates to. 395
" *' Gen. Greene to 398
" Fort, desperate state of 424
'* county, Jno. Floyd, Lieut, of. 452
*' Gov., proclamation of 482
" *' Maj. Martin to 495
" " Col. Preston to 603
'* " G. R. Clarke to 604
" " delegates to 503
** " Gen. Greene to 604
" " toG. R.Clarke 611
'' Fort, affairs at 616
*' " da.sperate stjlte of 621
" Gov., delegates to - 648
" ** Maj. Magillto 651
" " Col. Innes to 556
" •' Gov. Lee to 661
" " G.R.Clarke to 697
" " Donnelly to 601
Jennings, Ed., paid for revising the laws... 86
Jennings, Ed., address of to 2:)underland,
&c 123
Joel, Capt. B. Edgar, his designs, &c 601
Joel, Capt. B. Edgar, cruises in the Chesa-
peake 671
Johnston, Sir William 297
Johnston, Gen., retires 400
Jones, Roger, bad conduct of 39
Jones, Paul 345
Jones, Major, Bteubens instructions to 478
Jones. Paul, arrival of, &c * 648
Jupiter, (negro)... 604
Justices of the peace, will not serve with
others 88
Justices, gentlemen refuse to serve as, Ac. 237
K
Kaskaskias, Spanish commandant at 313
Kaskasklas. conduct of officera at 460
Kendall, Col. Wm., agent, Ac 12
Kennedy, Wm 303
Kensington, orders from, &c 119
Kentucky, English and Indians threaten.. 393
Kentucky, surveyors and magistrates need-
ed in 397
Kentucky, affairs of 437
King or Queen, proceeding in case of death
of 77
King and Queen county, Inilltia officers of.. 1 14
King and Queen county, Indians in 118
King William III 23
King^s mountain, prisoners taken at 389
Kirkpatriek, Capt. A 431
Kittanuing Town 278
L
Lace, prices of 3
La Balme, Col., defeat of 465
La Fayette, M. de, zeal of, &c 352
La Fayette, M. de 351
La Fayette, M. de, non-arrival of. 671
La Gazette, extnict from 333
Land^, of aliens 3
Land patent 1
Land, price of 113
Land on which the Nottoway's live 147
Land, petitions for.. 266
8
INDEX.
H
(4
Ci
Laurens, TTonry, Imprisonment of, &c 305
Lawson, Bri^. Gen 400
" '* '' forces under, &c 517
" " " position of 517
sends troops to Greene 522
his patriotism, want
of arms 522
Lawson, Brig. Gen., orders out militia, &c. 540
Lead mines, threatened 494
Lead mines 603
Leather bn^eclies 331
Leatfue, European 403
Lee, Thofl , commissioner to '*Six Nations" 238
Lee, Col. Francis 208
I-ee, R. Henry, letter of 204
Lee, Dr. Arthur 205
Lee, Dr. Arthur, letter of 327
Lee, William, purcliases by 320
Lee, William, to Gov. Jefferson 328
Lee, William, serviceB dispensed with 329
Lee, Arthur, disbursements made by 3:^1
Lee, Col. II 5~)5
Lee, Governor, letter of 501
Legions, State, officers of 580
Lei^lie, Maj. Gen 408
Letter of 5Iarque 23 >
Ltrtters of Marque granted, &c 380
Lewis, Maj. John ^ 10
Lewis, John 244
Lewis, et als., petition for land 202
Lewis, Thomas, surveyor, &c 281
Lewis, Andrew 355
Lewis, Col. Fielding 450
Lewis, Capt. Wm., (naval) 490
Lewis, Fielding, advances money, Ac 502
Lewis, Capt. William, letter of 572
Lewis, Nicholas, tried, &c 589
Light Dragroons. condition of 401
Lincoln, Gen., charge against 335
Linitot, Indian agent 325
Linitot, Mons.. to Gov. Jefliirson 405
LiuiU)t, M. G., to Col. Slaughter 428
Liquoi-s, tax on 30
Liquors, duty on 200
Live-stock, superintendent of 392
Live-stook, want of 503
Livingston, Gov. Wm., to Gov. Jefferson.. 403
Loggs Town 278
I^ondon, letter from 259
Long Island, letter from 397
Lord's commissiou of plantations, petition
to 38
Loudoun county, justices of 203
I^ulsa river. Kentucky 205
Louisville, destitute state of, &c 390
Louisville, Kentucky, letter from 438
l.oyawtc, Mons 295
Ijucerne, Chev. de la 501
Ludwell. Phil.. Jr., elected Burgi'ss 55
Ludwell, Col. Phil., vote of thanks to &c., 29
Lynhaven Bay, British fleet in 593
M
Madison, Thomas 272
Madison, B 445
Magill, Maj. Charles, letter of 551
555
503
kt
((
ii
Magill, Maj. diaries, letter of. 507
" " •* »* 570
" " " '» .574
" " " '\ 5SI
Magif-trates, when called, &c 203
Manchester, troops at« 420
Manicantown, refugees at 84
Manicanto nu, land allowed to each set-
tler at 187
Manufactures, petition agahist /f.. 38
Marlborough, Duke of. I'ri
Marriages, &c 107
Marshall, Dr. J 415
" '* in charge of the sick 418
** Col. Thomas 549
" Thomas ^ 578
Martin, ^laj. Joseph 415
'* " character of 438
'' ** letter of 495
Martinico, French successes at 335
Miiryland and Virginia, dividing line be-
tween 200
Maryland, executive of, complain 4{K$
Maryland, accedes to confedei-ation 492
Maryland, aid from, &c,^ 543
Maryland, Govenior, to Governor Jeffer-
son 570
Mason, Col. George 72
Mason, Capt 44
Mason, George, letter of 207
Ma.son, George, letter of 208
Mason, George, author of test oath, &e 209
M2i.«on and Dixon, their line, &c 303
Mass.in nutting town 219
Mattaponi, fort 58
Mattaponi, frontier at 8
Maury, James 503
Maxwell, Capt. James 390
Maxwell, Capt. James 554
May, John 272
May, R. and W., letter from 3 IS
Mayo, William, surveyor, &c 221
Mazaret, Maj. John, letter of 530
Mazzri, Phil., letter of 335
*• *' 339
*' " " 342
i* ti •* 34^>j
** " *' !!!!!!!!!!!!!"""!!!!"! 35,)
*' '* " 354
McClnrg. Dr. James, service of 377
McGavock, II., his i*ank, &v. 571
McDowell, Samuel 272
Mead, John 4
Meade, David 355
Mecklenburg county, enemy approach 517
Medical stores needed 432
Medical department, necessity for 452
Me<lical department, plan of 453
Mediterranean, attrocitles in the 343
Mercer, James 270
Meredith, Capt. Samuel 205
Mitldlesex county, why without a court 105
Militia, Essex, officers of &c 247
Militia, number of unarmed 418
Militia, undisciplined 420
Militiary, operations 420
Military stores removed for safety 421
Militia, complaints of 440
Military stores, commissary of, needed 480
INDEX
U
Militia, mountain, spirit of, &c 507
Militia mntinons 536
Militia, western, spirit of 5IJ3
Militia mutinous 556
Militia, demands made upon 550
Military stores, measui-es for providing 578
Military stores, commissary of 511
Miii^, James 4
Minute men 269
Moore, CoJ., liis victory, &c 165
Money, certificates of useless 507
Money, plan for raising 356
Monongalia, when settled 287
Monon^ilia, desperate state of 348
^lonongalia, boat building in 387
Monongalia, provisions purchased in 389
Monongalia, lands in 464
Montour, Andrew, Inxlian interpreter 245
Montgomery, Col, John 324
Montgomery, Col. John, bad conduct of. . . 381
Morgan, Col. Dan'l 324
Mor^n, Col. Dan'l, called hito service 362
Moi^n, Gen., his success 489
Moi'f^n, Gen., sick 519
Mortars, to be mounted 528
Muhlenburg, Gen. P 374
Muhlenbur^, Gen. P , letter of 566
Munford, Robt., letter of 254
Munro, Kev. John, complaints against 40
Murray, William, memorial of 314
Musket, value of 373
Muter, Col. George 367
Muter, Col. George 369
Muter, Col George, desperate state of his
department 397
Muter, Col. George, complaints against, &c. 552
Muter, Col. George, removed from office, 587
Muter, Col. George, resigns, &c 587
N
Xails, varieties of. &c 385
Nails, nail-rod, nail-makers, &c 473
Nailors '. 598
Nansemond county, quit rents of, &c 100
Navy, French 348
Navy, State 409
Navy, commissioner of the 443
Navy, State, cannon needed for. 453
Navy, bad condition of 577
Navy, officers of, naked... » 577
Nejfro, petition of 9
Ne«j;roe8, slaves forfeited, &c 20
Negroes, slaves landed 30
Ne/i^roes, slaves, msurrection of 129
Negro trade, how aifected 206
Negroes, difficulty of hiring, &c 554
Negroes, slaves, hire of 587
Negroes, slaves, registered, &c. 613
Nelson, et als., petition of, for land 262
Nelson, William 265
Nelson, General, ill 5;<2
New Castle, cannon, &c., at 335
*' '* cjuinon and stores at 465
" " stores to be removed from .... 480
Newgate, prisoners from 204
New Kent county, heavy draft upon 575
New Kent county, officers from, desert ... 590
New Loudon, Gov. Hamilton prisoner at . 819
Newport News, enemy at 598
Newton, Thomas, Jr., letter of 451
Newton, Col. Tliomas, letter of 523
New York, plan for capturing 351
New York, ononiy at 387
New York, prisoners at 533
Nicholas, Col. J., scouting 424
Nicliohis, Col. J., force of 422
Nicholas, Col. J., On Arnold 427
Nohoroco Fort, capture of, &c 165
Norborne Richard 7
Northampton county, troubles in 675
North Carolina, boundary of 103
North Carolina, goods purchased for, &c. 174
North Carolina, co-operates with 423
North Carolina, assembly of, «fcc 514
North Carolina, spirit of her people 514
North, MaJ. William, aid to Steuben 506
Northern Neck, escheat lands in 38
Northern Neck, boundaries of, &c 224
Northumberland county, riots in, Ac 535
Norton, I II 270
Non-suit, damages, &c 45
O
Oaths, administered 142
^'Oconostota,'* et als, Indians 380
*'Octavlan Grant," 236
Officers, pay of 392
Officers, rum provided for 401
Officers, kind of clothing for 407
Officers, supernumerary 410
Officers, pay of 433
Officeis, wanted 526
Officers, British, request of 650
Officers, resign, reasons for 581
Ohio, fort at mouth of 331
Ohio river, reasons why fortified 358
Onoiidasres, Indian, answer of 12
Opost, Vincents 428
Ordinances, how paf^sed, &q 269
Ordnance, how to be procured 354
Ordnance, cost and description of 370
Ordnance sent to Richmond 407
Ordnance, exposed state of 604
Oyer and Termiuer, courts of, &c 190
P
Page, Capt. Francis, clerk of House of
Burgesst^s 20
Page, John 270
Page, Lieutenat Governer, to J.Todd 326
Palin, et als, land patent to I
Pamunky Town, Queen of, &c 105
Pamunkies 184
Panuinkies, Qileen of, &c 184
Parish, Martins Hundred, bounds of 72
Parish, Charles, vestry of complain Hi
Parish, Manican town, quarrel in 114
Parish, Charles, controversy in, &c 119
Parish, Charles, difficulties in 133
Parish, Brulon, church enlarged, &c 174
Parish, Mulberry Island, register of 176
Parish, Isle of Wight, division of 201
Parish, Newport, division of. 201
Parish, Elizabeth City, contest for vestry-
men 209
10.
INDE^.
Parish, St. Johns, new church, «tc 215
Parish, St. Johns, vestry of, &c 216
Parish, St. Marks 220
Paris, Lee's letter from 327
Paris, letter from 339
Parke, Major DanU , 7
Parke, Col. Dan'l, despatched to the
Queen, &c 86
Park, Mre. Catherine 608
Paroles, required of citizens 445
'^Patriot," State vessel 586
Patrick Henry, fort 324
Patton, James, deposition of, &c. 248
Paul Jones 526
Peachy, Col. LeRoy 589
Peachy, William, letter of 610
Pendleton, John • 270
Pendleton, Nath'l, prisoner^ &c 396
Penet, M. P., letter of 352
Penet, D'Acosta & Co 388
People, spirit of, Ac 517
Pensacola, Seige of b47
Pennsylvanians 218
Pennsylvania, speculators from 530
Pennsylvania, President of, to Governor of
Virginia • 600
Petersburg, supply of ammuniiion at 414
Petersburg, prepares to resist the enemy.. 415
Peyton, Capt John 440
Peyton, Capt. John 488
Peyton, Sir John 587
Peyton, Sir John 606
Philadelphia, special messenger to 509
Philadelphia, Harrison's mission to 526
Phillips, Gen., his force, &c 605
Pickering, Col. T., Q. K General, &c 485
Pickering, Col., letter of 684
Pilots, petition of 32
Pilots. Banister &Loy all 197
Pines-trees, protection of 90
Pioneers, &c 596
Pirates, tried 21
Pirates, expenses for trying, &c 147
Piracy 211
Pitch, Ac, legislation concerning 184
Pittsburg, first settlement at 277
Pittsburg, depositions takes at 277
Pitt, Fort, officers at 600
l^lantatlons, L'ds Commissioners of 190
*^ Point of Fork" buildings at 454
Pollock, Governor, on Indian aflfairs 156
Pollock, Oliver 347
Pollock, Oliver, aid from, &c 425
Pope, Dr. Surgeon 332
Pope, Dr. Mathew 307
Pope, Dr. Mathew 369
Pope, Dr. Mathew, letter of 452
Pork, purchased in Virginia, <&c 149
Ports and Towns, act relating to 137
Porterfield, Capt 312
Poi-tertteld, Col., death of. 479
Portsmouth, British at 408
Portugal, action of 396
Posey, Thomas 603
Potomac river, surveys on, &c 224
Potomac river, head springs of 225
Powder, for an armed vessel 341
Powder, how to be furnished 610
Powder lent 389
Powder stored in a church 418
Powhatan county, military stores in 425
Powhatan county, troops from 537
Powhatan »«unty, troops from 682
Poynt Comfort, ships to assemble at 24
Poynt Comfort, Island of 126
Precautions 003
Preston, Col. Wm., letter of 6(>3
Prices, excessive 607
Prince Edward court house, Steuben at.... 426
" Prince Eugene," ship, size of Ill
Prince George county, wants of arms in... 452
Printing press 443
Printing press, needed 455
Prisoners, American, treatment of 321
Prisoners, tobacco for relief of 379
Prisoners, treatment of. 400
Prisoners, treatment of 417
Prisoners of war, to be provided for 421
Prisoners, escape of 447
Prisoners, concerning 451
Prisoners, southern 615
Prisoners, speculators among, &c 530
Prisoners, removal of.. 533
Prisoners, privileges allowed to 6G0
Prisoners, quarters built for 5(10
Privateer vessel, captured by 140
Privateers, protection against..... 130
Privateers, plunderings by 684
Privateers, British 683
Privy Council, members of 353
Prizes, how to be disposed of 83
Proclamation concerning pirates 193
Proclamation by Gov. Jefferson 444
Profane swearing, presentment for 239
Property escheated. 396
Property, private, for public use 456
Property, impressed, ic 607
Provibions, price of.. 131
Provisions, magazines of, &e 373
Provisions, embargo on 444
Provisions, great want of 458
Provisiouft, price of.. 460
Provision law, commissioners appointed for 607
Provision la^v, instructions under 498
Pry or, Capt. John 6(16
Pryor, Capt. John, &c 638
Public laboratory..... 464
Public printer 243
Public store, officers not supplied from..... 449
Punishment, for supplying the enemy 387
Purchases, Commissary General of 392
Purchases, State Commissioner of 498
Q
Quartermaster's Department, agents of, &c 521
Quartermaster's Department, bad manage-
ment of 539
Quartermaster's suggestions concerning... 539
Quartermaster General, deputy to 419
Queen Anne, portrait of 94
Queen Anne, letter of, &c 80
*' Queen Creeke" 11
B
*'Racepath/J action at, losses, &o 563
Randolph, Edward..... 45
INDEX.
11
Randolph, H , 2
Randolph, WiUiam 3
Randolph, Harrison 355
Randolph, William 359
Randolph, Edmund 499
Rangers, how paid 50
Rangers, tobacco paid to 44
** tobacco paid to 32
'^ journal and services of 44
*' 38
" officersot&c 153
^' to defend frontiers, <&c 189
Rappahannock river, surveys on, &c 223
Rappahannock river, head springs of 225
Recruiting, officers for 324
Recruits, Steuben's instructions, dbc. 613
Refugees, negro slaves of 491
Refugees, negro slaves of registered, &c. . 613
Refi:iment, Morgan's, *' return" of 324
Regiments, need recruiting 403
Regiments, State, condition of 404
Regiments, guard, reduced 405
Rice, Maj. George 591
Richmond county, Indian depredations,
&c 199
Richmond county, number of tithables in.. 208
Richmond, panic in 333
" tlie enemy leave 418
" Arnold's force at 419
'^ a commandant needed at.^ 595
Rickahock 22
Rivers, Indian names of 305
Roan, Capt.. State Artillery 474
Robertson, Wm., clerk to H. of Burgesseft. 93
Robertson, John, to Col. Davies 426
Robinson, Christopher 3
Robinson, Rev. Gkiorge 49
Robinson. Christ 167
Bobin, Pamunky Indian 133
Rocheblave, wife of 314
Rochambeau, sails 348
Rochambeau, Count de, letter of 425
Rodney, Lord 344
Rope-yard 374
Rose, Duncan, 298
Rose, William, Department Quartermas-
ter 418
Rose, Hugh 424
Rose, Duncan, money burned, &c 439
Rose, Hugh .' 455
Rose, Duncan 510
Ross, aid to Cornwallis 303
Ross, David 433
Ross, David.... .- 484
Ross, David 506
Ross, David, provides for the troops 526
Roster, of officers, dbc 302
Rum, provided, &c 401
Russell, Wm 272
Russia, action of , &c 392
S
Saddles, &c., furnished 443
Sailors, want of in England 349
Sailors, English and Spanish compared 337
Sailors, wants of 572
Sailors, wants of 573
Sandy Point, garrison at, &c 507
Saratoga, Bnrgoyne at 293
Saw-mill, &c 509
Scarburgh, trial of, &c 21
Schooner, **Iiiberty," capture of 562
Scott, Gen. Cliarles 407
Selden, Capt 422
Senate Chamber, quarters in 430
Senate House, books in, neglected 447
Senf, Col 399
Senf, Col. J 452
Senf, Col 511
Sonf, Col, his rank, Ac 520
Senf. Col. J., appointed Colonel, &c 541
Senf, Col., at York 561
Senf, Col., his requisitions 596
Sevier, Lieut. Col. John 415
Sevier, Col , operations of agiiiust Indians.. 613
Sewell's Point, fleet off. 599
Shannon, Capt., charges against 441
•'Sharon, "ship, British 583
Shelby, Isaac 296
Shenandoah, Beverly's lauds on 217
Siierlffs, duties of 35
Sheriffs, how appointed, Ac 98
Sherwood, slander of 37
Sherwood, Grace, tried for witchcraft 100
Ships, '* Lincoln" and ''Shoreham" 75
Ships, '*Mary" and ''Ellery," &c 48
Ship-masters, duties of, Ac 29
Ship ''Guarland," wrecked 139
Ship-masters, petition of, &c 202
Sliipyard 396
Ship-yard 583
Shirts, to be made 485
Slioe-factorv, conductor of 449
Simms, Chjirles 272
Six-Nations, deputies to treat with 238
Slander, suit for 5
Slaughter, Col. Thomas 308
Slaughter, Col. George, letter of 438
Slaves, duty on 206
Slaves, runawaj' 209
Slaves, registered 371
Slaves, registered 491
Small arms, manufacture of, &c 355
Small-pox 564
Smallwood, Gen 421
Smith, Maj. Maurice - 609
Smith, Thomas, State Agent, &c 298
Soldiers, articles for use of 299
" ill-treatment of 399
" rights of to booty, 4c 499
^^ amount of bounty to 511
" naked 636
*^ troubles with, how avoided 595
South Quay 160
South Quay, artillery at 551
Southwest, Col. Campbell's operations in.. 434
Southwest, how to be defended 438
Spaniards, trade with .%... 82
Spain, war with : 75
Spain, King of &c 104
Speculators, &c 509
Speculators, dangers from 538
Speed, Joseph 272
Spiller, William 449
Spirits, wagon-loads of 448
Spots wood. Gov., address to, &c 143
•' '* war with Tuscaroras, &c. 152
li
INDEX.
Spotswood, Gov., to Gov. Pollock 163
" '" from Gov. Pollock 161
" " Biirgespes reply to 169
" ** message of H. of Bur-
^sees to 168
Spotswood, Gov., in regard to Tuscaroras,
&c 166
Spotswoo'l, Gov., in regard to N". Carolina.. 170
Spotswood, Grovernor, prorogues the Bur-
gesses 171
Spotswood, Gov., conduct of, approved,... 171
Spotswood, Gov., reply to Gov. of North
Carolinia 172
Spotswood, Gov., Burgesses address to 177
Spotswood, Gov., to Gov. of New York.... 178
Spotswood, Gov., to Gov. Craven 180
Spotswood, Hon. Alexander, complaint-
against 208
Spotswood, Col. John, charges against.... 252
Spotswood, Brigadier General Alexander, 684
Spotsylvania county, military officers of... 253
Spotsylvania county, militia of 689
Spratt, Henry 4
Springstone, 'Wni., interpreter 446
'^Spyewell," sloop.. 60
Staff department, abuses in 429
Staff depaitment, complaints in 646
Stafford county^ people of, suffer, &c 56
Staffoi'd county, justices of, gentlemen re-
fuse to act as 238
Stanwix, Fort, treaty at 276
State, seal of 328
State garrison regiment. 404
State officers, no aid from 420
State-guard regiment, officecs and men
of 496
State-guard regiment, officers, complaints
of. 496
State-yard, naval force, &c 624
State-garrison, Surgeon of. 661
State navy, fleet of 673
State navy, vessels of, in service 572
State navy, tleet ordered to Turkey Island. 676
Stfite vessels, armament and crews of 6SS
Steuben, Baron, &c 3S4
Steuben, Baron, to the Governor 404
Steuben, Baron, to Col. Geo. Muter 408
Steuben, Baron, to Gov Jefferson 418
Steuben, Baron, to Gov. Jefferson 420
Steuben, Baron, orders of, &c 506
Steuben, Baron, Gen. Greene to 519
Steuben, Baron, letter of 525
Steuben, Baron, indignant 665
Ste\>ben, Baron, his complaints 666
Steulien, Baron, peremptory orders of 666
Steuben, Baron 668
Steuben, Baron, will apologize 676
Steuben, Baron, orders to vessels, &c 681
Stevens, Gen. Ed., letter of, to Governor 4.58
of Va 458
Storehouses, building of, dimensions of,
ifec 175
Stores, good prospect for 606
Stores scattered 418
Stores scattered 431
Stores misapplication of 433
Store, public, keepcrof 449
Stores, &c., cost of transportuig 458
Strother, Col. French 602
St. Vincents, condition of. 315
'*Suggar Land," ranging in the 44
Sunday, work on 406
Supplies, scarcity of 494
Supplies, measures for procuring T..... SiSS
Surgeons, need of 663
Surgeon-in-chief, duties of, <fec 4.13
Surry county, new church in 237
Sutton, Samuel.... 6
Swamp, Blackwater 47
Swamp, Blackwater 48
" Sweet-Hall" 211
Sword, sample of sent, Ac 605
Syme, Col. John, charge of ordnance,
stores, <&c..... 335
Syme, Col. John 458
Symmonds, Capt. Thomas 418
Symmonds, Capt. Thomas 583
T
Taffla 317
Taliaferro, W., et als.,. petition for land.... 260
Tan-yard, instructions concerning 397
Tan-yard, Mrs. Park takes chaise of 60S
Tarlton, Col., wounded 439
Tarlton, and tories 655
Tarlton, Col 507
Tarlton, Col., loses his fingers 682
Tax law, pleople complain of 510
Taxes, complaints of 515
Ta>lor'8 Ferry 370
Taylor, Col. Fra., to Gov. Jefferson 405
Territory, Northwestern... 475
Test oath, author of, &c 269
Thanksgiving, day of, &c 89
"The Forest," Col. Nicholas at 422
"Thetis," State vessel 434
"The Raven," et als., Indian chiefs 446
Thomas, James, surveyor, &c 2*23
Thomas, Capt. W., (British) 683
Thomson, Charles, Secretary to Congress, 385
Thornton, Col. John, charges of, against
Spotswood 252
Thornton, Col. Anthony 439
Tithables, list of 68
Tobacco, list of tenders of, &c 68
Tobacco, staple of, to be improved 90
Tobacco, staple of, to be improved 95
Tobacco, staple of, to be improved 121
Tobacco, Sheriff's fees in 142
Tobacco, Inspectors of. 219
Tobacco, complaints against Inspectors
of 236
Tobacco, low price of, &c 259
Tobacco, price of, in London, &c 258
Tobacco, price of, &c 270
Tobacco, tnuled for supplies, &c 298
Tobacco, importance of 354
Tobacco, people urged to furnish 357
Tobacco, public, disposed of. 359
Tobacco, price of, at Richmond 407
Tobacco, for prisoners, &c 474
"Tobacco-canoes," prices of 451
Todd, Col. John 312
Todd, Col. John, letter to Governor 358
Todd, Col. John, letter to Governor 393
Todd, Col. John, letter to Governor 460
Tories, leader of, Ac 391
INDJ^X.
13
Traders, Indian, &c 135
Traitors, prosecuted, &c 161
Transportation, great want of 591
Transylvania 271
Tninsylvanla 274
Transylvania, price of land in 304
Transylvania company 304
Transylvania, bounds of. 305
Transylvania, veto-power in, Ac 307
Treasurer's account, report on 74
Treasury, money of, burned , 613
Trent, Capt. William 249
Troops, organization of. 26S
Troops, wants of the 408
Troops, wants of the 426
Troops, destitute state of, reasons for 462
Troops, wants of 469
Tixwps, mutiny o£ 475
Troops, German, refuse employment 486
Troops, Gk^rman, measures lor supplying.. 508
Troops, wretched conditiou of 532
Troops, complaints of 640
Troops, sickness among 537
Troops, patience of, dbc 551
Turbevllle, MaJ.G.L., his troubles, 507
Turbeville, Col. Geo., treatment of, &c.... 585
Turkey Island, vessels ordered to 681
Turkey Island, State vessels at 588
Tuscaroras, fear of, dbc. 154
Tyler, John, letter of 486
Tyndall's Point, fort at 60
V
Venire 34
Vessels, safety of, Ac 76
Vessels, Spanish, wreck of 249
Vessels, British, large arrival of 593
Vessels, enemy's lost 425
Vessels, brigaded 447
Vestries, controversies in...'. 119
Vestrymen, how chosen 122
Vestry, St. John's Parish, proceedings of. 216
Vice, suppression of, Ac... 316
Vigo, Mr., &c 316
Villages, Vermillion 314
Virginia, fleets from, lost 138
Virginia, people of extravagant, &c 260
Virginia, jurisdiction of 314
Virginia^ right of to western lands 320
Virginia, to reinforce the Southern Amry. 341
Virginia, arms to be manufactured by 355
Virginia, to reinforce Southern Army 362
Virginia, prisoners to be fed by .*. 395
Virginia, militia of 408
Virginia Line, arrangements of 410
Virginians, conduct of 459
Virginia, Quartermaster for 485
Virginia, to furnish supplies. 494
Virginia, appeal made to, Ac 514
Virginia, supplies the Southern Army 523
Virginia, powder for 528
Virginia, prisoners to be removed from.... 533
Virginia, troops from, expected 667
Virginia, troops, good conduct of 574
Virginia, troops, bad conduct of 681
Virginia, requisition upon 689
Virginia, more troops wanted from 590
Virginia, invasion of and consequences.... 602
Virginia, war expenses borne by 602
Virginia, Greene's dependence upon 612
Virginia troops, conduct of 612
Volunteer system, defective 402
Volunteers, unreliable. 207
W
Wade, Capt Robert, scout after Indians... 254
Wagons, brigaded 447
Wagons, Ac, at Deep Run 419
Wagons, Ac, value of 515
Wagons, coven* for 546
Wagons, great need of 604
Walker, Capt. Jamei* 265
W^allace, Col. G. B 318
Wampum, belt of, meaning of 246
War.stores, cost of, sent to Virginia 80
Ward's creek, enemy landed at 442
Ward, Nancy, Indian woman 4(7
WarOfHce, alfairs of, report upon 680
War Office, United States, orders fi-om.... 592'
Warwick, mechanics at 414
Warwick, Baron Steuben at 418
Washington, George, Justice of the peace.. 263
Washington, letter of. 402
Washington, Gen 267
Washington, Col. William 459
Washington county, Indian outrages in.... 464
Washington county, military force of. 317
Washington county, military troubles in . . 484
Washington county, Indians in, Ac 648
Washington, Col. WUllam 563
Washington county, hostile Indians, Ac... 669
Washington county, military strength of.. 613
Webb, George, 355
Watauga, Fort 272
Weeden, Brig. Gen., called into service.... 362
Weeden, Gren. George 605
West ham, enemy at 332
Westham, works at, Ac 364
Western affairs 360
Westren affairs, abuses in 381
Western affairs, confused state of 454
Western affairs, 516
Westham, tools at, Ac 418
Westham, buildings at 419
Westham^ affairs at 430
Westham, boriiig-mill at 459
Whately, Rev. Solomon 91
W^hales, in the Chesapeake 140
White, Lieut. Robert, services of. 543
Williamsburg, recoixis removed to 73
Williamsburg, building of, Ac 108
Williamsburg, Tuscaroras chief's at 173
Williamsburg, Indians treat at 182
Williamsburg, Lafayette's arrival contra-
dicted, Ac 571
Williamsburg, Capitol at, stripped of lead,
Ac 397
Wilson, deposition of in Henderson claim.. 282
Winchester, prisoners at 387
Winchester, German prisoners at. 556
Winchester, German prisoners at 564
Winchester, quarters built near 560
Winchester, number of prisoners at, Ac... 564
Winston, et als., petition of, for land 262
Winston, Edmund 272
Wood, James , 272
u
INDEX
Wood, Ck)l. James, accounts of, &c 594
Wood, Leij2;hton, Jr 355
Wood, James, letter of to Governor 361
Wood, James, letter of to Governor 406
Wood. James, letter of to Governor 529
Woodford, Ck)l. William, letter of, &c 317
Works, Hunter's, aflTairs at 464
Worraley, Richard, Jr., bad treatment of. 301
Wormley, Kichard, Jr., letter to Mann
Page 300
WytJ^e, George 267
Y
Yeocom ico, tobacco sh ipped from 303
Yohogania, operations m, want of food,
&c 493
York, strength of garrison at 367
Yorktown, rebel prisoners landed at 185
Yorktown, petition of prisoners to the
Governor. 187
Yorktown, Lafayette arrived at 509
1
1
!>
.4 L.
>
\
>>
» - >
r -^ • ■«-
t
^
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11