Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Calendar of Virginia State Papers & Other Manuscripts
1652-1781, Volume I, page 74.

His Maj^ties Revenue Dr.

	£	s.	d.
* To Mr Bentley for his Cart, &c., to remove ye six gunns from ye Capitoll to where they are placed, ^ * King William had died more than one month before this date, and it is therefore more than probable the public authorities in the Colony having received information of the fact, had on the 12th of April celebrated funeral obsequies to his memory the same day his remains were deposited in Westminster Abbey.	0	8	0
To eight bottles of bear I gave ye men wch assisted me in ye removall	0	5	0
To Mr Bentley for his Cart, &c., to fetch powder, &c., from James Town	0	8	0
To eleven bottles of bear I gave ye men wch assisted in fireing,	1	7	0
To Robert Bignall who assisted at Town & here in makeing Cartridges, cutting flagg Staffs, &c.,	0	5	0
	1	13	0

Virginia Magazine of History & Biography
Volume 24, page 26.

. . . Four years ago the late King William ordered at Middle Plantation, which is now called Williamsburg in his honor, a large building, a so-called Colledge, together with a State House to be erected. He contributed 4000 guineas to it. The governor now resides there. It is, moreover, because of the convenient place or situation, and also because of the many springs which are there, a large place, where a city is intended and staked out to be built. There are at present besides the Church, College and State House, together with the residence of 2 the Bishop, some stores and houses of gentlemen, and also eight ordinaries or inns, together with the magazine . . .

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Va. 1712-1726, Volume 5, Page 80.

Gentlemen In Obedience to the Governors Commands We have been to Attend him in the Council Chamber where he was pleased to make a Speech . . .

Since your last Session, I have Received a large quantity of Ammunition, with a Number of very good Arms, and other necessarys of Warr, given by her late Majesty for the Service of this Country: And your enableing me to take better care of those than formerly has been of Such like Supplys, will not only be the best Return you can make for So generous a Gift, and a full Recompence for the pains I have taken in Solliciting and procuring it, but may also Render it an Estate of Inheritance to your Posterity . . .

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1712-1726, Volume 5, Page 87.

Resolved That that part of the Governors Speech Relating to the Arms Ammunition and other necessarys of Warr given by her late Majesty for the Service of this Country be Referred to the Committee appointed to prepare the Bill for the better Regulation of the Indian Trade

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-1726, Volume 5, Page 90.

The Humble Address of the House of Burgesses

May it please your Honour

.....

We are preparing a Law for the better Regulation of the Indian Trade Recommended to us in your Honours Speech, by which We hope to prevent y^e evil practices of Some persons who have been too much concerned in the Clandestine Management of that Trade, and to Render it more beneficial to this Colony, ... by which We also propose to find proper means to preserve the Arms and Ammunition, which her late Majesty, by your Application was graciously pleased to bestow upon this Country.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-1726, Volume 5, Page xxvii.

... The "Act for erecting a magazine" provided for the erection, at a cost of not to exceed £200, of a suitable storehouse for the safe keeping of arms and ammunition, and for the salary of a keeper and an armorer. It further provided that so soon as the Virginia Indian Company should be incorporated for trade with the Indians, it should, before entering on the trade, pay to the treasurer of Virginia £100, part of the sum to be expended on the building. The governor was impowered to superintend the construction of the building and to issue his warrants from time to time on the treasurer for payment of the money appropriated, which was to come from the fund arising from the duty on liquors and slaves. The last provision was made a part of the bill, not merely as a mark of confidence in the governor, but also because the building was needed at once and the governor offered to advance the necessary amounts from his own purse and wait for payment from the duties, which were already considerably anticipated.^*

Hening, William Waller
STATUTES AT LARGE
1711-1736, Volume 4, Page 55-56.

Chap.III. An act for erecting a Magazine.

I. WHEREAS our late sovereign lady queen Anne, of her grace and bounty, was pleased to bestow a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition, for the service of this colony, which are in danger to be imbezzled and spoilt, for want of a convenient and proper place to keep them in.

II. Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieut. Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That as soon as conveniently it may be done, there shall be erected and finished one good substantial house of brick, which shall be called the magazine, at such place as the lieutenant-governor shall think proper: In which magazine, all the arms, gun- powder, and ammunition, now in this colony, belonging to the king, or which shall at any time hereafter be, belonging to his majesty, his heirs or successors, in this colony, may be lodged and kept. For the building and finishing which magazine, there shall be laid out and expended any sum or sums of money, not exceeding two hundred pounds; to be levied and paid out of the monies arising by the duty on liquors & slaves, after the monies already appropriated and ordered to be paid out of the said duty, are fully satisfied and paid: And the honourable the lieutenant-governor is hereby impowered and desired to order and direct the building the said magazine, and to issue his warrant, from time to time, on the treasurer of this dominion, for the paiment of the money hereby given.

III. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That so soon as the said magazine shall be fit to receive therein the arms and ammunition, it shall and may be lawful for the lieutenant-governor, or the governor or commander in chief of this dominion, for the time being, to constitute and appoint a person to look after and take charge of the magazine, and the ammunition which shall be lodged therein; which person so appointed, shall be called the keeper of the magazine, who shall have and receive the yearly salary of twenty pounds: And also to constitute and appoint one other person to take care of, keep clean, and mend the arms which shall be kept in the said magazine; which person shall be called the [illegible], who shall have and receive the yearly salary of twenty pounds. Which said salaries of twenty pounds hereby given to the keeper of the magazine, and to the armourer, shall be paid & satisfied yearly, out of the monies arising by the said duty on liquors and slaves, after the monies already appropriated and ordered to be paid out of the said duty, shall be fully satisfied and paid.

5

IV. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That when, and so soon as there shall be a company erected and incorporated by charter, or act of assembly, by the name of the Virginia Indian Company, or by any other name, to trade with the Indians tributary to this government, or foreign; such company shall, before they be permitted to use or exercise their said trade, pay to the treasurer of this dominion, the sum of one hundred pounds, in part of such money as shall have been laid out and expended, by the directions of this act, for building and finishing the said magazine.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-1726, Volume 5, Page 114.

A Written Message from the Governor by M^r Robertson

M^r Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses

Your Address in Answer to my Speech at the Opening of this Session gives me to Expect that you will take Some Measures for preserving the Arms and Ammunition; And in your Bill for Regulating the Indian Trade, I observe the Methods you propose for that purpose but I must let you understand that I dare not trust the Kings Magazine to be Negotiated without good Security given that there shall be no Embezlement of the Arms and Ammunition and it cannot but be a person of Low circumstances who Shall think it worth his while to Attend an Office for a Sallary of Twelve pounds, and as Such I cannot place him in So great a Trust. and therefore I must Desire you to fall upon ways and means to provide a better Sallary to the End I might find a Sufficient and Responsible Officer. I hope this will not take up much of your time, for I am Sensible how Inconvenient an Adjournment would be to you at this Season and the Scituation of Affairs will not Admit of a long Prorogation.

A Spotswood

The House took the Said Message into Consideration and thereupon increased the Sallary of the Magazine keeper by way of Amendment to the Bill for the better Regulation of the Indian Trade

Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for Erecting a Magazine and that the Committee of Propositions and Grievances do prepare and bring in the Bill.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-1726, Volume 5, Page 115.

M^r Holloway (according to Order) presented to the House a Bill for Erecting a Magazine And the Same was Received and Read the first time and Ordered to be Read a Second time

Page 116

An Ingrossed Bill Erecting a Magazine was Read the third time Resolved That the Bill do pass.

Ordered, That the Committee of Propositions and Grievances do carry the Bill to the Council and Desire their Concurrence thereunto.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia 1680-1714, Volume 1, page 590.

A Bill for erecting a Magazine Read the first time and Ordered a second Reading

A Bill for Erecting a Magazine Read the Second time and Ordered a third Reading

A Bill for erecting a Magazine read a third time

Resolved

That the Bill do pass

Ordered

That the Clerk of the General Assembly carry the said Bill, together with the above Resolve to the House of Burgesses and Acquaint them that the Council have passed the same without any Amendment.

(Brock, R. A. editor
Official Letters of Alexander Spotswood from Manuscripts in
the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
1885, Volume 2, Pages 94-95.

. . .

. . . Provision is made in this Law for erecting a Company, who are to have the sole priviledge of the Indian Trade for twenty years, unless his Majesty shall think fitt to dissolve them sooner. This Company are to contribute towards erecting a Magazine for his Ma'tie's Stores of War, and to take from thence all the Powder used in y't Trade, delivering in at ye same time a like quantity of fresh Powder, whereby the Powder belonging to his Maj'tie will be still preserv'd from decaying. They are also to erect at their own Charge a School House for ye Indian Children at the new Settlement of Christ-Anna, and after two years' time to take upon them the whole Charge of maintaining the fortifications of that place, and a guard of Twelve men and an Officer, which at present is maintained at a considerable charge to ye Country . . . . ; that his Maj't's Powder, which used heretofore to lye spoiling in the Country, will now be kept in a Condition fitt for service, and y't whenever ye Safety of ye Governm't shall require ye Shutting up ye Indian Trade, a Govern'r has it in his power to Stop all Supplys of Ammunition from ye Indians, w'ch is the surest way of bringing y'm to reason, ...

IBID
Page 97.

. . .

. . . It is a great Satisfaction that I can now acquaint your Lo'ps that an Act is pass'd for erecting a Magazine, whereby not only a place is provided for lodging ye powder which her late Maj'tie was graciously pleas'd to send over the public [use] of this Governm't, but Sallarys are Establish'd both for Store keeper and an Armourer. The want of such a provision heretofore has been the Occasion that most of ye Arms sent in 8 for ye Service of this Country are become almost utterly unserviceable, and the Ammunition for ye most part spoil'd or embazelled, but now I doubt not to keep what Arms there are in the Country in good Condition, and by the means of this Act and the provision made in the Indian bill, to have constantly a supply of good powder ready for all occasions that may happen. Y'r Lordships will observe by this bill that the money appropriated for building the Magazine is entrusted solely to my management. A Confidence w'ch I have gain'd from y'm by offering to advance my own money, without Interest, towards the building, since their present funds are so much anticipated that they could not possibly raise even that Sum in a considerable time.

The Virginia Historical Register, Richmond
1850, Volume IV, pages 6-7.

(Notes taken from the History of Virginia by Sir William Keith, who was a contemporary, and most probably personally acquainted with him ...)

... He was well acquainted with Figures, and so good a Mathematician, that his Skill in Architecture, and in the laying out of Ground to the best Advantage, is yet to be seen in Virginia, by the Building of an elegant safe Magazine, in the centre of Williamsburgh, and in the considerable Improvements which he made to the Governor's House and Gardens ...

William & Mary Quarterly.
1st series, Volume 9, page 217.

... Spotswood was the patron of both the College and the city. Under his observant eye all the edifices of any importance in Williamsburg, except the Capitol, were constructed: the Palace, the Church, the Octagon Magazine, the James City County Court House, etc . . .

(Brock, R. A. editor)
Official Letters of Alexander Spotswood from Manuscripts in
the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
1885, Volume 2, page 115.

... Upon this consideration I hope y'r Lo'ps will be pleas'd to interceed with his Maj'tie for an additional Supply of Stores of war to be sent hither; at least that a part of what was lodg'd in New York and N. England after the Canada Expedition, may be order'd to this place as the most proper depository for them, especially now I am building a Convenient Magazine for preserving such Stores, and have prevailed on ye Assembly to settle a Salary on an Armourer for keeping them in order.

IBID
Page 140.

. . .

I have heretofore transmitted to y'r Lo'ps' Board an acc't of all the Stores of War within this Colony; all that has been sent since my Arrival here are 300 fire locks, 300 Soldiers' tents, 154 barrels of Powder, 3 Ton 7 1b. of Musq't ball, 2 field-pieces, with their Carriages and furniture, all w'ch are in good order, but as I am now removing all the small Arms and Stores into a new Magazine, lately built here, I shall, immediately after they are put in order, then transmit to y'r Lo'ps an Acc't of all, and continue the same from time to time as there is occasion.

IBID
Pages 144-145.

. . .

10

I cannot refuse the Company the justice to give my attestation to the truth of what is contain'd in their Memorial, as the Circumstances of the trade before the passing this Act, the measures they [illegible] taken since to render it beneficial and safe for this country and agreeable to ye Indians by a just and equitable rule of dealing, and the great expences they have been at, as well for the publick Service by building the Magazine for ye King's Stores, the School for ye Indian Children, and making provision for maintaining that necessary Barrier of our Frontiers, the Fort at Christanna, ...

I doubt not y'r Lo'ps have, upon perusal of that Act, observed the several ends propos'd thereby, vizt: . . . and the preserving his Maj't's Stores of Powder now in the Country, from the like fate as others had undergone of decaying and becoming unserviceable . . . .

. . . As It is evident that the Stores of War formerly sent in hither have been rendered unserviceable, for want of an opportunity for changing the Powder before it became decayed, by the means of the Company a convenient Magazine is erected, and an obligation on them that the Powder used in the Indian Trade shall be taken from that Magazine and new powder returned in lieu thereof, by which means the whole Stores of Powder will be once in every two or three years remov'd.

Tyler's Magazine
Volume 3, Page 299.

BRUSH, JOHN

GUNSMITHS IN WILLIAMSBURG. — Governor Spotswood brought to Virginia John Brush, as gunsmith. His daughter Susanna married, I, Thomas Barber, II, Rev. Francis Fontaine, Professor of Oriental Languages in William and Mary College. (William and Mary Quarterly, V, 195, 213.)^* In 1729 Henry Bowcock bequeaths to his son Henry "his silver watch and gun made by John Brush, and a case of pistols with brass barrels made by Hawkins, and my howsing and holster caps." In Henry Bowcock's inventory the gun made by Brush is referred to as "1 bird piece made by Brush" (valued at) £2.10. After Brush came James Geddy, gunsmith, . . .

Bowen, Emmanuel
Virginia.
London: 1720, Page 652.

Near the Middle of the Town stands the Church, . . . near it is a large Octagon Tower, a magazine for Arms and Ammunition; and not far from thence is a large Square for a Market-place ...

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-1726, Volume 5, Page 290.

Ordered

That [illegible] Corbin, M^r Blair, and M^r Stith do inspect the Governours House and other Buildings which the Governour is Impowered by Law to finish and that M^r Henry Cary be desired to attend them and to Compute the Charge of what is further necessary to be done therein And that the Said Committee report the same to the House —

IBID
Page 297

M^r Grymes reports That the persons appointed had according to order Inspected and Examined the Accounts of the Governours house and Gardens, the Church Magazine, and prison and that they find de to the Governour on Ballance the Sum of four hundred Sixty nine pounds Two Shillings and nine pence half penny.

Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, Page 4.

At a Council held at the Capitol November 4^th 1721

The following Warr^ts on the Rec^r Gen^l to be paid out of his Maj^tys Revenue of 2s per hh^d &c. were this day signed by the Governor in Council Vizt—

. . .
To the Armourer for the same time . . . [Half a Year]	£ 6
. . .
To the Governor towards the Expence for the Batterys	700

Beverley, Robert
History of Virginia
London: 1722
Page 234, 234.

In his [Spotswood's] time was also built a new brick church, and brick magazine for arms and ammunition, and the streets altered from the fanciful forms of Ws and Ms to much more conveniencies ...

Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, Page 18

An Account of sundry Services done by M^r Cary of repairing the Governors House, & inclosing the Magazine, was laid before the Board, and Ordered to be paid out of his Maj^tys Revenue of 2s per hh^d &c.

Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, Page 31-2

Whereas it has been represented to this Board that great part of the Arms in the Magazine and at the Governors House are much out of repair & unfitt for Service; and whereas by the Act of Assembly for Erecting the Magazine, the Salary therein appointed for the Armourer is expressly given for mending and repairing the Arms; It is the Opinion of this Board, that if the present Armourer, do not put in sufficient repair, the said Arms, his Salary be stopt, and applyed towards mending and repairing the same: And if the Governor shall find it necessary to apply to the same purpose, the Salary of the Keeper of the Magazine that he be requested either to appoint some fitt person who will undertake for the said Salarys to amend and keep in Order the Several Arms in the Governors House and Magazine, or that he agree for the repairing and putting in Order the said Arms, and apply the Salarys of the said Officers towards defraying the Charge thereof till the same be compleatly put in order.

Hening's Statutes at Large
1711-1736, Volume 4, Pages 140-141.

IV. And whereas it may happen, that the chief magistrates, and other inhabitants of the said city, may be listed and compelled to serve under the command of the officers of the militia, in the counties of James City and York respectively, without the said city; and forasmuch as the same may be very inconvenient and may render the governor's house, public magazine, and capitol, in the said city, defenceless in times of danger, Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That no inhabitant of the said city, capable of serving in the militia, shall hereafter be compellable to make his or their appearance at any muster of the militia, hereafter to be had or taken, out of the said city: ...

Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, Pages 40-41

The following Warrants on the Rec^r General to be paid out of his Majestys Revenues were this day signed by the Governor in Council Viz^t

Out of the 2 s per hh^d

. . .
To the Armourer for the same time [Half Year]	£ 6.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-26, Volume 5, Page 380

A Written Message from the Governor/... as follows, M^r. Speaker and Gentⁿ of the House of Burgesses.

Upon Examination of the Arms in the Magazine and Governors House I find great part of them very much out of Repair and in the Condition they now are Unfit for Service

As these Arms were at first given by the Crown for the defence of the Country and are Lodged there to be ready on any Suddain Emergency You will I hope concur with me in Opinion That they be made fit for public Service at the publick Charge And as I have caused a Survey of them to be made I Judge the sum necessary for this purpose (as near as it can be Computed) may Amount to One hundred pounds And that no further Charge may Accrue on this Account I have a proposal from a person able to give £2000. Security to keep them in good Order hereafter for the Annual Salary now established on the Armourer and keeper of y^e Magazine

This Expence being so necessary for the public safety I doubt not you will Chearfully come into it especially when you consider how great a Charge has lately been defrayed out of the King's Revenue for Batteries to defend your Rivers and how much such a Supply of Serviceable Arms is wanting to fit out your Militia whenever they shall be called together for the defence of the Country

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1712-26, Volume 5, Page 381.

The House (According to Order) proceded to take into Consideration the Governors written Message relating to the Arms in the Magazine and Governors House and the same being read

Resolved

That the sum of One hundred pounds out of the public money in the hands of the Treasurer be paid to the Governor to be Employed in repairing the Arms in the Magazine and Governors house —

IBID
Page 383

May it please yo^r Hon^r

The Burgesses having taken into Consideration your Honours Message of the first instant humbly beg leave to return Your Honour the thanks of this House for the care you have been pleased to take In Inspecting the Arms in your House & the Magazines.

And as we are Satisfied those Arms cannot be of Service in the Condition they now are We have unanimously resolved to give the Sum of One Hundred pounds to be laid out in putting them into repair in such manner as to your Honour shall Seem proper not in the least doubting you will give such directions for the Ordering those Arms as may render them Usefull for the Service of the Country

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
1715-1753, Volume 2, Page 695

A Petition of John Brush praying allowance for his misfortune 16 in being blown up and hurt in firing the Guns on his Maj^tys Birthday Read and

Referred to the Consideration of the House of Burgesses.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia.
1715-1723, Volume 2, p. 703.

On Consideration of the several Resolves sent up from the Burgesses the same were agreed to as follow Vizt

Resolved

That the sum of one hundred pounds out of the Publick money in the hands of the Treasurer be paid to the Governor to be employed in repairing the Arms in the Magazine and Governor's House.

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia. 1721-1739, Volume 4, p. 57.

At a Council held at the Capitol November 5th 1723.

... The following Warrants on the Rec^r Gen^l to be paid out of the Revenue of 2s per hh^d Port Dutys & head money were sign'd by the Governor in Council Viz^t —

...
To the Armourer ½ a years Sallary to Octr 25th 1723	£ 6

Jones, Hugh
Present State of Virginia.
London: 1724.
p. 25-32.

... Near this is a large Octagon Tower, which is the Magazine or Repository of Arms and Ammunition, standing far from any Houses except James Town Court-House; for the Town is half in James Town County, and half in York County.

Not far from hence is a large area for a Market Place; ...

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia.
1721-1739, Volume 4, p. 69.

...

The following Warr^ts on the Rec^r Gen^l to be paid out of his Maj^tys Revenue were this day sign'd by the Governor in Council.

...
To the Armourer for Ditto [half a year]	£ 6
To the Gunners at the several Batterys Do	25

Ibid, p. 76.

...

[Same as above]

Ibid, p. 85.

...

The following Warrants to be paid out of his Mat^ies Revenue of 2s per hh^d Port duties and head money were sign'd in Council.

...
To the Armourer for the same [half year's salary]	£ 6

Ibid, p. 101.

The following Warrants on the Receiver Gen^l to be paid out of his Ma^ties Revenues were this day signed by the Governor in Council Vizt.

Out of the 2s per hh^d &c.

...

To the Armourer for the like Salary [half year]

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, p. 101.

The following Warrants on the Receiver Gen^l to be paid out of his Ma^ties Revenues were this day signed by the Governor in Council Vizt.

Out of the 2s per hh^d &c.

...
To the Armourer for the like Salary [half year]	£ 6

Ibid, p. 117.

The petⁿ of Henry Cary praying to be allowed a Salary as Gunner is rejected, but forasmuch as it appears to this Board that the said Cary hath perform'd the service of firing the great Guns on his Mat^ies accession day, and at the funeral of the late Governor, It is Ordered that he be paid for the same forty Shillings, and it is further Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine at W^msburgh for the time being be enjoin'd as part of the duty of his office to serve as Gunner at W^msburgh without any additional allowance of Salary for the same.

... M^r President acquainted the Council that divers applications have been made to him for the Office of Keeper of the Magazine now vacant by the resignation of M^r Henry Cary, and that he had upon the good character he had received of M^r Samuel Cobbs, thought fit to appoint him Keeper of the said Magazine & Armourer, the Council approving of the said Cobbs as a fit person for the said office, it is ordered that he give security for the due discharge of that office, and that he take an Inventory of all the Arms & Stores of war belonging to his Ma^ty, and therein particularly note in what condition the said Arms and Stores now are.

Ibid, p. 120.

... The following Warrants on the Rec^r General to be paid out of his Ma^ties Revenues were this day sign'd by the President in Council Viz^t

...
To the Armourer for the like Sallary	£ 6
To Richd Price for the Gunners Sallary this ½ year	20.

Hening's Statues at Large.
1711-1736, Volume 4, p. 203.

Chap. V.

An Act for making more effectual provision against Invasions and Insurrections.

...

XXI. And, whereas, it may be needful, in time of danger, to arm part of the militia, not otherwise sufficiently provided, out of his majesty's magazine, and other stores, within this colony.

XXII. Be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons, so to be armed out of his Majesty's stores, as aforesaid, shall detain or imbezzle any arms, accoutrements, or ammunition, which shall be delivered to him for the services aforesaid, when he shall be thereunto required, it shall and may be lawful, to and for the respective county-lieutenants, or other chief commanding officer, residing in the said county, by warrant under his or their hands, respectively, to cause to be imprisoned such person or persons, till he or they have made satisfaction for the arms, accoutrements, or ammunition, so by him or them detained or imbezzled. ^*

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia.
1727-1740, Volume 6, p. 19.

A petition of John Tyler was presented to the House & read, praying to be allowed some recompence for his Service in overseeing the building and finishing the Magazine & the two wings of the Church, which were built by the Donation of the General Assembly.

Order'd, That the s'd petition be referr'd to the consider'on of the Com'ee for Public Claims, and that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same with their Opinions thereon, to the House.

Tyler's Quarterly Magazine.
Volume 8, p. 210.

(Notes on the Tyler family)

6 John Tyler, took his name doubtless from Col. John Page, who left him a tract of land... He was a builder in Williamsburg, 20 and erected in 1714 the famous Powder Magazine and the two wings of the new church in Bruton Parish.

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia.
1721-1739, volume 4, p. 153.

...

The following Warrants on the Receiver General to be paid out of his Majesty's Revenue were this day sign'd by the Governor in Council Viz^t

...
To the Armourer for the same time [half year ]	£ 6
To Willm Prentis for money paid the Gunners of the sevl
Batteries	20

Ibid, p. 174.

The following Warrants on the Receiver General to be paid out of his Majesty's Revenues were this day sign'd by the Governor in Council Viz:

Out of the 2s per hogsh^d, port duties & head money

...
To the Armourer for the same time [half year]	£ 6

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, p. 192.

The following Warrants on the Receiver General to be paid out of his Majesty's Revenue were this day sign'd by the Governor in Council Viz:

...
To the Armourer for the same time [half year]	£ 6

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
1721-1739, Volume 4, p. 202.

The following Warrants on the Receiver General to be paid out of his Majesty's revenue of 2 shillings per hogshead, port duties and head money were this day sign'd by the Governor in Council Viz:

. . .
To the Armourer for the same time [half year]		£ 6
Ibid, p. 211.	At a Council held Novr 5th 1729	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 217.	Council held the 6th day of May 1730.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 231.	Council held the 4th day of Novr 1730.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 242.	Council held May the 6th 1731	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 255.	Novr the 4th 1731.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 280.	June 29th 1732.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 292.	Novr 2d 1732.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 300.	May 4th 1733.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 314.	Novr 2d 1733.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 322.	May 4th 1734.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 337.	November the 1st 1734.	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 352.	May the 5th 1735	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 363.	November [illegible] 4th 1735	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 370.	May the 5th 1736	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 385.	November the 4th 1736	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 395.	5th day of May 1737	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 408.	Novr 3d 1737	Ditto.

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia.
1721-1739, Volume 4, p. 409.

. . .

That there be furnished to M^r John Howard 40 lb of Powder and a proportionable quantity of bullets out of His Mj^s Stores and four Kettles for the better enabling him to perform the Service in making discoveries towards the River Mississippi.

Ibid, p. 417.

. . .

The following Warrants to be paid by the Receiver General out of his Maj^s Revenue were this day Signed by the Governor in Council as follows Viz^t

. . .
To the Armourer		£ 6
Ibid, p. 427.	7th day of November 1738	Ditto.
Ibid, p. 438.	5th day of May 1739	Ditto.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, Volume 7, p. 118.

A Petition of Anne Geddy, Widow, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That her late Husband, James Geddy, by Order of the Governor, cleaned Seven Hundred Arms in the Magazine; for which the Treasurer does not think fit to pay her, without the Direction of this House so to do; and praying the Consideration of the House therein.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Claims: And that they do examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinions thereupon, to the House.

1750 July

[illegible] of Stores of [illegible] at [illegible]

Magazine
	Muskets, Bayonets [illegible] [illegible] boxes	364
	[illegible] of [illegible]	59
	Cases of Ball	50
	[illegible]	53
	2 [illegible] [illegible] 562 & 326
Governors House
	Muskets	276
	[illegible]	100
	Pistols	193
	[illegible]	264
	2 [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] 1588-9 [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] 450-5 [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] of w. 2 [illegible] the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] 8. [illegible]

[illegible] [illegible] [illegible]

Virginia

Account of Stores of [illegible] at Williamsburg [illegible] Condition of the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Forts of Virginia in July 1750.

Rec. [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] of [illegible] July 1750.

Rec. Oct. 4.

[illegible] [illegible]

1750.

W36

[illegible].

[illegible]

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia.
1742-1749. Volume 7, p. 121.

On Consideration of the Petition of Anne Geddy, Widow, Resolved, That the Petition be rejected.

Hening's Statutes at Large.
1738-1748, Volume 5, p. 402-3.

Chap. I.

An act, for giving a sum of money, not exceeding four thousand pounds, towards defraying the expence of inlisting, arming, cloathing, victuallizing, and transporting the Soldiers raised in this colony, on an intended expedition against Canada.

...

III. And whereas the soldiers so to be raised,cannot be timely supplied with arms in any other manner, than out of the public magazine: Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid,That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said John Robinson,esq. Mr. Secretary Nelson, Richard Randolph, William Beverley, Beverley Whiting, Benjamin Waller, Carter Burwell, Edward Digges, and John Harmer, gentlemen, or any five of them, to cause the soldiers to be furnished with arms, well fitted, out of the arms belonging to this colony, now in the public magazine, upon obtaining a warrant or warrants under the hand of the lieutenant governor, or commander in chief, for the time being; and to deduct the cost and charges of such arms so to be furnished, together with the expence of refitting them, out of the money herein before given and granted; and that the said John Robinson, esq., Mr.Secretary Nelson, Richard Randolph, William Beverley, Beverley Whiting, Benjamin Waller, Carter Burwell, Edward Digges, and John Harmer, gentlemen, do account to the next General Assembly for all monies so by them to be received and applied, by virtue of this act ...

Hening's Statutes at Large.
1748-1755, Volume 6, p. 118.

[Same as act passed in February 1726/1727, see page 19]

24

Public Record Office, London.

C.O. 5, #1327. Photostat, Research Department.

Virginia.

Account of Stores of War at Williamsburg & condition of the Guns in ye Sev^l Forts of Virginia in July 1750.

Rec'd with Col. Lee's Letter of 12th July 1750 ...

Magazine.
Muskets, Bayonets & Cartouch boxes	364
Barls of Powder	59
Cases of Ball	50
Tents	53
2 mortars wt 562 & 326.
Governor's House...

Hening's Statutes at Large.
1748-1755, Volume 6, p. 528-9.

Chap. I. An Act for raising the sum of forty thousand pounds, for the protection of his majesty's subjects on the frontiers of this colony.

... And whereas the public magazine stands exposed to the designs of evil minded persons,

XIII. Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That Peyton Randolph, exquire, Carter Burwell, John Chiswell, Benjamin Waller, and James Power, gentlemen, or any three of them, be, and are hereby appointed directors, to treat and agree with workmen, to erect a high and strong brick wall, to inclose the said magazine, and to build a guard house convenient thereto. And that the said directors apply to the governor, to issue his warrants to the treasurer of this colony, for the payment of such sums of money, as they shall from time to time have occasion for, for the purposes aforesaid, and account for the same to the General Assembly, when the said work shall be finished. And whereas by reason of the long time allowed, for collecting the duties imposed by this act, ( which from the distressed circumstances of the people, and the great scarcity of gold and silver coin in this colony, could not be sooner done) the said duties will not be collected in time to answer the purposes hereby intended:

XIV. Be it therefore enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the said John Robinson, treasurer, or the treasurer of this colony, for the time being, appointed as aforesaid to 25 issue or emit at any time or times, before the first day of August next ensuing, and not after, in such proportions as he shall find necessary, to answer the demands that shall be made upon him, for the purposes aforesaid, or for the reward allowed by law for Indian enemies killed or taken prisoners, any number of treasury notes, so as the whole sum of such notes to be issued, shall not exceed the sum of forty thousand pounds current money,...

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1752-1758, Volume 8, page 388.

Upon a Motion made,

Resolved, That an humble Address be made to his Honor the Governor, That he will be pleased in this Time of iminent Danger to appointan Officer, with a Number of Men not exceeding Twelve, as a Guard to the public Magazine in the City of Williamsburg, and to assure his Honor, that this House will provide for the Support and Maintenance of the said Guard.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1761-1765, Volume 10, page 78.

On a Motion made,

Ordered, That an Address be made to his Honour the Governour that the Guard appointed for the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg be discontinued, it being at this Time, in the Opinion of this House, an unnecessary Expense to the Country; and that M^r Bland do wait on him with the said Address.

Hening's Statutes at Large.
1756-1763. Volume 7, page 594.

CHAP. XVII An Act for disposing of the publick stores of gunpowder in the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg.

1. WHEREAS it is represented to this present general-assembly, by the inhabitants of the city of Williamsburg, that a large quantity of gunpowder is constantly kept in the publick magazine in the said city; which, being left entirely unguarded, 26 may be of dangerous consequence, as well to the publick in general as to the said city in particular.

II. Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That from and after the passing of this act it shall and may be lawful to and for the governouror commander in chief of this colony for the time being, and he is hereby desired, to cause the said gunpowder, or such part thereof as he shall judge necessary, to be sold and disposed of for the best price that can be got; and one moiety of the money arising from the sale thereof shall be to our sovereign lord the king, his heirs and successours, for and towards the better support of this government, and the contingent charges thereof; and the other moiety thereof shall be paid to the treasurer of this colony for the time being, to be accounted for to the general-assembly.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia.
1761-1765. Volume 10, p. 131.

M^r Bland reported that he had, according to Order, waited on the Governour, with the Address of this House, for discontinuing the Guard over the Magazine in this City: To which his Honour was pleased to Answer, that he would immediately comply with the Desire of the House; but as there is a large Quantity of Powder in the Magazine, he thinks it prudent to continue the Guard until the Sentiments of the House are known how the Powder shall be disposed of

Ibid, p. 137.

M^r Attorney, from the Committee appointed, presented to the House, according to Order, a Bill for disposing of the publick Stores of Gunpowder in the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg, and for other Purposes therein mentioned; and the same was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second Time.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia.
1761-1765. Volume 10, p. 144.

A Bill for disposing of the publick Stores of Gunpowder in the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg, was read the second Time, and committed to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances.

Ibid, p. 147.

M^r Attorney, from the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, to whom the Bill for disposing of the publick Stores of Gunpowder in the Magazine, in the City of Williamsburg, was committed, reported that the Committee had had the said Bill under their Consideration, and had made an Amendment thereto; which he read in his Place, and then delivered the Bill with the Amendment in at the Table, where it was again twice read, and agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Bill with the Amendment be engrossed, and read a third time.

Ibid, p. 149.

A Message from the Council by M^r Walthoe.

That they have agreed ...

Also to the Bill, entitled, An Act for disposing of the publick Stores of Gunpowder in the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg, with an Amendment, to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

The House immediately proceeded to the Consideration of the Amendment proposed by the Council to the said Bill, and the same being read was agreed to.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1761-65, Volume 10, Page 163.

A Petition of Michael M'Carty, James Atherton, Thomas Jones, Sen. Thomas Jones, Jun. John Connelly, John Davis, Stephen Foster, Bryan, William Shae, John Peal, Thomas Buckmaster and John Archer, setting forth that they have been some Time employed as Guardmen over the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg, and hope they have discharged their Duty faithfully, during all which Time they were exempt from mustering with the Militia, or finding Arms, but now being discontinued are obliged to enlist in the Militia, and find proper Arms; that they are very poor Men, and not able to spare so much from the Maintenance of their respective Families as will purchase suitable Arms for mustering; and praying that they may be permitted to keep the Arms they made Use of when they guarded the Magazine, which they promise shall be always ready for the Service of their King and Country, whenever Occasion may require, was presented to the House and read; and the Question being put that the said Petition be referred to a Committee,

It passed in the Negative.

Resolved, That the said Bill be rejected

Ibid, Page 164.

M^r. Speaker with the House went up accordingly, and his Honour the Governor was pleased to give his Assent to the following publick and private Bills:

. . .

17. For disposing of the publick Stores of Gunpowder in the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg.

Ibid, Pages 239-240.

A Representation of George Pitt, Keeper of the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg setting forth that there is in the 29 Magazine a large Quantity of Muskets, which have been examined and reported as unfit for Use, and are now lying as Lumber therein, which might be repaired without any great Expense. That there are also sundry other Things which might be sold, and which will be wholly useless if suffered to continue any longer where they are. That the Barrels in which the publick Powder is contained are in very bad Order, to the great Danger of the Magazine, especially as the Magazine itself wants repairing, and praying the Direction of the House therein, was presented to the House and read.

Ordered, That the said Representation be referred to the Consideration of M^r Attorney, M^r Burwell, M^r Philip Johnson, and M^r Grymes; that they examine the Magazine, and the Stores therein belonging to the Publick, and report to the House what Repairs are necessary to be made to the Repository of Arms, and what Stores it may be proper to dispose of.

Ibid, Page 306.

M^r Attorney, from the Committee to whom the Representation of George Pitt, Keeper of the publick Magazine in the City of Williamsburg was referred, reported that they had examined into the State of the said Magazine, and the public military Stores contained therein, and had agreed to the following Report thereupon.

It appears to your Committee that there are now in the said Magazine two Brass Cannon and two Brass Mortars, which are useless; also about 13,000 lbs. of Gunpowder, which is old, and the Barrels decayed and in bad order; also a Quantity of Soldiers Clothes, Hats, and Shoes, which at the present are of little Use, and will be entirely ruined if they remain there: That there are also 102 Tents, which are old and useless; and 14 new Ones, which may be of Service: That there are also two Hogsheads of Cantins and Tin Kettles, one Tierce of Leather Shot Bags, and another of Canvas Knapsacks, and a Quantity of Leather Belts and Slings, old Drums and Drum Rims, which are useless; and a Number of Cartouch Boxes, in very bad Order: That there are also upwards of 500 old Firelocks and Barrels, which might be repaired at 12s.6d. each, but are not worth the Expense; and there is a Tub of Gun Flints, which may be reserved for Use.

30

On a Motion made,

Ordered, That a Bill, or Bills, be brought in For the Sale of the useless military Stores in the Magazine, and it is referred to M^r Attorney to prepare and bring in the same.

Hening, William Waller
STATUTES AT LARGE
1764-1773, Volume 8, Page 146.

Chap. XXXI.

An act for the sale of the useless military stores in the Magazine of Williamsburg.

WHEREAS there are considerable quantities of military stores of divers sorts now remaining in the publick magazine in the city of Williamsburg, which are of little use or value, and in a short time will be rendered entirely useless, if they continue there: Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That Peyton Randolph, George Wythe, Lewis Burwell, Philip Johnson, and John Randolph, esquires, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners for the sale and disposing of the said useless military stores; and it shall and may be lawful to and for the said commissioners, or any three of them, after having carefully examined into the condition of the arms and other military stores in the said magazine, to sell and dispose of such of them as they shall judge unnecessary to retain in the said magazine for publick use, or which may be destroyed or rendered useless by continuing there any longer: And the said commissioners shall account for and pay one moiety of the money arising from the sale thereof to the receiver general of his majesty's revenues, and the other moiety to the treasurer of this colony, to be by him accounted for to the general assembly.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, Volume 11, Page 339.

A Claim of Benjamin Powell for Repairs to the Magazine, was presented to the House and read.

31

Ordered, That the said Claim be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Public Claims.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, Volume XII, Page 235.

A Claim of Benjamin Powell for repairing the Magazine; and also,

A Claim of Joseph Kidd for repairing the Magazine,

Were severally presented to the House, and read.

Ordered, That the said Claims be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Public Claims; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House.

Dunmore, Lord
Letter: To sec^y of State, SP.O. Virginia Vol. 195.
Virginia Papers, Vol. III: 1775-1781.
N.Y. Pub. Lib.

... Conformable to the commands contained in your Lordship's circular letter of the 2nd of November, I transmit a list of the Council of this Colony, in which, by the death of Philip Ludwell Lee, there is another vacancy besides that which I reported to your Lordship in my last letter; but I am really unable, at this time to pitch upon any gentleman whose principles as well as abilities I could be sure would justify the recommendation of them to be admitted into the Council, other than those three, whose names have been already returned to your Lordship out of whom therefore I hope your Lordship will fill the present vacant seats. It has been matter of no small concern to me, to find how much I have been mistaken in the character of Mr. JOHN PAGE, whose name your Lordship will observe upon the list of the Council and whom I recommended from the public opinion of his good qualities; but he has in those unhappy disturbances observed a conduct, as a member of his Majesty's council, so undutiful, and as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature, so highly inconsistent, that I conceive I ought not to pass it over unnoticed.

Mr. Page was present in the Council which was unanimous in advising me to dissolve the late assembly, and he was one who 32 signed the two addresses to me on the occasion of requesting me to call a new one (which addresses have been transmitted) in the last of which it is declared that "when the Council advised me to dissolve the assembly, they were influenced by a sincere regard for the honor of his Majesty who they thought, was indecently reflected on in a paper just published by order of the House of Burgesses" and in the same address they promise "to exert their most strenuous endeavors to inspire a spirit of moderation and obedience to Gov^t among the people." Notwithstanding which Mr. Page inorder to acquire a mean title to popularity, remained after the separation of the Council to attend the Burgesses in their procession to Church upon the fast day appointed by the order for which they were dissolved, and gave every countenance in his power to the observing of that order, which he had in Council so strongly censured, and in violation of the promise which he had so solemnly given. When it was agitating in what manner the ship should be dealt by, which had brought tea into the port of York (of which affair I gave your Lordship an account in my letter No. 23) Mr. Page, a Judge of the Chief Court of Judicature wrote to the Rioters, to urge them to proceed without partiality and particularly not to shew any indulgence. In short Mr. Page is connected only with those people who are most remarkable in promoting all the violent proceedings against Gov^t and is a strong abettor of them; his principles are therefor such as render him unworthy the honor of being one of His Majesty's Council, and his behaviour such as I think would sufficiently justify the removing of him; but uncertain whether your Lordship will concur in opinion with me, I have chosen to submit the matter to your Lordship's judgment. ...

The Virginia Historical Register
Richmond: 1850.
Vol. III, page 149.

( Memoirs of Governor John Page)

... At one Board, I joined with those patriotic members who advised the issuing of new writs for the election and call of an Assembly, and at a time when it was dangerous (as far as loss of office went) to propose it, as the Governor had plainly given us to understand, that the King was determined to rule the Colonies without their check, or controul; and at another Board, I boldly advised the Governor to give up the Powder and Arms, which he had removed from the Magazine. But he flew in an outrageous passion, smiting his fist on the table, saying, "Mr. Page, I am astonished at you." I calmly replied that I had discharged my duty, and had no other advice to give. As the other Councillors neither seconded nor opposed me, he was greatly embarrassed. As I was never summoned to attend another Board, I might well suspect I was suspended from my office; but as I cared nothing about that, I never enquired whether I was or not.

33

P. Henry, afterwards so famous for his military parade against Dunmore, did actually bully him, but they appeared to me to be mutually afraid of each other. ...

Campbell, Charles
History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia
Philadelphia: 1860.
Pages 607-608.

On the twenty-eighth of March Dunmore issued a proclamation, by command, as he said, of the king, for the prevention of the appointment of deputies from Virginia to the congress which was to assemble in May. And in compliance with instructions received from England, the governor ordered Captain Collins, with a party of marines and sailors from the Magdalen, lying at Burwell's Ferry, to remove the powder from the magazine at Williamsburg, and it was carried on board of that vessel secretly, between three and four o'clock a. m., of Thursday, April the 20th, the day following the collision at Lexington and Concord. It had been rumored some days before in Williamsburg, that Lord Dunmore had taken the locks off from most of the guns in the magazine, and that he intended to remove the powder. The people of the town were alarmed, and the volunteers for several nights kept guard over the magazine; at length growing negligent, and disbelieving the report, on Thursday night the guard was discharged at an early hour. Thus Collins with his party, who had been secreted in the Palace, seized the powder without opposition. Dunmore, anticipating the resentment of the people, armed his servants and some Shawnee hostages, and muskets were laid on the floor loaded and primed, and the captains of the ships of war lying at York were ordered to have in readiness an armed force for the defence of the palace. As soon as these proceedings became known, the Williamsburg volunteers flew to arms, and were with difficulty restrained by Peyton Randolph and Robert C. Nicholas from assaulting the palace and seizing the governor. The authorities of the town, in accordance with a resolution of a meeting of the people, solicited the governor to restore the powder immediately, urging among other reasons which demanded it, the apprehension of a servile war, instigated by "wicked and designing men" ...

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, Ed.

WE his majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the mayor, recorder, aldermen, and common council, of the city of Williamsburg, in common-hall assembled, humbly beg leave to represent to your excellency that the inhabitants of this city were this morning exceedingly alarmed, by a report that a large quantity of gun powder was, in the preceding night, while they were sleeping in their beds, removed from the public magazine in this city, and conveyed under an escort of marines on board one of his majesty's armed vessels lying at a ferry on James river.

We beg leave to represent to your excellency, that as this magazine was erected at the public expence of this colony, and appropriated to the safe keeping of such munition as should be there lodged from time to time, for the protection and security of the country, by arming thereout such of the militia as might be necessary in Case of invasions and insurrections, they humbly conceive it to be the only proper repository to be resorted to in times of immenent danger.

We farther beg leave to inform your excellency, that from various reports at present prevailing in different parts of the country, we have too much reason to believe that some wicked and designing persons have instilled the most diabolical notions into the minds of our slaves, and that therefore the utmost attention to our internal security is become the more necessary.

The circumstances of this city, my lord, we consider as peculiar and critical. The inhabitants, from the situation of the magazine, in the middle of their city, have for a long [illegible] of time been exposed to all those dangers which have happened in many countries for explosions, and other accidents. They have, from time to time, thought it incumbent on them to guard the magazine. For their security, they have for some time past judged it necessary to keep strong patrols on foot: In their present circumstances, then, to have the chief and necessary means of their defence removed, cannot but be extremely alarming.

Considering ourselves as guardians of the city, we therefore 35 humbly desire to be informed by your excellency upon what motives, and for what particular purpose the powder has been carried off in such a manner, and we earnestly entreat your excellency to order it to be immediately returned to the magazine.

To which address his excellency returned to this verbal answer.

THAT, hearing of an insurrection in a neighbouring country, he had removed the powder from the magazine, where he did not think it secure, to a place where it would be in perfect security and that, upon his word and honour, when ever it was wanted on any insurrection, it should be delivered in half an hour. That he had removed it in the night time to prevent any alarm, and that captain Collins had his express commands for the part he had acted. He was surprised to hear the people were under arms on this occasion, and that he should not think it prudent to put powder into their hands in such a situation.

On Tuesday last the inhabitants of this city met at the court house, and generously subscribed towards the relief of those brave sons of Liberty, the Bostonians.

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, Ed.

This morning, between 3 and 4 o'clock, all the gunpowder in the magazine, to the amount, as we hear, of about 20 barrels, was carried off in his Excellency the Governour's wagon, escorted by a detachment of marines from the armed schooner Magdalen, now lying at Burwell's ferry, and lodged on board that vessel. As soon as the news of this Manoeuvre took wind, the whole city was alarmed, and much [illegible]; and numbers got themselves in readiness to repair to the palace, to demand from the Governour a restoration of what they so justly [illegible] was deposited in this magazine for the country's defence. However, as [illegible] Gentlemen represented the propriety of remonstrating to the Governour upon this occasion, in a decent and respectful manner, the Common Hall assembled, who after deliberating some time, waited upon his Excellency with the following address, which was presented by the Hon. P E Y T O N R A N D O L P H, Esq; Recorder of this city, and is as follows: . . .

[Same as preceding]

Letters to Washington
Volume V, Page 159

Extract of a letter from Col. Edm. Pendleton, place not mentioned.

April 21, 1775- We have a loose Report that the Governor has taken the key of the Magazine, & that a sloop with a company of marines, was lying in each of the Creeks, which it was supposed were to take the Arms & Ammunition from thence. Some of our Independents had a strong inclination to go immediately & secure the Arms & Ammunition.

I have as yet heard nothing from the Speaker fixing the time of our setting out, indeed from some disturbances in the City by the slaves, I doubt whether he will go.

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Hunter, eds.

Last Thursday night Capt. Collins, with a party of men, belonging to the Magdalen armed schooner, by command of Lord Dunmore, came to this city, from Burwell's ferry, and privately removed out of the magazine, and carried on board the said schooner, about 20 barrels of gunpowder belonging to this colony. The inhabitants were alarmed with the intelligence early yesterday morning, the Common Hall assembled, [illegible] the following address was presented to the Governor ...

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, Ed.

YESTERDAY, about 1 o'clock, Mann Page, Jun, Esq; one of the Representatives for Spotsylvania, arrived here in 24 hours from Fredericksburg; being charged by a number of people from different counties, now assembling there, to inquire whether the gunpowder had been replaced in the publick magazine, the removal of which had spread a general alarm, and greatly exasperated all ranks of people. Expresses had been sent into several counties, and it was expected that upwards of 2000 men would be assembled in Fredericksburg by this evening; ... Mr. Page returned again in the evening, and carried a letter from the Hon. the Speaker, to endeavour to pacify the people; and as that gentlemen sets out tomorrow, by land, to attend the General Congress, we hear he proposes meeting them, and it is hoped, from his great influence, that he will be able to prevail on them to [illegible] home, and rest satisfied with the Governour's promise that the powder shall be given up when there is occasion to use it. ....

Journals of the House of Burgesses
1773-1776, Volume 13, Page xvi-xix Preface.

During the spring preceding this session of the Burgesses, [June-1775] Williamsburg witnessed many conditions, incident to strife and disaffection. With a population estimated to be two thousand, many being uncertain as to course and affiliations, it was considered essential to success that secrecy of purpose be maintained. Secret meetings were held in the Raleigh Tavern and other places, and such matters as demanded resolute action were entrusted to a coterie of Burgesses known to be in sympathy with the cause of liberty. Fearing the resolution passed to raise a body of armed men, as indicating revolt, Dunmore ordered fifteen barrels of gun powder then in the Magazine, to be removed to H.M.S. Fowey, lying off York. This secret proceeding called forth a vigorous objection on the part of the Burgesses, who appointed a committee to present an address to the Governor and ascertain his reasons for such an action.

Attempting to allay public indignation, then very high throughout the Colony, the Governor maintained that the Magazine was insecure, promising to return the powder as soon as the building was placed in good repair. This, with other reasons he embodied in a proclamation to Virginia, on the 3^rd of May following:

A PROCLAMATION^*

Virginia, to wit

Whereas, there is so much reason to suppose that some persons, in the different parts of this colony, are disaffected to his Majesty's government, and by their weight and credit with the people are endeavoring to bring the country into such a situation as to afford them the fairest prospect of effecting a change in the form of it, covering their wicked designs under the specious appearance of defending their liberties, and have taken advantage of the unhappy ferment, which themselves have raised in the minds of their fellow subjects, in prosecution of their dangerous designs to oppose the most undoubted prerogative of the King, which in a late instance I thought it expedient to exert by removing on board his Majesty's [illegible] the Fowey, a small quantity of gun powder, belonging to his Majesty's, from the magazine in this city; I have thought fit, by advice of his Majesty's council, to issue this my proclamation, with a view of undeceiving the deluded, and of exposing to the unwary the destruction into which they may be precipitated, if they suffer themselves to be longer guided by such infatuated counsels.

38

Although I consider myself, under the authority of the crown, the only constitutional judge, in what manner the munition, provided for the protection of the people of this government, is to be disposed of for that end; yet for effecting the salutary objects of this proclamation, and removing from the minds of his Majesty's subjects the groundless suspicions they have imbibed, I think proper to declare that the apprehensions which seemed to prevail throughout this whole country of an intended insurrection of the slaves, who had been seen in large numbers, in the night time, about the magazine, and my knowledge of its being a very insecure depositary, were my inducements to that measure, and I chose the night as the properest season, because I knew the temper of the times, and the misinterpretations of my design which would be apt to prevail if the thing should be known. Acting under these motives, I certainly rather deserved the thanks of the country than their reproaches. But, whenever the present ferment shall subside, and it shall become necessary to put arms into the hands of the militia, for the defence of the people against a foreign enemy or intestine insurgents, I shall be as ready as on a late occasion to exert my best abilities in the service of the country. In the mean time, as it is indispensably necessary to maintain order and the authority of the laws, and thereby the dignity of his Majesty's government, I exhort and require, in his Majesty's name, all his faithful subjects, to leave no expedient unessayed which may tend to that happy end. Such as are not to be influenced by the love of order for its own sake, and the blessings it is always productive of, would do well to consider the internal weakness of this colony, as well as the dangers to which it is exposed from a savage enemy; who, from the most recent advices I have received from the frontier inhabitants, are ready to renew their hostilities against the people of this country. But, as on the one hand, nothing can justify men, without proper authority, in a rapid recurrence to arms, nothing excuse resistance to the executive power [illegible] the due enforcement of law, so on the other, nothing but such resistance and outrageous proceedings shall ever compel me to avail myself of any means that may carry the appearance of severity.

Anxious to restore peace and harmony to this distracted country, and to induce a firmer reliance on the goodness and tenderness of our most gracious Sovereign to all his subjects equally, and on the wisdom of his councils for a redress of all their real grievances, which can only be obtained by loyal and constitutional applications, I again call upon and require all his Majesty's liege subjects, and especially all magistrates and other officers, both civil and military, to exert themselves in removing the discontents, and suppressing the spirit of faction, which prevail among the people, that a dutiful submission to the laws of the land may be strictly observed, which shall ever be the rule of my conduct, as the interest and happiness of this dominion ever have been, and shall continue to be, the objects of my administration.

39

Given under my hand and the seal of the colony, at Williamsburg, this 3^rd day of May, 1775, and in the 15^th year of his Majesty's reign.

DUNMORE.

GOD SAVE THE KING.

Two days prior to issuing this proclamation, Dunmore gave his true reasons for removing the powder in a letter to Lord Dartmouth, Secretary of State:-

"Williamsburg, 1^st May, 1775.

My Lord,

The series of dangerous measures pursued by the people of this Colony against Govern^t, which they have now entirely overturned, and particularly their having come to a resolution of raising a body of armed Men in all the counties, made me think it prudent to remove some Gunpowder which was in a Magazine in this place, where it lay exposed to any attempt that might be made to seize it, and I had reason to believe the people intended to take that step. I accordingly requested of Lieu^t Collins, commanding his Maj^t'ys armed schoone the Magdalen, to convey the powder on board the Fowey, Man-of-war now on this station, wh^ch that officer with a party of his Seamen diligently executed; but tho' it was intended to have been done privately, M^r Collins and his party were observed, and notice was given immediately to the Inhabitants of this place; Drums were then sent thro' the City— The independent company got under Arms. All the People were assembled, and during their consultation, continual threats were brought to my house, that it was their resolution to seize upon, or massacre me, and every person found giving me assistance if I refused to deliver the Powder immediately into their custody.

In a short time the Mayor and Corporation came to my house, leaving their armed force at a little distance, with an address in reality milder in terms, than I expected, but still from the manner in which it was presented can be deemed, if not a treasonable proceeding at least nothing less than one of the highest insults, that could be offered to the authority of his Maj^t'ys Govern^t. The Address represents the alarm into which the people had been thrown at the taking away the powder in a private manner by an armed force, particularly at a time when they are apprehensive of Insurrection among [illegible] slaves (some reports having prevailed to this effect) and concludes with a request amounting to a peremptory demand, that the powder be delivered up immediately to them. I thought proper in the defenceless state in which I find myself, to endeavor to soothe them, and answered verbally to the effect, that I had removed the powder lest the Negroes might have seized upon it, to a place of security, from whence, when I saw occasion I would at any time, deliver it to the people. But in the ferment in which they then appeared it would be highly improper to put it into their hands, as it would be inconsistent with the Authority I represented to comply with any demand made in the manner of the present. This did not satisfy them, and the fury of the People was still represented as uncontroullable and the dreadful consequences of it, as not to be averted by any other means, 40 than complying with their humor, to which I replied not only by declaring, that I would never depart from the resolution which I had already signified to them, I had taken, and by arming myself and the persons of my family to oppose the threatened attempts. Their happened to be then in Town Captⁿ Montagu, commanding the Fowey, with his Captⁿ of Marines a M^r Stretch and Lieut^t Henry Collins officer already mentioned. These gentlemen immediately joined themselves to my little party, and offered me all their assistance which could be spared from on board the ship and schooner wh^ch only amounts to between 30 and 40 Men.

I was not long after unexpectedly informed, the people by the persuasion of M^r. Peyton Randolph & M^r Nicholas the Treasurer, had [illegible] and appeared satisfied with the answer which I had returned; but parties of armed Men were continually coming into town from the adjacent Counties the following days, offering fresh insults; and two days ago, three Gentlemen of principal families in the Country, arrived deputed, as they declared, from a body of 2000 armed Men, who were collected in the neigh bourhood of Fredericksburg, about 100 miles from this place, and who only waited to be informed by these Messengers, that I would deliver up the powder, as they were determined otherwise to proceed to Williamsburg and assault my house, and spare neither me, nor any person adhering to me.

The Messengers, as they were informed the powder would not be given up, returned vowingvengance of their enraged Confederates against me, and I am consequently in hourly expectation of their appearance.

Some of the families have removed from here to avoid the scene that is expected. I have been obliged to send Lady Dunmore and my children on Board the Man-of-War, and I shall remain here until I am forced out— But as I cannot expect to make any effectual resistance in this place against the numbers that are said to be moving against me, I intend to retire towards the Town of York, where the Man-of-war a 20 gun ship and an armed schooner lie, under the protection of the guns of which, and under cover of a little entrenchment which I shall throw up, or at worst on Board the Man-of-War, I shall wait for his Maj^t'ys orders and I have already signified to the Magistrates of Williamsburg, that I expect them on their allegiance to fall upon means of putting a stop to the March of the People now on their way, before they enter this City, that otherwise, I shall be forced, and it is my fixed purpose, to arm all my own negroes, & receive all others that will come to me, whom I shall declare free. That I do enjoin the Magistrates and all others, professing to be loyal subjects, to repair to my assistance, or that I shall consider the whole country in an Actual State of Rebellion, and myself at liberty to annoy it by every possible means, and that I shall not hesitate at reducing their houses to Ashes, and spreading [illegible] wherever I can reach. I have likewise summoned the Council to attend me about the time which these insurgents are expected here;

I have dispatched a small vessel to Boston to General Gage and Adm^l Graves, requesting of the one a small body of Men, and of the other one of the large ships under his command. The appearance of such a ship in the interior parts of this Country, where the great depth of water in the Rivers here will permit it to go, would strike the greatest awe, and if I obtain 2 or 300 Men, who might be entrenched under the 41 protection of the guns of such a Man of War, they would there (tho' I should receive no assistance from among the people here) at least until I can receive His Maj^t'ys orders to regulate my future conduct, protect me and those officers of Govern^t who would choose to attend me, and I have reason to believe, this would be sufficient to determine many persons to join me, who hitherto from the terror spread by the Committee and other disturbers of Govern^t have been deterred from ever declaring their sentiments.

Whatever may be the issue of this present Insurrection in this Colony, or whether the People will now proceed or not to the autrocious extremities, which they have been hardy enough to avow their intentions of committing. Their conduct has already afforded sufficient evidence of the rebellious spirit with which they are possessed, and therefore if His Maj^t'y thinks it necessary to maintain an appearance of authority in this Colony during the unhappy struggle between America and Great Brittain, it cannot be affected without a force to support it, which I am in hopes His Maj^t'y will judge requisite to send me, that, I may be enabled to protect myself and other faithful Officers and friends of Govern^t, who knowing themselves in security will, I am persuaded, exert their utmost efforts, in the service of His Maj^t'y. Every person who has manifested the least partiality to the King's Govern^t, are now become suspected by their furious Countrymen, and are in the greatest danger of falling victims to the rage and violence which accompany all the transactions of these people pretending to contend for Liberty.

If the servants of the Crown should be of opinion, that the authority of Govern^t ought to be enforced here, I am persuaded, that if His Majesty should think proper to add a small body of Troops to be sent here, a quantity of Arms, Ammunition and other requisites for the service, I could raise such a Force from among Indians, Negroes and other persons, as would soon reduce the refractory people of this Colony to obedience.

Wirt, William
Sketches of the Life & Character of Patrick Henry
Philadelphia: 1817. Page 131-2.

To give effect to this measure, the export of powder from Great Britain was prohibited: and an attempt was generally made about the same period, to seize the powder and arms in the several provincial magazines. Gage, the successor of Hutchinson in the government of Massachusetts, set the example, by a seizure of the ammunition and military stores at Cambridge, and the powder in the magazines at Charlestown and other places. His example was followed by similar attempts in other colonies to the north. And on Thursday, the 20th of April, 1775, captain Henry Collins, of the armed schooner [illegible] then lying at Burwell's ferry, on James river, came up at the head of a body of marines, and, acting under the orders of lord Dunmore, entered the city of Williamsburg in the dead of the night, and carried off from the public magazine, about twenty barrels of powder, which 42 he placed on board his schooner before the break of day. Clandestine as the movement had been, the alarm was given to the inhabitants early on the next morning. Their exasperation may be easily conceived. The town was in tumult. A considerable body of them flew to arms, with the determination to compel capt. Collins to restore the powder. With much difficulty, however, they were restrained by the graver inhabitants of the town, and by the members of the common council, who assured them that proper [illegible] should be immediately used to produce a restoration of the powder, without the effusion of human blood. The council therefore met in their corporate character, and addressed the following letter to governor Dumore. [Same as Proclamation on Page 34.]

. . .

Ibid. Page 134-5.

This conditional promise of the return of the powder, supported by the influence of Mr. Peyton Randolph, Mr. Robert C. Nicholas, and other characters of weight, had the effect, it seems, of quieting the inhabitants for that day. On the succeeding night, however a new alarm took place, on a report that a number of armed men had again landed from the Magdalen, about four miles below the city, with a view it was presumed of making another visit of nocturnal plunder. The inhabitants again flew to arms; but, on the interposition of the same eminent citizens, the ferment was allayed, and nothing more was done than to strengthen the usual patrol for the defence of the city. On the next day, Saturday the 22nd of April, when every thing was perfectly quiet, lord Dumore, with rather more heat than discretion, sent a message into the city, by one of the magistrates, and which his lordship had delivered with the most solemn asseverations, that if any insult were offered to capt. Foy (a British captain residing at the palace as his secretary, and considered to be the instigator of the governor to his violences) or to capt. Collins, he would declare freedom to the slaves, and lay the town in ashes; and he added, that he could easily depopulat the whole country. At this time both capt. Foy and Collins, were and had been continually walking the streets, at their pleasure, without the slightest indication of disrespect. The effect of a threat, so diabolically ferocious, directed towards a people who had ever shown him and his family such enthusiastic marks of [illegible] and attention, and following so directly on the plunder of the magazine, will be readily conceived. Yet it broke not out into any open act. His lordship remained unmolested even by a disrespectful look. The augmented patrol was kept up; but no defensive preparation was made by the inhabitants of the city.

The transactions which were passing in the metropolis, circulated through the country with a rapidity proportioned to their interest, and with this farther aggravation, which was also true in point of fact, that in addition to the clandestine removal of the powder, the governor had caused the muskets in the magazine to be stripped of their locks.

In the midst of the irritation excited by this intelligence, came the news of the bloody battles of Lexington and Concord, resulting from an attempt of the governor, general Gage, to seize the military stores deposited at the latter place. The system of 43 colonial subjugation was now apparent: the effect was instantaneous. The whole country flew to arms. The independent companies, formed in happier times for the purpose of military discipline, and under the immediate auspices of lord Dunmore himself, raised the standard of liberty in every county. By the 27th of April, there were assembled at Fredericksburg, upwards of seven hundred men well armed and disciplined, "friends of constitutional liberty and America".

. . .

Mr. Henry, however, was not disposed to let this incident pass off so lightly. His was a mind that watched events, with the coolness and sagacity of a veteran statesman. He kindled, indeed, in the universal indignation which the conduct of the governor was so well calculated to excite; seeing clearly the inconvenience which the colony must experience in the approaching contest from the loss of [illegible] that small store of ammunition. This, however, was a minor object in his esteem. What he deemed of much higher importance was, that that blow, which must be struck, sooner or later, should be struck at once, before an overwhelming force should enter the colony; that that [illegible] deference and subjection which the people were accustomed to feel [illegible] the governor, as the representative of royalty, and which bound their spirits [illegible] a kind of torpid spell, should be dissolved and dissipated; that the military resources of the country should be developed; that the people might see and feel their strength, by being brought out together; that the revolution should be set in actual motion in the colony; that the martial prowess of the country, should be awakened, and thesoldiery animated by that proud and resolute confidence, which [illegible] successful enterprise in the commencement of a contest never fails to [illegible]. These sentiments were then [illegible] by him to two confidential friends [Footnote: Col. Richard Morris and captain George Dabney; on the authority of Mr. Dabney]; to whom he farther declared that he considered the outrage on the magazine as a most fortunate circumstance; and as one which would rouse the people from north to south. "You may in vain talk to them", said he, "about the duties on tea, &c. These things will not affect them. They depend on principles, too [illegible] for their apprehension and feeling. But tell them of the robbery of the magazine, and that the next step will be to disarm them, you bring the subject home to their bosoms, and they will be ready to fly to [illegible] to defend themselves".

Ibid, Page 140-145.

Capt. Samuel Meredith, who had theretofore commanded the independent company, resigned his commission in Mr. Henry's favour, and the latter gentleman was immediately invested with the chief command of the Hanover volunteers. Mr. Meredith accepted the commission of lieutenant; and the present col. Parke Goodall, was appointed the ensign of the company. Having received orders from the committee, correspondent with his own suggestions, capt. Henry forthwith took up his line of march for Williamsburg. [illegible] Goodall was detached, with a party of sixteen men, to cross the river into King William county, the residence of Richard Corbin, the king's receiver general; to [illegible] from him three hundred and thirty pounds, the estimated value of the powder; and, in event of his refusal, to make him a prisoner. He was ordered, in this case, to treat his person with all possible respect 44 and tenderness, and to bring him to Doncastle's ordinary, about sixteen miles above Williamsburg, where the ensign was required, at all events, to rejoin the main body. The detachment, in pursuance of their orders, reached the residence of the receiver general some hours after bedtime, and a guard was stationed around the house until morning. About day-break, however, the ladies of the family made their appearance, and gave to the commanding officer of the detachment the firm and correct assurance that col. Corbin was not at home; but that the house, nevertheless, was open to search, if it was the pleasure of the officer to make it. The manner of the assurance, however, was too satisfactory to render this necessary, and the detachment hastened to form the junction with the main body which had been ordered.

In the mean time, the march of this gallant corps, in arms, headed by a man of Mr. Henry's distinction, produced the most striking effects in every quarter. Correspondent companies started up on all sides, and hastened to throw themselves under the banners of Henry. It is believed that five thousand men, at least, were in arms, and were crossing the country to crowd around his standard, and support itwith their lives. The march was conducted in the most perfect order, and with the most scrupulous respect to the country through which they passed. The ranks of the royalists were filled with dismay. Lady Dunmore with her family retired to the Fowey man of war, then lying off the town of Little York. Even the patriots in Williamsburg were daunted by the boldness, and, as they deemed it, the rashness of the enterprise. Messenger after messenger was despatched to meet Mr. Henry on the way, and beg him to desist from his purpose, and discharge his men. It was in vain. He was inflexibly resolved to effect the purpose of his expedition, or to perish in the attempt. The messengers were therefore detained, that they might not report his strength; and the march was continued with all possible celerity. The governor issued a proclamation, in which he denounced the movement, and called upon the people of the country to resist it. He could as easily have called spirits "from the vasty deep". He seems not to have relied much, himself, on the efficacy of his proclamation. The palace was therefore filled with arms, and a detachment of [illegible] ordered up from the Fowey. Before day-break, on the morning of the 4th of May, capt. Montague, the commander of that ship, landed a party of men, with the following letter, addressed to the honourable Thomas Nelson, the president of his majesty's council.

"Fowey, May 4th, 1775.

"Sir,

"I have this morning received certain information, that his excellency lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, is threatened with an attack, at day-break this morning, at his palace in Williamsburg, and have thought proper to send a detachment from his majesty's ship under my command, to support his excellency: therefore strongly pray you to make use of every endeavour to prevent the party from being molested and attacked, as in that case I must be under a necessity to fire upon this town. From

"George Montague".

45

Lord Dunmore however thought better of this subject, and caused Mr. Henry to be met at Doncastle's, about Sunrise on the same morning, with the receiver general's bill of exchange, for the sum required. It was accepted as a satisfaction for the powder, and the following receipt was passed by Mr. Henry.

"Doncastle's ordinary, New Kent, May 4, 1775, received from the hon. Richard Corbin, esq. his majesty's receiver general, 330 as a compensation for the gunpowder lately taken out of the public magazine by the governor's order; which money I promise to convey to the Virginia [illegible] at the general congress, to be, under their direction, laid out in gunpowder for the colony's use, and to be stored as they shall direct, until the next colony, convention, or general assembly; unless it shall be necessary, in the mean time, to use the same in the defence of this colony. It is agreed, that in case the next convention shall determine that any part of the said money ought to be returned to his majesty's said receiver general, the same shall be done accordingly. "Patrick Henry, jun. Test, "Samuel Meredith "Parke Goodall".

The march of the marines from the Fowey had, however, produced the most violent commotion both in York and Williamsburg. Mr. Henry himself, [illegible] to apprehend that the public treasury would be the next object of depredation, and that a pretext would be sought for it, in the reprisal which had just been made. He therefore addresse from Doncastle's, the following letter to Robert Carter Nicholas, [illegible] the treasurer of the colony.

"May 4, 1775.

"Sir,

"The affair of the powder is now settled, so as to produce satisfaction to me, and I earnestly wish to the colony in general. The people here, have it in charge from Hanover committee, to tender their service to you, as a public officer, for the purpose of escorting the public treasury to any place in this colony, where the money would be judged more safe than in the city of Williamsburg. The reprisal now made by the Hanover volunteers, though accomplished in a manner least liable to the imputation of violent extremity, may possibly be the cause of future injury to the treasury. If, therefore, you apprehend the least danger, a sufficient guard is at your service. I beg the return of the bearer may be instant, because the men wish to know their destination. With great regard, I am, sir, your most humble servant,

"Patrick Henry, jun."

To this letter, an answer was received from Mr. Nicholas, importing that he had no apprehension of the necessity, or propriety of the proffered service: and Mr. Henry understanding also, that the private citizens of Williamsburg, were in a great measure quieted from their late fears for their persons and property, judged it proper to proceed no farther. Their expedition having been crowned 46 with success, the volunteers returned in triumph to their respective homes. The committee of Hanover again met; gave them their warmest thanks for the vigour and propriety with which they had conducted the enterprise; and returned their acknowledgements, in suitable terms, to the many volunteers of the different counties, who joined and were marching, and ready to cooperate with the volunteer company of Hanover.

Two days after the return of the volunteers, and when all was again quiet, the governor thundered the following anathema from the palace. [See Proclamation on page 37.]

Tyler's Quarterly Magazine
Vol. 10, Page 203.

... Upon reperusal I find that I omitted to say, that in 1774 (1775) upon hearing that Mr. Henry had rais'd a volunteer company in Hanover to make reclamation of powder taken from the magazine in Williamsburg, my father immediately rais'd a volunteer company in his county and marched in all haste to Williamsburg...

Virginia Gazette
John Pinckney, Ed.

Present, his EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR, THOMAS NELSON, RICHARD CORBIN, WILLIAM BYRD,RALPH WORMELEY, junior, esquires, JOHN CAMM, clerk, and JOHN PAGE, esquire.

The GOVERNOR was pleased to address himself to the BOARD in the following manner:

GENTLEMEN,

COMMOTIONS and insurrections have suddenly been excited among the people, which threaten the very existence of his majesty's government in this colony; and no other cause is assigned for such dangerous measures than that the gunpowder which had, sometime past, been brought from on board one of the King's ships to which it belonged and was deposited in the magazine of this city, hath been removed, which, it is known, was done by my order, to whom, under the constitutional right of the crown which I represent, the custody and disposal of all public stores of arms and ammunition alone belong; and, whether I acted in this matter (as my indispensable duty required) to anticipate the malevolent designs of the enemied of order and government, or to prevent the attempts of any enterprising Negroes, the powder being still as ready and convenient for being distributed for the defence of the country upon any emergency as it was before, which I have publicly engaged to do the expediency of the step I have taken is equally manifest; and 47 therefore it must be evident that the same headstrong and designing people, who have already but too successfully employed their artifices in defending his majesty's faithful subjects, and seducing them from their duty and allegiance, have seized this groundless subject of complaint, only to enflame afresh, and to precipitate as many as possible of the unwary into acts, which involving them in the same guilt their corruptors think may bind them to the same plans and schemes which are unquestionably meditated in this colony, for subverting the present, and erecting a new form of government.

Induced by an unaffected regard for the general welfare of the people, whom I have had the honour of governing, as well as actuated by duty and zeal in the service of his majesty, I call upon you, his council in this colony, for your advice upon this pressing occasion, and I submit to you, whether a proclamation should not issue conformable to what I have now suggested; and, before our fellow subjects abandon themselves totally to extremities which must inevitably draw down an accumulation of every human misery upon their unhappy country, to warn them of their danger, to remind them of the sacred oaths of allegiance which they have taken, and to call up in their breasts that loyalty and affection, which upon so many occasions have been professed by them to their King, their lawful sovereign; and farther, to urge and exhort, in particular, those whose criminal proceedings on this occasion have been, and are still, so alarming, to return to their duty, and a due obedience to the laws; and, in general, all persons whatsoever to rely upon the goodness and tenderness of our most gracious sovereign to all his subjects, equally and upon the wisdom of his council, for a redress of all their real grievances, which can only be obtained by constitutional applications; and, lastly, to enjoin all order of people to submit, as becomes good subjects, to the legal authority of their government, in the protection of which their own happiness is most interested.

The council there upon acquainted his excellency, that as the matters he had been pleased to communicate to them were of the greatest consequence, they desired time to deliberate thereon till the next day.

At a COUNCIL held at the PALACE, May 3, 1775.

Present, his Excellency the Governor, Thomas Nelson, Richard Corbin William Byrd, Ralph Wormeley, junior, esquires, John Camm, clerk, and John Page, esquire.

The board, resuming the consideration of the subject laid before them yesterday by the governor, advised him to issue the following proclamation; and the same [illegible] ordered accordingly. By his EXCELLENCY the right honourable JOHN Earl of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and Vice Admiral of the same.

A PROCLAMATION.

VIRGINIA, to wit. [See Proclamation on Page 37 of these notes.]

Wirt, William
Sketches of the Life & Character of Patrick Henry
Page 146-7.

But lord Dunmore's threats and denunciations, had no other effect than to render more conspicuous and more honourable the man who was the object of them. Mr. Henry, who had been on the point of setting out for congress at the time when he had been called off by the intelligence from Williamsburg, now resumed his journey, and was escorted in triumph, by a large party of gentlemen, as far as Hooe's ferry, on the Potomack. Messengers were sent after him from all directions, bearing the thanks and the applauses of his assembled countrymen, for his recent enterprise: and in such throngs did these addresses come, that the necessity of halting to read and answer them, converted a journey of one day, into a triumph of many. Thus, the same man, whose genius had in the year 1765 given the first political impulse to the revolution, had now the additional honour of heading the first military movement in Virginia, in support of the same cause.

William & Mary College Quarterly
1st series, Volume 22, page 257.

(Notes of St. George Tucker to William Wirt's "Life of Patrick Henry p. 95. L.2 from the Bottom. "The Palace was THEREFORE filled with arms &c." A considerable number of muskets &c. was always to be seen in the Entrance of the palace, where they were arranged upon the walls in an ornamental Manner, as in the Tower of London. It was these Arms, I suspect, that Lord Dunmore put into the hands of the Marines. He could not have brought them from the Magazine (afte the Removal of the powder) without discovery, or without opposition.

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, editor.

LATE on Wednesday night, Col. Carter Braxton arrived in town from a number of armed people, all men of property, led by Patrick Henry, Esq; on their march for this city, from the counties of Hanover, New Kent, and King William. The intent of their coming, we are well assured is the general alarm spread over the country by the removal of the gunpowder from the publick magazine, and to secure the treasury from a like castrophe; as also [illegible] seize upon the person of his Majesty's Receiver General (then in this city) till either the gun powder was restored or a sum of money paid down to its value. Next morning Col. Braxton returned, with the Hon. Richard Corbin's bill of exchange for 320 L sterling and, at the same time, the inhabitants of this city engaging themselves to guard the publick treasury, the Gentlemen dispersed yesterday after noon, and are returned to their respective homes, perfectly satisfied with the success of their expedition. They had proceeded as far as Doncastle's about 15 miles from town, where they were encamp 49 to the number of 150 men and upwards, all well accoutred, and had a very martial appearance.

As soon as his Excellency the Governour received intelligence of the above armed force coming down, he dispatched a messenger to the Fowey man of war, now lying before York town, and by 10 o'clock yesterday morning a detachment of 40 sailors and marines belonging to that ship, under the command of Capt. Stretch, arrived at the palace; they did not march through the main street, but were led through the Governour's Park.

The town of York, we are well informed, was threatened with a cannonade from his Majesty's ship Fowey, by her commander, if the inhabitants presumed to molest the troops in their landing, or on their march to this city. They are now at the palace; how long they will stay is uncertain.

Upwards of 100 of the citizens last night guarded the publick treasury, and [illegible] the streets.

This morning a warrant was issued to search certain houses, for arms, suspected to have been taken out of the magazine in this city, a considerable number being missing; but the officer, we hear, has not been able to find any.

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Hunter, eds.

A Few nights ago some people privately entered the public magazine in this city and took a great number of guns, cartouch boxes, swords, canteens, &c. for which his Excellency the Governor has ordered a diligent search to be made.

Virginia Magazine of History
Volume 8, Pages 412-413.

We, his Majesty's faithful Subjects, the Council of this Colony, deeply impressed with the most sincere Regard for the Prosperity of our Country, and the Welfare of all of its Inhabitants, 50 and being desirous by our Example, and by every Means in our Power, to preserve the Peace and good Order of the Community, can no longer forbear to express our Abhorrence and Detestation of that licentious and ungovernable Spirit that is gone forth and misleads the once happy People of this Country.

The Council recommend it to all Orders of Men, to consider seriously what will be the probable Consequence of such a Conduct as hath been lately pursued, and whether a Redress of the Grievances complained of will not be more likely to be obtained by gentle, mild, and constitutional Methods, than by such intemperate Behaviour, which must tend to exasperate and inflame rather than reconcile the Differences that now unhappily subsist.

The Council wish, upon this Occasion, that all odious Distinctions may be laid aside, and that they may be considered not as a separate Body of Men, and having a distinct Interest from the rest of their Countrymen and Fellow-Subjects, but in the light in which they have always regarded themselves, as the watchful Guardians of the Rights of the People, as well as the Prerogative of the Crown. They are, most of them, Natives of this Country, they have Families, they have Property, and they trust they have Integrity too; which are the best Securities Men can give to any Society for the faithful Discharge of their Duty.

Let then their Exhortations have proper Weight and Influence among the People; and they plight their Faith, that they will join heartily with them in the Use of such Means as shall be judged most salutary and conducive for enforcing obedience to the Laws, and supporting the Constitution of their Country, under which it has flourished from its Infancy, and for obtaining a happy and speedy Conclusion to all our Troubles.

As his Excellency the Governor hath issued his Proclamation for the speedy Meeting of the General Assembly, the Council are happy in finding an Opportunity will be given the People of representing their Grievances in the Manner prescribed by the Constitution.

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, Ed.

. . .

AT a meeting of the VOLUNTEER COMPANY of the City of Williamsburg, on the 10th day May, 1775, the following address was unanimously agreed to, and ordered to be published.

JOHN BROWN, Clerk,

TO the gentlemen FREEHOLDERS and VOLUNTEERS who so generously offered their assistance to the City of Williamsburg on a late alarming occasion,

GENTLEMEN,

A QUICK sensibility to insults offered our country, and a determined resolution to risk every thing in support of its honour and interest, are ruling motives in the breast of every patriot. To these we ascribe your late movement towards the metropolis; where certain incidents, sufficiently alarming at this juncture, had attracted the attention of all worthy countrymen. We are happy in being able to convince you that at present no necessity for their vigorous interposition; but the zealous alacrity with which you proffered your assistance, as it shews a sincere devotion to the public good, and must be highly pleasing to your fellow countrymen, and demands our warmest thanks, and acknowledgements.

AT a committee apppointed and held for Hanover County, at the courthouse, on Tuesday the 9th of May, 1775. Present John [illegible], Samuel Overton, William Craghead, Meriwether Skelton, Richard Morris, Benjamin Anderson, John Pendleton, John Robinson, Nelson Berkley, [illegible] George Dabney, junior.

AGREEABLE to a resolution of the committee held at New Castle, the 2d instant, setting forth, that they, being fully informed of the violent hostilities committed by the King's troops in America, and of the dangers arising to the colony by the loss of the public powder, and of the conduct of the Governor, which threatend altogether calamities of the greatest magnitude and of the most fatal consequences to this colony, and therefore recommending reprisals to be made upon the Kings property sufficient to replace the gunpowder taken out of the magazine, it appears to this committee, that the volunteers who marched from New Castle, to obtain satisfaction for the public powder, by reprisal, or otherwise, proceeded on that business as follows, to wit: that an officer with 16 men was detached to seize the King's receiver general, with orders to detain him; and this, it was supposed, might be done without impeding the progress of the main body. The said receiver general not being apprehended, owing to his absence from home, the said detachment, according 52 to orders, proceeded to join the main body on its march to Williamsburg; and the junction happened the 3d instant, at Duncastle's ordinary, about sun-set. A little after sun-rise next morning, the commanding officer being assured that proper satisfaction in money, should be instantly made, the volunteers halted, and the proposal being considered by them, was judged satisfactory as to that point; and the following receipt was given, to Wit: Duncastle's ordinary, New Kent, May 4, 1775 received from the honourable Richard Corbin, esquire, his majesty's receiver general, 330 £ as a compensation for the gunpowder lately taken out of the public magazine by the Governor's order; which money I promise to convey to the Virginia delegates at the general congress, to be, under their direction, laid out in gunpowder for the colony's use, and to be stored as they shall direct, until the next colony convention, or general assembly, unless it shall be necessary, in the meantime, to use the same in the defence of the colony. It is agreed in case the next convention shall determine that any part of the said money ought to be returned to his majesty's said receiver general, that the same shall be done accordingly.

PATRICK HENRY, junior.

A true copy

Test Samuel Meredith, Parke Goodall.

It was then considered, that as a general congress would meet in a few days, and probably a colony convention [illegible] shortly assemble, and that the reprisal now made would amply replace the powder, with the charges of trans-portation, the commanding officer wrote the following letter, and sent it by express.

May 4, 1775.

SIR.

. . .

PATRICK HENRY, junior.

Dunmore, Lord
Letter to Secy of State. S.P.O.: Va. Vol. 195.
Virginia Papers, Vol. III: 1775-1781.
N.Y. Publ Lib.

. . . A party headed by a certain PATRICK HENRY, one of the delegates of this Colony, a man of desperate circumstances, and one who has been very active in encouraging disobedience and exciting a spirit of revolt among the people for many years past, 53 advanced to within a few miles of this place, and there encamped with all the appearances of actual war, stopping and detaining every passanger on the road coming this way for fear of my obtaining intelligence of their motions; Henry, their leader dispatching letters all over the county to excite the people to join him, and he sent one particularly to direct that the people of the county of York should prevent, at all events, any succor being sent to me from the man of war lying at York, or my retreat to the man of war ...

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776, Volume 13, Page 189.

Ordered, that a Committee be appointed to inspect the public Magazine in this City, and inquire into the Stores belonging to the same and make report thereof to the House.

Ibid, Pages 193-194.

A Message from the Governor by M^r Blair:

M^r Speaker,

I have received the Governor's commands to lay before this House a written Message from his Excellency, relative to the public Magazine, together with a paper therein referred to, and he presented the same at the same at the Bar; and the Message was read, and is as followeth, viz.

M^r Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

I have received a Paper without date or Signature, desiring I would direct the keeper of the Magazine, to give Access to some Persons, I know not whom, the Paper not saying who they, appointed by the House of Burgesses a Committee to examine into the State of the public Magazine. I send the said Paper, for the inspection of the House; and beg to be informed, whether the Persons, they alluded to, are authorized, as therein allowed, to desire Access to the Magazine.

The paper referred to in the Message was also read, and is in the words following.

My Lord,

We being appointed by the House of Burgesses a Committee to examine into the state of the public Magazine, wait upon your Lordship to desire that you will be pleased to direct the 54 Keeper thereof, to give us Access thereto, that we may be able to make a proper and full Report to the House.

Before this Resolution was known to the People we understand that sundry Persons unknown to us broke open the Magazine, and took out several Arms, but we assure your Lordship that so soon as this transaction was known to the House some of the Members interposed and prevailed on such as were to be found, to return what they had taken, and we have Hopes that the rest may be yet reclaimed which we shall not neglect our Endeavours to effect.

Ordered, That the Gentlemen who were appointed to inspect the public Magazine in this City, and inquire into the Stores belonging to the same, do prepare an Answer to the said Message; and that they withdraw immediately.

. . .

M^r Mercer reported from the Committee appointed to prepare an Answer to the Governor's Message that the Committee had prepared an Address accordingly ... and is as followeth, viz:

My Lord,

We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal Subjects the Burgesses of Virginia, having received your Lordship's written Message, respecting the proceedings of the Committee appointed to examine the Magazine have taken the same under our consideration. The House yesterday, as what they thought a proper foundation of Enquiry into the many Disturbances, which had arisen in the Country appointed, M^r Mercer, M^r Treasurer, M^r Jefferson, M^r Henry Lee, M^r Munford, M^r Dandridge, M^r Nelson, M^r Jones, M^r Cary, M^r Francis Lightfoot Lee, M^r Whitinge, M^r Charles Carter, of Stafford, M^r Braxton, M^r Zane, M^r Page, M^r Carrington, M^r Digges, M^r Banister, M^r Thomas Walker, M^r Travis and M^r Norvell, twenty one of their Members; to enquire into the State of the public Magazine. Upon Receipt of your Excellency's Message, they examined the steps their Committee had taken and received the following Report. That the Committee having convened and judging it decent and proper, in the first place, waited on your Excellency, who by Law hath the Appointment of the Keeper of the Magazine, to request that you would be pleased to direct him to give them Access thereto. That finding some Irregularities had been committed they also thought it prudent to mention them to your Excellency and inform you of their Endeavours to have the Arms, which had been taken out of the Magazine immediately restored. That to [illegible] Mistakes they judged it most proper to reduce the intended application to writing. That they then in a Body and the most respectful Manner waited on your Excellency 55 and by their Chairman delivered their Request verbally, leaving the written Paper with your Lordship for your better Information. That your Excellency was pleased to receive it, and promised to furnish them with the Key of the Magazine, so soon as you could procure it. That the Committee not hearing from your Lordship, their Chairman was directed to wait on you this Morning and was referred for Answer to a Message you intended to send to the House.

We hope that your Lordship, upon revising these Proceedings will change your present Sentiments and think, with us, that there was no Impropriety in the Conduct of the Committee, Their Application to your Excellency, the House considers as proper and decent. The Gentlemen who composed the Committee must have been all known to you; and had you conceived the least Impropriety in their Procedure, it would have been kind in your Lordship to have pointed it out to them. At the time this Committee waited upon your Lordship, another Committee attended to inform you that this House had agreed to an Address in Answer to your Lordships Speech; this Message, was delivered by one Committee, who we presume were not better known to your Lordship, than the Members of the other. Tho' there was not an express Order Of the House that the Committee should apply to your Lordship for the purpose they did, yet we conceive that such application was necessarily incident to the due Execution of the general Order of the House to enquire into the state of the Magazine.

We feel very sensibly, my Lord, the weight of the Insinuation in your Message; but, willing upon all Occasions, and especially at this unhappy Juncture, to avoid every kind of Controversy, we shall direct that your Excellency be waited upon with the Order of yesterday before referred to, and should there any Doubts still remain, we will endeavour to remove them on their being pointed out to us.

The said Answer being read a second time;

Resolved, that the House doth agree with the Committee in the said Answer.

Resolved, that the Gentlemen who prepared the said Answer to wait upon his Excellency with the same.

A Message from the Governor by M^r Blair:

Mr. Speaker,

I have received the Governors commands to lay before this House a written message from his Excellency, relative to the Gunpowder which has been removed from the public Magazine by his Excellency's order; And he presented the same at the Barr; And the same was read, and is as followeth, viz.

56

M^r Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

The removing, by my Order, fifteen half Barrels of the King's Powder, received from the Rippon Man of War from the public Magazine, has I find given great uneasiness to the People. I was influenced in this by the best Motives; and as I have once ventured, and if occasion Offered should again venture my Life in the Service of this Country, I had hopes the most favourable Construction would have been put upon my Conduct. The Magazine was represented to me as a very insecure Depository and from Experience I find it so, all the Arms which have been kept there being now taken away, Arms not purchased at the expence of this Colony but sent here by His Majesty, from His Office of Ordance, of which they bear the Mark; but in confidence that you are now met to remove every Grievance, and by your Wisdom to establish the public tranquility on a sure and firm Foundation, I do promise you that as soon as I see the Magazine in a proper State for securing the Powder and other public Stores, I will replace it, and at all times be ready most willingly to do everything my poor Abilities are capable of for the benefit of this Colony, in which I have lived till of late in the greatest happiness.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776, Volume 13, Page 201

A Message from the Governor by M^r Blair:

M^r Speaker

I am commanded by the Governor, to lay before this House his Excellency's written Message, in answer to your Address of this day; and he presented the same at the Bar; and the said Message was read, and is as followeth, viz:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

In answer to your Address of this day, I assure the House, that my Message, to which it alluded, for proper information only, which I thought necessary, because, as I would by no means infringe any Rule of, or omit any Ceremony due to your House, I could not but expect to be treated with the same attention: and to give you a proof of my desire, to avoid every kind of controversy, I have ordered the Key of the Magazine to be delivered to the Committee, appointed by your Order of Monday.

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, Ed.

WILLIAMSBURG.

INTELLIGENCE EXTRAORDINARY.

WE are informed that a certain noble lord is engaged in Writing a treatise on the art of War, for the instruction of the general officers employed in the reduction of America. His lordship has displayed the most profound skill as an engineer, in this truly valuable production: and it is imagined the adventure at the magazine, on Saturday night, will be transmitted to the ministry as an irrefragable proof of the expedience and efficacy of spring guns.

The same correspondent observes that this is the most happy invention that the world has been favoured with for many years, as, by means thereof, an immense deal of blood and treasure may be saved to the nation; since it must be evident to every one that America may be reduced to subjection without a man being sent over for that purpose, as a few thousand spring guns, advantageously placed, would infallibly defeat any armament raided here, without any risk on the side of the government. And this fully accounts for not sending any troops hither.

It is certain that several barrels of gunpowder were found buried in the magazine. This has induced some timorous persons to believe that there is a subterraneous train from the p[alace] to that place, which, in case of alarm, being set fire to would blow up the town in an instant.

This scheme was the better calculated to do execution, as the magazine was the general place of rendezvous for the volunteer company upon any alarm. By blowing it up at such a juncture, his [lordship] wisely foresaw he could destroy their whole body in a moment, and, Sampson like, slay more at his death than he had done in his whole life.

This city was alarmed on Tuesday last by a report that the tremendous armament from the Fowey was again marching hither, In order to avoid the disgrace of tumbling into ditches again, through excessive fatigue, captain Montague very wisely ordered his majesty's armed schooner, the Magdalen, to slip her cables, and sail up Queen's Creek, by which means the marines would come fresh into the town; and would be better able to retreat, if they should meet with a warm reception there.

It is a real fact that the young ladies in Williamsburg requested the gentlemen of the volunteer company to spare l———t S———, in case of a battle with the marines as they wanted so diverting a little creature to tie to their apron strings. ...

58

Notwithstanding any attempts of a certain noble lord to persuade his royal master of the danger to which he is exposed by the turbulent spirits of the people of this colony, it is unquestionably true, that his l———p, during his residence here, daily took his usual rout, unarmed, and unattended, without any danger, and, we presume, even apprehension of [illegible] or molestation.

Whatever suggestions might have been thrown out to the prejudice of the crew of the F—y, it is certain they extend their benevolence even to the brute creation, and their extraordinary care for their preservation in manifest from the following incident: the evening before the marines were for a second time detached to Williamsburg, apprehending that all the cattle and hogs in the colony would be destroyed in the ensuing conflagration, they, with the most unparallelled humanity, carried several calves and hogs, on board the ship, ...

Several hogs, and two calves, were actually stolen that night from the inhabitants of York.

This morning the right honourable the earl of Dunmore, with his lady and family, and captain Fowey, attended by some of his lordship's domestics, left this city, and are now on board the Fowey man of war, lying in York river. His lordship urges, in vindication of this precipitate retreat, that he was apprehensive his life was in absolute danger, from the infatuated and inflamed minds of the people. His lordship says, it is not his intention to impede or obstruct the business of the assembly; so far from it, that he hopes the gentlemen who compose the house will proceed in the great business which they have before them with diligence and affect. He farther says, that he shall endeavour to make access to him easy and safe, that the necessary communication between him and the house may be attended with the least inconvenience possible. His lordship declares that he is still perfectly disposed to contribute all in his power to restore that harmony, the interruption of which is likely to cost so dear, to the repose, as well as to the comfort, of Every individual. In consequence of these declarations, the house immediately resolved themselves into a committee, to take the same under their consideration, who, after mature deliberation, appointed a number of gentlemen to draw up an address to his excellency, which being prepared and approved by the house, and concurred in by his majesty's council, two of that honourable board, and four members, were desired to wait upon his excellency with the same; the purpose of which was that the house were exceedingly concerned that his lordship should even suspect that they would meditate a crime so horrid and atrocious as was couched in his message; that they were sorry his lordship should move the seat of government, as it might conduce to that great uneasiness which hath of late so unhappily prevailed in this country; that they think his lordship ought to have communicated the ground of his uneasiness to them, as, from their zeal and attachment to the preservation of order and good government, they should have judged it their indispensable duty to have endeavoured to remove every cause of disquietude; that they will 59 chearfully concur in any measures for the security of his lordship and family; that the apprehensions of his amiable lady are productive of the greatest pain to them, and that they should think themselves happy in being able to restore tranquility to her; that they are proud his lordship is willing for them to continue the business of the country; but think it most impracticable, whilst his lordship is absent, especially at this time, when the season of the year is so far advanced. This address concludes with intreating his lordships return, with his lady and family, to the place; which they are persuaded will be the most means of quieting the minds of the people.

The gentlemen appointed to wait on the governor arrived at the capitol between land 2 o'clock, and delivered this verbal message from his excellency, "that, as the subject of their address was of the utmost concern to himself and family, he would take time to consider, and return an answer, in writing, after he had maturely deliberated upon its contents." His lordship behaved with the utmost politeness, and held a friendly conference with the deputies.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776, Volume 13, Pages 214-215.

A Message from the Council by M^r Blair:

Mr. Speaker,

His Excellency, the Governor, hath desired the President to communicate to this House his answer to the joint Address of the Council and the House of Burgesses, presented Yesterday to his Excellency; and he presented the said Answer at the Bar.

And then the Messenger withdrew.

The Governor's Answer was read, and is as followeth, viz.

Gentlemen, of the Council, M^r Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses.

In answer to your joint Address, presented by your deputies yesterday, I acquaint you, that it appears to me the commotions among the People, and their menaces and threats (an enumeration of which I forbear, out of tenderness) have been of such public notoriety, that you must suppose many of his Majesty's subjects in this Colony, whether they meditated or not, have at least manifested, such an inveteracy as justifies my suspicion that they would not hesitate to commit a Crime, which, horrid and atrocious as it is, I had just ground to apprehend. And when 60 the disposition which the House of Burgesses have shown towards me, the returns they have made to the respect and civility which I have been forward to offer to them, the countenance they have given to the violent and disorderly proceedings of the People, his Majesty's magazine having been forced and rifled in the presence of some of the members of the House of Burgesses, and, by the information of the Committee of the House appointed to inspect the Magazine, no other endeavours have been used than to prevail on the People to return the Arms taken out, but not to commit the Persons in whose possession they were found, in order that they might be brought to the punishment due to so heinous an offence, no less against the peace and good order of the Country than the dignity and authority of the King; when a body of Men assembled in the City of Williamsburg, not only to the knowledge, but with the approbation of every body, for the avowed purpose of attacking a party of the Kings forces, which, without the least foundation, it was reported were marching to my protection, and which, if true, ought to have been approved and aided, not opposed and insulted, by all good and loyal Subjects; when especially the House of Burgesses, or a committee of the House (which is the same) has ventured upon a step fraught with the most alarming consequences, in ordering and appointing guards, without even consulting me, to mount in the city of Williamsburg, as is pretended, [illegible] protect the Magazine, but which may well be doubted, as there then remained nothing therein which required being guarded; but if otherwise, this step nevertheless shews a design to usurp the executive power, which, if it be persisted in, subverts the constitution: I say, [illegible] these circumstances are duly considered, I may submit it to your own Judgment whether I could reasonably expect any good effect from communicating the ground of my uneasiness to you.

But as you are pleased, Gentlemen, now to assure me, that you will cheerfully concur in any measure that may be proposed proper for the security of myself and family, I leave to your own consideration whether that can be effected any other wise then by reinstating me in the full powers of my office, as his Majesty's representative, by opening the Courts of Justice, and restoring the energy of the Laws, which is all the security requisite for all parties; by disarming all independent companies, or other bodies of Men raised and acting in defiance of lawful authority, and by obliging those who have taken any of his Majesty's public store of Arms to deliver them up immediately; and, what is not less essential than any thing by your own example, and every means in your power, abolishing that Spirit of persecution, which, to the disgrace of humanity, now reigns, and pursues with menaces and acts of oppression, all persons who differ from the multitude in political opinion, or are attached from principles and duty to the service of their King and government; by which means, the deluded People never hearing but the disfigured side of a Story, their minds are continually kept in that ferment which subjects them forever to be imposed upon, and 61 leads to the commission of any desperate Act, and endangers the general safety. For the more speedy accomplishment of these ends, and the great object and necessary business of the Sessions, I shall have no objection to your adjourning to the Town of York, where I shall meet you, and remain with you till your business be finished.

With respect to your entreaty that I should return to the Palace, as the most likely means of quieting the minds of the People, I must represent to you, that, unless there be among you a sincere and active desire to seize this opportunity, now offered to you by Parliament, of establishing the freedom of your Country upon a fixed and known foundation, and of uniting yourselves with your fellow subjects of Great Britain in one common bond of interest, and mutual assistance, my return to Williamsburg would be as fruitless to the People, as, possibly, it might be dangerous to myself. But if your proceedings manifest that happy disposition, which is to be desired ardently by every good friend to this as well as the Mother Country, I assure you, in the warmth of my heart, that I will return, with the greatest joy, and shall consider it as the most fortunate event of my Life if you give me an opportunity to be an instrument of promoting your happiness, and a mediator between you and the supreme authority, to obtain for you every explanation of your doubts, and the fullest conviction of the sincerity of their desire to confirm to you the undisturbed enjoyment of your rights and liberty; and I shall be well pleased, by bringing my family back again, that you should have such a pledge of my attachment to this Country, and of my wishes to cultivate a close and lasting intimacy with the inhabitants.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776, Volume 13, Pages 223-4.

M^r Mercer reported from the Committee appointed to inspect the Magazine in this City, and inquire into the Stores belonging to the same, that the Committee had inspected the said Magazine, and inquired into the said Stores accordingly, and had directed him to report the Same, as it appeared to them, to the House; and he read the Report in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Clerk's Table; where the same was read, and is as followeth, viz.

62

It appears to your Committee from the Deposition of John Frederick Miller, keeper of the Magazine, that in June last there were there thirty barrels of Gun Powder, containing each about fifty weight, in indifferent order; that, by the Governor's directions, he sifted twenty seven barrels, out of which he made up twenty six Casks and better, the other three he left unsifted; That the President, soon after, sent to the Governor, then on the Frontiers, eight of those he had sifted, three hundred Muskets, Bayonets, Cartouch boxes, and Carbines, which have never been returned; That one hundred and fifty of the said Muskets were furnished out of the Palace, and soon after replaced out of the Magazine; That the said Miller, by order of the President, also delivered out about fifty stand of Arms, to some Gentlemen of this City, which have not been returned.

That, about the middle of April last, the said Miller delivered up the Keys of the Magazine to the Governor, and he then left there twenty one barrels and a half of Powder, including the three unsifted, three hundred and forty two new Muskets, lately cleaned, and in complete order, others that wanted but small [illegible], and a large number of old Muskets, and other small Guns, almost useless, and many other Articles, which he could not enumerate.

It farther appears to the Committee, from the Depositions of the said Miller, and John Dixon, Esquire, Mayor of this City, that there were in the Magazine (soon after the Powder was said to be taken away) with his Excellency, who there mentioned, that he had taken away fifteen barrels of Powder; They then saw eight Barrels, which they understood was Powder; one being open, appeared to be dust of Powder; and at the same time, they observed that the cleaned Muskets were without Locks; and the said Miller says his Excellency rebuked him for taking notice of that Circumstance, and the said Dixon said he observed some Persons had been in the Magazine the over Night, as he saw many arms lying in the Yard of it; and his Excellency then told him, he had ordered the Powder to be buried in the Magazine yard, for though it was but Dust, yet as he understood some Persons went in the Magazine for Arms in the Night, with a light, they might set fire to the Powder and injure the Magazine.

Your Committee farther Report, that before they proceeded to examine any Witnesses they waited on his Excellency, to request that he would be pleased to direct the Keeper of the Magazine to give them access thereto, and, having received the Keys three days after their first application, they immediately proceeded to inspect the Magazine, and found therein nineteen Halberts, one hundred and fifty seven Trading Guns in pretty good order, but very indifferent in kind, fifty one Pewter Basons, eight Camp Kettles, one hundred and eight new Muskets without Locks, and about five hundred and twenty seven old Muskets, the barrels very rusty, and the Locks almost useless, twelve hundred Cartouch boxes fifteen hundred Cutlasses with Scabbards, one hundred and seventy 63 Pistol Holsters, one hundred and fifty old Pistols, or there-abouts, with and without Locks, fifty Mallets, two bundles of match Rope, two hundred Cantines, thirty five small Swords in bad order, one Tent and Tent Poles, one Hogshead of Powder Horns, one hundred and twenty seven Bayonets, one hundred Knapsacks in the Smiths Shop, and that part of the Magazine called the Armory, also one half Barrel of Dust and rotten Powder, one half barrel and a quarter of unsifted Powder, tolerably good, in the Powder Room, that has no communication with the Armory, also five half Barrels of loose Powder buried in a Hole in the Magazine yard, the top of which, (in quantity about two half barrels) was totally destroyed by the late Rains, the rest very damp, but quite sound; this, his Excellency acknowledged to your Committee, was buried there by his orders. The deficiency, this Committee suppose, is owing to the fifteen half barrels which Captain Collins moved from the Magazine, as acknowledged in the Governor's Message to this House.

And your Committee farther report, that the Morning before they entered upon this business, some Persons, unknown, had broke into the Magazine and taken out Arms, part of which, upon the application of some of the Members of this House, and other Gentlemen, were restored; and finding the Respect paid by the People to the Members of this House, your Committee thought it most likely, to prevent farther depredations, to request some Gentlemen of the Town to guard the Magazine, till application could be made to his Excellency for leave of access thereto, which your Committee immediately did, informing his Lordship of the Steps they had taken therein, which he did not object to.

That the Doors and Windows of the Magazine now want Repairs, which being done, your Committee are of Opinion that it will be sufficiently secure, it never having proved otherwise since its first erection, now sixty years past, until since the Powder was taken by order to the Governor aforementioned.

Your Committee also proceeded to inquire what Arms and Ammunition had been, from time to time, deposited in the Magazine, and the disbursements thereof, but could obtain no certain Information respecting the same; the late Keeper being out of the Colony and his Predecessor dead; Nor can your Committee find, altho' they have examined several persons most likely to be acquainted with such Facts, and applied personally to his Majesty's Receiver General for that purpose, that any Powder had been lodged in the Magazine from on board the Rippon, Man of War, or any other of his Majesty's Ships.

Ordered, that the said Report do lie upon the Table, to be perused by the Members of the House.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776, Volume 13, Pages 231-233.

M^r Cary reported from the Committee, appointed to inquire into the Causes of the late disturbances and Commotions, that the Committee had inquired accordingly; ... and he read the Report in his place, ... viz.

It appears to your Committee by the Testimony of Doctor William Pasteur that on Friday Morning the twenty second of April last there was a Commotion in the City of Williamsburg occasioned by the Governor's removing some Powder from the public Magazine. That a common Hall being assembled, he attended, An Address was presented to his Excellency the Governor and an Answer received as published in the Virginia Gazette. That the People at the Request of the Corporation retired peaceably to their Habitations, That during the Commotion, the Captains Foy, Montague and Collins walked the main Street unmolested. That in the morning of the twenty third of April the said Pasteur attending a Patient at the Palace, accidentally met with his Excellency the Governor, who introduced a Conversation relative to what had passed the preceeding day, and seemed greatly exasperated at the Peoples having been under Arms, when the said Pasteur observed that it was done in a Hurry and Confusion, that most of the People were convinced they were wrong. His Lordship then proceeded to make Use of several rash expressions and said that tho' he did not think himself in Danger yet he understood some injury or insult was intended to be offered to the Captains Foy and Collins, which he should consider as done to himself as those Gentlemen acted intirely by his particular Directions. That his Lordship then swore by the living God that if a Grain of Powder was burnt at Captain Foy or Captain Collins, or if any Injury or insult was offered to himself, or either of them, that he would declare Freedom to the Slaves, and reduce the City of Williamsburg to Ashes. His Lordship then mentioned setting up the Royal Standard, but did not say that he would actually do it, but said he believed, if he did he should have a Majority of white People and all the Slaves on the side of Government, that he had once fought for the Virginians, and that, by GOD, he would let them see that he could fight against them, and declared that in a short Time, he could depopulate the whole Country. That his Excellency desired the said Pasteur immediately to communicate this to the Speaker and other Gentlemen of the Town, for that there was not an Hour to spare, adding also that if Finnie and George Nicholas continued to go at large, what he had said, would, from some Misconduct of theirs, be carried into Execution. That the said Pasteur immediately communicated this mattar to the Speaker and several other Gentlemen of the Town, and it soon became publicly known. In Consequence of which two of the principal Gentlemen of the City sent their Wives and Children into the Country. That his Excellency at other times more than once did say, he should [illegible] 65 carry these Plans into Execution unless he was attacked. That the Inhabitants of Williamsburg were soon after informed by an Express from Fredericksburg that the People in that part of the Country were in Motion towards this City. That the next Morning after this Report, the said Pasteur attending a Patient at the Palace again met accidentally with the Governor, who declared to the said Pasteur that if a large Body of People came below Ruffin's Ferry (a place about thirty Miles from this City) that he would immediately enlarge his plan, and carry it into Execution, but said that he should not regard a small number of Men, adding he then had two hundred Muskets loaded in the Palace. The said Pasteur saith, that, to the best of his knowledge, at the time Lady Dunmore and Family removed from Williamsburg on board the Fowey Man of War then bying at York the inhabitants of this City were very peaceable. It appears to your Committee from the Testimony of Benjamin Waller that the morning after the Powder was removed from the public Magazine, the People in the City of Williamsburg were much alarmed and assembled some with and others without Arms, but when the Corporation reported the Governor's answer to their Address, they, by the persuasion of the Magistrates, and other principal Gentlemen of the Town dispersed and were quiet, except in the Evening, when a Report prevailed that the Marines were landed, and intended to Town, they expressed great uneasiness and went with their Arms to the Magazine to guard it, but soon dispersed except a few who acted as patrole that Night. That the next Day Doctor Pasteur came to the said Waller's house, and informed him of the Governor's Threatening that if himself his Family or Captain Collins were insulted, he would declare liberty to the Slaves, and lay the Town in Ashes, and that the Governor had desired him to communicate this his Declaration to the Magistrates of the City, for that there was not an Hour to Loose. That these Declarations gave the said Waller and the other Inhabitants of the Town great uneasiness. That severa 1 Days afterwards his Excellency came to the said Waller's house on some private business, and in the Course of Conversation, his Lordship said that Captain Collins had only taken fifteen half Barrels of Powder from the Magazine that some was not good and other barrels not full but that he believed that one whole barrel might be got out of three half barrels whereupon he said Waller took the liberty to mention to his lordship that he was very sorry to tell his Excellency that he had lost the Confidence of the People not so much for having taken the Powder as for the declaration he made of raising and freeing the Slaves to which he answered that he did say so and made no scret of it and that he would do that or any thing else to have defended himself in case he had been attacked. That his Lordship further observed that some Slaves had offered him their Service at the time the Hanover Men were coming down but that he had sent them away. The said Benjamin Waller further says that several young Gentlemen of the Town and others had forme themselves into a Company by the name of an independent Company to learn the Military exercise and elected the Colonel of the Militia for their Captain and that they usually mustered once a 66 Week. That when his Excellency returned from the Indian Expedition last fall many of the said Company waited upon him in their uniform to congratulate his Lordship on his Return but the said Waller heard they were cooly received. That the said Waller says that he never heard of any Powders' being lodged in the Magazine from the Rippon Man of War until since the removal of the Powder and then only from Report of the truth of which he doth not know. It also appears to your Committee from the Testimony of John Randolph, Esquire, Attorney General, of the City of Williamsburg that the Morning after the Removal of the Powder many of the People were under Arms at the Court House. That he does not recollect he heard the Governor expressly say he would proclaim Freedom to the Slaves, but is well satisfied such was his Lordships intention, if it had been necessary or him to take up Arms in defence of his Person. That he does not recollect he ever saw any of the People under Arms, (except on the Removal of the Powder) but the voluntier Company, when exercising, which Company had been formed a considerable time before the distunbance happened. That he thought Lady Dunmore had no reason but the Timidity of her Sex, to suspect any Injury would be done to her or her Family, nor did he know that Lord Dunmore had just Cause to apprehend Danger, unless he gave Credit to the Reports conveyed to him, which were of such a Nature as to justify an Opinion that his Person was not safe. That he is of Opinion, and that he informed the Governor so, when he, with other Gentlemen, waited upon him, with the Address of the House, that his Person was in no danger. That his Lordship was almost every Day at his the said Randolph's house distant above a quarter of a Mile from the Palace, and in particular the Evening of his Departure, and that his Lordship received no insult as he knows of, in passing to and from thence. The said Randolph says that he understood from the Governor, in case armed People came to Williamsburg, he would fix up the Royal Standard, to distinguish the Friends of Government from its foes, and that if Negroes on that Occasion offered their Service they would be received. That the Governor informed him some Negroes (by one of his Servants) had offered their Service, but he ordered his Servant to [illegible] them go about their Business. That the Morning after the Removal of the Powder the said Randolph saw Captain Collins Captain Foy, and he believes Captain Stretch pass through the People unmolested It also appears by the Testimony of John Dixon, Esquire, Mayor of the City of Williamsburg, That in the Opinion of the Inhabitants the Militia of the City being on a different footing and having heard of an independent Company established at Norfolk, were desirous of forming one in Williamsburg. That such Company was accordingly formed and although he does not know the Governor was ever present when they [illegible] exercised, the said Dixon never heard he disapproved of it, that his Honor the President, [illegible] the Governor was out on the Indian Expedition, directed the Keeper of the Public Magazine to firnish the Company with Muskets. 67 That a Committee was chosen in the City agreeable to the directions of the Congress, but not to Act as he knew of, under the Committee. That upon the Governor's return from the Indian Expedition, one of the Company waited upon his Excellency to inform him the Company intended to pay their Compliments to him the next Morning before the Palace, if agreeable to Lady Dunmore, who was then indisposed, but his Lordship being out of the way, the person who went left his Compliments of the above import. That the next Morning the said Dixon as Captain with part of the Company, drew up in Palace Street and paid the usual Compliments. That his Lordship did not come out to meet them, but some time afterwards there was a Message delivered by M^r Blair from his Excellency, that he would have done himself the pleasure of waiting upon them if they had staid a little longer, as he did not expect they would have finished their Exercise so soon. That the Morning after the Powder was removed, many of the inhabitants being much alarmed and greatly incensed against Captain Foy and Captain Collins, assembled at the Court House under Arms but does not believe nor has he heard any injury or insult was intended to the Governor. That some time after the Governor's answer to the Address of the Corporation was read, the People, upon the interposition of the Magistrates and other Gentlemen, were satisfied and returned Home in quiet. That after the Governor had declared what Captain Collins had done was by his order, their resentment against Captain Collins subsided. That the same Evening the Powder was removed, a Report prevailed that a number of armed Men from Captain Collins' Schooner had landed at Burwell's Ferry about four Miles from Williamsburg with design as was supposed to remove the Arms from the Magazine, whereupon many of the Inhabitants repaired to the Magazine to prevent such design being executed but by the advice of some Gentlemen they all dispersed except such as had patroled that Night. That the Inhabitants appeared to be in perfect tranquility til a Report was spread by his Excellency's throwing out some threats respecting the Slaves, when there seemed to be great uneasiness but nothing more was done but doubling the usual Patrole. That after the Alarm was over the first day, he remembers to have seen Captain Foy and Captain Montague walk the Streets and he believes without insult and frequently saw them, Captain Collins and other Officers do the same without their Swords, unmolested by the Inhabitants.

Virginia Magazine of History & Biography
Volume 13, Pages 48-50.

The Depon. of Dr. Wm. Pasteur being first duly sworn saith On Friday morning the 22nd of April last, going up Town I was informed by Mr. Richd. Carleton that the Powder was remov'd from the Magazine by Capt. Collins with a body of Marines before day that morning soon after which I was summon'd to meet the Corporation at the Hall; going there I observed a great commotion among the Inhabitants & soon afterwards there were many of them under arms & rendezvou'd at the Hall with many other unarm'd. The Hall then met, and there were pr'sent most of the inhabitants. The Corporation then address'd the Govr. to return the powder to ye Magazine & rec'd his answer published in the Virginia Gazett; this they mention'd to the people on their return to the Hall; requested them to be peacable and disperse which they accordingly did. That during this Convention, I saw Cap. Foy, Cap. Montague, & Cap. Collins pass through the main street unmolested; I saw no further commotion that day; Next morning being call'd to the Pallace to visit a Patient I accidentally met with his Excellency the Governor who introduced a conversation relative to what had pass'd. the day before & seemed exceedingly exasperated at the People's having being under Arms when I observ'd to his Excellency that this was done in a hurry & confusions & that most of them seem'd convinced it was wrong, his Lordship then proceeded to make use of several rash expressions & said that tho' he did not think himself in danger, yet he understood some injury or insult was intended to be offered to Capt. Foy & Collins, which he should consider as done to himself, as these gentlemen acted entirely by his particular directions, & then swore by the living God, and many such like expressions that if a grain of powder was burnt at Capt. Foy or Capt. Collins, or that if any injury or insult was offer'd himself or either of them, he would declare freedom to the slaves & reduce the City of Williamsburg to ashes. He then mentioned seting up the Royal Standard but did not say he wou'd actually do it, but says he believ'd if he did he should have ... people & all the Slaves on the side of the Government, that he had once fought for Virginians and that by God he wou'd let them see he cou'd fight against them & declared that in a short time he could depopulate the whole Country. This he desired me to communicate to the Speaker & Gentlemen of the Town & to do it immediately, that there was not an hour to spare, adding that if Innes & George Nicholas continued to go at large what he had say'd wou'd from some misconduct of theirs be certainly carry'd into execution. This I immediately communicated to the Speaker & several other Gentlemen of the Town, and it soon became publicly known in 69 consequence of which, as I believe, two of the principle Gentlemen of the City sent their Wifes and Children into the Country, & soon after this we were informed by an express from Fredericksburg that the people in that part of the Country were in motion towards the City; and the next morning being at the Pallace to visit a patient I accidentally met with his Excellency again, who declared to me that if a large body of People (a place about thirty miles from town), that he wou'd immediately enlarge his plan and carry it into execution, but said that he shou'd not regard a small number of men, adding that he then had two Hundred muskets loaded in the Pallace; His Excellency more than once did say he shou'd not carry these plans into Execution unless he was attacked. But, This Depont. further saith that to the best of his knowledge at the time Lady Dunmore & Family removed from W'burg on board the Fowey man of War, the inhabitants were very peaceful, ....

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1173-1776, Volume 13, Page 236

. . .

It appears by the Testimony of Thomas Montgomery of the County of Prince William, That previous to the Powders being seised, Committees of Correspondence and of Observation to carry into effect the Resolutions of the Congress, Voluntier Companies were formed, Military Discipline was taught, Arms and Ammunition were industriously procured. That upon the Report of the Governor's having seised the Powder, many People marched to Fredericksburg, where, upon a Meeting of several Counties, it was determined in Consultation, they should return to their respective Homes. That the Court proceeds in Criminal Cases. In Civil Cases Proceedings are stopped, owing as he thinks to the expiration of the Fee Bill, but not to the determination against imports and Exports, which he thinks did not necessarily produce that effect: Having observed the same inclination in the People to do Justice to their Creditors as Usual, he thinks the above Steps do not proceed from an inclination to withhold Justice. That no other Commotions or disturbancies have happened in the County but what were produced by the alarm of seising the Powder, and these subsided soon and the People returned to their own Habitations: That the political Measures are adopted by all Classes of Men ...

Virginia Legislative Papers
Virginia State Library Archives.
Also: Virginia Magazine of History, Vol. 15, page 149.

The Deposition of John Randolph, Esq.

That he never received any information or had he any knowledge of the removal of the Powder, until the morning after it was removed, when many of the people of the Town were under Arms at the Court House.

That he does not recollect that he heard the Governor expressly say that he would proclaim freedom to the Slaves, but he was so well satisfied that such was his Lordships Intentions, if he thought himself under the necessity of taking up Arms in defence of his Person: that this Deponent informed the Speaker that such was his Lordship's Resolution, leaving it to their speaker to pursue such measures as he should think most adviseable to prevent it.

That he knew little of the designs of the people, not mixing much with them and does not recollect he ever saw any of them under arms except on the removal of the powder but the Independent Company exercising where they were which Company this Deponent believes was in being a considerable time before this disturbance happened: That he thinks Lady Dunmore had no reason, but the timidity of her Sex to suspect that any Injury would be done to her Person or Family. Nor does he know that Lord Dunmore had any just cause to be apprehensive of Danger, unless he gave credit to those Reports that were carried to him (by whom this Deponent knows not) which were of such a nature as to justify an opinion that his Person was not in a state of security, and lastly this Deponent says, That he is of opinion and informed the Governor so, as a Deputy appointed by the House of Burgesses, to waite on his Lordship with their address to solicit his return, that his Person was in no Danger.

That his Lordship whether armed or unarmed this Deponent knows [illegible] was almost every day at this Deponent's House & in particular that Evening of his departure from W'msburg knew of no insult that he received in passing to and from thence, that he understood from the Governor, that he intended in case any armed people came to this Town, that he would fix up the Royal Standard to distinguish the Friends of Government from its Foes and if any Negroes had offered their services upon that occasion, this Deponent believes they would have been well received; but was informed by the Governor, some days after the removal of the Powder that some Negroes (by one of his servants) had offered to join him & take up arms, but that his answer to his servant was, to order them to go about their business. This Deponent being further examined, says that the morning after the Powder was removed in his way to the speakers where he was walking he saw Capt. Collins, Capt. Foy & he believes Capt. Stretch, pass through 71 the people at the Court House unmolested. The Deponent further says, that he believes the distance from his house to the Palace is better than one quarter of a mile.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1773-1776, Volume 13, Pages 240-241.

M^r Bland reported, that the Managers for the Council acquainted them, that the Council do agree to join with this House in an Address, to be presented to the Governor, to desire, that he will consent to the removal of the public Arms to a more secure Place, and have appointed three of their Members to draw up the said Address, in conjunction with such of this House as may be appointed; but that the Council do not approve of any measure to be taken, before such Address be presented, for securing the said Arms.

Ordered, that the Gentlemen, who managed the Conference, be appointed a Committee to join with a Committee of the Council in drawing up the said Address. ...

Ordered, that the report of the Committee appointed to inspect the public Magazine, and inquire into the Stores belonging to the same, which on Tuesday last was ordered to lie upon the Table, be referred to the said Committee. ...

Resolved, that it is the Opinion of this Committee, that an Address be presented to his Excellency, the Governor, in reply to his Lordship's written Message in answer to the joint Address of the Council and this House, representing to his Excellency the great concern the House was under at receiving such a Message; giving to his Excellency a true state of this Country, the dispositions of the People towards his Majesty and his Government, stating from the evidence now produced to this Committee the real Causes of the late unhappy disturbances, and the effects those disturbances have produced; representing the conduct of the Committee appointed by the House to examine into the state of the public Magazine in its proper light; explaining to his Excellency the views of this House in offering to close with any proper Measures he might have recommended for the Security of his Person and Family; giving his Excellency a faithful account of the Proceedings of the Convention lately held at Richmond, and the reasons for the Resolutions then entered into; observing the tendency of his Lordship's representations of the inhabitants of this Colony in his public Letters to the Secretary of State; the design of the Committees, the origin of independent and voluntier Companies, their true design, and the effects they have produced: representing how inconvenient and improper it would be for the House to adjourn to York Town; referring his Excellency to the former Address of the House for the reasons why we cannot interpose our legislative Authority in respect to the Courts of Justice, 72 and why we cannot approve the proposition made to us by Parliament, again to assure him that in our Opinion there cannot be the least danger in his returning to the Palace with his family, and that we are still willing and desirous of doing every thing in our Power for their most perfect security; to inform his Excellency, as our Opinion, that the best means of mediating between Supreme Authority and this Country will be to make an impartial representation of what has happened ever since his arrival in Virginia, and to assure him in the warmth of our hearts of the sincerest disposition on our part to have the utmost harmony and most perfect tranquility restored.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776, Volume 13, Page 245.

Resolved, that an Address be presented to his Excellency the Governor, informing him the public Magazine is now in fit condition for the reception of Arms and Ammunition; requesting his Lordship will be pleased to order the Powder lately removed from thence by his Excellency's command to be returned agreeable to his promise.

To represent that it appears to this House, by a report of a Committee appointed to inspect the Magazine, that there are no Arms there fit for service; that, in these [illegible] times, an Indian War is not improbable, and an insurrection of Slaves may possibly be encouraged solely by the want of the public Stores of Arms and Ammunition, which is now become a fact of public notoriety; that the legislature of this Colony have long since established a very ample [illegible] for this necessary purpose, by granting his Majesty one shilling and three pence sterling upon the Tonnage of Vessels, which appears for several Years to exceed three thousand pounds sterling per annum; that the House of Burgesses heretofore, trusting that Government would provide means so essential for the preservation of this Colony, have not interfered in this Business; but this House, finding that, tho' this want was known to Government more than twelve Months past, no means have been adopted to provide against it, conceive it their duty to remind Government of this great Grievance, and to request, that two thousand stand of Arms, five tuns of Powder, and twenty tuns of lead, at the least, and a sufficient quantity of other Articles, be immediately provided and lodged in the public Magazine for the defence of this Colony in case of any invasion of insurrection; assuring his Excellency that if the funds aforementioned shall prove insufficient this House will cheerfully make further Provision for these purposes.

Ordered, that a Committee be appointed to draw up an Address, to be presented to the Governor, upon the said Resolution.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
Vol. 13, 1773-1776. Page 250.

M^r Mercer reported from the Committee appointed Yesterday, to draw up an Address, upon the Resolution of this House, to be presented to the Governor, that the Committee had drawn up an Address accordingly My Lord,

We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Burgesses of Virginia, beg leave to inform your Lordship, that the Public Magazine is now repaired, and in fit Condition for the Reception of Arms and Ammunition.

We therefore request your Lordship will be pleased to order the Powder, lately removed from thence, to be returned, agreeable to your Lordship's promise, contained in your written Message to this House; We further beg leave to inform your Lordship, that it appears to the House, from the Report of their Committee appointed to inspect the [illegible] Magazine, that there are no Arms therein fit for service. [illegible] this critical time, my Lord, when your Excellency assures us of the great probability of an Indian Invasion, at a time too when an Insurrection of our Slaves may be encouraged, merely from a Notoriety of a total Deficiency in our public Stores of Arms and Ammunition, it is a Duty we owe to our Country and ourselves to remind your Lordship, that the Legislature of this Colony have long since made ample Provision for the [illegible] of Arms and Ammunition, and established a competent fund for that [illegible] by granting to his Majesty one shilling and three pence Sterling, upon tonnage of all Vessels trading to this Country. This Fund, my Lord, [illegible] for several Years last past, exceeded three thousand pounds Sterling [illegible] Annum; and our Predecessors, in former Assemblies, trusting that Government would always make a necessary and adequate Provision in a Matter so essential to the immediate and future preservation of this Colony, have not interfered in this Business. But, my Lord, this House, finding a total inattention in Government to this important Provision, altho' [illegible] must have appeared essential more than twelve Months ago, and still observing that no means are pursued to supply a Deficiency so alarming, now conceive it to be their Duty, not only to represent this Grievance to your Lordship, but also request that you will be pleased to order that two thousand Stand of Arms, five Tuns of Powder, and twenty Tuns of Lead, at the least, with a sufficient Quantity of other Military Stores, be immediately provided for the Defence of this Colony, in Case of any Invasion or Insurrection, and that the same be lodged in the Public Magazine. In case the Fund aforementioned shall prove Deficient this House assure your Lordship that they will make such farther or other Provision as may be necessary to enable your Lordship to comply with this Request.

Ibid- Pages 257-260.

M^r Treasurer reported, from the Committee appointed on Thursday last, to draw up an [illegible] to be presented to the Governor... the same was read, and is as followeth, viz:

74

My Lord,

. . .

We have, my Lord, made the strictest and minutest Inquiry into the Causes of the late Disturbances, we find, from the examination of many respectable Merchants, natives of Great Britain residing in different parts of this Colony, and from other Gentlemen of Character, that the Country was in a perfect State of Tranouillity till they received an Account of your Lordship's removal of the Gun-Powder from the publick Magazine, to one of his Majesty's Ships of War, and of your irritating and most unjustifiable Threats.

The Inhabitants of this Country my Lord, could not be strangers to the many Attempts in the Northern Colonies to disarm the People, and thereby depriving them of the only Means of defending their Lives and Property, We know, from good Authority, that the like Measures were generally recommended by the Ministry, and that the Export of Powder from Great Britain had been prohibited, Judge then how very alarming a Removal of the small Stock which remained in the public Magazine, for the defence of the Country, and the Striping the Guns of their Locks, must have been to any People, who had the Smallest Regard for their Security. The manner and Time, of doing it, made no small Addition to the General Apprehension of your Lordship's Views The reason assigned by your Lordship for taking this step, we should have thought the most likely, at any other Time, to have dictated a very different Conduct. We should have supposed, that a well-grounded Apprehension of an Insurrection of the Slaves ought to have called for the utmost exertions to supress it. The World will probably judge your Lordship's Method of doing this, the least likely to effect the necessary purpose. Your Lordship having represented this Powder as [illegible] King's peculiar Property, supposing it to have been brought from one of his Ships, we have made Inquiry into that matter, and cannot find that there ever was any Powder brought either from the Rippon or any other Man of War; so that we presume your Lordship must have been misinformed as to this Fact, since the Powder was removed, as it was not [illegible] on on your Answer to the Address of the Corporation of the City of Williamsburg. Be this, however, as it may, we conceive the Case would not be materially altered. We must remind your Lordship, that, [illegible] a very ancient Law, of this Country, enacted so long since as the thirty second Year of the Reign of his Majesty King Charles the second for raising a public Revenue, and for the better support of this Government, amongst other Provisions, an Impost of one half Pound of new Gunpowder, and three Pounds of leaden shot, or one shilling and three Pence sterling, was imposed on all Ships or Vessels coming into this Colony. In the ninth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, the Impost of one shilling and three pence on the Tunnage of Vessels was [illegible] for Port Duties. It is evident, my Lord, that the original and chief design of this particular Impost was to provide, from Time to Time, a proper Stock of Munition for the defence of the Country. We have examined the Produce of this Fund for thirteen Years past, and find that [illegible] yielded in that time twenty eight thousand five hundred and three pound three shillings and nine pence Sterling, which, on an Average, [illegible] to £2192.11. Sterling per Annum; and it is observable, that for the four last Years it yielded considerably more than three thousand Pound in each Year. It may from hence be fairly submitted, whether it was no 75 incumbent on the executive part of Government to have provided, in the first Place, from so large and ample a Fund, a proper stock of Arms and Ammunition, which was so essentially necessary for the Security of the Country. If, my Lord, instead of applying a reasonable Part of this Money to such necessary Purposes, the whole has been applied to other Occasions of Government, and Powder and Arms had been procured through some other Channel, we should presume that these, when stored in the public Magazine, built at the expence of the Country, and appropriated to the safe keeping of the military Stores, ought there to have remained, till the Exigences of the Country demanded them.

We find, my Lord, that the inhabitants of the City of Williamsburg, in the midst of which the Magazine is situated, upon discovering that the Powder was removed, the Time and manner of its being done, in the dead of Night, under an Escort of armed Marines, commanded by Captain Henry Collins of the Magdalen, were exceedingly alarmed; that many of them were so exasperated that they had recourse to Arms, intending, as we understand, to compel Captain Collins to restore the Powder; but we cannot discover that the least Insult was intended to your Lordship. We find that the Corporation of Williamsburg presented a very decent and respectful Address to your Excellency, desiring that you would be pleased to order the Powder to be returned; and, on Receipt of your verbal Answer, amongst other Things, avowing that it had been removed by your Orders, under which Captain Collins had acted, and promising that it should be returned in case of an Insurrection, the People assembled were soon appeased, returned quietly to their respective Homes, and perfect Tranquillity was restored in the City. That in the succeeding night, on a Report that a number of armed Men had landed at a Ferry about four Miles from the City, the Inhabitants were again much alarmed; but, upon the Interposition of some Gentlemen, they were quieted, and nothing farther was done than strengthening the usual Patrole for the security of the City. We farther find that on the next Day, when every Thing was perfectly quiet, your Lordship sent a Message into the City by one of the Magistrates, which you delivered with the most [illegible] Asseverations, that if any Insult was offered to Captain Foy or Captain Collins, you would declare Freedom to the Slaves, and lay the Town in Ashes; and that you could easily depopulate the whole Country. What could have provoked your Lordship to this we cannot discover, as both Captain Foy and Captain Collins, and several other Officers, had been frequently seen walking publickly in the Streets, and no one offered either of them the least Injury; nor can we discover any Reason to believe that any Thing of the sort was intended. The Inhabitants my Lord could not but be exceedingly alarmed at so cruel a Threat, many People considered it as a part of that General Plan, they had heard was recommended in England, and which was discovered by your Lordship through Accident, they, however, did nothing more, that we can learn than continue their former Patroles. A Report of these several Matters having soon circulated throughout almost the whole Country, with this Addition, that the most valuable Guns in the Magazine had been stripped of their Locks, and that the Inhabitants of Williamsburg were in the most imminent Danger, the 76 Minds of People in General, were much agitated; they assembled in different Quarters and a number of Expresses were sent to inquire and obtain a true State of Things, It appears, that during this general uneasiness an Account was received from the Northward of the Engagement at Concord; the General it seems, had sent an armed Force to seize a Provincial Magazine. This, your Lordship may suppose, increased the Apprehensions of our People, as it held out to them an additional Proof that the Steps you had taken formed a Part of that general System adopted to render the Colonies defenceless. If upon such Alarms, when the Minds of the People were fretted to an extreme Degree, some irregularities were committed, the Causes may be found in those Extraordinary Attempts to stretch the Powers of Government so much beyond their ancient and constitutional Limits. It gave the greatest Concern, my Lord, to all acquainted with your most amiable Lady, and her distinguished Character, to hear that she had removed with her Children to one of the King's Ships. We have inquired into the cause of this, and though we do not presume to prescribe to her Ladyship, yet we are persuaded, that, had she known the Sentiments of all Ranks of People in this Colony, every uneasiness would have been removed. We find, my Lord, that from the great Pains taken by the Magistrates, and other inhabitants of the City of Williamsburg, there could have been no real Ground for fear at the Time of her Ladyship's removal, unless it was produced from your Lordship's Threats, which might have kept the Minds of some of the Citizens in suspense. A few Ladies, it appears, left the City; but it was not through apprehension of any other Danger than what your Lordship held over them. The Inhabitants certainly could have entertained no suspicions of Injury from their Friends in the Country who had kindly offered to come to their Assistance; so that it was in the Power of your Lordship, alone, to have removed her Ladyship's Uneasiness.

It gives us the greatest Pain, my Lord, to find, in your Excellency's Message, so determined a Resolution to pursue a Course the most likely to revive the Uneasiness of the People, and prevent that Restoration of Harmony so ardently wished for by all good Men. You are pleased to submit to our "Judgment, whether you would reasonably have expected any good Effect from communicating the Ground of your Uneasiness to us." We give it as our Opinion, that your Lordship had the greatest Reason, if you had viewed our [illegible] its proper light, to have expected the best Effects from such Communication, as we met your Lordship in General Assembly with the sincerest Dispositions to do every Thing in our Power to provide for the tranquillity of the Country. The Reasons assigned for your contrary Apprehensions, we are persuaded, must have been suggested to your Lordship by some designing, malevolent Informer. We can hardly suppose your Lordship could have had any well-grounded Fear of personal Danger, when it is notorious that you appeared publickly, as usual; and it is in Proof to us, that the same Night in which you left the Palace you walked alone to the Attorney General's, at the Distance of upwards of a quarter of a Mile, and returned unmolested; and we cannot discover that even the Slightest Insult was offered. If you judge of the 77 disposition of the House of Burgesses, as to public Matters from their declining to accept an invitation to dine with your Lordship, (the instance ofRespect and Civility alluded to, and which you say you had been forward in offering to them) you have intirely mistaken their Motives. A piece of Civility of this sort had formerly its due Weight with us; but we had little Reason to suppose that such a Ceremony would, at this Time, be attended, on your Lordship's Part, with that Cordiality, which we thought we had observed on former Occasions. How could your Lordship think of admitting to your Table a sett of Men, whom, together with the whole Body of their Constituents, you had endeavoured to paint in such despicable and odious Colours? That the House of Burgesses, my Lord, ever countenance the violent and disorderly Proceedings of the People, we must, in justice to ourselves, take Leave to deny. As to the Magazine's being rifled, which you are pleased to insinuate was done with the approbation of the House, we must say, that in this also the greatest Injustice is done to us. The House was sitting, closely engaged in Publick Business, when this Affair happened. Some of our Members, as we believe the Truth is upon hearing what was going forward at the Magazine, went up in Hopes of preventing it. We are informed, that a great Concourse of People, from different Parts of the Country, were assembled, and that many of the Arms had been taken out of the Magazine, several of the Members, as private Gentlemen remonstrated with all the People they met with against such Proceedings, and prevailed with them to return what they had taken. When your Lordship was pleased to accuse the House of Burgesses of usurping the "executive Power," from what happened on this Occasion, we presume it would have been well to have considered with what Propriety they could have interfered: Had they made an Order for apprehending the Persons concerned, who were unknown, it would have been fruitless, and moreover a plain departure from the Line of their Authority. Such a step your Lordship might indeed have justly censured as an Usurpation of the executive Power, Or would your Lordship have recommended to the individual Members to have acted as Bailiffs, in seizing all Offenders they met with? We never have, nor will we ever give Countenance to such unjustifiable Proceedings as happened that day. Your Acquaintance, my Lord, with Mankind, must suggest to you the Difficulty there is in restraining an incensed Multitude. Many People, the irritation of whose Minds had but lately subsided, we understand had been again greatly alarmed at a late unfortunate Accident, which happened to some inconsiderate young Men in their unlawful Attempt to furnish themselves with Arms out of the Magazine; and Attempt, my Lord, which we condemn as highly as your Lordship can. But whether some little Apology may not be suggested, from that universal anxiety which all Mankind have to prepare for the Defence of their Lives and Property, we will not determine; the Point is delicate, and we leave the World to judge of it. But the means contrived in pursuance of your Lordship's Orders, by which an unfortunate [illegible] might probably have been hurried into Eternity, without a Moment's Time for reflection, we conceive we can do no great Honour to Humanity which, we should have supposed, would have 78 dictated the Necessity of at least giving publick Notice that spring Guns were prepared and fixed; which, it is imagined, would have answered every Purpose of Security to the Magazine. Your Lordship's Reflections on our Committee and them, upon this whole House, we think might have been spared, after what passed early in the Session. Had the Committee misbehaved, we should not have been backward in taking proper Notice of it. When we received your Lordships very temperate Message respecting their Conduct, we addressed your Excellency, in hopes, by having matters properly explained, of removing all Umbrage you might have taken. Your Lordship's reply to this Message induced us to believe that you were satisfied; but it seems we must again enter on the same subject, or remain exposed to the Weight of your Lordship's Censure Reflecting on what had happened, the House judged it an indispensable Duty they owed their Constituents to inquire into the state of the Publick Magazine; and, before they know of the late Disturbances, appointed a Committee for that Purpose. The Committee, previous to their taking any other Step, waited upon your Excellence and, in the most respectful manner, desired that you would be pleased to direct the Keeper of the Magazine to give them Access thereto. The Key was delivered to them, by your Lordship's Orders. They, at the same time, informed your Excellency of the Confusion that had happened; and that they had, to prevent the like Depredations, requested some Gentlemen of the Town to guard the Magazine, till proper Measures could be taken for its farther Security, which your Lordship did not make the least Objection to. There had been by your Excellency's Permission, a considerable quantity of Copper Money, belonging to the Country, lodged in the Magazine. This was an additional Reason for the Committee's taking a Precaution, which your Lordship is pleased to call "ordering and appointing Guards, without consulting you, to mount in the City of Williamsburg and a design to usurp the executive Power". The Committee did not pretend any authority to mount Guard; and had your Lordship disliked what they thought a prudent step in the then confused State of Things, it would have been kind in your Lordship to have intimated as much. Upon the Committee's Enquiry they found, indeed that there was little worth guarding in the Magazine; the Powder having been all removed, except about five half Barrels, buried by your Excellency's order in the yard, for what Purpose we cannot conceive, and all of the valuable Muskets having been spoiled of their Lucks.

Your Lordship speaks of a Body of Men assembled in the City of Williamsburg, not only to the "Knowledge, but with the approbation of every Body, for the avowed purpose of attacking a Party of the King's Forces, which it was reported, tho' without Foundation, was marching to your Lordship's Protection".

We know of no men, my Lord, assembled for the purpose you mention, though you are pleased to say it was done with the "Knowledge and Approbation of every Body"; in which Number, we suppose, the House of Burgesses were particularly designed to be included. Upon the best information, the truth appears to be this: An Account was brought into the City in the Morning, that 79 Captain Collins, of the Magdalen, had slipped his Cable, and was come up the River with a number of Boats, in which there was said to be an hundred armed Men at least, intended to be Marched into the City. It could not be conceived what was proposed by this Manoeuvre; the City was quiet, and we believe no Man in it suspected that your Lordship could have the least Apprehension that your Person was in Danger; nor had we the smallest Suspicion of your fears, till the receipt of your former Message, acquainting us of your Removal. The Citizens, however, as well as others, were astonished and somewhat alarmed, not knowing what was intended. Your Lordship may remember, that his Majesty's Council, from their Address to your Excellency, were not without their Apprehensions. A number of the Inhabitants, and we suppose some others, but how many we know not, assembled under Arms, that they might be prepared to defend the City and its Inhabitants, in case anything hostile should be attempted. This, we are convinced, was their only view. Upon their being made acquainted with your Lordship's Answer to the Council, we understood that they all immediately retired peaceably and quietly, without any disturbance. The City was again at rest, and continued composed, till they heard of your Lordship's removal with your Family in the dead of Night, as if you could have supposed that any one would have attempted to offer you any Obstruction, or, to interfere with your Inclinations.

This extraordinary step, which none could Account for, occasioned great Consternation in the City; and we believe would surprize the whole World, were they acquainted with it. We have already, my Lord, in a former Address, of which according to Custom, a Copy was left with you, and which you directed to have presented on a certain Day, long since past, without your giving us an opportunity of doing it, assigned the Reasons why we could not interpose our Legislative Authority respecting the Courts of Justice.

The Occasion and Design of forming Independent Companies at first, and the Rise of Voluntier Companies afterwards, we have already explained, and cannot see the Necessity of abolishing them. They are not designed to interfere with your Lordship's full exercise of the legal and constitutional Powers of your Government, which we would wish to have supported on all Occasions; and are of Opinion that the Laws in force are competent to that End. But, if it is expected that the Country should again be thrown into a defenceless State, Self-Preservation, the first Law of Nature, forbids it, If your Lordship were really apprehensive that your Person was in Danger, the tender of the Council and this House, of their most effectual Assistance to remove every appearance of Risk, we were hopeful would have quieted all your Fears. A proper Guard, at the Publick Expense, would have been at your Service, had you judged it necessary. Your Lordship's declining to propose such Measures as we, consistent withour own Security, could accept, and demanding what you must have known was not in our Power to comply with, affords no strong Evidence of your Inclination to restore Tranquillity to this Country. Those who have taken any of his Majesty's public Store of Arms are open to 80 the Law, which has its full Operation, as heretofore; and we wish not to interrupt its Course. But surely your Lordship cannot expect us, by any new Act, which would be ex post facto, in the most odious sense of the Words, to inflict other Pains and Penalties for Offences already committed. This, we conceive, would be the greatest Infringement of a fundamental Principle of our Excellent Constitution. Such a practice may, indeed, have obtained under another Meridian; but it is not, my Lord, of American Growth. Whether that Spirit of Persecution, which your Lordship has been pleased to describe, prevails in this Country we appeal to the Evidence which appears on our Journals. Were those, and those only, to be considered as persecuted Men, who from Principles and duty are attached to their King and his Government, we ourselves, my Lord, should fall under this Predicament; and perhaps may, with Justice, think Humanity disgraced by such Proceedings. That some few People may have been deluded, we shall not question; the utmost Pains, we know, have been taken, in different Colonies, to alarm them with the "disfigured side of American" story, and to render them deaf and blind to their true Interest and Political Salvation. So far as our Example can influence the People of this Country, in preserving their loyalty to his Majesty, a proper respect to Government, and the good Order of Society, your Lordship may be assured that it shall be made as diffusive as possible.

We have, my Lord, the sincerest and most active desire to seize every opportunity of establishing the Freedom of our Country upon a fixed and "known foundation", and of uniting ourselves with our Fellow Subjects of Great Britain in one common Bond of Interest and natural Affection. But we have no "Doubts" of what such Freedom consists in; it is written, as with a Sun-Beam, on our Hearts. We are equally sensible to those essentials, which alone can admit us to the Participation of a just Proportion of the common Interest; but, for the Variety of cogent Reasons assigned by our Address in Answer to your Lordship's Speech, we cannot view the Proposal of the House of Commons in the same Light your Lordship seems to do.

The important Business of the Assembly, my Lord, has been not a little interrupted by your Excellency's Removal from the proper Seat of your Government. As to your Lordship's offer, that we might adjourn to the Town of York, we think this would be extremely improper on several Accounts. The town of York, could not afford tolerable Accomodations for so numerous an Assembly; and, which is of more Consequence, we humbly conceive that this, and this place alone, is established by Law for holding our General Assemblies. If there are any Hopes left of your Excellency's Compliance, we must reiterate our Request that you will be pleased to return with your Family to the Palace, for the Reasons assigned in our former Address. We feel, most sensibly the disagreeable situation your Excellent Lady must be in. But if, after all, your Lordship is determined to persist in your Resolution of Absence, we must endeavour to rest satisfied; conscious that, whilst we have been solicitous to do justice to our Constituents and ourselves, we have not been wanting in the Respect 81 which is due to the Representative of our most gracious Sovereign.

We cannot, my Lord, but consider the Representatives of the Body of the People, when convened in Assembly, as part of that great and General Council which our Constitution hath fixed for advising our Governors in all Matters respecting the Public Weal. His Majesty's Honorable Council are especially appointed for this purpose; they are well acquainted with our Constitution; their Duty to his Majesty will urge them to support the Prerogative of the Crown, at the same time that their Justice should lead them to maintain the Rights of the People. We, therefore (sincerely regarding your Lordship's Tranquillity and Happiness, as well as the Important Interests of this whole Community) think ourselves loudly called upon to give it as our best Advice that your Lordship will be pleased to advise with your proper and constitutional Council in all Matters of Importance, and not suffer yourself to be influenced by designing Men; but that you will banish all such from your Presence, as the greatest Enemies to your own Repose, and the real Happiness of this extensive Country.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776 Vol. 13 Page 270.

A Message from the Council by M^r Blair:

I am commanded by the Council to deliver to this House a paper, which they have received from the Governor, as his Excellency's answer to the last joint Address of the Council and of this House; and he presented the said Paper at the Bar.

And then the Messenger withdrew.

The said Paper was read, and is as followeth, viz.

Experience having shewn the Insecurity of the Publick Magazine, and the Palace having hitherto been respected, I think it improper to give any other orders than that the Arms belonging to the King, which have for so many Years been lodged may still remain there; and that they may on no Account be touched without my express permission.

M^r Cary reported that the joint Address of the Council and this House, of Saturday last, and the two Addresses of this House, of the same Day, and likewise the Address of Yesterday, to the Governor, had been severally presented to his Excellency, who directed him to acquaint the House that he had sent his Answer, to the first, to the Council, and delivered to him two Papers, in Answer to the second and third Addresses, which papers he delivered in at the Clerk's Table, and which were read, and are in the words following, to wit

82

This Address acknowledging the highest [illegible] of the Services I rendered to this Country on the late Indian Expedition, though late will still, I hope, do credit to the Justice of the House of Burgesses.

As the Care Custody and disposal of publick Stores of Ammunition belong alone to the Kings Representative, I cannot consent to return the Powder, lately removed from the Magazine, to Williamsburg, which, experience has demonstrated to me, is an improper place for the residence of the Governor, therefore as I could not attend to its preservation, I could not consequently depend upon its being in security there: the Powder in question, besides, you have already been acquainted belonged to one of His Majesty's Ships; I am therefore in a particular manner accountable for it; but, as I have before declared, I shall be ready to apply it, if I find it wanted for the Protection of the Colony.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1773-1776 Vol. 13 Page 272.

A Message from the Council by M^r Blair:

M^r Speaker,

The Council do [illegible] to the free Conference desired by this House, and have appointed three of their Member, who are now ready in the Conference Chamber, to meet the Managers for this House.

And then the Messenger withdrew.

Ordered, that a Committee be appointed to manage the said Conference:

And a Committee was appointed of M^r Bland, M^r Treasurer, M^r Cary, M^r Digges, M^r Jones, and M^r Nelson.

Ordered, that the said Managers for this House do lay before the Managers for the Council the several Depositions taken by order of this House, upon the inquiry into the causes of the late disturbances, and that they communicate to them the Address of this House, requesting his Lordship to return the Powder removed from the public Magazine, by his order and that he would be pleased to provide a proper quantity of Arms and Ammunition for the necessary security and defence of this Country, together with his Lordship's answer thereto. To propose to the Council to join this House in a proper Address to his Excellency, in reply to his Message, in answer to their former joint Address, and also on the subject of the several Papers, to be communicated to them. To represent to his Excellency how much the important business of the Session hath been impeded by his removal from the 83 palace, by which the necessary, and free access to his Lordship, which we conceive the constitution intitles us to, hath been cut off in a great measure; and that there are several Bills of the last importance to this Country now ready to be presented to his Excellency for his Assent, and that tho' both Houses, in hopes of preserving that harmony, which they wish ever to subsist between the different Branches of the legislature, have hitherto submitted to the great inconvenience of travelling twelve Miles, and going on board one of his Majesty's Ships, to deliver their several Addresses; yet they think it would be highly improper, and a step not warranted by any principle of the Constitution, to present their Bills in the same manner. That they therefore desire his Lordship will be pleased to meet them in the Capitol, or, if he is determined not to do this, that he would be pleased at least to come on shore, and they will wait upon his Excellency in York town, upon having his pleasure signified to them. That as the advanced season of the Year requires our speedy return to our several Counties, we hope his lordship will be pleased to give us his ultimate answer, as soon.

Then the names of the Managers were called over; and they went into the Conference.

And being returned;

M^r Bland reported, that the Managers had been at the Conference with the Council, and had laid before them the several Depositions taken by order of this House upon the inquiry into the causes of the late disturbances, and communicated to them the Address of this House, requesting his lordship to return the Powder removed from the Public Magazine by his Order, and that he would be pleased to provide a proper quantity of Arms and Ammunition for the necessary security and defence of this Country, together with his Lordship's answer thereto, and proposed to the Council to join this House in a proper address to his Excellency, in reply to his Message, in answer to their former joint Address; and also on the subject of the several Papers communicated to them. And that the Council agreed to join this House in the said Address; and that the Managers for this House had drawn up a joint Address accordingly, which was carried to the Council for their Concurrence.

Ibid. Page 273.

The Council have agreed to the joint Address to be presented to the Governor, prepared by the Committees of the Council and of this House; .. The said Address was read, and is as followeth, viz.

My Lord,

We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council and House of Burgesses of Virginia have received your Lordship's 84 Answer to our joint Address, by which we represented to your Excellency how very insecure we thought the publick Arms in the Palace, since your Lordship's removal from thence, and requested that your Lordship would be pleased to order them to be stored in the publick Magazine, judging this a repository of much greater Security.

You are pleased to tell us, that Experience hath shewn the Insecurity of this Magazine, and that, as the Palace hath hitherto been respected, you thought it improper to give any other Orders, than that the Arms belonging to the King, which have for so many years been lodged, may still remain in the Palace; and that they may, on no account be touched without your express Permission. Though these Arms, my Lord, may be considered, in some sort as belonging to his Majesty, as the supreme Head of this Government and thatthey are properly under your Lordship's Direction, yet we humbly conceive that they were originally provided, and have been preserved, for the Use of the Country, in Cases of Emergency.

We would not wish to interfere with your Lordship's Authority. Of this Disposition we presume our former Address afforded the strongest Testimony; but the Reflection that these Arms are so much exposed, that they may easily be made the most improper and destructive use of, is to us extremely alarming.

The Palace, my Lord, hath indeed been hitherto much respected, but not so much out of Regard to the Building as the Residence of his Majesty's Representative. Had your Lordship thought fit to remain there, we should have had no apprehension of Danger; but considening these Arms at present exposed to your Servants, and every rude Invader, the security formerly derived from your Lordship's Presence cannot now be relied on.

In your Lordship's Answer to an Address of the House of Burgesses, you are pleased to say, that Experience has demonstrated to you that the City of Williamsburg is an [illegible] Place for the Residence of our Governor, and give it as a Reason for not returning the Powder, according to your own voluntary Promise made to the House, that you could not attend to its preservation, nor depend on its Security, if returned to the Magazine. We should suppose, my Lord, that your Excellency's Attention to the Arms would be equally necessary for their Security, as you know the Palace stands on the Edge of the City; and we should, for this Reason, imagine it more likely to be rifled than the Magazine, in the midst of it. Besides, should it be thought necessary, a proper Guard might be kept at the Magazine, which we did not think so decent to propose for your Lordship's Palace. Our Apprehensions, my Lord, have been not a little encreased by considering the several Depositions taken by order of the House of Burgesses; we decline commenting upon them, but submit to the World, from whence the unhappy Disturbances in this Colony took their Rise. We must, my Lord, once more entreat your Excellency to order the Arms to be removed to the public Magazine.

85

We cannot, my Lord, decline representing to you that the important Business of this Assembly hath been much impeded by your Excellency's Removal from the Palace. This Step has deprived us of the necessary and free Access to your Lordship, which we conceive the Constitution entitles us to. There are several Bills of the last Importance to this Country, now ready to be presented to your Excellency for your Assent.

We have hitherto, my Lord, in hopes of preserving that Harmony, which we wish ever to subsist between all the Branches of our Legislature, submitted to the great Inconvenience of sending our Members twelve miles to wait on your Excellency, on board one of his Majesty's Ships of War, to present our several Addresses; but we think it would be highly improper and too great a Departure from the Constitutional and accustomed Mode of transacting the Business of the Assembly, to meet your Excellency at any other Place than the Capitol to present such Bills as have there been agreed to by the Council and House of Burgessës. We must, therefore, beseech your Excellency to return to us; and as the advanced Season of the Year requires our Presence in our Several Counties, we hope your Lordship will be pleased to favour us with your speedy and ultimate answer, that we may certainly know what to depend upon.

Dunmore, Lord
Letter to Secy. of State, S. P. O., Va. Vol. 195
Virginia Papers, Vol. III; 1775-1781.
N. Y. Pub. Lib.

....Even his Majesty's Council since the meeting of the Assembly I find approving everything done by the Burgesses and joining them in endeavoring to force me to deliver up the powder and some arms which are still left and lodged in the Governor's house, into the hands of the people whose design they cannot but know, is to make use of them for resisting their lawful govt.

Ibid.

...however, finding they could not accomplish their ends, their patience exhausted, and last night the 24^th of June, a considerable body of men violently forced into the Governor's house bursting open a window by which one part entered who then forced the principal door by which the rest entered, and they carried off all the arms which they could find to the number of between two and three hundred stand, which had always been kept in the hall of this house and considerable number of muskets and other arms my own property; . . . The streets of Williamsburg was all this time filled with people in arms as if in expectation of some great event, and the House of Burgesses shut themselves up in their Assembly house which was guarded without by a body of men for that purpose and sentinels were placed to prevent any person whatever from approaching even as far as a wall which encloses the building.

Ibid.

... It happened likewise a day or two after the meeting of the Assembly that two men were wounded, in attempting in the night to rob the magazine of arms, by the discharge of a musket, loaded with large shot, which had been placed by the keeper in a window in such a manner that any person, forcing through it, would fire the gun against himself....

Ibid.

.... A constant guard is kept in Williamsburg relieving every day from the adjacent counties, and that place is become a garrison, the pretence of which is the security of the person of their Speaker, who, because he has been Chairman of the Congress, it is reported, in order to inflame that Govt. is anxious to seize him. . . .

Dunmore, Lord
Letter to Dartmouth (Secy. of State)
Virginia Papers, Vol. III; 1775-1781.
George Bancroft Collection

(At the end of Dunmore's letter to Secy of State dated June 25th, 1775, in Virginia Papers Vol. III, 1775-1781 - of the George Bancroft Collection in the public library of New York City is the following summary in the handwriting of George Bancroft.)

Dunmore to Dartmouth, Private-25

June 1775 MR. WORMLEY, this single member of the Council, has always manifested zeal for the crown. MR. CORBIN & whole family might be relied on. MR. CAMM is equally well affected. MR. BYRD is averse from the violent proceedings. I can say nothing for any others. Mr. THOMAS NELSON, sec. of the Colony & professing the best power of any man in it, which is that of number of officers to [illegible] of has shown nothing but care to avoid giving offense either way, from his capacity & undetermined character.

Mr. Attorney General (John Randolph) has been very unpopular in this his native country, ever since the Stamp Act. when he singly opposed in the House of Burgesses the resolution at that time, & the he is confessedly the best lawyer in the Colony he has been employed upon very few occasions, with little or no private fortune

24. Sept. Dunmore writes again in behalf of the Att. Gen. who sails for England.

In Dunmore; 28 Ralph Wormeley Jr. to Dunmore 22 June 1775. "That Branch of the Legislature of which I am a member, acting in concert with the lower House, has determined me to leave Williamsbu ** I have had the firmness hitherto liberally to oppose what I thought wrong.

Dunmore, Lord
Letter to Sec^y of State, S.P.O., Va. Vol. 195
Virginia Papers, Vol. III; 1775-1781.
N. Y. Pub. Lib.

...The same Supplement contains under the Williamsburg head of the 30th of June, an account of the proceedings of a meeting of the inhabitants of that City "convened by the Hon^ble PAYTON RANDOLPH, Esq." — the Speaker of the House of Burgesses "To consider/ the expediency of stationing a number of men there for the public safety and to assist the citizens in their nightly watches to guard against any surprise from their enemies" by which no others can be meant than the King's Governor and the King's forces of a 20 gun ship, and a sloop of war, stationed in this Colony.

In consequence of this step of Mr. RANDOLPH'S, a great number of people, horse and foot, from various parts of the country have flocked to Williamsburg, and wearing uniforms, and, [illegible] different companies, their badges of distinction. They have made a barrack of the Capitol, a large building in which are held the courts of Justice and intended for the Council and House of Burgesses with their different offices, and they have taken possession of the Park (a considerable piece of land adjoining and belonging to the Governor's house) for their cavalry, wantonly cutting and maimingmy cattle, which they found there.

A few days after the arrival of these gentry, a number of them broke, a second time, into the Palace (the Governor's house), and, as the first time, of which I have informed your Lordship, they went no further than taking the arms which they found in a Hall, this time they broke open every lock of the doors of all the rooms, cabinets and private places, and carried off a considerable number of arms of different sorts, a large collection and valuable, my own property. This violence was committed in the face of day; the leaders in it well known and one of the principal was the son of Mr. NICHOLAS, the treasurer, the same who was lately made a Comptroller of his Majesty's customs. Mr. Nicholas, the Father and the Speaker, who now directs the proceedings of this country, were there in Williamsburg and consequently could not but be privy to this infamous robbery; this violation of private property, as well as [illegible] outrage against the King's authority.

Ibid.

The very day after this, I happened, for the only time since I first embarked on board his Majesty's ship, to go, in the Man of War's barge, to a farm (my own property) about seven miles from Williamsburg situated upon a creek which runs into York river about 12 miles above the town of York where the ship lay.

88

The barge was observed from the town, and it was easily conjectured where I was going; accordingly intelligence was immediately sent to Williamsburg, and just after Capt. Montagu and I had done dinner (?) that gentlemen having accompanied me, we were informed by my servants that a body of men in arms were seen advancing directly to the house, which we likewise saw ourselves upon going out, and we had but just time to get into our boat and to escape; two men, carpenters of the ship, whom we had brought with us in order to cut down a mast for a boat, and who were at a little distance from my house, were seized by these people, upon my own land, and have been made prisoners, and are now confined in Williamsburg under a guard; a servant who got into a canoe to follow me a very little time afterwards, was fired at four or five different times. . .

Ramsay, Dr. David
History of the American Revolution
London, 1793
Vol. 1, pp. 245, 246

The Virginians from the earliest stages of the controversy had been in the foremost line of opposition to the claims of Great Britain, but at the same time treated Lord Dunmore with the attention that was due his station. In common with other provinces they had [illegible] effectual measures to prepare their militia for the purposes of defence.

While they were pursuing this object, his Lordship engaged a party belonging to a royal vessel in James River, to convey some public powder from a magazine in Williamsburg on board their ship. The value of quantity of the powder was inconsiderable, but the circumstances attending its removal begat suspicions that Lord Dunmore meant to deprive its inhabitants of the means of defence. They were therefore alarmed and assembled with arms to demand its restitution. By the interprosition of the mayor and coorporation of Williamsburg extremities were prevented. Reports soon after spread that a second attempt to rob the magazine was intended. The inhabitants again took arms and instituted nightly patrols with a determined resolution to prevent it. The Governor was irritated at these commotions, and in the [illegible] of his temper threatened to set up the Royal standard, enfranchise the negroes, and arm them against their masters. This irritated, but did not intimidate, Several public meetings were held in the different counties, in all of which the removal of the powder from the magazine, and the Governor's threats, were [illegible] condemned. Some of the gentlemen in Hanover and the neighboring counties assembled in arms, and marched towards Williamsburg, with an avowed desire to obtain restitution of the powder, and to take measures for securing the public treasury. This ended in a negotiation, by which it was agreed, that payment for the powder by the receiver general of the Colony, should be accepted in lieu of restitution; and that upon the engagement of the [illegible] of Williamsburg to guard both the treasure and the magazine, the armed parties should return to their habitations.

The alarm of this affair induced Lord Dunmore to send his lady 89 and family on board the Fowey man of war in James River. About the same time his Lordship, with the assistance of a detachment of marines, fortified his palace and surrounded it with artillery.

Campbell, John W.
History of Virginia from its Discovery till the Year 1781
Virginia: 1813
Pages 154-155

....In consequence of the hostile appearances in some of the colonies, orders were issued to the provincial governors to deprive the people of the means of resistance, by removing the military stores to places of security.

In compliance with this order, governor DUNMORE, whose mind was assailed by terrors, often the companions of an unsound heart, removed the powder from the magazine in Williamsburg and placed it on board the Magdalen man of war. ... Conscious of having deserved the enmity of the people, he [Dunmore] to care to provide against its effects. He removed his family on board the FOWEY man of war, fearful of an attack on his palace,which was defended chiefly by parties of negroes whom he had armed as his lifeguard.

...The patriots of Hanover, more zealous than the rest, without waiting for orders, marched with the illustrious PATRICK HENRY at their head, for the purpose of demanding restitution of the powder which Dunmore had taken from the magazine. By the time they had reached Doncastle ordinary, sixteen miles from Williamsburg, their numbers had increased to near five hundred men.

The approach of Henry... excited in...Dunmore the most serious apprehensions. His perilous situation compelled him to ask advice of the council,which at that time consisted of ...; WILLIAM NELSON, president, MR. CAMM, president of the College, RALPH WORMLEY, COLONEL G. CORBIN, G. CORBIN, junior, colonel WILLIAM BYRD and JOHN PAGE,...

Henry in the mean time having halted at the house of Colonel G. CORBIN, the king's receiver general, obtained from him, chiefly through the influence of MR. BRAXTON, a bill for the amount of the powder. ...

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, Ed.

THE subscriber being appointed to collect all the PUBLICK ARMS lately taken and lent out from the magazine in this city, notice is hereby given to all persons who have any of the same in possession to return them to the magazine immediately. All reasonable expenses for repairing the same when delivered, will be reimbursed to them.

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, ed.

Mr. Pinkney,

I understand our honorable convention has given direction to have the cannon in the magazine put in order: this step must be highly approved by every well wisher to his country, as we may expect in the spring a train of artillery will be sent against us, and surely no one, except a novice in the art of war, can imagine small arms will avail anything in opposition to [illegible]. But I am afraid we have not many who properly understand gunnery. However a little study would complete a sufficient number for our service, and for that purpose I have sent you the following questions which please to insert.

From the top of a bank 166 feet high, a ship lying at anchor the distance 8560 feet the impetus of the ball being 4600 feet, can the ship be hit with one or two directions,and if she can what are they? Or can she be hit at all with the same impetus?

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL. 2, 1777-1781 Page 438

Ordered a Letter be written to Col^o Christian to Direct returns to be made of the several Troops now in this City how they are armed & w^th what necessaries furnish^d also what spare arms & accoutrements remain in the magazine, and that he likewise directed to cause to be ret^d a state of the Houses and rooms occupied as Barracks the Size of each room, its number of Soldiers, and the quantity of Fuel delivered for such room daily - also an account of the number of Horses and Waggons belonging to the public and what rule is observed in receiving and delivering out their Forage by Rations.

(Also in: Calendar of Virginia State Papers, 1795-1798, Vol. VIII, p. 108)

JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL. 1, 1776-1777 Page 14

Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Magazine do deliver to Mr. John Ballendine one hundred pounds of powder for the use of the Blast-Furnace.

JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA.
VOL. 1, 1776-1777 Page 26

Ordered that the Keeper of the public Magazine do deliver to 91 Captain Taylor of the first Battalion ten Rifles for the use of his Company, and to Captain Everard Meade of the second Battalion for forty Smooth bore Guns for the use of his Company

Ibid. Page 45

Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Magazine do deliver to John Young for the use of Captain Travis One hundred pounds of Powder, One hundred pounds of Lead twenty five twelve pounds ball, twenty five two pounds ball, and fifty Swivel Shott; ...

...

Ordered that the keeper of the Public Magazine do deliver to Captain John Cocke fifty four musquets with either bayonets, speers or cutlasses and fifty four Cartouch boxes; ...

Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Magazine do deliver to Captain Mason of the first new raised Minute Battalion two Gunns for the use of his Company; . . .

Ibid. page 48.

Ordered that the Commissary of Stores do deliver to Captain Calvert fifty Cutlasses, one Drum and Fife, three hundred and fifty yards of Oznabrigs, and ten pounds of pump leather, for the use of his Rowe Galley - Also Mr. Maupin Keeper of the Magazine deliver five hundred pounds of Powder, one hundred and fifty Eighteen pound Shott, and five hundred pounds of lead or Shott - ...

page 49-50

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver to John Severn the Indian Interpreter six pounds of powder and six pounds of lead for the use of the Indian Captives, on their return home.

...

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver to Captain Smith of the Gloucester Minute men, for the use of his Company Twenty five pounds of Powder, Seventy five pounds of Lead Twenty five Cartridge boxes, fifty Flints and six Canteens . . .

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver to Captain Nicholas Cabell of Amherst for the use of his Minute Company fifty Canteens, Nine Cartridge boxes, and one Drum, also four Rifles, the being replaced by four other Guns - And that he deliver to Captain William Mitchell, for the use of his Marine Company Twenty five Musquets and Bayonets.

Ibid. Page 65.

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver Lieutenant Arm tead for the use of Captain Robert Tompkins's Rowe Galley, one hundred pounds of powder and two hundred pounds of lead.

Virginia Magazine of History
Vol. 13, p. 424.

I Robert Prentis do hereby most solemnly swear before God & on the sacred Evangelist that the sum of three hundred and seventeen pounds fourteen shillings & 2½ is all the Publick money that I have on Hand as Clerk to the Hon'ble Richard Corbin, Esq'r, Receiver General, and that I will not directly or indirectly pay away any sum that I have at present by me or may hereafter collect but to such purposes as shall be directed by the convention in pain of confiscation of my whole Estate & being treated as a Traytor to this Continent.

Sworn to by Robt. Prentis before me this 26th day of July, 1775

JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA 1776-1777
VOL. I. Page 108

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver Captain William Mitchell for use of his Company of Marines fifty four Bayonet Belts and a hundred weight of Lead.

Ibid. Page 110

Ordered that a Warrant issue to Benjamin Harrison jun. Esquire for the use of Lewis Burwell Esq^r for Fifteen pounds five shillings for seven hundred and thirty two weight of Lead delivered into the Magazine.

Ibid. Page 115

Ordered that Captain Pelham of the Buckingham Minute Men, whose Company is directed to be discharged, be required to lodge with the Keeper of the Publick Magazine all the Arms and Blankets furnished the said Company and paid for by the publick, and that he produce a receipt for the same to this Board.

Ibid. Page 123

Ordered that the Keeper of the public Magazine do immediately 93 make a General Return of Stores, and that the same be regularly done once every month thereafter with an account to whom any part thereof may have been delivered.

. . .

Page 125-

Upon considering the situation of the Publick Magazine, and the great Quantity of Gun powder lodged therein belonging both to the Continent and this State Resolved that General Lewis be requested to direct another Magazine to be built at some convenient place as soon as possible, the Expence whereof will be defrayed by this Board, if Congress should not deem it a necessary Continental charge.

Ibid. Page 137

. . . Ordered that the said Company be now discharged, and that Captain Carrington be required to deliver all the Arms, Bedding and Camp Utensils which have been purchased, and paid for by the Publick to the Keeper of the Magazine, and produce his receipt for the same to this Board.

Ordered that a Warrant issue to Gabriel Maupin Keeper of the Publick Magazine for Two, pounds by him paid for carriage of five hundred pounds of powder from hence to Winchester.

Ibid. Page 176

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine do deliver out to the Quarter Master of the first Squadron, or his order two Camp Kettles and four Iron pots.

Ibid. Page 177-178

David Hunter and Peter Light, of the County of Berkley, appear in Council and Contract with the Board, to furnish, for the use of this State, two hundred Stand of arms to consist each of a Good Musket three feet eight Inches in the Barrel, three quarters of an Inch bore Steelrammers, the upper thimble trumpetmouthed, the lower thimble with a spring to retain the ramrod, bridle Lock, brassmounting, a Bayonet eighteen inches blade with Scabbard, one pair bullet moulds, to mould sixteen Bullets, to every forty [illegible] priming wire & brush to each musket; the Stand, compleat, well fixe & properly proved to be delivered at Williamsburg, and approved of by any two officers of y^e army who may be appointed to examine and report their opinion of y^e same on, or before the first day of December next ensuing at the price of Six pounds Virginia Currency the said Hunter is also to furnish two hundred Cartouch boxes of a proper size & at the usual price. A Bond was entered into with good Security for the due performance of ye above Controul and ordered to be filed. And the said David Hunter received a Warrant for one hundred pounds upon account and in part for the two hundred Stand of arms which he has engaged to make for the use of the 94 public

Ibid. Page 194.

It appearing to this Board from the information of Captain Judkins that the greatest part of his Company of Volunteer Militia from the County of Sussex are by reason of their Sickness uncapable of performing duty. Ordered therefore that the said Company be discharged; and that all Guns, Blankets and Camp Utensils belonging to this State, and in the said Company's possession be delivered by the Captain to the Keeper of the publick Magazine; and that he produce for the same the said Keeper's Receipt to this Board

. . .

Ordered that the Keeper of the publick Magazine deliver to Captain Llewellin Jones thirty six Blankets for the use of his Troop of Horse.

Journal of the House of Delegates, 1776.
Richmond: 1828.
p. 20.

A petition of Gabriel Maupin was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that he was appointed by the Committee of Safety to succeed Mr. Finnie, as keeper of the military stores in the city of Williamsburg, a trust which he conceives to be important, and attended with more trouble and care than may be at first imagined, the business being so great and urgent as to require his attendance every day, Sundays not excepted; that whilst engaged in this service he is obliged to devote his whole attention to it, to the interruption of every other business; and praying to be allowed such satisfaction for his services as shall be judged just and reasonable

JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL. I. 1776-1777 Page 211

Ordered that a Warrant issue to Captain Gray Judkins for eighty one pounds four shillings and two pence for the pay rations and Forage of [illegible] Company of Volunteers from the twenty eighth of September to the time that the said Company was discharged and a Receipt was produced from the Keeper of the Publick Magazine for the delivery of all the Arms Blankets &c. belonging to the State that had been in the said Company's possession. Also a Warrant for the use of James Mason for twelve pounds ten shillings being for waggonage to the same Company

JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA
VOL. 1, 1776-1777 Page 217

Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Magazine receive for the use of this State all the Powder lately imported by Joshua Storrs 95 and Company in the Schooner Betsy.

Journal of the House of Delegates of Virginia, 1776.
Richmond: 1828.
p. 36.

The Senate have agreed to the Resolution of this House, allowing Gabriel Maupin the sum of 50 £ for receiving into and delivering out of the magazine the military stores belonging to the State.

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL. 1 1776-1777 Page 238

Ordered that Mr. Gabriel Maupin do deliver a load of Guns to Luke Jennings on his engaging safely to convey the same to the Commissioners of the Gun [illegible] at Fredericksburg in order that they may be repaired and it is further ordered that the said Commissioners receive from the said Luke Jennings all the Guns that he may carry and have the same repaired with the greatest Dispatch [illegible] him half the usual price of waggonage for conveying them from hence to Fredericksburg.

Ibid. Page 245

Ordered that the Keeper of the Publick Magazine receive no Arms from any of the Manufactories in this State without having a [illegible] that they have been proved and in case there should be any offered without such Certificate that he then proceed to prove them in the usual manner.

Ibid. Page 247

Ordered that the Keeper of the Magazine deliver to Mr. Hunters Waggoner five hundred Pounds of Powder and fifteen hundred pounds of Lead for the use of the Garrison at [illegible].

...

Ordered that his Excellency the Governor be requested to write to Capt. John Dixon to have the ten thousand weight of Gun powder [illegible] in his Custody belonging to the State removed immediately to [illegible] Town, and also at the same time to inform him that all Expences [illegible] the Transportation thereof shall be paid by the Publick.

Ibid. pp. 248, 249.
July 12, 1776-October 2, 1777.

It being the Opinion of this Board that the Goods belonging to this State and now in the Publick Store at Fredericksburg under the 96 care of M^r James Hunter Junion ought immediately to be conveyed to the Place (Williamsburg) It is therefore Ordered that the Commissioners of the Navy be requested to send such Galley or other Vessell proper for that purpose that they can most conveniently spare and the said James Hunter is hereby required to comply with all Orders respecting the removal of the said Goods that he may receive from the said Commissioners.

Journal of the Council of the State of Virginia
1776-1777 Vol. I, Page 248.

Ordered that a Warrant issue to James Hunter Esq. for one hundred and seventy five pounds fifteen shillings for five and twenty Muskets and Bayonetts delivered to the Keeper of the Magazine as per his Receipt and for the Cost of a Chest for Package also for Bar Iron, Steel and Waggonage as per Account settled by the Commissioners.

Ibid. Page 270.

Ordered that all the Military Stores belonging to this State and now in the Magazine at Hampton be immediately conveyed to the Magazine in this city (Williamsburg) And that all the Provision at that Station not fit for use be sold And that Capt. King be requested to Have this Order executed.

Ibid. Page 273-4.

Ordered that all the Militia now on actual Duty in this City (Williamsburg) be forthwith discharged and that the Captains return to the Keeper of the Public Magazine all the Arms, Blanketts and Camp Utensils belonging to this State And that the Battalion of Minute Men and Militia under the Command of Col.Samuel Meridith be likewise discharged.

Ibid. Page 278.

Ordered that the Publick Powder now on the Eastern Shore be transported from thence to the Capitol Landing that it may be stored in the Williamsburg Magazine and that Southy Simpson Esquire be requested to forward it with the Sulpher already directed to be brought from that Shore.

Ibid. Page [illegible].

Resolved that Brigadier General Lewis be requested to have all the Powder except four Barrells removed from the Magazine in this City (Williamsburg) to the new Magazine lately erected.

Ibid. Page 307.

Ordered that the County Lieutenants and all Persons having Guns, Blankets or other Publick Stores in their Possession do forthwith cause them to be sent to the Publick Magazine and it is expected that 97 All officers having such Articles or having served in any Corps to whom they were delivered will exert themselves to see this Order faithfully and quickly complied with.

Journal of the Council of the State of Virginia
1776-1777 Vol. I, Page 313.

Ordered that the Navy Board be requested to issue orders to the Officers of the Navy & Marines to carry to the public Magazine all the Arms & Accoutrements belonging to the Men who are enlisted in the land Service & all other Surplus arms & accoutrements which they have possession of by any means whatsoever.

Ibid. Page 326-7

At the arrival of three Ships of War, and the march of the Continental Troops from this state to join his Excellency General Washington, make it necessary to call in the Militia of some of the adjacent Counties for the Protection of the Ports of Hampton, York and Williamsburg, and as a guard to the Magazines until a sufficient number of new Levies can be brought into service. It is resolved that fifty men from each of the Counties of James City, New Kent, Hanover and King William to be stationed in this City; that fifty men from each of the Counties of Charles City, Surry, Southampton, and Sussex be stationed at Hampton; and that one hundred men from the County of Gloster and fifty men from the County of King and Queen, be stationed at York, be forthwith called into actual service, and a Circular Letter was written accordingly to the several County Lieutenants, which was recorded.

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL. 1 1776-1777 Page 354

Ordered that the Keeper of the public Magazine, repair to the landing to collect all the Ball and other Artillery stores now there, and have them removed to the Public Magazine.

Ibid. Page 369

Ordered that all persons, having Guns, Blankets or military Stores of any Kind belonging to the State do forthwith convey them to the public Magazine. Those who refuse or neglect to comply with this Order may depend being prosecuted.

PORTION OF THE JOURNAL OF EBENEZER HAZARD'S JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH, 1777.
(Original ms. in Historical Society of Pennsylvania, photostat in
Research Department, Colonial Williamsburg.)

...

[June] 7^th. Williamsburgh is situated upon a Ridge between the Rivers York on the North & James on the South, about 3 Miles from each of them, & 60 from the Capes of Virginia, called Henry & Charles.

The Capitol is at one End of, & across the main Street, & the College at & across the other, exactly a Mile distant.

Murphy, who forged Drafts on the Treasury is brought to Town; on the Way he attempted to make his Escape & was shot in the Shoulder by the Sergeant of the Guard, upon which he turned round & fired a Pistol which he had concealed at the Sergeant, but missed him. The Ball which wounded Murphy went quite through, & I think as he is rather plethoric & the Weather hot, the Wound will prove mortal. I went to see him; he appears to be uneasy in Mind, but affects an Air of Unconcern. The Magazine in Williamsburgh (in which Lord Dunmore villainously fixed Spring Guns with a Design to kill any Person who should enter the Door) is a small, circular, Brick Building; it is at present surrounded with Chevaux de Frize, made by Col. Bullit.

A find refreshing Rain, & a great Deal of it, fell today. It was much wanted as the Grain &c. have suffered greatly by the late extraordinary Drowth.

...

Public Store, Williamsburg.
Accounts, Volume 5. 1776 1778.
Virginia State Library Archives.

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, Ed.

In Council, Williamsburg, March 15, 1777

Ordered, that all persons having guns, bayonets or military stores of any kind belonging to the state, do forthwith convey them to the publick magazine. Those who refuse or neglect to comply with this order may depend upon being prosecuted.

(a copy)

Arch: Blair.

Jour. of the Council of the
State of Virginia
July 12, 1776 - October 2, 1777
Vol. 1 - p. 390

The Board having been informed that some of the muskets at York are unfit for use, it is ordered that the Commanding Officer at that station, do immediately send to Williamsburg all such, to be repaired and that he at the same time make a return of such as are in good repair.

Ibid. p. 467

The Lieutenant Governor is advised to Direct the Commanding Officer of the Troops of this Commonwealth to have field Carriages immediately made for the several 18 Pounders in and about this City and at Jamestown— Also to direct the Colonel of the City Militia to order fifty Men with their proper officers into immediate Service, to do Duty under the Commanding Officer at this Station all which the Lieutenant Governor directed accordingly.

Ibid. VOL. 2- 1777-781 Page 128

A Warrant was issued for fifty pounds payable to James Anderson upon Account as Public Armourer.

Public Stores, Williamsburg. [illegible]

Mss. Account Books, Virginia State Library Archives.

Virginia Williamsburg May 14th 1778

-Sloop Congress - Dr. to the public magazine for 29 lb. Powder

-Schooner Hornett pr. Capt. Hobbs Dr. To Public Magazine for 28 lb. Powder

100

Capt. Robert Putty of the Sloop Congress Dr.

To public Magazine for 29 lb. Powder

Public Stores, Williamsburg. 1778-1779

Mss. Account Books, Virginia State Library Archives.

Virginia Williamsburg 22d June 1778

-Schooner Boat Defiance Capt. Joseph Wrenn Dr.

To the Public Magazine Sundries Vizt

12 Muskets 36 flints 100..2l^b Ball

50 Swivels Ball 6 lb Sheet lead

2 Dutch Ovens 50 lb Powder

To 2.. 2 pounders 2 Swivels 2 Howits.

Boat Dolley Dr

To Public Magazine for 2 Iron Dutch Ovens.

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL. 1 1776-1777 Page 465

The Lieutenant Governor is advised to Direct Colonel Turner Southall to arm the Militia, ordered from Chestefield, in the best manner possible, out of the public Stock in the Magazine at Richmond, and to send the remainder of the good Arms forthwith to Williamsburg. The Lieutenant Governor accordingly wrote a Letter to Colonel Southall to that effect.

The Lieutenant Governor is advised to order the Keeper of the Magazine forthwith to cause all the Arms under his care which are unfit for use, to be immediately sorted & set apart for service, and to cause those which are out of Order to be repaired without Delay- and to deliver to Captain Quarles fifty Stand of Arms and twenty five pounds of Buck Shot for the use of York Garrison.

Also to direct the Armourer to employ every hand he has, or can procure, in repairing the public Arms. And the Lieutenant Governor is also advised to give the Commanding Officer, of the Troops at this Station, Instructions to be particularly upon his Guard at this time, as a large Body of y^e Enemy is now so near us — to keep a lookout at Burwells ferry - a strict Guard over y^e public Magazine of Ammunition, Arms & Stores, and the Treasury to Order a Captains Guard immediately to attend & assist y^e Keeper of y^e Magazine, & the Armourers in assorting & repairing the Arms & Accoutrements for Action - And to take charge of the Cannon now in the Magazine yard, & have them furnished with y^e necessary Apparatus, put under the particular Directions of such officers & Men, of the Troops under his command, as he may judge most Capable of serving them to advantage.

Ibid. VOL. 2 1777-1781 Page 185

The Governor, with the Advice of the Council, appointed & 101 Directed Captain Klauman to make a tour of all the Magazines in this State and to inspect the arms ammunition and public Stores at each of them, & to make report to this Board of the Number & Condition of the Arms, Ammunition, & the manner in which they are kept.

Auditor's Accounts, # 184
Admiralty, 1777
Virginia State Library Archives

Rec^d. in the Publick Magazine from Coll^o. I. Zane three large Iron Potts for the use of the Navy w^t 228 lb.

Gab^l. Maupin K.P.M.

Ibid.

Rec^d in the Publick Magazine from Coll^o I. Zane Six large Iron Potts for the use of the State Wt. 479 etc.

Gab^l Maupin K.P.M.

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
VOL 2 1777-1781 Page 200

A Warrant was issued for two hundred pounds payable to James Anderson upon Account as public Armourer.

Public Stores, Williamsburg. 1778-1778
Mss. Account Books, Virginia State Library Archives.

- Schooner Betsy Dr. To Public Magazine [illegible] 12 Gun tackle blocks 150 lbs. Gun Powder

[Endorsed] Gabl. Maupin's Pet. 10th Nov. 1778 referred to Claims Captains Rank allowed Lt. Col^o.Pay. reported Nov. 14th recommitted, Allowed 25 dollars p Month & Captains Rank & Rations. Reported Nov. 19th.

Mss. Virginia State Library Archives

To the Honble the Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly for the State of Virginia. The Petition of Gabriel Maupin — Humbly sheweth that your Petitioner having been appointed to be keeper of the public Magazine has while he could get a bare subsistence been content with his Salary— Because he well knew the large 102 Sums of money necessary to be expended by the public would dispose the Legislature to give no larger Salary than would barely support the officer in his employment— The great rise however of every necessary of Life has now rendered your Petitioners Salary greatly inadequate to the purpose for which it was given him - This consideration having induced your Honble Body to raise many officers Salaries who were engaged in the public Service. He humbly prays his case may be taken into consideration and such farther allowance made him as may seem to you, right and just.

Public Stores Williamsburg, 1778-1779
Mss. Account Books, Virginia State Library Archives.

- Sloop Dolley Henry Dr. to Sundry Accounts Vizt

Public Magazine 28 lbs. lead 15 Muskets

12 Cutlasses 15 Cartouch Boxes 100 Flints 8 Powder Horns 50 lbs. Musket Ball 2 armrests 2 Iron Pots 200 lbs Powder 200 lb. 2.Ball 200 Swivel Ball.

Ibid.

- Schooner Peace & Plenty Richard Hewit Dr.

To Public Magazine for Sundries, viz.

a pair of Pistols

6 lbs. of Powder

50 Swivel Ball

One Skillet

18 lb of led.

Ibid.

- Christopher Culley Dr.

To Public Magazine 27¾ lb. Iron

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Nicolson, Eds.

LAST Saturday Morning about 11 o'clock, a fire broke out in a house belonging to Mr. John Carter, near the magazine, but by the timely assistance of some soldiers and negroes, the fire was extinguished, without doing any other damage than burning part of the roof.

Auditors Account Book, 1780
No. 5, Page 94
Virginia State Library

Publick Goal D^r.

Warr^t. to Humphrey Harwood for work & Materials in repairing the walls . . . . £ 8:12:0

Army D^r.

Warr^t. to Humphrey Harwood for work & Materials in repairing Magazine guard House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11:12:0

Calendar of Virginia State Papers, 1652-1781
Richmond: 1875
Vol. I, p. 359.

Resolution requiring the Public Arms to be repaired without delay: for which purpose Workmen to be called from the Public Factory or elsewhere: and that the Executive provide supply of Cartridge Boxes & cartridge paper -

Ibid.
Vol. I, p. 407.

List of [illegible] Stores sent to Richmond from the Magazine in [illegible] by Capts Pelton & Jennings - Guns: Byonets, Pistols-Buck Shott, Musket Ball - Rifles, Halberts, Blunderbusses-

Virginia Magazine of History
Volume 18, p. [illegible].

Pension Declaration of William McLaurine. ( No date, but before January, 1781)

. . . The British Fleet was lying in sight, there was no battle or skirmish but one night there was a false alarm and all the troops were under arms. This tour he thinks lasted about one month. The British fleet having disappeared, the Troops were marched back to Williamsburg and deposited their arms in the Magazine situated close to the Lunatic Hospital at that place. They received no written discharges.

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Nicolson, Eds.

Strayed or Stolen on the 22nd of January from the new 104 Magazine, near Williamsburg, a likely bay horse, . . . Whoever will secure either of the above strays and deliver them either to Mr. Richard Booker in Williamsburg, or Mr. James Nutall at Gloucester Court House, shall receive 300 dollars reward, . . .

Mandrillon,
Le Spectateur Americain
Amsterdam: 1782
p. 167

. . . The Arsenal is near there; there are many squares or market places very large , . . .

James City County Petitions.

Va. State Library Archives.

Petition of Gabriel Maupin.

To the Hon^ble the Speaker & Gent: of the House of Delegates.

The Petition of Gabriel Maupin Humbly sheweth. That your Pet^r early in the late Contest with Great Britain, in the year 1776, received the appoint^mt of Keeper of the Magazine in and near the City of Williamsburg; in which Capacity he acted until the Close of the War; and in consequence of his assiduity in his office, the General Assembly at their session in the fall of 1779, gave your Pet^r the Rank & Priviledge of a Captain.

Your Petitioner therefore having devoted his Service in this Department during the whole of the War, and executed the Duty of it with Care and punctuality, humbly hopes that the General Assembly will extend to your Petitioner the same Bounty in Lands, as have been given to a Captain; and your Petitioner as in duty bound.

[Endorsed:]

Maupin Pet^r, June 11th, 1784, Ref^d to Props, prays for Captain's bounty (rejected), (Speciality).

Calendar of Virginia State Papers, 1790-1792.
Richmond: 1885.
Vol. 5, p. 85

The issue of arms and other military stores from the public magazine by Mr. Maupin, of Williamsburg, appear to have been very considerable, but the only Evidence I have as yet obtained, goes no farther than to prove the purchase of these stores, the delivery of them to Mr. Maupin, and that the militia were often in servic and the regular troops armed; altho' this is presumptive evidence 105 I would willingly procure more direct proof, which I hoped Mr. Langhorne would have obtained, but as he has not, I have addressed the enclosed to Mr. Maupin on the subject. Mr. Boush appears to have been keeper of the public naval store; whether he ever accounted for his issues, I cannot say; but I suppose not, as there seems to have been no office which took up that kind of business. He lives in Mr. Yarbrough's district, but as I do not know whether Mr. Yarbrough has engaged in the collection of vouchers or not, I have thought it the most certain expedient to write to Mr. Boush on the subject. Anything from your Excellency on this business will have weight, and stimulate the various agents to afford all the information they are able at so late a day.

The Commissioners of the board of three have consented that the charges founded on vouches of reception, may be sustained by vouchers of delivery, altho' they may not individually apply; a liberality of construction which I conceive will be productive of infinite advantage of our claims.

Calendar of Virginia State Papers
1790-1792, Vol. 5 page 340.

J. Pendleton to the Governor.

Enclosing decree of the General Court in the matter of certain State military officers claiming half pay and commutation under certain act or acts of the Gen'l Assembly, and requesting Instructions as to whether he shall take this decision to the "High Court of Appeals", &c. *

* The following names appear on this list: . . . Gabriel Maupin, keeper of the Public Magazines at W'msburg; . . .

Adams, Michael

New Royal System of Universal Geography, 1794.

London:1794. Page 361.

. . . Besides this college, there are some other handsome edifices in Williamsburg as the town house, the church, a magazine for arms and ammunition, a public prison, a fort, and a play-house.

Winterbotham, W.

An Historical, Geographical, and Philosophical View of the United States of America.

New York: 1796.

. . . The hospital for lunatics, a church, the town and county court-house, and a magazine now occupied as a market house, complete the list of public edifices: neither of them appears to have been 106 constructed with any view to architectural fame.

Calender of Virginia State Papers, 1799-1807
Richmond: 1890 Vol. IX, page 439.

At a meeting of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council, held at the Court-House in the city of Williamsburg, an ordinance passed requesting Ro.Greenhow, Mayor, to advise the Executive of the State of Virginia that a number of Iron 9 and 12 pound balls were lying in the Magazine yard in the city subject to the delapidation of any that ehoose to carry them off, and that they have been for a long time Instruments in the hands of the mischievous to break down the walls thereof. It was also suggested that Francis Bright, Capt. of the Revenue Cutter, had some years ago received part of them, which it was conceived the Government of the United States was chargeable with; the number of which might probably be ascertained by himself.

In compliance with which Requisition, the above is respectfully submitted by their most obed't,

Ro. Greenhow, Mayor.

Anderson, Robert
Day Book, 1819-1822. No.8- Page 37.

Markets House dr To Merchandise
1 pad lock for inner door 1.00 1 stove
$10.00	$11.
putting up stove 1.00 repairing walk &c.
1.99	2.

Ward, Robert D.
An Account of General La Fayette's Visit to Virginia.
Richmond: 1881. Page 15.

... The shell of the magazine of powder, which kindled, as it were, the first flames of the Revolution in Virginia, still stands on the main street.

Witt, Reverend Daniel
Manuscript Note Book now in Baptist Historical Society.
University of Richmond

Jany 3... in the evening rode to Williamsburg where I am to preach tomorrow.

Jany 4... In the morning I visited the lunatic hospital ... Preached at twelve o'clock in the Episcopalian meeting house (in Williamsburg) to a large congregation, the people were very attentive except the students of William & Mary College who behaved disgracefully, tarried all night at Bro.Lucas.

Little, L. Peyton
History of the Grafton Baptist Church, York Co., Virginia.
Privately printed, n.d.
Page 13.

... These resolutions left no doubt in the minds of many that a separation was imperative and unavoidable but others seem to have clong to the hope that in some way they would be rescinded or modified, at the next meeting of the Dover. in 1832 the resolutions were passed, but it remained for the next association to put them into practice. So the Dover Association that convened at Williamsburg in 1833 may be set down as the time when the dividing line was drawn between the Baptist Church and the "Reformers" or the followers of Alexander Campbell. As the Association met with the Zion Baptist Church, we presume its sessions were held in the "Powder Horn" of Revolutionary fame^*, which was the regular meeting house of the Zion Church of that time. This old brick octagonal shaped building was surrounded by a ten-foot brick wall two feet thick and located twenty-one feet from the building. It constituted rather a strong fortress for that day and time, and certainly was a peculiar place for a Baptist Church to hold its services. Nevertheless the Zion Church used this old building for twenty-six years. This public magazine or arsenal was built in 1715 and when trouble between England and the colonists arose, the Royal Governor Dunmore, removed the powder from the old building. ... NoW in 1833, the Dover Association meeting in this same old building, is rent asunder and another separation is about to take place—a separation of brethren who had known and loved each other for years.

We are indebted to a historian of the Disciple Denomination, Rev. Frederick Arthur Hodge, for the information that still another historic building in Williamsburg figured in this conflict. He states that the course of the procedure of the Dover Association at the memorable meeting of 1833, was agreed upon at a pre-breakfast conference held at the celebrated "Raleigh Tavern" ...

Tyler's Quarterly Magazine
Vol. 9, pages 46-7.

... "Virginia, City of Richmond, to wit: This day Robert Greenhow,^* an inhabitant of said city & in the seventy third year of his age - being by me duly sworn, deposed - That at the beginning of the Revolutionary War the [illegible] of Williamsburg, among them he was one formed themselves into a military corps and chose Henry Nicholson for their captain. That on Dunsmores flight from Williamsburg - they repaired to the magazine, and armed themselves with the blue painted stock guns, kept for the purpose of distributions among the Indians - and [illegible] as the minute men and volunteers were in military garb. that is to say - with hunting shirts - Trousers - buckstails - cockadades and Liberty or Death appended to their breasts as their motto - That they could and did perform all the evolutions of the manuel exercise, far better than the soldiers who were daily arriving from the adjacent counties. That their Captain (Henry Nicholson) - he supposes was then about Fourteen years old - That he, doth not know at what period he entered into the State Service - but he knows that two of three years before the close of the War, he knew him as a Cornet in Troops of Horse - commanded, he thinks, by Jno. Nelson - That he (Henry Nicholson) did serve to the end of the was, he is convinced from the circumstance that after Cornwallis left Williamsburg - and quartered himself in York - the Officers who were then in the environs, were in the habit of occasionaly visiting their female acquaintances that Henry Nicholson, he firmly believes - was one of those officers - that they would frequently stay until the sound of Tarlton's bugle - a little before day, told them it was necessary to be off - That Henry Nicholson fond of Military life and had no other employment, - and that from these circumstances he firmly believes Henry Nicholson did not leave the service until there was no farther use or employment for him in the service - Robert Greenhow [illegible]" "Sworn to and subscribed by Robert Greenhow - before me, Joseph [illegible] Mayor of said City this ninth day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty three - and I do farther certify, that said Rob. Greenhow is one of our most respectable inhabitants - and entitled to full credit. Joseph Tate, Mayor, of the City of Richmond."

Tyler's Quarterly Magazine
Vol. 9, pages 46-7.

...

"Virginia, City of Richmond, to wit: This day Robert Greenhow,^* an inhabitant of said city & in the seventy third year of his age - being by me duly sworn, deposed - That at the beginning of the Revolutionary War the youth of Williamsburg, among whom he was one formed themselves into a military corps and chose Henry Nicholson for their captain. That on Dunsmores flight from Williamsburg - they repaired to the magazine, and armed themselves with the blue painted stock guns, kept for the purpose of distributions among the Indians - and equip^d as the minute men and volunteers were in military garb. that is to say - with hunting shirts - Trousers - buckstails - cockadades and Liberty or Death appended to their breasts as their motto - That they could and did perform all the evolutions of the manuel exercise, far better than the soldiers who were daily arriving from the adjacent counties. That their Captain (Henry Nicholson) - he supposes was then about Fourteen years old - That he, doth not know at what period he entered into the State Service - but he knows that two of three years before the close of the War, he knew him as a Cornet in Troops of Horse - commanded, he thinks, by Jno. Nelson - That he (Henry Nicholson) did serve to the end of the war, he is convinced from the circumstance that after Cornwallis left Williamsburg - and quartered himself in York - the Officers who were then in the environs, were in the habit of occasionaly visiting their female acquaintances that Henry Nicholson, he firmly believes - was one of those officers - that they would frequently stay until the sound of Tarlton's bugle - a little before day, told them it was necessary to be off - That Henry Nicholson fond of Military life and had no other employment, - and that from these circumstances he firmly believes Henry Nicholson did not leave the service until there was no farther use or employment for him in the service - Robert Greenhow Sen^r" "Sworn to and subscribed by Robert Greenhow - before me, Joseph Tate, Mayor of said City this ninth day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty three - and I do farther certify, that said Rob. Greenhow is one of our most respectable inhabitants - and entitled to full credit. Joseph Tate, Mayor, of the City of Richmond."

Taylor, James B.
Virginia Baptist Ministers
Philadelphia: 1859. Page 438.

SCERVANT JONES

Scervant Jones was born in April, 1785, in Warwick County, Virginia. Of his early life little is known except that he entered into the study of law, which he afterwards practiced in James City County. He also represented that county in the State Legislature. The first church he joined is not known, nor the circumstances of his conversion. He did not commence preaching until considerably advanced in life.

An intimate friend, who knew him well, gives the following recollections of his ministry, "He had charge of the Baptist Church in Williamsburg for several years before he went there to live. He was then residing at his farm called King's Creek, about seven miles from Williamsburg. He had also charge, for many years, of a Baptist congregation which met at an old church (formerly Episcopal) in York County called Kiskiak Church, vulgarly called "Cheesecake". Both of these charges he continued until his death. A year or two before this event, he set on foot the design of erecting a house of worship for the Baptists in Williamsburg, they having for many years used for that purpose, by the permission of the town authorities, a well-known ante-revolutionary public building, devoted originally to the purposes of a powder magazine, which was too small for the convenient assembling of those who came to worship. Mr. Jones' purpose, in consequence of his failing health, was not consummated until after his death. He had succeeded by zealous efforts, in collecting several hundred dollars in Williamsburg and elsewhere for this object, and went so far as to have the corner-stone laid.

. . .

In 1833 the Dover Association was held, at his instance, in Williamsburg, and the church having then but a few members, a large part of the expense was cheerfully borne by him...

This devoted servant of Christ died April 25th, 1854, aged seventy.

Tylor's Quarterly Magazine
Vol. 6, Page 46-7.

Jones Family of Warwick County.

. . . There were other members of this family of Jones, who appear in the Records. Several of them may be mentioned. Scervant Jones appears in 1736 in Isle of Wight Co., and the Virginia Gazette announces the death of Capt. Scervant Jones, justice of Warwick, Feb.4,1772. Rev.Scervant Jones a well known Baptist minister who preached in the "Powder Horn" in Williamsburg, was born in Warwick County, April 3d, 1785, and died in Williamsburg April 3, 1854. (Richmond Enquirer) He married Anne Timson Buckner of York County, and on her death a Mrs. Pollard, but he had no children...

William and Mary College Quarterly
1st series, Vol.21, page 137.

. . . The two offices appendages of Lord Dunmore's palace, are still extant, as also the powder magazine, the contents of which were seized by Henry and his company at the dawn of the Revolution. It is a small round brick edifice, with a conical roof, and now converted into a Baptist meeting house.

Southall Papers, William and Mary College.

April 6, 1842.

John E. Pierce's

Assignment of Claim on Corporation of Wmsburg. for

$25.00

At a Court of Common Council held for the City of Williamsburg, at the Court house in the said City, on the 6th day of April 1842.

Resolved that John E. Pierce be directed to procure a lock for the market house and [illegible]pair the door, and to unlock the same for market purposes every morning at day light, and to lock it Ten O'clock A.M.-

Resolved that the said John E. Pierce be allowed the sum of Twenty-five dollars per annum as a compensation for the services required of him.

Howe, Henry
Historical Collections of Virginia
Charleston,S.C. 1847. Pages 327-8.

Facing the public square is the house—shown on the right of the annexed view—in which, a few years since, resided President Tyler. On the square stands the Old Magazine, built about 120 years ago, and memorable as being the building from which Lord Dunmore, in 1775, removed the powder belonging to the colony on board the Magdale man-of-war, which arbitrary act threw the whole of Virginia into a state of ferment,and occasioned the first assembling of an armed forc in the colony in opposition to royal authority. (Engraving on page 328.)

Lossing, Benson J.
Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution
New York: 1850 Vol. 2, page 263-4.

A. A little eastward of Palace Street or Court, is the public square, on which area are two relies of the olden time, Breton (sic) Church, a cruciform structure with a steeple, and the old Magazine, an octagon building erected during the administration of Governor Spotswood. The sides of the latter are each twelve feet in horizonta 110 extent. Surrounding it, also in octagon form, is a massive brick wall, which was constructed when the building was erected. This wall is somewhat delapidated as seen in the engraving. The building was occupied as a Baptist meeting-house when I visited Williamsburg, and I trust it may never fall before the hand of improvement, for it has an historical value in the minds of all Americans. The events which hallowed it will be noticed presently.

(Engraving on p.264 shows wall and building with numerous doors and windows.)

Forrest, William S.
Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Norfolk,etc.
Philadelphia: 1853. Page 479.

The old magazine, erected one hundred and twenty years ago, from which Lord Dunmore removed the powder, in 1775, has been repaired, and is now used by the Baptists as a place of worship. There are, also, several old buildings formerly connected with Dunmore's palace... The Methodist and Protestant Episcopal denominations have each a church. There are also here, a Female College, Military Academy, and other institutions of learning.

"The Owl"
Student publication, William & Mary College.

The new Baptist Church in Williamsburg, towering aloft above all the surrounding objects, although not finished may be seen three years off. Why isn't this church we so much need in our midst completed? Fie, for shame! Our Owl thinks thinks it must be a judgment for pulling down a part of an old revolutionary relic to hide it beneath the surface of the earth to be used for the foundation to a meeting house. Our bird says they ought to have gone "the whole hog or none", they should have built a large brick church employed a balloon and lifted the whole of the "powder horn" up safely and deposited it on the edifice for its steeple, and then verily the Baptist Church would have been exalted. Who has the audacity to say it wouldn't? Speak, for him has our Owl offended.

William & Mary Quarterly
1st Series, Vol. 26 Pages 215-216.

Williamsburg in 1855. "The City of Williamsburg is proppering. Improvements of all kinds are giving to the ancient metropolis an air of youth which emphatically predicts its future prominence among the cities of the Old Dominion... Two Baptist churches, (one for the use of the white and the other for the use of the colored congregations) and a Court House, are now in progress of erection, besides numerous private residences, stores, &c. ..." "From a letter dated in Williamsburg, October 1, 1855, published in the Richmond Daily National American and republished in the Virginia

Gazette, October 11, 1855.
Williamsburg Weekly Gazette
Ewing, J.H., Ed.

Market Exercises.- On Thursday last, the market exercises commenced. The Marketonians opened the meeting and seemingly without the least disposition to chant or give gloria inexcelsis to the fathers for having so kindly considered their comfort and interest by having the relishable Horn minus mint and whiskey fixed for them on that morning... The Horn however will prove a source of revivification to more than vendors of [illegible] - even our citizens are allowed to participate in its comforts, all they will have to do, will be to walk up to the Powder Horn and help themselves... The dead meats we there saw were very nice and tempting, sufficient to excite the palate of the most luxurious epicure.

William & Mary College Quarterly

1st series, Vol. 16, page 161.

Diary of Colonel William Winston Fontaine.

Feb.20th, 1859. Williamsburg. After breakfast walked to the College, then to the old Powder House, then to the old Palace..."

Charles, John S.
Recollections of Williamsburg.
(Mss. Research Department) Page 38.

The old "[illegible] Horn" looks much like it did in the "long ago". According to the writer's recollection, this historical structure had two stories, or floors; the lower front door was on a level with the ground, and the upper floor was reached by a flight of steps, built on the eastern side of the lower door. The upper floor was used as a church by the Baptists, before they built their present church, while the lower floor was used as a market house before the War, and afterwards used as a stable until it was bought and restord to its present condition by the A.P.V.A.

... In the rear of the Powder Horn facing on Francis Street, stood a longone-story brick building, whose roof, window shutters and doors were covered with metal. There were three front doors opening into the clerk's offices of the various courts then held there ...This old clerk's office on Francis Street was destroyed by fire during the War.

Lee, Mrs. Victoria
Williamsburg in 1861.
(Mss. Research Department) Page 78.

The Powder Horn, in which powder was sometimes stored during the war [War Between the States], has not been changed in [illegible]

City of Williamsburg.
Deed Book I, p. 271

William R. [illegible] Douglas, mayor of said city

to

Moses R. Harrell, Jr. of said city.

....lot of land and houses for consideration paid to said William Douglas....

William & Mary Quarterly.

1st series, Vol. 4, p. 71.

Book Reviews.

(Review of "Richard Mowry, of Uxbridge, Mass.: a Family History. By William A. Mowry, Providence: 1878.)

...The following letter is worth quoting from his letter to the editor: "I was at Williamsburg in my army experience in 1863. I visited Williamsburg again with my wife and a party from Massachusetts in 1887. We wandered through the halls of William and Mary, had a long and very pleasant chat with President Ewell, good old man, visited Bruton Church and the Powder House, saw the three communion services, the old fort, etc, ..."

YEAR BOOK OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VIRGINIA ANTIQUITIES FOR 1896 & 1897.

Introduction

....Impressed with these facts and with the need of concerted action, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities was formed January 4, 1888, in Williamsburg, the Colonial capital of Virginia.

The first step was to purchase and then restore the old Colonial Magazine in Williamsburg, commonly known as the "Powder Horn." This was followed by the purchase of the Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg...

Letter book of Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman
Lent Research Dept. by Miss Elizabeth Coleman

You have good reason to remember Williamsburg. If with much of pain it was alleviated by something of pride, for did you not on her sacred soil shed your blood for Virginia and the South, Though a prisoner of War you had yet the privilege of marking well her networks, and viewing her many points of interest. From the windows of your own little room, where the hours would have passed tediously but for your taste and thirst for historic reading, you could see the powder horn, reminder of Sir A-S-At the head of the Street stood William & M. her halls no longer echoing 113 to the voice of professor & student but to the tramp of a hostile Army. Bruton Church reared her head silently among the trees covering her dead. The palace building destined to fall before the [illegible], then stood as memorials of colonial state and a line of historic events dear to every Virginian. It is in behalf of the preservation of this building that I now write to you. You are doubtless aware of the formation of an Association for the P. of A. of Va. with Mrs. G. Lee as its head. The Association desires the purchase, repair of the Spotswood magazine before it becomes a total ruin. Feb. 6^th 1888 one of the octagon sides fell, yesterday half of another gave way. Immediate steps should be taken for its purchase and then repair - subsequently it will be converted into a Museum. There is not money in the Treasury to do this thing. Perhaps _____ will be required to accomplish the whole plan. Will you not give it, and thus associate your name with those of Spottswood and Patrick Henry? The one built the other _____ may it not be yours to [illegible] from decay? In preserving the ruins and monuments of the State we are picking up the links in the historic [illegible] connecting the present Virginia with her great and noble past.

I pray that I ask you not in vain. Few could give as you can and as I trust you will - in princely fashion.

Ibid.

The Colonial Capital Branch of the Antiquarian Association for the preservation of the Antiquities has purchased the Powder Magazine at Williamsburg.

octagon

This Magazine it will be remembered was built by Alexander Spotswood when Lieut. Gov. of the Colony. It was the repository of arms and ammunition- and it was from this building that Lord D. clandistinely in the night caused to be moved the powder and put on board the Magdalen man of war. This act of purfidy met with prompt and just punishment from the hand of P. H. who required payment in full for the powder. It will thus be seen that this magazine is intimately associated with the memory of three Governors of Virginia and with a stormy [illegible] in the history of the Colony and of the State?

Its purchase has long been contemplated and the work of repair will immediately begin to prevent its becoming a total wreck. From a powder magazine it has passed through many changes. At one time a Baptist Church it was subsequently devoted to the fascinations of Terpiscore, finally falling to the lowest rung on the ladder of fate it was converted to the vile uses of a stable. Now in the hands of A- it will be [illegible] into a Museum and become the repository of the curiosities of the section in which it is located. Any persons interested in this work can contribute to it by communicating with the Secretary of, the Colonial Capital Branch.

A. P. V. A.
Year Book, 1904, p. 37.

Report of the Norfolk Branch.

( Facsimile of check dated November 6, 1888, to M. R. Harrell from M. J. Galt, and facsimile of the following endorsement on the back of the check.)

This is the check rec'd from Miss M. J. Galt for first payment on purchase of the Powder Horn for the A. P. V. A. The purchase was delayed on account of not agreeing as to amount of land to be conveyed. This check was returned to her after the Powder Horn was purchased later.

M. R. Harrell.

Witness as to signature
H. N. Phillips
Ca's.

_____

I feel sure that all the members of the Association will be much interested in the reading of our report which I have been able to send for the illustration of the Year Book. It is the facsimile of the first check proffered by the Association for the purchase of a piece of historic property, and was offered through one of the members of the Norfolk Branch for the purchase of the old Powder Horn in Williamsburg, and is a most interesting relic of the early days of our Associations ...

Ibid.

Origin of the A. P. V. A.

...Then active work began. Miss Galt applied to Mr. Moses R. Harrell, owner of the Powder Magazine - commonly called "Powder Horn" - in Williamsburg, for the purchase of this historic building. A form of agreement -now preserved - was drawn up for the purchase. As Miss Galt did not have the funds in hand for the first payment, Mr. Barton Myers offered to advance the sum - fifty dollars - for that purpose.

The check for this amount was filled out on "The Citizens Bank of Norfolk", and dated "November 6, 1888." It was made payable to "M. R. Harrell", and signed "M. J. Galt".

"The bargain was not completed at once on account of some disagreement as to amount of front lot to go with building." The matter was pending a long time and the purchase not actually made until later.

Miss Galt still retains the uncashed check and the form of agreement as precious souvenirs.

Letter of Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman lent Research Dept. by Miss Eliza-
beth Coleman

Yesterday a skilled mechanic was sent up by Mr. Post, engineer at Newport News, to inspect the powder magazine in which we are so much interested. He reports that it can be repaired and at a cost of about $150 — not more perhaps less.

Mrs. Smith and I directed him to have made at once the iron rods necessary for its immediate support. And now that we may run no risk of loss it is needful that we enter into some sort of written agreement (which shall be temporary) with Mr. [illegible] binding him and securing us, and those who shall hereafter be associated with us. Will you, therefore, write signifying your willingness to this arrangement and allow us to use your name jointly with M^rs Smith's and my own.

I have sent the petition to M^rs Lee to get the names of incorporators which will then be returned to me and by me forwarded to you. Let me have your reply at an early day.

Letter to Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman
lent Research Dept. by Miss Elizabeth Coleman
Wm. Wirt Henry
Law Office
1111 Main Street

Yours of the 18^th has been received & M^rs Pryor's enserted in the number of petitioners for the charter & I have this morning deposited the charter with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, which gives it vitality.

I suppose there ought to be an organization at once, & a proceeding to business under a constitution and by laws. The purchase, or gift of the Powder Horn can be effected at once by a deed to the Association.

I enclose you the first draft of the petition for a corporation which was put up on a typewriter.

I am sorry I cannot spare a day for Williamsburg just now as I am very busy. I have long intended to pay a special visit to the Old Capital and anticipated much pleasure in making your personal acquaintance.

Letter book of Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman
Lent to Research Dept. by Miss Elizabeth Coleman

...

Innumerable private residence have gone down before the insatiate foe, and this morning when the alarm was given that the Colonial Powder Magazine was in danger from a burning building near by many a heart sank in consternation. A volunteer Fire Brigade was soon at work with a small engine or pump for the E. L. [illegible] and under the direction of the Mayor of the City a steady play was kept up over burning roof and the fire was finally arrested. But not before our light__________roof had been drenched_____ _____ burnt, and the oddly shaped cupola with its lightning rod at right angles with the roof had fallen. This building is perhaps one of the most interesting in the State from its connection with Sir Alexander 8- Lord Dunmore and Patrick Henry. It is associated with stirring events in Colonial and Revolutionary History. Recently purchased by the C. B. of the A. A. with the view of converting it into a Museum. No progress has, however, been made in that direction from the difficulty of obtaining the services of a skilled Mechanic. The Executive Board of the C. C. B. would be glad to hear from any mechanic prepared to undertake the work.

Ibid.

What you have heard with regard to alterations in the powder magazine is not true. I will tell you what is true.

Some two months ago the Colonial Capital Branch decided upon the purchase of the Magazine at $400.00 As a mere pile of bricks an mortar they were aware that they were giving an extravagant price for which they would be inexcusable but for the historic associations connected with it. The owner was proof against blandishment and eloquence, and would make no abatement in his price other than to become a Life member of the C. C. B. He also gave time for payment suited to the exigencies of the Association. The Colonial C. Branch expects to raise this amount by its own efforts. The next step was to secure a suitable person to undertake the work of restoration and repair. Therefore, a member of the Advisory Board in Richmond (Mr. Bryan) was appealed to. He failed to secure the man desired, but promised to be on the lookout for someone. Time passed the work of disintegration progressing until a climax was reached on the morning of the 8^th when the building took fire and was with difficulty saved. It was very seriously damaged. I will explain. In the center of the roof was a knob, I call it a cupola for courtesy sake, on which all the uprightrafters rested and which in fact supported the entire edifice the walls being held in place by the roof & the roof supported by the Cupola. This was burned and fell. You may imagine from what I have said the present precarious condition of the building. Two of its sides have long ago fallen and two more bulging in such a way as to make it unsafe to be in the neighborhood.

In despair of obtaining the needed aid for I had written many letters about it I determined to send my youngest son to R. on the afternoon of the 9th He went with instructions to see and consult 117 with Judge Crump, Mr. Joseph Bryan, or Mr. Charles Poindexter, all of whom were known to him. The two former gentlemen were out of the City, but he saw M^r P. who advised him to seek certain brick workmen, which he did, receiving the universal response that it was impossible for them to undertake the work as their hands were full. My son also had a letter from M^r Lyon G. Tyler, who is one of the Advisors of this Branch, to an architect M^r Higham requesting him to come down and see what could be done. He too, was absent, but the letter was left for him and he came some three or four days ago. The weather was very bad and I could not get out. Mr. Higham saw and consulted with M^r Tyler He made me two visits, and represented the condition of the powder horn as being more perilous than even I had imagined. He first advised that a fence should be put around it, as a protection to people and animals as it was liable to fall at any moment. He said that it would be necessary to take down the two bulging walls, two being already down, thus leaving half of the building in its integrity. The rafters supporting the roof were some of them in a crumbling condition. I felt very miserable and anxious from the responsibility resting upon me, and in the needed haste for action my inability to seek counsel of anyone, I may have acted unwisely but I placed the matter in his hands promising to pay $350. for its preservation and restoration to its original form. M^r Higham is fully alive to the importance of its being restored not altered and was anxious for a photograph (I told him where he could get one) as being more exact than any other picture for a guide. The bricks that have fallen are badly broken & very imperfect, it will be necessary to get others. It was therefore, suggested to get an old chimney all that is left of the first Courthouse in this place, some bricks from the foundations of the P. & H. Capitol and Spottswood Palace buildings that are all gone leaving but a wreck behind. These bricks it was thought would lend an interest which no new bricks could give.

I believe this is the entire history of the transaction. I was not aware that it was expected of this Branch to consult with the Central Branch about this purchase and these repairs, but thought it was an understood thing that the work was to go on, under the management and direction of the Colonial C. Branch. If I have failed in courtesy I am sorry for it.

I have used repeated efforts to get members of the Association in R. to visit W. with a view of examining into the condition of the building &c. and giving us the aid of their wisdom and experience We have asked nothing more, and have failed in this.

Perhaps it would be well for those members of the Advisory Board who have sent in their "protest" through you to see M^r Higham and hear what he has to say about it. I have no objection to their assuming the responsibility and breaking the verbal contract with M^r Higham if they think proper to do so.

Ibid.

On the morning of the 8th of Sept. we were rudely startled from our morning naps by the cry of fire —and my consternation was extreme when I found Harrell's Stables on fire, you will probably remember their propinquity to the powder horn and the blot made by them upon the landscape. I hurried to the scene to find the roof of the magazine actually on fire, with a ladder resting upon the tottering walls up and down which a volunteer fire company was running to and fro with buckets of water &c. Finally the flames were extinguished but not before that little knob in the center had fallen together with the lightning rod. This little knob was of great importance for it seems that all of the rafters rested upon and were supported by it. The plight of this interesting relic is very deplorable. I sent one of my sons the next evening up to Richmond to seek advice of the Advisory Board of the Antiquarian A. or to get an architect to come down and see what could be done. This gentleman followed in a few days and pronounced the magazine to be in a very critical state requiring the promptest attention.

He advised as a preliminary step that a danger signal in the form of a fence should be put around it, to warn off people and animals as there was no knowing at what moment the bulging walls might fall. He also gave it as his opinion that those bulging walls should be taken down and rebuilt exactly as they had been with bricks of the same period from old foundations a chimney - some from the palace and some from the P. H. Capitol. He also stated that the rafters of the roof were crumbling from decay. He offered to restore the whole to its former condition for $350. This sum is considered extravagant by the Central Committee who assume jurisdiction and what will ultimately be their decision I cannot tell. I suppose the culpable delay will result in the fall of the entire structure. We have purchased it promising to pay $400. Our desire was to make it a museum. I feel almost in despair about it, and will be thankful to you for any word of cheer. The Board of Managers will have their quarterly meeting in R. on the 8. If therefore you will address your reply to me setting forth any views you may be willing to advance a letter will reach me No. 508 E. F. and I will lay it before the Board of Managers of which honorable body I am a member.

Ibid.

The Officers of the Colonial C. B. have contracted with M^r Harrell the owner of the Powder Magazine for the purchase of the same at $400 which they propose to raise themselves without appealing for aid from the Central Committee.

The present condition of the building owing to the passages of time and the recent fire is very critical, and in the opinion of competent judges requires skilled labour to preserve it from speedy and complete destruction. The C. C. B. is unable single-handed to [illegible] these repairs in addition to the large sum demanded for the purchase. It must therefore, look to the C. Committee & to the patriotic else where for the needed assistance.

Legal papers conveying the title of the Magazine from Mr. [illegible] 119 to the Association will be drawn by the advisors of the Colonial Capital Branch. Payments are to be made to suit the convenience of the C. C. B. A Trust Deed on the building being necessary the C. C. B. wishes instructions from the Central Committee with regard to same.

Letter to Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman
Lent to Research Dept. by Miss Elizabeth Coleman

Graves & Blakey, Law Office No. 1 Court Square

Mrs. C. B. T. Coleman Williamsburg, V^a.

My dear Madam.

Your kind favor was received on yesterday; and was read with much pleasure. I chanced to see Maj. H. C. Semple shortly after I read it; and mentioned to him the "Powder Horn" enterprise! He at once said, "Well! We will send ten, each, to help preserve it". So I inclose Draft on New York for $20.00. I would be glad if you would acknowledge his contribution personally. I hope to see you next Summer, and show you my interesting family. Pardon a husband & father's pride! I feel great gratification to know that the old College is doing so well. If I had some boys,it would give me pleasure to patronize it.

Letter to Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman
Lent Research Dept. by Miss Elizabeth Coleman.

Walter R. Higham, Architect Room 15, Shafer Building Richmond, Virginia

Mrs. Dr. Coleman

Dear Madam

Press of work has hithertoo since the receipt of your letter of the 17th, prevented my arrangement of a visit to Williamsburg to attend to the Powder horn. I will, however, be down on Wednesday next to start the work of restoration.

Letter Lent to Research Dept. by Miss Elizabeth Coleman

Walter R. Higham, Architect Room 15 Shafer Building Richmond, Virginia

M^rs. Coleman

Dear Madam

I feel that I owe you an apology for failing to answer your letter of the 31^st Ulti^mo but every day since the bad weather prevented me from keeping my first appointment seems to have found me, on account of press of business, unable to make another appointment.

Will you be kind enough to return the sketches I sent, as, before making any arrangements with a builder, it is necessary to have everything down in writing and I kept no copy of the sketches.

On looking over the letter you sent me on Oct 17th I find that all the money necessary to build up the walls and repair the roof was not at present in hand, about $180, only in the treasury.

Before answering your question as to how much time can be given for deferred payments I shall have to consult with a builder, and before talking with a builder will have to draw up some specifications which I can do very quickly after receipt of the sketches from you.

Hoping to be able to start very soon, I remain,

Ibid.

Walter R. Higham, Architect Room 15, Shafer Building, Richmond, Virginia

M^rs. D^r. Coleman.

Dear Madam.

This will introduce to you.M^r Stewart who represents me in the transaction of any business connected with the restoration of the "Old Powder Horn". Mr. Stewart is very accomplished in his profession and is fully posted as to the requirements of the case and will, I hope and am sure, make all satisfactory arrangements to commence and carry on the work. I have to explain that press of business will prevent my leaving the city for the next fortnight or three weeks and I therefore asked M^r Stewart to attend to it, for me.

I ought further to explain that the architectural fee for my service was not included in the 350 dollars named by me to you as the cost of rebuilding walls and restoring the roof of the Building.

As regards the architectural fee I must refer you to a recent letter I sent you on the back of which is a printed schedule of fees usually charged by the profession, also to my remarks connected therewith. 121 M^r Stewart will make any further explanation that may be necessary.

As regards deferred payments to the Contractor, I could suggest that the Society could possibly regulate that better by giving their note or notes for any money that may be due after paying what ever they are able to do when the work is done according to the specifications if this method would be agreeable to you I should suppose that it would meet the views of the Contractor as he could then get them cashed and have the use of the money.

In conclusion I would say that M^r Stewart can give all information that you may require.

From: Papers of Mrs. Cynthia B. T. Coleman
Lent Restoration by Miss Elizabeth Coleman

AGREEMENT of Contract made and entered into this 15th day of November 1889 between the Colonial Capital Branch of the Antiquarian Society of Virginia, party of the first part, and W. H. [illegible] of Williamsburg, Va., party of the second part,

Witnesseth:-

That, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, the said party of the second part hereby agrees to restore the Walls & Roof of the "Old Powder Horn" Building at Williamsburg, Va., according to the following Specifications

Brickwork

Take down, clean and hack for future use, all Bricks found upon Site & so designated.

Deliver upon the ground Bricks to be furnished by the Society, and for which an allowance will be made to the Society, not to exceed Three Dollars & fifty cents per Thousand.

Foundations to be strengthened by building piers of hard brick under existing Walls.

Build a suitable foundation of hard brick to receive Walls that are to be entirely rebuilt.

Take down defective portions of Walls & rebuild so as to restore the original Octagonal form of Building.

Openings for Doors & Windows to be left so as to correspond with original design of Building.

All openings now existing in Walls except those declared as having existed in the original design, are to be closed up with brickwork; and wherever new brick work joins the old it must be toothed in so as to continue the present bonding on the face, which [illegible] be preserved throughout, and the Belt course is to be restored.

122

Wood Work

The present Roof is to be shoved up and sustained in safety before the Walls are touched.

Rafters, Ceiling joists and Wall plates to be repaired or replaced by new ones where necessary.

The Finial to be repaired & restored to position.

Great care must be taken to repair the Cornice & preserve the original design in every detail.

Repair and renew Sheathing & Re-Shingle the Roof.

The Semi-Circular window frame to be repaired & restored to place; care being taken to preserve its present outward appearance.

A new Door Frame & door to be furnished & erected in the position of the original entrance.

Floor

The present Earth Floor to be properly graded to hard bottom, and covered with the refuse Brick & Mortar, which is to be rammed into place until within 4 inches of the level of the original Door Sill — the remaining 4 inches to be finished with 3 inches of Concrete covered with One inch of Portland Cement &Coarse Sand mixed [illegible] the proportions of One part of Cement to two parts of Sand. The Cement to be furnished at the cost of the Society.

The whole of the work to be finished on or before the 1st of January, 1890.

Whereupon; in consideration of the above Specifications being faithfully performed by the party of the second part, the party of the first part doth hereby agree & bind itself to pay to the party of the second part, the Sum of Six Hundred (600) Dollars, upon the final completion and acceptance of the work by the party of the first part or its Agent : which sum when so paid shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of the party of the second part for all work done in accordance with these Specifications.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals the day and date first above written

Cynthia B. T. Coleman, Director of Colonial Capital Branch of Association for the Preservation of Virginia [illegible]

City of Williamsburg
Deed Book II, p. 332-333

Moses R. Harrell to Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.

Consideration: $400.

... that octagon-shaped structure commonly called the "Powder Horn" and all that piece parcel or tract of land on which it is erected and bounded by lines running parallel to the walls of the said Powder Horn and at a distance without the same ten feet from the center of said 123 walls respectively and forming an octagon figure: also that further piece (described in annexed plat and made part of the deed).

Letter to Mrs. C. B. T. Coleman
Lent by Miss Elizabeth Coleman

My dear Mrs. Coleman:

It is now just ten years since our long-to-be-remembered visit to Williamsburg, but the courtesies then shown us have remained freshly in mind everysince. A newspaper paragraph, concerning the admirable work of your association for the Powder Horn and the Fredericksburg house, and your proposal regarding the Jamestown ruins, leads me to congratulate you very heartily on the progress made. I subscribed for the Williamsburg Gazette, to "keep posted" about the city and the college, but its visits ceased with a suddenness that led me to suppose that the paper had given up the ghost. Nor have I happened to see any item of late about William and Mary, which ought now to be in its third year of renewed life. I hope sectarian jealousy did not take away its state aid; for if Virginia can afford to give $10,000 a year to anything it is to her most ancient seat of learning, especially as its present utility is equal to its past renown. President Tyler, with his union of [illegible] 124 to the past, and of full knowledge of the "practical politics" of today has doubtless continued to ward off difficulties, if any have come.

...

I keep some little track of your son's work by reading, with pleasure, whatever of his I see. Mrs. Richardson and I both wan to be remembered very kindly to Dr. Coleman and yourself, and to Miss Coleman and both your sons.

YEAR BOOK OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VIRGINIA
ANTIQUITIES FOR 1896 and 1897.
P. 35-36

Report of Colonial Capital Branch for 1896.

A window to the memory of Governor Alexander Spotswood was unveiled in the Powder Magazine (built during his administration by order of the General Assembly) on November the 11th, 1896, with appropriate ceremonies. The Hon. John Goode made a stirring address in the College Chapel. An excursion was run by the Capital Branch from Richmond and Petersburg, bringing quite a crowd of persons interested in the antiquarian work, and [illegible] them many descendants of Governor Spotswood...

The walls of the Powder Horn were adorned with quite a number of coats-of-arms, given by various artists, representing those of John Smith, Lord Delaware and Governors Yeardley, Nicholson, Bennett, Berkeley, Andros, Jennings, Fauquier,Carter and Dinwiddie, besides the two coats-of-arms of Virginia. Oil paintings of John Smith and Pocohontas were loaned by Hon. William Wirt Henry.

A cabinet contains some interesting articles loaned by persons anxious to aid in establishing a Colonial Museum; among others, Mrs. Laighton, of Petersburg......

The Powder Horn has two windows, and it was intended by the Colonial Capital Branch to dedicate them, the one to Governor Spotswood, the other to Nathaniel Bacon, Jr. The descendants of Spotswood pressed nobly forward, and the memorial to Spotswood was at once secured. Not so with Bacon. The descendants of this hero seem content to let the matter rest, and have his name live only in the pages of history.....

Ibid. 1899 Page 35
REPORT OF COLONIAL CAPITAL BRANCH

In this my last year of service for the Colonial Capital Branch, it may be well for me to give you a resume of the work accomplished and attempted during the ten years that I have held the Directorship of the Branch.

...

125

The purchase of the magazine, generally known as the Powder Horn, in Williamsburg, was the first act of the Association; it was then turned over for repair to the Colonial Capital Branch. Over six hundred dollars was expended for this purpose, the removal of four walls of the octagon being necessary. No new bricks were used in their reconstruction, the additional bricks needed being taken from the foundations of the Colonial Palace, the Old Capitol, and the first Courthouse erected in Williamsburg, thus adding greatly to the interest of the building.

A stained glass window memorializing Governor Spotswood, under whose administration, by order of the General Assembly, the building was originally erected. This window was the gift of Mrs. William Francisco Spotswood, in memory of her husband, who was a lineal descendant of Governor Spotswood . . . When the window in the Powder Horn was unveiled by Miss Catherine Spotswood of Petersburg, agraceful little speech was made by Mr. Tazewell Taylor of Norfolk.

The walls of the building have been adorned with the coats-of-arms of about thirteen of the Colonial Governors, given by different Virginia artists. Pictures of [illegible] and John Smith were presented by Hon. William Wirt Henry. There is also a cabinet containing a few interesting relics— notably a gown sent by Miss Baxter, of Lexington, and worn by the wife of Captain Fleming, of Point Pleasant fame; two china plates, brought from England late in the seventeenth century by the ancestors of Mr.Henry Travis Armistead, of Williamsburg, and also a few other things. It is a matter of regret that there have not been more contributions to aid in the conversion of the Powder Horn into a Colonial Museum.

Foster, Mary L.
Colonial Capitals of the Dominion of Virginia.
Williamsburg: 1906.
P. 70

.....Since these stirring events of the shoadowy past, the Old Powder Horn has had a varied experience. For a number of years it rang with the fire and eloquence of the good old Baptist parson, Reverend Servant Jones. When the good people moved out, it was kept joyous with the laughter and merriment of those who traced through the giddy maze of the waltz during its two years' service as a dancing school. It once more resumed its original use in 1861 when under the Confederates it was again used as an arsenal. After the war it was sold by the town it had guarded so fait fully. Mortifying to relate, it became a livery stable. It was finally purchased by the A. P. V. A., and as a museum recalls to the considerate visitor only those noble and inspiring memories of which it can never be robbed.

[ Clear photograph opp. p. 67 of door and well side and small window]

William & Mary College Quarterly
1st series, Vol. 10, p. 231.

Bacon window.- A beautiful memorial window to the memory of Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., was unveiled in the Powder Magazine 126 November 15, 1901. The window was the gift of Mrs. Warner Moore, of Richmond. An eloquent address on the Life and Services of Bacon was delivered in the College Chapel by Robert S. Bright, Esq., formerly of Williamsburg, and now of Philadelphia.

Virginia Magazine of History
Vol. ii, p. vii.

Gifts and Loans. (1904)

... twelve water-colors of buildings famous in Virginia history, presented by the Association for the "Preservation of Virginia Antiquities". The subject of these water-colors are: ... (7) Colonial Magazine ("The Powderhorn"), Williamsburg...

A.P.V.A.

Yearbook, 1904.

Report of Williamsburg Branch.

The Colonial Capital Branch has been especially interested this year in raising funds to restore the interior of the old Powder Horn, and carry out the long cherished idea of making it a museum for all sorts of articles of historic interest which friends of the Association will either lend or give for this purpose. We had an entertainment in the Powder Horn to raise money for the much-needed repairs, and were greatly encouraged at the interest shown on the occasion, and the amount made.

Tyler, Lyon G.
Williamsburg, the old Colonial Capital.
Richmond: 1907, page 222.

Powder Magazine.

... In order to protect the arms and ammunition of the colony sent over by Queen Anne's government, the general assembly of Virginia in 1714, was induced by Governor Spotswood to erect a magazine at a cost not exceeding £200. It was made of brick in the Flemish bond, had octagonal sides, and tapered to a point like a powder horn, by which name it was sometimes called. It was located on the public square, in the centre of England street. Its massive walls have a thickness of 22 inches, and it was surrounded by a brick enclosure about 10 feet high, also octagonally shaped, and having parallel sides distant 21 feel from the sides of the magazine...

(Illustration on p.223, showing Bright house in background.)

A.P.V.A.

Year Book, 1905-1908.

Expenditures, 1907.
Granolithic walk at Powder Horn and repairs on Powder Horn	140.00

127

Miss Braithwaite's salary for seven months during which the Powder Horn was open	118.00
Stove for Powder Horn	5.00
Cleaning Powder Horn	2.00

Yearbook of the A.P.V.A.
1908-10 page 41.

Report of the Colonial Capital Branch.

Our Branch is still working to help pay the debt on the Powder Horn lot, and we hope to be able to send a contribution after our Annual Meeting in January for this purpose. We gave a beautiful tea to our members in the old Powder Horn, hoping to increase the interest in this work. A committee of five members, Miss Scott, Miss Edith Smith, Miss Coleman, Miss Tyler and Miss Chapman, converted the historic old Powder Horn into the most charming reception hall for the occasion. The light of innumerable candles, in rare old silver candlesticks, shed their soft light over a beautiful old mahogany table, black with age, spread with exquisite lace, dainty old colonial china, rare old silver, and quaint little spoons worn thinkwith use and age, handed down through many generations, and giving an added flavor to the delicious tea served by Miss Wise and Miss Cora Smith to our members.

We are hoping to do good work for the Association in our Branch this coming year.

Yearbook of the A.P.V.A.
1908-1910

Treasurer's Report. Year ending December, 1908. Williamsburg "Powder Horn lot", paid on acc't	1,500.00
Treasurer's Report. Year ending December, 1909. The Peninsula Bank, on account $1,300 note for Powder Horn lot	302.00
Mrs. John Letcher, of Norfolk, refunded her remittance, sent to us by mistake for Powder Horn lot	150.00
The Society owes the following notes: On Powder Horn lot	998.00

Yearbook of the A.P.V.A.
1911-1912. Page 20

Treasurer's Report. Expenditures

. . .
By paid Peninsula Bank, Williamsburg, three curtails [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] given in settlement of "Powder Horn Lot"	$498.00

Yearbook of the A.P.V.A.
1911-12 Page 49.

Report of the Colonial Capital Branch.

It is with much pleasure that I report that we have put a pretty new iron railing around the Powder Horn lot recently purchased by the Association, and turned over to our keeping. Mr. George Coleman kindly superintended this work, giving us his time and experience to see that the work was properly done. We hope to plant vines, and a hedge against, it, which will add much to the attractiveness of the grounds. We have paid the thirty-five dollars insurance on the Powder Horn, and kept up the grounds around the Powder Horn, and large grounds around the Monument on Capitol Square. We have sent a contribution of fifty dollars to help pay the balance on the Powder Horn lot, which is now owned by the Association.

. . . We are making a brave effort to keep open the Powder Horn Museum, but the heating, cleaning, and salary of a Custodian are a great expense to us. . .

Ibid, page 50.

Disbursements of Colonial Capital Branch of A.P.V.A.

Year ending December, 1910.
. . .
Care of Powder Horn grounds and Capitol grounds	$ 15.70
Insurance of Powder Horn	35.00
Fence around Powder Horn	35.00
Sent to Richmond in part payment for Powder Horn lot.	50.00
Year ending December, 1911
Interest paid Peninsula Bank	24.37
Curtail on Powder Horn lot Note.	200.00
Year ending December, 1912.
To balance due on Powder Horn note and interest	300.56

Little, L. Peyton
Letter to Research Department, June 27, 1934.

. . . When I came to Williamsburg fifteen years ago and began to know something about the old town and the church I was serving, it was traditionally reported that the Magazine was the first place used by the Baptists as a meeting house, and of course anything pertaining to it was of interest to me. It was traditionally reported that originally there was a high wall around the place. And a Mrs. Powell, whom I buried when she was in her 96th year of age, told me she remembered the big gate in the wall where they backed the wagons to unload them. Mrs. Powell was born in 1826 and therefore would have been 28 years old at the time the Baptist church was built in 1854, and the wall torn down to furnish the brick for the foundation. . .

[Cites Tyler, Hening, etc. References already in book.]

. . . The Assembly seems to have been in a "protective" mood in 1755 by passing an Act to protect "his majesty's subjects on the frontier of the colony", and when they ordered a "high and strong brick wall" to enclose the Magazine, it was for protection. Mr. Lossing's wall 129 about like Bruton Church wall would not serve the purpose in view.