View source for Swearingen License, 22-28 June 1786

[[Swearingen License, 22-28 June 1786|Surveyor's license issued by Governor Patrick Henry and signed by Wythe, June 22, 1786]]. Original image at [https://historical.ha.com/itm/autographs/patrick-henry-surveyor-s-license-twice-signed/a/6113-34003.s Heritage Auctions.] The license was issued to Josiah Swearingen, son of Colonel Van Swearingen. Colonel Van Swearingen was Colonel of Militia in Frederick County, but after the resignation of George Washington's brother Samuel, was promoted to County Lieutenant. 


[[File:SwearingenSurveyorsLicense1786P1.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Page one of a surveyor's license issued to Josiah Swearingen by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry and signed by Wythe.]]
[[File:SwearingenSurveyorsLicense1786P2.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Page two of a surveyor's license issued to Josiah Swearingen by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry and signed by Wythe.]]


==Document Text, 22-28 June 1786==

===Page 1===

<blockquote>
We the president and professors of ''William'' and ''Mary'' college do hereby certify his excellency the governour that we have examined Josiah Swearingen, gentleman, and find him able to execute the office and fulfil the duties of a surveyor; <s>and we nominate him to be surveyor for the county of</s> In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of the said college to be affixed this twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. 

::::''J.Madison P''

::::[[George Wythe|''G. Wythe]]''

::::''Robert Andrews''

::::''W. Belline''

The within named ''Josiah Swearingen'' is hereby required to give bond before the court of the said county, with two sufficient sureties, in the sum of ''Five Hundred'' <s>thousand</s> pounds, payable to the governour and his successours, for the faithful execution of his office. with advice of council, 

::::''P.Henry''
</blockquote>

===Page 2===

<blockquote>

The commonwealth of Virginia to ''Josiah Swearingen'' gentleman, greeting: Know you that our governour being duly certified of your ability and good character, hath constituted you the said ''Josiah Swearingen'' surveyor for the county of ''Berkeley'' with authority to execute the said office within the said county, and to take for so doing the fees allowed by law. Saving and reserving to the president and professors of the college of ''William'' and ''Mary'' one sixth part of the legal fees which shall be received by you. In testimony whereof these our letters are made patent. Witness ''Patrick Henry'' Esquire, our governour at ''Richmond'' the ''28<sup>th</sup>'' day of ''June'' in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ''Eighty Six''. 

::::''<u>P. Henry</u>''

</blockquote>

[[Category: Letters and Papers]]
[[Category: Wythe's Signature]]