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[Title of entry], [Accession number], Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
Gift, purchase and deposit. See individual accessions for detailed information
This is a guide to 358 items pertaining to the late Colonial period and the Revolutionary War, ca. 1760-1783. The items represented in this guide are either separately accessioned collections or contained within other discrete collections.
Microfilm copy of original at the Virginia State Library. Abercromby was agent-general for Virginia and North Carolina. A few of his later letters are in the period 1763-1773 and are addressed to John Blair, the Committee of the Assembly of North Carolina, Arthur Dobbs, Robert Dinwiddie, Francis Fauquier and others. Includes an account of a court martial on Capt. D. Blewit, October 9, 1746; a debtor and creditor account of a sum received by him on account of Virginia and North and South Carolina. (#9705)
Two ledgers for a store in Orange County for the years 1784-1789 and 1792-1800 kept by William Pannill. Included are prices for hiring out slaves. (#4279)
Originals in the Library of Virginia. County court records including wills, deeds, court order books, minute books, land tax books, and marriage and death registers. The collection contains deed books, 1748- 1866, and indexes, plus district and superior court deed books, 1790-1832; will books, 1748-1867, plus indexes and circuit court will books, 1744-1831; court minute books, 1830-1866; marriage records, 1780-1940; birth and death registers, 1853-1861; and land tax records, 1782-1850. The loose material includes the wills of Thomas Jefferson and Thaddeus Kosciusko, a copy of Cornwallis' parole, October 28, 1781, and a Virginia pension roll listing Revolutionary War veterans. (#5145, -a, -b, and #5184)
Contains levies and receipts collected from citizens of Albemarle County by N. Hammer, sheriff, for parish and county levies, taxes on land, livestock, heads of household, and slaves. Entries are under the name of each citizen. Also includes list of court records saved from destruction. (#3455)
Microfilm copies of documents, petitions, and correspondence relating to the mayor and town council of Alexandria. (#8496)
This collection contains a volume, The Occasional Papers of Orthodoxy, 1717-1718, owned by Edgar Joel, a lieutenant in the Queen's Rangers, in which he kept notes on the Battle of Brandywine. (#4941-b)
There are several letters from Samuel Athawes, a London merchant, which discuss the tobacco trade and the John Wilkes affair. A letter from Edmund Pendleton to Robert Carter Nicholas, July 24, 1777, mentions the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by the British and General Washington's practice of exaggerating the number of troops under his command. (#1921, etc.)
Contains two items, a holograph resolution of the Williamsburg Committee of Safety, signed by Edmund Pendleton, accepting Lord Dunmore's proposal of an exchange of prisoners and a letter from James McHenry (1753-1816) to Colonel [Jonathan] Smith, November 24, 1779, discussing the campaigns of Charleston and Savannah, the evacuation of Rhode Island, and military activities in New York. (#2362-a)
Includes essay, ca. 1860, by Archer Anderson, on the causes of the American Revolution, with signature, 1920, of Kathleen Anderson Bourland. (#8850-f)
Includes silhouettes of Martha and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and a composition of Martha Jefferson. (#9869)
Includes a Land Office warrant, January 29, 1780, to George Rogers Clark, granting him 550 acres in Virginia for his recruiting efforts. (#6658)
A manuscript essay, "On the Loss of the Chesapeake Army," by "An Old Officer," defending the military policies of Generals Henry Clinton and Lord Cornwallis, especially during the Yorktown campaign. The author is responding to the attacks on Clinton and Cornwallis by "Fabricus" [Joseph Galloway] and others which were published serially in various London newspapers in late 1781 and early 1782. (#7889)
Typed list of men from Gloucester County who served in the Continental Army during the Revolution. (#5052)
Includes a letterbook, 1769-1776, of Roger Atkinson
(1725-1784), a merchant who lived near Petersburg, and
an account book for Atkinson, 1762, and for Thomas
Atkinson, 1792-1803. The account book also contains some
of Roger Atkinson's letters for 1775, and for several
years in the 1780's. The letters contain numerous
references to the business activities of this prosperous
merchant and discuss the tobacco trade at length; there
are occasionally mention of the prices of land and
slaves. Numerous comments on the political difficulties
with Great Britain are also scattered through the
letters. An October 1, 1774, letter contains an
evaluation of the members of Virginia's delegation to
the First Continental Congress and a November 20, 1776,
letter speaks approvingly of the new Assembly as the
"Peoples' Men" and comments favorably on an act for
religious disestablishment which was under
consideration. During the post-war years, Atkinson
proposed, March 13, 1786, to pay his debts to English
creditors either by installments or by exchanging land
for them. Unfortunately, the letters contain no
information on his participation in the Revolution as a
member of Captain Robert Bolling's militia unit or his
views on reform of the Confederation government.
Extracts from the letters have been published in the
Includes a notebook containing a typescript copy of the records of Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, 1741-1793, in Augusta County. (#122)
One item, apparently a page from a letterbook, contains drafts of three letters of Thomas Nelson, Jr., all dated October 1, 1781, and posted from camp near Yorktown. Subjects discussed are the need for faster communication between Richmond and Yorktown, the problems involved in supplying the allied armies with provisions, and arrangements for taking care of the sick under Admiral DeGrasse's command. (#7262)
Mainly business and legal papers relating to Baltimore and its citizens. Some items relate to the tobacco trade from that port. (#4058)
The personal and business papers of this "Barboursville," Orange County family, which include several letters from Cave and Robert Johnson discussing Indian problems in the early 1780's at Bryant's (Bryan's) Station, now in Kentucky, and the surrounding territory. A letter from Robert Johnson to Benjamin Johnson, June 28, 1789, claims that most of the people in "this country" are Antifederalists and that their convention will probably not decide to separate from Virginia. Other items of interest are an April 21, 1776, letter from General Charles Lee to Thomas Barbour proposing that he establish correspondence with his Florida connections and a payroll for Captain Benjamin Johnson's militia company from Orange County. (#38-144)
The journal (in French) of Comte de Bayac, an officer who served under General Rochambeau. The earliest volume, 1767-1779, consists of background and second-hand accounts of the war until the arrival of Rochambeau's troops in 1780; the second volume, 1780-1782, includes personal experiences and observations of de Bayac while on duty with Rochambeau's army with particular attention given to the Battle of Yorktown and Cornwallis' surrender. Available in microfilm on Manuscripts Division reel M-450. (McGregor Library #4976)
About 75 items, 1772-1783, relating to George Baylor, member of the Caroline County Committee of Safety, 1775-1776, aide-de-camp to General Washington, 1775-1777, and Commander of the Third Regiment of Light Dragoons who eventually attained the rank of Brevet Brigadier General. Included are papers about clothing, arms, and other supplies, regimental finances, and weekly returns of the regiment. Also included is a letter from General John Burgoyne to Colonel Phillipson, October 20, 1777, which discusses military conditions with emphasis on his ill-fated Saratoga campaign. There are also some papers relating to Baylor's brother, John (1750-1808), which contain an allegation of loyalism against him. (#2257)
Includes several transcripts relating to the history of Bedford County during the Revolution and lists of soldiers from the county who served in the war. (#1311)
Correspondence, legal, and business papers relating
to the Berkeley family of "Barn Elms" and "Airwell"
plantations. Most of the material relates to the
post-Revolutionary era and the papers for the 1760-1790
time period are mainly receipts, accounts, invoices, and
other items relating to the operation of their
plantation business. An occasional letter from merchants
in England to Edmund Berkeley, Jr. mention politics,
e.g., letters of Bosworth & Griffith, February 27
and March 31, 1766, which refer to the Stamp Act and its
repeal. There are also a few letters from the London
merchant, Samuel Athawes. Other pertinent items include
Edmund Berkeley's commission as a lieutenant-colonel in
the Middlesex County militia, and a 1774 Virginia
Almanac with Berkeley's receipt for payment of his
soldier's tax, June 27, 1781. There is also a photocopy
of a badly mutilated printed letter [May 31, 1774] which
calls for a meeting of the Burgesses on August l to
consider measures to adopt in retaliation for the Boston
Port Act. This item has been published in
A microfilm edition of the papers of Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) at Princeton University, containing about 100 maps of various locations from New England to Yorktown. Berthier was a lieutenant with Rochambeau's army, probably serving as the assistant aide to the Quartermaster General, M. de Beville. (#7029)
Parish register of this church in Waynesboro. (#2256)
Originals in the Virginia Historical Society. Collections contains typescript copies, with explanatory notes, of letters from James and Jane Bradshaw of Lancashire and, later, Bath, England to Robert Beverley IV (1769-1843). Most of the letters for this period are from James Bradshaw to the youth while he was a student at a preparatory school and Trinity College, Cambridge, and offer him fatherly advice on proper modes of education and conduct. An occasional letter reflects Bradshaw's displeasure with political developments in America. (#3756)
Electrostatic copies of transcripts of three letters, 1780-1782, from Betsey Ambler (Eliza Ambler Carrington), daughter of the Treasurer of Virginia, to Mildrid Smith describing the flight of her family and other public officials from Richmond to Charlottesville, thus eluding the pursuit of Tarleton's army. Typescripts of these same letters are also in accession nos. 6723 and 7661. (#6403-i)
Photocopy of the "Junius" letter XXVIII, October 20, 1769, originally copied by James Barlow while a student at Cambridge and an electrostatic typescript copy of a letter from T. Munford to a Major Hubard, October 19, 1781. (#8773-f)
This collection includes the correspondence and other
papers (23 items) of Theodorick Bland of Prince George
County. Bland was a physician and ardent supporter of
the Revolution who participated in several important
military campaigns and from November 1778 to November
1779 commanded the Albemarle Barracks where the
Convention prisoners were housed. Among topics included
in the papers are Matt Phripp's desertion to the enemy
(1775), the affairs of the Convention Army, loyalism in
Prince George County, the mutinous Pennsylvania line
(1781), and Benedict Arnold's invasion of Virginia
(1781). Also included is a scathing attack on the
character and motives of Jacob Duche, a loyalist.
Although there are several items pertaining to politics
in Prince George County, there is nothing which reflects
Bland's role in Virginia's Ratification Convention
(1788) and his opposition to the Constitution. Many of
these letters have been published in Charles Campbell
(ed.),
Microfilm of originals at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow, Scotland, consisting of correspondence, mostly prior to 1760, relating to the tobacco trade between Virginia and Glasgow in the eighteenth century. A letter from Robert Gilchrist, Port Royal, Virginia, December 12, 1787, praises the British government and expresses disgust with the state of affairs in America. (#5803)
A commonplace book kept by Robert Bolling of
"Chellowe" in Buckingham County containing poetry,
sketches, explanatory notes, and songs. Some of the
poems were printed in the
Microfilm copy of originals at Duke University
Library includes John Hook's (d. 1808) letterbook and
about ten letters and documents which concern the
conflict between Hook and the Bedford County Committee
of Safety. John Hook, a Scottish merchant of New London,
Bedford County, Virginia, was charged with having said
"there never would be Peace 'til the Americans get well
flog'd," and was called before the Committee to explain
his statement. There are also Hook's discussion of his
treatment by a "mob," a "memorandum," apparently written
by Hook, chastising the committee for its misconduct,
and Hook's oath of allegiance to the State of Virginia.
Some of these papers have been reprinted in
Include letters, 1780-1794, from John Brown to James Breckinridge regarding Breckinridge's studies at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg and New York social life, family, legal and business matters, the U.S. Constitution, Virginia politics, Francis Preston, and Revolutionary War claims. A number of letters discuss state and national politics at length, mentioning the weakness of the Confederation, the prospects for a new Constitution, and the separation of Kentucky from Virginia, a cause for which Brown was actively working. On another issue, Brown complains (September 30, 1788) about the large number of lawyers practicing in the Danville [Kentucky] area, exclaiming, "By Heavens they must hunt Buffalo, or starve." (#2752)
Microfilm copy of correspondence, financial, and legal papers of this family of "Grove Hill," Botetourt County. Most of the papers concern family business, but land transactions, trade, and Indian problems are also discussed. Several letters refer to the contemporary political problems, the possible division of Augusta County, and military activity in the West and elsewhere. Originals are in the Roanoke Valley Historical Society. (#9846)
Collection consists of the headquaters papers of successive British commanders-in-chief in the American Revolutionary War including Sir William Howe, Sir Henry Clinton and especially Sir Guy Carleton. Originals in the Public Record Office, London. (#6025)
Include accounts, 1780-1783 ca., of Austin Brockenbrough, including entries for personal expenses, i.e., the purchase of foodstuffs, sundries, and household goods, as well as entries for the treatment of his patients, including Revolutionary War soldiers and slaves. (#919)
A typescript copy of Brooke's (1763-1851) narrative of his life which includes mention of the service of his brothers, Laurence and Robert, in the war. The former was appointed by Benjamin Franklin as surgeon of the BonHomme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones. (#126)
Miscellaneous papers of this family of "Brown's Cove," Albemarle County. Material for this period consists of land surveys, 1745, ante 1760 and 1783 of Brown land on Moorman's River, Albemarle County, and accounts, including accounts with Henry Hudson and Company, later surveys, indentures and legal documents of Albemarle County Sheriff, Bezaleel Brown, 1786-1838. (#3513 and 3513-a)
Correspondence of the Bryan, Randolph, and Tucker families of value to the study of the early national period of American history. Materials for the revolutionary era consist largely of letters from Theodorick Bland, Jr. (1742-1790), to John Randolph, Jr. (1742-1775), and are concerned largely with family and business matters. A letter September ll, 1771, discusses a Prince Edward County election and an undated letter from Bland to Randolph, perhaps written in June 1775 (folder "1770-1774"), mentions Lord Dunmore's departure from Yorktown and defense of the colony. St.George Tucker (1752-1827) writing to Theodorick and John Randolph, June 29, 1788, claims that the adoption of the Constitution will require the repayment of debts to the British. Other letters from Tucker discuss the young men's education and offer fatherly advice for a happy and prosperous life. (#3400)
The business and personal papers of Jacob and James Bumgardner, Augusta County distillers, which include a typescript copy of a muster roll for the Ninth Virginia Regiment of Foot for September 1778, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Burgess Ball. (#347)
Mainly the papers of Colonel Nathaniel Burwell of "Carter's Grove," James City County, and "Carter's Hall," Clarke County, including correspondence, business, and legal papers. Material pertinent to the revolutionary era consists largely of indentures, bonds, and notes, many of which involve Burwell, Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr., and Hugh Nelson. (#5757, -a,-c)
Warrant, 1774 May 5, for the arrest of Daniel Boone and William Cowan to answer Alexander Baines' charges of debt in Fincastle County, Va.; signed by John Byrd. (#2117)
Revolutionary War material mostly pertains to the war in New York and includes mention of the problem of Loyalists' estates, Indian problems on the frontier, the treatment of private citizens by the British, the depreciation of money paid troops by New York, and the recovery of slaves captured by the British. Items of particular interest include a March 2, 1780, letter from John Jay to Governor George Clinton criticizing the New York Constitution for its toleration of Jews, a letter from Arthur Lee to Richard Henry Lee, February 17, 1778, giving his version of the "Silas Deane Affair," a letter from Baron de Bache [William Lee] to Arthur Lee, October 8, 1780, reporting on Henry Lauren's capture by the British and on British projections for reinforcements for General Clinton's army, and a return for a foot regiment at Fort Montgomery (N.Y.), July 18, 1777. (#38-111)
Includes one letter from General George Weedon to Major Oliver Towles, November 8, 1777, telling him that Weedon has informed Towle's wife of his status as a British prisoner. (#2447, 2450, 2546)
Correspondence and other papers of William Cabell (immigrant), his son, Nicholas Cabell, and his great grandson, Nathaniel F. Cabell. Revolutionary War material consists primarily of records relating to the Amherst County Minute Men commanded by Colonel Nicholas Cabell and includes muster lists, payrolls, and receipts for supplies. There are also lottery tickets, words to "The Liberty Song," and a few miscellaneous letters relating to events of the period. Items in the 1780's include papers relating to payment for military service as well as some correspondence, bills, and receipts relating to Nicholas Cabell's personal and business affairs. (#5084)
Originals located in Lambeth Palace Library. Chronological listings giving the dates and names of all parties making the affidavits, or allegations, for marriage licenses. The names, ages, and parishes are given; sometimes information about parents and occupations are included. (#8180)
Call, 1774, for town meeting in Norwich, Connecticut to discuss ways to show and promote loyalty to the king and to discuss other issues as desired. Signed by selectmen Thomas Gray, Benjamin Huntington, Barnabas Huntington, and Elijah Brewster. (McGregor, #10547-ce)
A cannonball purportedly from the Yorktown battlefield. (#517)
Correspondence and other papers relating to the Carmichael, Bryan, Tucker, Coalter, and Randolph families. Material pertinent to this era consists mainly of several letters written by George French of Fredericksburg to Carmichael while he was studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Besides recommending various courses, French urges him "to go to some good Dancing School, as that is absolutely necessary." (#4660)
Carmichael, secretary to John Jay while on his mission to Spain, writes to Richard Harrison, an American agent at Cadiz, reporting on the progress of the war in America and requesting that Harrison "cultivate" Comte d' Estang (1729-1794), a French admiral. (#2280)
A letter written to C. Richmond, auditor-general of Maryland, regarding the settlement of claims against the State. (#2906)
Included are typescript copies of correspondence, 1780-1786, between Eliza Ambler Carrington (Betsey Ambler) and friends Mildred Smith and Francis Cairnes discussing her experiences during the Revolutionary War. Topics include family and social life, growing up in Yorktown, Va., Revolutionary War experiences, flight to Charlottesville to escape the British, the destruction of Yorktown, John Marshall, Rachel Warrington, a family friend, who had an illegitimate son, Lewis Warrington, by the son of Rochambeau, travel in Virginia, and a visit to Mount Vernon. Also included are typescript copies of her letters, 1796-1823, to her sister Anne Ambler Fisher regarding her memories of her experiences during the Revolutionary War. Typescripts of these letters are also in accession nos. 6403-i and 7661. (#6723)
Contains the letterbook of a Fredericksburg merchant, Charles Yates, which includes many references to events connected with the Revolution and their impact on merchants. Available on department microfilm (M- 570). (#3807)
Includes letterbook copies of John, Charles, and Landon Carter with London merchants, especially Messrs. Stewart & Campbell. The letters concern mostly the business affairs of Charles Carter of Shirley, but there are occasional references to political events during the period, 1763-1768. There are also a number of accounts of Charles Carter recorded for the years 1777-1781. Available on department microfilm (M-570). (McGregor Library #4996)
An electrostatic copy of Jacob Duché's letter, October 8, 1777, to George Washington in which he criticizes the patriot cause and requests that Washington persuade Congress to rescind the Declaration of Independence. For Washington's response to Duche, see #3026. (#4598-a)
Material pertaining to the Revolutionary War consists of three typescript copies of letters to William Woodford (1734-1780) of Caroline County, one from John Taylor of Caroline (1753-1824) and two from Edmund Pendleton (1721-1803). Taylor, writing from Philadelphia, May 12, 1775, contrasts the humane conduct of the patriots at Lexington with the alleged atrocities committed by the British. He also reports on General Gage and the provincial army assembled at Boston and cites a Quaker regiment raised in Philadelphia as evidence of the populace's general support for the cause. Pendleton speculates, July 4, 1775, about British military intentions and on July 8, 1775, asks for reports about a recent battle in which Woodford was involved, possibly the Battle of Monmouth. (#38-486)
Photostatic copy of the original in the Library of Congress. The letter to George Washington and an enclosed copy of a resolution of the Virginia General Assembly concern the subject of a separate peace with Great Britain which Virginia rejected. (#1247)
Includes correspondence, newsclippings, and articles, financial and legal papers, an archaeological report, gravesite studies and miscellaneous items pertaining to the establishment of a marker, by the Albemarle County Historical Society, over the gravesite of Hessian soldiers buries in the county during the Revolutionary War. (#10678)
Papers relating to the Hubbard and Bolling families of "Chellowe" in Buckingham County. There is a portion of a military order log book for the Fifth Virginia Regiment which lists the officer of the day, the officer of the guard, the daily parole word and orders. Entries in the log cover the periods July 15-November 20, 1776, and October 14-November 9, 1777, covering the regiment's activities during its encampment in the Tidewater area and in New Jersey and New York where it had joined with Washington's army. The log book provides information on the daily activities of the regiment and records special events such as Washington's address to the army after hearing news of the victory at Saratoga. Various courts martial are noted, particularly that of Brigadier-General Adam Stephens. Other items include letters to Major William Hubbard, including one from Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr. concerning supplies in which he orders Hubbard to impress whatever "Negroes" he needs to assist him. Hubbard's commission as a major in Virginia's First Battalion of Militia, part of a contingent ordered to Charleston, S.C., is also included. (#3006 and -a)
Minute book of this Albemarle County church, originally known as the Albemarle and then the Buck Mountain Church. (#7403-a)
The papers of Angelica Schuyler Church contain correspondence with family members and several notable figures in American history including Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, General Philp Schuyler, and French foreign minister Talleyrand. There are also one or two letters each from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Winfield Scott, Justus Erich Bollman, Charles James Fox, and the Baron von Steuben, as well as a brief third person note from Louis Philippe or one of his brothers. Topics include United States politics and foreign affairs; the French Revolution; the imprisonment of Lafayette at Olmutz; the Whiskey Rebellion; the War of 1812, particularly the invasion of Canada; travel in Poland, Austria in 1794, and England in 1840; trade in America and India, and family and personal matters. (#11245)
Official cipher codes, mainly in Jefferson's hand, with explanations and instructions. Jefferson used these codes in his diplomatic correspondence. Available on Manuscripts Department Microfilm reel M-1679. (#38-285)
Keys to the ciphers used by William Lee, Arthur Lee, and Richard Henry Lee, with some examples. This item is an electrostatic copy of a compilation by Edmund Cody Burnett and was furnished by the Library of Congress. (#8479)
Account, September 24, 1779, of Jonathan Clarke, attending Assistant Commissary General for British forces under Major General William Phillips, commander of the Convention Troops in Albemarle, for the rental of an office, the purchase of stationery, and the hire of a butcher. With signature of approval by General Phillips. (#6188)
A copy of an original diary in private hands which contains Clarke's account of his service in the Continental Army, beginning with his march from Northampton, Mass. to the siege of Boston. He also participated in the march on Canada in 1776 and the seige of Quebec. (#9711)
A letter, March 2, 1774, from Captain Edward Foy, secretary to Lord Dunmore, to Edward Hand regarding some land purchased by Hand from the colony of Pennsylvania, but which now was located in a region claimed by Virginia. (McGregor Library #2290)
The bulk of this collection consists of materials
used by Mrs. Clement in her genealogical and historical
research on southern and southwestern Virginia,
especially Chatham and Pittsylvania Counties. Included
are her notebooks on Revolutionary War service in
Pittsylvania County, a fragment of the
Letter from historian Cobb regarding the settlement of Hessian soldiers in the United States during and after the Revolutionary War. (#1192)
This collection contains an undated manuscript, probably written after 1814, on the military history of the Revolution. (#6418)
This extensive collection contains a variety of personal and business papers relating to the Cocke and Cabell families, chiefly from "Bremo Recess," Fluvanna County. Revolutionary war materials include autograph letters and other items which reflect various military and political aspects of the era. Several letters to George Clinton, 1777-1780, relate to the war in New York and discuss problems with the raising of sufficient numbers of troops and supplies, the lack of adequate officer quarters, the difficulty in procuring medical supplies, frontier defense, and a Loyalist uprising in Ulster and Albany Counties. Papers relating to the Cabell family include a copy of an Amherst County certification of the military service of Colonel Nicholas Cabell of Amherst County which mention the possibility of leaving England for America and complains of economic burdens imposed on him by the "late war." Other items of interest include a letter from Nathaniel Greene to Colonel Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, January 12, 1781, emphasizing the importance of success in the Georgetown campaign, an exchange of correspondence between Arthur Lee and Benjamin Franklin while they were commissioners in France, and a letter from William Lee to his brother, Richard Henry Lee, April 13, 1781, seeking his brother's interposition with Congress to help obtain reimbursement for his services earlier in the war; he also discusses military setbacks to Great Britain in the East Indies, Benjamin Franklin's ownership of a ship which carried supplies from France to America, and a recent loan obtained by John Adams from Holland. (#9513 & 9513-c)
Includes photostats of three letters relating to military and Indian affairs in Georgia. One letter from Nathaniel Greene to General Twigg, January 10, 1782, mentions that General Wayne will soon be in Georgia to take command, and expresses the hope that the enemy will soon be driven from Savannah. The other two letters written to General Twigg in 1788 refer to Indian uprisings and a treaty negotiation with the Creeks. (#1794)
A book containing general store accounts, records of tobacco grown, and the expenses of an Albemarle merchant, John Coles. Included is an account with Jefferson. (#9533)
A typescript monograph, "Colonial History of Nelson County," by J. B. Coincon which mentions persons from the county who participated in the Revolution. (#9331)
Microfilm copies of documents pertaining to Virginia and includes correspondence, resolutions, minutes, and acts. The expenses of the Virginia delegates to Congress are also included. Originals in the Library of Congress and the Virginia State Library. Twelve of the reels consist mainly of Thomas Jefferson letters, etc., in the papers of Congress and concern foreign affairs, finances, national debt, military affairs, and Virginia State Papers. (#3077 & etc.)
Typescript essay, 1938, by Oliver W. Cobb regarding British and Hessian troops taken as prisoners of war in 1777. Cobb also discusses John Burgoyne, Horatio Gates, Guy Carleton, Lord Howe, and Lord Germain. (#2335)
"A Plan of the Barracks for the Convention Troops in Virginia 1779," an electrostatic copy made from a manuscript map in the National Archives, Record Group 360, Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, PCC, item 173, vol. I. (#10183)
Primarily the personal correspondence of Major Samuel Cooper (1756-1840) and General Samuel Cooper (1778-1876). The former was a Boston merchant and an officer in the Continental Army. His papers include "memoirs" of the Boston Tea Party and of the Battle of Lexington, a letter to "Harry," June 4, 1780, mentioning a court martial, and a copy of the constitution of the Society of Cincinnati which Cooper helped establish. (#8610)
Microfilm copy of originals at Colonial Williamsburg
containing Corbin's tobacco book, 1746-1795, and
letterbook, 1758-1768. Many letters reflect Corbin's
role as Receiver General of His Majesty's revenue. Also
in the collection is the diary (1773-1776) of John
Harrower, a Scottish emigrant who came to Virginia in
search of employment. The latter item has been published
by Colonial Williamsburg,
Letter from Cornwallis (1738-1805) to Major James Moncrief (1744-1793), the British engineering officer in charge of defense works at Charleston, S.C., urging him to return to Charleston as soon as possible because a French attack on the city following the West Indian campaign is suspected. (#1754)
Lord Cornwallis compliments Lieutenant-Colonel Nisbet Balfour on his military leadership, apparently during the Camden Campaign, July-August, 1780, in North Carolina. General Tarleton and action at Broad River, also known as Fishdam Ford (or Fort Ninety-Six), are also mentioned. (McGregor Library, #2517)
Correspondence between George Harrison Sanford King and Curtis W. Garrision concerning the genealogy of James Monroe. Includes copies of extracts of wills of Monroe family members and a record of the Revolutionary War service of Colonel James Monroe. (#9095)
Concerns the court martial, presided over by Major John Roberts, of twenty-six Virginia soldiers of the Virginia Convention Army Guard Regiment, charged with desertion and with being off-limits; includes the name, charge, plea, and verdict for each defendant. (#4432)
Electrostatic copies of correspondence from Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams, Thomas Johnson, Jr., George Washington, and Elbridge Gerry to Samuel Purviance, a Baltimore merchant who was active in raising funds for the relief of Boston, 1775. The letters mention this activity, the affairs of the Continental Congress, and the battles of Ticonderoga and Lexington. Washington's letter, March 10, 1786, discusses the political necessity of linking the western portions of Virginia with the east by a canal network and Gerry's letter, September 10, 1787, mentions the Philadelphia Convention and the migration from Massachusetts and other places to the Northwest Territory and to the territories of Louisiana and Florida. (#8739)
Contains hand-colored plats of lands owned by Major Croghan in the present-day states of Kentucky and Ohio. Part of the land was awarded to Croghan for his service in the Virginia and Continental lines; the rest was purchased by Croghan from other war veterans. (#5472)
Includes two letters to Cropper while at Valley Forge: letter, 27 January 1778, from Alexander Scammell, Washington's Adjutant-General regarding a transfer of command and note, ca. 1778, from the Marquis de Lafayette regarding coats. (#6711)
Slides used by Richard Crouch to illustrate his address to the Albemarle County Historical Society on the Point of Fork Arsenal in Fluvanna County. The illustrations are drawn from archeological and printed sources and show various colonial and revolutionary weapons, uniforms, a recruiting poster, and maps. (#8626)
Contains a photocopy of Lord Cornwallis' Articles of Capitulation. (#38-219)
Microfilm copies of original eighteenth century manuscripts belonging to Sir Mark Dalrymple, Bart., New Hailes, Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and now presumed to be at Register House, Edinburgh. A preliminary calendar prepared by David C. Yalden-Thompson is at the beginning of reel M-549. Only one item (No. 506, reel M-552) pertains directly to the Revolution, a letter from James Stirling, July 31, 1776. Stirling, who was apparently with the 42nd Highlanders, writes from Staten Island, describing the voyage to America, encounters with a privateer, and the loss of a British transport with part of Frazier's Regiment. He also describes the treatment by Americans of a captured British officer, the poor condition of American deserters, and the arrival of the Hessians. (#3610)
Walker Daniel writes B. Tardiveau concerning Virginia's cession of 150,000 acres northwest of the Ohio River to the Illinois Regiment for their service in the war. (McGregor Library, #6376)
A copy (1805) of an inventory and appraisal, 1773, of the estate of Henry Davis of Hanover County by Overton Harris and Jacob William, including household goods and slaves, recorded at Hanover Court, 1777, by William Pollard. (#38-391)
Papers include family and business news from Orange, Madison, Culpeper, Greene and Rapphannock Counties and claims for Revolutionary War pensions. (#320)
The personal narrative of William Davis, a Quaker, who was ordered to join a company of militia marching to the Albemarle Barracks to guard the Convention Troops. He refused to participate, and, consequently, was jailed and whipped. (#38-160)
Bound volume, 1775-1809, containing list of communicants of Zur Deutschen Lutheran Kirche of Culpeper Co., Va. (#5065)
Electrostatic copies of an indenture of Richard Henry Lee; a letter, January 8, 1782, from Edmund Randolph to General Washington (?) praising him for his actions at Yorktown; and, a letter from James Madison, June 25, 1788, regarding the vote for ratification in the Virginia Convention. (#7289-b)
Facsimiles of Patrick Henry's resolutions against the Stamp Act bearing an endorsement by Patrick Henry. (#6622)
Electrostatic copies of original and typescript documents regarding Reverend Douglas of Louisa County including a will, deeds, and records from Louisa County Court House relating to a suit against him. A letter from Douglas, September l, 1778, tells of his dismissal from his position for speaking disrespectfully of the country. (#437-o,-p,-x,-y,-z)
Include agreement, 1789, concerning land in Orange County, Va., Quaker marriage certificate, 1789, from Hanover County, Va., and Revolutionary War claims for George Shearman of Greene County, Va. and William Wayt. (#702)
This letterbook of an Alexandria merchant, Harry Piper, contains valuable information on the tobacco trade with merchants at Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, London, and Whitehaven; there is also commentary on other business activities, especially the use of convict labor. Especially noteworthy are Piper's reports of colonial response to Parliament's various legislative acts and his analysis of the dispute in economic terms. Available on department microfilm (M-2163). (#2981-a)
A letter, May 26, 1774, from John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, to James Tilghman and Andrew Allen, members of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania, regarding a border dispute between Pennsylvania and Virginia. (#210)
Handwritten copy of a proclamation, 17 September 1774, by John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, regarding a border dispute between Pennsylvania and Virginia. See also #1668. (McGregor Library, #2839)
An official proclamation signed by Dunmore claiming all lands west of Laurel Hill for Virginia and instructing all residents of the territory to swear allegiance to Virginia and Pennsylvania regarding title to the western lands. A contemporary copy of this proclamation is also in the McGregor Library, #2839. (McGregor Library, #1668)
Photostats of documents relating to Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, September 17, 1774 and annotated by Landon Carter. Originals in the John Carter Brown Library, Brown University, Providence, R.I. (#1911)
Of particular interest is a Receipt Book (1778-1779) kept by Samuel Dyer, a merchant at Plain Dealing, Va., during his term as Assistant to the Clothier (John Moss) to Virginia Troops. Dyer's tenure in the position lasted from August 4, 1778, to April 2, 1780. Meticulously detailed entries record the date, names, and unit for each recipient along with a description of the articles supplied. An occasional entry includes observations about the activities of soldiers in the camp. There are also entries for private business accounts during the years 1783-1786. The other items are photocopies of nineteenth century records in the National Archives which detail Dyer's service during the Revolution in connection with his application for a pension. (#7776, -a)
The papers of the Randolph family of "Edgehill" and those of the allied Nicholas and Jefferson families. The bulk of the material falls after 1790, but there are several items relating to the revolutionary period, including Charles Tappan's engraving (1829) of Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence showing changes made by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. There is also an exchange of correspondence between Martha Jefferson and her friends regarding Jefferson's voyage to France. (#1397)
A draft petition, July 12, 1775, by the Committee of Safety of West Virginia District which transmits to the Virginia Convention the treaty of July 6, 1775, with the Delawares and the Six Nations at Fort Dunmore. The petition also informs the Convention that Major John Connolly has been arrested. The other item is a letter from Charles Lee, naval officer of the South Potomac, to Lieutenant-Governor Beverley Randolph, June 29, 1787, informing Randolph of his seizure of a West Indian ship smuggling rum and urging the strengthening of the port of Alexandria. (#3044)
Includes accounts of a physician (possibly Dr. John Brockenbrough) of Essex County, Va., for medical care of men, women and children, free and enslaved. Many notable families of Virginia's Northern Neck are included. (#38-44)
Mainly bonds and deeds relating to the Fairfax estates in the Northern Neck, some of which show quitrents for Fairfax, Loudon, Culpeper, Prince William, Berkeley, and Hampshire Counties. (#8884-d)
Includes records of the Goose Creek Baptist Church, 1775-1843, in Upperville and Robert Coombs' declaration for a Revolutionary War pension. (#4473)
The collection includes one letter from William Fitzhugh, January 27, 1778, to his nephew Benjamin Grymes urging Grymes to remain on Washington's staff and expresses despair that "so many Virginians [are] leaving their General and their Countrymen." (#5242)
Typescript copies of two letters from a Fredericksburg resident, one to his brother in Massachusetts, the other to an unidentified recipient. Among topics mentioned are Shay's Rebellion, the treatment of Loyalists in Virginia, republicanism, and the Constitutional Convention. (#38-515)
Robert Forsyth (1754-1794), Fredericksburg, Deputy Commissary of Purchases for the Southern Army, to Colonel Beverly Winslow and Joseph Hawkins, appointing them Assistant Commissaries of Purchases for the Albemarle Barracks. (#38-652)
Colored engraving by Webster and Worrell, "Peter Francisco's Gallant Action with . . . Tarleton's Cavalry . . ., Amelia Court House, Virginia 1781." (#2624)
An electrostatic copy of an article by John E. Manahan regarding Peter Francisco's origins in Portugal, his kidnapping and arrival in Virginia, and his career during and after the American Revolution. (#7647)
Collections of county court records including indentures, depositions, and attachments, mainly for Franklin County, Augusta, Bedford, Orange, Shenandoah, and Rockingham Counties. (#6902-a)
A register of an Episcopal parish, kept by the Rev. Dr. Balman, with a handwritten history of the parish. Originally, the parish comprised all of Shenandoah and parts of Page, Warren, Clarke, Frederick, Jefferson, Berkeley, and Hampshire Counties. (#4701)
The receipts are for provisions for Captain Michael Bowyer's company of the 12th Virginia Regiment, kept by Lieutenant Robert Gambell [Gamble] during the American Revolution. (#10145)
The papers of this Cumberland County family includes some nineteenth century correspondence regarding pension claims of William Evans, Lieutenant of Infantry, 10th Virginia Regiment, and his heirs, seeking an increase in disability for wounds sustained during the Revolution. (#3784)
Bruce E. Burgoyne's study is based on research conducted in the British Museum and chiefly concerns Germans in Canada under the command of Frederick Haldimand. An extensive bibliography of manuscripts material is included. (#10424)
A collection primarily of shipping papers of Captain Gilford and his son, who sailed out of New York in the West Indies trade. Included are bills of lading (1755-1773) for flour, tea, bread and rice, personal accounts (1761, 1770) and an agreement listing wages paid to the seamen (1772). Also included is a slave bill of sale (1785). (#3145)
Includes the daybook and medical record of Dr. George Gilmer of "Pen Park" and Charlottesville. One entry, March 12, 1772, refers to treatment for Thomas Jefferson. (#6145, -a, -b)
Two letters from Harry Gordon to Mr. Thurston discuss affairs between the British and the Indians, mentions troubles with Indians near Detroit and Fort Michilimackinac, difficulties with building fortifications in the area, and French success with the Indians (1764); he also writes about finishing his reports on the inland forts with a map of their locations, the few numbers of British troops in his area, the poor condition of the forts, partially due to the nature of the materials used in their construction and repair, the management of troops, and the plan to survey the area around the south shore of Lake Erie. (McGregor Library #10547-az)
A copy of typescript excerpts from Thomas Grant's journal which includes brief accounts of his service in the Revolution, containing references to General Horatio Gates' defeat in 1780 by Lord Cornwallis, military action around Charlotte, N.C., and Cornwallis march through North Carolina in 1781. (#5419)
Photostat of a letter written to an unidentified person which discusses the problem of building a college on the banks of the Ohio during wartime and the unrest and possible separation of western settlers from Virginia. (#107)
Photocopies of papers relating to the ordination of David Griffith by the Bishop of London, 1770, and of Griffith's activities as a surgeon in Washington's army, 1778. Includes an order signed by Lord Cornwallis instructing that no harm was to be done to Griffith while attending Colonel [George] Baylor and other wounded soldiers captured by the British at Old Tappen in N.Y. (#2554)
Included are contemporary copies of two letters, June 12 and July 10, 1777, from Colonel Lewis Willis to Charles Yates describing military life. Willis writes from Middlebrook and Morristown, New Jersey. (#49, etc.)
Mostly letters addressed to Thomas Miller and James
R. Ferguson of Goochland. A letter from Christian
Febiger (1746-1796), a Dane who emigrated to America in
the 1770's and eventually became colonel of the Second
Virginia Regiment, reports to the Court of Cumberland
County that his post will soon have a shortage of
provisions and that Cumberland and surrounding counties
have been ordered to supply him. For other letters from
Febiger discussing his problems, see
Register kept by Rev. William Douglass including names of Afro-Americans born and christened, notes on ministers employed, 1720-1727, and information on finances. Also available on department microfilm (M-700). (#923)
Collection includes photostats of records for the Goose Creek Baptist Church, 1775-1811, in Upperville, Virginia. (#4496)
Include references to her father's experiences in the Revolutionary War. (Barrett Library #7633, -a, -b)
Microfilm includes a number of letters from various prominent revolutionary figures collected by Cabell Gwathmey. (#38-239 and 38-239-a)
Includes Revolutionary War pension claim. (#8904)
Papers contain five vouchers of military service for Revolutionary War veterans from Prince Edward County. (#3270-b)
The papers of Sir Andrew Snape Hamond, bart. (1738-1828), a British naval captain during the Revolution, and those of his son, Sir Graham Eden Hamond, bart. (1779-1862). The elder Hamond's papers consist mainly of official records relating to his very active and influential naval career and to his brief political assignment as Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, Commissioner of the Navy, and Commander-in-Chief in Halifax, 1781-1782. Highlights of his wartime career include his service in the coastal rivers of Pennsylvania and Virginia where he mastered the art of river warfare, and his role in the invasion of Charleston, 1780. The personal material, although limited, is of special significance. The personal correspondence (1766-1778) of Hamond with Hans Sloane and Hans Stanley gives the views of three Englishmen to the approaching separation of the colonies from England. Also of importance are Hamond's excellent narrative account, written from 1783 to 1785, of his role in the Revolution during the years, 1775-1777, and his autobiography which covers his career to 1794. Principal correspondents include: Marriot Arbuthnot, Robert Digby, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, Lord George [Sackville] Germain, Lord Thomas Graves, William Hotham, Lord Richard Howe, John Montague, Peter Parker, Molyneux Shuldham, Philip Stephens, and William Tryon. Available on department microfilm (M-1722-1724). (McGregor Library, #680, etc.)
A bound typescript copy of a history of the militia unit formed among students at Hampden-Sydney College during the Revolution by Joseph D. Eggleston. (#2699-d)
The collection contains a photocopy of the vestry book of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, 1744-1802 and a typescript (1905) on "Virginia Parish Lines" by Rev. E.L. Goodwin. (#2536)
Correspondence, diaries, and business papers of the Harrison and Meems families which contain materials relating to the Revolution: a Richard Henry Lee letter to J. Jennings, May 31, 1769, comments generally on imperial policy; and, a certification that Florence Blair is a widow of a Revolutionary war veteran and is entitled to her husband's pension. Includes typescript copies of correspondence between Betsey Ambler (Eliza Ambler Carrrington) and her friends and a series of letters to her sister concerning her life during the Revolutionary War. Typescripts of these letters are also in accession nos. 6403-i and 6723. A fuller description of these letters can be found in the entry for Eliza Jaquelin Ambler Carrington Papers (6723). (#7661)
Photocopies of original papers in the Virginia State Library. The collection consists of correspondence, accounts, receipts of Hayes, a Philadelphia printer of the firm Dunlop and Hayes, who was engaged by Governor Jefferson in 1781 to be the government printer. There are letters from Hayes to Governors Jefferson and Henry Lee and from John Dunlop to Hayes. There are also various papers relating to Hayes' printing business with the state. A letter, June 12, 1781, from William Fleming to Colonel William Preston discusses the war situation, Cornwallis, Tarleton, appointments to the Virginia Assembly, and the government's withdrawal from Richmond with the approach of the British. (#7304)
The collection contains transliterations from the original German, 1974, by William Edward Eisenberg, of signers of the congregational constitution, 1776, baptismal records, 1750-1848, communion records, 1775- 1812, and lists of sponsors and godparents. There are also excerpts from books mentioning the church and the Henkel family, and a photocopy and transcript of a 1776 petition to the House of Delegates for exemption from parochial taxes to the established church. (#5065-a)
Collection includes subscription book concerning construction of the church building, 1735-1737; baptismal records, 1752-1816; communion book and pastoral records, 1775-1877; minutes of congregational meetings, to 1950; lists of bond holders; and miscellaneous notes pertaining to the church's members, land holdings, building and property maintenance, and financial matters. (#5988, & 5988-a)
This diverse collection of American and English literary and historical papers contains two pay warrants, May and November, 1780, signed by General James Hamilton, Commander, Royal North Britain Fusiliers, and Lieutenant William Hoey, respectively, both with the Convention Troops in Albemarle County. (#6435-a)
Photocopy of a letter from Henry to Governor Thomas Johnson of Maryland concerning defense preparations for the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay area and the evacuation of animals and grain which the British could use. Original owned by Historical Society of Pennsylvania. (#1068)
Henry writes Edmund Pendleton, October 21, 1776, regarding the replacement on the council of Fielding Lewis, who was ill. (McGregor Library #4918)
A letter from Governor Henry to Messrs. Van Biblin and Harrison, November 22, 1776, informing them that a Board of Commissioners has been set up to manage all naval matters and that they are to turnover the Revenge, a prize they had captured, to the Board. There is also a leaf from Henry's ledger book, 1788-1795. (#5078)
A miscellaneous collection of papers relating to Patrick Henry and his family. Included are receipts to Henry and an extract from the journal of the 1775 convention made by William Wirt for his biography of Henry. (#38-473)
Typescripts (carbon) of about ten letters, 1776-1783, from Herndon of Spotsylvania County to the Reverend James Stevenson, Gloucester Courthouse which makes a few general references to the problems between the colonies and England. (#2817)
Mainly business papers of Major Heth (d. 1822), a Chesterfield County merchant who served in the First Virginia Regiment during the Revolution and became a prominent Federalist. About a dozen items pertain to this period and consist largely of deeds, a plat, and indentures. (#38-114)
Miscellaneous papers of these families consisting largely of 19th century material; two letters written in 1783 and 1784, one by John Marshall, relates to military certificates. Also available on department microfilm, M-690 & M-1499. (#5071)
Microfilm of a diary of a Hanover County physician (original in the Library of Congress) with considerable comment on various events of the Revolution. Topics mentioned are Lord Dunmore, George Washington, Patrick Henry, the Virginia militia, privateering, inflation, money, counterfeiting, Burgoyne's invasion of 1777, Rochambeau and the French army, Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, George Rogers Clark, the western campaigns, the British invasion of Virginia, and Honyman's meeting with Comte de Rochambeau. Honyman was present at Yorktown and provides his observations on that battle also. (#8417)
Includes references to aid to Revolutionary War victims and strong opinions about Thomas Paine and famous Americans including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. (#7777)
Photocopy of a letter from Howe to General Clinton explaining his reasons for going up Chesapeake Bay rather than the Delaware River. (#4469)
This collection of the personal, legal, and business correspondence of three generations of the Hubard family contains two items pertaining to the Revolution. There is a letter from Robert Lawson to Major William Hubard, April 21, 1781 stating that General Nathaniel Greene has ordered 2200 militia under Lawson's command to join the Southern army. Also "Instructions to the Delegates and Freeholders of Charlotte County," October 16, 1776, which endorse direct election of senators and the elimination of the tax on dissenters for support of the Church of England. (#8039)
A nineteenth century transcript containing extracts of Captain Robert Kirkwood's "Journal of Southern Campaign," 1780-1782, which includes entries for the march south from Morristown, N.J. and a description of the Battle of Camden [S.C.]. The item is available on reel (M-2277). (#9942)
Contains several letters of Elizabeth Pinckney and her son Thomas, a Revolutionary War general from South Carolina, mainly about personal affairs. (#6019)
This collection includes the papers of James Hunter, Jr., a merchant of Scottish descent who lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Some papers provide data on supplies issued to the Continental Army by Hunter in his role as Commissary for Public Stores in Fredericksburg. The bulk of the material for the period of the Revolution consists of correspondence from Hunter's several business partners and contacts. These papers document the problems encountered by merchants during wartime: fluctuating market values for goods, inflation and currency depreciation, privateering, and confiscation of goods by the enemy. A few pre-war letters from Duncan Ingraham, Jr., a London merchant, mention political events, such as the Boston Port Act, and show enthusiastic support for the American cause. In general, however, the papers contain little reference to military and political events during the war and post-war years, except as they impinge on business activities. Some information is included on Hunter's speculative ventures, but little exists on his father, James Hunter, Sr., an owner of an iron foundry at Falmouth, Virginia. (#38-45, etc.)
Transcript of "An Address to the First and Second Virginia Brigades at Feu de Joie at Valley Forge, May 6, 1778," by Reverend Hurt, chaplain of the Second Brigade. (#2840)
The microfilm contains the file copy of a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Baron von Steuben, December l, 1780, concerning the expiration of enlistments prior to major campaigns. (#6228 and 6228-a)
Instructions from George III disallowing Virginia's law, passed in 1769, adding an extra fifteen percent import duty on slaves and admonishing Nelson to assent to nothing "by which the Importation of Slaves shall be in any respect prohibited or obstructed." (#3195)
Personal, legal, and commercial papers of the Watts, Saunders, and Featherstone families, and their connections, of Prince Edward, Botetourt, Campbell, and Bedford Counties in Virginia. Revolutionary era material are mainly the papers of William Watts (d. ca. 1798), an attorney of Prince Edward County, and later of Botetourt and Campbell Counties. Most of the papers are business records, but included are numerous court records from Amelia, Buckingham, Cumberland, and Prince Edward Counties. Other pertinent material includes a letter from Brigadier General Robert Lawson to Watts, September 27, 1781, authorizing him to secure military supplies by impressment or other means, and payrolls for Captain Addison Lewis' troop of the First Regiment of Light Dragons commanded by Colonel Theodorick Bland. (#38-33 & 116)
The collection includes a photocopy of a Fairfax County court record, February 1782, relating to claims for property "impressed or taken for public service." (#6589-k)
Family records, land grants, wills, and other papers of the James family from Lower Norfolk, later Princess Anne, County. Also included is a copy of a minute book for Linhaven Parish, 1724-1882, and several lists of tithables and taxable property for the area, chiefly the lower, middle, and upper precincts of Eastern Shore, the upper and lower Western Shore precincts, and Blackwater and Little Creek precincts. (#38-402)
Surveys, maps, and plans of the town and vicinity including two copies of maps made for Count de Rochambeau's forces, 1781. (#38-591)
Writing to "Madam," Martha Jefferson discusses patriotic sentiment among women in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.. (#3668)
Photostatic copy of a payroll for Captain George Lewis' Cavalry Company, May, 1977. (#3086)
Correspondence, surveys, deeds, official documents,
accounts, and miscellaneous papers such as drawings,
music, and memorabilia of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826).
The bulk of the material relates to the 1770's and
1780's and primarily concerns his personal affairs. Most
items are original documents, but copies are included
when the only originals are known to be in county court
houses, in foreign repositories, or in private hands.
Occasional items reflect his role as a delegate to the
Second Continental Congress, as Governor of Virginia,
and as the United States' Minister to France and deal
with politics and military affairs at the state,
continental, and international level. Complementing this
material are microfilm and other copies of Jefferson's
papers at the Library of Congress, the Massachusetts
Historical Society, the Huntington Library, and from
other repositories and private owners. A guide,
Contempory copies of letters to Richard Henry Lee regarding the relations of the colonies with Great Britain and portraits of Lords Chatham and Camden which had been purchased for the Westmoreland County Court House. (#967)
This collection of miscellaneous autographs and manuscripts includes engravings of Samuel Adams, George Rogers Clark, and Lafayette. (#6693, etc.)
Bound volume of printed and mimeographed material and a typescript relating to Jack Jouett, Jr., The Swan Tavern, and the Jouett family. (#784)
Contains two letters of interest: one from Charles Pettit to Nehemiah Hubbard, October 13, 1778, which mentions General Nathaniel Greene and supplies, and a letter from Elias Boudinot to Lewis Pentard. (#3070-d)
Includes miscellaneous memoranda, typed transcripts, and a clipping relating to colonial and revolutionary soldiers from Augusta County and the Ausgusta County militia. (#557)
Ledger for a store at King William Court House. (#3552)
Accounts for a country store in Linville, Rockingham County. Entries are largely in German. (#1717)
A typescript of a letter informing an unknown recipient about the reduction in whale oil duties. (#38-668)
Lafayette, writing three days before his engagement with Cornwallis at Green Spring, Virginia, gives Captain Belfield some instructions regarding military matters. (#8097)
A grant of land in Fayette County, Ohio, to Michael Gratz for his service in the Revolutionary War. (#6215)
Includes letter, 1784, from Patrick Henry to John Tabb regarding purchase of land in Amelia County and a survey, 1785-1786, by H. Marshall of land near the Licking and Ohio Rivers for James Monroe. (#6089)
Includes receipts of Captain William Lane for payments for expenses incurred in recruiting and obtaining supplies for the 2nd Battalion and for its journey to Georgia to join the Continental army. There are receipts for horses, nursing sick soldiers, small arms, and provisions. (#8606-f)
Handwritten copies of Laurens' public papers reflecting mainly the period when he was a member and president of the Continental Congress. The papers concern foreign and domestic loans, currency, credit, and other financial matters. (McGregor Library, #2298)
Collection includes typed transcript of the proceedings of Hanover Presbytery, pertaining to church affairs, distribution of financial resources, and discussion of church members' and ministers' personal conduct, and including lists of ministers attending meetings. Also available on department microfilm (M-17). (#2625, -a, -b & 832)
Both letters from Lee while a commissioner abroad concern his efforts to obtain supplies and money from Holland. One letter, November 12, 1778, is believed to have been written to C.W.F. Dumas. (McGregor Library, #2281)
Microfilm copy of cases adjudged by Lee in the Virginia General Court and the High Court of Chancery, including some unreported cases. Also included are some opinions of Chief Justice Paul Carrington and Judges Bartholomew Dandridge, William Waller Hening, Peter Lyons, and James Mercer. (#4958)
Microfilm includes the papers of General Fitzhugh Lee with material relevant to the Lee and Mason families also. Most of the items of the revolutionary period are bonds and other papers relating to John and Hancock Lee. There are two letters, one from an unidentified surveyor, December 26, 1780, and one from George Mason, September 10, 1782, regarding land interests which they, Captain Hancock Lee, and others had in the area of Green River, in Jefferson County, and other parts of western Virginia. (#8494)
A letter to Arthur Lee in which Richard Henry expresses the hope that Silas Deane will be censured following the publication of Hezekiah Ford's vindication of Arthur Lee. (McGregor Library, #2523)
Microfilm copies of typescript copies of four letterbooks. The first three books contain letters of Lee (1739-1795) to business associates and to his brothers Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794) and Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797). A partner in the firm of deBerdt and Sayre, London, Lee's letters chiefly concern the tobacco trade. However, letters to his brothers contain numerous comments of political events in England and the colonies with frequent references to prominent leaders in Virginia and England. The fourth volume is almost exclusively business in nature. The originals are at the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Stratford Hall. (#882)
This collection consists primarily of the papers of Arthur Lee (1740-1792) and those of his brothers, Richard Henry (1732-1794) and William (1735-1795) from "Stratford Hall," Westmoreland County. The bulk of the material, comprised of originals and copies from various repositories, including the Library of Congress, Harvard University, and the American Philosophical Society, falls into the 1760's and 1770's and provides comprehensive documentation for virtually all aspects of the revolutionary era. Arthur Lee's letters begin in 1760 when he was a medical student at the University of Edinburgh; later in the sixties, his letters and those of William Lee's, both of whom were in England, deal primarily with trade and commerce, but include frequent observations on English politics, the Stamp Act, and other topical issues. The collection is particularly valuable for revealing the development of a revolutionary spirit in America in the early 1770's and also sheds light on the diplomatic ventures in which Arthur and William Lee were involved. Correspondence to and from Richard Henry Lee reflect his involvement in Virginia and continental politics as a member of the House of Delegates (1780-1784), as a delegate to the Continental Congress (1774-1779), and as president of the Congress of the Confederation (1784-1786). Some insight into Richard Henry's assessment of the Confederation and his disenchantment with the Constitution is also included. Besides the Lees' papers and those of their relatives, there are included papers of John Adams, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James and Joseph Gardoqui, Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, Mrs. Catherine MacCauley, James Madison, James Monroe, Robert Morris, Edmund Pendleton, Adam Stephens, and George Washington, among others. The major portion of these papers has been microfilmed under the title, "Lee Family Papers, 1742-1795;" a published guide to the microfilm edition is available. Available on department microfilm, M-1714-1721. (#38-112, etc.)
Correspondence and other papers relating to the Fendall, Harrison, Miller, Murray, and Jones families of Loudoun County. A few items of relevance for the Revolutionary era are in boxes 16, 18, and 22. Of particular interest are items in box 22, including an account of Charles Lee with the State of Virginia, October 1783, and miscellaneous legal papers and notes regarding cases tried by Charles Lee in the 1780's. There is also a letter, February 7, 1786, from Henry Lee, Jr. to his father informing him that discussion of "the affairs of the empire" awaits a quorum in the Confederation Congress and a petition, probably drawn in the 1780's, by the citizens of Fairfax County complains about the high taxes for road repair. (#8557-a)
Contains Mary Sherlock's receipt of lands granted to her father, Captain Samuel Timpson for his military service and her affidavit regarding disposition of the land. (#5668)
Four letters written by Captain William Lewis in various months of 1778 to James Hunter, a merchant in Fredericksburg. Lewis describes Norfolk's ship-building industry which is depressed both by the British blockade and the drain of labor for military service. He also discusses naval action at Hampton Creek and Ockracoke as well as colonial privateering. (#9512)
A collection of miscellaneous papers relating to the Lewis, Latane, and Taliaferro families. Included is a note from Colonel Daniel Morgan endorsing a furlough for Lieutenant [Henry] Waring, Fifth Virginia Regiment, because of illness. Also, two commissions, one from Governor Jefferson, October 2, 1780, appointing William Latane a lieutenant in the Essex County militia, and one signed by Governor Henry appointing him a lieutenant in the Sixth Company of Militia (Virginia). Other items include tickets used by John Taliaferro Lewis to attend medical lectures, 1777-179, at the University of Edinburgh and a few business and legal papers of John Taliaferro Lewis for 1784. (#38-418)
Papers of an Essex County family contains a letter from a George McCall, probably a Scottish merchant, written from Glasgow, June 5, 1780, inquiring whether it would be possible for him to return to Virginia to recover some property in order to be able to afford to support and educate his family. Also avaiable on department microfilm (M-192). (#2345)
A vestry book for this Amherst County parish with four documents, 1789-1807, relating to the parish enclosed within. (#7909)
The plantation journals of Philip Lightfoot (d. 1786) and of his son, Philip (1784-1865) of Cedar Creek and Port Royal, Caroline County. Volume one contains a ledger for the years 1781-1793. (#592)
A typescript listing of soldiers from Augusta County
who served in the Revolution. Copied from John H.
Gwathmey,
In a notebook containing mostly medical remedies, there is a copy of a report of the New Jersey Council of Safety's investigation of two Quakers, Abel and James Thomas. The Quakers had been behind British lines in New York and were suspected of subversive activities, but President William Livingston and the Council found them not guilty. (#7886)
A draft of a letter to the Board of Admiralty from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, regarding the King's decision to send troops to Jamaica and West Florida as part of an effort to conquer the Floridas and New Orleans from the Spanish. (McGregor Library #6209)
Electrostatic copies of two printed documents, February 20, 1786, and January 27, 1787, regarding military pensions signed by Patrick Henry and Edmund Randolph, respectively. (#437-j)
A manuscript volume containing detailed entries for the court proceedings from June 8, 1762, to February 15, 1764. Entries include levies assigned and prices set for various kinds of alcoholic beverages sold in the county and ages of slaves for lists of tithables. (#2760)
An essay entitled, "The Part Taken by Nansemond County, Virginia in the American Revolution," by W.E. MacClenny. This essay is only available on department microfilm (M-19). Collections also includes other typescripts by MacClenny and newspaper clippings on the history of Nansemond and Suffolk Counties which mention events of the Revolutionary period. Available on department microfilm. (#38-270)
A commonplace book kept by Hugh McConnel of Fish Kill Landing, New Jersey, containing copies of American and British poetry, songs, letters, toasts, anecdotes, and speeches. Also includes a chronology of the Revolution and a map of the seige of Boston, 1775-1776. (#6329)
Includes one item pertaining to the Revolutionary War: an oath of allegiance to Virginia of John McCue, Jr., October 4, 1777. (#4406)
Includes family and business news and Revolutionary War claims. (#1707, 1755, 1755-a and 1755-b)
Included in this collection is a ledger containing transcripts of letters from Eliza Ambler Carrington (Betsey Ambler) to Ann Ambler Fisher which contain some recollections of her life as a young girl during the war. (The transcripts are in a volume entitled, "Illustrative Cases in Real Property.") (#2969-a)
Contains a letter, A. Smith to Captain Vivion Minor, December 19, 1782, regarding British naval activity in Chesapeake Bay and the possible recall of Arthur Lee from the Continental Congress. (#38-470)
Transcripts of three letters of Macon's (1758-1837) pertaining to his military duty while a student at Princeton and to the military service of John Markham and John Branham. (#2618)
Letter from Madison and Theodorick Bland, Jr. to Governor Benjamin Harrison, May 14, 1782, discusses the question of Virginia ceding her Western territory to the Confederation and Sir Guy Carlton's peace commission. (McGregor Library, #2019)
A nineteenth century letterbook which contains copies
of seven letters from James Madison to William Bradford
during the period 1772-1775. Topics discussed include
Philadelphia's "tea party," religious liberty, Indian
problems, relations between Lord Dunmore and the
Virginia Assembly, the Continental Association, popular
sentiment in Virginia, and the speech of Logan, the
Shawnee chief, to Lord Dunmore. All letters have been
published in
Primarily the business papers of Nathan Mallory, an Orange County farmer, which give some insight into the operations of a small planter. Materials pertinent to the years between 1760 and 1790 include legal papers, several accounts, receipts, a bill of exchange, slave valuations and slave bills of sale and John Mallory's will and inventory of his estate. (#38-140)
Two items pertain to this period: Robert Breckinridge, Cumberland Court House, informs Major George Rice, Assistant Deputy Quartermaster at Albemarle Barracks, January 4, 1782, that he is returning a horse and saddle belonging to the army and mentions Colonel Christian Febiger. A letter from Richard Claiborne, Deputy Quartermaster General at Richmond, January 15, 1782, encloses Colonel Edward Carrington's explanations for the abolition of most military posts and gives instructions for the disposition of horses, wagons, and other property in the custody of the addressee. (#38-453)
The collection consists of photocopies of documents relating to the Hunter family of Princess Anne County and allied families. Includes a list of tithables of Jacob Hunter, June 10, 1775. (#38-635)
Microfilm of a scrapbook containing autograph letters from Revolutionary era figures, especially signers of the Declaration among other American political and professional people. Only six items pertain to the war and relate to such topics as military activities in New York and South Carolina, prisoners of war, and Valley Forge. (#9757-a)
An American Loyalist describes his preparations for a voyage from England to America, sailing on a British troop ship, the landing of British troops at Elk River, Delaware, an engagement with an American privateer, and anti-loyalist sentiment in Charleston. (#4727)
Business, legal, and personal papers of these families which contain some items pertaining to the Revolutionary era. There are legal papers written and/or signed by John Marshall, and legal and business papers of John and Ralph Wormeley and the Fairfax and Lee families. Also there are several letters from William Grayson of Dumfries which were written while he attended the Confederation Congress and concern the management of his affairs back home. Finally, there is a certificate stating that Peter Rust was a militiaman who was wounded during the war. (McGregor Library #1106)
Collection contains a ledger containing the general merchandise accounts of Hudson Martin & Co. and Martin's accounts as clerk for the Albemarle County Court; it includes an account of rum, wine, and sugar seized from Robert Harksley, a British commissary, and accounts for accounts with Jack Jouett, George Gilmer, Thomas Walker, Jr., Philip Mazzei, Hastings Marks, John Harvie and others including Virginia troops. (#38-2)
Mason's letters refer to various Virginia and Continental political issues of the period. The June 4, 1779, letter mentions public finances, defense of the state, the ratification by Virginia of the treaty with France, sale of public lands, the confiscation of Loyalist estates, and the naturalization of foreigners, among other topics. Writing as a delegate from the Philadelphia Convention, May 21, 1787, Mason speculates that the consensus seems to be to abandon the Confederation for a new national government; the letter includes a list of possible reforms of the Articles of Confederation. (McGregor Library, #990-a)
Mason of Williamsburg writes a merchant in Bermuda about Virginia's new law allowing confiscation of British lands and their re-sale to private investors. Mason offers his services as agent should the merchant be interested. (#3830)
This collection of papers relating to the Mather family contains a letter from Samuel Mather to John Hancock, September 18, 1776. Mather gives a description of Boston during the seige, mentions the Declaration of Independence, and advises that America should remain neutral in European affairs and that paper money should be backed by bullion. (McGregor Library, #38-632)
Includes a bound volume of letters written to and collected by Joshua and Thomas Gilpin of Philadelphia. Thomas Gilpin was a Quaker pacifist during the Revolution who, along with a group of Quakers, was exiled to Virginia in 1777 by Pennslvania's Supreme Executive Council. There is an exchange of correspondence between Gilpin and the Committee of Fifty in Philadelphia concerning actions of his which violated Committee orders and various other letters which give Gilpin's view on various issues and events of the Revolution. During the 1780's there is an exchange of letters between James Maury, a Liverpool merchant, and various correspondents, including his brother, Mathew Maury of Virginia. These letters are concerned mostly with personal and business affairs, but some mention the economic distress of Virginians caused by their debts to English merchants. (#3888)
Photocopies of Mazzei's letters to James Madison,
Thomas Jefferson, John Blair, and Mr. Lomax. Most of the
letters are in Italian and concern his activities as an
agent for Virginia in Europe and contain his
observations on political and economic affairs. Some of
these letters are published in Richard Cecil Garlick,
Jr.,
Includes a letter from Captain Everard Meade (1746-1802) to Francis Thornton, his brother-in-law, June 14, 1776. Meade, who failed to receive a promotion in the army, sharply criticizes Virginia's "executive power" for its promotion policy. (#10126-a)
Includes correspondence between the Everard Meade family of Virginia and the family of Hodijah Baylies of Dighton, New York. Topics include visits bewtween the Meade and Baylies families and family news and news of the capture of a British ship by militia off the New Jersey coast in 1777. (#10126-c)
A portion of this letter concerns a bill passed by the Virginia legislature for the relief of George Rogers Clark, poverty stricken and ill, by providing him the largest pension ever awarded by the State. (#7308)
Include letter, 1767, to John Morgan, concerning attempt of veterans of the French and Indian War to obtain land for their services and letter, 1774, to unknown recipient, in which Mercer replies he has sent the recipient's letter for publication, mentions that the governor has declined land warrants for Virginia officers who served in Northern regiments and will allow some surveys on the Ohio River. He urges his correspondent to present his case for the surveys to Lord Dunmore. (McGregor Library, #990)
Microfilm copies of letterbooks, journals, ledgers, and invoice books of Robert Townshend Hooe and Richard Harrison, merchants of Alexandria. Originals are in the New York Public Library. Besides reflecting the business activities of the firm of Hooe and Harrison, there are also records for James and Harris Hooe and for Hooe, Stone & Co. The records include the names of many persons from the Northern Neck of Virginia and from southern Maryland and they also reflect the fluctuations of prices and currency values, and the conduct of overseas trade during the 1770's and 1780's. (#3005)
These papers contain historical and genealogical information about Page County. Information concerning the Revolutionary War is included. (#4148)
This manuscript describes the condition of various churches in North Carolina and Virginia in the period following the Revolutionary War. (#10340)
A collection of miscellaneous autographs of prominent Americans contains two letters written in 1785 by Benjamin Harrison and Edmund Pendleton respectively, both relating to personal business affairs. (#9030)
Includes a letter, December 4, 1798, from Richard Henry Lee to Richard Anderson, a surveyor working on Revolutionary War claims in Jefferson County [W. Va.], about some problems concerning land claims devised to his son, Cassin, by Arthur Lee. (#9030-a)
Includes letter from Francis Walker Gilmer to Leslie Combs regarding a Revolutionary War veteran's petition to the legislature. (#10509)
Among the papers in this collection is an account book, ca. 1764-1785, of John Craford, probably of Botetourt County. (#8953)
Included in this collection is a nineteenth century affidavit of Robert Coleman, Buckingham County, concerning his service in the Revolutionary War. (#4756)
Includes a petition, 1781, to the Maryland Court of Admiralty concerning the disposition of the Betsy, a prize captured by Captain Gear Chadwick of the Recovery; receipt, 1784, for sale of John Guthrie's military service claim; a letter of introduction for Lewis Littlepage written by Alexander Nelson to Nicholas Low, October 31, 1785, which mentions that Littlepage is being sent by Virginia on a mission to France; and legal documents, 1774-1790, primarily subpoenas for lawsuits in Loudoun and Culpeper counties, Va. (#3136)
Three letters pertain to the Revolutionary period. Jacob Morris, an aide to General Charles Lee, writes to his son, Charles Valentine, August 25, 1841, about his wartime experiences and a visit to Lee while Lee was a British prisoner. Two letters, October l, and November 3, 1930, discuss Lee; the former, believed to have been written by Charles M. Morris, seeks to exonerate Lee from the charge of treason. (#772)
The papers of this family from Hanover and Louisa Counties include the papers of Colonel Richard Morris, a member of the Committee of Safety of Hanover County and Assistant-Paymaster and Commissary for the State of Virginia. There are receipts and accounts for money and supplies issued to Virginia and Continental military units. A letter, February 11, 1788, from Morris to James Maury speaks critically of Patrick Henry for his role in raising a general opposition to the Constitution. (#38-79)
Miscellaneous papers relating largely to the Revolution including muster and pay rolls for various companies in the First and Ninth Virginia Regiments. There is also an agreement between Generals Cornwallis and Greene concerning an exchange of prisoners (May 3, 1781)), a ledger sheet from the account book of Maurice Simons, a merchant who sold cloth and other yard goods to the army, and a statement (April 17, 1782) of Lieutenant John Heel defending himself against charges of desertion. (#5974, etc.)
An electrostatic copy of a return for the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army, signed by Bartholomew Yates. (#7898-a)
A payroll, October 1778, for Captain Charles Porterfield's company, 11th Virginia Regiment, Colonel Daniel Morgan commander; and, a muster roll, April 1780, for the companies of James Pendleton, Drury Ragsdale, and Whitehead Coleman of the lst Regiment of Artillery in the Continental Army. (McGregor Library, #6164)
Nelson writes John Page discussing events around Norfolk and the battle at Great Bridge. He also expresses his fear of the British navy and comments on the general unpreparedness of Continental forces. (#9975)
Includes letters of William Nelson written between 1766-1772 and concern primarly business affairs including bills of lading for tobacco. Also includes letters about business affairs from Thomas Nelson after 1772. These letters concern the settling of William Nelson's estate in 1772 and occasionally refer to the turbulent political climate and its impact on trade. (#5074)
Primarily papers of the Nelson family of "Belvoir," Albemarle County, and contains several nineteenth century copies of 1779 and 1781 pay receipts for Matthew Pope et al for his service as a surgeon, 1777-1781. (#2831 and 2831-a)
There are several typescripts of letters, 1776 and 1781, which refer to the impending crisis, the war, and the burning of New London, Connecticut. (#7789)
Includes miscellaneous records pertaining to this Rockbridge County church, including the names of men who served in the war with their rank and corps. (#38-117, etc.)
The correspondence, business papers, and accounts of Wilson Cary Nicholas (1780-1820). Of importance for the Revolutionary era is the correspondence between Robert Carter Nicholas (1715-1780), Wilson Cary's father, and the prominent London merchant John Norton of John Norton & Sons mercantile firm. Most of the material consists of correspondence and receipts pertaining to business matters, although several letters, 1769-1770, refer to the Townshend Acts. An October 14, 1769 item in this series mentions the letters of Junius Americanus (Arthur Lee). There is also a weekly return of the troops under Captain Muhlenburg's command, November 1780-1781, and a document, July 5, 1783, certifying that John Burton of Caroline County served six months in the army without pay. Also included are a letter from John Page, President of the Council, to Colonel Lewis, 2nd Battalion of Minute Men, August 1, 1776, instructing Lewis to rendezvous for a campaign against the Cherokees; a commission, October 26, 1780, appointing Wilson Cary Nicholas a lieutenant of the volunteers; and, a return of men under the command of Brigadier-General Robert Lawson. Another relevant item is a "Register of Warrants," 1828, issued under a Virginia law entitled: "An act for the relief of certain Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution." (#2343)
Relates mainly to the commerce of this port; one register covers the period, 1783-1790. Microfilm copies of the originals in the Virginia State Library. (#5293)
Miscellaneous papers of this company organized by Robert Morris to sell millions of acres of land in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other states. Most records are post-1790, but there is one ledger which lists various state notes in the possession of Daniel Ludlow and Company. Some entries are for notes issued in the 1780's by South Carolina and Georgia. In part, contemporary transcripts. (McGregor Library #3573)
A series of consecutively arranged maps depicting the itinerary of a trip taken from Rowan County, North Carolina, to Loudon County. The maps show the roads taken along with intersecting roads and names of towns, plantations, churches, streams, rivers, fords, and inns. Possibly drawn by a member of the Stockton or Eddy families of New Jersey. (McGregor Library #1112)
The letter concerns an alleged fraud in a transaction involving land received for service in the Revolutionary War. (#3778)
Contains papers of the Washington and Lewis families, Lawrence Lewis, James Madison, Richard Henry Lee and Robert Beverley. Papers of the Washington and Lewis families pertain cheifly to the settlement of George Washington's estate. James Madison letters include the following: a copy of a fragment of a letter to Joseph Jones [December 5, 1780] mentions Henry Lauren's capture, the effect of the capture of Britain's "Quebec and Jamestown fleets," a hurricane in the West Indies, and a visit with the Chevalier de Chastelleux and the grandson of Montesquieu along with other French officers; and a contemporary copy of Madison's essay which refutes the proposition that the value of money is regulated by the quantity of it. Other items of interest are: letter, June 30, 1783, from John Beckley, a Virginia delegate to the Confederation Congress, discusses various proposals before Congress, including the impost bill; a letter, June 19, 1788, from Phillip Fendall to Christopher Richmond that the Virginia Convention is expected to approve the new Constitution by a small majority; letter from Major William Croghan to James Nivison, August 14, 1787, regarding Captain William Saunder's bounty land; and a request from the publisher of William Gordon's history of the Revolution to George Washington requesting that he subscribe. (McGregor Library #2988)
Photocopy of unsigned notes, n.d., on the administration of the quartermasters' and commissaries' divisions of the Continental Army and Navy, with recommendations on the provisions of rations and other supplies. The original is in the Laurens Papers at the Long Island Historical Society. (#488)
Contains several items pertinent to the revolutionary period. One, a 1780 broadside in French, is General Lafayette's proposal to the French Canadians inviting them to join forces with American and French forces. There is also Joseph Nourse's (1754-1844) "Wastebook", 1773-1782, which contains accounts of his pay while secretary to General Charles Lee as well as accounts for various purchases of military supplies. A nineteenth century copy of a letter from Mrs. Elizabeth Fouace to William Nourse, March 10, 1782, describes the terms of release for William Nourse who had been held prisoner by the British. Correspondence between Joseph Nourse and Maria Nourse in the 1780's contain occasional mention of social activities in Philadelphia attended by various members of government. A microfilm copy (M-547) of a transcript of a "memoir" of the Nourse family contains references to the activities of family members during the revolution. (#3490 and 3490-a)
Contains two Revolutionary War claims. One is a copy of a warrant to pay Silas Deane $10,500 for his services as commissioner to France. The other is a letter from Nahum Ward to Joseph Nourse, May 17, 1834, requesting additional evidence, regarding the Delafield claim made by Shifflatt of Savannah. (#3490-d)
Microfilm copies of three letterbooks in the National Library of Scotland at Edinburgh. Richard Oswald (1705-1784) was one of the English negotiators at Paris and a friend of Franklin's. Reel one contains correspondence of Mrs. Mary Ramsey Oswald to her husband, 1761-1763; two contains miscellaneous letters to Oswald from various correspondents; occasional reference is made to military affairs in America; and, three contains the correspondence, 1765-1784, of John Maxwell, Oswald's agent, or factor. Other material related to Oswald's family affairs may be found in accessions 4138 and 4280. (#4220)
Four memoranda and two letters written by this London merchant who lived for a while in the colonies. In these papers he presents his plan for the pacification of the Carolinas by placing the military under a new civilian authority. The plan included a recommendation that Cornwallis withdraw from Virginia to the Carolinas. He also includes notes of a conversation held with Henry Laurens, imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time, on the same subject. Also discussed are the strategic importance of the Elizabeth River and a proposal for an alliance with Russia. (McGregor Library #703)
A letter to James Madison congratulating him for his work in getting the Constitution ratified in the Virginia Convention. (#7960)
John Page, vice-president of the Virginia Committee of Safety writes to Patrick Henry, November 4, 1775, upbraiding him for missing a meeting of a council of officers and discusses preparations taken for defense of the colony. Also include letter, 1785 January 11, from James Monroe mentioning his exhaustion from traveling, arrival of members of Congress, and the inconvience of the delay of Paine's draft. (#6106)
Electrostatic copy of a letter to Francis Lightfoot Lee regarding the Silas Deane controversy. (#8056)
Included is a copy of the manuscript minute book, 1762-1859, of the Broad Run Baptist Church in Fauquier County. (#4305)
Correspondence and clippings regarding the cannon from the British sloop Otter salvaged from the Back River in Virginia. (#855)
Letters include anecdotes about the Revolutionary War from places the writer visited in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. (McGregor Library #10547-cg)
Electrostatic copies of service records for this Fauquier County Captain of the First Virginia Regiment. Originals are in the National Archives. (#7863-a)
Includes an 1839 letter from Judge Richard Parker to Elizabeth Winter Lomax, regarding the Revolutionary War service of her father, William Lindsay, land claims arising from his service and the possibility of petitioning Congress in order to obtain the pension for her father's military service in the Revolution. (#2468)
Payroll, November 1779, for the First Regiment of
Light Dragoons of the Continental Army, commanded by
Colonel Theodorick Bland, and a muster roll, June 1779,
of Captain Whitehead Coleman's Company of Artillery in
Colonel Charles Harrison's regiment. The first item has
been published in part in William T.R. Saffell,
One item is a payroll of Captain Silvannus Smith's company in Colonel Timothy Bigelow's Regiment of Foot. (#7768)
Writing James Madison in 1780, Pendleton mentions General Nathaniel Greene's passage through Virginia to join the Southern army and a skirmish with the British; he also gives an estimate of the enemy's strength. (McGregor Library #3643)
Writing to Richard Henry Lee, Pendleton speculates on the effect on "National Character" of entertaining ambassadors and other foreigners of distinction; he also comments on Lord Chatham's death and on Maryland's attitude toward the Northwest Territory. (#4798)
Includes various pieces of Maryland and Pennsylvania colonial currency and Continental currency all between the years 1770-1777. (#7605-a)
Correspondence, account books, receipts, bills, indentures, and other legal papers associated with "Pocket" Plantation on the Staunton (Upper Roanoke) River in Pittsylvania County, most notably the papers of John Smith, Jr.(1740-1776), Ralph Smith (1776-1827), and the Clement family (1827-1880), all of whom were connected with "Pocket". The bulk of the collection concerns the operation of the plantation and provides extensive documentation of tobacco and hemp agriculture, slave records, iron manufacturing, the relation with Scottish merchants, and the social and personal life of a planter family. Revolutionary era material include a letter mentioning the repeal of the Stamp Act (May, 1766) and records pertaining to Pittsylvania and Bedford Counties. There are also tables of money depreciation and list of requisitions for food and clothing for the army. (#2027)
Photocopies of letters from William Fleming and Andrew Lewis to William Preston regarding relations with the Cherokees and defense of the frontier, possible effects of the American defeat in Canada, procurement of supplies, and action against Lord Dunmore. Originals in the Draper Manuscripts, Wisconsin Historical Society. (#38-538-a)
Most of the relevant material relates to William Preston's service fighting Indians on the Virginia frontier, 1756-1761. There are several pages from an account book, 1772-1777, which contains names of Revolutionary soldiers. (#6353)
A collection of letters from prominent Virginians which includes a letter from Thomas Marshall (1730-1802) to Brigadier General William Woodford discussing various matters pending before the Virginia assembly for its apparent unwillingness to provide financial relief for officers in the Continental Army. (#6995)
One item, December 2, 1778, is a copy of a letter from Nancy Cunningham of Philadelphia to Sally Treackle in which she describes her flight from Philadelphia and informs Miss Treackle that her brother, Captain Severn Treackle, is alive and well in a British prison camp on Long Island. (#2338)
Randolph informs James Madison about the outcome of the election of U.S. Senators by the Virginia legislature. He describes Patrick Henry's support of Richard Henry Lee and William Grayson and Henry's opposition to Madison because of his "federal politics" and the attempt to "gerrymander" the House district which included Orange County. In closing, Randolph observes "that nothing is left undone, which can tend to the subversion of the new government." (#4205)
In this letter, Randolph gives an opinion to
Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, regarding
a dispute over military rights to land. See
Receipt signed by Harbord, captain and commander of Major General Riedesel's Regiment of Foot, and Wilhelm Hèyer, lieutenant and regimental quarter master, for 17,580 rations of provisions from the Commissary General of America, Daniel Weir, for the Convention troops at Albemarle Barracks. (#38-660)
A rental book for two Loudoun County plantations, Belvoir Plantation and Berkeley Plantation, kept by Bataille Muse, manager for Mrs. Sarah Fairfax, widow of George William Fairfax. There are notations by Wilson Miles Cary. (#10088)
An archeological document which shows the location of bodies, but contains no information from tombstones or on the cemetery's location in Williamsburg. (#3395)
Several items pertain to the Revolutionary war period: Orders, 1780, by Horatio Gates to survey the coasts and the posts in southside Virginia in anticipation of the arrival of the French fleet; a list of officers confirmed by Congress; and, a draft of a letter from Abner Nash, Revolutionary War Governor of North Carolina, 1780, describing the Battle of Camden and the defeat of General Sumter at Hanging Rock. (McGregor Library #3620)
Contains a resolution, 1781, probably drafted by John Taylor of Caroline, and enclosed in a letter from Edmund Pendleton to James Madison, March 27, 1781. The resolution claims that Virginia was bearing the entire cost of the war and berates the North for not sending aid. The resolution was not passed because the General Assembly received word that help was on its way. There is also a hand-written copy of an account, 1776-1784, of the Loyal Company showing dividends received by members for investments in a lead mine operation. (#2313)
Microfilm of the papers of Jean Baptiste Donatieu de Vineur, Comte de Rochambeau (1725-1807), commander of the French expeditionary forces sent to America in 1780. Topics include Benedict Arnold, the Wethersfield Conference, May 1781; the Dobb's Ferry Conference, July 1781; and the Philadelphia Conference, July 1782. Also included are Rochambeau's journal, 1781, of the Yorktown campaign with plats and related documents. Correspondents include Generals George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, and Henry Knox. (#7289-c)
Typescript copy of the muster roll of Colonel Abram Penn's regiment, 1781. (#363)
An illuminated honors grant granted by Charles III, King of Spain, to Bernardo de Galvez for his services against the British, 1779-1781. The manuscript gives a brief account of the activities of Galvez, mentioning action against the Apaches, 1763, his exploits at New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Natchez, and his conquest of Pensacola in 1780, the crowning achievement of his career. (McGregor Library #6163)
Correspondence, diaries, and other papers of the
Carter Family of "Sabine Hall," Richmond County,
organized into three groups: the papers, 1650-1799, of
Landon Carter (1710-1788), the papers of the Carter
family, especially Robert Wormeley Carter (1734-1797)
and his grandson, Robert Wormeley Carter (1797-1867),
and the diary of Landon Carter, 1752-1778. Landon
Carter's papers and diary are of major significance for
the revolutionary era to his death in 1778; there is
very little pertinent material for the 1780's. The
collection richly documents the life and activities of
an eighteenth century planter and a member of Virginia's
ruling aristocracy. The papers are also significant for
revealing the position and opinions of one who
resolutely resisted Parliament's taxation and governance
of the colonies, but who became less enthusiastic and
more retiring politically as the issue of independence
neared, fearing the currents of republicanism stirred by
the resistance movement. Available on department
microfilm (M-1790-1793). There is a published guide to
the microfilm edition of the papers available from the
Manuscripts Department; the guide lists Carter papers in
other repositories as well. The first portion of the
papers to 1778 have been calendered in Walter Ray
Wineman,
Minute books for this parish in Fredericksburg. Also available on department microfilm (M-1298). (#1639)
Records of this Augusta County church whose members were mainly German and Swiss. Entries down to 1850 are in German and a translation is available. Available on department microfilm (M-2127). (#5794)
Contains claims for military bounty lands and pensions for service in the army, navy, marines, and the Virginia State Navy during the Revolution and the War of 1812. There are genealogical entries for some claimants, noting birth and death dates and marriages. (#4653)
Photostatic copies of two manuscript maps showing parts of Savannah for the years listed. (#4041)
Typescript copies of three pages from a memorandum book kept by William Selden (1741-1783), Rector of St. John's Church, Hampton, Virginia, 1771-1783. Entries show reimbursements given Selden for weddings, baptisms, funeral sermons, and boarding and teaching students. (#38-564)
Includes letter, August 4, 1784, from Mann Page to Colonel Oliver Towles, concerning a slave, George, who had applied for his freedom on the grounds that he was descended from a free Indian woman. (#3525-s)
Electrostatic copies of various official documents relating to the life and military careers of William Shackelford (d. 1777) and James Tutt, both of Spotsylvania County. Originals located in the Library of Virginia. (#3525-x)
Entry book, 1783-1794, kept primarily by Jacob Rinker, for the distribution of vacant lands in Shenandoah County, Va., formerly Dunmore County, according to the General Assembly's Act concerning surveyors. (#544)
Contains a note regarding the military service of his father in the Battle of Point Pleasant and other action against Indians in the West. (#4978)
Typescript copy of a sketch of the life of Dr. John Tankard (1752?-1836), a surgeon in the Continental Army, who was present at Yorktown. Tankard relates an incident in which he claims that De Grasse intended to sail his fleet to the West Indies before Cornwallis surrendered. When Washington failed to dissuade DeGrasse, Lafayette interceded and prevailed upon DeGrasse by threatening to expose him publicly as a traitor and a coward. (#38-561)
Contains a diary kept by Slaughter (1758-1849), a Culpeper County farmer and captain with the Eleventh Virginia Regiment, in which he reminisces about his Revolutionary War experiences. (#6556-b)
Typescript from the U.S. Bureau of Pensions regarding the service of Jonathan Smith, a soldier in the First Regiment of the New Jersey militia. (#4036)
Microfilm of originials in the Library of Congress. There are eleven letters in the Carter family papers, to or from John Coles of Albemarle County, or his wife, which relate to political and military matters, and include mention of Lord Dunmore, the landing of the British in South Carolina, the dissatisfaction of many Virginians with the heavy taxes on slaves, problems of inflation and paper money, and the military situation around Camden, S.C. Other pertinent items in the Smith family papers consist of a list of foreign officers serving in the Revolution, an account of the Battle of Camden, and a nineteenth century anecdote concerning Smallwood's Regiment, probably during the New York campaign, 1776. (#1729)
Photocopy of a certificate of membership in the Society of Cincinnati issued to Daniel Bedinger. (#9251)
Microfilm of the papers of the Associates of Dr. Thomas Bray, especially relative to the establishment of schools for blacks in Williamsburg. Included is a bibliography for colonial libraries established by the Society and minute books, 1729-1808. (#669 & 709)
A typed copy, 1930, of "Some Southern States Veterans of the American Revolution," compiled by John Elliot Bowman. (#38-190)
Photostat of a letter from Major Spotswood (1751-1818) to Edmund Pendleton noting the advantages of burning Norfolk and other towns. Original is in the Alexander William Armour Collection at Princeton University. (#1858)
Electrostatic copies of papers in the Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina, relating to the Pinckney, Middleton, and Rutledge families. Most items pertain to personal affairs but a letter from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney to his mother, June 29, 1776, describes the Battle of Fort Moultrie. (#4908)
Contains mainly broadsides and other documents chiefly relating to Loudoun County, Virginia. A number of items list pensioners paid by the State for their service in the war. (#382-d)
Includes material about Revolutionary War pension claims and references to ratification of the U.S. Constitution and Jeffersonian party politics. (#228-a)
Includes letter, November 5, 1787 from George Washington expressing his pleasure at Maryland's quick ratification of the Constitution. (#8122)
Includes ca. 25 items, 1775-1783, chiefly military papers and oaths of a few soldiers who have contacted Archibald Stuart (1757-1832), a Staunton lawyer, about obtaining land or other reimbursements due them for their military service. (#228)
Included are prints of Revolutionary War figures, e.g., John Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and John Paul Jones. Also included are symbolic depictions of America and a print of Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown. (#5035)
Land patents, surveys, legal papers, and letters of this Frederick County family. Included are three diaries of Thomas Swearingen of Berkeley County recording his experiences while serving with Colonel Charles Mynn Thruston's regiment in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Thruston's regiment was one of the "additional" Virginia regiments attached to the Continental Line. Swearingen chronicles his military activities in three different periods of 1777: January 29-March 31, April 1-9, and September 10-November 13 and details the march northward to join Washington at Morristown as well as providing insight into various engagements during the New Jersey and Philadelphia campaigns. Also mentioned are various courts martial, military fines, troop strengths, and celebrations of the victories at Ticonderoga and Saratoga. There is also a fragment of a letter from John Calef, August 4, 1773, concerning his business meetings with Sir Francis Bernard and William Legge, the second Earl of Dartmouth, which mentions the hearing of Governor John Wentworth of New Hampshire before the Board of Trade. (#8130)
Three letters, 1781-1786, to Vincent Tapp, Albemarle Barracks, concerning supplies, reports of capture of enemy outposts, a land survey for the army, and settling of military accounts. (#38-482)
This collection includes a merchandise ledger, 1770-1771, for a store in Riceville, Pittsylvania County, Virginia. (#38-80)
Papers relating to John Taylor of Caroline (1753-1824) including an letter from Taylor to General William Woodford concerning Taylor's activities in the Continental Army which expresses concern over the frequent rotation of officers. Also, there is a sketch (ca. 1795) of Taylor's life by Edmund Pendleton, and a biographical sketch (n.d.) of John Penn, Taylor's father-in-law. (#2521)
Includes photocopies of muster roll, 6 October 1776, of the Third Virginia Regiment of Foot, commanded by George Weedon, signed by William Woodford; payroll, July 1777, for the Third Virginia Regiment of Foot, commanded by Thomas Marshall; and muster rolls, August-September 1777, for the 4th Company, commanded by John Chilton,of the Third Virginia Regiment of Foot. (#4304)
An incomplete, nineteenth century copy possibly by
Anna Eliot Ticknor wife of George Ticknor, of an account
of Webster's visit with Jefferson at "Monticello,"
December 1824 (misdated 1825). (The original is in the
New Hampshire Historical Society). The extract includes
Webster's observations about Jefferson's appearance and
daily habits and relates several of Jefferson's
recollections, including his visit with Comte de Buffon
in France, the fast day in Virginia in 1774, the writing
of the Declaration, and the character, abilities, and
influence of Patrick Henry. There is also a sketch of
the first floor at "Monticello," a feature not included
in the original manuscript. Although the copy is not
verbatim and is mistakenly dated "Dec. 1825," it is
nonetheless a reasonably reliable version for the
portion of the original which it covers. A published
version, which also contains editorial errors and
changes, may be found in
An unbound book containing daily listings of various official communications submitted to and of persons who appeared before a governmental body, possibly the Privy Council, reported to be in Charles Townshend's hand. Townshend was Paymaster-General at the time and the notes refer to a number of colonial developments during the tumultuous period of opposition to the Stamp tax and other imperial regulations. There are occasional notes about the action taken, but no indication of the substance of proceedings or of the contents of documents submitted. (McGregor Library #10547-cr)
Margaret Brandum, an Afro-American woman, Petersburg, Va., writes on 1824 December 11 to John and Charles Tucker, Brunswick County, Va., requesting assistance in getting recompense for her ancestor, Ned Brandum, an Afro-American who served as a substitute in the Revolution for a "Mr. Roaney." Apparently Mr. Roaney had promised Ned Bradum three slaves for his service, but Brandum did not receive them. (#3307)
Collection includes a power of attorney, 1832, designating William Vawter to act on behalf of Pugh and Mary Clay Price in the sale of land in Virginia and pursuit of a Revolutionary War claim. (#3307-a)
In a letter to John Page, Decemebr 31, 1780, St. George Tucker (1752-1827) comments on Benedict Arnold's treason, the execution of John Andre, the second British invasion of Virginia, currency depreciation, and the battles of King's Mountain and Camden, South Carolina. (#6455)
Included is a facsimile produced by the Indiana Historical Society of a letter from Governor Patrick Henry to Colonel George Rogers Clark, January 2, 1778, containing instructions concerning Clark's secret mission into the West to capture the British fort at Kaskaskia (Illinois) on the Mississippi River. Also included are an appointment, 25 October 1770, of James Lane as sheriff of Loudoun County, Va., signed by William Nelson and an appointment, 27 November 1783, of justices of the peace for Loudoun County, Va., also assigning them special powers to hear criminal cases involving slaves, signed by Benjamin Harrison. (#38-457)
The second volume of this manuscript reflects the various business activities of the printing office of the Virginia Gazette during the early period of the imperial crisis and includes entries for books sold, subscriptions, advertisements, and other business conducted by Virginia's public printer and, at that time, publisher of the colony's only newspaper. Available on department microfilm (M-1679 and M-1794). A published guide to the microfilm edition is available from the Manuscripts Department. (McGregor Library #467)
Originals in the Library of Virginia. Contains four documents relating to the trials and executions of blacks charged with crimes in Sussex and Charlotte Counties; claims for the Revolutionary War; a compensation claim of Charles Gratiot for provisioning George Rogers Clark; petitions for a change in boundaries between Staffford and King George counties, contesting an election, protesting local religious Dissenters' meetings, for a local court to accommodate increasing crime, requesting that parish boundaries be changed and from the Virginia General Assembly to the U.S. Congress, for aid during the Revolutionary War; and memorial concerning the Virginia General Assembly's dispute over the land along the Monongahela River. (#3076)
Includes a letter from Lord Dunmore, May 1, 1776, inquiring about royal officials believed to be held captive in North Carolina. (#7879)
This group of miscellaneous autographed papers of members of the Continental Congress contain two items pertinent to the period. One is an excerpt from a receipt book, June 26, 1777, which records disbursements of state funds for provisions for the 1776 expedition against the Indians, for supplies for the Continental Army and the Virginia militia, for travel expenses of delegates from their home to the Virginia legislature, and for the cost of maintaining Loyalist prisoners from North Carolina. The other item is a reimbursement, October 2, 1782, to Meriwether Smith for his services as delegate to the Continental Congress. (#8486)
Contains daily regimental orders, records of courts martial, extracts of orders from Generals Muhlenberg and von Steuben and from Governor Thomas Jefferson, December 1780; and a copy of an intercepted letter to Cornwallis from General Leslie, November 4, 1780 is also included. The entries were made mostly by Lieutenant Joseph Jones while the Dinwiddie militia was in the vicinity of Williamsburg. Also contains miscellaneous accounts; a memoranda, 1770, about gardening; and accounts, 1779, of Peter Smith, mulatto. (McGregor Library #993)
A letter from Heron Nelson & Co., August 22, 1785, mentions the scarcity of money, prospects for trade in the West Indies and lists prices for various commodities. (#2232, 2232-a, and 2232-b)
Collection includes an account between Captain William Hughes and the United States for supplying damaged beef to the Hessian troops at the Albemarle Barracks. (#437-h)
Includes a letter from James Craik to Christopher Richmond, July 6, 1785, concerning the inability of Congress to pay soldiers and officers and expressing concern that the certificates will become objects of speculation. (#5978)
Contains an Arthur Lee document assigning power-of-attorney to Jonathan Dickerson of Philadelphia during Lee's absence abroad. Also includes letters from James Monroe complaining of the decline in the people's support for the war and regarding the formation of a corps of the Virginia Militia to staff munitions factory. There is also an undated manuscript by Monroe entitled "Notes on the Constitution." (#7224)
This collection consists mainly of prints and engravings of Virginia places and includes the only known depiction of the barracks for the Convention Troops quartered in Albemarle county. The engraving, published by William Lane in London in 1789, is entitled "Encampment of the Convention Army at Charlottesville in Virginia after they had surrendered to the Americans." (#9408)
This microfilmed collection contains letter book copies (1779) of official state proclamations and letters signed by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson while serving as governors of Virginia. The governors' correspondents include Raleigh Colston, Filippo Mazzei, Peter Penet, Alexander Gerard, Daniel Morice, Godefrey Lintot and Lazarus Defrancey. Also included are letter book copies (1779-1780) of communications between Governor Jefferson and members of the Virginia Board of War consisting of James Innes, Thomas Nelson, Samuel Griffin and James Barron. The letter book also contains an account of monies paid by the War Office. Letters from George Woodson to Frederick Woodson complete the collection. Enclosed with these letters are copies of letters from Filippo Mazzei and George Washington. (#8352-b)
Written to Reuben Lindsay, the letter mentions the adjournment of the Virginia Convention (1775) and the "capture" of Quebec. (#3900)
Early papers relate mostly to the business of Thomas Walker of "Castle Hill," Albemarle County, and especially the Albemarle Iron Works. Also included are a request from David Ross to Walker, October 11, 1765, that his deed be recorded that day to avoid paying the stamp duty, a discharge certificate for Joseph Newman, and items concerning the pension claim of Charles Witt. (#3098)
Mostly nineteenth century correspondence of the Walker family, but includes a certification of an oath of allegiance and fidelity for Stephen J.H. Smith of Orange County, July 25, 1777, and several fragments of ledgers, 1770-1796. (#1513-a)
Letters and documents of a Scottish-American merchant family. The letters mention Lord Dunmore's seizure of the arms at Williamsburg, the response of Scottish and British merchants to events in America, the dismantling of the fort near Great Bridge, and the defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga. Most interesting are several letters written by Gustavus Brown Wallace to his brother, Michael, while at Valley Forge and later, after the fall of Charleston in 1780, while a prisoner at Haddrel's Point, S.C. which gave informative accounts of the life of a soldier and the sufferings of prisoners of war. Of particular note is a letter from Gustavus to Michael Wallace, February 13, 1778, in which he reports on a movement in Congress to remove George Washington as commander-in-chief. Also mentioned is the attempt to destroy Howe's fleet by floating kegs of gunpowder among the ships, an event which inspired Francis Hopkinson's "Battle of the Kegs." (#38-150)
Mercantile books kept by William Waller, a store owner in Hanover. Included are a salesbook, 1784-1785, daybooks, 1784-1792, and a ledger, 1784-1798, listing transactions with people in Williamsburg, Yorktown, Warwick, Hanover County, and the plantations along the James River. Available on department microfilm (M-1256). (#5638, -a)
Microfilm of a manuscript volume containing copies of West Hanover Presbytery minutes and other documents relating to the founding of Augusta and Liberty Hall Academies, forerunners of Washington and Lee University. (#3123)
Washington instructs General William Heath on
measures to take in connection with the defense of New
York City. The letter is published in
Letter to Robert Morris giving him a comparative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of General William Howe's army and expressing surprise that Howe has not moved toward Philadelphia. There is also mention of the capture of General Charles Lee by the British and a lengthy explanation as to why Washington did not take action against the Hessian officers in retaliation for the treatment of Lee. (#9375)
Written to Colonel Landon Carter in which Washington mentions harassing General Howe's foraging parties while in winter quarters at Morristown, N.J. and speculates upon Howe's objectives for the spring campaign; he discusses his own manpower problems and describes a "bridge train" which the British had built, a series of boats constructed that could be mounted on wagons and moved from river to river. (#9791)
Writes to General Artemas Ward in Boston inquiring whether he can find employment for the numerous Frenchmen who have besieged Washington seeking positions. (#9527)
Washington instructs General James Potter to send a number of his men to Washington's army. (#6192)
Contemporary copy of a letter from George Washington to Theodorick Bland, August 21, 1779, appointing Bland commander of the guard at the Albemarle Barracks; appended is a copy of an act of Congress instructing the commander not to move the prisoners without permission of the Board of War or the Commander-in-Chief. (#9803)
Copies of two letters written by George Washington at
the time of his appointment of commander-in-chief of the
American forces. One to Mrs. Washington, June 23, 1775,
was written as he was about to leave Philadelphia for
Boston; a letter to Burwell Bassett, [June 19] 1775,
relays Washington's thoughts concerning his appointment.
Both letters are reprinted in John C. Fitzpatrick,
Typescript (carbon and original) copies including a letter from George Washington to Colonel William Preston (1729-1783), the surveyor of Fincastle County, February 28, 1774, concerning some problems regarding Washington's land bounties in the western part of the state. Especially troublesome was Lord Hillsborough's opinion that the bounties were for British Regulars, not Americans, who fought in the French and Indian War. Other items are a letter from Colonel William Christian, October 15, 1774, vividly describing the Battle of Point Pleasants, a listing of Continental officers as of October 2, 1780, and Washington's orders for the uniform dress code which contains descriptions of the uniforms. (#62)
An embossed print of Washington crossing the Delaware. (#5344)
Miscellaneous papers relating to this family in Winchester and elsewhere. Included are several pages from a letterbook of the firm of Washington, Butler, and Nivison of Mattox. The letters, all written in 1784 to the London mercantile firm of Forrest and Stoddert, discuss the difficulty of outfitting a ship in the rural areas touching the Rappahanock River. There are also several accounts (7797) for the store and an account for Captain Edward Washington, May 1, 1787. (#317 & 7797)
There are about 100 letters, 1776-1783, to Colonel Garritt Minor (1744-1799) of Louisa County from his brother James (1745-1791) of Albemarle County and other miscellaneous papers, mainly receipts. Topics mentioned include Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga, the Albemarle Barracks, Indian problems, currency depreciation, and Tarleton's raid on Charlottesville. (#530)
A typed copy of a journal, 1774-1782, of Zuriel Waterman, a Rhode Island doctor. Included are 1777 pay rates for Continental Army soldiers and a description of his experiences as Army surgeon in General Joseph Spencer's brigade, 1777-1779. The second section of the journal, January-July 1782 describes his experiences as a surgeon aboard an American privateer and as a British prisoner-of-war confined to a prison ship off Charlestown. There is also a ship's log kept by Captain Joseph Whitney from Rhode Island for ten voyages made between New England, Maryland, and the West Indies, 1769-1772. (#4685)
Correspondence, business, legal, and genealogical
papers of these and related families of Williamsburg,
Suffolk, Nansemond counties, and other parts of
Tidewater. Eighteenth century material consists mainly
of the papers of Joseph and Robert Prentis, merchants in
Williamsburg, and includes correspondence, receipts,
accounts, colonial tax receipts, ledger and account
books, and legal papers. This material provides rich
documentation of the business activities of the
Prentises with numerous Virginians and with various
English merchants, including John Norton, Samuel
Athawes, and Thomas Shrimpton before, during, and after
the war. The correspondence with the English merchants
provide occasional reference to debts and the loss of
property. There are typed transcripts of some of the
Prentis correspondence. There is also a group of papers
of the Vice-Admiralty Court during John Randolph's
tenure. These latter papers have been edited and
published by George Reese, in "The Court of
Vice-Admiralty in Virginia and Some Cases of 1770-1775,"
Contains orders for personal and household expenses, tavern expenses, the execution of the estate of General Hugh Mercer, military land warrants, lottery tickets, and iron forges. Weedon was a Fredericksburg innkeeper who became a Brigadier General in the Continental Army. Available on department microfilm (M-1395). (McGregor Library #2525)
Reports to Thomas Jefferson on military matters and the expectation of the arrival of more ammunition. (#11259)
In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, Weedon discusses the failure of his plan to protect the lower Virginia counties and Newport News from British vessels on the James River. According to news received from Captain William Davenport, Captain Chandler of the Patriot disobeyed orders of Weedon's to patrol the area only, and engaged the British instead, losing his ship and crew. (#8107-a)
This Fredericksburg innkeeper writes to James Hunter, a merchant in Williamsburg about the affairs of the Masonic Order and personal matters. (#8107)
Mr. White, a representative in the Virginia House of Delegates from Frederick County, informs Mrs. Mary Wood about current business before the House and mentions the strong opposition to James Madison's candidacy for the U.S. Senate. (#2203)
Diaries, journals, legal papers, and correspondence
relating to Wickham's (1763-1839) personal affairs and
to his law practice in Williamsburg and Richmond. His
diaries contain a record of his travels in Europe in
1784 with observations about various people, places, and
countries; there are lengthy comments on various
cathedrals and on French art. Volume II of the diaries
contain notes on legal cases tried in Williamsburg,
1785, and a record of fees due him from the Hustings
Court at Elizabeth City, 1787. Expenses for his European
trip are recorded in Miscellaneous Books, January
10-March 1, 1784 (?). In his Notes and Memorandum Books
and the Miscellaneous Books there are legal notes,
1766-1780, some critical remarks on Jefferson's
Microfilm copy of this autograph collection includes letters from Edmund Fanning (1739-1818), loyalist and organizer of the American Regiment of Foot; Fanning supported Governor William Tryon both in North Carolina during the Regulater movement and in New York. There is also a commission for John Wickham, Jr., an Ensign in Fanning's regiment. (#928)
Microfilm copy of a ledger of a Williamsburg merchant and dealer in dry goods, hardware, liquor, and tobacco. Includes accounts for Richard Geddy, Hugh Nelson, Thomas Nelson, John Page, Edmund Randolph, Corbin Washington, James Wilson, and George Wythe. (#9529)
Personal, legal, and financial papers of Francis Willis of Gloucester county. A few records pertain to the time of the Revolution, including a page from a ledger, a copy of the Virginia Gazette [Purdie & Dixon], August 9, 1770, and miscellaneous legal papers. (#8304)
Includes transcript copies of letters from Joseph Williams to William Coit written between September 3, 1775, and November 9, 1776. His letters refer to events during the seige of Boston, including the British landing at Lechmere Point and the fortification of Dorchester Heights, and to the campaign in New York during the fall of 1776. Being a member of the Commissary Department of the Continental Army, Williams reports on the status of supplies and troop movements as well as commenting on other events. (#7677-a)
Two items pertain to the discharge of Benjamin Wood, "a Soldier in the First Virginia Regiment." (#9666)
Correspondence, accounts, and other papers of Dudley Woodbridge, John Welles, and others who were blockade runners operating in the vicinity of Norwich, Connecticut. (McGregor Library #10547-dd)
Photocopies of papers relating to Colonel James Wood (1747-1813) and others. Included are a commission (1762) for George Weedon as lieutenant in the Virginia Regiment, a request for reenlistment of Virginia troops during the Revolution, several letters concerning supplies and other matters regarding the Convention troops in Albemarle County and later in Maryland, a report of a court martial, and a list of men detached to the Royal Artillery. Correspondents include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette. (#4562)
Correspondence and other papers of the Wormeley family of "Rosegill," Middlesex County, consisting primarily of letters and a letterbook of over 200 letters of Ralph Wormeley, Jr. (1744-1806). Wormeley was a Loyalist who corresponded with a number of English merchants and political leaders. His papers not only provide information on his extensive business affairs connected with the management of his plantation, but also provide trenchant commentary on politics and events of the day, e.g. the Battle of Bunker Hill and the character of "rebels." Other topics covered are post-war economic relations with England, West Indian trade, the return of captured slaves, and the problems with Loyalist claims. There is a letter from Mann Page, Jr., June 1, 1778, regarding the release of the Wormeley's from confinement and recommending that Ralph Wormeley take the Oath of Abjuration. An interesting item is an extract from a letter to Major John Grymes in which Wormeley defends John Adams' Defense of the Constitutions against charges of "monarchism;" he hopes that a strong government will result from the Philadelphia Convention and that "wisdom and virtue" will prevail over the "Sons of Anarchy and the bloodsuckers of America." Available on department microfilm (M-1522). (#1939)
Includes copy of Thomas Johnson's account and commonplace book concerning mainly the "Continental Clothing Account" particularly of the companies of Captains John Marks, Peter Jones, Overton Jones, Charles Pelham, Callohill Mennis, Clairborne Lawson, Nathan Reid, and Curtis Kendall; and an account book, 1772-1773, of Thomas Tinsley, for the inspection of tobacco, including entries for Jack Jouett, Thomas Nelson, Peyton Randolph, William Johnson, John Johnson, and Thomas Adams. (#437-ab)