PUBLICATIONS OF THE Virginia Historical Society. tow jetRi. N0o. I. Entered according to Act of Congreff, in the year. I874, Iby THE VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congreff, at Wafhington. Clemmilltt & ones, Printers. LETTERS () F THOMAS NELSON, JR., Governor of Virginia. RICHMOND: /177)-/l/al Historical/ %Soce'. ANNO MDCCCLXXIV. [EDITION OF 500 COPIES ONLY.] No. T HESE LETTERS, from the pen of Governor THOMAS NELSON, JR., relate to the siege of Yorktown, the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and the Naval and Military movements which resulted in that decisie triumph of the Continental arms, and are now publishedfor the first time. THE VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY are gratified to have this opportunity of quickening the public interest in Governor Nelson, whose example of self-sacrificing patriotism will outlast the bronze which commemorates his name. LETTERS. Thos. Nelson, 7r., B. G. to Major Dick. OTHING has offered fince I laft wrote, Holt's Forge, which renders it neceffary to vary the Jan'y 8th, I78I. orders then given. It was my wifh to have after6P.M colle&ted the troops on this fide of James River to one point, that if any opportunity presented itself of gaining an advantage of the enemy, we might have feized it to the beft effed. For this reafon I fhould this night have marched the troops here towards your ftation, but that this would have thrown our whole force too far into ye rear of the enemy, to give any protection to the lower country, fhould the enemy embark in any fhort time, which I think not improbable. If they fhould not, I fhall to-morrow morning draw clofer to them by the way of Charles City Court Houfe, and wifh you to keep as near them as you prudently can. In cafe of their embarkation and going down the River, you will march your troops by the moft direa [8] direst Route towards Williamsburg. I am, dear Sir, Your very h'ble fervant, Gov'r Nelsoz to the Marquis de la Fayette. SIR: Richmond In confequence of your firft requifition of June 28th, Militia to join Gen. Wayne and to proceed to So. Caro., the executive diredted a feventh part of the Militia of feveral counties neareft the borders of Carolina, to rendezvous immediately-thefe it was fuppofed would amount to about Iooo or 200 men. Afterwards, when you defired the number to be augmented to 2000, the fame counties were called on to increafe their numbers to one fourth, w'ch would produce more than you required; no part of the Britifh army having gone fouthwardly, as was apprehended when the latter requifition was made, a doubt has arifen whether you may now think 2000 men neceffary for the Southern fervice. What renders the fending a greater number of men on this expedition, than the fervice abfolutely requires, a matter of more moment than it otherwife would be, is the fcarcity of Public Arms, and the probability there is, that we fhall want as many as we can collee inl [9] in other quarters. The executive wifh to have your Sentiments on this fubject. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to the Count De Grasse. SIR: The arrival of his moft Christian Majefty's Ric fleet under your command in Chefapeake Bay, Sel was yefterday announced to me while in the Marquis de la Fayette's camp. I take the earlieft opportunity of congratulating you on your fafe arrival, and of acknowledging this fignal proof of the attention of our very great and generous ally, and the alacrity with which you, Sir, and the other officers of this fleet and army, execute his intentions in our favour. An armament fo powerful and competent to every purpofe, will not only give a fortunate turn to our Military operations, but will convince the incredulous and difaffected, who may ftill lurk amongft us, that his moft Chriftian Majefty is, both fincerely determined, and fully able, to fupport the American United States, in vindicating their rights and maintaining their independence. It will be my greateft happinefs to contribute every thing in my power towards the fpeedy and succefsful accomplifhment of the objedt we have in view, and to render the fervice in this State agreeable to the officers and men [Io] men of his moft Chriftian Majefty's Fleet and Army. Gov'r Nelson to the President of Cong-ress. SIR: Richmond It is with great pleafure I inform you of Sept'r2d, the arrival of the Count De Graffe, in Chefa1783. peake Bay, with a very powerful armament. We are making every exertion to improve this favorable opportunity of ftriking a blow, which will not only, for the prefent, relieve this State from the ravages of war, but will have the ftrongeft tendency to bring our juft conteft to a fpeedy and happy conclufion. I am, &c., Gov'r Nelson to Gov'r Lee (of Maryland). SIIR: Richmond On the 3I ft of Auguft, the French Fleet, Sept'r 2d, 1781. commanded by the Count De Graffe, consisting of 28 fhips of the line and fix Frigates, with 3,000 land Forces, arrived in Chefapeake Bay. They have made fuch difpofitions as will prevent the Britifh army, now at York, from croffing James River below the Falls, fhould they attempt [II] attempt to efcape to the fouthward; and I truft we fhall, in conjunction with the French Troops, be able to oppofe to them fuch a Force as will keep them from penetrating wefterly, in order to crofs the country higher up. In all human Probability, Lord Cornwallis has nearly finifhed his career, and will fhortly receive his reward. We are making the greateft exertions to procure abundant and permanent fupplies of Provifions for the fleet of our AJllic and/ou. combined forces, and although our profpects are good, yet, fo anxious am I that there fhould be no deficiency on this fcore, I with us to have fome other dependence than the fupplies of this State. Flour is an article which we may probably moft want, and particularly for the prefent, and it is one with which your State, I imagine, can eafily and plentifully furnifh us. I would therefore take the liberty of recommending it to your confideration, whether it will not be advifable to have confiderable quantities of it immediately fent down the Bay. I am, Sir, with the greateft efteem and refpect, Your mo. obed't and very hum. serv't, Gov)rI [G12o Gov'r Nelson to Capt. Pierce, Smithfield. SIR: Richmond The armament that has lately arrived to Sept782d our affiftance will require large fupplies of Vegetables and Vinegar, both which articles ufed to be produced in great abundance in your and the adjacent counties. Your known zeal for your country's welfare has induced me to take the li1 eiry of eq:lcfting your aid in procuring theie articles. If you wifh a supply of money ior this purpofe, you fhall be furnifhed with it upon application. Hog Ifland will be a proper place to convey the things to, from whence they will be taken by the fhips, unlefs you fhould find it more convenient to convey them from Smithfield by water; which, I imagine, might be done with fafety at this time. Gov'r Nelson to john Brown, Esq., Commissary- General. SIR: Richmond The very large fupplies of provifions necefSept'r2d, fary for the armanent lately arrived, and for the troops exped6ed from the Northward, require the moft vigorous and unremitting exertions. For the northern troops, your attention muftl ['31 muft be immediately turned towards Alexandria, from thence, through that neck of land to Fredericksburg, to Glofter and the Marquis' camp. For the French troops, the fupplies may most eafily be drawn from James River and its waters. This will be an extenfive bufinefs, and will demand many able and ative men to execute it. Difappointment will be attended with the moft fatal confequences. I have written to the County Lieutenants to urge the Commiffioners to alacrity in their department, and alfo to procure all the Waggons that they poffibly can. Let me recommend to you again the clofeft application towards furnifhing an immediate fupply. I am, &c., Gov' r Nels.on to Mv, Pierce. SIR: I am this moment informed, by the hon'ble Richi Sept' Major-General Marquis la Fayette, that the S7 French Troops are landing at James Town. I 8 p, desire you will immediately repair thither, and adopt every meafure in your power to fupply them with whatever they may want, that comes within your department. 3 Gov'r [ 4] Gov'r Nelson to Gov'r Burke. SIR: Richmond Your letter of the 15th of the laft month Sept'r3d, was received here at a time when I was on a 1781. vifit to camp, which detained me till the day before yefterday. At prefent, I fhall beg leave to wave any anfwer to its contents, but haften to inform you of an event which will give you more pleafure than a thoufand obfervations on the matters which lately engaged our attentions. The Count De Graffe arrived in our Bay three days ago with a Fleet of 28 fhips of the line and fix frigates, together with three thoufand land forces. By a letter from the Marquis la Fayette, received laft night, I am informed that the French troops had begun to land at James Town. This friendly armament is fo formidable that, I flatter myfelf, no hoftile one can arrive which will venture to attack them, or be able to fnatch from us our prey. Your own feelings on this Occafion will enable you to judge of ours. As we ought to provide againft every thing which can poffibly happen to difappoint our high wrought expedtations, will it not be well for you to keep a watchful eye on the movements of the Southern foe, as, I believe, you have nothing to apprehend from this quarter? The enemy will not lofe fuch an army as Cornwallis' without the greateft exertions, on all fides. But what raifes our Hopes and Joys to the moft exalted Pitch, and which I have referved [I5] ferved to the last, to crown the political Feast which this letter will afford you, is a movement of our great general, who, on the 27th of the laft month, was at Chatham, with all the French troops of the Northern Army, and a body of Continentals, on his march for Virginia. Gov'r Nelson to Lord Corznwallis. My LORD: From the affurance given me in a Richmond letter I received from you of Aug't 5th, that all S783.P' fuch perfons as I defcribed Meffrs. Archer and Ryall to be, were ordered to be releafed, I refted fatisfied that thofe gentlemen had obtained their liberty. But I am juft informed that they are ftill in confinement on board of one of your Lordfhip's Prifon Ships; which, from your letter, I muft fuppofe to be a circumftance with which you are not acquainted. I am, therefore, again to defire your attention to thefe gentlemen, and affure myfelf that you will order them to be released. I am your Lordfhip's mo. obed't and mo. hum. ferv't, Gov'r [i6] Gov'r Nelson to Thos. Newton, 7r., Esqr. SIR: Richmond It appearing to the Executive a matter of Sept'r 4th, 1781. confequence that the French Fleet be plentifully fupplied with many articles of provifions, such as frefh meats and vegetables, which may be procured in the counties contiguous to the Bay; from the experience I have had of your abilities in tranfacting any bufinefs committed to you, and of your zeal for the intereft of your country, I am induced to wifh that you would undertake this matter and furnifh them with whatever neceffaries they may require, and if fuch fupplies are not attainable by the common methods of purchafe, you are hereby authorized to procure them by Imprefs. I am, &c., Gov'r Nelson to Gen'l Greene. SIR: Richmond The Count De Graffe, with 28 fhips of the SeptrI5th, line, fix Frigates, and three thoufand land Forces arrived laft week in Chefapeake Bay. The troops are landed, and have, I expect, formed a junction with the Marquis, about Wmf'burg. The enemy have made no movement which I have heard of fince this event, but continue in York, strengthening their Poft. We have called out [ 7] out a very large Body of our Militia, which, when added to the forces already in camp, will enable us clofely to inveft York. I have had a letter from his Excellency Gen'l Wafhington, dated at Chatham on the 27th of laft month, wherein he informs me that he is on his march for this State with all the French troops of the Northern Army and a considerable body of Continentals. This movement, in all human probability, ensures us fuccefs in this quarter. But, notwithftanding the very flattering prospect here, I feel an uneafinefs when I confider that your fituation may not be fo agreeable. It is, I think, to be expected that the enemy you have to deal with will exert themfelves at this Critical time, and the fuperiority, I fear, they poffefs, gives room for apprehenfions. I have received no letter from you fince the i5th of July, so that I know nothing more of the Southern tranfactions between that time and this, than what I have learnt from common report. It would give me much Satisfaction to have information of a more authentic nature. GovDr [i8] Gov'r Nelson to the Hon'ble Robert Morris, Esq., Superintendant of Finance. SptRchmod Your letters of July I6th and Aug't 23rd, 1781. with a copy of July 25, the Original of which has not been received, are all come to hand. At prefent, I can do little more than acknowledge the receipt of them, but fhall lofe no time in paying that attention to their contents which their importance requires. A perfon has been for fome time employed in liquidating the accounts between the United States and this State; another is engaged in fettling the accounts of the Specific fupplies furnifhed by this State. Both of thefe, as foon as they are finifhed, shall be tranfmitted to you. In general, I may obferve that this State has far exceeded the requifitions of Congrefs in its advance of moft of the Specific fupplies. The Affembly of this State meets on the firft day of October. If you can be enabled to execute the duties of your office, agreeably to your wifhes, I am perfuaded America will feel the good effects of it; and I hope you will believe that private Friendfhip, as well as regard for the Public Welfare, will prompt me to lend you every affiftance which my fituation and abilities give me the power of furnifhing. I am, &c., By [I9] By his Excellency Thomas Nelson, un'r, Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth of Virgzina. ORIGINAL PROCLAMATION. Whereas the exportation of provifions will RichmSe d be attended with manifeft injury to this State, I 1781. have thought proper, by and with the advice and content of the Council of State, to iffue this my Proclamation for laying an embargo on provifions, viz: on all beef, pork, bacon, wheat, Indian corn, peafe, or other grain, or flour, or meal, made of the fame, to continue until it fhall be annulled by proper authority. And I do hereby ftri6tly prohibit all mariners, mafters and commanders of veffels, and all perfons whatfoever, within this State, from loading on board any veffel for exportation, and from exporting all or any of the above fpecies of provifions, by land or by water, from the date hereof until this proclamation fhall be repealed, under pain of incurring the penalties inflicted by the Act of Affembly entitled an Act to empower the Governor and Council to lay an embargo for a limited time, except as in the faid Act is excepted. And I do hereby ftrictly charge and command all Naval officers, and others in their refpective departments, to exert their beft endeavours to the end that this Embargo be ftrictly obferved. Given under my hand, and the feal of the Commonwealth, at Richmond, this 5th day of Septem'r, I78I. THOS. NELSON, JR. Gov'r [20] Govr' Nelson to the Absent MAembers of Council. Richmond The operations that will take place in confeSept'r 5th, quence of the Arrival of a French Armament, induce me to take command of the Militia that are called out. I wifh, at the fame time, the Executive may proceed in the bufinefs before them, to effect which it will be neceffary for you to attend, as I know it will give fatisfaction to the Gentlemen prefent to have as full a board as poffible. I am, &c., [Copy fent to each abfent member of Council.] Gov'r Nelson to Goz'r Burke (of N. C.). w'msburg I arrived here, this day. Part of our Sept. ith, troops are below, within eight miles of York. The French and moft of the Continental troops lie ftill a mile or two above. Our force is daily growing Stronger, and I flatter myfelf we fhall very foon circumfcribe Cornwallis within narrower limits than he has lately been accuftomed to. We have had information of the arrival of the Northern Troops, under his Excellency Gen'l Wafhington, at the Head of Elk. They were to come down by water, and may be every minute expeaed. Laft week a Britifh Fleet appeared [21] appeared off our Capes, which drew out the Count De Graffe with the greater part of his Fleet. It is faid they engaged, and that after a fmart conflict the Britons fled, and were purfued by the French. They have not yet returned, nor have we heard any thing from them which can be depended on, but from their fuperiority our hopes are very high. I fhall continue here until the fate of York is determined, unlefs the meeting of our Affembly obliges me fooner to leave the Field, and I expe6t to have the pleafure of communicating to you, from time to time, events of the moft agreeable nature. Gov'r Nelson to Col. Blunt. SIR: Your letter of yefterday, by Major Lucas, W'msburg is juft received. The alacrity with which the e 781. Militia is turning out on this Occasion, gives me great pleafure. On acc't of provifions, it is neceffary that you continue at your prefent poft till farther orders. I am, &c., 4 G [22] Gov'r Nelson to Major Boyce. SIR: W'msburg Your letter to the Marquis Lafayette, dated Sept. 12th, 1781. yefterday, has been referred to me. Until I can give it proper attention, and till farther orders, You will Keep Dr. Campbell in Cuftody. I am, Sir, Your Obed't h'ble Serv't. Gov'r Nelson to Col. Anthony Thornton, 7r., Caroline. SIR: W'msburg A large body of troops being expe&ed in Sept'r 12tha few days down the Bay, under his excellency Gen'l Wafhington, which will probably land in Gloucefter, I beg that you will have all the Flour you can procure at Port Royall, or in any part of Caroline or the adjacent country, fent in Veffels round into Piankatank with all poffible difpatch. I have taken the liberty of giving you this trouble from a conviftion that your zeal for your Country's Good will incline you to undertake a bufinefs fo ferviceable to it, and that your influence will enable you to execute it with the greateft fuccefs. I am, Sir, Your mo. Obed't and very hum., Gov'r [23] Gov'r Nelson to Col. Wells. SIR: The great want of Flour and Meal in the W'msburg Army requires that every poffible meafure be Sept'r 2th adopted to procure fupplies, and that perfons of influence and activity engage in this bufinefs. I therefore requeft, Sir, that you will undertake to procure thefe articles in the Ifle of Wight and the neighbouring counties, where your exertions, I am perfuaded, will have great effect. You will take poffeffion of Mills proper for your purpofe, and you may affure the people that the Corn they advance on this occafion fhall, if they require it, be replaced. You will alfo take what fpirits you can meet with for the ufe of the Army; vinegar, too, is much wanted, and Captain Pierce, of Smithfield, has been applied to to provide it. To him you will be pleafed to make application for what he has gotten, and you will, betides, endeavour to procure elfewhere. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to Capt. Callender. SIR: I requeft that you will immediately proceed W'msburg up James and Appomattox Rivers, and give Sept;'rI2th your affiftance to the Commiffaries and perfons employed in procuring and fending provifions to [24] to the Army. You will pufh down, with the utmoft difpatch, all veffels you meet with which are loaded, and imprefs fuch veffels and their crews as are not engaged in the public fervice. I am, &c., Gov'r Nelson to David Ross, Esq. SIR: w'msburg The great diftrefs the Army is now fufferSept'r I 2th 1781. ing from the want of Flour and Meal induces me to write to you, although I am perfuaded you are exerting yourfelf in this bufinefs. Petersburg, I believe, promifes faireft for an immediate fupply, and thither I would beg you to turn your attention, uniefs you Know of fome place more likely to fatisfy our wants. You will be good enough to continue your Affiftance to the Commiffary, which I Know will be of the greateft fervice to him, and confequently to the Country. I am, &c., Gov'r Nelson to Col. Davies. SIR: W'msburg Since my arrival in camp, I have underSept'r 2th ftood that there is not a fufficient number of 1781. intrenching Tools collet6ed, nor is there a profpe& of procuring them near this place. I am therefore [25] therefore to defire that you will give orders to have all the tools fit for this purpofe, which are to be met with in Richmond or elfewhere within your reach, taken and fent down. Not a grain of Flour has yet arrived from above, nor is there at prefent a grain of meal in Camp. The greateft Diftrefs prevails on this account, and how we are to remedy it in time I Know not. I beg of you to urge the perfons engaged in this Bufinefs to the utmoft Induftry and Difpatch. Water Carriage from Richmond is too tedious to afford the relief we want. For immediate ufe, fome ought to be fent by Land if poffible. Governor Nelson to Mr. Pierce (Com'y- General). I arrived yefterday in Camp, and found the w'n, greateft diftrefs prevailing for want of Flour Sept and Meal. The Veffel you difpatched from Richmond is not yet got down. This navigation is too uncertain and tedious for immediate purpofes. Land Carriage would belt anfwer them, if it is poffible to make ufe of it. I am fatisfied you will do everything in your power to fend on fupplies, and never were your exertions more neceffary. Is there not Flour to be had at Petersburg, whence it could be brought here in a fhort time? What adds to the Diftrefs is, that the Mills in this [26] this part of the Country have not water to grind the corn, which can be colleded. I am, &c., Any waggons which will bring Flour to navigation or to Camp fhall be immediately difcharged. Gov'r Nelson to Colonel Lewis. SIR: W'msburg For the troops under your command you Sept'r I3th -p78I. will endeavour to procure Provifions from the Inhabitants in your neighbourhood, and you may affure them they fhall have what they furnilh replaced, if they require it. I am, Sir, Y'r Mo. Ob. Servant. Governor Nelson to Col. Taylor. SIR: W'msburg Your letter to the Marquis la Fayette, reSept'r 3th fpeCting the Flag Veffel at Urbanna, was this 1781. day referred to me. I cannot at prefent determine in what manner it will be proper to difpofe of it, but think the negroes ought to be landed, and that due attention may be paid to their fituation; and, the neceffary precautions being: [27] being taken that they be returned or accounted for when required, other things muff remain as they were when you wrote, until further orders. Gov'r Nelson to Hon'ble David yameson, Lieut.Governor. SIR: There is at prefent a fcarcity of falt in W'msburg Camp, and from the great confumption of frefh SeIpt'r 3th Meat, a large quantity will be required. I muft, therefore, beg that you will give attention to this matter, and procure as much as you can. I have been informed that a Veffel lately arrived at Richmond with Salt, which probably is ftill attainable. The two armies remain in the fame fituation as when I laft wrote. I am, Gov'r Nelson to Gen'l Lawson. SIR: There are feveral Horfes in Captain Nel- Wsburg ion's Corps that belong to the public, which will Sept'r i3th be of Service to the French. Thefe horfes, if they have not been appraifed, muft be valued by two Gentlemen of your Camp, and a return made of them. The men who came down are upon [28 ] upon a regular tour of Duty, and cannot be difcharged until that is expired. Such of them as are on the impreffed horfes muff be annexed to the Infantry of their county. Thofe who are mounted on their own horfes, and are armed with fwords, will be of fervice as dragoons, and may draw forage. I am, Gov'r Nelson to the County Lieutenants of Fairfax, Prince Wm., Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Hanover and New Kent. SIR: W'msburg The march of his excellency, Gen'l WafhSep17813 ington, with his troops by land, makes it neceffary that the Roads he is to pafs be put into the beft order. This you will immediately have done in your County. Governor Nelson to Governor Burke. SIR: W'msburg Since I laft wrote to you no movement Sept'r 3th has been made by either Army. Much of our attention, indeed, has been given to the means of fubfifting fo large a force, and a difficult task it [29] it has been to keep it in being for fome days paft; Our difficulties on this account seem now diminifhing, but there frill remain apprehenfions that we fhall not be altogether free from thefe embarraffments, unlefs our neighbouring States lend us fome affiftance. From your State we would wifh to obtain falt and Beef, of which there will be a great confumption, this country at prefent affording very little falted provifions. I am, &c., Governor Nelson to Col. Innes. SIR: It is probable that fome falt may be pro- W'msburg cured for public ufe in the County of Gloucef- Set78.4h ter. The army is at prefent much in want of it, and you will oblige me if you will have what is to be had colledted and fecured. With refpe& to military operations on the North Side of York River, they muff be left to your own judgment. You will, however, be pleafed to communicate to me every event of any importance, and you may reft affured that equal attention fhail be paid to the Militia on both fides of the River. The neceffary appointments in the Medical departments, or others inyour command, you will make. I am, &c., 5 Gov'r [3o] Governor Nelson to Col. William Davies. SIR: W'msburg His Excellency Gen'l Wafhington arrived Sept'r I4th 1781. here between four and five O'clock this afternoon. The firft divifion of his Army is coming down the Bay, and is every moment expedted. Our operations will now grow very ferious, and it will be incumbent on us to exert ourfelves that there may be no want of Ammunition. I need not urge you to attend to this matter. I muff again beg leave to recommend what I have so often mentioned, that every means be made ufe of to get Waggons in the fervice. I am, Sir, Yr. Mo. Ob. fervant, Gov'r Nelson to yohn Pierce. SIR: W'msburg His Excellency Gen'l Wafhington is juft Sept'r 4tharrived, and the firft divifion of his Army is every moment expe&ted. The Provifions in Camp are fcarcely fufficient to fubfift the prefent Army for three days longer, and fhould the wifhed for reinforcement arrive before a frefh fupply of provifions, Flour, at leaft, is received, it gives me Pain to think of the Situation we fhall be in. Let me intreat you, therefore, to leave nothing untried which promifes the fmallest relief to us. Not only great quantities of Flour [3I Flour, but alfo Beef, will be wanted. All applications with refpect to fupplies of Provifions are made to me, and the apprehenfions I am under left there fhould be a deficiency, create a perpetual uneafinefs. Write Often and as briefly as you pleafe your Certainties and Prospects, that I may Know our dependence. I am, Gov'r Nelson to Hon'ble D. 7ameson. SIR: His Excellency Gen'l Wafhington arrived W'msburg Sept'r l4th here about two hours ago. The firft divifion 1781. of his Army is coming down the Bay, and may be expe&ted every moment. A very little time now will determine the fate of York, and with it probably that of the Continent. But what exertions will it require to fubfift properly fo great an Army? I feel the utmoft anxiety on this account, and cannot forbear, though I am perfuaded it is needlefs, preffing you to urge to the greateft and moft unremitted aCtivity and induftry every Officer within your reach, whofe bufinefs it is to provide forage or provifions for the Army. Beef, Flour, Corn, and the Means of Tranfportation, fhould be principal objefts of attention, and the country cannot cenfure any encouragement which is given to thofe who will lend [32] lend their aid on this occafion. His Excellency appears to be in' good health and Spirits. I am, Sir, Your Moft obedient and very H'ble f'v't, Gov'r Nelson to Ralph Wormley, 7r. SIR: W'msburg Your letter and Petition were delivered to Sept'r 14th e78I. me the day before yefterday. Col. Taylor has received orders to permit the negroes to be landed, upon condition that they be delivered up when demanded. The other articles are to be detained with the flag until further orders. I am, Sir, Your Obed. Servant, R. A., Secretary, to Col. Sir 7ohn Peyton. SIR: W'msburg As the large Force now collecting about Sept'r I4h this place requires every exertion to be made for their fubfiftence, The Governor begs the favour of you to procure, for the ufe of the Army, as much Beef and Salt in your County as it can furnifh without distreffing the people. The neceffities of the Service oblige him to make thefe applications to Gentlemen of the greateft influence in their refpeftive parts of the Country. By order of his Excellency the Governor. Governor [33] Governor Nelson to Charles Lewis. SIR: I will be obliged to you if you will under- W'msburg Sept'r 15th take the collefting of Spades, Axes, Hatchets, 1781. Shovels and hilling Hoes, and you are hereby empowered to take, for the public ufe, all you can find in the town or adjacent country. You will Keep an account of the tools you receive from each perfon, fo that they may be returned when the fervice no longer requires them. You are alfo empowered to imprefs negroes to bring the tools to fuch place or places as you fhall think it convenient to have them colle&ed at. Governor Nelson to Col. Kenner. SIR: The rum mentioned in your letter cannot W'msburg be impreffed for our ufe, as it belongs to the 7pt;'85th French Fleet. I defire you will be particularly careful to fecure it from damage, and give every affiftance to the Captain that is in your power. The Admiral will no doubt fend up for it immediately. If it is neceffary, order your Militia out to proteft it. Gov'r [34] Gov'r Nelson to Col. Davies. SIR: W'msburg Yours of the I3th inft. is juft received. I Sept'ri6th have written more than once to you fince my I78i. o o'clock arrival here, and mentioned the Particulars, wherein I wifhed for your beft endeavours. The procuring of Waggons is a matter of fo much importance that I cannot help again recommending it to your attention. You will alfo oblige me by fending a copy of the late Militia Law. Our Army has not yet begun to operate, but continues nearly in the same pofition as I found it. The Count De Graffe has returned from purfuing the Britifh Fleet. He has taken two Frigates, and is joined by the Rhode Ifland Fleet. In the latter came 600 Land troops. Permit me once more to defire that you will prefs thofe whofe bufinefs it is, to fend on provifions with all poffible expedition. I have juft received information that 3,000 of the Northern Army are Come into James River. Gov'r Nelson to Lieut. Gunaway. SIR: msburg So great a number of horfes are required Sept'r I6th for the prefent fervice, that every expedient we 1781. can adopt will fcarcely be fufficient to anfwer the Demand. It is my wifh, therefore, that you order down all the horfes taken from or left by the [35] the Enemy which are in the Commiffioners or quarter Master's Hands; as thefe Horfes are already out of the Proprietor's poffeffion, this application of them will be leaft felt by the People. The fupplies of Flour, &c., come in but flowly, fo that I am ftill full of Anxiety on this Acc't. The Count De Graffe has returned and increafed his fleet with two Britifh Frigates. While he was in chace the Rhode Ifland Fleet, fortunately, got in. This latter has brought upwards of Six hundred land forces, and many implements for a siege. No movement has yet been made by our Army. It is faid the Enemy are out as high as the half way houfe, in Force, this morning. Gov'r Nelson lo Hon'l D. 7ameson. SIR: The want of Forage and Spirits begin to W'msburg Sept'r I8th be very fenfibly felt in the Army, the Country i78'. around here being exhaufted to a degree that is extremely diftreffing to the inhabitants. Forage for 5,000 (thoufand) horfes will be wanted. You will inform me where the Public tfores are, or where it is moft probable they can be procured. Military Matters remain as when I laft wrote. I am, &c. Gov'r [36] Gov'r Nelson to Col. Wmi. Davies. SIR: W'msburg In confequence of your letter, Capt. EdSetth dins waits upon you for the recruiting money. I am, Sir, Your Obed. h'ble Serv't. Not a tittle of news fince the laft letter. Governor Nelson to Lord Cornwallis. MY LORD: W'msburg The officers of the Virginia Line Sept'r i8th who contracted the debts in Charleftown, for the 1781. payment of Which we are now fending Tobacco, are defirous that Lieutenant Colonel Wallace, one of their number, and frill a Prifoner on Parole, be permitted to go in the Flag, his knowledge of thefe contracts qualifying him, better than any perfon who is a ftranger to them, to fettle them in a juft and fatisfactory manner. If your Lordfhip thinks proper to grant this permiffion, you will be pleased to enclofe to me a paffport for him. I am informed that Major Arthur Dickinfon, of the York County Militia, is in clofe confinement in your Provoft. Your lordship will oblige me by acquainting me with the reason of his being treated in this rigorous manner. I am Your Lordfhip's Obed't and Very h'ble Serv't. Governor [37] Governor Nelson to Col. Davies. SIR: Yours of the I5th I received laft night. W'msburg Your propofal to have a magazine eftablifhed at Sept' 9th Shirley is certainly a good one, and ought to have more attention paid to it than mere approbation. The navigation above can be much more eafily and expeditioufly performed by fmall craft than by large Veffels; Which latter, again, will be more advantageoufly employed in- the lower navigation. It is my wifh, therefore, that you urge this matter in the Strongeft terms to Major Claiborne and Mr. Pierce. It is neceffary when men fo openly, on fuch interefting occafions, dare to difobey the orders of Government, as in thie inflance of the Henrico Militia, that fure punifhment fhould await their condu&t. Whatever method you ihall find beft to anfwer this purpofe, will be approved of by me. The behaviour of Colonel * * * is in the higheft degree reprehenfible, and I fhall take that notice of it which it deferves, and which, I truft, will deter him and others from like practices in future. The troops under Col. Gafkins are fo fhamefully deficient in clothing that I muft requeft of you to have any clothes which are ready immediately fent on; an Officer will go up to receive them. I am, Sir, Your Mo. Ob. Servant. P. S.-Pleafe to fend a copy of the provifion Law. 6 Gov'r [38] Gov'r Nelson to Col. Davies. SIR: W'msburg Since I wrote to you on the Igth, I have:Sept'r 23d 1781. received yours of the I 7th and i9th-the former including a return of Military Stores, the latter a copy of the Militia Law. I fhall write to Mr. Dick and direst him to make regular returns of the Arms &c. at the Fredericksburg gun factory, which he ought to have done without my orders. Such horfes as are unfit for fervice, or fuch as cannot fpeedily be made fo, I think it will be moft advifable to sell, Keeping particular defcriptions of them, that juftice may be done their owners, if they can be found. All the powder ought to be purchafed that can be met with, and a fupply of cartridges is immediately wanted, we being under the neceffity of borrowing from the Park to comply with the requifitions from Gloucefter. If I can hear of a Tinman, I will endeavour to engage and fend him up to you. We ftill remain as diftant from the enemy as when I laft wrote. We have been waiting for reinforcements and neceffaries for carrying on a fiege, and ftruggling with the difficulties of fubfifting the Army. It will be proper to get from Major Claiborne a return of the Horfes delivered to him, a copy of which you will be pleafed to tranfmit to me. I am, Sir, Your Obed. and Very h'ble Servant. Gov'r [39] Gov'r Nelson to * SIR: You will be pleafed, with the Veffels com- W'msburg mitted to your charge for the purpofe of bring- Sept'r25th ing fupplies to the Army, to proceed up Potowmack River, to take in whatever fhall be colleEted at thofe, or any other ports on James or Appomattox Rivers. At Richmond, you will apply to Mr. Pearce, commiffary-General. At Petersburgh, to Mr. Yarborough; and thefe Gentlemen, and their Affiftants, are hereby required to deliver to you all the fupplies they have procured on the Aforefaid Rivers. You are hereby empowered to imprefs any hands you fhall have any occafion for, in navigating, loading, or unloading your Veffels, and all other things neceffary for the fervice you are engaged in. I am, Sir, your Mo. Ob. Servant. Gov'r Nelson to Buller Claiborne. SIR: You will pleafe to Stop all veffels coming W'msburg down either of the Branches of York River, with Septj. 25th, provifions of any kind Whatever, at Frayfer's and at Ruffin's Ferry, and, if poffible, have them ftored at thofe places, the danger attending Veffels coming lower down the River, at this time, being infinitely too great to hazard the lofs of any others, three having been captured by the enemy, this day. Gov'r [401 Gov'r Nelson to Commodore Barron. SIR: W'msburg As we are in great want of your affiftance, Sept'r 25th 1781. I fhould be glad to fee you, without lofs of time, in W'mfburg, where bufinefs of confequence awaits your arrival. Gov'r Nelson to Col. 7no. S. Wills. SIR: W'msburg Should you find it neceffary to Keep MacSept'r 25th p781. kay's Mills going, and that it cannot be done without drawing off the water from the Mills above on the fame Streams, You are hereby authorized and empowered fo to do, the public fervice abfolutely requiring that no obftruction be given to the work to be carried [on] at the faid mills. You will fend Peter Hernon, under a guard, to me, at this place. Given under my hand, at Williamsburg, this twenty-fifth day of Sept., 178I. Gov'r Nelson to Lord Cornwallis. MY LORD: W'msburg Many of the former inhabitants of Sept'r 25th 1781. York having applied to me for a flag to bring out their effects, Your Lordfhip will do me the favor [4 1 favor to inform me whether it will be agreeable to you to allow them this liberty; and, if it is, at what time it will be moft proper for their Waggons &c. to attend, for this purpofe. I muft:alfo requeft that your Lordfhip will inform me of the reafon of Doctor Griffin's confinement on board of one of your Prifon Ships. I have the honour to be, &c. If your Lordfhip will permit fuch of the inhabitants as are now in York to come out, with their effedts, Waggons will be fent, at the same time, for their ufe. David 7ameson to Governor Nelson. We are very forry to inform you, that in thofe In council parts of the Country where Agents are em- Sept'r26th ployed to purchafe provifions for the French Fleet and Army, our Commiffaries or Commiffioners can procure no fupplies. The people withhold their Wheat, in hope of receiving a prefent payment in Specie. It is abfolutely neceffary Something fhould be done, or our Army will be ftarved. We fhould have written to you yefterday, on receiving the letters and extra&s now enclofed to you, but Mr. Rofs, who has had this matter in contemplation, is out of Town. Was he here, we fhould propofe to him to go immediately to camp, and, after conferring with [42 ] with you, to make application to the Superintendant or director of thofe agents, fully perfuaded he can ftrike out fome mode of procuring the neceffary fupplies for both Armies and Fleet, that will be agreeable to all parties. Seeing the neceffity of fomething to be immediately done, we trouble you with this letter, that you may pave the way for Mr. Rots, to whom we have fent an exprefs, and hope he will be with you in a fhort time after your receipt of this. With the greateft eteem, I have the honour to be, Your Exc'y's mo. Ob. Serv't. Gov'r Nelson to Col. Richard Morris. SIR: w'msburg The great difficulty of fupplying the Army Sept'r6th with Provifions, and the fatal confequences 178I. which may attend a fcarcity of them, oblige me to requeft, in the moft earneft manner, that you will immediately come down to this place and lend us your affiftance in this way. I Know your averfion from engaging in Public Affairs,. but fo important is the Occafion, and fo foon, I hope, will the neceffity of extraordinary aid be over, that, I flatter myfelf, your regard for the: public Welfare will prevail over your reludtance to engage in this bufinefs, in which, I am perfuaded, you will be in the higheft degree ufeful.. I am, &c. Gov'r — [43 1 Gov'r Nelson lo Count De Grasse. SIR: I have the honor to inform your Excel- W'msburg lency, that the Flags of Truce, which were def- Sept'r 27th tined to Charleftown, and which, I have been informed, have been detained by your Excellency's Orders, were properly authorized by Government, to carry Tobacco thither, for the purpofe of difcharging the debts contra&ed by our Officers, while in captivity there, but, as political reafons in the prefent conjuncture may render their departure highly improper, for fome time, I fhall order them to return to their refpedtive ftations. I have the honor to be, with the moft perfe6t fentiments of Efteem and Refpedt, Sir, Your Excellency's moft Obed. and moft Hum'le Serv't, Gov'r Nelson to Col. Thomas Newton. SIR: I wrote to you on the 9th, in anfwer to W'msburg yours of the 7th. Should you be able to col- Sept'r7ith 1781. led more neceffaries than are requifite for the ufe of the Fleet, you will pleafe to fend them up for the ufe of the Army. I muft, however, recommend to your attention the Ships which lie in James River, fome of which are as high up as Warrosquick Bay. I am, &c. Gov'r [44] Governor Nelson to Mr. yohn Pierce. SIR: W'msburg It is fome time fince I heard from you. As Sept'r 27th 1781. the emergencies of the Army are, at this time, very confiderable, you will ufe your utmoft efforts in hurrying down Cattle and whatever other provifions you have collected for the ufe of the Army-Obferving that they are to be fent down on the north fide of James River, to obviate the inconveniences of tranfporting them over the River at this place. I am, Sir, &c. Gov'r Nelson to Hon'le D. 7ameson. W'msburg SIR: Sept'r27th Yours of the 22d did not reach me till 78 yefterday. The draft of Major Lintot, if I ever did know anything of it, has entirely escaped my memory. But, in our prefent fituation, it is certainly out of our power to anfwer drafts of this nature and amount. In a letter received yefterday, from Col. Davies, he has very juftly reprefented the bad confequences of the prefent mode of fettling acc'ts in the Auditor's office. The People of the Country being obliged to receive Prices fo inadequate to their property and fervices, will undoubtedly decline ferving the [45] the Public, as far as it is in their power to avoid it. My opinion is, that they fhould receive the Depreciation current at the time of fettling their accounts, and I look upon this as a meafure which not only juftice recommends, but Policy, and even neceffity. I would alfo advife that no particular appropriations be made of the Paper State Money, now remaining in the Treasury, but that all demands be anfwered when they are made, as far as it will go. No men can be enlifted for the Army, fo that it is unneceffary to retain the money for this purpofe. I plainly fee that this money is faft approaching to its end, and that our prefent bufinefs is, to look for a fubftitute. With good management, I think we have now an opportunity of effecting this, but it requires attention and addrefs, and for this reafon, I wifh, exceedingly, that Mr. Rofs would immediately come down to affift in this matter. The money I wrote for, fome time ago, need not be fent down, as Paper money has altogether ceafed to be a currency here. The whole Army is now putting into motion, and my next may communicate fomething important. I am convinced that my Prefence here is of infinitely more advantage to the State than it could be in Richmond; and I am alfo of opinion, that the Deliberations of the Affembly, on the moft important objedts which will come before them, Defence and Finance, muft take their tone, altogether, from the event of our prefent operations. I am, &c., 7 Gov'r [46] Governor Nelson to 0ames Maury, Esq., Ag't of the Flag Vessels. SIR: W'msburg The prefent fituation of our Affairs renSept'r 27th 1781. dering it improper for the Veffels under your charge to proceed on their intended voyage, you will direEt them to return to their refpective Pofts, till farther orders. I am, &c., Governor Nelson to Col. Cropper. SIR: W'msburg Bufinefs of the greateft importance obligSept'r27th ing Col. Blane, commiffary-gen'l of purchases, to Vifit your Shore, you will be pleafed to lend him any affiftance, in horfes &c., which he may require. I am, Sir, Your Obed't Serv't. The Governor being informed that the Refugees, who accompanied Lord Cornwallis to York, are making their efcape acrofs the Bay, begs that you will ftridly examine all perfons, who crofs from the Weftern to the Eaftern Shore, and that you will have fuch confined, as cannot render to you a fatisfactory account of themfelves. ROBERT ANDREWS, Sec'y. [The above was appended to the letter of Gov'r Nelfon.] Gov'r [47] Governor Nelson to Hon'ble David 7ameson. SIR: I received your letter, enclofing extracts Camp relative to the French agents. The confequences befo. York Octo. I, of fuch proceedings, I have long forefeen, and I78I. have laboured to guard againft, by fupplying the combined Armies with public provifions, forage, &c. I have met with much difficulty and vexation in the management of this matter, arifing, partly from the machinations of their agents, partly from the unwillingnefs of the people to affift government, from which former treatment gives them, perhaps, too little reafon to expeEt juftice, and partly from the defire of handling gold, which has too often been found to prevail over every other confideration. I have been daily in expectation of Mr. Roff's affiftance, which, unlefs I fpeedily receive, I am afraid we fhall lofe the chance that offers, of placing our finances in a refpedable fituation. Our progrefs here has been more confiderable, for the time, than could have been expe&ed, and attended with lefs oppofition and lofs. Yefterday morning it was discovered that the Enemy had evacuated their Outpofts at Moore's Mill, Pigeon Quarter, and every other place beyond the Creek, except at Nelfon's Farm. Our troops are to-day working on the grounds they relinquished. The French took poffeffion of Pigeon Hill. There have been two men Killed and [48] and fix wounded. A sheriff's commiffion, for Weftwood Armiftead, Efq., of Elizabeth City, is wanting, which you will be pleafed to enclofe to me. I am, Sir, Your Mo. Obed. Servant, Gov'r Nelson to the Commissioners of 5rovisions of Accomac and Northampton. SIR: Camp The fleet and Army of our Allies requirCto. 3k ing large fupplies of frefh provifions, it will be 178i. moft convenient for your county to furnifh its quota to the Navy. You will, therefore, difpofeof the Beef, which the Public claims of your County, to the French Fleet, for Cafh; your fituation rendering it difficult to fettle for it in any other manner. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to Count De Grasse. SIR: Camp Mr. Wray, the gentleman to whom I have befo. York. Octo. 3, applied to provide Houfes and neceffaries for I781'your fick, will have the honor of delivering you this. His inclination leads him to render every fervice in his power to the generous friends of his [49] his Country, and, if your Excellency will have him furnished with money, he will be able, I hope, to procure for them every thing requifite. I have the honor to be, Sir. Gov'r Nelson to 7acob Wray, Esq. SIR: To enable you more effedtually to provide Camp Houfes and neceffaries for the tick of the French befo. York Fleet, you are hereby empowered to take con- 1781. venient Houfes, always taking care not to diftrefs inhabitants; and you will call on the commiffioners of provifions for Elizabeth County to affift you, who are hereby required to deliver to you what provifions they have collected, or are, by law, direded to collet, which will anfwer your purpofes. You will, inftead of taking receipts, account for them with the public, in caih. If you find an affiftant neceffary, you will appoint fuch a one as you Know to be competent to the Office. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to Col. Thos. Newton, 7r.'SIR: The provifion Commiffioners for Princefs camp Anne and Norfolk Counties will have it in their befo. York Octo. 3, power to furnifh you with a confiderable num- 1781. ber [50] ber of Cattle, which, as it will be very inconvenient to apply them to the ufe of the Army, you will difpofe of to the French Fleet, for cafh. This will, at the fame time, benefit the fleet and public; and the commiffioners of the faid counties are hereby required to colleCt and furnifh to you what the law requires from their counties. The commiffioners of Nanfemond are alfo required to deliver to you, or your affiftant, the Beeves of that part of their County lying between Suffolk and Portfmouth. I am, Sir, Your Obed't Serv't. If two light Whale Boats can be got, you will be pleafed to fend them up immediately to Burwell's Ferry. Gov'r Nelson to Col. Thomas Newton. 3. The count De Graffe is much in want of provifions for his table, by which, I fuppofe, he may mean, Small meats and Vegetables. It much concerns me that he be well fupplied, and I muff beg that you will exert yourfelf for this purpofe. If you cannot procure what is wanting by purchafe, you are hereby authorized and empowered to procure it by imprefs, granting certificates for what you get in this way. You will alfo take the Veffels neceffary for your purpofe and their crews, and every other means of tranf tranportation which you hall find requifite. tranfportation which you fhall find requifite. And all officers of the Militia, on whom you fhall call for affiftance, are hereby dire&ed to aid you in the execution of this Office. I am, &c., yr. ob. Se'v't. Gov'r Nelson to Mr. De Tarle. SIR: I received your favor of the 2d yefter- Camp befo. York day. With refpet to the rations of Corn, Octo. 4, i think that I can venture to affure you I78i there will be no other difficulty in furnifhing them than what will arife from the want of the means of tranfportation, which, also, will be removed as foon as the Artillery and military flores are brought, to Camp. Veffels were yefterday fent off to the eaftern fhore, a country abounding in corn and oats, where I had previoufly direCted forage to be colleCed. Thefe veffels will foon return, and others are out on the fame bufinefs, which may be every day expeEted, efpecially one fent up James river, about twenty miles above Williamsburg, by Mr. Livingfton, for fifteen hundred bufhels of corn; fodder it will not be in my power to fupply you with, for which reafon I would take the liberty of advifing that proper perfons be fent up the country, where only it is to be had in confiderable quantities, with money to purchafe. [52] chafe. Some for immediate ufe may be purchafed in the neighborhood of Williamsburg. Had we poffeffion of York river, abundant fupplies of all kinds of forage might eafily be drawn from the Country adjacent to it. Gov'r Nelson to Count De Grasse. SIR: Camp Mr. Maury, who is charged with this letter befo. York Octo. 5, to you, waits on your Excellency to be informed 1781I of the Circumftances of the detention of the flag Veffels carrying Tobacco to Charleftown. He was appointed the Agent to negotiate the fale of this tobacco, and to difcharge the Officer's debts, but is now inftru6led, as political reafons may ftill make it improper for him to proceed, to return with the veffels, into Port. He is alfo empowered to purchafe for the State, any Veffels captured by his moft Chriftian Majefty's fleet under your Command, which your Excellency may think proper to have difpofed of in this manner; and I beg that you will aid him with your countenance, in the tranfafting of this bufinefs. I have the Honor, &c. Gov'r [53] Gov'r Nelson to Hon'ble Geo. Webb. SIR: Your letter of the IIth, accompanying Camp feveral others from different Perfons, has been beo. York Octo. 17 received. Mr. Jamefon and myfelf are of opin- 1781. ion that Mr. Lyon may be permitted to refide in any Part of the upper Country, at a greater Diftance than twenty miles above Richmond, on giving refponfible fecurity for his good Behaviour, and to be forth coming on the future order of the Board. We alfo advife that the Bill drawn by Col. Slaughter on the Treafury in favour of Capt. Price, for four thoufand three hundred and feven pounds, ten fhillings, be honored. Be fo good as to have the Seal of the Commonweaith affixed to the enclofed Proclamation, and have a printed copy of it fent to the Delegates of every County, and to each Senator. Since my laft we took by ftorm two of the Enemy's Redoubts. The lofs, on both fides, was nearly equal, and did not exceed one hundred. Our Batteries are now playing on their works at the diftance of about 200 yards. By noon, I am informed, we fhall have feventy Pieces of heavy cannon planted againft them, which muft foon reduce them to Terms, unlefs they take a flight to Gloucefter, which may delay their capture a few days. Yefterday morning, a little before day break, they made a fally, and got into one of our batteries. They fpiked 8 8 Can [54] 8 Cannon, which were immediately unfpiked, and Killed and wounded about 6 men. They were repulfed, and fuffered nearly the fame lofs. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to the Virginia Delegates to Congress. GENTLEMEN: Camp It is with infinite pleafure I conbefo. York Octo.2o gratulate you on the reduCtion of York and I78I. Gloucefter, and the Capture of the Whole Britifh Army, under Lord Cornwallis. On the 17th, at the requeft of Lord Cornwallis, hoftilities ceafed, and Yefterday, the Garrifon of York, amounting to upwards of two thoufand nine hundred effeftives, rank and file, marched out and grounded their arms. Their fick are about feventeen hundred. The garrifon of Gloucefter, and the men Killed during the fiege, are computed at near two thoufand, fo that the whole lofs fuftained by the Enemy, on this Occafion, mufft be between 6 and 7,000 men. This blow, I think, muff be a decifive one, it being out of the Power of G. B. to replace fuch a number of good troops. His Excellency Gen'l Wafhington's letter will inform you of the nature of the capitulation, to which I muff refer you, not having yet procured a copy of the Articles. I have the Honor to be, Gentlemen, &c. Your [55] Your favours of Sep'r 4th and 9th have been received. The interruption in our correfpondence, that is, on my part, has proceeded from accident, partly, letters being ready for the laft poft, but, through hurry, not fent to the Office till too late. Gov'r Nelson to Lord Cornwallis. MY LORD: I have been informed that a number Octo. 20 of the Refugees from this State, and alfo ne- 178i. groes, are attempting to make their efcape by getting on board the Bonetta Sloop of War. As they will endeavour to be concealed from your Lordfhip's notice, till the Veffel fails, I have thought it neceffary to make this communication to you, that you may take meafures to prevent the State, and individuals, from fuftaining an injury of this nature. Governor Nelson to Gen'l Weedon, SIR: Your favour of this morning I have re- Camp ceived. The refugees you have taken may be bct. Y2,k fent over here, and alfo the negroes whofe maf- I781. ters live fouth of York River; and you will be pleated to dire& fome perfon to give papers to fuch [ 56] fuch as belong to the north fide, that they may immediately return to their owners. What we fhall finally do with the fick and wounded prifoners, I have not yet determined. For the prefent, I fhall order them to be guarded by the Militia of the County. All the arms, except of the Guard troops, are to be delivered to the conductor of military flores. What you obferve refpecting negroes fecreting themfelves on board the Veffels, I had been before informed of, and have direated all the veffels to be fearched. Gov'r Nelson to Lord Cornwallis. MY LORD: Camp I have received your verbal meffage befo. York Oct. 21, refpeting two citizens-the Rev'd Mr. Wm. 1781. Andrews and the Rev'd Mr. Harrifon, of this State, who joined the Britifh Army after its arrival here, and who are now delivered up into the hands of the Civil Power. The laws of the Country have fixed the mode of proceeding againft perfons guilty of fuch condudt, and we are ignorant of any power which has a right to fuperfede their force. By thefe laws, enacted by their own reprefentatives, they fhall be fairly and impartially tried, and they muft abide their fentence. I am informed that Lieutenant Col. Simcoe has [57 has refuted to deliver up a certain Chriftopher Robinfon, who now bears a commiffion in his corps, but who deferted from the actual fervice of the State. The articles of capitulation cannot justify this detention, and I fhall by no means acquiefce in it. It is my wifh to treat the men, whom the fortune of War has put into our power, with that civility which their fituation claims; and it would give me pain, in any inftance, to act in a different manner. Your Lordfhip, in the case under confideration, has, I imagine, the power of preventing it, and, I flatter myfelf, you will at once fee the propriety of exercifing this power. I have, &c. Governori Nelson to Gov'r Lee (Maryland). SIR: When I wrote yefterday, I forgot to ob- camp ferve to you that the Militia of this State have boCt Y2r orders to conduat the Britifh Prifoners, allotted 1781. for Frederick Town, only to the Borders of your State. Your Excellency will, therefore, be pleafed to make the neceffary preparations for their reception. I am not fo well acquainted with the Geography of the Upper Country as to be able to inform you at what Ferry they will crofs, but they will be marched by the moft diredt [58] dire6l route from Winchefter to Fredericktown. I have, &c. Gov'r Nelson to the Commissary at Fredericksburg; SIR: Camp This day, the Britifh prifoners were marched befo. York off from York. In about feven or eight days, Oct. 21, I78I. they will pafs through Fredericksburg. They will there draw fome days' provifions, which you will, therefore, have ready to be delivered to them. The number of men will be little fhort of Six thoufand. ADDITIONAL LETTERS.'IIHE original defign was to confine this T volume to fuch of the letters of Governor Nelfon as relate to the events mentioned in the preface; but a departure from that purpofe was induced by the confideration, that the addition of the following letters would enable us to prefent, in one colleEtion, all the letters of Governor Nelfon which can be found in the archives of the State. It is fomewhat remarkable, that the diligence of Hiftorians and Biographers has fcarcely been rewarded by the difcovery of a fingle letter of this eminent man-a reflection which ought to make this publication very precious in the eyes of Virginians. Gov'r [60o] Gov'r Nelson to the County Lieutenants of Loudoun, Fauquier, Spotsylvania and Orange. SIR: Staunton, As the tour of duty of the militia from June I'9 your, County will expire with this month, I muft, I781. therefore, defire that you will immediately fend forward the relief of men to join the Marquis Fayette. If it were poffible that they could furnifh themfelves with Knapfacks, they would find great advantage from them on their march. I am, &c. [Copy fent to the County Lieutenant of each county.] Gov'r Nelson to Colo. John Taylor. SIR: Staunton, The manner of equipping the legion to be Ju781.' raifed and commanded by Gen'l Spotfwood, will be left to himfelf. The Executive do not doubt his prudence in forming contracts for fuch accoutrements as may be wanted. To comply with his engagements they will make every exertion the diftrefsed Circumftances of the Country will admit; but the State of the treasury will not allow of an advance of Money at this, time. The accoutrements already provided are appropriated for the regular Dragoons already raifed, who wait only to be furnifhed with them to take the Field, fo that it would be improper to apply any part of thefe to other Purpofes. I am, &c. Gov'r [6i] Gov'r Nelson to BTrigadier- General Morgan. SIR: Your letter of the 15th ins't, addreffed to Staunton, the Speaker of the Houfe of Delegates, is re- J78u.' ferred to the Executive. The readinefs which you fhew to affift our invaded country, gives general fatisfadtion, and I doubt not but this Letter will meet you far advanced on your March to join the Marquis, with fuch Volunteers as you have been able to colleEt. I am fenfible of the great Inconveniences arifing to the People by being called out at the approach of Harveft; but I have my hopes that fome capital Blow may be ftruck time enough to enable the Commander of the Troops to difpenfe with their fervices at that time. Should this not be the cafe, I flatter myfelf the Militia and Volunteers will confider the diftreffes occafioned to the lower Country, where the ravages of the Enemy, uniefs Speedily fuppreffed, will involve the inhabitants in total Ruin. When the account of the Tradefmen for the neceffaries furnifhed to Major Nelfon's Corps, are, on your order, laid before the Executive, they will immediately take meafures for their Difcharge. We are convinced of the propriety of the propofition contained in the Letter, but our prefent fituation demands difpatch, and fo much time would elapfe before the whole System could be effectuated, that the advantages to be derived from a vigorous and immediate effort would be,loft; 9 but [62] but as foon as the Situation of the State will admit, We will, with pleafure, patronize a Scheme which, they truft, will be produdtive of the moft falutary effe6d. I am, &c. Governor Velson to His Excellency Lord Cornwallis. MY LORD: Charlottes- The extreme Diftrefs of our OffiJlylrd, cers and Soldiers who are prifoners at Charlef178I- town, calls aloud on us for the moft fpeedy and effectual relief we can afford them. I am informed a Propofition was on foot at the time Gen'l Philips died, fince when nothing refpeding this bufinefs has been done. General Scott had a promife from the Commandant of Charleftown, that Paffports fhould be granted to fuch Veffels as the Executive of this State fhould fend with Tobacco, the only Article that is likely to benefit our Officers in that Market. It is neceffary that fome meafures fhould be fpeedily adopted to enable them to difcharge the Debts they have contradted with the Inhabitants. Should I be under the neceffity of fending to Charleftown for the paffports, much Time will elapfe, and the inconveniences will be increafed to both parties; I take the Liberty, therefore, of making Application to your Lordfhip, and hope to be honoured [63] honoured with an Anfwer by the return of the Flag. About fix hundred Hogfheads will be fufficient for the purpofe. I have the Honour to be, &c. Gov'r Nelson lo the Marquis La Fayette. SIR: I enclofe you Papers received yefterday, Richmond Aug. 3d, relative to a feizure of Stores, the property of 1781. this State, made by Gen'l Wayne. This Step will, in a confiderable Degree, diftrefs us, the Stores being intended for the ufe of our Troops now in the Field, which are in the greateft want of them. Betides, the Aftion, in itfelf, is of fuch a nature as is not to be tolerated where civil Government is eftablifhed, and regular modes laid down for procuring neceffaries for our Armies. Other Exceffes are alfo faid to be committed on the Property of Individuals by the Troops of the Pennfylvania Line. I would willingly flatter myfelf, that they are done without the Privity and Countenance of the Officers. But, whatever the Authority may be under which they are perpetrated, as firft Magiftrate of the State, and Guardian of the Rights of the People, it is my Duty to take Care that they be in future prevented. For this purpofe, I have made you this reprefentation, who, as Commander [64] mander-in-Chiet of the American Forces in the State of Virginia, muff be vefted with a Power of examining into and regulating the Condu& of all fubordinate Officers. If there is any thing which you would wifh to communicate to the Executive, they will be happy in giving you an Opportunity, in the Council Chamber, at any time you fhall think proper. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress. GENTLEMEN: Richmond In the laft Letter I wrote to you, I 78i3. mentioned that a Fleet of the Enemy's Tranfports, with troops on Board, had fallen down from Portfmouth into Hampton Road. They have fince moved round into York River, and have landed both on the York and Gloucefter Shores. The uncertainty we were in, with refpect to their Intentions,.had induced the Marquis to take a Pofition not far below this Place, that he might have it in his Power to march either Northward or southward, as their movements fhould make neceffary. Few Troops were left below, as it was not fufpeded that they would come to a Place, the neighbourhood of which they had lately evacuated. From thefe circumftances, and their being able, with eafe [ 65 1 eafe, to tranfport their troops acrofs the River, as they fee fit, they will have it in their Power for a fhort Time, to commit great Devaftations. Thefe fudden Incurfions into different parts of the State, are Calamities which the Geography of the Country, and their poffeffing the Water, make it impoffible for us to guard againft; but I hope the meafures we have taken for our Defence will effectually prevent, in future, their penetrating far, or poffeffing long, what their command of the Water does not fecure to them. I am anxious to hear what Congrefs has done refpecting the Illinois Country. It is a matter which, I think, ought not to be deferred, if they mean to take it up at all. Mr. Charles Tomkins and William Buckner, Inhabitants of Gloucefter County, were taken prifoners by the Enemy fome time laft March, in Chefapeake Bay, by Arbuthnot's Fleet, which they miftook for a French one, and, I am informed, are now confined at New York. They were only private Militia men when taken, and, by a Cartel fettled between the Commanders of the American and Britifh Southern Armies, all the Militia, made Prifoners in the Southern Department before the I5th of laft June, are exchanged, and are to be immediately liberated. They are, then, evidently entitled to their Liberty, and cannot be refufed it, on Application being made for this purpofe. I hope you will take the trouble of doing them this Favour, and recovering two good Citizens for the State. I have [66] I have, for a long Time, had no other Information of what has been doing in your part of the Continent, than what Vague report has given me. If any Intelligence has been intended, it has met with fome Interruption. This, I am inclined to think, has been the cafe, as I underftand the laft Mail was robbed near Chriftiana Bridge. I fhall, once a Week, expe6 to be favoured, by fome one of you, with the news of your City. I am, &c., Gov'r Nelsonl to lMr. Peter Hogg. SIR: Richmond Your Letter of the 2d inftant, inclofing the Aug. 9th, 7g81. petition of John Claypole and others, has been delivered to me by Mr. Wodrow. The Executive are unanimoufly difpofed [to extend] to thefe unhappy People the fame Lenity that others have experienced, but they find fome Difficulty in adopting a proper Mode. It has been a particular Object with the Framers of our Conftitution, to Keep as wide apart as poffible, the Executive and the Judiciary powers. Thefe Petitioners, having been once in the poffeffion of a Court, by whom they were continued for further Trial, a Doubt arifes whether the Executive can interfere, the Judges of the Gen'l Court [67 Court being the only power from Whom a Writ of Nolle Profequi can iffue. The commiffion of Oyer and Terminer not having been executed, no further Procefs will be ordered againft the Petitioners until the meeting of the General Court, before which the Affembly will fit, according to Adjournment, to whom this matter will be referred. I muff acknowledge there is a Degree of Hardihip in their cafe, when compared with the Cafe of thofe who have been equally culpable, or, perhaps, more fo, by continuing obftinate until Pardon was offered, which thefe did not wait for, but fhewed a Difpofition to return to their Duty, by delivering themfelves up to Juftice prior to that Period; but as they are all bailed, no great Inconveniences will arife to them for a fhort time. With refpe6 to thofe who have been bound over to the next Grand Jury Court of the County for Mifdemeanor, the Law muff take its courfe. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to his Excellency Governor Burke. SIR: The inclofed Letter, from the Prefident of Richmond Congrefs, was put into my hands, yefterday, AgI71. which I opened by Miftake. The line of Expreffes [68] preffes being now eftablifhed, I hope we fhall Keep up, at leaft, a weekly Correfpondence. In my laft, I informed you that the Enemy had embarked a very confiderable Part of their force, and were fallen down to Hampton Road, with intention of moving up the Bay, or to New York; but, contrary to the Expectations of every one, they have taken poft at York and Gloucefter, where they will make themfelves fo ftrong that it will be difficult to force them out. There is a matter on which, almoft, the Existence of this State and that of the Army depend, and to which I beg your immediate Attention. By a late Refolution of Congrefs, the Bermudians are declared to be on the fame footing with the Americans, as the Inhabitants of the other Britifh Iflands, which is, in Fat, declaring that their Veffels fhall be legal Prize to any American veffels that may take them, and that they fhall have no commercial Connexion with the United States, which they have hitherto enjoyed in a Small Degree, as to the Article of Provifions. By this means we ufed to get, now and then, Salt brought to us for thefe neceffaries, though in fmall quantities, but which, with fome Affiftance from other Iflands, was fufficient for our neceffary Purpofes. Our Ports being blocked up, and this Chance of procuring Salt from the Bermudians taken from us, I Know not how we are to be fupplied with it, unlefs you can affift us by fecuring what you have already in the State, and adopting fome Plan [69] Plan for importing farther. As it is probable this will be the Seat of war, we have very little profpe& of being able to import any, and, without it, it will be impoffible to fupport the Army. I mention this matter for your Confideration, as, in my Opinion, the Intereft of the South is deeply concerned in it. I am, &c. Gov'r Nelson to the Marquis de la Fayette. DEAR SIR: Colo. Davies, in confequence of my Richmond Aug. I5, Directions, fent the inclofed Prefs warrants to 1781. one of Major Claiborne's Affiftants that they might be either forwarded to Major Claiborne, or executed immediately, as might be moft convenient. To my great fiurprife, I yefterday had them returned to me with a Letter from Mr. Green, the Affiftant Quarter Mafter, which I can view in no other Light than as an Infult. This Gentleman feems to think himfelf under no controul but Major Claiborne's. The very exceptionable part of my Letter is only an extrad from the A&t of Affembly impowering the Executive to iffue Impreffes. Perhaps, if he receives the Warrants from you, he may think himfelf bound to obey, and, therefore, that there may be no longer Delay in this matter, I take 10 the [70] the Liberty of fending them to you. This Bufiness would have been executed fooner had I not waited for an Affiftant of Claiborne's, who was to be ftationed at this Place. Mr. Green at length arrived, but informs me that he is to take Charge of the Office, only, having nothing to do with the District Businefs, as he calls it, fo that, by Punctilios, the Army is likely to go without Provifions. Unlefs fomething decifive is done with this department, the Operations of the Army will be greatly retarded. Major Claiborne has received upwards of twenty Waggons from the Country, which, with the number already mentioned in the warrants, I am in hopes will be fufficient. If they have been applied to any other Purpofe, and he will inform me of it, I will extend the Imprefs. I have a right to know in what manner Articles that have been taken from the Citizens are applied. Captain Muir has prefented a Certificate for the Lofs of two Horfes, at Petersburg. The Circumftanees relative to this matter are exadtly fimilar to thofe of Major Mitchell, in whofe cafe you gave an order on the Continental Quarter Makter General. Several of the Inhabitants of York have applyed to me for Flags, to endeavour to remove their Families from thence. It would fave much trouble, if fome mode could be adopted for a general Application to Lord Cornwallis. For the prefent, however, I wifh Mr. Reynolds and Mr. [7I ] Mr. Gibbons could be indulged with one. I underftand Col. Matthews is at Byrds. He might fend a Dragoon with thefe Gentlemen. I am, &c.