Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series -250
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol. 1 (1652-1781), p, 388 November 17th, 1780 Halifax Co.
At a Public Sale of personal property of Saml: Hoskins decd, … "five sheeps [£].125" and two" sheeps [£].100."
Calendar of Virginia state Papers, Vol. 2 (1781), p. 523 October 3d, 1781
Philip Taliaferro to Gen'l: Weeden, by Express.
A party of the Enimy are now at Mrs. Whitings, and have sent out to collect the cattle and sheep adjacent. there being no one to oppose them, have thought proper to send this information to you
Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol. 2 (1781), p. 546 October 12th, 1781 Norfolk
George Kelly to Gov: Nelson.
there has been very pletifull supplies of cattle & sheep from North Carolina drove down to Lin Haven Inlet for sale in such plenty that they have not been able to vend the whole.
Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol. 2 (1781), p. 637 December 3d, 1791 Cumberland, Old Courthouse
Col: Christ: Febiger to Col: Wm. Davies.
… it's impossible to tell you how much I am perplex'd with writing and riding, with innumerable applications from hungry, thirsty, naked and distres'd soldiers, with groans and Lamentations of the sick and convalescent destitute of medicines and proper nourishment, with complaints from the Inhabitants about Hogs, sheep, Henroosts et c'ra daily plunder'd by those undisciplin'd wretches that lately join'd, notwithstanding every possible precaution, tho' strictest Orders and severest punishments to prevent it.
Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol. 4 (1780-92), p.356 November 10th, 1787 Louisa County
A Negro Slave Valued at [£]75, tried, condemned, and sentenced to suffer death by hanging for having killed a steer valued at forty shillings; also a sheep, valued at eight shillings, and robbing a Tan Fatt of Two sides of Leather, of the value of Twenty shillings.
Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol. 5 (1885), p. 31 September 27th, 1789 Harrison County
Benj'n Wilson, giving a list of the Mischief done by the Indians. William Johnson's family, four killed and four Captivated, horses taken, Cattle, hogs, & sheep kild & the house plundered.
Virginia Gazette[Virginia Gazette]
August 4, 1738, 41 Upper District of James River, cleared:
July 29, 1738. Sloop Exeter, of South Carolina, Samuel Astwood, Master, for South Carolina, with 700 Bushels of Corn and 100 Sheep.
Clear'd out (Upper District of James River)
January 26. Brig. Little Molly, of Virginia, Thomas Hamlin, Master, for Georgia with … 30 sheep.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 30, 1739, 33-4 Williamsburg, December 7
Whereas two FAIRS are appointed to be held in this city Yearly… out of a laudable Design to encourage the Trade therof, and to be a Means of promoting a general Commerce or Traffick among Persons that want to buy or sell… It has been taken into Consideration, by the Gentlemen and other Inhabitants of the said City; and they have, by a voluntary Contribution, raised a Sum of Money to be appropriated in such Manner, and to such Uses, as shall seem most conducive to the desired End,
It is therefore Agreed upon, and Ordered. That the following sum of Money shall be given as bounties at the next FAIR, to be held in Williamsburg…
To the Person that brings most Sheep, and there offers them for Sale, as aforesaid, for each Sheep, six Pence shall be given.
Virginia Gazette (Hunter)
April 24, 1752, 22 List of Acts of Assembly on Monday last…
40. An Act for preserving the Breed of Sheep.
[Virginia Gazette]
June 5, 1752, 32 Hanover county, March 1. There is at the Subscriber's Plantation four ewes, viz. One black, with a Crop in her left Ear, one white ditto, with a crop in the Right, one black ditto, with a crop and Underkeel in each Ear, one white ditto, with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop in the Left. As they have increas'd since they came, the Owner may have them and their increase, on proving their Property, and paying as the Law directs. Charles Goodall.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon)
August 15, 1766, 12 London, May 3. Extract of a letter from Gravesend, April 21. "We have had a great noise at this place lately, on account of some fine rams and ewes that had been attempted to be run on board a ship bound to New York, but which were prevented by the vigilance of the searchers. They were kept at an inn for more than a week, 3 to try if they could be got on board some other ship for the same place, but to no purpose. At last they were taken away by a person, who said he had orders to drive them to New Romney. It is strongly believed they are intended to be run from thence. People who are judges suppose them to be as fine sheep for wool as any in England; the rams cost twenty guineas each, the ewes three guineas a piece. As it may be of the utmost consequence to these kingdoms if they are suffered to be exported, I have taken the liberty of sending you this advice. Your publishing it may probably cause a good lookout to be kept in the other ports, so as to prevent this prejudicial scheme from taking effect."
Virginia Gazette (Rind)
April 28, 1768, 31 Taken up in Stafford county…five head of sheep, two black ewes, and three white ones, marked with a crop and an underkeel in the right ear, and a slit in the left ear; appraised to 1 [£]. 5s.
[Virginia Gazette]
May 12; 1768, 41 Taken up in Hanover county, near the fork church, 5 sheep, 3 white and 2 black, marked with a crop and underkeel in the right ear, and crop in the left. Posted and appraised to 1 [£]. 10s.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon)
January 28, 1768, 32 The subscriber, finding it impossible to do justice to his creditors without disposing of his estate, and very difficult to sell it for near its value, proposes to dispose of the same by way of LOTTERY, and hopes to be countenanced and encouraged by the publick, as his misfortunes were not occasioned by any want of industry, but by accidents, and his too hospitable, friendly, and generous temper, which all his acquaintance can testify; and the adventurers will have the pleasure of affording some relief to a distressed, but deserving family. [Lists various prizes, one of which is sheep valued at 5 [£]., but number of sheep to be valued by "three indifferent men."]
[Virginia Gazette]
March 3, 1768, 21 London, December 12
It is said the American colonies are sparing no expense to be furnished with the best English rams and sheep, in order to promote the breed.
[Virginia Gazette]
September 1, 1768, 31 Taken up, in Caroline, two ewes and two lambs, with both ears cropt short, marked with two slits in the right ear, and an underkeel in the left; posted, and appraised to 24s. James Lindsay.
[Virginia Gazette]
December 22, 1768
An ODE 4The Shepherd's plain life,
[Three additional stanzas have no mention of shepherds.]
Without guilt, without strife,
Can only our blessings impart;
As nature directs,
That bliss he expects.
From health, and from quiet of heart.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon)
November 2, 1769, 42 Taken up, in Cumberland, five sheep, one marked with a half crop and underkeel in the right ear, and a crop and two slits in the left; posted, and appraised at 30s. John Porter, jun.
Virginia Gazette (Rind)
March 9, 1769, 31 Taken up, in New Kent, a white ewe, with a bob tail, marked with a crop and a slit in the right ear, and a hole and two slits in the left. One ditto, marked with a swallow fork, and two slits in the left, and one in the right ear. Also one black ditto, marked with a crop and a slit in the left ear, and two in the right. Posted, and appraised to 1 [£].8s.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 16, 1769, 13To the Honorable the SPEAKER and BURGESSES of VIRGINIA. We the inhabitants of the county of King and Queen, do sincerely, readily, and cordially accede to your association, and are willing and desirous to promote and encourage industry among us.—But, at the same time, beg leave to lay before you the great injury and loss that we sustain in our flocks of sheep, by the dogs which are suffered to run at large, and without some effectual remedy to prevent them from destroying our sheep, we shall not be able to support our families.
The legislature, in the infant times of this country, gave large rewards for the destroying of wolves; but 'tis notorious that the dogs are a greater nuisance than they, by reason they are all over the country, and will take their prey by day and night. But to your great wisdom we humbly submit, etc., etc. Signed by Seventy six.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 16, 1769, 33 Taken up in Culpeper county, eight head of sheep, marked with a crop and two slits in the right ear, and a crop and slit in the left. Posted, and appraised to 2 [£].6s. Benjamin Roberts, jun.
Virginia Gazette (Rind)
May 3, 1770, 41 Taken up in Prince Edward county last fall, six sheep, two black and the rest white, marked with a crop, two slits, and an underkeel 5 in the left ear. They are posted and appraised at 1 [£].18s. William Price, sen.
[Virginia Gazette] May 31, 1770, 31 Taken up in Dinwiddie county. nine sheep, all white, marked with a swallow fork in the right ear, and a nick under and over in the left. Posted, and appraised at 3 [£].3s.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon)
June 14, 1770, 33 Williamsburg. Last Sunday, about two o'clock, we had a great deal of rain, attended with some sharp lightning, which struck a tree a little above the college. There was a parcel of sheep under it, sixteen of which were killed.
[Virginia Gazette]
September 6, 1770, 33 Taken up, last fall was two years, three ewes, two of them black, and one white, marked with a crop and two slits in each ear; they are now increased to ten. Posted, and appraised to 3 [£]. Peter Farrar
[Virginia Gazette]
June 6, 1771, 31 [Long description of losses from floods on the James. Sheep are mentioned, along with other animals, but no numbers are given.]
[Virginia Gazette]
February 6, 1772, 33 Taken up, in Hanover, six white sheep, marked (as near as can be made out) with two Slits in the right Ear, and a Crop and an Underkeel in the left. Posted, and appraised at forty eight shillings. James Shackelford.
Virginia Gazette (Rind)
May 20, 1773, 33 Taken up, in James city county, three white weathers, one marked with a crop, hole, and underkeel in each ear, another with a flower-de-luce in each ear; the other is unmarked, and had a lamb last year. Posted and appraised at 1 [£].12s.6d. Richard Brack.
[Virginia Gazette]6
August 19, 1773, 22 Taken up, in Augusta, two sheep, one of which had on a large bell, with a crop and bitt in each ear. Posted, and appraised to 1 [£].6s.
[Virginia Gazette]
September 9, 1773, 41 Taken up, near Aquia Run, four unmarked white ewes. Posted, and appraised at 1 [£].12s.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie and Dixon)
March 25, 1773, 12 Extract of a letter from Tercera, one of the Azores, of western Islands, October 2. "We hear that a Prevention of the Exportation of Horses, Sheep, and other live Cattle, to France, will be taken under consideration by a great Assembly."
[Virginia Gazette]
November 4, 1773, 31 Taken up, in Amelia, THREE SHEEP, two white Ewes and a black Ram, with a Bell on; The Ewes have both lambs, marked with a Crop and an Overkeel in each Ear. Posted, and appraised to 29s. Mary Crenshaw.
[Virginia Gazette][Virginia Gazette]
June 30, 1774, 21-22Williamsburg, June 30. At a general Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Prince George county, the following Resolves were proposed, and unanimously agreed to.
Resolved, that the raising Sheep, Hemp, and Flax, ought to be encouraged.
To the FARMERS in AMERICA. INCREASE your SHEEP, and raise WOOL, as far as possible; that you may, from this Time, wear LIBERTY CLOTH. FREEDOM.[Virginia Gazette]
[Virginia Gazette]7
August 11, 1774, 11At a very full meeting of DELEGATES from the different counties in the colony and Dominion of Virginia, begun in Williamsburg…
(August 1-August 6) the following ASSOCIATION was unanimously resolved upon and agreed to.[Long preamble about state of the colony and relationship to the Crown, followed by various "resolves"]
6thly. We will endeavour to improve our Breed of Sheep, and increase their Number to the utmost Extent, and to this End we will be as sparing as we conveniently can in killing of Sheep, especially those of the most profitable Kind; and if we should at any Time be overstocked, or can conveniently spare any, we will dispose of them to our Neighbours, especially the poorer Sort of People, upon moderate Terms.
Virginia Gazette (Pinkney)
October 27, 1774, 22 Philadelphia, October 5, Extract of a letter from st. John's Parish, in Georgia, dated September 2. We are informed by a gentleman from Winchester, in Virginia, that the inhabitants have entered into associations to discountenance all butchers or other persons who shall presume to kill or offer for sale a sheep of any sort after the 20th of last month.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 24, 1774, 32 New York. November 10. On Monday last a discovery being made that 18 sheep were in a sloop in the harbour, bound for the West Indies, a number of the citizens waited on the captain, and informed him that the exportation of them was contrary to a resolution of the continental congress, and thereupon obtained his promise that they should be re-landed, and not carried out of the harbour. The people were satisfied and patiently waited till evening, when a report prevailed that the vessel was to sail that night, about 200 inhabitants assembled on the wharf appointed and sent four persons to wait on the committee of correspondence, and request their advice concerning the measures proper to be taken. By their advice the merchant to whom the vessel came consigned was sent for, and desired to cause the sheep to be landed, and delivered to one of the committee appointed on this occasion by the people, which person gave his promise to return the sheep as soon as the vessel had sailed. Accordingly, the sheep were landed, delivered, and soon after the vessel was sailed, returned to the proprietor; on which the people being well satisfied peacably dispersed.
Virginia Gazette (Pinkney) March 30, 1775, 31 [Convention of delegates in Richmond, March 20, 1775]
…Resolved unanimously, that from and after the first day of May next no person or persons ought to use in his, her, or their families, unless in case of necessity, and on no account sell to butchers, or kill for market, any sheep under four years old; and where there is a necessity for using any mutton in his, her, or their families, it is recommended to kill such only as are least profitable to be kept.
[Virginia Gazette] August 31, 1775, 33 Taken up, in Hanover county, on colonel Thomas Nelson's plantation, the following strays: … Likewise 15 sheep; one a horned, white wether, marked with a crop and slit in the left ear, and overkeel in the right; 3 white ewes, marked with a crop and underkeel in the right ear, and a crop and slit in the left; a black ewe, as also a black wether, both of the last mentioned marks; likewise 6 last year's lambs, and three of this year's, all unmarked. The whole of the sheep appraised to 5 [£].17s.6d. George Dabney.
Virginia Gazette (Dixon and Hunter) 8 June 10, 1775, 33 As I was informed, at the late convention held at Richmond, that a very large Number of Sheep were wanted by the Inhabitants of the middle and western counties of the Colony; on my Return to Norfolk, I made Inquiry what Number could be purchased in Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties, and Parts adjacent; and, from the best Information I have been able to get, I am convinced that several Hundreds may be purchased in these Parts, if Application be made before the 20th Day of July, as the Persons who have Sheep for Sale choose to dispose of what they have to spare by that Time. The Butchers who supply Norfolk Market have informed me that if applied to, they should be ready to assist Purchasers in making their Purchases, and they certainly know of whom the best, as well as the Greatest Number of Sheep, are to be bought. James Holt.Virginia Gazette (Pinkney) July 13, 1775, 33
Gloucester Town, July 13, 1775
It is certain that a boat from the Foway of Otter landed several armed men on an island in the lower end of this county, who stole 24 sheep and a cow. The owner of them alarmed his neighbors; but before they could arm themselves the robbers had made off. However, the people, who are now well furnished with arms, etc. will be ready to give them a warm reception, should they favour them with another visit.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie) April 7, 1775, 31 Philadelphia, March 23. We are well informed, that information has been given to some of the committees on this continent, from the West Indies, of several persons who carried off sheep contrary to the association of the Congress, and that our friends in the islands nobly refused to buy the sheep, and treated the offenders with so much contempt that they were obliged to push their adventures to some other market.
[Virginia Gazette]
June 28, 1776, Williamsburg, 32 June 18, 1776. LOST, 300 odd SHEEP, upon the road from Joseph Scott's store in Nansemond to Petersburg. They are part of a flock of 900 or odd that crossed Broadwater ferry, in Southampton, about the 20th of May last. As the subscriber is necessarily employed upon publick service, he will be much obliged to any person that will send intelligence of the sheep, either to himself, or doctor John Reade at Broadwater, and all expenses shall be paid. Frank Eppes.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 1, 1776, 33 Strayed away from Cumberland town, in New Kent county, about the latter end of July, 17 head of sheep, marked with a swallow fork and underkeel in the left ear, and two slits in the right. Whoever 9 gives me intelligence of them, so that I may get them again … shall be handsomely rewarded, and all reasonable expenses paid. James Davis.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 1, 1776, 43 Taken up in Culpeper, on the Rapidan river, three ewes and one wether, two of the ewes marked with a swallow fork and overkeel in the right ear, a crop and slit in the left, the others unmarked. Posted, and appraised to 28s. John Lowin.
Virginia Gazette (Dixon and Hunter)[Virginia Gazette]
January 6, 1776, 33A vessel arrivedd at Philadelphia has brought papers to the 28th of September, by which we learn … the Ministry had shipped 600 sheep for their hungry fools at Boston.
Thursday the 21st in Lancaster county, a Negro fellow was tried and found guilty of sheep-stealing; he was sentenced to be burnt in the hand, but instead of crying God save the King (as is usual upon such occasions) he roared out, with the greatest seeming sincerity, "God d--n the K--g,—and the Governor too."
Taken up, in Hanover County, seven SHEEP, namely a black Ewe, marked with a Crop in the left Ear, and a Crop and Slit in the right; a white Ewe, with a Crop and Swallowfork in the left Ear, and a crop in the right. These Ewes came to my Plantation the Summer before last, each with an unmarked Lamb, and the other three have been raised from them since. Posted, and appraised at 1.[£].20s. John Austin.
Virginia Gazette (Dixon and Hunter) June 1, 1776, 31 Williamsburg, June 1. Gwin's island, which contains 2300 acres of land, with about 500 head of cattle, 1000 sheep, etc. situate at the mouth of Piankatank river, is now possessed by the enemy.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie) January 17, 1777, 43 STRAYED from … near Williamsburg, two cows…Also 16 or 17 sheep, the greatest part of which I presume have gone towards Mrs. Aylett's, near Cowle's ferry, as I purchased them there; some of them are marked with a crop, slit, and underkeel, in each ear, and are painted red on their back and heads. The others probably have gone towards Jamestown, as I purchased them on the south side of James river; their mark forgot. I will give … three dollars for the sheep, or the proportion for any part of the sheep, on such 10 information as I may get them again. John Jaram.[Virginia Gazette]
Taken up in Hanover … two white rams, marked with two crops and slit in the right ear, and an underkeel in the left. Appraised to 20 shillings. John Minor.
Virginia Gazette (Dixon and Hunter)
September 26, 1777, 32 Taken up, in James City County, near Jamestown, some Time in January last, five WETHERS, four of which are marked with a Crop and Overkeel in the left Ear, and an Underkeel in the right, the other with a Swallowfork in each Ear, and a slit in the upper Part of the right. Three of them are black. Posted, and appraised to THREE POUNDS. John Harriss.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 14, 1777, 42 Taken up, in Dinwiddie County, a EWE and EWE LAMB, the Ewe marked with an Overkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop and slit in the left, the Lamb marked with a smooth Crop in the right, and a Slit in the left. Posted, and appriased to 15s. George Loyd.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 21, 1777, 12 To be sold, for ready Money, at Buckland, in the County of Charles City, on the first of December next, the Stocks of Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs, upon the said Plantation, and also some valuable high blooded Colts, Part of the Estate of the late Honourable William Byrd, Esq; and also on the next Day at WESTOVER, some Articles of Household Furniture, etsc. which were omitted at the late Sale. The Executrix. [There are numerous ads of this type, with no details about prices.]
[Virginia Gazette]
June 12, 1779, 22 Providence, May 13 [Account of landing of party of the enemy in Rhode Island
] it is hoped that the legislatures of the different states will immediately enact effectual laws for making lawful prizes of all oxen, cows, sheep, etc. which shall be found within a certain distance of any shore, convenient for the enemy to land at, unless it shall evidently appear, that such oxen, etc. shall really have strayed from their owners, or keepers, etc.
[Virginia Gazette]11
July 31, 1779, 32 Taken up in Brunswick, at Nathaniel Harrison's quarter in Great Creek, 5 ewes and 2 lambs, viz. 3 black, and a white, marked with a swallow fork in the right ear, and a crop in the left, the lambs are unmarked. Appraised to 23 [£].5s. Thomas Fulks. August 14, 1779, 32
Taken up in Brunswick county, a bridled steer… Also three white sheep, two of them ewes (one unmarked) and a wether, marked with a swallowfork in the right, and half moon in the left ear. Appraised … the sheep at 4 [£].l0s. Henry Merritt.
[Virginia Gazette]
October 16, 1779, 32 Taken up in Spotsylvania county, 3 sheep, 2 ewes a lamb, marked with a crop and slit in each ear, and underkeel in the left. Posted, and appraised to 14 [£]. William o. Brock.
[Virginia Gazette]
November 20, 1779, 22 To be sold for ready money on Tuesday the 7th of December, at the late dwelling house of Mrs. Anne Burwell, deceased, of York county,
MANY valuable horses, a large stock of fine cattle, sheep, and hogs, household and kitchen furniture, consisting of about 100 ounces of silver plate, a complete set of blue and white table china, one dozen new mahogony chairs, several new beds, blankets, sheets, tablecloths, knives and forks, etc., etc. Also on Friday the 10th of December, will be exposed to sale at her late plantation in King William county, the stocks of horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs, some corn, fodder, etc. …, Executors.
[Virginia Gazette]
March 25, 1780, 33 Taken up at my plantation in Loudon county, near Leesburg, the following strays … Also the following sheep, viz. a black ewe, marked with a crop in the left ear, and a slit across from the underside of the right; a white ewe, marked with a crop in the right ear, and a half crop from the upper side of the left; a white ewe, with a crop and swallowfork in each ear; a white ewe in the same mark, and painted red behind; a white ewe with a swallowfork in the left ear and slit in the right; a white ram, with large horns, a slit in the right ear, and overbit from the left, and a white horned ram, with a crop and slit in the right ear, and a crop and underslit from the left. Posted and appraised, the first to 9 [£]. the second and third to 10 [£]. each, the fourth to 8 [£]. the fifth to 3 [£]. the sixth to 6 [£]. and the seventh to 12 [£]. The owners are desired to make application for the said strays. Thomson Mason. Note high price.]
Virginia Gazette (Clarkson and Davis)
July 3, 1779. 43 Taken up in Stafford county, at the plantation of William Brent, Esq; the following cattle, etc. … Also 2 sheep, a ewe and wether, the ewe marked with a crop and underkeel in the left ear, and a hole in the right; the wether marked with a crop and underkeel in the left ear, and crop and overkeel in the right. Appraised to 8 [£]. Bryant Thornwell.
Hening's Statutes of Virginia, 1, 463
Act LXV (9th of Commonwealth, March, 1657-58) Noe Mares nor Sheep to be Transported.
It is enacted that no mares nor sheep be transported out of the collonie upon such pennaltie as shall be thought fitt by the Governour and Council.
Hening's Statutes of Virginia, II, 128
Act CXXIII (14th Charles II, March 1661-62) Noe Mares of Sheep to be transported.
It is also enacted that noe mares or sheepe be transported out of the country upon treble the value, to be forfeited by the offender, and by him paid one halfe to the informer the other halfe to the publique.
Hening's Statutes of Virginia, II, 243
Act XV (18th Charles II, October, 1666) An act concerning Sheepe.
Whereas the seaventy seaventh act concerning the insuffitiency of fences prohibites any injury to be done to several1 sorts of beasts and cattle among which sheep are not nominally included, it is enacted hereby that from henceforth sheep shal be comprehended in the said act, and damages recovered for any injury done to them by vertue of the act aforesaid as for other cattle it is provided.
Hening's Statutes of Virginia, VI, 38
Chap. XX (22d George II, October 1748)An Act for preventing Trespasses, by unruly Horses, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, or Goats, and by taking away Boats or other vessels.
I. Be it enacted … That if any horses, mares, cattle, hogs, sheep, or goats, shall break into any grounds, being inclosed with a strong and sound fence, five feet high, and so close that the beasts breaking into the same could not creep through, or with an hedge two feet high, upon a ditch three feet deep, and three feet broad, or instead of such hedge, a rail fence, of two feet and a half high, the hedge or fence being so close that none of the creatures aforesaid can creep through the owner of such horses, mares, cattle, hogs, sheep, or goats, or any of them, shall for the first trespass so committed, make reparation to the party injured, for the true value of the damage he shall sustain; and for every trespass afterwards, double damages, to be recovered, with costs, in any court of record of this dominion, wherein the same shall be cognizable.
13II. Provided … That for the third offence … it shall be at the election of the party injured, to sue for his damages, or to kill and destroy the beasts so trespassing, without being answerable for the same.
[Law continues about right to jury trial, and about fruit trees and tobacco and amount of reparation, and about taking boats.]
Hening's Statutes of Virginia, VI, 295
Chap. XLII (25th George II (February, 1752)An Act for preserving the breed of Sheep
I. Whereas the breed of sheep is greatly diminished in many parts of this dominion; that is to say, in the counties of James City, York, Warwick, Elizabeth city [long list follows] … by reason that negroes and other slaves are not restrained from carrying dogs about with them, from place to place, for prevention whereof;II. Be it enacted … That … it shall not be lawful for any negroe, or other slave or slaves, in the counties aforesaid, in going from one plantation to another, to carry with him, her, or them, any dog whatsoever, other than is herein after excepted; and if any slave or slaves shall presume to carry about with him, her, or them, any dog, contrary to the intention of this act, it shall and may be lawful for any person or persons whatsoever, to kill and destroy every such dog; and moreover, the slave or slaves so offending, shall, upon complaint made before any justice of the peace, receive on his, her, or their bare back, twenty lashes, by order of such justice.
III. And … it shall and may be lawful for any justice of the peace, upon due proof made to him, of any dogs killing sheep, to order such dog to be destroyed forthwith.
IV. Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to hinder any person or persons from sending his or their slave or slaves, from place to place, with his or their hounds, spaniels, pointing or setting dogs, for his or their diversion, as they might have done before the making of this act.
Hening's Statutes of Virginia, VI, 488-89
Chap. X (28th George II, May 1755)An Act for reviving an act … for preserving the breed of Sheep [Revives act of 1752 and extends to more counties, and adds the following new section]
III. And be it further enacted … That no more than two dogs, shall be kept at any negroe quarter… at one time; and in case more dogs shall be found to belong to the same quarter, it shall 14 be lawful for any person or persons to kill and destroy every dog kept at such quarter above that number, by order of any justice of the peace; and the several constables at the time of their viewing tobacco fields … are hereby required and empowered to examine into the number of dogs kept at the several negroe quarters in their precincts, and to kill and destroy every dog kept thereat, exceeding two…
William and Mary Quarterly, ser. 2, 15 (1935):173-75 "Losses of York County citizens in British Invasion, 1781"
[Summary of county claims in court of April 28, 1783]
John Patrick lost 9 sheep.
William Patrick lost 20 sheep.
Robert Sheild lost 12 sheep.
John Robinson lost 18 head of Sheep at 15p… [£]. 13.
William and Mary Quarterly, ser. 2, 17 (1937):269 and 273 Inventory of estate of Capn. Augustine Washington in King George County
6 oxen@ 2:10 9 cows at 1:10 4 two years old 15s 2 heifers @ 20 6 calves @ 5s 21 sheep @ 5s 2 sows @ 12s
At the Quarter Totals 2 barren cows 3 [£] 2 heifers 2 [£] 4 steers 6 [£] 1 bull 10s 4 calves 1 [£] 2 breeding sows 16s 5 2-yr. barrows 2 [£] 10s 11 shoats 1 [£] 2s 11 sheep 2 [£] 15s 2 horses 1 [£] 10s
William and Mary Quarterly, ser. 2, 19 (1939), 435"The veracity of John Lederer," by Lyman Carrier.
[In 1665] a shipment of horses was sent over from Havre, the first of these animals, except one horse sent in 1647, ever seen in Canada. Large shipments of sheep and cattle followed soon after. "Flocks of sheep meet our eyes and many horses which thrive finely in this country and render it great service," wrote a Jesuit in 1667, in striking contrast to the discouraging reports of previous 15 years.
William and Mary Quarterly, ser. 2, 23 (1943): 482"Which Hugh Jones?" by Grace Warren Landrum
Quotation from Hugh Jones, The Present state of Virginia, 1724, p. 41.
"it [the wool of Virginia] might be much improved if the sheep were housed every night and foddered and littered as in Urchinfeld."
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 6 (1899): 143."Vindication of Sir William Berkeley" [from report of the English Commissioners of Bacon's Rebellion]
And tho. they know well that Sir Wm. Berkeley has had houses burnt in James City, his dwelling house at Green Spring almost ruined, his household goods and others of great value totally plundered; that he had not a bed to lye on, two great Beasts, three hundred sheep, seventy horses and mares, all his corn and provisions taken away … they cannot endure they should have any sense of their great losses and sufferings nor give them any better names than the worst of witnesses… .
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 6 (1899): 21916[From the Oxford Tract of 1612, describing the situation at the time of John Smith's departure on October 4, 1609]
"Leaving us thus with 3 ships, 7 boats, commodities ready to trade, the harvest newly gathered, 10 weeks provisions in the store, 490 and odde persons, 24 pieces of ordinances, 300 muskets, snaphanches and firelocks, shot, powder and match sufficient, curats, pikes, swords, and moryons more than men, the salvages thier language and habitation well knowne to 100 well trained soldiers, nets for fishing, tools of all sortes to worke, apparell to supply our wants, 6 mares and a horse, 5 or 600 sheep, what was brought or bread there remained."
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 7 (1900): 64-68Inventory of Estate of the Hon. Robert Carter of Lancaster.
Wolf House Quarter: "about 30 hogs, 23 sheep, 1 horse, 55 Cattle, a fowlings piece, pott and hooks," etc.
Corotoman Quarter: "35 hogs, 30 sheep, 1 horse, 55 cattle," etc.
Hills Quarter: "60 hogs, 26 sheep, 97 cattle," etc.
Brick House Quarter: "63 horses, 45 hogs, 46 cattle."
Office Quarter: "11 sheep, 24 hogs, 35 cattle," etc.
Jones Place: "30 sheep, 1 horse, 88 hogs, 51 cattle," etc.
Blough Point Quarter: "3 horses, 40 sheep, 93 cattle, 81 hogs," etc.
Old Place: "36 sheep, 1 mare, 75 hogs, 66 cattle," etc.
Fielding's Place: "24 sheep, 25 sheep, 25 hogs, 33 cattle," etc.[Sheep are not included among the animals in the quarters and plantations in Richmond and Westmoreland Counties, but there is this note at the end: "On these quarters and plantations (exclusive of those separately enumerated) were 315 negroes, 50 horses, 898 head of cattle, 835 hogs, and 132 sheep."]
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 8 (1901): 124.17Letter from Thomas Jefferson to ----?
Monticello, May 20, 1818"Our fathers taught us an excellent maxim, never to put off tomorrow what you can do to day, by some of there degenerate sons this has been reversed by never doing to day what we can put off tomorrow, for example I have been more than a year intending to send you a Merino ram next week, and week after week it has been put off still to next week which, like tomorrow, was never present. I now however send you one of the full blood, born of my imported ewe of the race called Aguenes by the imported ram of the Paular race, which belonged to the Prince of Peace was sold by order of the junta of Extremadura, was purchased and sent to me in 1810 by Mr Jarvis our Consul at Lisbon. the Paulars are deemed the finest race in Spain for size & wool taken together, the Aguenes superior to all in wool, but small. …
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 9 (1902), 79[List of materials provided for the Virginia militia, August 26, 1777]
Hughlett, John, for two Sheep [furnished to Northumberland Militia] , 1 [£].5s.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 21 (1913), 395-405[Appraisement of the Estate of Philip Ludwell]
At Scotland: 14 sheep [no price] At Cloverton: ___ sheep at 6s.--10 [£]. 6s. At Pinewood Meadow: 31 sheep at 6s.--9 [£].6s. At Archers Hope: 49 sheep at 7s.6d.--18[£] 7s.6d. At Rich Neck: 25 sheep at 7s.6d.--9 [£].7s.6d. At New Quarter: 25 sheep for total of 10 [£]. At Green Spring: 63 sheep at 7s.6d.--23 [£].12s.6d.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 22 (1914): 50 fn. 8. In Middlesex Court March 4th, 1677, Matthew Bentley was summoned to answer the charges that he, during the late rebellion, when in command of 40 or 50 men, did kill three hogs and two sheep, took a great quantity of corn and enough meal for the whole army [Bacon's]. In March 1677 Mr. Wm Gordon and Mr. Alexander smith became securities in the sum of 500 [£]. for the good behavior [of Bentley]. On July 23d 1677, in Middlesex, Col Christopher Wormeley sued Matthew Bentley and others for trespass and claimed 455 [£]. damages. He stated that they had taken from him during the Rebellion, 12 beeves, 40 sheep, 12 bushels of salt, etc. He obtained Judgment; but the defendants appealed to the General Court.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 34 (1926): 87 From inventory and appraisement of estate of Benjamin Harrison of Berkeley
Sheep and Lambs 208 head in all at 10s
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 15 (1908), 409MILITARY COURT OF ENQUIRY, PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY, 1776 John Scott charged with secreting the effects of Sprowle & C. and of supplying the [Dunmore] fleet with provisions.
Two witnesses deposed that the prisoner had the sheep in his possession and that upon applying to him for pay for three hogs he offered him two geese and lambs in satisfaction for them… It appeared to the Court that when the sheep went to Scott's plantaion 18 there were twenty of them and that there are only six left.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 17 (1909), 171-72 CONFESSION OF JOHN GOODRICH, 1776
John Goodrich confessed that he was sent by Lord Dunmore as a pilot to Capt. Wright to bring him into Ocrecock to get provisions…That 4 men from Black River came on board & brought a fine parcel of Lambs.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 18 (1910), 165 From Fairfax Resolutions, 18 July, 1774
…and we recommend it to such of the Inhabitants, who have large stocks of Sheep, to sell to their Neighbours at a Moderate price, as the most certain means of speedily increasing our breed of Sheep, and quantity of Wool.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 18 (1910), 188 Inventory of John Herbert, Chesterfield co., 15th July, 176019
34 cattle @ 25s.
A horse 5 [£]., ditto 4 [£].
18 sheep @ 5s.
22 hogs @ 7s.
15 shoats @ 5s.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 38 (1930): 298. From appraisal of estate of George Hume, June 19, 1760
6 Cows & Calves 12.0.0. 2 young stears @ 18/-. 1 heifer 30/-. 2 ewes & lambs 18/-.
Life as revealed through early American court records. By E.T. Crowson. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1981.[From records from Eastern Shore of Virginia.]
p. 78
There was an order of Assembly for the counties to give in the number of sheep in 1660. There were from Pungoteague to the Cape 1714 sheep belonging to 107 persons named, many having but one or two. Col. Edm Scarburgh had the greatest number, 163. John Custis had 110. Hugh Yeo, 68; Squire Littleton, 44. Pungoteague and Maggotta Bay precincts had the largest number.
Virginia Gazette (Pinkney) March 30, 1775, 31[Convention of delegates in Richmond, March 20, 1775]
…Resolved unanimously, that from and after the first day of May next no person or persons ought to use in his, her, or their families, unless in case of necessity, and on to account sell to butchers, or kill for market, any sheep under four years old; and where there is a necessity for using any mutton in his, her, or their families, it is recommended to kill such only as are least profitable to be kept.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 137 (Greene, ed.) January 5, 1757
Fine day the former part but cold the latter part. A lamb this day from a black Ewe. The lamb white.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 138 (Greene, ed.) January 16, 1757
Another lamb last night. 1 lamb this day.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 140 (Greene, ed.) February 9, 1757
I went to the Fork quarter, find the overseer there is but a Chattering fellow, for which I have given him a piece of my mind. He protests he will mend. But 5 lambs there although we have 31.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 146-47 (Greene, ed.)February 28, 1757
Lost two lambs last night. I am puzzled to account for the smallness of my Lambs this year. They used to be large. I penned hardly any sheep last year and they lookt exceeding well. They have been all well fed this year. Had field of wheat to feed on whilst Lambing and young Clover. They all lay warm and drye but not all of them have had Lambs by near 50 Ewes. If this not owing to the prodigious drowth last year from July to October, I cana't tell to what to impute it. Note: I had large fields of Clover opened to them in the drowth and it had such an affect on my Cattle as to make them dung plentifully and are very strong and I always expected drye weather the best for sheep. The Ram indeed may be old but he was well kept all the winter before. I must trye and change him and see what effect young rams have on breeding. I have 2 very fine ones yeaned last april. These I intend to turn on land though Old Ram shall be Cut in the Summer.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 199 (Greene, ed.) January 15, 1758
A very rainy night. This a Constant heavy rain.
11 Calves and but one lamb.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 251 (Greene, ed.) January 15, 176421
No lamb as yet though we had one the 14th of this Month last year. The reason perhaps that we fail this year is because that forward Ewe brought a Lamb in August also.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 252 (Greene, ed.) January 20, 1764
Talbot's account of my home sheep this day is 69. Besides the fatted ones 3 of the gang have dyed and one of the old Wethers. There are also 52 of the sheep that came from Northumberland, one of them being dead. …
Landon Carter Diary, I, 253 (Greene, ed.) February 27, 1764
The first lamb this day.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 254 (Greene, ed.)February 4, 1764
Colo. Tayloe's Fork quarter dogs made great havock amongst my sheep last night. 11 killed and 4 wounded of the home gang and 4 killed of my Northumberland sheep. …February 6, 1764
I have been very lately paid off by the cur dogs amongst my sheep. My stock were as follows until the 2d of this month if I could believe one negroe, but I find all are so lazy that they never went to the houses to count them and are so Villanous as to confirm all with damned lies.
Talbot swears he counted:
the Home gang February 2d…69
the Northumberland ditto…52____121
But now there are only 90 in all which Nassau this day counted besides the two Ewes that have lambs so that I have lost in all here 29 and at my Fork there were 17 though this day only 16. From hence I say that though it is evident the dogs have killed them yet not so very lately as from February 2d. I have people out killing all the dogs they can see.February 7, 1764
… My sheep are now got to 90 except the fateners so that I have had destroyed by dogs and neglect 31 here and one at the Fork. Talbot now counts them every evening and is to come constantly to me to tell me how many he counts.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 255 (Greene, ed.) February 13, 176422
6 lambs in all…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 258 (Greene, ed.) February 25, 1764
Yesterday two more of the Sheep that the dogs had bit dyed so that my loss by dogs have been 34 sheep. I have now but 88 sheep and 19 lambs only. As yet I heard only of one that Yeaned dead.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 260-61 (Greene, ed.)March 9, 1764
Yesterday promised a fair day this, but it is nothing but rain, the moon answers her Phasis. 8 lambs at Fork quarter.March 14, 1764
… An old Stear died in my pen. Two sheep died so that my number is only 86 now.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 261 (Greene, ed.) March 17, 1764Landon Carter Diary, I, 277 (Greene, ed.)
A small frost, clear skye and promises a fine day. My stock of Sheep reduced to 85 by the death of 5 more since the dog Slaughter which were harassed by the dogs. As yet but 21 lambs. A young Ewe Yeaned yesterday in a puddle of water. The lamb perished. …
August 18, 1764
This day Talbot told me he counted 84 old Sheep and 20 lambs out. In this he missed 1 old Sheep and 1 lamb, for last month there was 85 old Sheep and 21 lambs and we have killed none since though he says we have.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 286 (Greene, ed.) March 8, 1766
I have but 15 lambs as yet at home having lost 8, by negligence and the long drie summer, fall and winter. 13 ditto at the Fork. None lost.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 299 (Greene, ed.)May 14, 1766
Burying dung at the fork one Ewe and lamb gone there out of the old corn field, by dogs 'tis supposed.May 16, 1766
This day Jack at the Fork told me his corn was all gone. He made 33 bushels. Measured in February and 40 would have kept the 23 plantation a whole year; therefore he must be a rogue. He pretends the Cattle and sheep eat it. He has but 6 calves and 15 lambs. 5 cattle have died 92 lambs and 2 oxen which was all he had…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 335 (Greene, ed.) February 27, 1767
… Moody turned away this day. A base rascal. Now 12 lambs, we have had 15 and one the dogs killed as soon as Yeaned…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 336 (Greene, ed.)March 4, 1767 16 lambs this morning.
March 7, 1767
…18 lambs this day. 8 lambs at the Fork, 6 of them rams.March 8, 1767
19 lambs this day, 10 of them ewes.March 9, 1767
20 lambs.March 11, 1767
23 lambs this day.March 16, 1767
A warm Smoaky day. In all 27 lambs this night. 9 lambs at the Fork…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 347 (Greene, ed.) January 23, 1770
We have 4 lambs at the fork of which they have been careful and but one here and as yet but only one Calf.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 351 (Greene, ed.)24January 28, 1770
We had yesterday 6 lambs at the fork and one Ewe brought two here last night so that we have now 4 at home besides those at the fork. Great care shall be taken of them if orders frequently repeated can do it.January 31, 1770
My lambs drop very slow as yet but 7 at the fork and 2 here. I had 4 but the Ewe that brought twins produced such rats that they could neither suck nor be suckled.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 353 (Greene, ed.)February 6, 1770
Amongst our bad weather we have had snow upon the ground now the third day which makes bad for every kind of work particularly for our yeaning sheep. One has brought 2 lambs which being but mere rats died in a day perhaps through my indisposition and a strange easyness in Ball not to be distinguished from indolence. They were not properly taken care of and now another Ewe is yeaning two but from her long continuance at it she and the lambs may all die.The yeaning Ewe taken notice of before was delivered of two distinct bodies of lambs with all parts compleat only joined by one neck and one head. Bodies as big as usual for lambs just yeaned only one something larger than the other but both rams. I made Nassau open the bodies of this extraordinary production through the one mouth. He pursued a distinct gullet into each body but could only find but one large heart in one body and in the other none at all. Perhaps it is not in the power of man to assign a cause for such a pervertion of nature.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 354 (Greene, ed.) February 9, 1770
The number of lambs fallen yesterday were 17 here besides the little twins that died and the monstrous lamb, and Mr. Ball tells me he has seen a little shenkin lamb in the old field which I suppose has been the case why in years past we have thought all our sheep have not yeaned and, as this villanous shepherd Jesse manages, I suppose it will continue to be the case for he lets the sheep jump over the ditches and miry slashes which can never be proper for yeaning Ewes. Therefore if I live and can effect it I must every fall have a pretty large field well fenced in to keep the sheep in during their yeaning time…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 358 (Greene, ed.) February 17, 1770
…Johnny is throwing up my beds in my quarter patch at home but I see the rascal does not intend to finish by contriving that all his lambs should get out of their yard that he may be trifling about after them. I have 29 lambs here and 12 at the fork.
Landon Carter Diary, I 360-62 (Greene, ed.)February 18, 1770
A very fine day. I rode to the fork…There are but 12 lambs there. I saw the ten remaining sheep which looked very well and some as if big with lamb. The lambs are really well taken care of 25 and look fine…
I have now a pretty good opportunity of discovering the difference between spelt and Rye for winter pasturage. Neither of them grow much in the winter. At least they have not done so this year and do not show the same disposition towards it as barley does. But as to the feeding, the yearlings in particular keep constantly upon the spelt. Therefore for them I must believe it is the better food. But the fattened sheep, perhaps because the Rye has not been fed so close, keep upon the Rye. However I shall prefer spelt as it is a more pleasing food and because it yields a better grain Crop which is itself a very fine food. We have 32 lambs at home.February 20, 1770
We have now 37 lambs. Mr. Ball tells me another Sheep was missing the night before last and when he sent Lydia for it that bitch took one of Johnny's Ewes belonging to the lambs [?] and brought it up and that Sheep was missing last night for which I have ordered her correction…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 363 (Greene, ed.) February 26, 1770
Such weather with but little food will lessen the number of our Creatures. Two Cows it seems have died and the young bull since I went abroad and also two lambs just yeaned and more must die for I cannot see how such rats occasioned by this miserable spell through a long winter can live.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 367 (Greene, ed.)26 Landon Carter Diary, I, 368 (Greene, ed.)March 9, 1770
I have 14 lambs at the fork where not a lamb has died. I have but 13 here and indeed have not lost many but from the young Ewes who drop their lambs and will not own them. Perhaps it would be a good way to pick these young Ewes out after rutting time and winter them there for I am satisfied This disowning of their lambs can only be owing to the wet weather.March 12, 1770
This cold night has been the death of two lambs. One died yeaning, the other as soon as it was yeaned, though both in the house. So that we have but 55 lambs and we should have had 80 in moderate winter.
March 14, 1770
This bad weather continues fatal to my young yeaning Ewes. They drop their lambs, disown them, and the Creatures die for want of the cleaning care of their mother so that by disasters of this kind I cannot have lost less than 10 lambs. Other people lose lambs at more than a fortnight old and they conclude it must have been by housing them with their mothers. Perhaps in Tobacco houses not cleaned but strewed over with little scraps of Tobacco that may be some cause for such an accident. Otherwise it is against any experience of mine for talk who will a lamb is certainly too tender a Creature to endure such violent dirty rains. But I never put the Ewes after three or four days yeaning to lie with the lambs. They are turned out as soon as they have done suckling and I wish I had a house to keep them in at nights at other times for a shelter against such weather. Such a one I must get, God willing.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 370 (Greene, ed.)March 17, 1770
One lamb fallen today which would have been 56 but one died last night through Johhny's carelessness.March 18, 1770
I find the complaint of other people about losing their lambs has at last got into my stock that yeaned yesterday and one other died last night. The weather was cold but as the house is warm one would think from their number it cannot be the cold that has killed them. I am rather inclined to think the Ewes have no Milk and how should they, poor Creatures, for notwithstanding the provision I made of near 40 acres of Rye it is so killed by the frosts and constant bad weather that they cannot get a bite. They are fed with Corn but perhaps not enough. I raised more lambs in the same house last year than I believe I shall do in this which is another consequence of that Gust for I fed with meal last year but cannot do so this because my mill is not yet put up. I must have a larger house with divisions in it that the Ewes may lie with their poor lambs.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 371 (Greene, ed.) March 19, 177027
I had my Ewes first on my bowling green yesterday and then on the hill sides so that the poor Creatures made a shift to get a belly full and this way I intend to conduct them if possible to save the lambs for it is certain they suffer for want of milk and that their mothers could not get without food.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 375 (Greene, ed.) March 24, 1770
The severe cold last night killed me one little young lamb. I must project another lamb house if I can to suit even these winters. I have discovered that little lambs when together will lie all of a heap and I know from the nature of a sheep an over warmth or pressure upon their loins kills them dead. Therefore, I shall in the first place project length enough a low building and width enough to have 2 divisions, one latticed with separate cross divisions to contain a few lambs together and the outer one lathed like a shed for their dams to lie in and upon the South side a large yard for the day suckling and basking.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 377 (Greene, ed.) March 28, 1770
Lost two Lambs more yesterday. It must be the house. Perhaps their urine, dung, or something must be the cause of it for these were young lambs very brisk at night when put into the house.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 381-84 (Greene, ed.)April 4, 1770
I am puzzled to think what can kill my lambs. I have lost 10 or 12 pretty large and that very lately. I fancied the house might injure them. Accordingly I gave them a range all day and a large yard to lie in but sill they died. They have some homony beat fine besides fodder and the Ewes have been well feed with Corn and have been pastured about upon the hills and sometimes below where there is a green food to be pickt. I begin to think as our fodder was cheafly blown into stemms by the gust that these lambs have been hurt by eating those stemms which to be sure were not very digestible in tender stomachs or it is possible that this gust besides ribbing it may have given it some noxious quality. I have ordered the lamb that died yesterday to be opened as it was pretty large to discover if we can whether any of its food was amiss in its bowels. In short I don't know what to do but we must try till something shall do. At the fork Quarter we have only lost one lamb…April 5, 1770
Two lambs more died last night. I had that which died yesterday examined within. The fodder it had eaten lay in sticky stemms from its stomach upwards into its throat and downwards into its bowels and the small homony quite dry in its maw without digestion. Poor Creatures, they can get no grass and the loss of my mill prevents their having meal which would otherwise assist their digestion. I have therefore ordered them no more fodder nor homony and have turned them with their Ewes to brouze for what they can get about the hills. There must be some unknown cause for this death of lambs … I did think the way I was in as it had turned out well 28 for at least five year was the proper method of raising sheep but now I see how true that saying is that the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong and I might ad[d] nor success to the man of rational care. However this may be in the system of ups and downs that governs in this unstable world and we must not from the least dispair give up our care… .April 7, 1770
I heard of no dead lambs of my own yesterday but my Son brought word from Totuskey bridge of the loss of whole stocks of lambs constantly fed with fodder and homony and the Sheep with Corn besides Salt as often as it could be thought to be wanted which I am apprehensive in such a prodigious moist year [as] this should have been at least once more per week than my usual custom which has been but twice for yesterday I saw my Ewes that have not yeaned greedily picking the earth where they have Salted and all the houses where Salt had been scattered. For my part I have forbid all feeding of either Ewes or lambs excepting the giving them frequently of Salt in hopes that this may prevent their deaths.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 385 (Greene, ed.) April 12, 177029
I hope in God we shall now be blessed with what we call spring weather from our experience in life for as yet really during this whole '70 we have had nothing but the severest and worst of winters and by plain observation the spring is full 6 weeks backward than it was last year… Of lambs 18 and at my fork Quarter but one old Cow and 1 motherless lamb. I discover an error I have been guilty of in not carrying all my Calves and yearlings as soon as the winter set in to be taken care of at the fork. I did it 2 year agoe as that soil is dry and really a better chance for winter food and there I succeeded well but last year William Tutt behaved so scandalously that being obliged to part with him I was in doubt which of my Negroes I could put there with care and honesty enough to preserve and feed these Creatures. However if George continues as he has behaved it will be to my advantage to have a convenient house for all my yearlings and also for all my lambs and by putting a women under his particular management to help him I may effect a great thing for although we have lost some Cows the most of this 27 head have been 2 years old and yearlings which can only be owing to the excessive wetness of this plantation and so I think with respect to the lambs, for their food has been different from ours and yet I have lost none there, Although I am now convinced that this fellow Johnny is too damned a rogue to be trusted with any kind of care and so are all his family bred under him. A stout Girl of his put to attend the Ewes and lambs this day carried all the Ewes to the old field convenient to a bottom where she could have a fire and sleep and coming home from the fork I found a little lamb asleep upon the bank of the ditch and all the Ewes ¾ of a mile from here. I sent Nassau to hunt for her but he could not find her whilst I staid.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 401 (Greene, ed.) April 30, 1770
Captain Kelsick dined here yesterday with Giberne and Wadman. Giberne began to express his sorrow for Tom Lawson's behaviour at Rippon Hall. I asked him how he had heard it. He told me it was the general town talk [and referred] me to Kelsick who had been there. Kelsick said that numbers talked with him about it and in particular the Inspectors who declared that he had almost ruined the plantation, had sold off all the draught oxen, broke others, employed them at his own plantation, made away with my Cattle and Sheep, and sold all the Corn, and was satisfied that although he had received the money he had not one penny of it…
Landon Carter Diary, I, 443 (Greene, ed.) July 12, 1770
I find I am always to be unlucky in my tending for winter food for my Oxen that cart in my wood; for I had last month at least 6,000 hanover turnips planted out which grew away well, but being old and not going to see them often; the two Ewes that suckled my lambs, by the carelessness of my new gardener have been in and eaten them all down. The rascal told me it was my hogs; but I at last found him out. I see by his carelessness I am not better off than I was with Johnny. [H]e was a rogue that sold every thing and this is a villain that lets every thing be [r]uined even by weeds, for nobody walks the garden and he does nothing.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 465-66 (Greene, ed.) August 14, 177030
I find a day's or two's indulgence at home is in spite of every reward and every care a compleat destruction to my business. The hogs I had at the fork not 4 days ago entirely at the command of a little Girl, by being neglected for want of my every day's inquiry, are now ranging over the Cornfields. That Slut has turned sleepy and Mr. Foreman George, having no body but women to press him in his work, quite indolent with respect to any kind of care. His very sheep penned close by his door ranging over the Cornfield. And why? The Girl did not put up the gap well. This is the scoundrel whom I have rewarded week after week preferable to the rest of his fellow slaves with many a good meal of Meat so that I may say my kindness has contributed to him, for instead of taking care of every thing as he used to do he has been even too lazy to see the gap of the penn put up at his own door and I am certain his cattle not penned.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 469 (Greene, ed.) August 20, 1770Landon Carter Diary, I, 534-35 (Greene, ed.)
Note: I have had 4 lambs dropt at the fork this August and am apprehensive the same Ewes have yeaned again that yeaned last year in the spring for by my overseer's account I have but 18 Ewes there and I had 14 lambs, one of which died in the spring, so that these 4 which have yeaned lately make up the whole complete and yet Nat tells me when he went to draw the old Ewes for fatning he found three of them very big with lamb. If he is right, I must have two to lamb. Of course, then some of the forward ewes in the spring are yeaning now, but it is possible that my overseer may be mistaken in his number of Ewes. Therefore, that shall be looked into.
January 17, 1771
A Lamb fell this morning at the Fork.January 18, 1771
Two lambs more at the [torn] Fork quarter…
To save turning back, I write it down here. 3 lambs at the Fork since Yesterday Morning; the first I have heard of this year. I must observe sheep my [faded] their Ewes be made to yean almost at any time, provided the rams are made wanton by feeding. I put these rams into my cornfield in August where they got so fat that for a trial I turned in some ewes; and ob[served] that after some day teizing they took ram and three of them brought lambs in November which I killed as soon as good meat and then I turned out the rams to the Gang who seem to be near yeaning at this time.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 536 (Greene, ed.)January 26, 1771
7 lambs at the Fork and not one here.January 30, 1771
There has been 8 lambs at the Fork ever since Sunday.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 538-51 (Greene, ed.)February 9, 1771
Yesterday we had at the Fork but 14 lambs; but not one as yet at home.February 12, 1771
31
At last one lamb fallen last night and 15 at the Fork.February 14, 1771
Two lambs here and 16 at the Fork.February 20, 1771
I arrived here at night. Found I had lost 3 lambs out of my home gang which froze in Yeaning and one of them in the lamb house by her mother though the house was as warm as could be made.February 22, 1771
Lost two more lambs that yeaned yesterday and the boy says two that are alive can't suck so that I expect my Number lost will soon be 7 out of 11 yeaned; And as the Snow still continues on the ground and a constant hard frost I fear as the Ewes are now Yeaning I shall lose many more if not all; for I cannot divise how I shall save them. So that this year the forward Yeaning has proved the best time, for it is really a very dangerous time when such spells set in.February 24, 1771
I can remember that I used long ago to dread the Snows that lay on the ground in February, from the injury produced by them to all young Creatures, and indeed to the winter grain if they continued after the 20th of the month. But I thought that creatures might by care be preserved from their affects. Accordingly as to lambs I provided a very warm house and boarded it at bottom that by the straw laid on the floor they might be drie and sweet. By doing this and feeding the dams twice a day with fodder and 3 times with some homony I was able for 4 or 5 years to save all that yeaned; but I see by last year and this that it was all but chance. The last year the lambs died pritty old and large, which upon opening I imagined was the fodder stemms that choked them, but This yer I have lost 11 out of 16 that have yeaned at home.Last night I was informed I had 9 alive and all very brisk, and that they were Sunned out in the day with their mothers; but this morning news came up that 4 of them had died. So that I am at a loss to know what can be the cause. To Say that it is positively the snow may be wrong, because I had 17 at the Fork where there is and has been snow as well as here, and I have not lost one. However they were hearty above a week before the Snow came; but then some of these lambs were a weak old before they died. It is the business of man to find out causes where he can in order to prevent any evil that may attend but here is a case which nothing seems to indicate the cause of. I have ordered another house upon the hill to be used as a lamb house, perhaps that which has been so many years in use may be infectious.
Again I will have the old house turned on fresh ground and the floor taken out, and will continue to make a baracade all along the Cold sides of it besides the Clap boards with a double row of watling and hay trod in between, to see if possible to prevent this fatality. Some pretend to say they do best left out without any care. I have not found that is any sort of Experience, and whenever people have experienced it it must be mere accident for certainly it could only be loss in anything that first introduced 32 can. And it seems against reason that if a cold shall be so intense as to freeze to death any that are yeaning the taking care to preserve them from that cold, should not be a means to save the creatures.
One thing more I will have done. The ground shall be all covered with sand a foot thick in order to make it resist any damps that may arise from the earth; and this I do because my fork land is a light soil and there I have not lost any.
February 25, 1771
We have now 9 lambs at home, none died last night…
I have heard B. Brambann has but 16 Ewes and he has got 14 fine lambs. I asked how he kept them and was told he put them all into a fodder stack.Fodder stacks are not larger than my houses, and would not think they are warmer than my houses. It must be some chance then, but I heard they have been a long while yeaned. If so, then I am as lucky at the fork, for I have 17 alive and have lost none.
February 27, 1771
I had yesterd[ay] 14 lambs alive whic[h] with the 11 dead make 25 that ha[ve] yeaned; but this morning I ha[ve] three more dead so that I have b[ut] 11 alive now and 14 dead, the better half, and they must all die. H[ad] this not happened in very bad [wea]ther I should have thought my ewes had [torn and faded] home too poor; but [faded] some of them do die, yet none bu[t] that has yeaned is dead; and Beale tells me the Ewes have good bags and a good deal of milk in them. A Sheep is a strange and tender creature. I can remember whenever I had got a stock to any number, that I have always lost them by one way or another—Now it is said those who go with the sheep keep them from feeding; but this then would make poor Sheep, and mine have been always thought otherwise, Except the last year's latter lambs and 'tis they only that have died of the Gang. with the latter lambs for the future I must take another course. pick them out, and put them into my cornfields. And as to the Ewes I must all January feed them, a thing I did [be]fore; and what made them die [the]n? I thought it age and have every August drawn them out and [f]attened them. In short, I must [torn].February 28, 1771
33
It seems two more lambs have been yeaned and died which makes 16 dead ones and but 11 alive out of 27 yeaned. It must be something that I can't find out either in the want of care or that the Ewes have been hurt by some means or other. I fancy drunken Gardiner Johnny was a much better shepherd. I never lost so many with his care. Perhaps the Girl drives them about or it may be the ewes hurt themselves Corning or Jumping over some Stacks.March 1, 1771
I rode out this day and endeavoured if I could to find out the care of my sheep. At the Fork I found 19 lambs which are all they have had and as Rose, the old wench who us[ed] to take care of them, was sick, I wen[t] to see the Ewes and found them very poor. I asked the wench in her room how she fed them? She told me only in the morning about 1 pint to the whole 19. I asked the overseer whether he did not charge me ½ a bushel a week. He told me that was their allowance; and it seems they have only a little dirty corn in the morning. Mr. George it seems says they had half a bushel each week, and as Rose was to clean it, he supposed she did not care to give it to the sheep. So it is, I dare say, every where. Overseers trust to the people, And they quarrel and the creatures suffer.I see Rye is of no use; for although these Ewes have had it to pick all the time they look no better than those who have none to pick. It also is a further proof that a snow to be on the ground in February is as bad as can be; for even this food is covered from the creatures and they suffer more at such a time than any in the whole year. These Sheep on the 13th when I saw them looked as well as sheep could do. The snow fell the 15, and they have been perishing ever since till the rain two days ago that melted it off. So my home gang has been quite perished. They may pretend they fed them, but I cannot believe them.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 545 (Greene, ed.)March 2, 1771
By enquiry I find the method of feeding the Ewes of the lambs has been done contrary to what I have ordered and used to follow. It used to be to turn all the lambs into the yard and take in a lamb and her dam at a time, put the homony allowed in the trough, which the Ewe [ate] whilst the lamb suckled and was rubbed; but now all are turned in at once, of course, no one can tell whether every lamb has sucked, the apparent cause of its death, and of the mother's poverty, for weak Ewes will get none of the food. Therefore, I have ordered it to be altered.March 4, 1771
There were 14 lambs last night alive by Billy Beale's account, which makes 32 Yeaned.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 547 (Greene, ed.) March 10, 1771
I have now but 77 old sheep and had 100 and better the 14 of February when I went to Beverley's. The Snow on the next day and the weather ever since has destroyed 27 of them besides 20 lambs. I perceive the poor Creatures were put up in their shedds, and, as they were open to the Northeast and East, they died.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 548-49 (Greene, ed.) 34 March 17, 1771
Very cold and hard frozen ever since 15 in the night. We have now 14 lambs at home. Johnny's care has saved all since he became restored to his place. I have I hope also stopped the dying of my old sheep, having lost since the 14 of February 35; so that I have now 73 besides the fatning sheep. The method is one spoonful1 of the Juice of Rue and one spoonful1 common salt mixed twice a day. I heard it would save even in the rot if not dying, and certain cure if taken early. I think it has been a sovereign remedy as to 6 which were near death.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 551 (Greene, ed.)March 18, 1771
There are 19 lambs there [at the Fork] and two calves, an Ewe or two more to yean …
If Rhue and salt saves a Ewe I saw, I am certain it must be a valuable thing in raising sheep. But what is Mister Billy Beale, who did not see one drooping Ewe this morning? The Sheep girl said she believed Gardiner Johnny had given that a dose this day.March 20, 1771
The sick ewe died yesterday, 'twas too bad before discovered, and then they have not given the medicine fair play; they made a decoction of it, instead of pressing out the juice.
Landon Carter Diary, I, 556 (Greene, ed.) April 7, 1771
I find I am still loosing sheep with the rot, at last I am told there is no Rue… My loss in sheep and lambs has been a mere gang, here near 40 [sheep] and 35 lambs and at the fork 3 lambs.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 600 (Greene, ed.) July 29, 1771
The Carpenters tomorrow will have corn planted now, filling up my Fork 90 foot house. They then come to my sheep shed behind my stables to rais[e] that higher that it may not be wet as last winter which killed all my sheep.
Landon Carter Diary. II, 602 (Greene, ed.) July 31, 177135
Guy and Jammy raising the sills of my sheep shed to fill up with sand to keep my sheep drye this winter, for it was the dampness of that which rotted them last year.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 608 (Greene, ed.) August 9, 1771
Guy not done reparing my sheep house.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 613 (Greene, ed.) August 15, 1771
Put my sheep into the fork cornfield to fatten, to wit, 17 from home and 7 from the Fork, 24 in all.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 646 (Greene, ed.) January 27, 1772
We had a lamb dropt on the 15th.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 656-57 (Greene, ed.) March 1, 1772
Just 30 lambs there this day and 8 at the Fork. We have lost but one there and but one at home although everybody finds fault with my housing. However, they who don't have lost above half their lambs.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 669-70 (Greene, ed.) April 20, 1772
… unless I can establish a growing food to suit these terrible, late, wet and cold springs, we must expect every now and then to lose abundance of Cattle; and when that food can be to grow in such Springs or our climate seems now to be changed into, Puzzles both my experience and reading which has been a great deal. Weeds I do see grow, but they are only a food for sheep.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 743 (Greene, ed.) October 24, 1772
I must have the vines [pease] all pulled tomorrow to be secured for provender for my Cows and sheep.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 756 (Greene, ed.) June 11, 177336
I find where there is the least carelessness everything will kill even chickens. I had 27 at my Fork quarter and because my fattening Coop was not done quite soon enough, the sheep killed all but 12; it seems they got into their pen and the sheep trampled them to death.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 792 (Greene, ed.) February 1, 1774Landon Carter Diary, II, 795 (Greene, ed.)
Two lambs this day, one at the Fork and one at home.
February 12, 1774
This day 3 lambs more fell but the largest of them yeaned dead.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 796-97 (Greene, ed.)February 19, 1774
We had 8 lambs on thursday but not one fallen since; and only 6 at the Fork, the crepest [?] jointed lamb being dead.February 20, 1774
6 lambs this day so that in all we have 14 at home.February 23, 1774
We had 19 lambs yesterday here though but 6 yet at the Fork quarter.February 25, 1774
… we have 20 lambs as yet.February 26, 1774
21 lambs.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 894 (Greene, ed.) December 10, 1774 [Account of quarrel about who owned sheep from Mr. J. Beale. Context not clear.]
Landon Carter Diary, II, 906-07 (Greene, ed.) December 30, 177437
Note: we have been repairing the old sheep house there and changing it to the other side of the road, so that the lambs, etc., may be seen in the yard as we ride by. It will be done this day.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 970 (Greene, ed.) February 2, 1776
Yesterday we had one lamb, the very first this year. I can't tell the reason of my Sheep Yeaning so late. I do know that for many years I used to eat house lamb by the 12 of this month old Stile. But never since I had Messenger, the old wiltshire farmer, have I ever had one, before the beginning of this month that ever was yeaned. I knew him to be a cursed rogue, though otherwise a clever fellow for his business, And I can particularly [remember] the first yeaning time after he came I lost abundance of lambs owing to his obstinacy, as I thought, in never housing them; but I find out since it was his Villany in feeding his whores with them and not any natural deaths and he always brought the skins which Prevented any farther enquiry. I used to scold at him about it; and he was heard to say, he'd engage he would not be blamed another year and I am persuaded he must have done something to Prevent their early yeaning. I pretend not to say how or what he did, but I found him experienced in all kinds of Villany. Therefore I parted with him; but I have not had a forward lamb since. The last year I changed 2 young rams with Mr. Belfield for 2 young Ewes; but they have not altered the breeding. However this year I don't think I have much reason to be concerned at it for hitherto it has been as bad a winter for lambs as could be and it sill continues … It seems we had an old Ewe died in December and two days ago, a last year's lamb died. Indeed, I had no notion lambs so late as August could live; but to comply with the terms of Association I would not kill one. However, as I have got my mill to go, I hope this year I shall be better able to Preserve them if they fall quite so late, for I am resolved to make my henhouse wife Rose raise them all, as she did one last year which fell in August which was a fine Ewe.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 974 (Greene, ed.) February 3, 1776
Another last year's latter lamb dead and another dying with the cold. I wish the association had not Prevented the eating them. I never really thought that even a County committee could with any Justice or modesty gainsay continental Association or a recommendation, let them what they would of the matter recommended; but certainly in this business of sheep they have mistaken the Proper plan; for unless we have more care than can possibly be generally used about sheep, the latter lambs must presumptively most of them die; and he that keeps sheep must have experienced, that if a forward yeaning Ewe by any accident looses her lamb, she will in a short time after go to rutt as is the expression, and this lamb falling about July or august though you may Perhaps keep it plump for even a good Part of the winter yet in the Perishing dead coldness in anything of a snowy season it is a thousand to one but it dies unless kept by a fireside. Of this I have great experience this year; for 8 of these sort of lambs fell to my lot, and though I had them as carefully fed as hands could do and even with meal 3 are already dead and except one, which constantly lies 38 under the woman's bed, the rest seem to be in a way of death though housed every night, fed with meal, and littered with clean drie straw. But had we eaten them as formerly so much might have been carried to account as a matter of Profit. Besides, as the intention seems to be to raise our stocks of sheep for encrease of our Wool, how bad must be the scheme to keep these poor starved untimely things with respect to the breed of our sheep; and the Produce from their backs, should they by accident live could not exceed half a pound of wool, which, if saved, is very dearly paid for at least 4 ounces of meal a day. However, there is this to be observed, some Palates are so depraved, that to give leave to kill even the latter only, will be a means of indulgence to kill finer lambs. Upon the whole then it may be better to let ten poor lambs run the chance of death, however certain, than run as certain a chance of having fine lambs devoted to the knife.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 977-78 (Greene, ed.)February 8, 1776
This day we have in all 3 lambs.February 10, 1776
All fencing blown away, only 4 sheep killed, and more lambs Yeaned.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 980-82 (Greene, ed.)February 13, 1776
This day 9 lambs.February 14, 1776
12 lambs this morning. I have not been told of one yeaned dead or that has died since the Sheep began to lamb.February 15, 1776
13 lambs here today and none died.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 985-86 (Greene, ed.)February 18, 1776
18 lambs last night, none as yet dead; but, as I rode by two days agoe, the Ewes seemed to be wretched.February 19, 1776
It seems we had 24 lambs in all here last night; but one it seems died; I am satisfied through turning them out, and the new mode introduced against my orders and indeed against my knowledge, such is the rascally behaviour I now meet with.February 20, 1776
Clear and cold. A Ewe died last night which had a lamb; the lamb is put to the Ewe which lost her lamb a few days past. Possibly 39 this dead Ewe may be a last year's lamb; for I have dreaded that death would be the fate of most of them, they have, in spite of all care, looked so bad.February 24, 1776
It seems I have had 25 lambs here, but 4 in all have died and I have but 21 now.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 989 (Greene, ed.)February 26, 1776
23 lambs this day. Another last year's lamb dead.February 27, 1776
24 lambs again, and I am told they are all very well.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 996-97 (Greene, ed.)March 7, 1776
It seems I have now 25 lambs at home and 11 at the Fork.March 9, 1776
We have 29 lambs this day here…
Landon Carter Diary, II, 999 (Greene, ed.) March 12, 1776
Yesterday we had 32 lambs at home.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1006 (Greene, ed. March 28, 1776
39 lambs at home.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1010 (Greene, ed.) April 4, 1776
A good day to appearance. I have at home 40 lambs.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1017 (Greene, ed.)40April 13, 1776
I can't think my orders about drawing out my old Ewes in August last and putting them into my cornfield were well complied [with] because 5 or 6 old Ewes have died and they never before used to do so.I understand I have not yet more than 40 lambs as yet at home, and but 12 at the Fork with the house lamb.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1045-46 (Greene, ed.) May 29, 1776
[Details of rumor about Dunmore fleet coming ashore] … no one could land a force unless it was to steal a few sheep.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1050 (Greene, ed.) June 19, 1776
(Beale came home, gives a shocking account of Pullen's mismanagement. Sold his own sheep at 12s a head…)
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1071 (Greene, ed.) February 3, 1777
The lamb which fell near the last of January died, though a very fa[t] one, the 1st of this month, by some neglect of the rascals who had it [un]der his care; for which I had him whipped. It is his usual way, an egregious drunkard; and it is only by the Scourge he is mad[e] more carefull.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1074-80 (Greene, ed.)41February 9, 1777
A Ewe brought 2 lambs this day so that I have now 3 lambs.February 13, 1777
We have got but 5 lambs yet. It seems that which came from the fork on account of its sick mother is dead so we have lost 2 this year.February 15, 1777
9 lambs this day.February 17, 1777
But 10 lambs as yet.
But 1 lamb at the fork. There have [been] 3. Two died. Last year's ewes bring them.February 20, 1777
We have now 18 lambs, though one is weak in the hind quarters.February 21, 1777
I did imagine February would give us her wonted kiss before she parted with us. Yesterday after a prodigious Cold Northeast Snow as keen a Northwest succeeded as could be endured. Certainly it could only come from a mountain of snow. This prodigious keenness continued all night to such a degree that everything froze in our bed chambers. As an old man I pulled off no stockings and went to bed wrapt up in a double long gown, but, though warm in the Place I lay, I could not move an inch out of my birth, as we call it, but the sheets, though well covered down, conveyed to me the sensation of Sharp Ice… It is lucky not a lamb fell last night.
Landon Carter Diary, II, 1084-92 (Greene, ed.)Landon Carter's Diary, II, 1100-02 (Greene, ed.)February 24, 1777
It seems we have now 22 lambs, a very unlucky time to those poor creatures to be lambing.February 25, 2777
24 lambs this morning and 11 at the Fork. There has been one lost here and 3 there.February 16, 1777
27 lambs this morning.February 27, 1777
In all here 31 lambs.February 28, 1777
The 2 yesterday's lambs by one Ewe both died, the rascal [d]runk I see. So that with this day's 2 [we] still have but 31 in all.April 4 [?], 1777
But 52 lambs here yet.April 7, 1777
We have only 53 [lambs] as ye[t].April 12, 1777
… 56 lambs this day.April 15, 1777
6 Calves at the fork, but 10 lambs.April 17, 1777
58 lambs this day.
April 25, 1777
Cut and marked my lambs [torn] this day (to wit) rams and E[wes].April 26, 1777
In all 60 lambs this day, 11 of them stalling.April 27, 1777
It seems, though Johnny told me of 2 lambs of the last day they lambed, the [one line torn] before to that morning; so that our number is this day before he brings in his account, 61 lambs. This, the Villain has done that he may the more undiscoveredly sell one of them, which it seems he had for many years. I have particularly had him observed. We had then before we killed our yesterday's lamb, 12 stalling. Of course, we now have 11.
Landon Carter's Diary, II, 1104 (Greene, ed.) 42 May 22, 1777
stock at Rings Neck::
26 head of Cattle, young and old.
13 sheep, only 40 of them lambs. [perhaps 113 ?]
35 hogs, mostly shoats.
120,000 corn hills , only 15,000 tobacco hills.
2,000 cotton hills and ground enough for 3 bushels flax seed.
Wheat pretty good, but only 10 bushels sowed.
2 hogsheads.
Landon Carter Diary II, 1109 (Greene, ed.) July 9, 1777
I understand Tom and Manuel of Bluff point killed a Sheep. It seems old Will got into the tobacco house to sleep and there they were at work. I have ordered them to be taken up and tried and, if Manuel will confess it, he shall be cleared as an evidence. One shall be hanged to terrify the rest.
pp. 193-94. Washington, June 29, 1807
To Ellen Wayles Randolph … I am now possessed of individuals of four of the most remarkable varieties of the race of the sheep. If you turn to your books of natural history, you will find among these 1. the Spanish sheep or Marino. 2. the Iceland sheep, or avis Polycerata. 3. the Barbary sheep, or avis laticauda and 4. the Senegal sheep, or that of Bengal which is the same. I have lately recieved a ram of the 2d. kind, who has 4. horns, a round and beautiful animal, rather small. The 3d. or broad tailed, is remarkable for it's flavor. I lately had a quarter sent me which I found the highest flavored lamb I had ever tasted. The 4th. or Senegal is supposed to be the original stock of the sheep. It's flavor is said to be equal to that of Venison. Tho' I possess individuals of one sex only of the 2d. 3d. and 4th. kinds, yet 4. crossings are understood by naturalists to produce the true breed.
p. 200
Monticello, Apr. 30, 1812
To E.I. Dupont … I shall shear this year, 3. fleeces only of imported Merinos, their wool of 1st. quality, and about 15. of half blood. I have understood you are concerned in a manufactory of cloth, and will recieve one's wool, have it spun, wove & dyed for an equivalent in the wool. I should be very glad to get mine into so good hands. will you be so kind as to inform me more particularly on this subject…
Pages 252-54 give tables showing how many animals of various kinds Jefferson owned during period 1781-7.
Pages 391-97 give tables showing animals of various kinds in 1809Â22.
Pages 410-11 give dietary for animals, January 15-November 2, 1812.
Page 433 gives estimate of corn used by different animals from Jan. 17 to August 1, 1815.
Pages 458-59 give estimates of corn, January 1, 1819 and Oct. 1 to July 7, 1820.
44 Jefferson and agriculture. Compiled and edited by Everett E. Edwards. Washington, D.C.: Department of Agriculture, 1943. (E332.2 E38)p. 31
[Letter from Jefferson to George Washington, June 18, 1793] Latterly we have begun to cultivate small grain; and excluding Indian corn, and following, such of them as were originally good, soon rise up to fifteen or twenty bushels the acre. We allow that every laborer will manage ten acres of wheat, except at harvest. I have no doubt but the coupling cattle and sheep with this would prodigiously improve the produce. This improvement Mr. Yount will be better able to calculate than anybody else. I am so well satisfied of it myself, that having engaged a good farmer … I mean in a farm of about 500 acres of cleared land and with a dozen laborers to try the plan of wheat, rye, potatoes, clover, with a mixture of some Indian corn with the potatoes, and to push the number of sheep…
p. 37
[From Jefferson's Farm Book, kept between 1744 and 1822] Young sais that 20. head of sheep will fold 1. acre a year in a manner to equal 20. loads of dung. then the folding of one sheep a year is equivalent to one load of dung. 3 exp. yr. 166. This makes 20. sheep equal to 1. cow. Mr. Taylor's estimate in folding makes 1. cow fold 7/10 of an acre in a year. This makes 1. cow equal to 18. sheep.
pp. 49-50
[Letter to James Madison, May 13, 1910, about Merino sheep.]I thank you for your promised attention to my portion of the Merinos, and if there be any expenses of transportation, etc., and you will be so good as to advance my portion of them with yours and notify the amount, it shall be promptly remitted. What shall we do with them? I have been so disgusted with the scandalous extortions lately practised in the sale of these animals, and with the description of patriotism and praise to the sellers, as if the thousands of dollars apiece they have not been ashamed to receive were not reward enough, that I am disposed to consider as right, whatever is the reverse of what they have done. Since fortune has put the occasion upon us, is it not incumbent upon us so to dispense this benefit to the farmers of our country, as to put to shame those who, forgetting their own wealth and the honest simplicity of the farmers, have thought them fit objects of the shaving art, and to excite, by a better example, the condemnation due to theirs? No sentiment is more acknowledged in the family of Agriculturists, than that the few who can afford it should incur 45 the risk and expense of all new improvements, and give the benefit freely to the many of more restricted circumstances. The question then recurs, What are we to do with them? I shall be willing to concur with you in any plan you shall approve, and in order that we may have some proposition to begin upon, I will throw out a first idea, to be modified or postponed to whatever you shall think better.
Give all the full-blooded males we can raise to the different counties of our state, one to each, as fast as we can furnish them. And as there must be some rule of priority for the distribution, let us begin with our own counties, which are contiguous and nearly central to the state, and proceed, circle after circle, till we have given a ram to every county. This will take about seven years, if we add to the full descendants those which will have past to the fourth generation from common ewes. To make the benefit of a single male as general as practicable to the county, we may ask some known character in each county to have a small society formed which shall receive the animal and prescribe rules for his care and government. We should retain ourselves all the full-blooded ewes, that they may enable us the sooner to furnish a male to every county. When all shall have been provided with rams, we may, in a year or two more, be in a condition to give an ewe also to every county, if it be thought necessary. But I suppose it will not, as four generations from their full-blooded ram will give them the pure race from common ewes.
In the meantime we shall not be without a profit indemnifying our trouble and expense. For if of our present stock of common ewes, we place with the ram as many as he may be competent to, suppose fifty, we may sell the male lambs of every year for such reasonable price as, in addition to the wool, will pay for the maintenance of the flock. The first year they will be half-bloods, the second three-quarters, the third seven-eights, and the fourth fullÂblooded; if we take care in selling annually half the ewes also, to keep those of highest blood, this will be a fund for kindnesses to our friends, as well as for indemnification to ourselves; and our whole state may thus, from this small stock, so dispersed, be filled in a very few years with this valuable race, and more satisfaction result to ourselves than money ever administered to the bosom of a shaver.
p. 5246
[Letter to John Adams, Jan. 21, 1812] …Every family in the country is a manufactory within itself, and is very generally able to make within itself all the stouter and middling stuffs for its own clothing and household use. We consider a sheep for every person in the family as sufficient to clothe it, in addition to the cotton, hemp and flax which we raise ourselves.
p. 74
[Letter to John Hollins, Feb. 19, 1809] …By the Mentor, now going to France, I have given permission to two individuals in Delaware and New York, to import two parcels of Merino sheep from france, which they have procured there, and to some gentlemen in Boston, to import a very valuable machine which spins cotton, wool, and flax equally…