Deputy Quartermaster General for the Southern Department accounts of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts, 1776/1780

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Background

Scope and content:

The Deputy Quartermaster for the Southern District accounts, 1776-1780, of William Finnie contain the date, names of person to whom payments were made, reason for payment, and amounts paid. These accounts are described as a true copy of the originals lodged in the Treasury transmitted to William Denning, Commissioner for Adjusting the Accounts of the Quartermaster General Department, 1783 Dec 22.

The accounts mainly consist of payments for constructing buildings, express riding, ferry crossings, hiring wagons and boats, rent, repairing of arms and wagons, and travel expenses, as well as for forage, frieght, horses, pasturage, tents, and wood. Also cover a variety of other payments for items such as blankets, clothing, coffins, paper, rifles, rum, shoes, tools, wages, and other sundries for troops.

Biographical / historical:

The Quartermaster Department was established by a resolution of Congress on 16 June 1776. The Department was responsible for supply activities and troop movements for the army. William Finnie,a Williamsburg merchant, was appointed Continental Deputy Quartermaster General for the Southern Department in March 1776 and served until the end of the war. His office was headquartered in Williamsburg.

Acquisition information:
Acquisition information unknown.
Physical description:
.25 cubic feet (1 box).