Swearingen License, 22-28 June 1786
Surveyor's license issued by Governor Patrick Henry and signed by Wythe, June 22, 1786. Original image at 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.
Document Text, 22-28 June 1786
Page 1
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;
and we nominate him to be surveyor for the county ofIn 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
- 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
thousandpounds, payable to the governour and his successours, for the faithful execution of his office. with advice of council,
- P.Henry
Page 2
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 28th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Six.
- P. Henry
