Governor Henry to John Hancock, President of Congress, 19 November 1776
Contents
- 1 Letter text, November 19, 1776
- 2 Foot Notes
- 3 Letter text, November 20, 1776
- 4 Foot Notes
- 5 Letter text, November 21, 1776
- 6 Foot Note
- 7 Letter text, November 21
- 8 Letter text, November 22, 1776
- 9 Foot Note
- 10 Letter text, November 23, 1776
- 11 Letter text, November 26.
- 12 Foot Note
- 13 Letter text, November 26, 1776.
- 14 Letter text, November 29, 1776.
- 15 Foot Note
- 16 Letter text, November 30, 1776.
- 17 Foot Note
- 18 Letter text, December 5, 1776.
- 19 Letter text, December 6, 1776.
- 20 Foot Note
Letter text, November 19, 1776
Sir
Inclosed [sic] is a Bond from Major Sims89 & his securitys, [sic] who are sufficiently able, for duly accounting for the recruiting money neces-
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sary to raise one Battallion [sic] of which he is appointed a Major. I have the honor to be
Note: Attached to above note is the bond of Charles Simms of the County of Yohogania, [sic] James Wood90 of the County of Frederick, and Abraham Hite of the County of Hampshire.
Foot Notes
89 Charles Simms, major 12th Virginia, 1776; lieutenant-colonel 6th Virginia, 29th September 1777; transferred to 2nd Virginia, 1778; resigned in 1779.
90 James Wood (1750-1813) was a son of Col. James Wood, founder of Winchester. The Virginia Convention of 1776, of which he was a member, appointed him colonel of the 8th Virginia Regiment. After Burgoyne’s capitulation he was put in charge of the prisoners at Charlottesville. In 1783, as brigadier-general of State troops, he served during the Indian disturbances.
Gen. Wood was governor or Virginia 1796-1799, and president of the Society of the Cincinnati from October 9, 1784, until his death.
Letter text, November 20, 1776
The Commissioners of the Navy91 having informed this Board that the Schooner Revenge Capt. Deane is ready to proceed to Sea and desired to know if Coracoa [sic] would be a proper Port for her destination-
It is ORDERED that his Excellency the Governor be required to write to Thomas Whiting Esq. first Commissioner of the Navy informing him that as there is no Agent for the State at that Place This Board are of Opinion that the said Schooner and her Cargo should be consigned to Messrs Vanbibber [sic] and Harrison Agents for this Commonwealth at Martinico. [sic] And his Excellency is further required to write to the said Messrs Vanbibber [sic] and Harrison to pay a proper Regard to such Instructions that they may receive from the Commissioners of the Navy of this State and that they make their Returns to the said Commissioners who are to report the same to this Board.
Foot Notes
91 The Navy Board consisted of Thomas Whiting, John Hutchings, Chapion [sic] Travis, Thomas Newton, Jr., and George Webb. For list of officers of the Virginia Navy, see V. H. M. Vol. I, 64 et seqs.
Letter text, November 21, 1776
His Excellency the Governor having by an Express received Intelligence that upwards of one hundred Sail of the Enemy’s Ships- have moved from New York and are Steering Southwardly. It is the Opinion therefore of this Board that a sufficient Force should be collected for the protection of this State. For which Purpose a circular Letter was written to the County Lieutenants of Princess Ann, Norfolk, Nansemond and Isle of Wight Counties directing them immediately to embody one half of such part of the Militia in their respective counties that are furnished with Arms and to March such Militia to Portsmouth there to act under the commanding Officer of that Station. Also a Letter to the said commanding officer communicating this Intelligence to him that he may be upon his Guard.- A circular Letter was also written to the County Lieutenants of the following Counties
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to embody and march to Williamsburg the part of their respective Militia’s as following James City fifty Men besides a Minute Company; Charles City fifty, New Kent one hundred and fifty King William one hundred, Henrico one hundred King and Queen fifty besides a Minute Company and Surry fifty. And a Letter was also written to Capt. James Barron requesting him immediately to keep a strict Lookout and make known to this Board the Manoeuvres [sic] of the Enemy.
ORDERED that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver to Mr Hunters Waggoner five hundred Pounds of Powder and fifteen hundred pounds of Lead for the use of the Garrison at Portsmouth.
ORDERED that Brigadier General Lewis be requested, if he approved of it to order Lieut. Col. Spotswood92 and such Companies of second Battalion that have been recruited immediately to march to Hampton for the purpose of protecting that Post until proper Measures for that end can be adopted by this Board.
ORDERED that his Excellency the Governor be requested to write to Capt. John Dixon to have the ten thousand weight of Gunpowder now in his Custody belonging to the State removed immediately to Hanover Town, and also at the same time to inform him that all Expences [sic] attending the Transportation thereof shall be paid by the Publick [sic].
Foot Note
92 Alexander Spotswood, major 2d Virginia, 1776; lieutenant-colonel 7th May, 1776; colonel, 21st February, 1777; resigned 9th October, 1777.
Letter text, November 21
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governour, [sic] enclosing one from the President of the General Congress, and another from Mr. Searle of New Jersey; which were read, and ordered to be referred to the committee of the whole House upon the state of the country.
Resolved, That this committee do highly approve of the steps taken by the Governour [sic] and Council in consequence of the intelligence received from the Hon. the President of the Congress, as well to gain certain information of the destination as in providing for the security of the fortification at Portsmouth, at the same time to assure the Governour [sic] of the entire confidence we place in him and the Council; that in case of the probable approach of the enemy, they will exert the powers with which they are invested by law to call in such farther draughts of the militia as circumstances may make necessary for repelling the invasion.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governour, [sic] enclosing one from George Wythe, esq. with the proceedings of Mr. John Gibson, on his embassy to the southward, and another from our Delegates to the General Congress, with a resolution of Congress; which letters and papers were read, and ordered to be referred to the Committee upon the State of the Country.
Letter text, November 22, 1776
Col. Aylett92½ the Deputy Commissary of the Continental Army having represented to the Board the impracticability of supplying the Troops with rations as prescribed by Congress which if they could be procured would probably not give the satisfaction to the Troops here as might be expected from the Rations that have been usual and which it is supposed can be furnished as cheap as the others. It is therefore
ORDERED that the Governor be requested to write to our Delegates in Congress stating the substance of the above Representation, inclosing also an Account of the Rations allowed by the state and recommending the Adoption thereof for the Continental Troops serving in this Commonwealth.
[Gov. Henry wrote to Richard Henry Lee on November 22, as stated in Lee’s letter of Nov. 24-25, “I thank you for your favor of the 22d with its inclosures [sic] and will answer your letter by the next post, not being able to do it now with proper effect- I know we want Vessels both on Charter and to purchase in Virga & Maryland.- But more of this hereafter.”]
Foot Note
92½ William Aylett was appointed “deputy commissary general for supplying the troops of Virginia with rations” April 27, 1776. On the reorganization of the department of the commissary of purchases he was appointed on June 18, 1777, one of the four deputy commissary generals under Commissary General Joseph Trumbull. Aylett also acted as agent for carrying on the trade of the State and director of the State store until Dec. 3, 1777, when he resigned and was succeeded by Thomas Smith. He continued as commissary general until his death at Yorktown in 1781.
Before the war Col. Aylett had served for several sessions in the House of Burgesses as a member from King William. He was also a member of the convention that adopted the first constitution of Virginia. For published correspondence see Tyler’s Quarterly Magazine, Vol. I, p. 87 et seq.
Letter text, November 23, 1776
ORDERED that the Governor be requested to give Instructions to the commanding Officers of the nine old Battalions that they use their utmost Endeavours [sic] in the speedy recruiting their respective Battalions agreeable to the late Establishment of Congress- that they apply for such Sums of Money that may be necessary either to the Committee of Congress or the Continental Paymaster-, and also that the Governor write to the several Field Officers and Captains pressing them to exert their utmost Abilities on the Occasion.
Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy be requested to direct a Galley to the Capitol Landing as soon as it can be conveniently done in order to convey a Quantity of Powder to Hanover County- the Quantity now lying in the Magazine being judged to be too large for one Station.
Letter text, November 26.
Ordered, That the Speaker be desired to enclose the several resolutions of the General Assembly, giving instructions to out Delegates in General Congress, requesting him to transmit the same to the said Delegates.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governour, [sic] enclosing one from the President of the General Congress, and several resolutions of that honourable body; which were read, and ordered to lie upon the table.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governour [sic] enclosing one from col. Christian,93 on the subject of Indian affairs, which was read, and ordered to lie upon the table.
Foot Note
93 The Virginia Gazette of November 29, 1776, announces: “On Monday an express arrived from Congress to the Governor enclosing a letter from General Green, dated Fort Lee, Nov. 12th, to that honourable body, which contains the following advices, viz. That he was informed by a friend who fled from Staten island, that a body of 10,000 troops under the command of lord Dunmore, were embarked for South Carolina” etc. etc.
“And on Tuesday night an express arrived from col. Christian, with despatches [sic] to his Excellency, advising of his having returned from the Cherokee country, after concluding a treaty of peace with Oucanastota, [sic] and three other chiefs, on the part of the whole nation, in their capital of Chote”, [sic] etc. etc.
Letter text, November 26, 1776.
A Permit to the Sloop Washington Captain Moseley to proceed on her Voyage to Corracoa.
A Permitt [sic] granted to Sloop General Mercer Captain William Lewis.
A Permit granted to the Schooner Fanny Captain Benjamin Cluveries [sic] to proceed on her Voyage to Curraccoa. [sic]
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Liberty Captain Buckner the property of William Black to proceed with her Cargo of Coal and Tobacco to the Head of Elk.
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Betsey Captain Hague the property of the said Hague and others to proceed with her Cargo of Coal and Tobacco to the Head of Elk.
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Sloop Betsey Captain Selden to proceed with her Cargo of Coal to the Head of Elk.
Ordered that his Excellency the Governor be requested to write to Capt. James Barron desiring him to inform the Masters of all Vessells [sic] that may hereafter arrive to attend this Board and make a report of the state of their Cargoes before they either break Bulk or agree for the Sale of any part thereof.
An Invoice of Goods absolutely necessary for the Service of this State was produced by Monsieur Duncuff [sic] Germaine and offered for the Sale to this Board who accordingly purchased the same and the Invoice thereof is Ordered to be filed.
This Board having purchased of Monsieur Duncuff [sic] Germaine a valuable Cargo of Goods consisting of Articles immediately wanting for the use of this State, in the negotiating of which purchase, the Board was obliged to engage a considerable Sum of Specie, or in lieu thereof, to furnish the said Germaine with a Vessell [sic] that he might (whilst his own was repairing) export some of our Commodities- It was therefore
Resolved to charter a Vessell [sic] to the said Germaine and that the Navy Board be requested to furnish such a Vessell [sic] that can be the most conveniently spared & proper for the purpose of compleating [sic] this Boards engagement.
Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy Board be requested to direct the Schooner Adventure Capt. William Saunders to proceed to Saint Eustatia [sic] or Martinico [sic] and consign the said Vessell [sic] with Cargo to our Agents at those Places giving such Instructions to the Captain as they may judge proper.
Ordered that his Excellency the Governor be requested to direct the Commissary of Stores to deliver such Cloathing [sic] as may be necessary for the Slaves employed at the Lead mines.
Letter text, November 29, 1776.
A letter was read from James Mercer Esquire, resigning his seat as a member of the Privy Council.
[On December 4 David Jameson94 was elected to succeed him.]
Also a letter from the Governour, [sic] enclosing one from President Rutledge of South Carolina, with a letter from brigadier general Howe, requesting that Messrs. Pinkey and Ladson, officers from that State, may be permitted to recruit soldiers in this country; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table.
Foot Note
94 David Jameson, a merchant of Yorktown and a man of some scientific attainments. In 1781 he served as lieutenant governor, under Thomas Nelson, and was later a member of the State Senate. His nephews David and John Jameson were officers.
Letter text, November 30, 1776.
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Betsey Capt. Ford to proceed on her Voyage to Martinico. [sic]
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Peggy Capt. Zachariah Rowland to proceed on her Voyage to Martinico. [sic]
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Rambler Capt. Jonathan Buffington to proceed on her Voyage to Saint Eustatia. [sic]
The Board being informed that Capt. Lilly has not yet sailed notwithstanding repeated Orders have been given him for that purpose
It is therefore Ordered that the Navy Board be requested to make strict Enquiry into the Conduct of Capt. Lilly who is suspected of having made unnecessary Delays.
Ordered that the Governor be requested to write to the several Officers commanding the five Companies stationed on the Ohio- pressing them to use their utmost Endeavours [sic] for the speedy Reenlistment of their respective Companies agreable [sic] to the new Establishment of Congress.
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Aurora95 Capt. John Hutchinson the Property of John Richards, Hall and Hornor [sic] and Watson and Taylor and burthen two hundred Tons or thereabouts to proceed on her Voyage to Nants [sic] in France agreeable to a Resolution of Congress.
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Richmond Captain Alexander Massenburg to proceed on her Voyage to Martinico. [sic]
A Permitt [sic] granted to the Schooner Boat Diana Captain David Davis.
Ordered that the Commission granted by the Committee of Safety to Richard Taylor appointing him Captain of the Armed Schooner Hornett [sic] be now renewed and issued in the name of the Governor.
The Board being informed that the Schooner Hornett [sic] Capt. Taylor and the Sloop Defiance Capt. _______________ [sic] have their respective Cargoes on board and are now ready to proceed to Sea . . . It is therefore the Opinion of this Board that the Hornet should go to Cape Francois cosigned to the Captain and that the Defiance should sail for Surinam and be consigned to Raleigh Colston [sic] Esquire- Ordered therefore that the Navy Board be requested to give the several Captains Instructions for their Conduct.
Foot Note
95 John Hancock wrote to Governor Henry on Nov. 12, “The Secret Committee of Congress having chartered and loaded in the State of Virginia the Aurora, on account of the Contient, [sic] and the voyage on which she is bound being a most important one, I have it in charge from Congress to request you will give all the assistance in your power to expedite her sailing, by issuing such orders as you shall judge proper for manning and despatching [sic] her with the greatest expedition.”
Letter text, December 5, 1776.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governour, [sic] enclosing one from the War Office in the city of Philadelphia, requesting that the light horse in the service of this State may be marched with all possible expedition to join General Washington; and the Governour [sic] also, in his letter, submitted to the House the propriety of the masters of the College having the appointment of the surveyors to the new counties. Which being read,
Resolved, That the Governour [sic] be desired to give proper orders for the immediate march of the troops of horse raised in this Commonwealth, with their officers, to join General Washington, agreeable to the requisition of the War Office in Philadelphia, and to transmit to the said office a list of such articles as the said troops may stand in need of.
Resolved, That so much of the Governour’s [sic] letter as relates to the masters of the College, their granting commissions to surveyors, be referred to the committee of the whole House.
Letter text, December 6, 1776.
On the Recommendation of the Navy Board . . . It is Ordered that a Commission issue to William Green appointing him Captain of the Sloop Defiance in the room of Capt. Callender. [sic]
On the Representation of Peter Lepool Esquire setting forth that he is about to leave this State with an intention to settle in the City of Amsterdam for the purpose of Negotiating Business there for this Continent by way of Consignments- Resolved therefore that this State will consign to the said Peter- Lepool such Tobacco or other Commodities that may be necessary to be exported to Amsterdam for the purpose of purchasing the Manufacturies [sic] of Holland.
Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy Board be requested to direct one of the Row Gallies [sic] or some other armed Vessell [sic] belonging to this State to proceed immediately to the Head of Elk for the purpose of transporting seven hundred stand of Arms, purchased by our Delegates in Congress and lodged at that Place under the case of Mr Hollingworth- and that the said Commissioners give Instructions to Captain of such Vessell [sic] that may be sent for the aforesaid Purpose95 to return with the said Arms to this Place as soon as possible.
Foot Note
95 See Lee’s letter to Gov. Henry in Ballagh’s “Letter of Richard Henry Lee”, I, 228.
